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Lifting the Veil #1
The Wolfing Way
Kris Ellis thought that the time of arranged marriages was long past but that was before the Great Unveiling revealed creatures of myth living among humans. Now a routine medical test has determined that Kris has a mate, a werewolf named Rafael King.
Kris is fresh out of college and has plans for his life. None of them include being tied forever to someone he s never met. But then Rafe calls him, and Kris starts to reconsider. After all, what must it be like to wait for your soul mate for two hundred years?
Rafe is patient, strong, and kind, not to mention attractive. True to what Kris has heard about mates, sparks fly the second they meet. But Kris and Rafe are very different, and the werewolf way of life is dangerous. Is the fight for love really worth it?
Kris is fresh out of college and has plans for his life. None of them include being tied forever to someone he s never met. But then Rafe calls him, and Kris starts to reconsider. After all, what must it be like to wait for your soul mate for two hundred years?
Rafe is patient, strong, and kind, not to mention attractive. True to what Kris has heard about mates, sparks fly the second they meet. But Kris and Rafe are very different, and the werewolf way of life is dangerous. Is the fight for love really worth it?
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2012
9 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Susan Laine
88 books220 followersSusan is an award-winning author of LGBTQ erotic romance. She writes for Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications, Siren BookStrand, Evernight Publishing, and Less Than Three Press. Susan is a Finn writing in English. She likes action flicks, pop music, saunas, and the seasons in Finland. Join Susan's newsletter HERE.
Coming soon new M/M and F/F erotic romances....
Sorry but... I'm taking a bit of a hiatus from writing at the moment. Will keep you apprised of any changes. Huge thanks to anyone who has read my stories and, hopefully, liked them <3
Merry Christmas!
Coming soon new M/M and F/F erotic romances....
Sorry but... I'm taking a bit of a hiatus from writing at the moment. Will keep you apprised of any changes. Huge thanks to anyone who has read my stories and, hopefully, liked them <3
Merry Christmas!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 20, 2012
2.5 Stars
I have come to the conclusion that most shifter romances are not for me! I was tempted by the blurb and it started so well an intriguing setup with a different take on the usual shifter stories but sadly it didn't manage to continue with the unusual or deliver in the end. A light read with some enjoyable aspects, recommended for shifter fans who don't mind the same old pet peeves.
I have come to the conclusion that most shifter romances are not for me! I was tempted by the blurb and it started so well an intriguing setup with a different take on the usual shifter stories but sadly it didn't manage to continue with the unusual or deliver in the end. A light read with some enjoyable aspects, recommended for shifter fans who don't mind the same old pet peeves.
May 31, 2012
When I found this book I was very intrigued. Not only is the cover just phenomenal but the blurb mentioned mates and arranged marriages with more than just a hint of reluctance. I was eager to start it.
What I found was a nice story filled with the usual mates but with a spin to it because Kris and Rafael never actually see each other when they find out they are mates. It was refreshing in a way because of the world this story is set in and the organization that helps shifters find their mates. I love mating stories very much but I love arranged marriages even more and the way this story is told alludes to it being more of an arranged marriage. I really liked that aspect of the story.
Kris starts out being a stubborn, snarky guy. He doesn't like being told he now has to pack up and move across the country to be with his so called mate. Rafael was pretty soft-spoken and a little needy but I found that kind of cute. I liked how they go from being hostile to reluctantly intrigued to very much okay with their new arrangement.
The worse thing this story had going for it, though, was the lack of important details. I kind of felt like I was reading more of an outline than an actual story because we miss so many details about the world, the characters, the developing relationship and the way these wolves act and live. I was a little saddened that a lot of things weren't explained and bewildered when Kris did a complete 180 from not wanting to mate to all of a sudden telling Rafael he wouldn't leave.
Overall, I liked the story. It has a certain charm to it. It was cute, gave me a few smiles and had its own unique world. I enjoyed it but I'm hoping any sequels that follow have more details because I don't want to feel confused and left with questions again.
What I found was a nice story filled with the usual mates but with a spin to it because Kris and Rafael never actually see each other when they find out they are mates. It was refreshing in a way because of the world this story is set in and the organization that helps shifters find their mates. I love mating stories very much but I love arranged marriages even more and the way this story is told alludes to it being more of an arranged marriage. I really liked that aspect of the story.
Kris starts out being a stubborn, snarky guy. He doesn't like being told he now has to pack up and move across the country to be with his so called mate. Rafael was pretty soft-spoken and a little needy but I found that kind of cute. I liked how they go from being hostile to reluctantly intrigued to very much okay with their new arrangement.
The worse thing this story had going for it, though, was the lack of important details. I kind of felt like I was reading more of an outline than an actual story because we miss so many details about the world, the characters, the developing relationship and the way these wolves act and live. I was a little saddened that a lot of things weren't explained and bewildered when Kris did a complete 180 from not wanting to mate to all of a sudden telling Rafael he wouldn't leave.
Overall, I liked the story. It has a certain charm to it. It was cute, gave me a few smiles and had its own unique world. I enjoyed it but I'm hoping any sequels that follow have more details because I don't want to feel confused and left with questions again.
May 19, 2012
2.5 stars
The Wolfing Way started with an interesting premise but then it went downhill fast to something that should've been published by Siren.
The Wolfing Way started with an interesting premise but then it went downhill fast to something that should've been published by Siren.
May 21, 2012
Ok paranormal m/m romance about a guy about to graduate from college who discovers he's the fated mate of a werewolf and is afraid that all his choices are about to being taken away. As others have noted, this started promisingly, but deteriorated into near-purple prose and cliches.
May 29, 2017
Ich habe in letzter Zeit gerne Wandlergeschichten gelesen und war gespannt auf das erste Buch zur Serie Den Schleier heben. Es entführt die Leser in eine paranormale Welt, in der magische Wesen und Menschen miteinander leben.
Zur Handlung. Als Kris nach einem zufälligen Bluttest erfährt, dass er der menschliche Gefährte eines Werwolfs ist, ist er darüber alles andere als begeistert. Denn seine Zukunft hat er bereits geplant und ist nicht gewillt, alles aufzugeben, um der unerwünschten Bestimmung zu folgen. Deshalb lehnt er etwaige Treffen mit dem potentiellen Partner zunächst kategorisch ab und lässt den Vermittler immer wieder abblitzen.
Rafe wartet schon seit 200 Jahren auf seinen wahren Gefährten. Doch erst, als er selbst zum Telefon greift, um mit Kris persönlich zu reden, kommt es schließlich zu einem Treffen der beiden Männer. Wie von Rafe ersehnt und von Kris befürchtet, ist es Liebe auf den ersten Blick, als sie sich endlich gegenüber stehen. Doch noch sind dadurch nicht alle Probleme beseitigt.
Bedingt durch die vorherbestimmte Partnerschaft blieb die Geschichte vorhersehbar und ohne große Überraschungen. Selbst Kris Gegenwehr blieb kurz und wenig nennenswert und er fügt sich schnell in sein Schicksal. Dabei habe ich mir schon etwas mehr Dramatik gewünscht. Was ich allerdings besonders vermisst habe, ist eine mehr oder weniger ausführliche Erklärung, wie es überhaupt zu der großen Enthüllung gekommen ist, durch die magische Wesen enttarnt wurden. Da fehlt einfach ein wichtiger Teil der Vorgeschichte. Deshalb gibt es von mir ein Sternchen weniger. Bleibt zu hoffen, dass in den nächsten Serienfolgen noch der ein oder andere Schleier gelüftet wird und sich noch einige offen gebliebene Fragen klären.
Die Story erhält von mir 4 Sterne und eine Lesempfehlung.
Ein lieber Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Zur Handlung. Als Kris nach einem zufälligen Bluttest erfährt, dass er der menschliche Gefährte eines Werwolfs ist, ist er darüber alles andere als begeistert. Denn seine Zukunft hat er bereits geplant und ist nicht gewillt, alles aufzugeben, um der unerwünschten Bestimmung zu folgen. Deshalb lehnt er etwaige Treffen mit dem potentiellen Partner zunächst kategorisch ab und lässt den Vermittler immer wieder abblitzen.
Rafe wartet schon seit 200 Jahren auf seinen wahren Gefährten. Doch erst, als er selbst zum Telefon greift, um mit Kris persönlich zu reden, kommt es schließlich zu einem Treffen der beiden Männer. Wie von Rafe ersehnt und von Kris befürchtet, ist es Liebe auf den ersten Blick, als sie sich endlich gegenüber stehen. Doch noch sind dadurch nicht alle Probleme beseitigt.
Bedingt durch die vorherbestimmte Partnerschaft blieb die Geschichte vorhersehbar und ohne große Überraschungen. Selbst Kris Gegenwehr blieb kurz und wenig nennenswert und er fügt sich schnell in sein Schicksal. Dabei habe ich mir schon etwas mehr Dramatik gewünscht. Was ich allerdings besonders vermisst habe, ist eine mehr oder weniger ausführliche Erklärung, wie es überhaupt zu der großen Enthüllung gekommen ist, durch die magische Wesen enttarnt wurden. Da fehlt einfach ein wichtiger Teil der Vorgeschichte. Deshalb gibt es von mir ein Sternchen weniger. Bleibt zu hoffen, dass in den nächsten Serienfolgen noch der ein oder andere Schleier gelüftet wird und sich noch einige offen gebliebene Fragen klären.
Die Story erhält von mir 4 Sterne und eine Lesempfehlung.
Ein lieber Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
June 28, 2012
2.5*
I don't mind insta-love and mating, since it was clear from the blurb, I knew what I was getting.
The overuse of the the name 'Honey' a total of 31 times in this rather short story and 'mate' 104 times did get annoying.
And the father was only able to speak 'coolly' !
I also found the story rather wordy, I mean a lot of words were used to describe the scene and emotions, it got to the point I was only reading every third word, because it was too much.
And the sex- the description of it pulled me out of the story, I didn't find it sexy at all, unfortunately.
Here an example
I was also surprised at Rafe, he was either wanting to yell or cry it seemed like and at first he wanted nothing more than to make Kris his mate.
ETA I did want to say I liked the idea of how the unseen world was revealed, the 'Lifting of the Veil' original idea and explanation .
I don't mind insta-love and mating, since it was clear from the blurb, I knew what I was getting.
The overuse of the the name 'Honey' a total of 31 times in this rather short story and 'mate' 104 times did get annoying.
And the father was only able to speak 'coolly' !
I also found the story rather wordy, I mean a lot of words were used to describe the scene and emotions, it got to the point I was only reading every third word, because it was too much.
And the sex- the description of it pulled me out of the story, I didn't find it sexy at all, unfortunately.
Here an example
I was also surprised at Rafe, he was either wanting to yell or cry it seemed like and at first he wanted nothing more than to make Kris his mate.
ETA I did want to say I liked the idea of how the unseen world was revealed, the 'Lifting of the Veil' original idea and explanation .
July 27, 2012
Wow! Susan Laine knocked this one out of the ballpark! I loved the fresh storyline and the intense chemistry between the two heroes. Between the fast paced storyline and the sexy shifters, I quickly read this book in one setting and wished for more when it ended.
One of the reasons why I really loved this book was: the creative way the author got the two heroes together. I’ve read MANY shifter stories, and to my knowledge, I thought this book had the most interesting ways for the mates to meet. I’m sorry if I’m being a little evasive here, but I don’t want to spoil this book, so I’m trying to tread very carefully and I’ve decided not to rehash the book, but encourage you to really read the blurb. The blurb does an excellent job at explaining what the book is about without spoiling much.
Instead, I thought I would give the reasons why I really enjoyed this book. I really liked that even though the two heroes are drawn together, there wasn’t an insta-love connection between them. I also appreciated how their relationship progressed throughout the book, and I loved them together as a couple. Both heroes are very well-written, likeable men. It was easy to care about them both and I really appreciated that both men were smart, sexy and very stubborn. There is also an intense attraction that burns and sizzles between them. They’ve got a very strong chemistry and I adored every moment they shared together in the book. I liked the quick banter between them and just all around enjoyed reading their love story.
Also, the book moves very quickly and the plot itself kept me glued to my ereader. There’s some angst in this book, but it’s not overly done and all in all I think it’s a very well-written and well-rounded book. If you are looking for a sexy and unique shifter story, The Wolfing Way is a perfect choice for you. It gave me several hours of an enjoyable escape from my everyday life and since this is the first book in a series, I look forward to reading the second book in the series in the future. Highly Recommended!
One of the reasons why I really loved this book was: the creative way the author got the two heroes together. I’ve read MANY shifter stories, and to my knowledge, I thought this book had the most interesting ways for the mates to meet. I’m sorry if I’m being a little evasive here, but I don’t want to spoil this book, so I’m trying to tread very carefully and I’ve decided not to rehash the book, but encourage you to really read the blurb. The blurb does an excellent job at explaining what the book is about without spoiling much.
Instead, I thought I would give the reasons why I really enjoyed this book. I really liked that even though the two heroes are drawn together, there wasn’t an insta-love connection between them. I also appreciated how their relationship progressed throughout the book, and I loved them together as a couple. Both heroes are very well-written, likeable men. It was easy to care about them both and I really appreciated that both men were smart, sexy and very stubborn. There is also an intense attraction that burns and sizzles between them. They’ve got a very strong chemistry and I adored every moment they shared together in the book. I liked the quick banter between them and just all around enjoyed reading their love story.
Also, the book moves very quickly and the plot itself kept me glued to my ereader. There’s some angst in this book, but it’s not overly done and all in all I think it’s a very well-written and well-rounded book. If you are looking for a sexy and unique shifter story, The Wolfing Way is a perfect choice for you. It gave me several hours of an enjoyable escape from my everyday life and since this is the first book in a series, I look forward to reading the second book in the series in the future. Highly Recommended!
May 19, 2012
I have read many paranormal stories particularly those featuring shifters that involve the 'destined mate' concept. I chose this book because of the unique take the author took on this.
In Susan Laine's paranormal world, all the other than humans are outed by a mysterious way of energy that tears down the veil between the worlds. Now humans and supes alike must learn to make something of this new combined world together. One of the transition pieces is an agency that helps the paranormals match up with the humans who are destined as their mates and then help transition the humans into the idea.
For Kris, the knock on the door 3 weeks before he graduates from college is the beginning of a nightmare. The stuffy government man smuggly tells him that he is the mated match for a werewolf. Kris slams the door in the man's face and refuses to discuss it further though the man contacts him daily.
This goes on until one night Kris picks up a call on his cell phone thinking it one of his friends and it turns out to be the werewolf who is his mate, Rafe. The conversation goes from hostile, to tentative, to enjoyable, and then to anxiety filled before Kris begs for the three weeks to his graduation to think things through. Not only is he expected to mate with Rafe, but he is expected to leave behind his family and his future goals to live with Rafe and his pack.
The three weeks are up and Kris agrees to a meeting and the story just gets even better from there.
As I said before, I loved the world-building. The plot itself is fairly even paced with just a few spikes of excitement. But the best part was the characters of Rafe and Kris. I just loved them and was so eager for that moment when they met. It was amusing when Kris' over-protective brother Isaiah entered the scene because he sure was a scene stealer.
I would have loved to have had more with Rafe and Kris because I really liked them together. All in all, it was a very satisfying read.
In Susan Laine's paranormal world, all the other than humans are outed by a mysterious way of energy that tears down the veil between the worlds. Now humans and supes alike must learn to make something of this new combined world together. One of the transition pieces is an agency that helps the paranormals match up with the humans who are destined as their mates and then help transition the humans into the idea.
For Kris, the knock on the door 3 weeks before he graduates from college is the beginning of a nightmare. The stuffy government man smuggly tells him that he is the mated match for a werewolf. Kris slams the door in the man's face and refuses to discuss it further though the man contacts him daily.
This goes on until one night Kris picks up a call on his cell phone thinking it one of his friends and it turns out to be the werewolf who is his mate, Rafe. The conversation goes from hostile, to tentative, to enjoyable, and then to anxiety filled before Kris begs for the three weeks to his graduation to think things through. Not only is he expected to mate with Rafe, but he is expected to leave behind his family and his future goals to live with Rafe and his pack.
The three weeks are up and Kris agrees to a meeting and the story just gets even better from there.
As I said before, I loved the world-building. The plot itself is fairly even paced with just a few spikes of excitement. But the best part was the characters of Rafe and Kris. I just loved them and was so eager for that moment when they met. It was amusing when Kris' over-protective brother Isaiah entered the scene because he sure was a scene stealer.
I would have loved to have had more with Rafe and Kris because I really liked them together. All in all, it was a very satisfying read.
May 30, 2017
Ich schaue bei Wandlergeschichten gerne rein und das Thema dieser hier, das in den ersten Absätzen praktisch auf eine Zwangsehe hindeutete, wollte ich mir näher ansehen. Hätte ich es mal gelassen.
Die Idee der Vermischung von der normalen mit einer mystischen Welt ist super, die Umsetzung ist allerdings in die Hose gegangen. Es werden unzählige Bereiche und Themen angeschnitten, die ich wahnsinnig interessant fand, aber nichts wird weiter ausgeführt. Alles dümpelt lieblos an der Oberfläche herum, die Charaktere und auch die Story selbst – nichts hat wirklich Tiefe oder hält mich als Leser in der Geschichte. Ich hatte teilweise echte Mühe mir zu merken, was vor 5 Seiten war, so banal und langweilig ist das Buch geschrieben. Dazu der ständige Frust, wenn neue Details angeschnitten werden und dann kommt nichts mehr dazu.
Zu Rafe und Kris kann ich auch nicht viel sagen. Kris erfährt, dass er mit Rafe verheiratet werden soll, weil sie Gefährten sind. Er ist natürlich dagegen. Verständlich, finde ich.
Der Rest des Buchs besteht aus einem Telefonat zwischen beiden, dann treffen sie sich auf Rafes Familienfarm, wo Kris innerhalb von 24 Stunden von »Ich will das alles nicht.« zu »Ich liebe dich, lass uns auf ewig glücklich sein.« wechselt. Noch unglaubwürdiger geht es kaum. Dazwischen wird er noch fast umgebracht, von Rafe natürlich mit seinem Blut gerettet, weil sie ja Gefährten sind und dann … Ende. Das war's.
Dafür vergebe ich garantiert keine Leseempfehlung, geschweige denn mehr als den obligatorischen Stern. Allerdings bekommt der Dreamspinner Verlag ein dickes Dankeschön für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Die Idee der Vermischung von der normalen mit einer mystischen Welt ist super, die Umsetzung ist allerdings in die Hose gegangen. Es werden unzählige Bereiche und Themen angeschnitten, die ich wahnsinnig interessant fand, aber nichts wird weiter ausgeführt. Alles dümpelt lieblos an der Oberfläche herum, die Charaktere und auch die Story selbst – nichts hat wirklich Tiefe oder hält mich als Leser in der Geschichte. Ich hatte teilweise echte Mühe mir zu merken, was vor 5 Seiten war, so banal und langweilig ist das Buch geschrieben. Dazu der ständige Frust, wenn neue Details angeschnitten werden und dann kommt nichts mehr dazu.
Zu Rafe und Kris kann ich auch nicht viel sagen. Kris erfährt, dass er mit Rafe verheiratet werden soll, weil sie Gefährten sind. Er ist natürlich dagegen. Verständlich, finde ich.
Der Rest des Buchs besteht aus einem Telefonat zwischen beiden, dann treffen sie sich auf Rafes Familienfarm, wo Kris innerhalb von 24 Stunden von »Ich will das alles nicht.« zu »Ich liebe dich, lass uns auf ewig glücklich sein.« wechselt. Noch unglaubwürdiger geht es kaum. Dazwischen wird er noch fast umgebracht, von Rafe natürlich mit seinem Blut gerettet, weil sie ja Gefährten sind und dann … Ende. Das war's.
Dafür vergebe ich garantiert keine Leseempfehlung, geschweige denn mehr als den obligatorischen Stern. Allerdings bekommt der Dreamspinner Verlag ein dickes Dankeschön für das Rezensionsexemplar.
October 22, 2013
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
La serie parte dall'idea che dieci anni fa sia avvenuta la rottura del Velo (evento noto come la "Grande Rivelazione"), fondendo insieme il mondo umano e quello nascosto e svelando agli umani l'esistenza di creature ritenute fino ad allora puramente mitologiche. Da allora, inoltre, sono state create delle agenzie governative interrazziali che si occupano di creare dei database e di porre in contatto gli esseri immortali con i loro compagni predestinati umani.
Ovviamente, mentre molti umani sono ansiosi di essere scelti e di entrare a far parte del mondo soprannaturale, altri sono più che intenzionati a continuare a vivere secondo i loro progetti e i loro costumi mortali: anche Kris si oppone fermamente all'idea di essere coinvolto in una di queste unioni "forzate", finché il suo partner ideale (almeno secondo i test genetici) lo chiama al telefono. Basta quella voce roca e sensuale dall'altra parte del filo a mettere improvvisamente indubbio la sua fiera opposizione...
Le idee di partenza sono davvero buone e accendono la curiosità, le (poche) scene fisiche sono intense e meritano.
La sola pecca è la brevità: qui davvero i contenuti meritavano un piccolo sforzo in più, una polpa più consistente per una trama accattivante. In ogni caso lo consiglio.
La serie parte dall'idea che dieci anni fa sia avvenuta la rottura del Velo (evento noto come la "Grande Rivelazione"), fondendo insieme il mondo umano e quello nascosto e svelando agli umani l'esistenza di creature ritenute fino ad allora puramente mitologiche. Da allora, inoltre, sono state create delle agenzie governative interrazziali che si occupano di creare dei database e di porre in contatto gli esseri immortali con i loro compagni predestinati umani.
Ovviamente, mentre molti umani sono ansiosi di essere scelti e di entrare a far parte del mondo soprannaturale, altri sono più che intenzionati a continuare a vivere secondo i loro progetti e i loro costumi mortali: anche Kris si oppone fermamente all'idea di essere coinvolto in una di queste unioni "forzate", finché il suo partner ideale (almeno secondo i test genetici) lo chiama al telefono. Basta quella voce roca e sensuale dall'altra parte del filo a mettere improvvisamente indubbio la sua fiera opposizione...
Le idee di partenza sono davvero buone e accendono la curiosità, le (poche) scene fisiche sono intense e meritano.
La sola pecca è la brevità: qui davvero i contenuti meritavano un piccolo sforzo in più, una polpa più consistente per una trama accattivante. In ogni caso lo consiglio.
June 22, 2012
I really liked the premise and promise of this book, the author had an interesting idea on an old theme, but sadly failed to deliever. Like other reviewers stated it started out promising, but long winded with unneeded explanations. Once the families meet the story takes a dive into the pathetic, and the mc's acting like 5 year olds throwing a tantrum over misunderstandings and miscommunications. The author fails to flesh out the supporting characters infact they are all pretty much left hanging. The one and only sex scene in the story is cold at best and really uninspiring to happy ever after, if I was faced with sex like that in my life I would run like hell.
January 30, 2022
~~~~
„Ein vorherbestimmtes Schicksal war zwar der Stoff von Kris‘ Alpträumen gewesen, aber Rafe und diese Situation waren die Verwirklichung glücklicher Träume und erfüllter Fantasien. Es lag alles vor ihm ausgebreitet. Alles, was Kris tun musste, war es zu ergreifen und gut festzuhalten.“
~~~~
Ich mag die Idee der Geschichte, leider hat es ihr ein wenig an Tiefe gefehlt..
Die Woche auf der Farm, hätte besser genutzt werden können… den Umschwung von „hate to love“ ein wenig rauszögern bzw. zu verlängern, wäre der Story und den Protas sicher zugute gekommen.
„Ein vorherbestimmtes Schicksal war zwar der Stoff von Kris‘ Alpträumen gewesen, aber Rafe und diese Situation waren die Verwirklichung glücklicher Träume und erfüllter Fantasien. Es lag alles vor ihm ausgebreitet. Alles, was Kris tun musste, war es zu ergreifen und gut festzuhalten.“
~~~~
Ich mag die Idee der Geschichte, leider hat es ihr ein wenig an Tiefe gefehlt..
Die Woche auf der Farm, hätte besser genutzt werden können… den Umschwung von „hate to love“ ein wenig rauszögern bzw. zu verlängern, wäre der Story und den Protas sicher zugute gekommen.
October 22, 2015
This book is the first in a series set in an interestingly different and very imaginative paranormal world, and I really enjoyed getting to know some of the “rules”. Apparently the veil between worlds has been lifted - nobody, at this point, seems to know why – in an even referred to as the Great Unveiling. The formerly Unseen has collided and mixed with Common Earth (this made me smile as it reminded me of Tolkien’s Middle Earth), leading to all kinds of issues. Of course, the government got involved and has regulated certain interactions – don’t they always – so that now the NFL, the National Fellowship of Lycanthropes, is in charge of negotiating between werewolves and their human mates. And the list of interesting, sometimes amusing, little details goes on, but I’ll leave you to discover those yourself.
The two main characters, Rafe the werewolf and Kris the human, are a mix between “the expected” and some nice variations. Yes, they are mates and there is a mate bond, but their relationship does not happen in the seamless way you’d expect. They may be mated, but communication is still an issue, and their very different backgrounds (Rafe is over two hundred years old, and Kris is about to turn twenty-one, just for starters) mean that nothing comes easy to them. This bit of realism, the vast age difference causing them to have a different outlook on almost everything, is the main cause for their problems, but by no means the only obstacle they need to overcome. With interfering family members, obnoxious NFL agents, and humans determined to mate with a werewolf at any cost despite the fact they are not true mates, Rafe and Kris have their hands full trying to determine if they have a future.
Kris is about to graduate community college and has his future all mapped out. Being told he has a mate, found when his bloodwork from a recent hospital visit is passed on to the NFL, is not part of that future, and knowing that there is no legal escape from his obligation to at least meet his mate does not help. Since there are many examples of humans being forced to mate against their will, at least Kris thinks there are, he realizes any resistance is probably futile, so to speak. That doesn’t mean he gives in easily, but once Rafe calls him so they can talk, at least Kris begins to consider the possibility of meeting a man he is already attracted to. But Kris fears losing his free will and never being able to love someone “Fate” has chosen for him, never mind that a remote location, where Rafe and his family live, is not where he wants to spend his life.
Rafe is fascinating. He is both the quintessential werewolf (tall, strong, gorgeous, amazing voice, you name the trait, he has it), and refreshingly different. He has been waiting to find his mate for two hundred years, and is ecstatic to have finally found him. He can feel the bond, and wants nothing more than to live with Kris as soon as possible. Rafe is also very tied to the land, the territory, of his pack and cannot see himself moving to accommodate Kris’s idea of going to some yet-to-be-determined college so he can get a bachelor’s degree. But he is patient, doesn’t want to force Kris into anything, and is ready to sacrifice his own happiness for Kris’s. Also, he meditates – which I found very amusing.
If you like unusual werewolf courtships, if men with vastly different backgrounds trying to figure out if and how they might live together pique your interest, and if you’re looking for a read that is full of humor, discoveries, and the touching emotions of beginning love, then you will probably enjoy this novella. I look forward to finding out what else Susan Laine has in store for me in this series.
The two main characters, Rafe the werewolf and Kris the human, are a mix between “the expected” and some nice variations. Yes, they are mates and there is a mate bond, but their relationship does not happen in the seamless way you’d expect. They may be mated, but communication is still an issue, and their very different backgrounds (Rafe is over two hundred years old, and Kris is about to turn twenty-one, just for starters) mean that nothing comes easy to them. This bit of realism, the vast age difference causing them to have a different outlook on almost everything, is the main cause for their problems, but by no means the only obstacle they need to overcome. With interfering family members, obnoxious NFL agents, and humans determined to mate with a werewolf at any cost despite the fact they are not true mates, Rafe and Kris have their hands full trying to determine if they have a future.
Kris is about to graduate community college and has his future all mapped out. Being told he has a mate, found when his bloodwork from a recent hospital visit is passed on to the NFL, is not part of that future, and knowing that there is no legal escape from his obligation to at least meet his mate does not help. Since there are many examples of humans being forced to mate against their will, at least Kris thinks there are, he realizes any resistance is probably futile, so to speak. That doesn’t mean he gives in easily, but once Rafe calls him so they can talk, at least Kris begins to consider the possibility of meeting a man he is already attracted to. But Kris fears losing his free will and never being able to love someone “Fate” has chosen for him, never mind that a remote location, where Rafe and his family live, is not where he wants to spend his life.
Rafe is fascinating. He is both the quintessential werewolf (tall, strong, gorgeous, amazing voice, you name the trait, he has it), and refreshingly different. He has been waiting to find his mate for two hundred years, and is ecstatic to have finally found him. He can feel the bond, and wants nothing more than to live with Kris as soon as possible. Rafe is also very tied to the land, the territory, of his pack and cannot see himself moving to accommodate Kris’s idea of going to some yet-to-be-determined college so he can get a bachelor’s degree. But he is patient, doesn’t want to force Kris into anything, and is ready to sacrifice his own happiness for Kris’s. Also, he meditates – which I found very amusing.
If you like unusual werewolf courtships, if men with vastly different backgrounds trying to figure out if and how they might live together pique your interest, and if you’re looking for a read that is full of humor, discoveries, and the touching emotions of beginning love, then you will probably enjoy this novella. I look forward to finding out what else Susan Laine has in store for me in this series.
April 6, 2022
3.5 stars
July 23, 2013
In The Wolfing Way (Lifting of the Veil), author Susan Laine gives us a delightful treat—a new world to explore. On in which the carefully controlled “veil” between the human world and that of the “unseen” is suddenly lifted, allowing for the two planes to collide.
“The unveiled outside world had found its way into their sanctum, their home and hearth, and there was nowhere to go from here but down to the dark unknown.”
Once the veil had been lifted the human world that Kris lived in changed dramatically. Now there was the established Mythical Realm Network that catalogued blood types and genetic make-ups to find “mates” for various species of the unseen world. In Kris’ case he was to be mated to a werewolf—whether he liked it or not.
Ms. Laine presents us with a world where the term “arranged marriage” takes on a whole new meaning as we watch the bartering for Kris’ mating price take place with utter swiftness and cold calculation. However, his future mate turns out to be the one person who can put the brakes on the entire process. Thankfully, Rafe is a compassionate and patient wolf—and utterly smitten with his potential mate, and so determines a way to give Kris what he needs—a choice—despite the far reaching implications that move will have for Rafe himself.
“…to deny a part of himself also saddened Rafe. He didn’t want to be an obstacle on Kris’s desired path in life but the desired company along the way. Being a lycan, however, and being tied to pack land certainly put a damper on things and interfered…Like pieces of a puzzle, he and Kris would fit together, yes, but the solution would just take some time to figure out, piece by piece.”
However, like any relationship there are never guarantees. And even though the mating call is there, Rafe and Kris find that meeting is just the beginning of their worries. Kris wants a career, he does not want to be tied to the pack and the restrictions it brings with it. For even though the veil has been lifted the author informs us that there are those who would see Rafe and his family destroyed and so they keep their pack and its existence a tightly held secret. This forces Kris to remain close by Rafe—never venturing far from his side or pack lands.
Poor Kris—so many decisions to make—so many obstacles in the way and so many doubts; the chief one being the fear that his relationship with Rafe would be merely based on lust—the incontrollable pull of the mating bond and not a true loving relationship. Unfortunately with Kris’ ongoing reluctance, Rafe’s frustrations begin to surface and the ever-widening gulf between what each wants seems to grow.
“I don’t understand why this is so hard. It shouldn’t be this hard, should it? I mean all I want to do is love you. Why must I have the answers to the mysteries of the universe to be allowed to do that? Why must I be forced to predict the future to have a chance to be with you? “
The Wolfing Way veers sharply away from what I consider to be a formulaic approach to the paranormal and then gives it a subtle twist. The story is engaging and the author’s deft handling of establishing a world upon which she can build future stories is clever and entertaining. We never get bogged down in detail after endless detail about this world; rather Ms. Laine incorporates tidbits about the new world into her story line seamlessly.
Her characters are genuinely kind to one another. Thankfully there is no primal fierceness that is often the hallmark of a paranormal story. Don’t get me wrong—there is hot passion and fierce loyalty that ends in some violence—but that violence is muted and the affect makes for a better, more enjoyable character driven story.
Perhaps the real and only drawback in the story is in the words themselves.
Ms, Laine’s characters and their way of speaking to one another seemed stilted. While I realize her lycans are over 200 years old, their terminology—things like addressing Kris as “my mate” seems forced and out of character. The dialogue was a bit more inclined to hearken back to the tired and trite ways that most paranormal stories seem to run these days. However, this was a minor flaw in what is a compelling and rich storyline that I hope to see continue.
“The unveiled outside world had found its way into their sanctum, their home and hearth, and there was nowhere to go from here but down to the dark unknown.”
Once the veil had been lifted the human world that Kris lived in changed dramatically. Now there was the established Mythical Realm Network that catalogued blood types and genetic make-ups to find “mates” for various species of the unseen world. In Kris’ case he was to be mated to a werewolf—whether he liked it or not.
Ms. Laine presents us with a world where the term “arranged marriage” takes on a whole new meaning as we watch the bartering for Kris’ mating price take place with utter swiftness and cold calculation. However, his future mate turns out to be the one person who can put the brakes on the entire process. Thankfully, Rafe is a compassionate and patient wolf—and utterly smitten with his potential mate, and so determines a way to give Kris what he needs—a choice—despite the far reaching implications that move will have for Rafe himself.
“…to deny a part of himself also saddened Rafe. He didn’t want to be an obstacle on Kris’s desired path in life but the desired company along the way. Being a lycan, however, and being tied to pack land certainly put a damper on things and interfered…Like pieces of a puzzle, he and Kris would fit together, yes, but the solution would just take some time to figure out, piece by piece.”
However, like any relationship there are never guarantees. And even though the mating call is there, Rafe and Kris find that meeting is just the beginning of their worries. Kris wants a career, he does not want to be tied to the pack and the restrictions it brings with it. For even though the veil has been lifted the author informs us that there are those who would see Rafe and his family destroyed and so they keep their pack and its existence a tightly held secret. This forces Kris to remain close by Rafe—never venturing far from his side or pack lands.
Poor Kris—so many decisions to make—so many obstacles in the way and so many doubts; the chief one being the fear that his relationship with Rafe would be merely based on lust—the incontrollable pull of the mating bond and not a true loving relationship. Unfortunately with Kris’ ongoing reluctance, Rafe’s frustrations begin to surface and the ever-widening gulf between what each wants seems to grow.
“I don’t understand why this is so hard. It shouldn’t be this hard, should it? I mean all I want to do is love you. Why must I have the answers to the mysteries of the universe to be allowed to do that? Why must I be forced to predict the future to have a chance to be with you? “
The Wolfing Way veers sharply away from what I consider to be a formulaic approach to the paranormal and then gives it a subtle twist. The story is engaging and the author’s deft handling of establishing a world upon which she can build future stories is clever and entertaining. We never get bogged down in detail after endless detail about this world; rather Ms. Laine incorporates tidbits about the new world into her story line seamlessly.
Her characters are genuinely kind to one another. Thankfully there is no primal fierceness that is often the hallmark of a paranormal story. Don’t get me wrong—there is hot passion and fierce loyalty that ends in some violence—but that violence is muted and the affect makes for a better, more enjoyable character driven story.
Perhaps the real and only drawback in the story is in the words themselves.
Ms, Laine’s characters and their way of speaking to one another seemed stilted. While I realize her lycans are over 200 years old, their terminology—things like addressing Kris as “my mate” seems forced and out of character. The dialogue was a bit more inclined to hearken back to the tired and trite ways that most paranormal stories seem to run these days. However, this was a minor flaw in what is a compelling and rich storyline that I hope to see continue.
August 7, 2016
No one really wants the NFL come knocking on their door. It's a bit like winning the lottery, except you didn't buy a ticket, can't return the prize, and, for better or worse, life as you know it is guaranteed to change.
The world that Susan Laine introduces readers to is struggling to adapt to the unexpected revelation that the paranormal characters previously believed to only exist in fairytales are actually living next door.
Kris is 100% human, is about to graduate from college, has plans for life that are his to control. Until the day that the National Fellowship of Lycanthropes representative came knocking with the news that he had a life mate. From that moment onward, every plan that Kris had made began to unravel.
Rafe is a werewolf who has spent the last 200 years searching, dreaming, hoping, that he would find the man that destiny had chosen to be his perfect mate. He's ready for love and anxious to start living the rest of his very long life with Kris at his side.
Unfortunately, Kris doesn't see this mating as the gift that Rafe does, and becoming a werewolf love slave has never been part of his life plan.
Fast paced, well written, and full of adventure, romance, humor and drama, the characters in THE WOLFING WAY are expertly developed. My heart ached for Rafe and Kris as they worked to process the emotions their unexpected mating brought forward. The honesty in their dialogue made me laugh out loud, and the drama elicited an occasional gasp!
Their rough and tumble journey towards love is sure to delight. With just enough sex appeal to make the story pop, this M/M romance is guaranteed to enthrall any reader of paranormal romance who looks for a little spice, but nothing so erotic that it overwhelms the storyline.
My review was first posted for TheRomanceReviews.com
No one really wants the NFL come knocking on their door. It's a bit like winning the lottery, except you didn't buy a ticket, can't return the prize, and, for better or worse, life as you know it is guaranteed to change.
The world that Susan Laine introduces readers to is struggling to adapt to the unexpected revelation that the paranormal characters previously believed to only exist in fairytales are actually living next door.
Kris is 100% human, is about to graduate from college, has plans for life that are his to control. Until the day that the National Fellowship of Lycanthropes representative came knocking with the news that he had a life mate. From that moment onward, every plan that Kris had made began to unravel.
Rafe is a werewolf who has spent the last 200 years searching, dreaming, hoping, that he would find the man that destiny had chosen to be his perfect mate. He's ready for love and anxious to start living the rest of his very long life with Kris at his side.
Unfortunately, Kris doesn't see this mating as the gift that Rafe does, and becoming a werewolf love slave has never been part of his life plan.
Fast paced, well written, and full of adventure, romance, humor and drama, the characters in THE WOLFING WAY are expertly developed. My heart ached for Rafe and Kris as they worked to process the emotions their unexpected mating brought forward. The honesty in their dialogue made me laugh out loud, and the drama elicited an occasional gasp!
Their rough and tumble journey towards love is sure to delight. With just enough sex appeal to make the story pop, this M/M romance is guaranteed to enthrall any reader of paranormal romance who looks for a little spice, but nothing so erotic that it overwhelms the storyline.
OFFICIAL REVIEW written for The Romance Reviews.com
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
The world that Susan Laine introduces readers to is struggling to adapt to the unexpected revelation that the paranormal characters previously believed to only exist in fairytales are actually living next door.
Kris is 100% human, is about to graduate from college, has plans for life that are his to control. Until the day that the National Fellowship of Lycanthropes representative came knocking with the news that he had a life mate. From that moment onward, every plan that Kris had made began to unravel.
Rafe is a werewolf who has spent the last 200 years searching, dreaming, hoping, that he would find the man that destiny had chosen to be his perfect mate. He's ready for love and anxious to start living the rest of his very long life with Kris at his side.
Unfortunately, Kris doesn't see this mating as the gift that Rafe does, and becoming a werewolf love slave has never been part of his life plan.
Fast paced, well written, and full of adventure, romance, humor and drama, the characters in THE WOLFING WAY are expertly developed. My heart ached for Rafe and Kris as they worked to process the emotions their unexpected mating brought forward. The honesty in their dialogue made me laugh out loud, and the drama elicited an occasional gasp!
Their rough and tumble journey towards love is sure to delight. With just enough sex appeal to make the story pop, this M/M romance is guaranteed to enthrall any reader of paranormal romance who looks for a little spice, but nothing so erotic that it overwhelms the storyline.
My review was first posted for TheRomanceReviews.com
No one really wants the NFL come knocking on their door. It's a bit like winning the lottery, except you didn't buy a ticket, can't return the prize, and, for better or worse, life as you know it is guaranteed to change.
The world that Susan Laine introduces readers to is struggling to adapt to the unexpected revelation that the paranormal characters previously believed to only exist in fairytales are actually living next door.
Kris is 100% human, is about to graduate from college, has plans for life that are his to control. Until the day that the National Fellowship of Lycanthropes representative came knocking with the news that he had a life mate. From that moment onward, every plan that Kris had made began to unravel.
Rafe is a werewolf who has spent the last 200 years searching, dreaming, hoping, that he would find the man that destiny had chosen to be his perfect mate. He's ready for love and anxious to start living the rest of his very long life with Kris at his side.
Unfortunately, Kris doesn't see this mating as the gift that Rafe does, and becoming a werewolf love slave has never been part of his life plan.
Fast paced, well written, and full of adventure, romance, humor and drama, the characters in THE WOLFING WAY are expertly developed. My heart ached for Rafe and Kris as they worked to process the emotions their unexpected mating brought forward. The honesty in their dialogue made me laugh out loud, and the drama elicited an occasional gasp!
Their rough and tumble journey towards love is sure to delight. With just enough sex appeal to make the story pop, this M/M romance is guaranteed to enthrall any reader of paranormal romance who looks for a little spice, but nothing so erotic that it overwhelms the storyline.
OFFICIAL REVIEW written for The Romance Reviews.com
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
February 2, 2014
Susan Laine riesce a emozionare ancora! Dopo aver letto "Non c'è due senza... te" e averlo apprezzato, ho provato a cimentarmi in questa commedia romantica dalle tinte paranormali, tipologia di romanzo che prediligo. Che dire... se avessi letto prima questo per "Non c'è due senza... te" non ci sarebbe stata speranza! Bellissimo comunque, ma davvero non regge il confronto con questa saga!
Al di la delle scene fisiche (non eccessive come nell'altro romanzo tradotto dalla dreamspinner ma comunque forti, reali e intense), la storia trasuda amore, tenerezza, sentimenti che scavano un profondo solco sotto la pelle del lettore, lasciando un segno indelebile.
Ho adorato Rafe, così sensibile e delizioso, ho amato il suo contagioso sorriso, il nomignolo con cui chiama Kris ma anche la sua forza d'animo e la bestialità che cela sotto strati di finta umanità!
E Iz, il fratello di Kris... semplicemente fantastico e spero di poter leggere ancora qualcosa su di lui a seguito dello svolgimento finale del romanzo.
Purtroppo, nonostante l'entusiasmo che ha scatenato in me questa lettura, il romanzo ha delle pecche non da poco: a cominciare dalla traduzione, fatta con i piedi (questa volta sì, mi dispiace ammetterlo ma se in "Non c'è due senza... te" ho trovato errori sui quali potevo passare, qui non è possibile farlo... linguaggio quasi elementare, tempi verbali discordanti, utilizzo di vocaboli non sempre adatti alla costruzione della frase. C'è bisogno di un editing profondo e poi di una correzione bozze per far risplendere questo romanzo, di certo non per colpa della scrittrice ma, come ho sottolineato prima, della traduzione), per finire al mondo sovrannaturale che fa da palcoscenico all'intera vicenda. La componente paranormale è appena accennata, se ne parla come si potrebbe parlare di un qualsiasi avvenimento, non è per nulla approfondita e tutto ciò lascia il lettore con l'amaro in bocca. La naturalezza con la quale viene introdotto il problema "abitanti del mondo nascosto/compagni" è destabilizzante, si affronta il tutto come si affronterebbe un qualsiasi argomento sentimentale.
Tutto sommato però è l'amore tra i due protagonisti, che sboccia improvvisamente, come un fiore in mezzo al cemento a toccare il lettore (almeno a me è successo così), il resto cade in secondo piano.
Travolgente, come un onda che ti trascina in mezzo al mare.
Mi hanno colpito molto le battute iniziali e la chiacchierata di Kris e Rafe al telefono.
Bello, bello, bello!
Forse troppo breve, qualche volta il linguaggio diventa troppo spinto e avrei evitato alcuni pensieri forse un po' azzardati in certe situazioni ma comunque un romanzo affascinante, attendo speranzosa un seguito!
Al di la delle scene fisiche (non eccessive come nell'altro romanzo tradotto dalla dreamspinner ma comunque forti, reali e intense), la storia trasuda amore, tenerezza, sentimenti che scavano un profondo solco sotto la pelle del lettore, lasciando un segno indelebile.
Ho adorato Rafe, così sensibile e delizioso, ho amato il suo contagioso sorriso, il nomignolo con cui chiama Kris ma anche la sua forza d'animo e la bestialità che cela sotto strati di finta umanità!
E Iz, il fratello di Kris... semplicemente fantastico e spero di poter leggere ancora qualcosa su di lui a seguito dello svolgimento finale del romanzo.
Purtroppo, nonostante l'entusiasmo che ha scatenato in me questa lettura, il romanzo ha delle pecche non da poco: a cominciare dalla traduzione, fatta con i piedi (questa volta sì, mi dispiace ammetterlo ma se in "Non c'è due senza... te" ho trovato errori sui quali potevo passare, qui non è possibile farlo... linguaggio quasi elementare, tempi verbali discordanti, utilizzo di vocaboli non sempre adatti alla costruzione della frase. C'è bisogno di un editing profondo e poi di una correzione bozze per far risplendere questo romanzo, di certo non per colpa della scrittrice ma, come ho sottolineato prima, della traduzione), per finire al mondo sovrannaturale che fa da palcoscenico all'intera vicenda. La componente paranormale è appena accennata, se ne parla come si potrebbe parlare di un qualsiasi avvenimento, non è per nulla approfondita e tutto ciò lascia il lettore con l'amaro in bocca. La naturalezza con la quale viene introdotto il problema "abitanti del mondo nascosto/compagni" è destabilizzante, si affronta il tutto come si affronterebbe un qualsiasi argomento sentimentale.
Tutto sommato però è l'amore tra i due protagonisti, che sboccia improvvisamente, come un fiore in mezzo al cemento a toccare il lettore (almeno a me è successo così), il resto cade in secondo piano.
Travolgente, come un onda che ti trascina in mezzo al mare.
Mi hanno colpito molto le battute iniziali e la chiacchierata di Kris e Rafe al telefono.
Bello, bello, bello!
Forse troppo breve, qualche volta il linguaggio diventa troppo spinto e avrei evitato alcuni pensieri forse un po' azzardati in certe situazioni ma comunque un romanzo affascinante, attendo speranzosa un seguito!
July 24, 2014
entre 2,5 et 3*
Que ce soit en contemporain ou comme ici dans le paranormal, je fais toujours le même reproche à Susan Laine, elle écrit bien, mais ces histoires sont trop légères. Le potentiel était là, mais il manque de la profondeur, une étude plus poussée des caractères de chaque personnage donnerait de l’ampleur au récit. De plus, dans le cas présent si Kris est relativement intéressant, franchement Rafe comme loup-garou est fade et ne correspond pas du tout à l’image que je me représente d’un représentant de cette espèce. Il en est même un peu mièvre, trop doux, complètement écrasé par Kris, ce qui entraine une relation (selon moi) très déséquilibrée avec un renversement complet des rôles ce qui est un comble.
Un autre problème de ce récit, c’est que le contexte est original, Susan Laine a une bonne idée en faisant évoluer ces personnages dans un monde où se rejoint le modernisme et la mythologie Cependant, elle ne nous explique pas vraiment pourquoi les humains ont été obligés d’accepter du jour au lendemain le « grand dévoilement », qui a décidé cette règle des accouplements, et d’autres petits faits qui nous laissent dans le flou. Quant à la relation qui s’instaure entre Kris et Rafe, après quelques hésitations et revirements de l’un puis de l’autre, elle est concrétisée, mais je n’ai pas ressenti plus de sentiments que ça. Elle va trop vite, je veux bien concevoir que le fameux lien entre deux âmes sœurs crée une connexion rapide, mais au vu du caractère de Kris qui était plus que réfractaire à cette idée, je m’attendais à plus de conflits. Voilà, c’est fade, il y a bien un petit évènement semi-dramatique, mais franchement pas de quoi ‘ fouetter un chat ’, et je reste perplexe devant le revirement de Kris et l’attitude de Rafe.
D’un autre côté si l’on prend ce récit pour la mise en place de la série, on peut se satisfaire du manque de détails sur ce monde et se satisfaire d’une relation pas transcendante, mais mignonne. Le second tome est légèrement au-dessus, avec un aperçu plus précis de ce grand dévoilement, et la relation est nettement moins romantique et passe à la vitesse supérieure puisque nous avons droit à un trio entre un génie et deux humains.
Que ce soit en contemporain ou comme ici dans le paranormal, je fais toujours le même reproche à Susan Laine, elle écrit bien, mais ces histoires sont trop légères. Le potentiel était là, mais il manque de la profondeur, une étude plus poussée des caractères de chaque personnage donnerait de l’ampleur au récit. De plus, dans le cas présent si Kris est relativement intéressant, franchement Rafe comme loup-garou est fade et ne correspond pas du tout à l’image que je me représente d’un représentant de cette espèce. Il en est même un peu mièvre, trop doux, complètement écrasé par Kris, ce qui entraine une relation (selon moi) très déséquilibrée avec un renversement complet des rôles ce qui est un comble.
Un autre problème de ce récit, c’est que le contexte est original, Susan Laine a une bonne idée en faisant évoluer ces personnages dans un monde où se rejoint le modernisme et la mythologie Cependant, elle ne nous explique pas vraiment pourquoi les humains ont été obligés d’accepter du jour au lendemain le « grand dévoilement », qui a décidé cette règle des accouplements, et d’autres petits faits qui nous laissent dans le flou. Quant à la relation qui s’instaure entre Kris et Rafe, après quelques hésitations et revirements de l’un puis de l’autre, elle est concrétisée, mais je n’ai pas ressenti plus de sentiments que ça. Elle va trop vite, je veux bien concevoir que le fameux lien entre deux âmes sœurs crée une connexion rapide, mais au vu du caractère de Kris qui était plus que réfractaire à cette idée, je m’attendais à plus de conflits. Voilà, c’est fade, il y a bien un petit évènement semi-dramatique, mais franchement pas de quoi ‘ fouetter un chat ’, et je reste perplexe devant le revirement de Kris et l’attitude de Rafe.
D’un autre côté si l’on prend ce récit pour la mise en place de la série, on peut se satisfaire du manque de détails sur ce monde et se satisfaire d’une relation pas transcendante, mais mignonne. Le second tome est légèrement au-dessus, avec un aperçu plus précis de ce grand dévoilement, et la relation est nettement moins romantique et passe à la vitesse supérieure puisque nous avons droit à un trio entre un génie et deux humains.
May 18, 2012
3 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Kris is about to get the shock of his life. A simple routine blood test changes his life forever, when he is matched as a mate to a werewolf. Now he has choices to make that don’t just include what he should do after college. Rafe has waited two hundred years for his mate and although he is desperate to meet his mate, he can wait another couple of weeks, while his mate gets used to the idea.
I found this to be quite a refreshing story. The whole idea of a world where every human is aware of all paranormal and mythical creatures, and together have come up with a registry where humans and paranormals can be matched is good. But, what is even better is that not all the people who are matched wanted to be matched. Kris is one of those people. He has plans for the future and if he accepts the mating, then he will have to give up his dreams. Rafe just wants a chance to meet his mate and show him his life won’t be over if he accepts the mating, but things happen during Kris’s visit that make Rafe think that Kris would be safer on his own.
A very good story that interested me from the start. When Kris and Rafe meet there is a strong sexual attraction which scares Kris. He is terrified that he will become a slave to his sexual needs and resents the power that Rafe could have over him. Rafe has a strong need to protect Kris and to love him, but it’s hard to fight someone’s fears. Kris is really resentful of being mated, of having his choices ripped away from him and is terrified of what he has heard of the mating instinct and it takes him a while to come around. Rafe is such a sweetheart that you feel sorry for him at the way that Kris keeps reacting.
I will recommend this to those who love the paranormal, shifters, hot sex, confused men, an unexpected attack, some hot sex and a happy ever after.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Kris is about to get the shock of his life. A simple routine blood test changes his life forever, when he is matched as a mate to a werewolf. Now he has choices to make that don’t just include what he should do after college. Rafe has waited two hundred years for his mate and although he is desperate to meet his mate, he can wait another couple of weeks, while his mate gets used to the idea.
I found this to be quite a refreshing story. The whole idea of a world where every human is aware of all paranormal and mythical creatures, and together have come up with a registry where humans and paranormals can be matched is good. But, what is even better is that not all the people who are matched wanted to be matched. Kris is one of those people. He has plans for the future and if he accepts the mating, then he will have to give up his dreams. Rafe just wants a chance to meet his mate and show him his life won’t be over if he accepts the mating, but things happen during Kris’s visit that make Rafe think that Kris would be safer on his own.
A very good story that interested me from the start. When Kris and Rafe meet there is a strong sexual attraction which scares Kris. He is terrified that he will become a slave to his sexual needs and resents the power that Rafe could have over him. Rafe has a strong need to protect Kris and to love him, but it’s hard to fight someone’s fears. Kris is really resentful of being mated, of having his choices ripped away from him and is terrified of what he has heard of the mating instinct and it takes him a while to come around. Rafe is such a sweetheart that you feel sorry for him at the way that Kris keeps reacting.
I will recommend this to those who love the paranormal, shifters, hot sex, confused men, an unexpected attack, some hot sex and a happy ever after.
May 18, 2012
The Wolfing Way by Susan Laine
Lifting the Veil, Book 1
2.5 Stars
Reviewed for www.heartsonfirereviews.com
This story had an interesting take on shifters and their mates that I found to be refreshing and interesting yet quickly deteriorates into cliches and awkward dialogue.
For Kris Ellis, a simple blood test changes the course of his life. He receives a knock on his door from a very smarmy government man claiming that Kris is the mate of a werewolf. Kris promptly kicks him out as he has his life mapped out before him and it does not include become a mate to someone that he doesn't even know.
Rafe King is a two hundred year old werewolf who has longed to find the one person meant to be his soul mate. He lives on a ranch with his family and his parents are the Alpha pair of their pack. When he is informed about Kris's reluctance to meet with him, he takes matters into his own hands and calls him. Over a brief period of time, the men begin to know each other and Kris agrees to go to the ranch with his family to meet with Rafe and the other King's.
When the men meet, the sexual sparks fly. Kris does not trust that his feelings for Rafe are anything more than the mating heat and he is afraid of Rafe having so much power over him. Rafe is thrilled with Kris and just knows that he is the other half of his soul. Things move along very quickly and within a day, the men are in love and live HEA.
Lifting the Veil, Book 1
2.5 Stars
Reviewed for www.heartsonfirereviews.com
This story had an interesting take on shifters and their mates that I found to be refreshing and interesting yet quickly deteriorates into cliches and awkward dialogue.
For Kris Ellis, a simple blood test changes the course of his life. He receives a knock on his door from a very smarmy government man claiming that Kris is the mate of a werewolf. Kris promptly kicks him out as he has his life mapped out before him and it does not include become a mate to someone that he doesn't even know.
Rafe King is a two hundred year old werewolf who has longed to find the one person meant to be his soul mate. He lives on a ranch with his family and his parents are the Alpha pair of their pack. When he is informed about Kris's reluctance to meet with him, he takes matters into his own hands and calls him. Over a brief period of time, the men begin to know each other and Kris agrees to go to the ranch with his family to meet with Rafe and the other King's.
When the men meet, the sexual sparks fly. Kris does not trust that his feelings for Rafe are anything more than the mating heat and he is afraid of Rafe having so much power over him. Rafe is thrilled with Kris and just knows that he is the other half of his soul. Things move along very quickly and within a day, the men are in love and live HEA.
February 22, 2019
1,5-2*
tut mir echt leid für Kris & Rafe, ich hätte ihnen so viel mehr gegönnt ...
****************
Heute wird’s kurz und schmerzhaft :-(
Ich mag Bücher über Gestaltwandler sehr und freue mich jedesmal, wenn ich wieder über eines stolpere. Hier haben wir wieder eines mit einer Wolf-/Menschverbindung, also einen Klassiker.
Ja, ich bin traurig. Traurig darüber, dass mein “zweiter” Versuch mit Susan Laine wieder nichts war …
Wieder kann ich nicht sagen, dass sie nicht gut schreibt, dass sie keinen interessanten Plot aufweisen kann. Aber warum in Gottes Namen macht sie nichts daraus???
Sie schafft Protagonisten, die so viel Potential hätten, die so viel erzählen könnten und doch erreichen sie mich nicht. Noch dazu ist “Nach Art der Wölfe” der Start einer Serie. Da muss es doch das Ziel sein, den Wunsch auf die nachfolgenden Bände zu wecken und das gelingt ihr bei mir leider nicht.
Die Protagonisten bleiben für mich blass, hetzen durch die Geschichte (klar, bei 91 Seiten bleibt auch nicht viel Raum für Tiefe) und haben mich mit einem hilflosen Schulterzucken und der Frage “war’s das” zurück gelassen. Vielleicht kommen Kris und Rafe ja in den folgenden Geschichten wieder vor (zumindest ist im Klappentext von Band 3 wieder von der Familie King die Rede), viel Lust habe ich derzeit nicht wirklich darauf.
Ich schiebe jetzt mal schmollend die Unterlippe vor, bin kurzzeitig beleidigt und … lese was Neues.
tut mir echt leid für Kris & Rafe, ich hätte ihnen so viel mehr gegönnt ...
****************
Heute wird’s kurz und schmerzhaft :-(
Ich mag Bücher über Gestaltwandler sehr und freue mich jedesmal, wenn ich wieder über eines stolpere. Hier haben wir wieder eines mit einer Wolf-/Menschverbindung, also einen Klassiker.
Ja, ich bin traurig. Traurig darüber, dass mein “zweiter” Versuch mit Susan Laine wieder nichts war …
Wieder kann ich nicht sagen, dass sie nicht gut schreibt, dass sie keinen interessanten Plot aufweisen kann. Aber warum in Gottes Namen macht sie nichts daraus???
Sie schafft Protagonisten, die so viel Potential hätten, die so viel erzählen könnten und doch erreichen sie mich nicht. Noch dazu ist “Nach Art der Wölfe” der Start einer Serie. Da muss es doch das Ziel sein, den Wunsch auf die nachfolgenden Bände zu wecken und das gelingt ihr bei mir leider nicht.
Die Protagonisten bleiben für mich blass, hetzen durch die Geschichte (klar, bei 91 Seiten bleibt auch nicht viel Raum für Tiefe) und haben mich mit einem hilflosen Schulterzucken und der Frage “war’s das” zurück gelassen. Vielleicht kommen Kris und Rafe ja in den folgenden Geschichten wieder vor (zumindest ist im Klappentext von Band 3 wieder von der Familie King die Rede), viel Lust habe ich derzeit nicht wirklich darauf.
Ich schiebe jetzt mal schmollend die Unterlippe vor, bin kurzzeitig beleidigt und … lese was Neues.
November 13, 2014
2.5 Stars, rounded up. Re-read for me, but I can't remember when I last read it. The unveiling was an interesting premise as it relates to all paranormals. A little quick on the insta-love even with it being a fated mate story. The entire story was a bit quick, the entire thing happening over 24-hours from the point they meet I believe, so there wasn't much depth to Kris and Rafe. I'll be reading the next, just to see where this is going.
May 22, 2012
Ahh and it started so well!!! **sigh** Kris gave up his dreams to easily and was a little to accepting of things! He said he didnt want to lose himself to the sex and lust and in the end that's exactly what he did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2012
Interesting new series. Let see where it takes us.
May 28, 2012
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the world building and all the characters, but it was just not developed enough or long enough.
May 27, 2012
An interesting take on the werewolf mating story. I would have loved to read more and gone more in depth of certain points, but an enjoyable read and a series I am eagerly awaiting more of!
November 6, 2012
Оч. прикольный взгляд на оборотней и на то, как они в современном мире пару находят.
June 6, 2014
I loved Rafe and his possessive attitude. Susan Laine made these characters a lot of fun for me.
March 26, 2018
Comme je le cherchais, c'est une lecture courte (1 heure pas plus) qui démarre directement sans l'ombre d'un préambule. Une histoire de loup garou et donc forcement, d'alpha pas bien loin, même si ce n'est pas clairement stipulé, avec son futur compagnon fraîchement trouvé mais longuement attendu .
Une histoire pas franchement originale mais qui a la particularité intéressante de nous présenter non pas un univers installé, mêlé d'humains et de lycans ,mais plutôt une transition d'univers, une période d'adaptation et de découverte entre deux époques; l'avant et l’après Grand Dévoilement. Un monde qui s'ouvre donc à un autre monde caché jusqu'alors ,mettant en exergue les contingences de l'accouplement destiné sous un point de vue plus actuel que la simple magie par le biais de la recherche médicale. On a droit à quelques tentatives d'explications du phénomène et de ses répercussions sur la société avec une écriture qui se déploie avec aisance , bien agencée mais parfois entravée par quelques répétitions (je me demande avec le temps si je ne préfère pas les fautes aux bis répétitas tant ceux-ci peuvent alourdir un récit ).
On trouve encore trop à mon gout ces quelques clichés inhérents à la romance ,à savoir le cœur et ses battements aléatoires (les auteurs romanesques auraient ils revé d’être cardiologues?), le jeu des scènes d'amour interrompues qui frôle la pénibilité...On doit également faire face à un gros passage à vide vers la fin, digne d'un des plus beaux épisodes des Feux de l'Amour, une scène d'amour qui ne remplit pas son devoir et une fin friandise comme un shamallow :selon son degrés d’exigence, on trouve ca sucré et moelleux ou un peu écoeurant.
Il y a cependant deux points positifs dans ce roman (la positive attitude ca peut pas faire de mal hein?):
- le héros principal Kris est plus un homme versé dans la planification et le calcul de son avenir , dans l'introspection de cet accouplement qu'on lui impose et de cet amour qu'il sait d'avance devoir ressentir.Il connait les règles du jeu ,comme nous lecteurs les connaissons aussi,mais ne les acceptent pas pour autant et ne cède pas à son rôle d'omega d'emblée amoureux et soumis (même si au final lui et Raph c'est quand même le big love au premier reniflement).L'effort méritait d’être souligné je dois le dire
-deuxième point et non des moindres -et j'annonce officiellement que la c'est la première fois que je vois ca - l'auteur nous parle des megastars des romances tout genres confondus , j'appelle a la barre: les papillons gastriques , d'une façon assez surprenante ! Alors oui, effectivement , c'est pas trois lignes sur les lépidoptères qui vont faire un roman de qualité mais je n'en peux tellement plus de ces papillons tout mignons qui vrillent les estomacs de tous ces héros que j'en suis rendue a trouver ca formidable!!
Susan Laine, qui a écrit aussi de jolis romans, ne nous livre pas cette fois ci le meilleur de son talent, ca ne peut pas marcher à tous les coups!
Yop.
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com/
Une histoire pas franchement originale mais qui a la particularité intéressante de nous présenter non pas un univers installé, mêlé d'humains et de lycans ,mais plutôt une transition d'univers, une période d'adaptation et de découverte entre deux époques; l'avant et l’après Grand Dévoilement. Un monde qui s'ouvre donc à un autre monde caché jusqu'alors ,mettant en exergue les contingences de l'accouplement destiné sous un point de vue plus actuel que la simple magie par le biais de la recherche médicale. On a droit à quelques tentatives d'explications du phénomène et de ses répercussions sur la société avec une écriture qui se déploie avec aisance , bien agencée mais parfois entravée par quelques répétitions (je me demande avec le temps si je ne préfère pas les fautes aux bis répétitas tant ceux-ci peuvent alourdir un récit ).
On trouve encore trop à mon gout ces quelques clichés inhérents à la romance ,à savoir le cœur et ses battements aléatoires (les auteurs romanesques auraient ils revé d’être cardiologues?), le jeu des scènes d'amour interrompues qui frôle la pénibilité...On doit également faire face à un gros passage à vide vers la fin, digne d'un des plus beaux épisodes des Feux de l'Amour, une scène d'amour qui ne remplit pas son devoir et une fin friandise comme un shamallow :selon son degrés d’exigence, on trouve ca sucré et moelleux ou un peu écoeurant.
Il y a cependant deux points positifs dans ce roman (la positive attitude ca peut pas faire de mal hein?):
- le héros principal Kris est plus un homme versé dans la planification et le calcul de son avenir , dans l'introspection de cet accouplement qu'on lui impose et de cet amour qu'il sait d'avance devoir ressentir.Il connait les règles du jeu ,comme nous lecteurs les connaissons aussi,mais ne les acceptent pas pour autant et ne cède pas à son rôle d'omega d'emblée amoureux et soumis (même si au final lui et Raph c'est quand même le big love au premier reniflement).L'effort méritait d’être souligné je dois le dire
-deuxième point et non des moindres -et j'annonce officiellement que la c'est la première fois que je vois ca - l'auteur nous parle des megastars des romances tout genres confondus , j'appelle a la barre: les papillons gastriques , d'une façon assez surprenante ! Alors oui, effectivement , c'est pas trois lignes sur les lépidoptères qui vont faire un roman de qualité mais je n'en peux tellement plus de ces papillons tout mignons qui vrillent les estomacs de tous ces héros que j'en suis rendue a trouver ca formidable!!
Susan Laine, qui a écrit aussi de jolis romans, ne nous livre pas cette fois ci le meilleur de son talent, ca ne peut pas marcher à tous les coups!
Yop.
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com/
May 17, 2018
This book starts out good. It takes place after the veil has been lifted and supernatural beings are brought into the open. I liked the idea behind this happening. It has so much potential. I even liked the idea that destined mates could be found through blood tests. I just thought the book could be so much more than these two things.
Kris is young and doesn't want to find out he has a mate. I definitely know that I would have fought that. Sure, I understand that Rafe is a lot older and is upset when Kris doesn't want to mate right away. I just think that the book started out one way and became an instant love deal. I was expecting a lot more than that.
Sure, I think the series holds enough potential to try at least one more book. I just don't tend to like when a book starts out one way and caves in the middle. I think if Kris had fought more after meeting Rafe I would have felt like the book was a bit more believable. Oh well. I still had fun reading parts.
Kris is young and doesn't want to find out he has a mate. I definitely know that I would have fought that. Sure, I understand that Rafe is a lot older and is upset when Kris doesn't want to mate right away. I just think that the book started out one way and became an instant love deal. I was expecting a lot more than that.
Sure, I think the series holds enough potential to try at least one more book. I just don't tend to like when a book starts out one way and caves in the middle. I think if Kris had fought more after meeting Rafe I would have felt like the book was a bit more believable. Oh well. I still had fun reading parts.
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