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The Ushers #1
Amazon
Born albino, Bianca was spared death in infancy when her mother found safe haven among the ghosts and misfits of Amazon Pack. As Guardian of Amazon, she protects the hidden pack with a ferocity that belies her delicate appearance.
Jack’s routine investigation of rogue wolf sightings in his territory uncovers both Bianca’s secrets and her passionate nature. He finds her alluring and terrifying: he’s convinced she’s his mate, but is she also the Usher—key to their culture’s most sacred prophecies?
The Usher’s destiny requires a sacrifice to repair a rift in wolf culture and set the Goddess free. Can Jack and Bianca trust each other enough to pay that price?
Jack’s routine investigation of rogue wolf sightings in his territory uncovers both Bianca’s secrets and her passionate nature. He finds her alluring and terrifying: he’s convinced she’s his mate, but is she also the Usher—key to their culture’s most sacred prophecies?
The Usher’s destiny requires a sacrifice to repair a rift in wolf culture and set the Goddess free. Can Jack and Bianca trust each other enough to pay that price?
ebook
First published October 11, 2012
39 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa North
42 books522 followersAuthor of over a dozen novels, novellas, and short stories, Vanessa North delights in giving happy-ever-afters to characters who don’t think they deserve them. Relentless curiosity led her to take up knitting and run a few marathons “just to see if she could.” She started writing for the same reason. Her very patient husband pretends not to notice when her hobbies take over the house. Living and writing in Northwest Georgia, she finds her attempts to keep a quiet home are frequently thwarted by twin boy-children and a very, very large dog.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 21, 2012
Amazon by Vanessa North is an intriguing story chock full of myths, steamy sexual encounters, and an exciting heartpounding conclusion. It's a unique premise that promises to be a memorable series and I look forward to following the remaining un-Mated Murphy men as things look to be getting even more complicated for the wolves.
Jack Murphy thinks he's meeting with just a few wolves about rogue wolf issues but soon finds his life completely upended as he comes in contact with Bianca, the Albina whose existence he only knows of through myths. She's a Guardian like him and is extremely strong and quite able to keep her pack safe. He's instantly attracted and pleased to learn that Fate has chosen her as his Mate. Some find her genes undesirable but he'll claim her no matter what others say since he's equally as strong and will fight to keep her safe. He'll even go so far as casting his own Pack and brothers aside to keep her by his side.
Bianca's always been made to feel inferior because of her genes but amidst the wolves of Amazon Pack she's found acceptance and made Guardian to protect them all. She's definitely a badass and has the scars to prove how good she is in a fight. For many years her Guide Sara has been her lover but she always knew as Usher that her true Mate was coming and wholeheartedly accepts Jack into her life. What follows are many steamy sexual interludes with Jack where we learn more about his bloody wartime past. Towards the end of the story a threesome starts between Sara, Jack, and her that feels very natural in its evolution and is more about feelings of caring and friendship as Sara comes to realize that her time on Earth is short. Bianca knows she's the catalyst for a change in all wolves' existence and as the time draws closer for her Pack to be recognized, blood will be shed as she has to fight for what Fate has decreed.
There's a lot going on in this story that sometimes gets to be a bit overwhelming. The mythology of Guides, Guardians, and Ushers isn't always clear and what fate ultimately wants for the wolves is a bit blurry. But if you just focus on the characters and their actions you find a very exciting and fast-paced story full of numerous likable characters. The un-Mated Murphy brothers, Ted and Fionn, are extremely sexy and I am drooling with anticipation for their stories as Fionn has an important part to play in Fate's plans. Between them and the numerous sexual interludes this is one hot, yet satisfying, story. Fans of the paranormal will enjoy deciphering the intricate storyline of Amazon with its unique take on wolf-shifter culture.
Jack Murphy thinks he's meeting with just a few wolves about rogue wolf issues but soon finds his life completely upended as he comes in contact with Bianca, the Albina whose existence he only knows of through myths. She's a Guardian like him and is extremely strong and quite able to keep her pack safe. He's instantly attracted and pleased to learn that Fate has chosen her as his Mate. Some find her genes undesirable but he'll claim her no matter what others say since he's equally as strong and will fight to keep her safe. He'll even go so far as casting his own Pack and brothers aside to keep her by his side.
Bianca's always been made to feel inferior because of her genes but amidst the wolves of Amazon Pack she's found acceptance and made Guardian to protect them all. She's definitely a badass and has the scars to prove how good she is in a fight. For many years her Guide Sara has been her lover but she always knew as Usher that her true Mate was coming and wholeheartedly accepts Jack into her life. What follows are many steamy sexual interludes with Jack where we learn more about his bloody wartime past. Towards the end of the story a threesome starts between Sara, Jack, and her that feels very natural in its evolution and is more about feelings of caring and friendship as Sara comes to realize that her time on Earth is short. Bianca knows she's the catalyst for a change in all wolves' existence and as the time draws closer for her Pack to be recognized, blood will be shed as she has to fight for what Fate has decreed.
There's a lot going on in this story that sometimes gets to be a bit overwhelming. The mythology of Guides, Guardians, and Ushers isn't always clear and what fate ultimately wants for the wolves is a bit blurry. But if you just focus on the characters and their actions you find a very exciting and fast-paced story full of numerous likable characters. The un-Mated Murphy brothers, Ted and Fionn, are extremely sexy and I am drooling with anticipation for their stories as Fionn has an important part to play in Fate's plans. Between them and the numerous sexual interludes this is one hot, yet satisfying, story. Fans of the paranormal will enjoy deciphering the intricate storyline of Amazon with its unique take on wolf-shifter culture.
December 5, 2012
Start a series by adding an intriguing story, throw in myth and action, a dollop of incredibly steamy sex, then write a heart pounding conclusion is certainly a way to whet the reader’s appetite for more. Vanessa North has done all that and more, with a uniquely presented paranormal story that incorporates differences, prejudices and a touch of traumatic battle recollections.
Jack and Bianca are uniquely paired and skilled, with enough dysfunction in their past history to make their relationship both realistic and a challenge as neither is used to relinquishing control. Their friendship and caring for one another is evident and well portrayed as it develops. And this respect and caring is even more evident when another member of their pack who has forseen her own joins them for a very steamy, yet tender MFM encounter. What could have been gratuitous or a source of great conflict fits into the story neatly and helps to further solidify the character’s personalities.
As a starter to a series, there is a ton of information provided in a very short time, but the overall feeling leaves me waiting not so patiently for the next book. The writing is smooth and clever, the world is well defined and detailed and there is just enough left unanswered, and other characters unmated, that another book is called for.
I received an eBook copy from author for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Jack and Bianca are uniquely paired and skilled, with enough dysfunction in their past history to make their relationship both realistic and a challenge as neither is used to relinquishing control. Their friendship and caring for one another is evident and well portrayed as it develops. And this respect and caring is even more evident when another member of their pack who has forseen her own joins them for a very steamy, yet tender MFM encounter. What could have been gratuitous or a source of great conflict fits into the story neatly and helps to further solidify the character’s personalities.
As a starter to a series, there is a ton of information provided in a very short time, but the overall feeling leaves me waiting not so patiently for the next book. The writing is smooth and clever, the world is well defined and detailed and there is just enough left unanswered, and other characters unmated, that another book is called for.
I received an eBook copy from author for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
December 11, 2012
I couldn't put this book down. Very sexy, well written, and even brought me to tears at one point in the story. It's a romance with lots of emotion. I can't get enough of Vanessa North.
December 3, 2013
This was an enjoyable read. There's a good amount of world-building in this story, and I think much of it sets up the foundation for books 2 and 3. I was sad for Bianca and her relationships in the book. It's too spoilery to elaborate, but I definitely felt for her. For me, that part was a bit forced and rushed. It's a relatively short read, and I felt like the focus was much more on the events of the Ushers and less on the relationship between Bianca and Jack. I would have liked to see more developed there and not just "we're mates and that's how it is".
I'm looking forward to the next book, as the setup for it was really good in AMAZON.
I'm looking forward to the next book, as the setup for it was really good in AMAZON.
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February 18, 2015DNF
The only way I could cut the author some slack is if this had been written by a 13 year old girl in the 19th century.
Why you ask? Because this:
His eyes met Bianca’s, and his perfectly-cleft chin and rugged jaw actually dropped.
and the least sexy sex ever written:
Bianca leaned back and doubled her efforts to bring Sara to completion.
and the greatest simile ever written:
Her backside was lovely under that gray dress, firm and athletic and rolling like two cats fighting inside a bag.
but worst of all
The only way I could cut the author some slack is if this had been written by a 13 year old girl in the 19th century.
Why you ask? Because this:
His eyes met Bianca’s, and his perfectly-cleft chin and rugged jaw actually dropped.
and the least sexy sex ever written:
Bianca leaned back and doubled her efforts to bring Sara to completion.
and the greatest simile ever written:
Her backside was lovely under that gray dress, firm and athletic and rolling like two cats fighting inside a bag.
but worst of all
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March 3, 2015This series is now out of print. Please feel free to check back here for updates on whether it will be re-released. As of 3/2/2015, I do not have plans to republish. That may change, as time and writing schedules allow. Always feel free to email me at vanessa AT vanessanoth DOT com if you have any questions. :)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews