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Red Ridge Pack #1
Pack of Lies
Seventeen-year-old Allison Wright is convinced she’s losing her mind. Uncontrollable mood swings, hot flashes, and the urge to punch anyone who gets in her way are suddenly becoming everyday occurrences. Before her erratic behavior gets out of hand, Allison’s mother finally comes clean about her dark secret. Mom is a werewolf, and soon Allison and her brother Aiden will suffer the same fate. When Allison reaches her breaking point, the family leaves their life in Texas to move to Red Ridge, New Mexico where they rejoin the pack that Allison’s mother left behind almost 20 years ago.
Unfortunately, not everyone in Red Ridge is thrilled about Allison’s arrival, especially when she attracts the attention of the very handsome, very taken, soon-to-be alpha, Cade Walker. Little does Allison know, her mere presence is causing a rift in a once unified pack. Not only has Cade been forbidden from being with Allison by his father, the pack’s alpha, Cade’s girlfriend, Kendall Stuart, will stop at nothing to get Allison out of the picture. Well on her way to becoming the next alpha’s mate, Kendall expects to rule the pack by Cade’s side even if it means teaming up with a rogue werewolf with an agenda of his own. Determined to get rid of Allison permanently, when Kendall and the rogue join forces, all hell breaks loose and no one in the pack is safe, especially not Cade and his true mate.
Unfortunately, not everyone in Red Ridge is thrilled about Allison’s arrival, especially when she attracts the attention of the very handsome, very taken, soon-to-be alpha, Cade Walker. Little does Allison know, her mere presence is causing a rift in a once unified pack. Not only has Cade been forbidden from being with Allison by his father, the pack’s alpha, Cade’s girlfriend, Kendall Stuart, will stop at nothing to get Allison out of the picture. Well on her way to becoming the next alpha’s mate, Kendall expects to rule the pack by Cade’s side even if it means teaming up with a rogue werewolf with an agenda of his own. Determined to get rid of Allison permanently, when Kendall and the rogue join forces, all hell breaks loose and no one in the pack is safe, especially not Cade and his true mate.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2012
68 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
Sara Dailey
8 books123 followersSara Dailey co-authored the YA Paranormal Romance novels, Sinful and Pack of Lies, with her good friend and co-worker Staci Weber. She has a degree in literature from U of H Clear Lake and is a graduate of The Institute of Children’s Literature. Sara is a native Texan and lives with her wonderful husband and son in League City, TX where she is a middle school English teacher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 24, 2012
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I agreed to read this as it was clearly about Werewolves which I usually really enjoy and there was a love story involved too so I thought - Great!
The story opens right in the middle of a fight and instantly I was intrigued, I wanted to know what was happening and why. Allison doesn't seem like the sort of girl to get into fist fights and for some reason I liked her straight away.
I liked how the idea of her being a werewolf was introduced - with flashes of almost fevers, grace and beauty and then stomach cramps, it made what could be an ordinary illness and simple growth turn into something much more exciting.
The story is a bit like a rollercoaster, one minute you are in an action packed scene and then the next is quite slow and explained. But I liked this, it felt like I was getting more in tune with the characters as well as being involved in the action.
I really liked Allison's brother Aiden - he was quite cheeky adn cute as well as being described as super good looking - but he's not obnoxious with it. Whereas Kendall the wolf girl is a nightmare, she is every girls nightmare at school, the Queen Bee.
Cade is cool, but I was desperate for him to get a backbone and stand up for himself!
The pacing does sweep you through quite well, but the book was quite predictable for me. I could tell pretty much what was going to happen throughout, that's not to say there weren't a couple of surprises- believe me there were, but for the most part I was like, 'well really, who'd have thought!"
The writing is well done and flows well, and reads realistically, however I will warn that there is swearing in this book. If you object to it in books then you will be put off - it has at least 3 uses of the 'f' word, a lot of 'a*s' and one 'Bas***d'. Whilst I'm not completely against swearing, I do think it is unnecessary and the book wouldn't have suffered if it had not been in there. Yes a lot of teenagers swear, but it doesn't have to be broadcasted and repeated. I'm not going to get into a debate about swearing in books, just noting that this book has it and for me, wasn't necessary at all.
Overall I did really enjoy the book and I could visualize most of it, so it did capture my imagination. I would encourage you to give it a go.sweet little story and I do want the next one to find out what happens.
I agreed to read this as it was clearly about Werewolves which I usually really enjoy and there was a love story involved too so I thought - Great!
The story opens right in the middle of a fight and instantly I was intrigued, I wanted to know what was happening and why. Allison doesn't seem like the sort of girl to get into fist fights and for some reason I liked her straight away.
I liked how the idea of her being a werewolf was introduced - with flashes of almost fevers, grace and beauty and then stomach cramps, it made what could be an ordinary illness and simple growth turn into something much more exciting.
The story is a bit like a rollercoaster, one minute you are in an action packed scene and then the next is quite slow and explained. But I liked this, it felt like I was getting more in tune with the characters as well as being involved in the action.
I really liked Allison's brother Aiden - he was quite cheeky adn cute as well as being described as super good looking - but he's not obnoxious with it. Whereas Kendall the wolf girl is a nightmare, she is every girls nightmare at school, the Queen Bee.
Cade is cool, but I was desperate for him to get a backbone and stand up for himself!
The pacing does sweep you through quite well, but the book was quite predictable for me. I could tell pretty much what was going to happen throughout, that's not to say there weren't a couple of surprises- believe me there were, but for the most part I was like, 'well really, who'd have thought!"
The writing is well done and flows well, and reads realistically, however I will warn that there is swearing in this book. If you object to it in books then you will be put off - it has at least 3 uses of the 'f' word, a lot of 'a*s' and one 'Bas***d'. Whilst I'm not completely against swearing, I do think it is unnecessary and the book wouldn't have suffered if it had not been in there. Yes a lot of teenagers swear, but it doesn't have to be broadcasted and repeated. I'm not going to get into a debate about swearing in books, just noting that this book has it and for me, wasn't necessary at all.
Overall I did really enjoy the book and I could visualize most of it, so it did capture my imagination. I would encourage you to give it a go.sweet little story and I do want the next one to find out what happens.
February 11, 2016
I really loved this book. It was a refreshing take on werewolves. I am glad that they are making it a series and I can't wait to read Book 2. I haven't read a good were tale in a long while. Allison (Alli) starts having all kinds of problems at school. All the girls start hating her, and all of the guys start harassing her. She gets into three separate fights and is afraid she about to get kicked out of school, even though she didn't start any of this. Her mother eventually tells Allison and Aiden (her brother) that they are actually werewolves, who haven't experienced the change yet. This is why Allison is having so many problems, and of course her perfect brother has just gotten more perfect. Their parents end up telling them that they are moving back in with her mother's old pack in New Mexico, so they pack up everything and leave Houston (my hometown!) behind. Allison is excited by the new changes, and hopes she will finally have friends again. I don't want to say anymore about the book, except there is a love triangle, which kind of pissed me off, but it worked out in the end. This book is full of drama, romance, and even a touch of danger. Were-lovers are in for a treat with this book.
December 14, 2014
I really did like this book but there was one problem I had with it. It went way to fast. When Alli got to the pack and met Cade, Cade had a girlfriend and yet even though Alli and Cade where true mates there should have been more time inbetween them meeting and them kissing and deciding that's they where going to be together. It seemed rushed. I mean they kissed after ( Even in the book Cade said ) they said 5 word to each other. Cade should have been more loyal to Kendall even though him and Alli where true mates. I did really like this book and plan to read the others but again for me the plot was too rushed.
April 15, 2017
Meh. It could have been good but it was so cheesy at times
February 4, 2013
Originally posted as http://smexybooks.com/2013/02/review-...
Allison Wright is having a bad school year. All of a sudden the entire female student body hates her and the males seem to have the uncontrollable urge to grope her. After her third fight of the year, her mom sits her and her brother down for a long talk. Apparently, Allison and her brother Aiden are werewolves. Their mother fled her pack when she met and fell in love with their human father. Slated to marry the alpha, their mother simply disappeared with their father and has lived in obscurity ever since. When Allison begins to show signs of changing, Allison’s mother reveals her and her brothers origins and announces they are moving back to the pack. To Red Ridge, New Mexico.
Not everyone welcomed the Wright family to Red Ridge, New Mexico or into the pack. Cade, the alpha’s son, seems to be interested in Allison but his girlfriend, Kendall, wants her gone for good. When it is revealed that Cade and Allison are truly meant to be together; jealousy and betrayal go hand in hand and soon Allison finds herself fighting not only for Cade’s love, but also her life.
Pack Of Lies is the joint efforts of sister inlaws Sara Dailey and Staci Weber. A light paranormal YA romance with an interesting premise and promising storyline that failed to execute properly for me. The plotlines are formulaic and the character dialogue is frightfully simplistic. It’s very Youth Adult in some areas yet strives for a New Adult feel in others. To sum it all up-Gorgeous super nice girl moves to town, captures hottie boy attention. Hottie boy has a jealous catty girlfriend. Hottie boy is confused and waivers between gorgeous girl and jealous girlfriend. Hottie boy’s dad hates gorgeous girl. Gorgeous girl is threatened, Hottie boy finally grows a pair and saves her, and they ride, errr, run off into the sunset and everyone is happy.
I’m not trying to be catty here. What I stated above is the entire story. It reads as though a basic outline was drawn up and followed to the letter. The characters were not fleshed out well and I really didn’t feel like we got to know any of them. Cade comes across as a wimpy boy, not a future alpha. He lies and leads both Allison and his girlfriend on throughout the majority of the book. We are told why he does it but it still felt wrong. Allison’s brother Aiden is an annoyance in the background and seems to have a personality disorder. He is protective of her one minute then lets some guy whom he knows his sister hates feel her up then gets angry when she objects. Allison and Kendall both had a lot of potential that the authors explored to a certain extent but seemed to cut it short in order to move the story along. We never learn anything about the other teen wolves and there was a major elephant in the room between the alpha and Allison’s mom that was never addressed. Actually two elephants but maybe that is slated for book two. The villain also had a lot of potential as a major player yet when he is given the chance to shine, he comes across as pathetic and weak. And I never figured out how he thought he could even pull it any of it off.
The ending comes quickly. I never had a doubt how it would play out and I wasn’t disappointed in that aspect. Regardless of my issues, the story moves along fast clip and we are treated to three different POVs from Allison, Cade, and Kendell with helps understand what each are thinking. I honestly feel this series and these authors have a good story to tell, it just needs refining and a deeper exploration into the world building and character development.
Overall Rating: D
Allison Wright is having a bad school year. All of a sudden the entire female student body hates her and the males seem to have the uncontrollable urge to grope her. After her third fight of the year, her mom sits her and her brother down for a long talk. Apparently, Allison and her brother Aiden are werewolves. Their mother fled her pack when she met and fell in love with their human father. Slated to marry the alpha, their mother simply disappeared with their father and has lived in obscurity ever since. When Allison begins to show signs of changing, Allison’s mother reveals her and her brothers origins and announces they are moving back to the pack. To Red Ridge, New Mexico.
Not everyone welcomed the Wright family to Red Ridge, New Mexico or into the pack. Cade, the alpha’s son, seems to be interested in Allison but his girlfriend, Kendall, wants her gone for good. When it is revealed that Cade and Allison are truly meant to be together; jealousy and betrayal go hand in hand and soon Allison finds herself fighting not only for Cade’s love, but also her life.
Pack Of Lies is the joint efforts of sister inlaws Sara Dailey and Staci Weber. A light paranormal YA romance with an interesting premise and promising storyline that failed to execute properly for me. The plotlines are formulaic and the character dialogue is frightfully simplistic. It’s very Youth Adult in some areas yet strives for a New Adult feel in others. To sum it all up-Gorgeous super nice girl moves to town, captures hottie boy attention. Hottie boy has a jealous catty girlfriend. Hottie boy is confused and waivers between gorgeous girl and jealous girlfriend. Hottie boy’s dad hates gorgeous girl. Gorgeous girl is threatened, Hottie boy finally grows a pair and saves her, and they ride, errr, run off into the sunset and everyone is happy.
I’m not trying to be catty here. What I stated above is the entire story. It reads as though a basic outline was drawn up and followed to the letter. The characters were not fleshed out well and I really didn’t feel like we got to know any of them. Cade comes across as a wimpy boy, not a future alpha. He lies and leads both Allison and his girlfriend on throughout the majority of the book. We are told why he does it but it still felt wrong. Allison’s brother Aiden is an annoyance in the background and seems to have a personality disorder. He is protective of her one minute then lets some guy whom he knows his sister hates feel her up then gets angry when she objects. Allison and Kendall both had a lot of potential that the authors explored to a certain extent but seemed to cut it short in order to move the story along. We never learn anything about the other teen wolves and there was a major elephant in the room between the alpha and Allison’s mom that was never addressed. Actually two elephants but maybe that is slated for book two. The villain also had a lot of potential as a major player yet when he is given the chance to shine, he comes across as pathetic and weak. And I never figured out how he thought he could even pull it any of it off.
The ending comes quickly. I never had a doubt how it would play out and I wasn’t disappointed in that aspect. Regardless of my issues, the story moves along fast clip and we are treated to three different POVs from Allison, Cade, and Kendell with helps understand what each are thinking. I honestly feel this series and these authors have a good story to tell, it just needs refining and a deeper exploration into the world building and character development.
Overall Rating: D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2013
Today's review is on Pack of Lies by Sara Dailey & Staci Weber
I'm a bit conflicted with my opinion of Pack of Lies. On the one hand I actually enjoyed it. But on the other...well, there's a lot of room for growth. There were some inconsistencies that just bug the hell out of me. There were also quite a bit of times where there should have been contractions used. I mean writers should write how "normal" conversation flows right?
The beginning of the story starts out with the heroine, Allison Wright, engaged in a fight at school. While the principal takes the other girl, Allison is to report to the counselor. Seeing that this is her third fight since the beginning of the school year, and it's only October, I can't see her being sent to the counselor in today's times or in the past. Even if she wasn't the one to start the fights.
So what happens in the counselor's office? The counselor tells Allison that this is basically her last chance before being sent to an Alternative Education School. Though she doesn't want to say it, she also offers Allison some advice and life lesson. All the girls at school hate her because “Females can be catty, conniving, evil bitches. And for the most part, we don’t like women who are better looking than we are.” Then she continues by saying, "you are taller, stronger, and more beautiful than any other girl in this school, and let’s face it child, you have a killer body too." Now yes, the first quote is extremely true of high school girls and lets face it, a lot of adult women as well. But what counselor would say that?
Poor Allison is at the end of her rope by this time. She has no friends; while her brother Aiden is Mr. Popular, and she doesn't know why she can't seem to control her anger. But that's about to change. After years of secrecy, their mother tells them that she is a werewolf and that both of them are too. As if that isn't a big enough shocker mom tells them that in order to "help" them deal with this new information the family is moving to Red Ridge to live with their pack.
Blah Blah Blah happens and then Allison experiences her first shift and finds that it not only feels comfortable being a wolf, but that she finally feels like she is home. Then, while running around the estate, she bumps into another wolf whom she instantly falls head over heels for. But this is no ordinary guy. He's the Alpha's son Cade, the soon to be Alpha. Not only that, he's also spoken for.
Kendall Stuart, Cade's girlfriend as well as intended mate, is definitely an Alpha. An Alpha bitch that is, and she will do anything to maintain her status in the pack. When she finds out that Cade and Allison have been "seeing" each other her claws really come out. With the help of a rogue werewolf, Kendall may have her way as well as her revenge.
Here's where the biggest problem of the book lies. This rogue werewolf shows up in the story all mysterious and tough, but then he turns out being a stupid flunky. What happened there? He's suppose to be all badass. He was kicked out of his own pack!! Villain 101: Badass stays Badass.
I'm scheduled to read the next book in this series, Circle of Lies, and I'm hoping that there is some improvement and growth in the writing. Besides that, I have to know what happens next. A book series has to be pretty bad for me not too.
3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
I'm a bit conflicted with my opinion of Pack of Lies. On the one hand I actually enjoyed it. But on the other...well, there's a lot of room for growth. There were some inconsistencies that just bug the hell out of me. There were also quite a bit of times where there should have been contractions used. I mean writers should write how "normal" conversation flows right?
The beginning of the story starts out with the heroine, Allison Wright, engaged in a fight at school. While the principal takes the other girl, Allison is to report to the counselor. Seeing that this is her third fight since the beginning of the school year, and it's only October, I can't see her being sent to the counselor in today's times or in the past. Even if she wasn't the one to start the fights.
So what happens in the counselor's office? The counselor tells Allison that this is basically her last chance before being sent to an Alternative Education School. Though she doesn't want to say it, she also offers Allison some advice and life lesson. All the girls at school hate her because “Females can be catty, conniving, evil bitches. And for the most part, we don’t like women who are better looking than we are.” Then she continues by saying, "you are taller, stronger, and more beautiful than any other girl in this school, and let’s face it child, you have a killer body too." Now yes, the first quote is extremely true of high school girls and lets face it, a lot of adult women as well. But what counselor would say that?
Poor Allison is at the end of her rope by this time. She has no friends; while her brother Aiden is Mr. Popular, and she doesn't know why she can't seem to control her anger. But that's about to change. After years of secrecy, their mother tells them that she is a werewolf and that both of them are too. As if that isn't a big enough shocker mom tells them that in order to "help" them deal with this new information the family is moving to Red Ridge to live with their pack.
Blah Blah Blah happens and then Allison experiences her first shift and finds that it not only feels comfortable being a wolf, but that she finally feels like she is home. Then, while running around the estate, she bumps into another wolf whom she instantly falls head over heels for. But this is no ordinary guy. He's the Alpha's son Cade, the soon to be Alpha. Not only that, he's also spoken for.
Kendall Stuart, Cade's girlfriend as well as intended mate, is definitely an Alpha. An Alpha bitch that is, and she will do anything to maintain her status in the pack. When she finds out that Cade and Allison have been "seeing" each other her claws really come out. With the help of a rogue werewolf, Kendall may have her way as well as her revenge.
Here's where the biggest problem of the book lies. This rogue werewolf shows up in the story all mysterious and tough, but then he turns out being a stupid flunky. What happened there? He's suppose to be all badass. He was kicked out of his own pack!! Villain 101: Badass stays Badass.
I'm scheduled to read the next book in this series, Circle of Lies, and I'm hoping that there is some improvement and growth in the writing. Besides that, I have to know what happens next. A book series has to be pretty bad for me not too.
3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
March 17, 2013
My Thoughts :)
Okay I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down, much to my son’s dissatisfaction as I didn’t jump when he said he was hungry. lol
I bought this book because I am signed up for the 2nd book’s online blog tour, a first for me and my blog, YAY!! And since I’m always looking for ways to connect with my high school students, I wanted to start with book 1 in this series.
This is a YA Werewolf Romance. I will definitely be recommending to my students who are very into shifter books and one who will be an author one day.
This story is told from the perspective of 3 different characters Allison, Cade, and Kendall. Most of us can relate that high school is tough because the kids can be brutal to each other, but I can’t imagine how hard it would be to add werewolf problems on top of that. I love Allison’s strength and that she is a fighter. This journey with Allison to find a place where she fit in was awesome because I see students struggling with all these same things every day. I think the authors did a fantastic job helping the reader see things from the perspective of the which character that chapter was written in. That being said you do have to pay attention at the beginning of each chapter to know who is speaking. Someone who does not pay attention or get sucked into the fantastic world of the Red Ridge Pack would easily become lost. I highly recommend this book to all those shifter lovers who don’t mind reading YA romance.
Okay I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down, much to my son’s dissatisfaction as I didn’t jump when he said he was hungry. lol
I bought this book because I am signed up for the 2nd book’s online blog tour, a first for me and my blog, YAY!! And since I’m always looking for ways to connect with my high school students, I wanted to start with book 1 in this series.
This is a YA Werewolf Romance. I will definitely be recommending to my students who are very into shifter books and one who will be an author one day.
This story is told from the perspective of 3 different characters Allison, Cade, and Kendall. Most of us can relate that high school is tough because the kids can be brutal to each other, but I can’t imagine how hard it would be to add werewolf problems on top of that. I love Allison’s strength and that she is a fighter. This journey with Allison to find a place where she fit in was awesome because I see students struggling with all these same things every day. I think the authors did a fantastic job helping the reader see things from the perspective of the which character that chapter was written in. That being said you do have to pay attention at the beginning of each chapter to know who is speaking. Someone who does not pay attention or get sucked into the fantastic world of the Red Ridge Pack would easily become lost. I highly recommend this book to all those shifter lovers who don’t mind reading YA romance.
April 19, 2012
I really liked it. I wish there would have been either a little more romance or a little more action, but overall it was very good. I really like the characters and loved Allison and Cade's romance. I think this story was very well done and i cannot wait to see what will happen next in the second book. I recommend this to anyone who loves werewolves and romance.
July 17, 2017
The story could have been longer with more stuff i between. I still enjoyed the story made me laugh that's why I have it 3 stars instead of 2 or 1. I will read the next book. For some reason I'm thinking Aiden will be the new alpha if he can shift. The book was $13.17 (U.S) I find that to be way to much for a paperback with not many pages yo read.
May 22, 2020
Shit.... unholy shit. Don't read this garbage unless you're a teenager. God it's awful.
February 14, 2013
Werewolf books are not my favourite but for some reason this one caught my interest. Pack of Lies is about a brother and sister who start experiencing strange changes in their bodies. When Alli starts getting into trouble at school, their mother decides to tell them why their emotions are all over the place: they are teenage werewolves. Suffice to say, it's not an easy situation to be in so the parents decide to move the family away from Houston and back to the wolf pack they deserted years and years ago. For Alli this is a welcome change because she's lost all her friends in Houston to jealousy and she's hoping her new were-friends will accept her. However, there are some complications, namely Cade, soon to be alpha who already has a girlfriend, Kendall, a class-A bitch who won't let newcomer Alli come between her and the title of alpha-female.
I'm not really sure why it's called Pack of Lies because there wasn't that much emphasis on lying in my opinion, though I do like the pun on the word 'pack'. Pack of Lies is written from the point of view of Alli, Kendall and Cade, but mostly Alli. Each of them is interesting in different ways but personally I found Kendall's to be the most interesting because you get a look into her home life and Cade and Alli's relationship from a distance. She might be a pain in the arse but you do feel some sense of sympathy for her because it's clear her mother has influenced her to be the way she is.
The best way for me to describe my feelings as I went through this book would be to compare them to a heart rate monitor you find in hospitals. It's going up and down and up and down at the beginning, but then it goes completely flat and doesn't really pick up again. The only reason I'd say this is because it started off really great, but when they find out their mum is a werewolf it's the stupidest passage ever. It was a great start to a book and then it was ruined by this moment. I didn't think the situation was explained all that well or that the characters handled this piece of news in the right way. After this it started to get really good again and I thought Cade and Alli's first meeting was brilliant. It made me smile and gave me a slight tingling sensation like a good romance should. The next low was when there was a 3 week gap where supposedly Cade and Alli continue sneaking around together but we never find out what they were doing in this gap. Were they just making out or did they actually connect on another level? I'm assuming a bit of both but because it wasn't written down I found it difficult to genuinely believe in their 'love'. The book is basically all about Cade and Alli so rest of the book was pretty stagnant in that I didn't feel anything more than a superficial affection between the pair. I disliked that there wasn't much more to this story apart from the main relationship as I think it could've been a lot better if the stories of more characters were explored. There is a 'climax' to the plot I suppose but Cade and Alli's relationship is at the heart of this too. The ending happened too fast for my liking and again, I felt that things weren't developed. There weren't a lot of plot twists but they were glanced over and written in little detail.
That all probably sounds pretty negative, but this was actually a really good book. I would've given this book four stars were it not for the instalove between Cade and Alli. This book had the potential to be brilliant but I felt that some plot strands weren't developed as much as they could've been.
http://whats--hot.com
I'm not really sure why it's called Pack of Lies because there wasn't that much emphasis on lying in my opinion, though I do like the pun on the word 'pack'. Pack of Lies is written from the point of view of Alli, Kendall and Cade, but mostly Alli. Each of them is interesting in different ways but personally I found Kendall's to be the most interesting because you get a look into her home life and Cade and Alli's relationship from a distance. She might be a pain in the arse but you do feel some sense of sympathy for her because it's clear her mother has influenced her to be the way she is.
The best way for me to describe my feelings as I went through this book would be to compare them to a heart rate monitor you find in hospitals. It's going up and down and up and down at the beginning, but then it goes completely flat and doesn't really pick up again. The only reason I'd say this is because it started off really great, but when they find out their mum is a werewolf it's the stupidest passage ever. It was a great start to a book and then it was ruined by this moment. I didn't think the situation was explained all that well or that the characters handled this piece of news in the right way. After this it started to get really good again and I thought Cade and Alli's first meeting was brilliant. It made me smile and gave me a slight tingling sensation like a good romance should. The next low was when there was a 3 week gap where supposedly Cade and Alli continue sneaking around together but we never find out what they were doing in this gap. Were they just making out or did they actually connect on another level? I'm assuming a bit of both but because it wasn't written down I found it difficult to genuinely believe in their 'love'. The book is basically all about Cade and Alli so rest of the book was pretty stagnant in that I didn't feel anything more than a superficial affection between the pair. I disliked that there wasn't much more to this story apart from the main relationship as I think it could've been a lot better if the stories of more characters were explored. There is a 'climax' to the plot I suppose but Cade and Alli's relationship is at the heart of this too. The ending happened too fast for my liking and again, I felt that things weren't developed. There weren't a lot of plot twists but they were glanced over and written in little detail.
That all probably sounds pretty negative, but this was actually a really good book. I would've given this book four stars were it not for the instalove between Cade and Alli. This book had the potential to be brilliant but I felt that some plot strands weren't developed as much as they could've been.
http://whats--hot.com
March 1, 2014
Full Review on Brianna's Bookish Confessions.
Allison and her older brother Aidan are inseparable. Within the last couple of months, Allison has lost her boyfriend, best friend (whom she’s been best friends since they were little) and is constantly being harassed in school. She has been sent to the office 3 times within a couple months and clearly something isn’t right. Allison has begun to realize that all the girls are constantly at her throat and guys are constantly trying to grab her butt. When Allison gets into her third fight and is sent home, she is ready for what her mom has to say. When Allison spends the whole day in her room waiting for the worst, it turns out to be the complete opposite. Completely freaked out, she goes downstairs. Her mother then blurts out that Allison and Aidan are soon-to-be-werewolves. Of course, both double over in laughter and believe that their mother has completely lost her mind. Then they are faced with a wolf standing over them and begin to realize that their mother wasn’t kidding.
Although it probably wasn’t the best decision on the mother’s part about leaving out a crucial part that they will be werewolves, they decide they have to move. They are forced to move back to the one town their parents wouldn’t think twice about– their mother’s hometown.
Allison and Aidan are quickly thrown into the pack of werewolves their age and are greeted with some nice people.. Well, werewolves… And one not so nice one.. Kendall. Allison decides after a while to leave and is then confronted with a situation..
My Thoughts:
I was honestly nervous about how I was going to feel about this. The beginning was slow and almost predictable and at that point I was sitting at a 3-3.5 star rating. However, as the story went on, it started to pick up and become less predictable.
I did though have a hard time really connecting with the characters. I did like a lot of the characters, but I felt that it was hard to connect with them. Maybe it could be the constant switching of point of views? I usually have a harder time relating to the characters if the point of views are changing.
I haven’t read many if any werewolf books, so this was a great start! At first, it was kind of cliche of how their mom explained how they were werewolves. That may be the wrong word to use, but I don’t know…
Oh my gosh, I DID NOT like Kendall (whom is the “leader” of Aidan and Allison’s generation). It didn’t help that some chapters were in her point of view. Wow, I just.. Hated that girl.
The boys to look for– Wow.. Okay, pretty much any boy in this book is complete swoon-worthy. They have perfect hair, beautiful eyes, sexy body, okay, PERFECT EVERYTHING! The two boys that really “caught” my eye were Aidan and Cade. So, be aware!
Favorite Quotes:
“He looked too lost in his own thoughts to just sit back and relax with a book, even a John Green book.”
.
“Damn him if he thinks for one second that I’m going to continue to sneak around with him. I may have went back to get the letter out of my locker. But so what? That didn’t mean that I was going to fall right back into his no-good-lying-cheating arms.”
.
“Of course, I wouldn’t get sick. I probably can’t even get sick, right? I’m like a learning-disabled werewolf”.
Allison and her older brother Aidan are inseparable. Within the last couple of months, Allison has lost her boyfriend, best friend (whom she’s been best friends since they were little) and is constantly being harassed in school. She has been sent to the office 3 times within a couple months and clearly something isn’t right. Allison has begun to realize that all the girls are constantly at her throat and guys are constantly trying to grab her butt. When Allison gets into her third fight and is sent home, she is ready for what her mom has to say. When Allison spends the whole day in her room waiting for the worst, it turns out to be the complete opposite. Completely freaked out, she goes downstairs. Her mother then blurts out that Allison and Aidan are soon-to-be-werewolves. Of course, both double over in laughter and believe that their mother has completely lost her mind. Then they are faced with a wolf standing over them and begin to realize that their mother wasn’t kidding.
Although it probably wasn’t the best decision on the mother’s part about leaving out a crucial part that they will be werewolves, they decide they have to move. They are forced to move back to the one town their parents wouldn’t think twice about– their mother’s hometown.
Allison and Aidan are quickly thrown into the pack of werewolves their age and are greeted with some nice people.. Well, werewolves… And one not so nice one.. Kendall. Allison decides after a while to leave and is then confronted with a situation..
My Thoughts:
I was honestly nervous about how I was going to feel about this. The beginning was slow and almost predictable and at that point I was sitting at a 3-3.5 star rating. However, as the story went on, it started to pick up and become less predictable.
I did though have a hard time really connecting with the characters. I did like a lot of the characters, but I felt that it was hard to connect with them. Maybe it could be the constant switching of point of views? I usually have a harder time relating to the characters if the point of views are changing.
I haven’t read many if any werewolf books, so this was a great start! At first, it was kind of cliche of how their mom explained how they were werewolves. That may be the wrong word to use, but I don’t know…
Oh my gosh, I DID NOT like Kendall (whom is the “leader” of Aidan and Allison’s generation). It didn’t help that some chapters were in her point of view. Wow, I just.. Hated that girl.
The boys to look for– Wow.. Okay, pretty much any boy in this book is complete swoon-worthy. They have perfect hair, beautiful eyes, sexy body, okay, PERFECT EVERYTHING! The two boys that really “caught” my eye were Aidan and Cade. So, be aware!
Favorite Quotes:
“He looked too lost in his own thoughts to just sit back and relax with a book, even a John Green book.”
.
“Damn him if he thinks for one second that I’m going to continue to sneak around with him. I may have went back to get the letter out of my locker. But so what? That didn’t mean that I was going to fall right back into his no-good-lying-cheating arms.”
.
“Of course, I wouldn’t get sick. I probably can’t even get sick, right? I’m like a learning-disabled werewolf”.
August 30, 2012
Check out my blog for other reviews:http://couchpotatoreader.blogspot.com/
I saw the book for the first time in a giveaway. I read the summary and it really caught my attention so I entered. Luckily, I won! I was so thrilled to finally read it! I have to say thanks to Sara Dailey and Staci Weber for the copy!
Anyway, this is my first time to read a book about werewolves. It wasn’t hard for me to get into Allison’s character. She’s one strong and tough chick. She was once a teenager who’s popular with a bunch of friends but things turned around. She’s still popular, but in a negative sense. She was accused of being a boyfriend- snatcher and called a slut. She lost her friends and those ones who she considered as bestfriends now treat her as a stranger. With no help from the changes she felt inside her, she became more impatient and aggressive to those who mistreat her. She had a hard time containing her anger which makes her get into fights. Unlike Allison, her older brother Aiden was liked by everybody, totally opposite of Allison. But still, there seems changes to both of them which made their mom finally admit that she's a werewolf and therefore Allison and Aiden are also werewolves. (I just have to say the revealing part was one funny moment.) So they have to move to Red Ridge to learn about the life of being werewolves.
One important event happened was when Allison finally changes to werewolf form for the first time. She meets someone, also in wolf form. They have this connection, like love at first sight but in werewolves way. (That scene was so fascinating and cute! Werewolves making out- how can you not like that?LOL.) The other werewolf was none other than Cade, the soon-to-be alpha.
Cade, the alpha male successor, has a lot on his plate. Much has been expected of him and one of them was to be with Kendall, his chosen mate. Confusion arises when he meets Allison. There's something different about her- her scent, and everything about her makes him want to be with her all the time. But that's the problem, they can't be together eventhough the feelings are mutual. I know that the "Romeo and Juliet-ish" kind of story was used quite often but for me, it never gets old. He will eventually have to make a decision for himself and not just for the sake of the pack. But before that happens, people will be on their way, especially Kendall.
From the first time her name was mentioned on the book, I instantly hated her. She thinks everything revolves around her and she's such a b*tch. But sometimes, I understand where she's coming from. She's afraid that her status to the pack will be lost because of Allison.
The book has 3 POVs- Allison, Cade and Kendall. I think Kendall's POV is unnecessary. I understand her side with/ without her personal thoughts. I won't like her either way. The reason why I didn't give this a perfect five was because I didn't like how the POVs switched. It was a bit unorganized for me and that's the only thing I didn't like about the book. The near ending parts were okay. When I thought there won't be anymore complications, a twist in the story was revealed.
I'm really excited for the second book. Give this book a chance, you won't regret it. :)
I saw the book for the first time in a giveaway. I read the summary and it really caught my attention so I entered. Luckily, I won! I was so thrilled to finally read it! I have to say thanks to Sara Dailey and Staci Weber for the copy!
Anyway, this is my first time to read a book about werewolves. It wasn’t hard for me to get into Allison’s character. She’s one strong and tough chick. She was once a teenager who’s popular with a bunch of friends but things turned around. She’s still popular, but in a negative sense. She was accused of being a boyfriend- snatcher and called a slut. She lost her friends and those ones who she considered as bestfriends now treat her as a stranger. With no help from the changes she felt inside her, she became more impatient and aggressive to those who mistreat her. She had a hard time containing her anger which makes her get into fights. Unlike Allison, her older brother Aiden was liked by everybody, totally opposite of Allison. But still, there seems changes to both of them which made their mom finally admit that she's a werewolf and therefore Allison and Aiden are also werewolves. (I just have to say the revealing part was one funny moment.) So they have to move to Red Ridge to learn about the life of being werewolves.
One important event happened was when Allison finally changes to werewolf form for the first time. She meets someone, also in wolf form. They have this connection, like love at first sight but in werewolves way. (That scene was so fascinating and cute! Werewolves making out- how can you not like that?LOL.) The other werewolf was none other than Cade, the soon-to-be alpha.
Cade, the alpha male successor, has a lot on his plate. Much has been expected of him and one of them was to be with Kendall, his chosen mate. Confusion arises when he meets Allison. There's something different about her- her scent, and everything about her makes him want to be with her all the time. But that's the problem, they can't be together eventhough the feelings are mutual. I know that the "Romeo and Juliet-ish" kind of story was used quite often but for me, it never gets old. He will eventually have to make a decision for himself and not just for the sake of the pack. But before that happens, people will be on their way, especially Kendall.
From the first time her name was mentioned on the book, I instantly hated her. She thinks everything revolves around her and she's such a b*tch. But sometimes, I understand where she's coming from. She's afraid that her status to the pack will be lost because of Allison.
The book has 3 POVs- Allison, Cade and Kendall. I think Kendall's POV is unnecessary. I understand her side with/ without her personal thoughts. I won't like her either way. The reason why I didn't give this a perfect five was because I didn't like how the POVs switched. It was a bit unorganized for me and that's the only thing I didn't like about the book. The near ending parts were okay. When I thought there won't be anymore complications, a twist in the story was revealed.
I'm really excited for the second book. Give this book a chance, you won't regret it. :)
November 16, 2012
This review also appears on my blog Amy's Book World:
Hunky werewolves and temperamental teenagers. I was pleasantly surprised with this one. The beginning of the book wasn't a favorite of mine. It dragged on a little in part one. Things pick up and change when the book jumps to part two. Allison and her family are moving in with the pack. Things change in the structure of the book because there is so much more going on that the authors can play off of. They end up creating a love triangle that becomes very interesting. A vindictive werewolf who wants nothing more than to be at the top of the pack will stop Allison and Cade from getting together. It also allows the authors to create intertwining storylines that gives this book more depth than at the beginning. The authors use multiple POV's in this book. It helps you to understand the characters more. It is needed in this book. If it was just a one sided POV seen through Allison's eyes you wouldn't understand Kendall's need to do what she ends up doing.
Allison and Cade have an instantaneous connection. You root for them even when you find out that Cade is currently seeing Kendall. I like Cade and Allison together. Cade seems to bring out the life in her and once was hidden away. It sucks that he had to be with Kendall at the time of Allison's arrival. I wasn't completely happy with Cade's character though. He does string Kendall along while seeing Allison on the side. That was just wrong. Even if his father says that he has to stay with Kendall, can't he just stand up to him and say no?
Kendall is one of the villains in this book. When you read her story, a part of you can't help but fell sorry for her. She has a mother who is...well she is mean. She will do anything to make sure her family moves up in the pack, even if that means using Kendall to do it. Now Kendall isn't completely innocent, she could have said no to her mother or went to the Alpha for help. She chose to do what she did in order to try and keep Cade. Kendall's PIC (partner in crime) is a strange werewolf sniffing around the Red Ridge Pack. Kendall gets mixed up with him seeing this as a way to solve her problems and someone to pin the actions on. This werewolf has an agenda of his own, he is after the Alpha.
Tegan is someone that I hope we see more of in the future. She befriends Allison when no one else will. Allison thinks that Tegan doesn't like her but I think that she is just skittish because of the way the werewolves treat human or "domestic" as the put it. She has a story there, I just know and I can't wait to find out what it is.
All in all this was a pretty good book. It is one that you can enjoy as a young adult or older. This is a great start to a series and I look forward to more books to come. I recommend this for ages 15+.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher for the purposes of an unbiased review.
Hunky werewolves and temperamental teenagers. I was pleasantly surprised with this one. The beginning of the book wasn't a favorite of mine. It dragged on a little in part one. Things pick up and change when the book jumps to part two. Allison and her family are moving in with the pack. Things change in the structure of the book because there is so much more going on that the authors can play off of. They end up creating a love triangle that becomes very interesting. A vindictive werewolf who wants nothing more than to be at the top of the pack will stop Allison and Cade from getting together. It also allows the authors to create intertwining storylines that gives this book more depth than at the beginning. The authors use multiple POV's in this book. It helps you to understand the characters more. It is needed in this book. If it was just a one sided POV seen through Allison's eyes you wouldn't understand Kendall's need to do what she ends up doing.
Allison and Cade have an instantaneous connection. You root for them even when you find out that Cade is currently seeing Kendall. I like Cade and Allison together. Cade seems to bring out the life in her and once was hidden away. It sucks that he had to be with Kendall at the time of Allison's arrival. I wasn't completely happy with Cade's character though. He does string Kendall along while seeing Allison on the side. That was just wrong. Even if his father says that he has to stay with Kendall, can't he just stand up to him and say no?
Kendall is one of the villains in this book. When you read her story, a part of you can't help but fell sorry for her. She has a mother who is...well she is mean. She will do anything to make sure her family moves up in the pack, even if that means using Kendall to do it. Now Kendall isn't completely innocent, she could have said no to her mother or went to the Alpha for help. She chose to do what she did in order to try and keep Cade. Kendall's PIC (partner in crime) is a strange werewolf sniffing around the Red Ridge Pack. Kendall gets mixed up with him seeing this as a way to solve her problems and someone to pin the actions on. This werewolf has an agenda of his own, he is after the Alpha.
Tegan is someone that I hope we see more of in the future. She befriends Allison when no one else will. Allison thinks that Tegan doesn't like her but I think that she is just skittish because of the way the werewolves treat human or "domestic" as the put it. She has a story there, I just know and I can't wait to find out what it is.
All in all this was a pretty good book. It is one that you can enjoy as a young adult or older. This is a great start to a series and I look forward to more books to come. I recommend this for ages 15+.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher for the purposes of an unbiased review.
July 11, 2012
Pack of Lies is probably one of my new werewolf series and I'm dying for the next installment, I wasn't ready for the book to end! I go into every book hoping I will enjoy it and wishing I will love it, and I will say that Pack of Lies took me by surprise with how much I enjoyed this well written tale of discovering your life may be a little more complicated than you thought (and when you're a teenager that usually seems impossible). If you enjoyed Andrea Cremer's Nightshade, Shannon Delany's 13 to Life, and or Sophie Jordan's Firelight and really any shapeshifter or paranormal romance then definitely check out this one!
Alli has been shunned at school, constantly in the middle of every fight, with no friends to turn to she's in danger of being expelled. She's a tough girl who can take care of herself, but then a shocking revelation and huge move are thrown into her lap, I kept thinking to myself, "what would I do?" I know that I never would have taken these changes as well as Alli does. She's what I would call a survivor, she endures, fights back, and lives to tell about it. I love strong female characters and she is definitely one of the toughest I've encountered (which is saying something). Sara and Staci do a remarkable job making their characters stand out in my mind while also making them normal, like someone you could know in real life. My favorite character would be Aiden, Alli's older brother, but I have a lot of close seconds. He's just a great brother and guy, minus the one scene (you know) but he did apologize. The evil queen B Kendall would definitely be my least favorite, she is just down right nasty and easy to hate, which I'm sure was the point ;) I love these characters and would definitely say I'm hooked, which isn't that the purpose of a book 1, I'm coming back and I can't wait for book 2 of the Red Ridge Pack series.
The romance of this book is quite swoon worthy, as is Cade, our resident hottie (even if he did completely irk me sometimes with his wishy-washy-ness). The relationship between Cade and Alli happens extremely fast, but there are well explained reasons behind that and I definitely wouldn't call it Insta-Love. They make a pretty cute couple and they fight to stay together which just adds to the large (and I mean large) amount of drama and suspense thrown into this fantastic paranormal read.
These authors have a way of drawing out every one of the readers emotions and sometimes all on one page. Sara and Staci throw in quite a few dramatic twists throughout the story, some were easy to guess and some are still shocking to me. I really adored this book and can't wait for others to read it as well. One aspect that I love is the switch in narrators chapter to chapter. Mainly we follow Alli's story but it does alternate between Alli, Cade, and Kendall (thank goodness her chapters are short, haha) but really it makes for one well rounded story and it's easy to navigate.
Alli has been shunned at school, constantly in the middle of every fight, with no friends to turn to she's in danger of being expelled. She's a tough girl who can take care of herself, but then a shocking revelation and huge move are thrown into her lap, I kept thinking to myself, "what would I do?" I know that I never would have taken these changes as well as Alli does. She's what I would call a survivor, she endures, fights back, and lives to tell about it. I love strong female characters and she is definitely one of the toughest I've encountered (which is saying something). Sara and Staci do a remarkable job making their characters stand out in my mind while also making them normal, like someone you could know in real life. My favorite character would be Aiden, Alli's older brother, but I have a lot of close seconds. He's just a great brother and guy, minus the one scene (you know) but he did apologize. The evil queen B Kendall would definitely be my least favorite, she is just down right nasty and easy to hate, which I'm sure was the point ;) I love these characters and would definitely say I'm hooked, which isn't that the purpose of a book 1, I'm coming back and I can't wait for book 2 of the Red Ridge Pack series.
The romance of this book is quite swoon worthy, as is Cade, our resident hottie (even if he did completely irk me sometimes with his wishy-washy-ness). The relationship between Cade and Alli happens extremely fast, but there are well explained reasons behind that and I definitely wouldn't call it Insta-Love. They make a pretty cute couple and they fight to stay together which just adds to the large (and I mean large) amount of drama and suspense thrown into this fantastic paranormal read.
These authors have a way of drawing out every one of the readers emotions and sometimes all on one page. Sara and Staci throw in quite a few dramatic twists throughout the story, some were easy to guess and some are still shocking to me. I really adored this book and can't wait for others to read it as well. One aspect that I love is the switch in narrators chapter to chapter. Mainly we follow Alli's story but it does alternate between Alli, Cade, and Kendall (thank goodness her chapters are short, haha) but really it makes for one well rounded story and it's easy to navigate.
June 19, 2012
Reading the last page of this story, I definitely wanted more, but knowing this is book one, I'm pretty good with how things left off for now. With that said, I very much so loved reading this novel. It was beyond great! I'm very big on characters, seeing if they are believable and if they are relatable, and I thought the characters written here were just that. There is Allison, who is seen in the beginning of the story, in a fight; actually that happens on page one, but quickly we see her as one that had a boyfriend, a lot of friends, and just months prior, there was no more boyfriend or close friends. Her only best friend is her older brother, Aiden (whom was a sweet character, loved him!). Anyways, we see that Alli is not a troubled girl, but unfortunately finds herself in situations that instantly happen, and she can't get out of them. For instance, one girl calls her a name that no girl wants to be called, and Alli does not take that, and gets in a fight, and thus gets in trouble...again. Others have a misconception of Alli's persona, and I found this to be a relatable aspect, as this happens to people. So right off the bat, we see Allison as not a sociable person, and things just get better when her Mom announces to her kids (Alli and Aiden) that she is a werewolf and they will become one too. Interesting huh? From there, the story really takes off, and from Texas, Allison and her family move to Red Ridge, New Mexico, and there Allison hopes to have a new start, new beginnings.
Once at the 'Estate' where other families from the Pack reside, Allison eventually meets Cade Walker. When they meet they actually don't speak to one another, it's something entirely different, and I thought pretty sweet, but you just gotta read to find out how they meet! There is definitely an instant connection between her and Cade, but what stands between them, sometimes literally, is Cade's girlfriend, Kendall. Yup. You will see that Kendall is no picnic. She does not like Allison, and even humiliates her at one point (that was so bad, just so bad) but what she forgets that Allison is one tough girl, and well you'll see what happens. The story itself was developed very creatively. I really enjoyed reading it, and found there to be unexpected surprises, some good, and well, some bad, but it leads to a cliffhanger that gets me really excited for Book 2. I also liked the changing in point of views between Allison, Cade, and Kendall. I was not so sure reading about Kendall's POV, but actually I thought you understand her more, her character, her background, and perhaps at one point, you might even feel sorry for her. This was a great story, as said before, and I do encourage you to read this, as there is love, jealousy, action, adventure, and a whole lot more. This is a novel I Recommend! :)
Once at the 'Estate' where other families from the Pack reside, Allison eventually meets Cade Walker. When they meet they actually don't speak to one another, it's something entirely different, and I thought pretty sweet, but you just gotta read to find out how they meet! There is definitely an instant connection between her and Cade, but what stands between them, sometimes literally, is Cade's girlfriend, Kendall. Yup. You will see that Kendall is no picnic. She does not like Allison, and even humiliates her at one point (that was so bad, just so bad) but what she forgets that Allison is one tough girl, and well you'll see what happens. The story itself was developed very creatively. I really enjoyed reading it, and found there to be unexpected surprises, some good, and well, some bad, but it leads to a cliffhanger that gets me really excited for Book 2. I also liked the changing in point of views between Allison, Cade, and Kendall. I was not so sure reading about Kendall's POV, but actually I thought you understand her more, her character, her background, and perhaps at one point, you might even feel sorry for her. This was a great story, as said before, and I do encourage you to read this, as there is love, jealousy, action, adventure, and a whole lot more. This is a novel I Recommend! :)
August 12, 2016
Allison Wright's life was suddenly taking a turn for the worst. She's been having unexplained mood swings, has been getting into fights at school, and has been having weird dreams and hot flashes. She knows something is wrong, but she can't put her finger on what's happening to her. She desperately wants to be normal, but her body has other ideas.
Going to her mother in regards to the changes she's experiencing, Allison is thrown for a loop when her mother admits she's a werewolf. She succinctly tells her that what she's feeling is normal and that it'll all pass, but Allison isn't so sure. Her emotions are in a turmoil and she just wants to break whatever she can get her hands. The constant warring within her makes it difficult for her to get along with her others. Deep inside, she's trying, but the wolf within her isn't playing nice.
When the situation escalates and not much else can be done, she finds herself en route to New Mexico with the rest of her family. Reluctantly, they're on their way to join the rest of the pack her mother left behind twenty years ago in hopes that living with other werewolves will help Allison understand what she's going through and help her learn how to manage the beast residing inside of her.
Attracting the attention of the pack's alpha-in-waiting, Cade Walker, Allison is thrilled, yet also unsettled, by the fact that he's noticed her. He's good-looking and incites her senses in ways no one else ever has. Unfortunately, he's taken and his girlfriend won't let him go without a fight. A fact Kendall makes known every chance she has.
Forbidden from seeing one another, Allison does her best to follow the rules that have been set. She knows she and Cade can never be together, even though her heart won't accept that face. When attempts on her life are made, Allison realizes there's more afoot than she thought there was. Someone's out to get her and wants to make sure she remains out of the picture. When others are caught in the crossfire, she realizes that no one is safe. Determined to finish what someone else started, Allison decides to do her best in setting things straight before someone else gets hurt in the process.
This was quite an intriguing book. I loved that the action set off from the beginning and continued consistently with every turn of the page. I think the author did a wonderful job in bringing out Allison's emotions as she tries to deal with the situation at hand. We're able to feel her pain, her anger, her indecisions, and her happiness as she discovers more about who and what she is. The ending was certainly a bit of a cliffhanger, but I can't wait to see what happens next once book two comes along.
Going to her mother in regards to the changes she's experiencing, Allison is thrown for a loop when her mother admits she's a werewolf. She succinctly tells her that what she's feeling is normal and that it'll all pass, but Allison isn't so sure. Her emotions are in a turmoil and she just wants to break whatever she can get her hands. The constant warring within her makes it difficult for her to get along with her others. Deep inside, she's trying, but the wolf within her isn't playing nice.
When the situation escalates and not much else can be done, she finds herself en route to New Mexico with the rest of her family. Reluctantly, they're on their way to join the rest of the pack her mother left behind twenty years ago in hopes that living with other werewolves will help Allison understand what she's going through and help her learn how to manage the beast residing inside of her.
Attracting the attention of the pack's alpha-in-waiting, Cade Walker, Allison is thrilled, yet also unsettled, by the fact that he's noticed her. He's good-looking and incites her senses in ways no one else ever has. Unfortunately, he's taken and his girlfriend won't let him go without a fight. A fact Kendall makes known every chance she has.
Forbidden from seeing one another, Allison does her best to follow the rules that have been set. She knows she and Cade can never be together, even though her heart won't accept that face. When attempts on her life are made, Allison realizes there's more afoot than she thought there was. Someone's out to get her and wants to make sure she remains out of the picture. When others are caught in the crossfire, she realizes that no one is safe. Determined to finish what someone else started, Allison decides to do her best in setting things straight before someone else gets hurt in the process.
This was quite an intriguing book. I loved that the action set off from the beginning and continued consistently with every turn of the page. I think the author did a wonderful job in bringing out Allison's emotions as she tries to deal with the situation at hand. We're able to feel her pain, her anger, her indecisions, and her happiness as she discovers more about who and what she is. The ending was certainly a bit of a cliffhanger, but I can't wait to see what happens next once book two comes along.
June 19, 2012
Genre: YA Fantasy (definitely older YA)
Publisher Type: Indie
My Review:
So... my thoughts.... Pack of Lies is an entertaining read that I gobbled up in two days. Yup, nose in kindle big time. I really appreciate the "voice of the book." It's descriptive, helping the reader feel the mc's experiences, yet doesn't get bogged down with extraneous details (I especially loved Allison's first change). And there's great humor (the way Allison is told that she is a werewolf is priceless)!
The story line is pretty solid, quick-paced and interesting, but the suspense and mystery could have been built up quite a bit more (the blurb gives too much away, telling you pretty much everything). It's a good story, but had the potential to be a great one.
I liked both Allison and Cade. But I didn't love either of them, which hurt the book for me. I had a hard time with them not being more bothered by the sneaking around. I get the whole irresistible pull of the bond, but the situation showed Allison to have little self-respect and Cade to be cowardly. I'm a big fan of significant character growth in the books I read, but not enough attention was given to the change of heart our mcs would have to have had in order for this to feel right for me.
I like Kendall as an antagonist. I appreciate an antagonist with a good back story. Her actions made sense for the most part. I was, however, confused by our mystery bad-guy wolf. One moment he's getting his kicks my frightening Allison, but then when he has her captured, he doesn't pay her a lick of attention. He's totally alpha one minute and then totally at ease with Kendall's leadership the next, not a well written character.
So bottom line, this is totally worth the read. I enjoyed my time with the Red Ridge Pack and look forward to reading more of this series.
Cover Art:
I like the fog and the wolf in the background and monochromatic with red is always a good color choice. Outside of that I'm not a huge fan of the cover. This cover does not help the book as it is, but with some minor adjustments and a change of font, there's great potential here.
Favorite Quotes:
"I had only thought I had a heightened sense of smell before. The scents in the air were comforting, like earth, nature, life ... like home. It was as if I belonged; as if I had finally discovered where I was meant to be."
"I didn't know where I was going, but I didn't care. The freedom of dashing through the woods was all I needed. I finally felt comfortable in my own skin, which didn't make a lick of sense being that it was all so new to me."
See more of my reviews at http://knowntoread.blogspot.com/
Publisher Type: Indie
My Review:
So... my thoughts.... Pack of Lies is an entertaining read that I gobbled up in two days. Yup, nose in kindle big time. I really appreciate the "voice of the book." It's descriptive, helping the reader feel the mc's experiences, yet doesn't get bogged down with extraneous details (I especially loved Allison's first change). And there's great humor (the way Allison is told that she is a werewolf is priceless)!
The story line is pretty solid, quick-paced and interesting, but the suspense and mystery could have been built up quite a bit more (the blurb gives too much away, telling you pretty much everything). It's a good story, but had the potential to be a great one.
I liked both Allison and Cade. But I didn't love either of them, which hurt the book for me. I had a hard time with them not being more bothered by the sneaking around. I get the whole irresistible pull of the bond, but the situation showed Allison to have little self-respect and Cade to be cowardly. I'm a big fan of significant character growth in the books I read, but not enough attention was given to the change of heart our mcs would have to have had in order for this to feel right for me.
I like Kendall as an antagonist. I appreciate an antagonist with a good back story. Her actions made sense for the most part. I was, however, confused by our mystery bad-guy wolf. One moment he's getting his kicks my frightening Allison, but then when he has her captured, he doesn't pay her a lick of attention. He's totally alpha one minute and then totally at ease with Kendall's leadership the next, not a well written character.
So bottom line, this is totally worth the read. I enjoyed my time with the Red Ridge Pack and look forward to reading more of this series.
Cover Art:
I like the fog and the wolf in the background and monochromatic with red is always a good color choice. Outside of that I'm not a huge fan of the cover. This cover does not help the book as it is, but with some minor adjustments and a change of font, there's great potential here.
Favorite Quotes:
"I had only thought I had a heightened sense of smell before. The scents in the air were comforting, like earth, nature, life ... like home. It was as if I belonged; as if I had finally discovered where I was meant to be."
"I didn't know where I was going, but I didn't care. The freedom of dashing through the woods was all I needed. I finally felt comfortable in my own skin, which didn't make a lick of sense being that it was all so new to me."
See more of my reviews at http://knowntoread.blogspot.com/
August 31, 2012
Pack of Lies (Red Ridge Pack Series # 1)
by Sara Dailey (Goodreads Author), Staci Weber
Synopsis from Goodreads
"The last thing Allison Wright ever expected when she moved to Red Ridge, New Mexico was to come muzzle to muzzle with the wolf of her dreams.
Seventeen-year-old Allison Wright is convinced she’s losing her mind. Uncontrollable mood swings, hot flashes, and the urge to punch anyone who gets in her way are suddenly becoming everyday occurrences. Before her erratic behavior gets out of hand, Allison’s mother finally comes clean about her dark secret. Mom is a werewolf, and soon Allison and her brother Aiden will suffer the same fate. When Allison reaches her breaking point, the family leaves their life in Texas to move to Red Ridge, New Mexico where they rejoin the pack that Allison’s mother left behind almost 20 years ago.
Unfortunately, not everyone in Red Ridge is thrilled about Allison’s arrival, especially when she attracts the attention of the very handsome, very taken, soon-to-be alpha, Cade Walker. Little does Allison know, her mere presence is causing a rift in a once unified pack. Not only has Cade been forbidden from being with Allison by his father, the pack’s alpha, Cade’s girlfriend, Kendall Stuart, will stop at nothing to get Allison out of the picture. Well on her way to becoming the next alpha’s mate, Kendall expects to rule the pack by Cade’s side even if it means teaming up with a rogue werewolf with an agenda of his own. Determined to get rid of Allison permanently, when Kendall and the rogue join forces, all hell breaks loose and no one in the pack is safe, especially not Cade and his true mate"
Wow talk about puberty hitting hard. Imagine being a young girl on the brink of womanhood with a very popular brother while you are a pariah among the very same kids who love your brother. Injustice abounds and suddenly you find you have incredible strength and raging emotions. Talk about not going to take it anymore LOL. All of a sudden your entire family is uprooted and moved and you are told you are a werewolf and the journey begins. I really love Allison, she is great and so real. Need I say I really loved this book. The storyline was rich and full with young love and loads of action. It was well written and kept me glued to the pages all the way to the end, which was very satisfying. From what I can find this is book one in a new series and I am really looking forward to continuing the journey and eager for more. This is definitely worth the read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre. I purchased this book.
by Sara Dailey (Goodreads Author), Staci Weber
Synopsis from Goodreads
"The last thing Allison Wright ever expected when she moved to Red Ridge, New Mexico was to come muzzle to muzzle with the wolf of her dreams.
Seventeen-year-old Allison Wright is convinced she’s losing her mind. Uncontrollable mood swings, hot flashes, and the urge to punch anyone who gets in her way are suddenly becoming everyday occurrences. Before her erratic behavior gets out of hand, Allison’s mother finally comes clean about her dark secret. Mom is a werewolf, and soon Allison and her brother Aiden will suffer the same fate. When Allison reaches her breaking point, the family leaves their life in Texas to move to Red Ridge, New Mexico where they rejoin the pack that Allison’s mother left behind almost 20 years ago.
Unfortunately, not everyone in Red Ridge is thrilled about Allison’s arrival, especially when she attracts the attention of the very handsome, very taken, soon-to-be alpha, Cade Walker. Little does Allison know, her mere presence is causing a rift in a once unified pack. Not only has Cade been forbidden from being with Allison by his father, the pack’s alpha, Cade’s girlfriend, Kendall Stuart, will stop at nothing to get Allison out of the picture. Well on her way to becoming the next alpha’s mate, Kendall expects to rule the pack by Cade’s side even if it means teaming up with a rogue werewolf with an agenda of his own. Determined to get rid of Allison permanently, when Kendall and the rogue join forces, all hell breaks loose and no one in the pack is safe, especially not Cade and his true mate"
Wow talk about puberty hitting hard. Imagine being a young girl on the brink of womanhood with a very popular brother while you are a pariah among the very same kids who love your brother. Injustice abounds and suddenly you find you have incredible strength and raging emotions. Talk about not going to take it anymore LOL. All of a sudden your entire family is uprooted and moved and you are told you are a werewolf and the journey begins. I really love Allison, she is great and so real. Need I say I really loved this book. The storyline was rich and full with young love and loads of action. It was well written and kept me glued to the pages all the way to the end, which was very satisfying. From what I can find this is book one in a new series and I am really looking forward to continuing the journey and eager for more. This is definitely worth the read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre. I purchased this book.
April 15, 2012
This, along with ALL the reviews posted on my Goodreads account, was originally posted on my blog, The Violet Hour.
Pack of Lies was an interesting, entertaining read that was absolutely perfect for me after finishing a super emotional book. I was a little surprised to see that it contained 62 chapters, but I read through it in two days, which would have really been a 'one sit read' if I'd started earlier the first day. The easy flow Dailey and Weber created made consuming the pages easy.
I liked the concept of this book from the get go. It was nice to get some background on Allison and Aiden before things got crazy. There was actually quite a bit of background presented at the beginning of the story and little pieces of information here and there to help connect things. Normally we just get plopped into an already-shifted wolf story, but in PACK OF LIES we see the struggle Allison was having at school with her temper and the cause of her outburst; jealous high school girls. We also get a good view of the family dynamic. Even though I thought the mother's 'coming out' dialogue could have used some polishing, I had to laugh picturing the scene as she proved her story to Allison and Aiden. Moving the crew to New Mexico was definitely the right choice for the parents to make. Otherwise, Allison probably would have taken one (or two) of those snotty girls out!
There IS instalove, but c'mon, it's werewolves! They have to deal with imprinting and 'true mates' and mystical pack lore, so you really can't blame them. I enjoyed how the authors played out the romance. While technically it was a love triangle, it didn't feel that way because after Cade met Allison, that was it for him. He had no desire to fool with Kendall and her selfishness. After Allison and Cade have a few sizzling encounters, his father forbids him to go near her. That causes a huge problem, one that only Allison's mother realizes for what it is. When the secret comes out, Kendall pretty much goes insane. I almost felt bad for her because of how awful her mother was to her. But in the end, we're all responsible for our own actions, and I was very happy with how this first installment ended.I am definitely glad that I gave this book a shot. It was a great read!
You should add this book to your TBR pile right now! PACK OF LIES released April 6, so unfortunately I probably have quite a while to wait for book two. Unless it's already written and I can somehow get the authors to hand it over...
Pack of Lies was an interesting, entertaining read that was absolutely perfect for me after finishing a super emotional book. I was a little surprised to see that it contained 62 chapters, but I read through it in two days, which would have really been a 'one sit read' if I'd started earlier the first day. The easy flow Dailey and Weber created made consuming the pages easy.
I liked the concept of this book from the get go. It was nice to get some background on Allison and Aiden before things got crazy. There was actually quite a bit of background presented at the beginning of the story and little pieces of information here and there to help connect things. Normally we just get plopped into an already-shifted wolf story, but in PACK OF LIES we see the struggle Allison was having at school with her temper and the cause of her outburst; jealous high school girls. We also get a good view of the family dynamic. Even though I thought the mother's 'coming out' dialogue could have used some polishing, I had to laugh picturing the scene as she proved her story to Allison and Aiden. Moving the crew to New Mexico was definitely the right choice for the parents to make. Otherwise, Allison probably would have taken one (or two) of those snotty girls out!
There IS instalove, but c'mon, it's werewolves! They have to deal with imprinting and 'true mates' and mystical pack lore, so you really can't blame them. I enjoyed how the authors played out the romance. While technically it was a love triangle, it didn't feel that way because after Cade met Allison, that was it for him. He had no desire to fool with Kendall and her selfishness. After Allison and Cade have a few sizzling encounters, his father forbids him to go near her. That causes a huge problem, one that only Allison's mother realizes for what it is. When the secret comes out, Kendall pretty much goes insane. I almost felt bad for her because of how awful her mother was to her. But in the end, we're all responsible for our own actions, and I was very happy with how this first installment ended.I am definitely glad that I gave this book a shot. It was a great read!
You should add this book to your TBR pile right now! PACK OF LIES released April 6, so unfortunately I probably have quite a while to wait for book two. Unless it's already written and I can somehow get the authors to hand it over...
May 9, 2012
First and foremost Pack of Lies is a romance with a splash of paranormal. The story isn't deep or full of flowery description. It is a classic example of a young teenager's dream of how romance works. You meet a guy, fireworks ensue and you can't live without the other. On the same track you can't take the book too seriously. If you try to think too much all the holes will ruin it. Consider this story to be much like Superman keeping his identities separate with a pair of glasses and a curl of hair. This book seems to have two parts. Part one, the first three quarters, is awesome. I didn't want to put the book down and go to sleep. It is complete and utter fluff but scrumptious all the same. I loved it and had the biggest smile on my face. That first portion really felt like the perfect read to refuel tired batteries. If reading is losing its appeal this book can help get you back on the go. There were a couple of great lines, one of which left me laughing for minutes. I even laughed so hard I woke up my hubby. My favorite part came when Allison turned into a wolf and was ready for some justice. I was so excited I couldn't read fast enough. Sadly, I didn't get to read her kicking some were-bum. She is talked up as such a fighter, but not once after her move to the werewolf estate does she live up to expectations. I loved Aiden at the beginning. He is exactly the older brother I always wished I had. I cracked up when the big reveal went down. Okay kids, sit down, I need to tell you something. Wait, I really don't know how to tell you. Okay here goes nothing, I'm a werewolf and so are you. ( I paraphrased of course.) Hilarious in its bluntness.
The second part of the book is a whole other story. I would almost say they were written by two different people. The characters start to lose their identities. Dylan is a great example of this. He starts off mysterious and tips the scales into scary land. But once you hit part two he isn't any of those things and really rather weak. What happened? Some of the characters start to get annoying and weak. Cade is a prime example here. He vacilates between whiny weak waste of space and the stud he was painted as. The pace at the end is very fast and the story gets very thin. Sort of a "don't ask because we won't tel"l or maybe "we don't know."
Before the second portion I would have given this book a solid four but the ending really pulls it down. I would recommend this as a great light, put a smile on your face, read, just don't let the ending get in the way.
The second part of the book is a whole other story. I would almost say they were written by two different people. The characters start to lose their identities. Dylan is a great example of this. He starts off mysterious and tips the scales into scary land. But once you hit part two he isn't any of those things and really rather weak. What happened? Some of the characters start to get annoying and weak. Cade is a prime example here. He vacilates between whiny weak waste of space and the stud he was painted as. The pace at the end is very fast and the story gets very thin. Sort of a "don't ask because we won't tel"l or maybe "we don't know."
Before the second portion I would have given this book a solid four but the ending really pulls it down. I would recommend this as a great light, put a smile on your face, read, just don't let the ending get in the way.
May 15, 2012
First Thought: Were's are FRECKIN' HOTT
From the beginning I could tell that I would really enjoy this book, I mean the opening scene is the principal breaking up a chick fight between our main character Allison & some bimbo. Initially I liked Allison, or Al as everyone seems to call her, simply because she is blunt and up front. Why is she getting into all these fights at school, why does every boy within a 20 foot radius feel the need to undress her with their eyes? She doesn’t know, but she makes it known that it’s pissing her off just as much as the guideance counselor at school.
So in the wake of all these weird instances her mom drops a BOMB SHELL, “Oh BTW Al, you and your brother Aiden are werewolves…..AND we’re moving back to my hometown to become part of my pack again”……..seriously…yeah she threw it on them pretty quick. Not only does Allison have to take all of this in, but being in a completely new town has new kids, new boys, new rules.
This is where you meet Kendall, she gives the literal meaning to the word bitch. With hatred oozing from her pores, and stick-up radiating from her entire body, Al knows that this chick is bad news. Kendall is one of those characters that you’re just hoping will get dismembered in a freak car accident, or will at least burn her face with her straight iron. *Yes I have some hatred going on*
Ok, back on track…..Kendall’s a bitch, Al knows to stay away from her, and then there’s Cade. EPIC swoon! Alpha in training, hotness on a stick, and Kendall’s boyfriend <------ BOO
Now you can guess where this all went?? The ever nail biting, l-o-v-e triangle.
Cade: “Hmmmm, who do I pick?”
Beautiful, strong, loving female?
Chick who’s only concern is her status & color of her lip gloss?
Seems like a pretty easy choice, but this aren’t always as they seem.
Now for my all around thoughts on this book. I really enjoyed it, I haven’t read a good Were book in a while, so it was a really nice change of pace. For me there were just a few spots that I felt could have been developed just a tad, or maybe the emotional aspect of it needed to be matured slightly. Aside from that little note the authors did a great job with truly bringing out the unique qualities in each person. They also left a fabulously placed twist at the end of the book, so of course I will be picking up book #2, so I can see how this plays out.
4/5
From the beginning I could tell that I would really enjoy this book, I mean the opening scene is the principal breaking up a chick fight between our main character Allison & some bimbo. Initially I liked Allison, or Al as everyone seems to call her, simply because she is blunt and up front. Why is she getting into all these fights at school, why does every boy within a 20 foot radius feel the need to undress her with their eyes? She doesn’t know, but she makes it known that it’s pissing her off just as much as the guideance counselor at school.
So in the wake of all these weird instances her mom drops a BOMB SHELL, “Oh BTW Al, you and your brother Aiden are werewolves…..AND we’re moving back to my hometown to become part of my pack again”……..seriously…yeah she threw it on them pretty quick. Not only does Allison have to take all of this in, but being in a completely new town has new kids, new boys, new rules.
This is where you meet Kendall, she gives the literal meaning to the word bitch. With hatred oozing from her pores, and stick-up radiating from her entire body, Al knows that this chick is bad news. Kendall is one of those characters that you’re just hoping will get dismembered in a freak car accident, or will at least burn her face with her straight iron. *Yes I have some hatred going on*
Ok, back on track…..Kendall’s a bitch, Al knows to stay away from her, and then there’s Cade. EPIC swoon! Alpha in training, hotness on a stick, and Kendall’s boyfriend <------ BOO
Now you can guess where this all went?? The ever nail biting, l-o-v-e triangle.
Cade: “Hmmmm, who do I pick?”
Beautiful, strong, loving female?
Chick who’s only concern is her status & color of her lip gloss?
Seems like a pretty easy choice, but this aren’t always as they seem.
Now for my all around thoughts on this book. I really enjoyed it, I haven’t read a good Were book in a while, so it was a really nice change of pace. For me there were just a few spots that I felt could have been developed just a tad, or maybe the emotional aspect of it needed to be matured slightly. Aside from that little note the authors did a great job with truly bringing out the unique qualities in each person. They also left a fabulously placed twist at the end of the book, so of course I will be picking up book #2, so I can see how this plays out.
4/5
April 28, 2012
I love werewolf books! This was a good one. Allison is having problems at school. She has lost all her friends, is being hit on by guys she hasn't even said hello to, and is getting into fights with jealous girls. She doesn't know what is going on. When her mother tells her that she and her older brother are werewolves, her first reaction is laughter of the "you must be kidding" variety. But watching her mother transform into a wolf convinces her that her mother is telling the truth. Her mother fell in love with her human father and left the pack to be with him. She has never told her kids anything about what was in store for them when they grew up. The family is packing up and moving from Houston back to Red Ridge, New Mexico to be with her mother's family. Allison hopes that this will give her a chance for a fresh start and new friends.
The story is told in the first person by three of the characters. Each chapter heading tells us if we will be hearing the story from Allison, Cade or Kendall. Cade is the son of the current alpha and knows that it is his task to be the next alpha. Kendall is the girl who has been chosen to be his mate. The problems start when Allison and Cade take one look at each other and fall instantly in love. Normally, I am not a fan of "insta-love" but can let it slide this time because they are both werewolves and werewolves do fall instantly in love if they meet their true mate. Not all werewolves find true mates. There hasn't been such a pairing in the pack since a couple in the great-grandparent generation.
Kendall is not willing to step aside for Allison for a variety of reasons. She is under great pressure from her mother to latch onto Cade to raise her family's status in the pack. She is also determined to keep Cade because she likes being the alpha's girlfriend. She makes it hard for Allison in a number of ways.
I was of two minds about Cade. At first I didn't like him because he couldn't make a decision about the girls. Of course, he was under a lot of pressure too. His father favored Kendall and disliked Allison and her family. Did I mention that the werewolf Allison's mother set aside when she fell for Allison's father was the current alpha? He was also a lot of pressure from Kendall to keep up the relationship.
This was an exciting story with lots of romance and some danger too. I enjoyed it and will be looking for more in the Red Ridge Pack Series. Romance and werewolf fans will both be satisfied by this story.
The story is told in the first person by three of the characters. Each chapter heading tells us if we will be hearing the story from Allison, Cade or Kendall. Cade is the son of the current alpha and knows that it is his task to be the next alpha. Kendall is the girl who has been chosen to be his mate. The problems start when Allison and Cade take one look at each other and fall instantly in love. Normally, I am not a fan of "insta-love" but can let it slide this time because they are both werewolves and werewolves do fall instantly in love if they meet their true mate. Not all werewolves find true mates. There hasn't been such a pairing in the pack since a couple in the great-grandparent generation.
Kendall is not willing to step aside for Allison for a variety of reasons. She is under great pressure from her mother to latch onto Cade to raise her family's status in the pack. She is also determined to keep Cade because she likes being the alpha's girlfriend. She makes it hard for Allison in a number of ways.
I was of two minds about Cade. At first I didn't like him because he couldn't make a decision about the girls. Of course, he was under a lot of pressure too. His father favored Kendall and disliked Allison and her family. Did I mention that the werewolf Allison's mother set aside when she fell for Allison's father was the current alpha? He was also a lot of pressure from Kendall to keep up the relationship.
This was an exciting story with lots of romance and some danger too. I enjoyed it and will be looking for more in the Red Ridge Pack Series. Romance and werewolf fans will both be satisfied by this story.
March 19, 2013
I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Pack of Lies by Sara Dailey is the first book in the Red Ridge Pack Trilogy. It stars Allison, a girl who used to be a normal teenager, until one day it seems like she's always angry, and guys suddenly start acting like complete sex offenders around her. This isn't the case of her older brother, Aiden, who also seems to be going through changes of his own, but still keeps all of his friends. Their parents sit them down and tell them the truth. They are not exactly human, and they are moving where they can grow up with others of their own kind. The rest of the book dissolves into a Lifetime movie meets Werewolves, and that sums it up pretty nicely.
Things I liked: There were a couple of humorous moments where I chuckled out loud-- and actually my favorite character in the whole bunch only comes in on the last few pages with her quiet and unexpected humor and grace. If you read the book, you'll know who I'm talking about.
Issues I had: This book doesn't really bring anything new or unique to the wolf lore. I've read similar and much better books in the same genre recently, just to give you an idea where I'm coming from. Try Riley's Secret by Christina Smith or Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock.
The characters overall are not very likeable. I know they are angsty and teenagers who are going through a hormonal period, but as readers, it's hard to like characters who are angry and hormonal all the time. Or, in the main male character's case, he's just a total douchebag. I can't imagine anyone wanting to date him, but it seems like everyone wants to. So the way this is worked around is that his girlfriend is even more horrible than he is, so that we want them to break up. I was really disappointed by the villains in this story as well, they were so two dimensional and nothing we haven't seen before. There were no surprising plot twists, and I had to struggle to read to the end. Alspo, I don't normally notice foul language, but there's a ton of it in this book, and just makes the characters even more unlikeable. I think that this tactic may have been to make the teenagers sound "real," but may have backfired in the end. Lastly, the change in POV was not very convincing and not really necessary in my opinion-- plus, all of the voices were very similar.
Overall, this book was just not for me.
Pack of Lies by Sara Dailey is the first book in the Red Ridge Pack Trilogy. It stars Allison, a girl who used to be a normal teenager, until one day it seems like she's always angry, and guys suddenly start acting like complete sex offenders around her. This isn't the case of her older brother, Aiden, who also seems to be going through changes of his own, but still keeps all of his friends. Their parents sit them down and tell them the truth. They are not exactly human, and they are moving where they can grow up with others of their own kind. The rest of the book dissolves into a Lifetime movie meets Werewolves, and that sums it up pretty nicely.
Things I liked: There were a couple of humorous moments where I chuckled out loud-- and actually my favorite character in the whole bunch only comes in on the last few pages with her quiet and unexpected humor and grace. If you read the book, you'll know who I'm talking about.
Issues I had: This book doesn't really bring anything new or unique to the wolf lore. I've read similar and much better books in the same genre recently, just to give you an idea where I'm coming from. Try Riley's Secret by Christina Smith or Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock.
The characters overall are not very likeable. I know they are angsty and teenagers who are going through a hormonal period, but as readers, it's hard to like characters who are angry and hormonal all the time. Or, in the main male character's case, he's just a total douchebag. I can't imagine anyone wanting to date him, but it seems like everyone wants to. So the way this is worked around is that his girlfriend is even more horrible than he is, so that we want them to break up. I was really disappointed by the villains in this story as well, they were so two dimensional and nothing we haven't seen before. There were no surprising plot twists, and I had to struggle to read to the end. Alspo, I don't normally notice foul language, but there's a ton of it in this book, and just makes the characters even more unlikeable. I think that this tactic may have been to make the teenagers sound "real," but may have backfired in the end. Lastly, the change in POV was not very convincing and not really necessary in my opinion-- plus, all of the voices were very similar.
Overall, this book was just not for me.
July 16, 2012
High school junior Allison has been having a hard time at school. Friends have suddenly turned into strangers, girls are accusing her of trying to steal their boyfriends, and she's been getting into fights. Is Allison out of control or is it something else?
With the Wright family, the answer is definitely something else. Over dinner Allison and her older brother Aiden find out their mom is a werewolf. Yep, inbetween the peas and mashed potatoes, these two teens discover that they too will be just like mom. Who knew DNA and family genetics could be so paranormal?
I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book when I first began. Finding it slighty angsty and humorous, it was Allison and her family's funny lines that made me chuckle. Before I knew it I was sitting back, engulfed, and entertained by Pack Of Lies. With the teens dealing with pheromones and rising body temperatures, remaining in Texas is no longer possible. The family moves to Red Ridge, New Mexico to join a pack. But problems are just beginning for Allison when she sees Cade, very hot, soon to be the Alpha, and spoken for. Throw in a ticked off and jealous girlfriend, Kendall, and pack life becomes a drama queen's playground. as Kendall does what she can--even if it's aligning herself with outsider wolves--in order to stay by Cade's side and get rid of Allison.
The writing is smooth, the pacing rises and dips, and a few surprises are thrown in to keep one's eyes trained on the page for Part One. And then things change in Part Two and some characters (especially Cade) came across as weak. When the emphasis should be on the growth of these characters, I found the pacing increased and the fleshing out of the individuals dips. As a reader I love action but I also need growth to make me believe and the lack of these things made me rate this story at three stars instead of higher. Still promising, Pack of Lies introduces us to new teen wolves and a pack that is less than welcoming. Werewolf fans may want to check out this series for themselves.
With the Wright family, the answer is definitely something else. Over dinner Allison and her older brother Aiden find out their mom is a werewolf. Yep, inbetween the peas and mashed potatoes, these two teens discover that they too will be just like mom. Who knew DNA and family genetics could be so paranormal?
I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book when I first began. Finding it slighty angsty and humorous, it was Allison and her family's funny lines that made me chuckle. Before I knew it I was sitting back, engulfed, and entertained by Pack Of Lies. With the teens dealing with pheromones and rising body temperatures, remaining in Texas is no longer possible. The family moves to Red Ridge, New Mexico to join a pack. But problems are just beginning for Allison when she sees Cade, very hot, soon to be the Alpha, and spoken for. Throw in a ticked off and jealous girlfriend, Kendall, and pack life becomes a drama queen's playground. as Kendall does what she can--even if it's aligning herself with outsider wolves--in order to stay by Cade's side and get rid of Allison.
The writing is smooth, the pacing rises and dips, and a few surprises are thrown in to keep one's eyes trained on the page for Part One. And then things change in Part Two and some characters (especially Cade) came across as weak. When the emphasis should be on the growth of these characters, I found the pacing increased and the fleshing out of the individuals dips. As a reader I love action but I also need growth to make me believe and the lack of these things made me rate this story at three stars instead of higher. Still promising, Pack of Lies introduces us to new teen wolves and a pack that is less than welcoming. Werewolf fans may want to check out this series for themselves.
October 25, 2012
First thoughts
OK, so pack of Lies as all of my favorite elements. An alpha male, check, a werewolf pack, check, and a kick ass heroine, So far this novel was looking pretty promising.
My thoughts
Pack of Lies opens up with some fighting action. I’m not kidding the first line in the book is “Break it up ladies”. Allison The heroine is having a hard time lately. It’s close to her seventeenth birthday and she has no friends to celebrate with. Lately she feels like everyone hates her. She lost her friends and boyfriend and everyone wants to fight her. And just when she doesn’t think life could get any worst her mother tells her and Aiden (her brother) that she is a werewolf and soon they will be too, oh and there’re moving. Now Allison and Aiden are dealing with this new found secret and trying to cope, while in a new environment, with a pack of Wolves.
Alison thought of this as a fresh start but before they can even say hi the girls led my queen bee Kendall hates her and she meets a wolf that makes her pulse jump .She later founds out, that wolf is Cade the alpha’s son and Kendall’s long term boyfriend!! Things are no longer looking up.
I enjoyed this book because of the paranormal aspect and the characters. I think all the character’s played their “roles” perfectly. Aiden was the lovable protective brother; the parents were just that parents. The villains were horrible and you will hate them. And Allison and Cade were great together. They did annoy me sometimes with their progress and how they tricked each other, but then again they were trying to please everyone.
Only grievance I had with this book was I would have loved it to be longer so that I could have got a better understanding of the character’s and more story before the big action packed climax. But they probably will be built on throughout the series!
Overall, this was a pretty quick and easy read. It has action, romance, and the paranormal feature. I can’t wait to read the follow up Circle of Lies starring Aiden as the main character.
P.S I love the cover how about you guys?
OK, so pack of Lies as all of my favorite elements. An alpha male, check, a werewolf pack, check, and a kick ass heroine, So far this novel was looking pretty promising.
My thoughts
Pack of Lies opens up with some fighting action. I’m not kidding the first line in the book is “Break it up ladies”. Allison The heroine is having a hard time lately. It’s close to her seventeenth birthday and she has no friends to celebrate with. Lately she feels like everyone hates her. She lost her friends and boyfriend and everyone wants to fight her. And just when she doesn’t think life could get any worst her mother tells her and Aiden (her brother) that she is a werewolf and soon they will be too, oh and there’re moving. Now Allison and Aiden are dealing with this new found secret and trying to cope, while in a new environment, with a pack of Wolves.
Alison thought of this as a fresh start but before they can even say hi the girls led my queen bee Kendall hates her and she meets a wolf that makes her pulse jump .She later founds out, that wolf is Cade the alpha’s son and Kendall’s long term boyfriend!! Things are no longer looking up.
I enjoyed this book because of the paranormal aspect and the characters. I think all the character’s played their “roles” perfectly. Aiden was the lovable protective brother; the parents were just that parents. The villains were horrible and you will hate them. And Allison and Cade were great together. They did annoy me sometimes with their progress and how they tricked each other, but then again they were trying to please everyone.
Only grievance I had with this book was I would have loved it to be longer so that I could have got a better understanding of the character’s and more story before the big action packed climax. But they probably will be built on throughout the series!
Overall, this was a pretty quick and easy read. It has action, romance, and the paranormal feature. I can’t wait to read the follow up Circle of Lies starring Aiden as the main character.
P.S I love the cover how about you guys?
January 31, 2013
I think this book had a bit of a rough start. But as it went on I really started to get into it. I love werewolf books, and this is no exception.
The book started off a little unusual and unrealistic, but gradually the story became structured and believable. I think the hardest part for any bookie the beginning.
So, Alli and Cade? Huh. And Kendall. What. A. Bitch. The world doesn't vented around you, honey, and you totally got what you deserved. She, I mean she. Sorry, I forget that character only exist in books sometimes. Okay, most of the time.
Let me some it up for you. Alli has crap friends and jealous nut heads for peers. She is a half-were and doesn't know it and she beats the tofu out of one of said nut heads and her mother blurts it out for her.
Her mother explains how she left her pack to be with the human she loved. They go to her old pack and Alli meets Cade. Sparks fly. But Cade has a Bitch girlfriend named Kendall.
The rest of the story you can read about. But I will give you the rundown on the main characters. That way you can see why I like Alli and think the rest are a little floozy.
Alli - she's pretty awesome. She's not afraid to give people their shit right back. When nut heads go psycho on her she gives them hell. When her brother doesn't defend her she gives it to him straight. When Kendall makes s fool out of a her she shows Kendall who she's needing with. Finally, a female protagonist who isn't a damsel in distress. Well, except for the last part, but that's understandable.
Aiden - he needs to learn to take better care of his sister. Ditching her like that to his pig friends instead of standing up for her was low. And he's supposed to be her best friend.
Cade - okay, he's a really weak to-be alpha. I mean seriously, he needs to stand up for what he wants and if he wants Alli he has a cowardly way of showing it.
Kendall - I say she's a Bitch but really, shes just pathetic. If my mother expected me to do all that crazy stuff I'd tell her to take a hike.
So now you see why Alli is my favorite character.
The book started off a little unusual and unrealistic, but gradually the story became structured and believable. I think the hardest part for any bookie the beginning.
So, Alli and Cade? Huh. And Kendall. What. A. Bitch. The world doesn't vented around you, honey, and you totally got what you deserved. She, I mean she. Sorry, I forget that character only exist in books sometimes. Okay, most of the time.
Let me some it up for you. Alli has crap friends and jealous nut heads for peers. She is a half-were and doesn't know it and she beats the tofu out of one of said nut heads and her mother blurts it out for her.
Her mother explains how she left her pack to be with the human she loved. They go to her old pack and Alli meets Cade. Sparks fly. But Cade has a Bitch girlfriend named Kendall.
The rest of the story you can read about. But I will give you the rundown on the main characters. That way you can see why I like Alli and think the rest are a little floozy.
Alli - she's pretty awesome. She's not afraid to give people their shit right back. When nut heads go psycho on her she gives them hell. When her brother doesn't defend her she gives it to him straight. When Kendall makes s fool out of a her she shows Kendall who she's needing with. Finally, a female protagonist who isn't a damsel in distress. Well, except for the last part, but that's understandable.
Aiden - he needs to learn to take better care of his sister. Ditching her like that to his pig friends instead of standing up for her was low. And he's supposed to be her best friend.
Cade - okay, he's a really weak to-be alpha. I mean seriously, he needs to stand up for what he wants and if he wants Alli he has a cowardly way of showing it.
Kendall - I say she's a Bitch but really, shes just pathetic. If my mother expected me to do all that crazy stuff I'd tell her to take a hike.
So now you see why Alli is my favorite character.
March 8, 2013
What a rush! From page one you find yourself wrapped in a world that, although supernatural in essence, is completely and utterly real. The authors make being a werewolf seem so real and possible. There’s very little of over the top supernatural stuff. Although the characters are supernaturals, their characteristics are all either in the realm of the possible or presented so naturally that it seems completely plausible. The writing in this novel is so unforced and natural that it’s easy to immerse yourself in it.
Although this novel changes perspective from character to character between chapters, the differentiation between them is very clear. Not only do the authors let you know who is speaking as the chapter title, but there are minute differences in the writing style between the characters. It in no way hampers the flow of the story but makes the differentiation that much easier. I also appreciate the subtle approach taken with descriptions. They don’t lay everything out for you all at once but rather little by little. The descriptions are also realistic and toned down. Nothing is over the top, which adds to the realism of the novel as a whole.
The characters in this novel are great. They are all loveable and it’s easy to identify with them. Even one of the characters, who in essence is the bad guy, is easy to identify with and you can’t help but feel for her. Because the authors took the time to develop physical appearance, individual personalities, and family histories for each and every one of the characters you can see how they ended up where they are. These characters are not only complete people, but also individuals. Although members of the same pack, they are not clones of each other.
This story is very well written and organized in a logical way. It sets up the series quite well. It also leaves me very, very excited to get my hands on the sequels.
Please note that I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Although this novel changes perspective from character to character between chapters, the differentiation between them is very clear. Not only do the authors let you know who is speaking as the chapter title, but there are minute differences in the writing style between the characters. It in no way hampers the flow of the story but makes the differentiation that much easier. I also appreciate the subtle approach taken with descriptions. They don’t lay everything out for you all at once but rather little by little. The descriptions are also realistic and toned down. Nothing is over the top, which adds to the realism of the novel as a whole.
The characters in this novel are great. They are all loveable and it’s easy to identify with them. Even one of the characters, who in essence is the bad guy, is easy to identify with and you can’t help but feel for her. Because the authors took the time to develop physical appearance, individual personalities, and family histories for each and every one of the characters you can see how they ended up where they are. These characters are not only complete people, but also individuals. Although members of the same pack, they are not clones of each other.
This story is very well written and organized in a logical way. It sets up the series quite well. It also leaves me very, very excited to get my hands on the sequels.
Please note that I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2014
Well, i wasnt disappointed and the novella didnt spoil it for me in the slightest, so if you were looking to read the series, the novella can be read first (and probably best to do so, so you have the back ground of the Wright family).
This book centers about Allison and her brother Aiden. For some reason Alli's life has changed over the last 6 months and she doesnt know why - her friends now hate her, boys are pawing over her, her temper and anger is hard to control and to top it off shes constantly hot and sweating!
Shes the polar opposite to her popular, loved and happy brother Aiden.
So when their parents sat them down and told them they were in fact werewolves.....it was a bit of a shock.....
And then the bombshell that they were to be moving back to the Pack to help them with the changes.
Alli thinks its great - a fresh start with new people. Aiden, is sad to leave his popular life, but understands why the move.
They havent turned into a wolf yet, btu on their first night they meet up with some of the younger were's and hang out. Alli doesnt feel so great, but when she was just near her new home, she collapsed on the floor......and when she looked down she was a wolf! She revelled in this new feeling and goes for a run and play in the woods. She meets another wolf. With emerald green eyes. They hesitantly move towards each other, and then play all night. Alli was over the moon from her first change and the fun....until she discovers who the other wolf was.....
Cody is the next alpha to the pack. Kendall has been groomed to be his lead female, but he cant resist Alli. Not just your normal teenage lust, this was much deeper....and he knew Alli felt it too....
...but Marcus forbids him to ever see her and to disobey an alpha.....not a good thing.
Kendall can see all this happening and hatches a plan with a rogue to get rid of Alli once and for all........
This book centers about Allison and her brother Aiden. For some reason Alli's life has changed over the last 6 months and she doesnt know why - her friends now hate her, boys are pawing over her, her temper and anger is hard to control and to top it off shes constantly hot and sweating!
Shes the polar opposite to her popular, loved and happy brother Aiden.
So when their parents sat them down and told them they were in fact werewolves.....it was a bit of a shock.....
And then the bombshell that they were to be moving back to the Pack to help them with the changes.
Alli thinks its great - a fresh start with new people. Aiden, is sad to leave his popular life, but understands why the move.
They havent turned into a wolf yet, btu on their first night they meet up with some of the younger were's and hang out. Alli doesnt feel so great, but when she was just near her new home, she collapsed on the floor......and when she looked down she was a wolf! She revelled in this new feeling and goes for a run and play in the woods. She meets another wolf. With emerald green eyes. They hesitantly move towards each other, and then play all night. Alli was over the moon from her first change and the fun....until she discovers who the other wolf was.....
Cody is the next alpha to the pack. Kendall has been groomed to be his lead female, but he cant resist Alli. Not just your normal teenage lust, this was much deeper....and he knew Alli felt it too....
...but Marcus forbids him to ever see her and to disobey an alpha.....not a good thing.
Kendall can see all this happening and hatches a plan with a rogue to get rid of Alli once and for all........
June 27, 2012
Pack of Lies was a great read. I tend to love werewolf reads and this one didn't dissappoint. I always love to see the werewolf story told through the eyes of a werewolf girl. It just makes for a better story in my opinion. The authors did a great job of telling this story through Alli.
I love the character of Alli. She was a tough heroine like I love them to be. We start out meeting her by finding out she has gotten into another fight at school. We learn she has a tendency to fight alot. Alli sits down to a family dinner and learns that she is part werewolf. She also learns that they will be moving so she can be around others like her.
Alli learns that she is moving to Red Ridge to live with the pack her mother left. Alli and her brother Aiden are introduced to the other teens in the pack. Aiden instantly fits in while Alli has to adjust. Alli leaves and turns into a wolf for the first time and meets Cade in his wolf form. They instantly connect with each other.
Cade is what you would expect from the next Alpha and so much more. He is sweet and so friendly. I can tell him and Alli are meant to be together. There is just one obstacle in their way and her name is Kendall. Kendall is Cade's current girlfriend adn the character you will love to hate. She is just so snarky, mean,and vindictive but once you learn more about her I started to understand why she was the way she was.
Overall I loved this book. Alli became one of my new favorite characters. I can't help it since I love strong female heroines. I also loved the authors writing style. They crafted a great story with a great plot and awesome characters. This book had all the things I love with intrigue, romance, and characters coming into their own.
I love the character of Alli. She was a tough heroine like I love them to be. We start out meeting her by finding out she has gotten into another fight at school. We learn she has a tendency to fight alot. Alli sits down to a family dinner and learns that she is part werewolf. She also learns that they will be moving so she can be around others like her.
Alli learns that she is moving to Red Ridge to live with the pack her mother left. Alli and her brother Aiden are introduced to the other teens in the pack. Aiden instantly fits in while Alli has to adjust. Alli leaves and turns into a wolf for the first time and meets Cade in his wolf form. They instantly connect with each other.
Cade is what you would expect from the next Alpha and so much more. He is sweet and so friendly. I can tell him and Alli are meant to be together. There is just one obstacle in their way and her name is Kendall. Kendall is Cade's current girlfriend adn the character you will love to hate. She is just so snarky, mean,and vindictive but once you learn more about her I started to understand why she was the way she was.
Overall I loved this book. Alli became one of my new favorite characters. I can't help it since I love strong female heroines. I also loved the authors writing style. They crafted a great story with a great plot and awesome characters. This book had all the things I love with intrigue, romance, and characters coming into their own.
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