What do you think?
Rate this book
Vegas Mates #1
Chasing Sam
BESTSELLING VEGAS MATES SERIES
Werewolf royalty, Samantha Demakis is not ready for what lies ahead of her. At 25, according to decree, it is time for to her to marry, but there is so much more at stake. Her royal suitors, those chosen by her parents, must fight to the death for her hand in marriage. Sam's obligations and inner wolf are at odds. But when, she meets a sexy stranger, Sam decides forever is just what she wants--with the right wolf.
Spending his life alone, Chase Michaels can't believe the odds that his alpha wolf reacts so strongly to a chance encounter with a beautiful woman. Never experiencing such desire and need, Chase is bound and determined to make Sam his, despite the laws against it. Unprepared for the snobbery of the noble families, Chase prepares for battle. Can he fight the laws and ancient tradition to win the heart of the woman he's destined to be with? Or will he die trying?
Werewolf royalty, Samantha Demakis is not ready for what lies ahead of her. At 25, according to decree, it is time for to her to marry, but there is so much more at stake. Her royal suitors, those chosen by her parents, must fight to the death for her hand in marriage. Sam's obligations and inner wolf are at odds. But when, she meets a sexy stranger, Sam decides forever is just what she wants--with the right wolf.
Spending his life alone, Chase Michaels can't believe the odds that his alpha wolf reacts so strongly to a chance encounter with a beautiful woman. Never experiencing such desire and need, Chase is bound and determined to make Sam his, despite the laws against it. Unprepared for the snobbery of the noble families, Chase prepares for battle. Can he fight the laws and ancient tradition to win the heart of the woman he's destined to be with? Or will he die trying?
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
339 people are currently reading
1868 people want to read
About the author
Krystal Shannan
86 books1,430 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Krystal Shannan lives in a sprawling ranch style home with her husband, teenage son, and two almost teenage daughters. Her home is full of love and laughter and lots of animals. In fact the welcome mat warns visitors that it’s a zoo inside—chickens, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, dogs and fish! You name it, they’ve probably had it in their home at some point.
Krystal writes stories filled with magick, fantasy, passion, and just enough humor to make you laugh out loud. Join the fun and escape to a whole new world.
Krystal writes stories filled with magick, fantasy, passion, and just enough humor to make you laugh out loud. Join the fun and escape to a whole new world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 28, 2016
RATING 4.5 STARS
Chasing Sam is book one in the Vegas Mates series by Krystal Shannan. This book was generously provided to me by the author for an honest review.
Samantha, or Sam, Demakis is twenty-five years old and has been studying for her medical degree. Sam is a wolf shifter and her family is old money in Las Vegas. Sam has begrudgingly agreed to come home for the holidays, not realizing that her parents had something planned for her for this trip. Something she wasn’t going to like at all.
Chase Michaels is also a wolf shifter and lives in Vegas. He is a military veteran just returning from deployment. He and Sam accidently meet at the airport and there is an instant attraction, an instant chemistry that has both their inner wolves waking up and taking notice. Is it possible that they could be each other’s intended mate?
There is an old tradition, one rarely used anymore except by the Demakis family, that says that when a female turns twenty-five, she is to participate in the hunt. That her father will choose suitable mates and that they will hunt her. Whoever catches her, wins her. But Sam doesn’t want this. She wants to finish medical school. She has plans. What about Chase? They’ve just met but she knows he felt the same thing she did. Would he want to participate in the hunt? He could be killed. The risk would be too high. Would her father even accept Chase in to the hunt since his family is of a ‘lower’ stature in his eyes?
This is a very short story but I loved it. The way the daughters were regarded in this family was appalling and I loved the way Chase fought for Sam. It was an exciting book from the beginning to the end. The hunt itself definitely had some surprising aspects to it that I think might hint to a future book in the series. This was fantastic and I look forward to the next book in the series, Saving Margaret.
May 23, 2017
3.5 stars!
March 7, 2013
Samantha "Sam" Demakis dreaded coming home for the holidays, she just wanted to focus on her medical degree. Crossing paths with Chase Michaels at the airport though has her wolf howling, but Sam has no interest in finding a mate. Her family had other ideas though and planned to force her to choose a mate, unbeknownst to her or she would never have gotten on the plane in the first place.
Chase had long given up hope of finding his mate, he knows Sam is his. Family dynamics though interfere as the Michaels are considered bottom feeders to the Demakis nobility. When Chase finds out Sam is part of the mate Hunt, Chase will do everything in his power to protect her and claim her as his own.
Excellent beginning to the Vegas Mates series by Krystal Shannan. I was riveted from the first meeting between Sam and Chase. I hope there is more in the series soon as would like to read more about both families.
Chase had long given up hope of finding his mate, he knows Sam is his. Family dynamics though interfere as the Michaels are considered bottom feeders to the Demakis nobility. When Chase finds out Sam is part of the mate Hunt, Chase will do everything in his power to protect her and claim her as his own.
Excellent beginning to the Vegas Mates series by Krystal Shannan. I was riveted from the first meeting between Sam and Chase. I hope there is more in the series soon as would like to read more about both families.
October 23, 2016
Chasing Sam (Vegas Mates #1) by Krystal Shannan Samantha Demakis doesn’t want a mate right now. She wants to finish her degree and work as a doctor in third world countries. Her birth-rite and family obligations to her status as the first daughter of a noble family beg to differ.
In fact, even her wolf seems to be against her. When a chance encounter reveals the man who might just be a perfect fit, will she run? Or will she fight?Chase Michaels has been alone for seventy-five years. He’s fought in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan in the US Army. Somewhat resigned to never finding his true mate, he is shocked when his wolf reacts so strongly to a woman he runs into in the airport.
Unprepared for the politics and snobbery of the noble families, Chase finds himself fighting in a different type of war —a war for the heart of a woman he knows should be his.A lot of things are chasing Sam, but who or what will catch her in the end?
There is a lot that I really liked about Chasing Sam, but there was also a lot that I felt could have used just a little bit more development and detail as well.
I thought the world and the cast of characters were great but the flux detail between changes or shifting wasn't as fluid or as I would have expected them to be and the characters could have used some more development however I did think it was interesting to see the difference between their shifter personalities and their human ones but they weren't as favorable to me and although Chasing Sam is a part of a series it doesn't feel as if its done. It didn't quite feel like a cliff hanger ending it just didn't feel over.
Its still a good read and I'm interested in the world the author has created but I am hoping for more development out of it in later revisions.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author
.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like or let me know what you think! I love hearing from followers! Thank you!
In fact, even her wolf seems to be against her. When a chance encounter reveals the man who might just be a perfect fit, will she run? Or will she fight?Chase Michaels has been alone for seventy-five years. He’s fought in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan in the US Army. Somewhat resigned to never finding his true mate, he is shocked when his wolf reacts so strongly to a woman he runs into in the airport.
Unprepared for the politics and snobbery of the noble families, Chase finds himself fighting in a different type of war —a war for the heart of a woman he knows should be his.A lot of things are chasing Sam, but who or what will catch her in the end?
There is a lot that I really liked about Chasing Sam, but there was also a lot that I felt could have used just a little bit more development and detail as well.
I thought the world and the cast of characters were great but the flux detail between changes or shifting wasn't as fluid or as I would have expected them to be and the characters could have used some more development however I did think it was interesting to see the difference between their shifter personalities and their human ones but they weren't as favorable to me and although Chasing Sam is a part of a series it doesn't feel as if its done. It didn't quite feel like a cliff hanger ending it just didn't feel over.
Its still a good read and I'm interested in the world the author has created but I am hoping for more development out of it in later revisions.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author
.
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like or let me know what you think! I love hearing from followers! Thank you!
October 11, 2014
Chasing Sam is a novella that introduces us to a world of powerful, alluring werewolves, and their spirited female counterparts. Chase Michaels, an Army Ranger and a strapping male werewolf, has just returned home from Afghanistan when he bumps into a beautiful female werewolf at the airport. He is enchanted, as he has never felt such a strong connection to anyone. But when he learns her name he knows there is little chance for them to be together. Still, he cannot deny the attraction, and makes it his goal to find her again.
Samantha “Sam” Damakis is a female wolf, and part of a noble family of werewolves. Despite the obligations associated with her noble bloodline, and her parents' desire to have her home and mated, Sam is pursuing her dreams of attending medical school and seeing the world. So, when she arrives home for a holiday visit and bumps into the gorgeous hunk, Chase, at the airport she is shocked by the feelings that ensue. She has never before felt such a powerful attraction to anyone. And her inner wolf feels just as strongly. But after a brief meeting, she and Chase go their seperate ways. Sam is left with a sense of regret over an opportunity lost, and decides to seek him out. Her sisters remind her that her parents will never accept him, as his bloodline is not a noble one. But Sam isn’t going to give up that easily.
Her parents have other plans; however, and as the story unfolds we learn about werewolf traditions, the depth of Sam's obligations, and what she and Chase are willing to risk to be together. We also learn that--despite their otherwise civilized demeanor--werewolves have the capacity for ferocity that can rear up at any time, and with deadly consequences.
I fell in love with these characters! For a novella, they were surprisingly well developed. I found myself rooting for them from the start. My only complaint is that it wasn’t a full length novel! I'm excited for the second book, and to learn more about this exciting world of shifters (hint: there are more than just wolves)! A fantastic read!
Samantha “Sam” Damakis is a female wolf, and part of a noble family of werewolves. Despite the obligations associated with her noble bloodline, and her parents' desire to have her home and mated, Sam is pursuing her dreams of attending medical school and seeing the world. So, when she arrives home for a holiday visit and bumps into the gorgeous hunk, Chase, at the airport she is shocked by the feelings that ensue. She has never before felt such a powerful attraction to anyone. And her inner wolf feels just as strongly. But after a brief meeting, she and Chase go their seperate ways. Sam is left with a sense of regret over an opportunity lost, and decides to seek him out. Her sisters remind her that her parents will never accept him, as his bloodline is not a noble one. But Sam isn’t going to give up that easily.
Her parents have other plans; however, and as the story unfolds we learn about werewolf traditions, the depth of Sam's obligations, and what she and Chase are willing to risk to be together. We also learn that--despite their otherwise civilized demeanor--werewolves have the capacity for ferocity that can rear up at any time, and with deadly consequences.
I fell in love with these characters! For a novella, they were surprisingly well developed. I found myself rooting for them from the start. My only complaint is that it wasn’t a full length novel! I'm excited for the second book, and to learn more about this exciting world of shifters (hint: there are more than just wolves)! A fantastic read!
December 24, 2015
4 Chasing Sam
This is a novella-length introduction to the new Vegas Mates series by Krystal Shannan. The characters where easy to like and well developed. Sam chafes against family tradition. The time has come for her to get married/mated a decision she detests. An unexpected encounter puts her face to face with Chase. A shifter from a less noble stock, but one who recognizes Sam as his mate. Will they end up together or will tradition win out?
Chase Michaels, an Army Ranger and a strapping male werewolf, has just returned home from Afghanistan when he bumps into a beautiful female werewolf at the airport. He is enchanted, as he has never felt such a strong connection to anyone before.
Samantha “Sam” Damakis is a female wolf, and part of a noble family of werewolves. Despite the obligations associated with her noble bloodline, and her parents' desire to have her home and mated, Sam is pursuing her dreams of attending medical school and seeing the world. So, when she arrives home for a holiday visit and bumps into a gorgeous hunk at the airport she is shocked by the feelings that ensue. She has never before felt such a powerful attraction to anyone.
This was a great start to the Vegas Mates series. I look forward to reading more.
This is a novella-length introduction to the new Vegas Mates series by Krystal Shannan. The characters where easy to like and well developed. Sam chafes against family tradition. The time has come for her to get married/mated a decision she detests. An unexpected encounter puts her face to face with Chase. A shifter from a less noble stock, but one who recognizes Sam as his mate. Will they end up together or will tradition win out?
Chase Michaels, an Army Ranger and a strapping male werewolf, has just returned home from Afghanistan when he bumps into a beautiful female werewolf at the airport. He is enchanted, as he has never felt such a strong connection to anyone before.
Samantha “Sam” Damakis is a female wolf, and part of a noble family of werewolves. Despite the obligations associated with her noble bloodline, and her parents' desire to have her home and mated, Sam is pursuing her dreams of attending medical school and seeing the world. So, when she arrives home for a holiday visit and bumps into a gorgeous hunk at the airport she is shocked by the feelings that ensue. She has never before felt such a powerful attraction to anyone.
This was a great start to the Vegas Mates series. I look forward to reading more.
July 14, 2013
What to say about this wonderful book? When I read, I enjoy losing myself in the atmosphere, finding that I can "see" what is being played out before me on the page. This book and this talented author have that just ability.
I found that I needed to read more and more. This was a book that I could not put down. With each chapter, a little more peeled back and revealed. The characters grow and develop. To me they felt like real people; like people I could know, not some contrived character created to do amazing and astounding things as often seen in the popular literature. They experience true pain and hurt, but they also are capable of receiving and giving love, even for feeling hope. There is so much more beyond the surface of these characters.
Utterly beautiful, completely stunning, sexy sizzling shifters, spectacular, no matter what worlds I'll use I don't feel I can make this book justice. it is in time like these, when I have read a masterpiece like this, that I simply adored. I wish I had magic powers so I could simply convince everyone to read this hypnotic book.
Their love story is so beautiful. The way it started, the way it grows, the way it blossoms... this book deserves to be read and enjoyed. I would STRONGLY suggest this book to any of my friends. It's an incredible love story I cannot say enough good things about it and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Go get her Chase!
I found that I needed to read more and more. This was a book that I could not put down. With each chapter, a little more peeled back and revealed. The characters grow and develop. To me they felt like real people; like people I could know, not some contrived character created to do amazing and astounding things as often seen in the popular literature. They experience true pain and hurt, but they also are capable of receiving and giving love, even for feeling hope. There is so much more beyond the surface of these characters.
Utterly beautiful, completely stunning, sexy sizzling shifters, spectacular, no matter what worlds I'll use I don't feel I can make this book justice. it is in time like these, when I have read a masterpiece like this, that I simply adored. I wish I had magic powers so I could simply convince everyone to read this hypnotic book.
Their love story is so beautiful. The way it started, the way it grows, the way it blossoms... this book deserves to be read and enjoyed. I would STRONGLY suggest this book to any of my friends. It's an incredible love story I cannot say enough good things about it and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Go get her Chase!
October 29, 2013
I loved this book! Krystal gets all aspects in her characters. The evil mother. The bully's, The boyfriend, the protector and the damsel in distress. Her writing is so smooth and I couldn't put it down. I'm glad that this was not an insanely large story, because then I didn't have to worry about not being able to finish it before bed. When I am this into a book I will usually stay up until I finish and the morning comes quicker than we think!
Sam is a noble and the oldest daughter. She is 25 now and that age has significant meaning in the noble wolf packs. It means now she is at the age where her parents want to find her a mate. Therefore they handpick nobles to participate in a hunt to claim her. She does not realize this is going to happen when she comes home from school for break. If she had known she would not have come.
She bumps into Chase at the airport and feels the instant connection and recognizes him as her mate. Her mother later overhears her telling her sisters she would be a little more willing to participate with the hunt if a contender of her choice could participate. Which begins the Chase for Sam. There are a lot of obstacles in Chase's way. He will have to come face to face with more than just other wolves to get to Sam.
I would definitely recommend reading this book and I am going right ahead to read the next book!
Sam is a noble and the oldest daughter. She is 25 now and that age has significant meaning in the noble wolf packs. It means now she is at the age where her parents want to find her a mate. Therefore they handpick nobles to participate in a hunt to claim her. She does not realize this is going to happen when she comes home from school for break. If she had known she would not have come.
She bumps into Chase at the airport and feels the instant connection and recognizes him as her mate. Her mother later overhears her telling her sisters she would be a little more willing to participate with the hunt if a contender of her choice could participate. Which begins the Chase for Sam. There are a lot of obstacles in Chase's way. He will have to come face to face with more than just other wolves to get to Sam.
I would definitely recommend reading this book and I am going right ahead to read the next book!
February 7, 2013
An amazing start to a new series that is action packed, fun, romantic and manages to both satisfy while it leaves you wanting much more. I love Krystal’s writing style, her characters and her story telling skills. They are all very hot, addictive and detailed to the point they are perfect visions in your mind. Any fan of the paranormal romance genre will fall in love with Chasing Sam again and again!
What’s a gal to do when she has her life all planned out, perfectly mapped when suddenly out of the blue she meets her mate who is unacceptable because she is part of royalty and he is not? Fight for what she knows is right and what she believes in. This proves extremely difficult when her parents interfere and make it so the chances of being with her mate become very slim. It’s a screwed up tradition that their level of royalty hold a hunt once she’s at the age of 25, the winner gets to claim the female as his mate. Now she must watch the male that is her mate challenge others to win his chance to be with with her. We all know how fate works when someone tries to interfere… Yea, fate gets pissed off!
I look forward to seeing where Krystal will go next in the series. With an ending like the one we have here, patience is definitely a virtue. I want more! Please :)
What’s a gal to do when she has her life all planned out, perfectly mapped when suddenly out of the blue she meets her mate who is unacceptable because she is part of royalty and he is not? Fight for what she knows is right and what she believes in. This proves extremely difficult when her parents interfere and make it so the chances of being with her mate become very slim. It’s a screwed up tradition that their level of royalty hold a hunt once she’s at the age of 25, the winner gets to claim the female as his mate. Now she must watch the male that is her mate challenge others to win his chance to be with with her. We all know how fate works when someone tries to interfere… Yea, fate gets pissed off!
I look forward to seeing where Krystal will go next in the series. With an ending like the one we have here, patience is definitely a virtue. I want more! Please :)
May 20, 2013
This is the first book I have read by Krystal Shannan, but it is definitely not the last. I have also downloaded her free book Pool of Souls (Book #1), and will be purchasing the second book in the Pool of Souls series. Krystal is an amazing writer who is very descriptive in her work. She makes you feel as if you are there in the story.
Chase and Samantha are great characters. Both are wolves but come from very different backgrounds. Chase is in the military and Sam comes from a noble home and is studying to be a doctor. Something her parents are not too happy with since they want her to choose a mate away. Since Sam isn't ready to give up her dream she will do anything she can to keep her freedom. A chance meeting with Chase changes her feelings about choosing a mate. But will taking a mate compromise her dream of becoming a doctor?
First, wolf book I have read in a while and and this author made me see what I had been missing. Pick up your copy and I guarantee you will be hooked.
Chase and Samantha are great characters. Both are wolves but come from very different backgrounds. Chase is in the military and Sam comes from a noble home and is studying to be a doctor. Something her parents are not too happy with since they want her to choose a mate away. Since Sam isn't ready to give up her dream she will do anything she can to keep her freedom. A chance meeting with Chase changes her feelings about choosing a mate. But will taking a mate compromise her dream of becoming a doctor?
First, wolf book I have read in a while and and this author made me see what I had been missing. Pick up your copy and I guarantee you will be hooked.
May 4, 2013
"Chasing Sam" by Krystal Shannan came with high recommendations from a new literary friend and I was curious what her word was worth, so I dug into this paranormal romance. I was pleasantly reassured by the quality of the writing.
The slightly spoilt 25 year old heroine Sam comes from a noble were wolf / shape shifter(?) family and is meant to be mated to whom her family chooses for her. However, before her return home she meets Chase, a handsome soldier from a lesser wolf family.
Their chemistry and courting is very well written and in Sam we have a character that is more complex and interesting than your average boy meets girl story heroine.
The dispute is settled in a traditional hunt, telling you anything more about the plot of this story would spoil things for you.
This is entertaining and certainly one of the better ones in the genre.
The slightly spoilt 25 year old heroine Sam comes from a noble were wolf / shape shifter(?) family and is meant to be mated to whom her family chooses for her. However, before her return home she meets Chase, a handsome soldier from a lesser wolf family.
Their chemistry and courting is very well written and in Sam we have a character that is more complex and interesting than your average boy meets girl story heroine.
The dispute is settled in a traditional hunt, telling you anything more about the plot of this story would spoil things for you.
This is entertaining and certainly one of the better ones in the genre.
May 23, 2013
I really love paranormal romance and when I got this book to read I was not disappointed and totally hooked!! I fell in love with Chase and Sam who proved the true mates belong together no matter what. Great beginning to a new series!!
February 8, 2014
I loved this book! Krystal gets all aspects in her characters. The evil mother. The bully's, The boyfriend, the protector and the damsel in distress. Her writing is so smooth and I couldn't put it down. I'm glad that this was not an insanely large story, because then I didn't have to worry about not being able to finish it before bed. When I am this into a book I will usually stay up until I finish and the morning comes quicker than we think!
Sam is a noble and the oldest daughter. She is 25 now and that age has significant meaning in the noble wolf packs. It means now she is at the age where her parents want to find her a mate. Therefore they handpick nobles to participate in a hunt to claim her. She does not realize this is going to happen when she comes home from school for break. If she had known she would not have come.
She bumps into Chase at the airport and feels the instant connection and recognizes him as her mate. Her mother later overhears her telling her sisters she would be a little more willing to participate with the hunt if a contender of her choice could participate. Which begins the Chase for Sam. There are a lot of obstacles in Chase's way. He will have to come face to face with more than just other wolves to get to Sam.
I would definitely recommend reading this book and I am going right ahead to read the next book!
Sam is a noble and the oldest daughter. She is 25 now and that age has significant meaning in the noble wolf packs. It means now she is at the age where her parents want to find her a mate. Therefore they handpick nobles to participate in a hunt to claim her. She does not realize this is going to happen when she comes home from school for break. If she had known she would not have come.
She bumps into Chase at the airport and feels the instant connection and recognizes him as her mate. Her mother later overhears her telling her sisters she would be a little more willing to participate with the hunt if a contender of her choice could participate. Which begins the Chase for Sam. There are a lot of obstacles in Chase's way. He will have to come face to face with more than just other wolves to get to Sam.
I would definitely recommend reading this book and I am going right ahead to read the next book!
March 3, 2014
Krystal Shannan is very talented, she can bring the adventure of a story to life on the page making you feel almost transported into the book as if you are watching it happen from the side lines.
Sam is the oldest daughter of one of the most noble families, she turned twenty-five while she was away at school studying to be a Doctor. When she comes home from Christmas break she runs into the one person that she didn't want to run into just yet. Her mate. She's not ready for a mate, she wants to be able to be free and go out into the world. She fears ending up like her mother.
Chase has been away at war and thought that finding a mate was never going to happen,until he and his wolf lay eyes on Sam. Just having Sam leave with her family was enough for Chase to want to do everything in his power to find her once again. When he finally gets Sam alone he finds out that there is a mate hunt going to take place once Sam leaves his side at a local diner. Neither him nor his wolf are willing to let that happen.
Can the pull of meant to be mates conquer a mating hunt? Only time will tell.
I recommend this book if you are looking for adventure, romance, true love and a bit of mischief at the same time.
Sam is the oldest daughter of one of the most noble families, she turned twenty-five while she was away at school studying to be a Doctor. When she comes home from Christmas break she runs into the one person that she didn't want to run into just yet. Her mate. She's not ready for a mate, she wants to be able to be free and go out into the world. She fears ending up like her mother.
Chase has been away at war and thought that finding a mate was never going to happen,until he and his wolf lay eyes on Sam. Just having Sam leave with her family was enough for Chase to want to do everything in his power to find her once again. When he finally gets Sam alone he finds out that there is a mate hunt going to take place once Sam leaves his side at a local diner. Neither him nor his wolf are willing to let that happen.
Can the pull of meant to be mates conquer a mating hunt? Only time will tell.
I recommend this book if you are looking for adventure, romance, true love and a bit of mischief at the same time.
March 21, 2013
Review-Chasing Sam-Lynda Kaye Frazier
Samanatha Demakis returns home and is confronted by her noble werewolf family's tradition of an arranged mating. A tradition she despises and one she is determined to not be a part of. Especially since she met Chase.
Chase Michaels is from a commoner werewolf family. He runs into Sam and with just one touch knows she is his mate. Determined to have her he agreas to participate in the hunt to the death, but her family stacked the odds against him.
The plot was fast paced and the action had me on the edge of my seat. I loved Chase and found myself rooting hard for this sexy underdog and Sam’s strength and determination for a life that would allow her to choose her own path had me cheering her on also. Krystal Shannon is an amazing author weaving us into the world of shape shifters and making us wish we had a Chase to come home to.
Lynda Kaye Frazier
http://lyndafrazier.blogspot.com
Stars 5
Flames 3
I was provided a copy of this book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review-all conclusion are my own responsibility.
July 19, 2014
I could have liked this book with the exception of the human side of the shifter having internal dialogue with the animal side. In this case..The wolf. Both main characters did this. This distracted throughout the entire book. I started skipping those parts and then quickly grew tired of the whole mate run plot. I was very disappointed in this book. My version actually has 2 stories. The second is about a bear shifter. I love bear shifters. I won't be reading this one because agin, I have a serious problem with the internal dialogue between human and animal sides.
*Sigh... I believe authors such as Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden have ruined me when it comes to my expectations of shifters.
*Sigh... I believe authors such as Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden have ruined me when it comes to my expectations of shifters.
January 3, 2015
It’s been a while since I read a shifter romance. I received this novella as a freebie, and thought why not. Ms. Shannan quickly pulled me into the Vegas Mates world by introducing me to the Demakis family. Samantha Demakis is very independent and wants to choose her own mate. Sam and Chase desperately want to explore this newfound connection they seem to have, but her parents have other plans in mind for her…one that includes an old family tradition.
Chasing Sam is definitely on the short and spicy side. I heard that the series gets better and better with each installment. This one gets you nicely acquainted with some of the Vegas Mates characters that I now want to read the next one, Saving Margaret!
Chasing Sam is definitely on the short and spicy side. I heard that the series gets better and better with each installment. This one gets you nicely acquainted with some of the Vegas Mates characters that I now want to read the next one, Saving Margaret!
April 18, 2013
I wasn't totally keen on this story. Every time the human part of them started to talk to the wolf part it all got a bit silly. I didn't mind the characters. Wolves get uppity and cheeky like the mother, but we don't really get an answer to their behavior. Which annoyed me a bit. The sex scene was rushed and more clinical than sexy. It has potential with the mate hunt, but the over all concept was so rushed I felt detached from the plot the whole time. The writing as a whole was solid I just didn't really get the plot points all that well.
March 5, 2013
This is the first book I've read from Krystal Shannan but it sure isn't going to be the last! I enjoyed this little book it was a classic Romero and Juliet setting. The heroines family is very old school, the hero's family is much more down to earth. I read this in one sitting.
It had just gotten to the good part and boom it was over, blah! It was a let down. We never get to see either families reactions and the set up was there for another half of the book.
It had just gotten to the good part and boom it was over, blah! It was a let down. We never get to see either families reactions and the set up was there for another half of the book.
May 10, 2024
I normally looooove Krystal Shannan (the Mystery, Alaska mates I adore!) unfortunately this wasn’t for me. The story is very fast paced as it is only 8 chapters and the chapters aren’t that interesting. There is no development in the characters, they were predictable, and the dialogue was meh. Edit: I tried reading some of the second book and I won’t be finishing this series.
Want to read
May 13, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/8/2020)! 🎁
March 10, 2018
Shorts should really include a warning at the beginning so they don't come to what feels like an abrupt end if you're expecting a full length book. Truthfully whether I'd known this was a short it even if it had been a full length book I don't think I'd have enjoyed it anymore. The hero seemed ok, very noble, though like everything else about the short it wasn't really developed. The heroine came off as much younger than she was. There was giggling and wailing involved. I wanted her to be this badass werewolf chick but she was kinda whiny for my tastes. The hunt came up really fast and was really over in seconds. There were lots of plot points started but then discarded.
Tldr: ok short read but not one I'd recommend or reread
Tldr: ok short read but not one I'd recommend or reread
January 16, 2019
I started reading and couldn't put this down. The medieval tradition being practiced here was mind boggling but didn't shock me. The way Chase jumped in to beat the odds was so manly...I would die for you Sam....awwwww.
Unfortunately it still fell flat. It was quick, had no depth. What happened when they came out of the forest all bonded? What did her parents say, especially her mother? What happened when Chase called his family to let them know he was basically fighting to his death ? Didn't her sister Tess like one of them? Ricardo and Laura? Why mention these little flirtations? Am I going to have to wait till book 100 (being sarcastic) to find out Renada's issue? 😂🤣 What could Renada really have offered those guys, who weren't regular Joes, for them to want to do Chase like that?
Why does she dislike her children? She stood there while a grown ass werewolf stepped to one of the twins.
Chasing Sam should have been able to stand as an alone story.
Unfortunately it still fell flat. It was quick, had no depth. What happened when they came out of the forest all bonded? What did her parents say, especially her mother? What happened when Chase called his family to let them know he was basically fighting to his death ? Didn't her sister Tess like one of them? Ricardo and Laura? Why mention these little flirtations? Am I going to have to wait till book 100 (being sarcastic) to find out Renada's issue? 😂🤣 What could Renada really have offered those guys, who weren't regular Joes, for them to want to do Chase like that?
Why does she dislike her children? She stood there while a grown ass werewolf stepped to one of the twins.
Chasing Sam should have been able to stand as an alone story.
July 19, 2017
A great read
The connecting they felt at the airport. Samantha was home for Christmas holiday. Run ran into Chase at the airport but she knew that her parents wouldn't let them be together. Because she was royalty in Las Vegas and he was nothing. Now she found a way to be together but would it work. Read this great book to found out
The connecting they felt at the airport. Samantha was home for Christmas holiday. Run ran into Chase at the airport but she knew that her parents wouldn't let them be together. Because she was royalty in Las Vegas and he was nothing. Now she found a way to be together but would it work. Read this great book to found out
December 24, 2014
The book blurb summarizes this story accurately so I’ll just dive in to my review. I really enjoyed this story. Forget about “inner goddesses” and give me an inner wolf instead!
I liked Sam off and on throughout the story. She had many moments where she acted tough and like the grown woman she was at heart. But when push came to shove against her overbearing parents, she’d cower pretty quickly. On the one hand I want to say that the pack mentality and hierarchy played a major role when it came to her toeing the line, but on the other hand, she kept reiterating that they lived in the twenty-first century, and she seemed truly distressed at the prospect of being mated to someone she didn’t love and having to give up her biggest passion, becoming a doctor with Doctors Without Borders. Defying her family and running away would disgrace her family and get her kicked out of the pack, but I somehow expected the feisty girl to do just that. Chase was everything you’d want in an alpha wolf hero – honorable, protective and a hunk. There were quite a few scenes where we’d catch a glimpse of his shy, almost vulnerable, side.
Though the story is a quick read, it didn’t necessarily feel rushed. Their instant bond was due to their mate connection, so I believed that Chase would do anything to help her, even if it cost him his life. The most action in this story happened the night before the hunt. Though it was obvious that the Demakis family was not the loving, nurturing type, there was a strange animosity coming from Sam’s mother. To my disappointment that never got resolved. I hope there will be more Demakis family drama in the next books in this series because I really want to see Mama D get taken down.
The ending felt a little rushed, but overall the story was well paced, and I felt it set up the back stories of the two families quite well. As the series continues, I hope there will be cameos of previous couples and perhaps a bit more character development. Only one small error (plot hole) caught my attention at the end, and that was Chase’s surprise at learning that Sam’s mate would have a council seat. Sam already told him that in the beginning at the diner. If you’re in the mood for a short shifter story with a bit of sexiness and suspense, then you’ll enjoy this. I’m definitely going to read book two.
Rating: 3 to 3.5
Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the author via CBLS Promotions.
June 26, 2013
I am not a werewolf fan, I tend to not really understand what is going on when I read books like this, but once again the author did a wonderful job educating a novice like me with her writing. While I still couldn’t claim to be a werewolf fan, I can say I would read more of her books about them.
The story plot is solid and was interesting to follow. Both Chase and Sam are very strong characters who are willing to fight for what they believe in and what is right. I adore her sisters and how all of them were willing to stand up against the insanity they called parents. A family drama where even though we know there are victims in this scene, we couldn’t label Sam as a victim because she was to stubborn to just lay down and submit.
Chase was a hero in every aspect of the word. His character impressed me and the author did a great job and transmitting his military personality into every thing he did in life, to protect and serve and fight for the freedom of Sam. There was drama, a bit of action in the end that made it difficult to put the book down but it was an easy and enjoyable read. Because of this I give it a four heart rating. I would recommend this book and if you do love your werewolves then I am sure you will be in for a treat. The love story was wonderful, the points where they switched and the magic used, clearly explained. It was just a personal preference for me, that I am not a huge werewolf fan. I can say that once again, it was easy for me to get sucked into the story plot and felt at times I was reading about two different stories in one book. Such a talent this author has for being able to give the reader that experience.
The story plot is solid and was interesting to follow. Both Chase and Sam are very strong characters who are willing to fight for what they believe in and what is right. I adore her sisters and how all of them were willing to stand up against the insanity they called parents. A family drama where even though we know there are victims in this scene, we couldn’t label Sam as a victim because she was to stubborn to just lay down and submit.
Chase was a hero in every aspect of the word. His character impressed me and the author did a great job and transmitting his military personality into every thing he did in life, to protect and serve and fight for the freedom of Sam. There was drama, a bit of action in the end that made it difficult to put the book down but it was an easy and enjoyable read. Because of this I give it a four heart rating. I would recommend this book and if you do love your werewolves then I am sure you will be in for a treat. The love story was wonderful, the points where they switched and the magic used, clearly explained. It was just a personal preference for me, that I am not a huge werewolf fan. I can say that once again, it was easy for me to get sucked into the story plot and felt at times I was reading about two different stories in one book. Such a talent this author has for being able to give the reader that experience.
February 13, 2014
3.5 Stars aka 3.5 *winks*
An intriguing read by Krystal Shannan. I grabbed this as a freebie on Amazon and after hearing more about the author I wanted to read it more.
Samantha "Sam" Damakis is coming home for the Holidays. Taking a break from school to see her family and just relax before her next semester. She had her 25th birthday earlier that year and was avoiding them like the plague. Her family was from a prestige line of wolf shifters and had their traditions that she wanted nothing to do with. One of them being that a "Hunt" is held on a female's shifters 25th birthday for her to be mated. Sam had things she wanted to do with her life and being mated would only hinder her dreams.
Chase Michaels was a lone wolf and had intended to be that way till his wolf felt a pull and that led him Sam. His family was not one of means and therefore Sam, or any of the Damakis girls, were off limits to him and his brothers. But Sam was different and he sensed that. He knew there was only one way for him to even have a chance to be Sam's mate and that was to join in the "Hunt" even if it meant he would die.
I loved the story leading up to the "Hunt". I felt a deep connection to the characters desire and wanting to be with each other. But the ending felt rushed and convenient. I was ready for more drama and for the story to take me through an epic battle but instead left me feeling somewhat disappointed. However, it was steamy and I would still consider the next book!
Book Flirts by Jessi
www.facebook.com/bookflirts
@bookflirtsjessi
http://bookflirtsbyjessi.blogspot.com
An intriguing read by Krystal Shannan. I grabbed this as a freebie on Amazon and after hearing more about the author I wanted to read it more.
Samantha "Sam" Damakis is coming home for the Holidays. Taking a break from school to see her family and just relax before her next semester. She had her 25th birthday earlier that year and was avoiding them like the plague. Her family was from a prestige line of wolf shifters and had their traditions that she wanted nothing to do with. One of them being that a "Hunt" is held on a female's shifters 25th birthday for her to be mated. Sam had things she wanted to do with her life and being mated would only hinder her dreams.
Chase Michaels was a lone wolf and had intended to be that way till his wolf felt a pull and that led him Sam. His family was not one of means and therefore Sam, or any of the Damakis girls, were off limits to him and his brothers. But Sam was different and he sensed that. He knew there was only one way for him to even have a chance to be Sam's mate and that was to join in the "Hunt" even if it meant he would die.
I loved the story leading up to the "Hunt". I felt a deep connection to the characters desire and wanting to be with each other. But the ending felt rushed and convenient. I was ready for more drama and for the story to take me through an epic battle but instead left me feeling somewhat disappointed. However, it was steamy and I would still consider the next book!
Book Flirts by Jessi
www.facebook.com/bookflirts
@bookflirtsjessi
http://bookflirtsbyjessi.blogspot.com
July 28, 2016
This is a short story that introduces us to Krystal Shannan's Vegas Mates Series...
Samantha Demakis (Sam) as she is flying home for Christmas break, She has put off coming home as she is now of "mating" age, and wants to become a Doctor. Her Parents have other plans for her home coming, and are hell bet on forcing her to mate if she wants to or not.
Sam meets Chase in the airport when he gives her back her jacket that someone stole. There is a instant connection, that their wolves won't let them ignore. Chase is coming home from Afghanistan and the last thing he expected was Sam, even if she is a Demakis Chase's wolf knows that Sam is his. He agrees to be part of the mate hunt in order to claim what is his. Sam knows that Chase is her only hope in living a life that she would be happy in.
High Class and Everyday meet in this Romeo and Juliet shifter style story... I really enjoyed how Chase and Sam's wolves talk to them in their heads... Gives the story something extra as normally we don't see shifters being able to communicate with their wolves. Krystal Shannan has wrote a fast paced book that has everything you could want from a shifters story plus some extra. I have to say the mate hunt was one of my favorite parts of the story. The only thing that i had issue with was I wanted to know what happened after the chase, what was the family's reaction (especially Sam's Mom).
Thankfully this is to be a series but waiting isn't one of my good points. lol
Samantha Demakis (Sam) as she is flying home for Christmas break, She has put off coming home as she is now of "mating" age, and wants to become a Doctor. Her Parents have other plans for her home coming, and are hell bet on forcing her to mate if she wants to or not.
Sam meets Chase in the airport when he gives her back her jacket that someone stole. There is a instant connection, that their wolves won't let them ignore. Chase is coming home from Afghanistan and the last thing he expected was Sam, even if she is a Demakis Chase's wolf knows that Sam is his. He agrees to be part of the mate hunt in order to claim what is his. Sam knows that Chase is her only hope in living a life that she would be happy in.
High Class and Everyday meet in this Romeo and Juliet shifter style story... I really enjoyed how Chase and Sam's wolves talk to them in their heads... Gives the story something extra as normally we don't see shifters being able to communicate with their wolves. Krystal Shannan has wrote a fast paced book that has everything you could want from a shifters story plus some extra. I have to say the mate hunt was one of my favorite parts of the story. The only thing that i had issue with was I wanted to know what happened after the chase, what was the family's reaction (especially Sam's Mom).
Thankfully this is to be a series but waiting isn't one of my good points. lol
February 18, 2013
Samantha Demakis is a premed student that comes home to visit her family over Christmas break. At the airport she runs into Chase Michaels, a local who just returned from a tour in Afghanistan. When they meet they both recognize the other as their mate but Sam is part of a noble family so there is a line waiting for her hand. Sam doesn’t want to be mated so soon and tires to talk her parents out of the mate hunt they have planed but to no avail.
I really enjoyed this story. The main characters were likeable and there was quite a bit of internal conversation between Sam and Chase and their wolves. They were quite amusing. There were a lot of scenes with the secondary characters, almost more interaction between the secondary’s than the main. I would have liked there to have been more conversations between Sam and Chase. They don’t have a lot of scenes together but there is a connection between them that is believable and makes you cheer them on.
My main complaint is that the story ended somewhat abruptly. This is a short story but I was still left with a lot of questions. Will Sam finish school? Will Chase retire from the military? What about her parents? Where will they live? ect. There are more but I don’t want to give spoilers. This is a very promising start to a series and I am excited to see where it goes.
I really enjoyed this story. The main characters were likeable and there was quite a bit of internal conversation between Sam and Chase and their wolves. They were quite amusing. There were a lot of scenes with the secondary characters, almost more interaction between the secondary’s than the main. I would have liked there to have been more conversations between Sam and Chase. They don’t have a lot of scenes together but there is a connection between them that is believable and makes you cheer them on.
My main complaint is that the story ended somewhat abruptly. This is a short story but I was still left with a lot of questions. Will Sam finish school? Will Chase retire from the military? What about her parents? Where will they live? ect. There are more but I don’t want to give spoilers. This is a very promising start to a series and I am excited to see where it goes.
November 18, 2013
Most werewolf novels are similar in a few ideas used, but this novel had a few new things added into the mix that made it a tad different; though, in the end, it is a still a werewolf story that joins the ranks of other stories that I just love.
The characters involved were interesting to read. Sam, the main female character, has family troubles that revolve around the fact that her parents are just plain cruel to her. While reading, I just couldn't help but hope that she would just finally run away from all the pain caused by her family; this event did not happen though, as she had a close friend to help keep her grounded and in-check. This introduces the main male, Chase, who sticks with her through most of her ordeals just so she can remain happy. Chase goes through quite a few things for Sam, involving something that only old noble werewolves may do. The main reason they are so close is due to the fact that they are chosen mates and with what is given, I have no problems with this fact as they just suit each other so very well.
Now besides all these facts, the novel did receive a low rating, and I can only assume that it was the ending to the book that caused it. The ending felt unfinished and left most hanging there with no proper ending. Even without a well written ending, this short story was still enjoyable to read.
The characters involved were interesting to read. Sam, the main female character, has family troubles that revolve around the fact that her parents are just plain cruel to her. While reading, I just couldn't help but hope that she would just finally run away from all the pain caused by her family; this event did not happen though, as she had a close friend to help keep her grounded and in-check. This introduces the main male, Chase, who sticks with her through most of her ordeals just so she can remain happy. Chase goes through quite a few things for Sam, involving something that only old noble werewolves may do. The main reason they are so close is due to the fact that they are chosen mates and with what is given, I have no problems with this fact as they just suit each other so very well.
Now besides all these facts, the novel did receive a low rating, and I can only assume that it was the ending to the book that caused it. The ending felt unfinished and left most hanging there with no proper ending. Even without a well written ending, this short story was still enjoyable to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews