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The Wild Hunt Legacy #2
Winter of the Wolf
“This is why I read romances - to escape into a world that is magical and where good triumphs over evil.” ~ BookAddict ReviewsAfter years in foster care, Breanne Gallagher has the stable life she’s always wanted, living with her foster sister and working as a chef. Then one devastating night, a hellish creature invades her apartment and shatters her fragile existence. Shifting between monster and man, it slaughters her foster sister and assaults Bree. Alone, wounded, her beloved home tainted by gruesome memories, Bree flees to a tiny wilderness town, following her only clue to her past.
Shapeshifting warriors, Zeb and Shay move from one pack to another, hunting the hellhounds which prey on their kind. Assigned to Cold Creek, they manage a decrepit fishing lodge for their "human" cover. Their first renter is a pretty human female who trembles at the sight of them—yet stands her ground. She’s foolishly courageous, ferociously determined, and heartbreakingly hurt. Although shapeshifters aren’t attracted to humans, this female’s beauty and compelling scent ignites longings neither loner ever expected to face.
Bree is healing, learning to shoot the biggest pistol she can find, and overcoming her fears, especially of the two deadly, disconcertingly attractive hunters. Her life is back on track…until she tries to save a little girl from a hellhound and discovers that everything she knows about herself is false.
Shapeshifting warriors, Zeb and Shay move from one pack to another, hunting the hellhounds which prey on their kind. Assigned to Cold Creek, they manage a decrepit fishing lodge for their "human" cover. Their first renter is a pretty human female who trembles at the sight of them—yet stands her ground. She’s foolishly courageous, ferociously determined, and heartbreakingly hurt. Although shapeshifters aren’t attracted to humans, this female’s beauty and compelling scent ignites longings neither loner ever expected to face.
Bree is healing, learning to shoot the biggest pistol she can find, and overcoming her fears, especially of the two deadly, disconcertingly attractive hunters. Her life is back on track…until she tries to save a little girl from a hellhound and discovers that everything she knows about herself is false.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2012
427 people are currently reading
2254 people want to read
About the author
Cherise Sinclair
67 books8,338 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she’s renowned for writing heart-wrenching romances with laugh-out-loud dialogue, alpha males, and absolutely sizzling sex.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
Search out Cherise in the following places:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
January 7, 2018
The second book of the series starts violently with a gory death and a rape. So, consider this a trigger warning.
Breanne Gallagher (who does not understand what kind of thing attacked her) will try to run away from her old life in order to find again her inner peace. Soon, she will arrive to Cold Creek trying to discover who her real parents are. An old photo with her as baby was taken in this small town. Unfortunately troubles will follow her as well.
Breanne is deeply traumatized and scared of men. Zeb and Shay look really scary at first, but later Breanne will understand that not all big, strong and intimidated men try to hurt her. Some actually try to protect her.
Moreover Breanne will find out who she really is and she will embrace her new self.
The enemies in this book are not the humans, but the hellhounds and they are as scary as hell. The world keeps expanding and I truly love it!
“I’m Zeb Damron. Shay and I run this place together.” He loomed over her—far too much like her nightmares—and held out his hand. “You got a name?”
Breanne Gallagher (who does not understand what kind of thing attacked her) will try to run away from her old life in order to find again her inner peace. Soon, she will arrive to Cold Creek trying to discover who her real parents are. An old photo with her as baby was taken in this small town. Unfortunately troubles will follow her as well.
Breanne is deeply traumatized and scared of men. Zeb and Shay look really scary at first, but later Breanne will understand that not all big, strong and intimidated men try to hurt her. Some actually try to protect her.
Moreover Breanne will find out who she really is and she will embrace her new self.
The enemies in this book are not the humans, but the hellhounds and they are as scary as hell. The world keeps expanding and I truly love it!
January 4, 2024
This series has always been a joy to read,and Winter of the Wolf was just as wonderful now as it was the first time i read it.
True,it involves a few matters that may be difficult to deal with.
But the solution in dealing with those were beautifully done.
It’s also a story of finding a home,of finding a future in unexpected places.
Of healing from trauma with the help of those that care.
And showing bullies that their days are numbered…..
Bree may have thought she had the perfect life,living with her bestie,and doing what she loved,but one brutal attack shattered everything.
Her bestie killed,and she sexually assaulted,she could only think of one place to find a little peace….the one her late parents obviously visited,Cold Creek.
Hoping to find people that knew them,that could tell her what they were like.
And it was there that her life changed even more……because it seemed she wasn’t human!
How was she supposed to deal with thát??
Shay and Zeb recently arrived in Cold Creek,after having left Ailill Ridge on bad terms.
At least they were welcome here,the Cosantir of Cold Creek was more than happy to have two experienced hellhound hunters in his Territory.
Giving them the local hunting camp,Wildwood Lodge,to live in and run as a business.
When they had their first lodger,they didn’t expect any trouble.
But the Mother seemed to have other plans…..because that sweet girl turned out to be a wolf,just like them.
A wolf with trauma,and they found themselves assigned as her mentors.
To show her the ropes,to guide her through her new life,and apparently helping her deal with her trauma as well….
These two wolves were so careful with her,so patient.
And even though they were large men,she found she didn’t fear them…..not like she feared some in their pack.
Instead,the more she got to know them,the more she started to develop feelings for them.
And by the time the Gathering arrived,they were the only ones she considered taking upstairs in the Wild Hunt Tavern.
But there were others that wanted a chance,and one of them didn’t take her rejection well….
The same one that’d been violent towards her before during the pack hunt.
And he wasn’t the only one that didn’t want Bree around….
There was a long way to go for these three before they got a chance at the happiness they all deserved.
Trouble within the pack,danger in town and back in the city at her old place made it hard to enjoy life as it should be.
But i was very happy to see they were determined to fight for eachother,to fight for a wonderful home surrounded by friends.
True,it involves a few matters that may be difficult to deal with.
But the solution in dealing with those were beautifully done.
It’s also a story of finding a home,of finding a future in unexpected places.
Of healing from trauma with the help of those that care.
And showing bullies that their days are numbered…..
Bree may have thought she had the perfect life,living with her bestie,and doing what she loved,but one brutal attack shattered everything.
Her bestie killed,and she sexually assaulted,she could only think of one place to find a little peace….the one her late parents obviously visited,Cold Creek.
Hoping to find people that knew them,that could tell her what they were like.
And it was there that her life changed even more……because it seemed she wasn’t human!
How was she supposed to deal with thát??
Shay and Zeb recently arrived in Cold Creek,after having left Ailill Ridge on bad terms.
At least they were welcome here,the Cosantir of Cold Creek was more than happy to have two experienced hellhound hunters in his Territory.
Giving them the local hunting camp,Wildwood Lodge,to live in and run as a business.
When they had their first lodger,they didn’t expect any trouble.
But the Mother seemed to have other plans…..because that sweet girl turned out to be a wolf,just like them.
A wolf with trauma,and they found themselves assigned as her mentors.
To show her the ropes,to guide her through her new life,and apparently helping her deal with her trauma as well….
These two wolves were so careful with her,so patient.
And even though they were large men,she found she didn’t fear them…..not like she feared some in their pack.
Instead,the more she got to know them,the more she started to develop feelings for them.
And by the time the Gathering arrived,they were the only ones she considered taking upstairs in the Wild Hunt Tavern.
But there were others that wanted a chance,and one of them didn’t take her rejection well….
The same one that’d been violent towards her before during the pack hunt.
And he wasn’t the only one that didn’t want Bree around….
There was a long way to go for these three before they got a chance at the happiness they all deserved.
Trouble within the pack,danger in town and back in the city at her old place made it hard to enjoy life as it should be.
But i was very happy to see they were determined to fight for eachother,to fight for a wonderful home surrounded by friends.
May 4, 2013
3.5 I was really excited to read this book. This a great author and I thought it would be awesome to read a paranormal from her. I think I would of liked this book more if I had different expectations. This isn't a witty, quick, hot read. The first half of the book is pretty slow and depressing. She's a victim trying to find a way to heal. I felt the paranormal piece had a great magical feel to it in the beginning then it seemed to flatten out later in the book. There is quite a bit on social order of the wolves and their nemesis, this was frustrating to me but I understand why the author did this--she's setting a foundation for the series. I just wish it was done faster.
I was expecting to get to the steamy parts sooner and the reader is teased about this a lot in the first half of the book. The 2:1 theme was done well though. It was surprisingly sweet and both the guys seemed like wonderful characters. At the end, the sweetness fades a bit and gets more steamy.
Lack of good communication between her and her guys was also frustrating. She was trying to be strong, caring and independent but it just felt like to me that she was being stupid. Other than for this, I liked her. The guys have an interesting way towards the end to teach her to communicate better ;)
I found myself skimming or speed reading too much of the book. This isn't a book where I savored every word.
I was expecting to get to the steamy parts sooner and the reader is teased about this a lot in the first half of the book. The 2:1 theme was done well though. It was surprisingly sweet and both the guys seemed like wonderful characters. At the end, the sweetness fades a bit and gets more steamy.
Lack of good communication between her and her guys was also frustrating. She was trying to be strong, caring and independent but it just felt like to me that she was being stupid. Other than for this, I liked her. The guys have an interesting way towards the end to teach her to communicate better ;)
I found myself skimming or speed reading too much of the book. This isn't a book where I savored every word.
February 15, 2022
This one really hit the spot for me. This was a nice long shifter romance not just a short story to hang some sex on. The shifter world is complex and rational. The 3 main characters have complete backstories. The two men involved are fully realized and each is distinctive and different. Many times in shifter menage type books I wonder why the menage is really necessary and how there could be satisfaction for all the guys with just one woman. I wonder that really for most permanent menage books. Here though I really felt that each man loved her and got something important from the relationship. I also felt that the two men were true friends and blood brothers and they were committed to each other in a best friend but not sexual way. Which I have to admit I prefer. I'm not a fan of M/M. I want it to be all about the woman which it was here.
In addition to the romance there was plenty of interesting stuff going on with the wolf pack, the shifter politics and the evil demon hellhounds.
I really felt like all three main characters changed and grew for the better. I need to go back and read the first one now and just hope the author writes more.
BTW for people familiar with other work by this author, this is not BDSM just hot menage.
In addition to the romance there was plenty of interesting stuff going on with the wolf pack, the shifter politics and the evil demon hellhounds.
I really felt like all three main characters changed and grew for the better. I need to go back and read the first one now and just hope the author writes more.
BTW for people familiar with other work by this author, this is not BDSM just hot menage.
July 23, 2022
First read - 09/01/2017 - 4 *
Reread - 11/12/2017 - 4*
Still good the second time around. I really enjoy this series and the authors writing. Okay yes it can be overly sweet in some places but it works.
Reread - 11/12/2017 - 4*
Still good the second time around. I really enjoy this series and the authors writing. Okay yes it can be overly sweet in some places but it works.
April 23, 2017
I think this one is even better than book #1. There was more drama but less angst. Wolfpack dynamics are more confusing than closed-up cougars. In addition, I thought the PTSD was handled pretty well.
The build up took a bit longer in this story, but the sex ended up being hotter. There was one quasi-TSTL decision, but it was necessary for the story. And the intervention of the shifter-god was weird, which is why I don't usually like paranormal books. I got confused about the seasons and timing, but just rolled with it.
But the characters, challenges, and smokin' sex out-weighs all of that, so this earns a solid 4+ stars.
I'll read book 3 soon.
The build up took a bit longer in this story, but the sex ended up being hotter. There was one quasi-TSTL decision, but it was necessary for the story. And the intervention of the shifter-god was weird, which is why I don't usually like paranormal books. I got confused about the seasons and timing, but just rolled with it.
But the characters, challenges, and smokin' sex out-weighs all of that, so this earns a solid 4+ stars.
I'll read book 3 soon.
August 4, 2024
I liked the book and the characters, but something didn't click for me, I can't put my finger on what...
August 24, 2020
3.5 stars. I started this one as an audiobook, but switched to the ebook. Too many names/words relevant to the world building and I had to see them vs. hear them.
January 24, 2022
Yeah, you'd think if there was any book that was safe from the heroine being beaten by her partner, that would be the book that starts with her getting raped, written by an author whose other works are masterpieces of consent.
Seriously, unless both parties have agreed that things like spanking and physical discipline are included in their relationship, laying hands on your partner is abuse.
So I have said this before, and I will keep saying this until the book I want appears in front of my eyes: WHEN is a heroine going to react badly to a nonconsensual spanking? When is a hero going for a spanking going to cause the kind of harm it might actually realistically cause to a real woman and a real relationship?
Because here's the thing.
Within the confines of a negotiated relationship, whether that is a formal BDSM relationship or something more informal, spanking and physical discipline become the building blocks of trust. The punisher and the receiver both agree that this is a thing that may happen. They agree on the rules that may cause the thing to happen. That way, when the thing happens, nobody is surprised. Every time a spanking is given and received within such a relationship, essentially the parties are saying to each other 'I know what you need' and 'I can give you what you need'. It builds a sense of safety for both parties within their relationship.
Outside such a relationship, that is not the case. Without rules that are clearly expressed and agreed to, a spanking does not build trust, it damages it. Without the negotiations, the receiving partner doesn't know what is going to provoke their partner into hurting them, they don't know how long it will last or how severe it will be. But mainly, the problem is that outside of a negotiated relationship involving power exchange, any action that reduces the agency of one partner in order to make them comply with the will of the other is abusive. Outside of a BDSM-style relationship, spanking a grown woman reduces her to the level of a child, marks her as someone less-than. Less than her partner. Not a full adult. Not capable of making her own decisions. The partner is the one in control, and if she crosses him, pain is the consequence.
I'm extremely disappointed in this book, and in Ms Sinclair. Having read some of her BDSM books and the Sons of the Survivalist series, I honestly expected better from her.
Seriously, unless both parties have agreed that things like spanking and physical discipline are included in their relationship, laying hands on your partner is abuse.
So I have said this before, and I will keep saying this until the book I want appears in front of my eyes: WHEN is a heroine going to react badly to a nonconsensual spanking? When is a hero going for a spanking going to cause the kind of harm it might actually realistically cause to a real woman and a real relationship?
Because here's the thing.
Within the confines of a negotiated relationship, whether that is a formal BDSM relationship or something more informal, spanking and physical discipline become the building blocks of trust. The punisher and the receiver both agree that this is a thing that may happen. They agree on the rules that may cause the thing to happen. That way, when the thing happens, nobody is surprised. Every time a spanking is given and received within such a relationship, essentially the parties are saying to each other 'I know what you need' and 'I can give you what you need'. It builds a sense of safety for both parties within their relationship.
Outside such a relationship, that is not the case. Without rules that are clearly expressed and agreed to, a spanking does not build trust, it damages it. Without the negotiations, the receiving partner doesn't know what is going to provoke their partner into hurting them, they don't know how long it will last or how severe it will be. But mainly, the problem is that outside of a negotiated relationship involving power exchange, any action that reduces the agency of one partner in order to make them comply with the will of the other is abusive. Outside of a BDSM-style relationship, spanking a grown woman reduces her to the level of a child, marks her as someone less-than. Less than her partner. Not a full adult. Not capable of making her own decisions. The partner is the one in control, and if she crosses him, pain is the consequence.
I'm extremely disappointed in this book, and in Ms Sinclair. Having read some of her BDSM books and the Sons of the Survivalist series, I honestly expected better from her.
March 28, 2012
A new Sinclair! Yippee!
This book was good, but it had a lot of parallels to To Command and Collar. The heroine was raped then was given to the two brothers to be mentored, then they slowly brought forth her sexuality in a way that she felt safe. I'm still processing.
This book was good, but it had a lot of parallels to To Command and Collar. The heroine was raped then was given to the two brothers to be mentored, then they slowly brought forth her sexuality in a way that she felt safe. I'm still processing.
July 30, 2021
First read: 05/2015 - 4 stars
Second read: 07/2021 - still 4 stars
I mean... Why do German characters STILL always have to be the bad guys?
*sigh*
August 15, 2024
The h lives in fear after surviving a violent attack. Hs are god touched and not free to offer themselves to the h. I thought the h was great, so scared yet to determined to be resiliemt. The trio had to overcome many issues for their HEA.
August 2, 2014
Erotic fantasy, with wolf-shifters, cat-shifters, bear-shifters, gods and goddesses. I wanted more scenes with the brownies, gnomes, fairies, and salamanders. Dwarves, too.
3.5 or 4 stars. I don't read ménage often, but thought this one was handled well, mainly because each of the three lead characters felt fairly real to me. An absorbing shapeshifter romance, written with some creative finesse and few typos, but far too many sex scenes interrupted the flow and frankly, got boring. Still, I liked the plot, the main characters, the secondary characters, and the setting in Cold Creek. Loved the girlfriends Bree made (Vicki, Angie, Jody, etc.) and their bonding scenes. Some gripping suspense: The villains (hellhounds) were suitably frightening, repulsive, and hard to kill, showing up in about five scenes. The lesser villains were twisted pack members who needed to die, IMO.
The book inspired a range of responses. I chuckled several times. Some lovable characters died, making me sad. I felt warmed by some happy home-making scenes (repairing the lodge, cooking, baking, throwing parties, becoming a family, etc.). There was some nail-biting going on, during the scary scenes. And during some smexy scenes I got the fan out.
Quibbles: Too much sex, including one scene right after the hellhound attacked, wounding Zeb and Shay. Hello? The glossary at the end should be up front. I really hated the term trawsfur, meaning to shape-shift. I felt that Callum, the bartender and priestly voice of god, had way too much power and issued far too many decrees. Also, I didn't understand the belief system. The god Herne and the Mother were very active in the book, but I had no idea who they were or how they fit in the world. What is their place in the theocracy? Top gods over all, or just the gods of shape-shifters? None of that was developed. Wanted fewer scenes with the psychos in the wolf pack (the bullying went on a bit too long), but enjoyed the way the pack began to shape up, finally.
Contents: About 14 sex scenes, including ménage and rear door action. Vicious bloody violent deaths. Some swearing, but not much. Little or no religious profanity.
If this author concentrated more on plot and less on sex, she could be great. Good flow, good dialogue, good characterization, vivid fight scenes. I will check to see if she writes standard romantic fiction.
3.5 or 4 stars. I don't read ménage often, but thought this one was handled well, mainly because each of the three lead characters felt fairly real to me. An absorbing shapeshifter romance, written with some creative finesse and few typos, but far too many sex scenes interrupted the flow and frankly, got boring. Still, I liked the plot, the main characters, the secondary characters, and the setting in Cold Creek. Loved the girlfriends Bree made (Vicki, Angie, Jody, etc.) and their bonding scenes. Some gripping suspense: The villains (hellhounds) were suitably frightening, repulsive, and hard to kill, showing up in about five scenes. The lesser villains were twisted pack members who needed to die, IMO.
The book inspired a range of responses. I chuckled several times. Some lovable characters died, making me sad. I felt warmed by some happy home-making scenes (repairing the lodge, cooking, baking, throwing parties, becoming a family, etc.). There was some nail-biting going on, during the scary scenes. And during some smexy scenes I got the fan out.
Quibbles: Too much sex, including one scene right after the hellhound attacked, wounding Zeb and Shay. Hello? The glossary at the end should be up front. I really hated the term trawsfur, meaning to shape-shift. I felt that Callum, the bartender and priestly voice of god, had way too much power and issued far too many decrees. Also, I didn't understand the belief system. The god Herne and the Mother were very active in the book, but I had no idea who they were or how they fit in the world. What is their place in the theocracy? Top gods over all, or just the gods of shape-shifters? None of that was developed. Wanted fewer scenes with the psychos in the wolf pack (the bullying went on a bit too long), but enjoyed the way the pack began to shape up, finally.
Contents: About 14 sex scenes, including ménage and rear door action. Vicious bloody violent deaths. Some swearing, but not much. Little or no religious profanity.
If this author concentrated more on plot and less on sex, she could be great. Good flow, good dialogue, good characterization, vivid fight scenes. I will check to see if she writes standard romantic fiction.
March 9, 2016
First read on Mar. 19, 2014
Re-read on March 8, 2016
I loved Winter of the Wolf just as much as I loved Hour of the Lion, the first book in the Wild Hunt Legacy series. Here we have three main characters in dire need of a home and the journey they make although heart-breaking at times, is action packed, exciting, and pretty freaking hot.
Bree was found wandering the woods as a toddler so she’s never had a real family. Finally starting to find her way and make a home and career for herself, things take a tragic turn when she loses her best friend to a hellhound attack and is raped and wounded during that same attack. Not feeling safe knowing that the hell-hound promises to return, Bree decides to flee to a town nearby where she was originally found. While she heals, maybe she’ll find some answers to the mystery of why she was found wandering the woods all those years ago. Little did she know she would find out more about herself than she ever thought possible. It took me a bit to warm up to Bree, but she finally won me over. At first I thought she was a bit too timid, but as she healed, I soon realized she had a backbone of steel.
Zeb and Shay are two Cahirs (shapeshifting enforcers), and partners who go from area to area hunting hellhounds. Chase does this because he is oath bound to Hermes, Zeb because he’s mean, scarred both inside and out, and generally wears out his welcome wherever he goes so he follows Chase around. I adored both of them. Zeb for the cute little puppy dog buried under the scary, gruff and seriously mean outer shell and Shay for his determination and his softer side.
An unbelievably warped and unstable wolf pack due to bad leadership, Chase’s oath bound status, and Bree’s understandable issues with men are just a few of the obstacles these three face as they find their way home, but it’s a journey worth tagging along for.
Spice’s Rating: 5 Scary, Gruff, and Alpha-Hot Stars
Re-read on March 8, 2016
I loved Winter of the Wolf just as much as I loved Hour of the Lion, the first book in the Wild Hunt Legacy series. Here we have three main characters in dire need of a home and the journey they make although heart-breaking at times, is action packed, exciting, and pretty freaking hot.
Bree was found wandering the woods as a toddler so she’s never had a real family. Finally starting to find her way and make a home and career for herself, things take a tragic turn when she loses her best friend to a hellhound attack and is raped and wounded during that same attack. Not feeling safe knowing that the hell-hound promises to return, Bree decides to flee to a town nearby where she was originally found. While she heals, maybe she’ll find some answers to the mystery of why she was found wandering the woods all those years ago. Little did she know she would find out more about herself than she ever thought possible. It took me a bit to warm up to Bree, but she finally won me over. At first I thought she was a bit too timid, but as she healed, I soon realized she had a backbone of steel.
Zeb and Shay are two Cahirs (shapeshifting enforcers), and partners who go from area to area hunting hellhounds. Chase does this because he is oath bound to Hermes, Zeb because he’s mean, scarred both inside and out, and generally wears out his welcome wherever he goes so he follows Chase around. I adored both of them. Zeb for the cute little puppy dog buried under the scary, gruff and seriously mean outer shell and Shay for his determination and his softer side.
An unbelievably warped and unstable wolf pack due to bad leadership, Chase’s oath bound status, and Bree’s understandable issues with men are just a few of the obstacles these three face as they find their way home, but it’s a journey worth tagging along for.
Spice’s Rating: 5 Scary, Gruff, and Alpha-Hot Stars
April 18, 2012
Reviewed by Donna at YouGottaRead.com
Whether you are interested in erotic BDSM, sci-fi or paranormal, Cherise Sinclair is always my top pick and number one suggestion. From her first published novel to the newest, Winter of the Wolf, she has left me entranced and unable to put her books down. Her characters have explosive energy, sex appeal, and magnetism. The plot is always gripping, leaving the reader in suspense over and over until the very end, with twists and turns even after you think you've got it figured out. Settings are beautifully vibrant and well written in Cherise's novels, and did I forget to mention the sex scenes? Well, lets just say that a cool beverage should be kept handy while reading her seductively arousing tales.
I have read all of Cherise's books (several times over) and never been disappointed, but I have to say that Winter of the Wolf was one of my favorites. Magic and mystery abound with two tortured, lonely bad boys and an equally wounded heart in our heroine. Shay, Zeb and Bree find friends, family and a home in Cold Creek, things that have been sadly lacking in their lives. Their story is erotic and exciting, at times funny, and overall heartwarming. The worst part about reading Winter of the Wolf was coming to "The End" and knowing that I have to wait before the next novel is released. Please hurry, Cherise!
Whether you are interested in erotic BDSM, sci-fi or paranormal, Cherise Sinclair is always my top pick and number one suggestion. From her first published novel to the newest, Winter of the Wolf, she has left me entranced and unable to put her books down. Her characters have explosive energy, sex appeal, and magnetism. The plot is always gripping, leaving the reader in suspense over and over until the very end, with twists and turns even after you think you've got it figured out. Settings are beautifully vibrant and well written in Cherise's novels, and did I forget to mention the sex scenes? Well, lets just say that a cool beverage should be kept handy while reading her seductively arousing tales.
I have read all of Cherise's books (several times over) and never been disappointed, but I have to say that Winter of the Wolf was one of my favorites. Magic and mystery abound with two tortured, lonely bad boys and an equally wounded heart in our heroine. Shay, Zeb and Bree find friends, family and a home in Cold Creek, things that have been sadly lacking in their lives. Their story is erotic and exciting, at times funny, and overall heartwarming. The worst part about reading Winter of the Wolf was coming to "The End" and knowing that I have to wait before the next novel is released. Please hurry, Cherise!
May 27, 2022
I know that sometimes I complain that there is too little "drama" and sometimes, like this one, that I complain that there is just too much of it, but this time it really felt like Bree was the unluckiest person in the whole universe, followed closely by Shay and Zeb...
Io lo so che certe volte mi lamento che c'é troppo poco "dramma" e a volte, come questa, che mi lamento che ce ne sta proprio troppo, ma stavolta mi sembrava davvero che Bree fosse la persona piú sfortunata dell'intero universo, seguita a breve distanza da Shay e Zeb...
Io lo so che certe volte mi lamento che c'é troppo poco "dramma" e a volte, come questa, che mi lamento che ce ne sta proprio troppo, ma stavolta mi sembrava davvero che Bree fosse la persona piú sfortunata dell'intero universo, seguita a breve distanza da Shay e Zeb...
September 26, 2016
I give this a very strong 2.5. Idk why but i wasn't overly invested in this coupling. I like Zeb & Shay & the story arc was a decent one but something about the h didn't click for me. I'm not sure if i'll continue this series.
July 2, 2023
You ever feel like something bad recently happened to an author and they just went off the rails forcing their female characters to endure endless suffering of the Lot from the Bible variety? Yeah, that's this and quite a few of Sinclairs more recent offerings. Like lord can't women catch a break. Maybe a year or two off between ridiculous psyche torture.
May 27, 2020
M/M/K
Nawet dobrze się czytało, trochę zbyt długie a przynajmniej takie miałam odczucie + bardzo hot scenki ale koniec końców jestem zadowolona że przeczytałam.
Nawet dobrze się czytało, trochę zbyt długie a przynajmniej takie miałam odczucie + bardzo hot scenki ale koniec końców jestem zadowolona że przeczytałam.
November 17, 2017
4.25 stars
*taps mic* um, hello. My name is Ivy and I’m a book hoarder. *looks around abashed* yes, I’m the reader who has twenty million books on her kindle and yet still trolls Amazon, looking for the next shiny and pretty. I’ll even click on links for books, excited to buy it, only to realize I’d already bought it...two years ago. Honestly, thank goodness for kindles because if not, I’d start looking like this:
With slightly more hair and curves, but you get the idea.
All of that to explain that yes, I have had this book on my TBR (otherwise known as my Mountain), no lie, for YEARS now. I devoured all of Ms. Sinclair’s books, but I have to say that I wasn’t bowled over by Hour of the Lion, so I just pushed this to the back of my kindle and moved on. Then I reviewed Leap of the Lion (the latest book) for the blog and my brain kicked in, realizing that I still hadn’t read the second book. I started digging around in the recesses of my kindle and found this.
I shouldn’t have waited. The action starts strong from the first chapter (and trigger warning - there is a rape but it’s mostly inferred, not described in detail). There was good tension throughout the story that kept me fipping to the next page.
Even when it went into the stereotypical places - with antagonists that are just horrible to be horrible, and the slots each lead fills (heh) are the same from book to book - I stayed in the moment with them, instead of just side-eyeing the characters.
I didn’t realize how much I would love Zeb, Shay and Bree. Zeb’s the (justifiably) grumpy one, Shay’s the flirty one (which of course hides his own issues), and Bree goes through a whole lot of suffering before and after finding out about her shifter side. It could have tripped way too far over into “damsel in distress” territory, but ultimately Bree is resilient, persistent, and even when she gets a bit martyr-y, she does her share and saves the day, so I loved her for it. It also has that kinky edge that Ms. Sinclair is known for, so the smutty tingle needs are satisfied as well. This book balanced the romance and the action best of all the books, so it’s definitely my favorite.
The Bottom Line [4.25 stars]
I really liked it. I still enjoyed the later books, but there are events in this book that answered some questions I had, and the elements of action and danger that I enjoyed so much in Leap of the Lion are even stronger in this book. Between that and a romance that I loved, it’s definitely my favorite book of the series.
If you haven’t checked out this series and you love MFM and shifters, I think you’ll enjoy this. I would definitely recommend it.
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April 3, 2012
This review posted on Guilty Pleasures
Recommended Read
In Winter of the Wolf, Cherise Sinclair’s second in a series about a community of shape shifters in the mountains of the northwest, the reader is treated to a fun, light read about a fantasy world in which were lions, were bears and werewolves live a precarious existence among humans.
After a chaotic upbringing in various foster homes, Breanne Gallagher hates change. But change comes in a big way when her sister is killed and she is attacked by a monster that changes from man to beast and back again. She travels to Cold Creek, based on the only photo she has of her birth parents. Her landlords, Zeb and Shay, turn out to be werewolves, who serve as guardians of the other shape shifters against hellhounds-demon shape shifters that prey on humans and shifters, but prefer shifters. But hellhounds are only vulnerable in a couple of places and fighting them requires getting so close that injuries are almost inevitable.
Zeb and Shay are intrigued by their lovely little renter, and amazed by that fact as shifters aren’t usually attracted to humans. It turns out, of course, that Breanne isn’t human, but a shifter who has never made the shift. And the three of them have to face hellhounds-both in Cold Creek and in Breanne’s home, which leads to major issues with the community.
While I’m not usually a fan of fantasy, good writing can overcome a lot and Cherise Sinclair is nothing if not a good writer! Breanne is strong, caring and brave, and her heroes are the same. There is some very light BDSM in the book, along with a ménage relationship, and lots of hot, steamy sex. I had no problems enjoying the world of Cold Creek and the story of Breanne and her men.
Recommended Read
In Winter of the Wolf, Cherise Sinclair’s second in a series about a community of shape shifters in the mountains of the northwest, the reader is treated to a fun, light read about a fantasy world in which were lions, were bears and werewolves live a precarious existence among humans.
After a chaotic upbringing in various foster homes, Breanne Gallagher hates change. But change comes in a big way when her sister is killed and she is attacked by a monster that changes from man to beast and back again. She travels to Cold Creek, based on the only photo she has of her birth parents. Her landlords, Zeb and Shay, turn out to be werewolves, who serve as guardians of the other shape shifters against hellhounds-demon shape shifters that prey on humans and shifters, but prefer shifters. But hellhounds are only vulnerable in a couple of places and fighting them requires getting so close that injuries are almost inevitable.
Zeb and Shay are intrigued by their lovely little renter, and amazed by that fact as shifters aren’t usually attracted to humans. It turns out, of course, that Breanne isn’t human, but a shifter who has never made the shift. And the three of them have to face hellhounds-both in Cold Creek and in Breanne’s home, which leads to major issues with the community.
While I’m not usually a fan of fantasy, good writing can overcome a lot and Cherise Sinclair is nothing if not a good writer! Breanne is strong, caring and brave, and her heroes are the same. There is some very light BDSM in the book, along with a ménage relationship, and lots of hot, steamy sex. I had no problems enjoying the world of Cold Creek and the story of Breanne and her men.
April 3, 2012
You know what is irritating? I love this author. Her Shadowlands books are interesting and very emotionally intense. But this series just leaves me irritated, and yes, angry.
First off, I should say that my problems with the series (and specifically this book) might have to do with my personal preferences and not with the writing quality.
I think I am done with this series. I just can not get over this Gathering aspect. Perhaps other's opinions vary, but if the above scenario bothers you then try something else.
First off, I should say that my problems with the series (and specifically this book) might have to do with my personal preferences and not with the writing quality.
I think I am done with this series. I just can not get over this Gathering aspect. Perhaps other's opinions vary, but if the above scenario bothers you then try something else.
July 3, 2014
Story and characters are good. Sex scenes are a distraction.
The sex is not BDSM like the author’s other series. It’s more traditional. One of the sex scenes is cute with him warming her cold feet. I recommend reading the first four sex scenes and skip the rest. There are about 14 sex scenes, most of them very long. They include two men with one woman and back door action. I liked the way the two men were best friends in a brotherly way and not a sexual way. They were sharing sex with her and not each other.
There are two rapes referred to – no details. Those are told in a sentence or two. I don’t think they should bother sensitive readers.
I really liked the characters and the story. There is good adventure, fighting, personality conflicts, and developing relationships (romance as well as other friends and enemies). I liked the idea of brownies and sprites. I wish the author would have written more about them.
I wish the author mentioned in the beginning of the book that a glossary exists in the back of the book. I would have looked at it sooner had I known.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 6,692 (200 - 391 pages, different estimates). Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: about 14. Setting: current day Washington State. Copyright: 2012. Genre: erotic paranormal romance, menage.
The sex is not BDSM like the author’s other series. It’s more traditional. One of the sex scenes is cute with him warming her cold feet. I recommend reading the first four sex scenes and skip the rest. There are about 14 sex scenes, most of them very long. They include two men with one woman and back door action. I liked the way the two men were best friends in a brotherly way and not a sexual way. They were sharing sex with her and not each other.
There are two rapes referred to – no details. Those are told in a sentence or two. I don’t think they should bother sensitive readers.
I really liked the characters and the story. There is good adventure, fighting, personality conflicts, and developing relationships (romance as well as other friends and enemies). I liked the idea of brownies and sprites. I wish the author would have written more about them.
I wish the author mentioned in the beginning of the book that a glossary exists in the back of the book. I would have looked at it sooner had I known.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 6,692 (200 - 391 pages, different estimates). Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: about 14. Setting: current day Washington State. Copyright: 2012. Genre: erotic paranormal romance, menage.
March 26, 2012
It is tough for me to rate this book - and not because I didn't like it. No the reason is it was written by Cherise Sinclair and I can't decide if I'm holding her up to her own high standard, or if I'm rating the book on it's own merits. I'm aiming for the second and that's how a book should be rated. I keep thinking of chocolate - I love dark chocolate and I have my favorites. This book is like eating my second or third favorite chocolate. It's wonderful, but not my favorite.
Winter of the Wolf is a very exciting paranormal romance. The characters are strong and wonderful to read about. It has a very satisfying romance and a lovely ending. It simply felt a bit bumpier than the first book in the series, Hour of the Lion and Ms. Sinclair's other books. There were some editing misses, but not many. The plotting could have been tighter, but was still a fantastic read. So sincerely hoping I'm not being unfair to Cherise Sinclair I give this book slightly more than 4 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal romance or anything written by Cherise Sinclair.
Winter of the Wolf is a very exciting paranormal romance. The characters are strong and wonderful to read about. It has a very satisfying romance and a lovely ending. It simply felt a bit bumpier than the first book in the series, Hour of the Lion and Ms. Sinclair's other books. There were some editing misses, but not many. The plotting could have been tighter, but was still a fantastic read. So sincerely hoping I'm not being unfair to Cherise Sinclair I give this book slightly more than 4 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal romance or anything written by Cherise Sinclair.
July 20, 2013
I've read a part of the first book and I was really interested. So when I gave it a shot and started reading this one I wasn't disappointed.
So, Breanne has been attacked, abused and traumatised by a "hellhound" (ugly-nasty beast) at the beginning and we follow her trying to heal her wounds, learn to defend herself, and found her biological parents in Cold Creek. But she'll found much more than what she was expecting to!
Zeb and Shay are wolves who doesn't like to be ordered around (Shay because he's acting like an alpha male and Zeb because he's a lonely wolf) and they end up in Cold Creek to hunt hellhounds.
It was good to see that the three of them aren't all over each other right after they met. It would have felt weird and wrong considering she's fearing them at first but they'll try to gain her trust and protect her from being hurt again (not an easy task with all the shifters).
I've also found the scenes with "Elvis" really sweet. It lightened the book and it was a way for Shay to be around her and listen her talking to him without her knowing it was him.
For now, I enjoy this series and hope to read more of it!
So, Breanne has been attacked, abused and traumatised by a "hellhound" (ugly-nasty beast) at the beginning and we follow her trying to heal her wounds, learn to defend herself, and found her biological parents in Cold Creek. But she'll found much more than what she was expecting to!
Zeb and Shay are wolves who doesn't like to be ordered around (Shay because he's acting like an alpha male and Zeb because he's a lonely wolf) and they end up in Cold Creek to hunt hellhounds.
It was good to see that the three of them aren't all over each other right after they met. It would have felt weird and wrong considering she's fearing them at first but they'll try to gain her trust and protect her from being hurt again (not an easy task with all the shifters).
I've also found the scenes with "Elvis" really sweet. It lightened the book and it was a way for Shay to be around her and listen her talking to him without her knowing it was him.
For now, I enjoy this series and hope to read more of it!
June 14, 2012
Fazlasıyla drama içerikli bir kitap olmu. zavallı kıza gelen vuruyor giden vuruyor yani :D cehennem köpeği tarafından saldırıya uğrayıp tecavüz ediliyor ,en yakın arkadaı öldürülüyor,yeni taşındığı yerde geçirdiği olaylar yüzünden panik ataklarla cebelleşirken kendisininde kurtadam olduğunu öğreniyor, eğer dönüşmezse ölecek, hadi kurt kıza dönüüyor bu seferde onların kanunlarıyla boğuşuyor , yeni kurt sürüsü alfası aptalolduğu gibi dişi alfada ona diş biliyor birde onlar hırpalıyor. ona sahip çıkan iki erkekte ona ilgi duyuyor. onların yaşamlarında kardeşlerin eş paylaşması normal.birde bunlar var . kız delirmedi iyi yani :D neyse orta karar idare bir kitaptı. bu eş paylaşma zırvalığı olmasa paranormalde de iyi bir yazar ama içine erotizm katacağım diye ilişkileri son derece çarpıtması yazarın eksi puan almasına sebep oluyor.
December 25, 2017
One of the hero is sitting in a bar with the herione. And the ow (yes ..he has fucked her before) is the waitress there. The ows mate is the bartender. Seeing the ow the hero's thought..
“A shame Vicki (the ow) had already bonded to Callum and Alec when he met her; she’d have been a delight to mate.”
He is thinking this in front of the heroine. Uh...oh.
What a turnoff!!!
This is Slow Romance. Both the heroes are attracted to the heroine. But they try to deny their feelings because she is human. Later it turns out she is a shifter too.
Overall the book was intriguing. I'm happy to come across a ménage which is not downright dirty. There's this slow burn aspect to it. But some things were too hard to digest. I wanted a little more fantasy kind of romance, which I felt was lacking here.
“A shame Vicki (the ow) had already bonded to Callum and Alec when he met her; she’d have been a delight to mate.”
He is thinking this in front of the heroine. Uh...oh.
What a turnoff!!!
This is Slow Romance. Both the heroes are attracted to the heroine. But they try to deny their feelings because she is human. Later it turns out she is a shifter too.
Overall the book was intriguing. I'm happy to come across a ménage which is not downright dirty. There's this slow burn aspect to it. But some things were too hard to digest. I wanted a little more fantasy kind of romance, which I felt was lacking here.
April 21, 2012
4.5/5; 5 stars; A
This is a great example of paranormal romance. Despite the story line that was chock full of shape shifters, demons and such, the story was very much a romance. I didn't put this story on my erotica shelf even though there is more than one menage situation. Sinclair was very successful at presenting the sexual relationships as basic, loving interactions between various partners. One aspect of the story that I enjoyed was Bree's journey from being brutalized, physically and emotionally, to becoming healthy and strong. Zeb and Shay were awesome partners for her.
I like the world building in this series. Mention of Herne and 'The Mother' as well as descriptions of the way the power moves through the Calum, the alphas, and the cahiers is pretty interesting.
This is a great example of paranormal romance. Despite the story line that was chock full of shape shifters, demons and such, the story was very much a romance. I didn't put this story on my erotica shelf even though there is more than one menage situation. Sinclair was very successful at presenting the sexual relationships as basic, loving interactions between various partners. One aspect of the story that I enjoyed was Bree's journey from being brutalized, physically and emotionally, to becoming healthy and strong. Zeb and Shay were awesome partners for her.
I like the world building in this series. Mention of Herne and 'The Mother' as well as descriptions of the way the power moves through the Calum, the alphas, and the cahiers is pretty interesting.
April 4, 2012
Ths book is an awesome read. I started reading and then could not put it down. Finally at 3 A.M. I finished! Cherise Sinclair is an autobuy for me. I have always been able to count on this author to deliver a great story. I'm so glad that she decided to write paranormal menage. She has done a great job at world building for the paranormal/fantasy fan and throw in some really hot mfm lovin'! How can you possibly lose? Sinclair can write a great story and smoking sex scenes. If this is what you look for in a book, I recommend this series and her others too.
April 4, 2020
LOVED this story. I have always loved Cherise Sinclair's books but I was unsure if I would like her paranormal stories. Boy was I wrong, I love them and now I need to read the first in the series.
Can't wait to see what is next in the series.
Just did a re-read and love this series.
Now I want the were-bears.
Just did a re-read in preparation of the were bears. Loved it but damn, I don't think I would want to be a werewolf because a lot of their pack were mean.
Did another re-read and still love it.
Another re-read.
Can't wait to see what is next in the series.
Just did a re-read and love this series.
Now I want the were-bears.
Just did a re-read in preparation of the were bears. Loved it but damn, I don't think I would want to be a werewolf because a lot of their pack were mean.
Did another re-read and still love it.
Another re-read.
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