Cloaked in Fur

Shadow Shifters #1

by T.F. Walsh

An alternate cover edition can be found here.

Fighting for love has never been deadlier! Book 1.

Cloaked in Fur sees rebellious Daciana cast into a life-threatening adventure against her will to uncover who is killing her friends before the predator sets its sights on her.

She'll do whatever it takes to stop the creature responsible. The police and her boyfriend, Inspector Connell Lonescu, are starting to question her involvement in the murders, which endangers her pack's secret existence. But when her alpha kidnaps Connell, revealing the awful truth about the creature and its connection to the pack, Daciana must choose between saving the man she loves and saving her pack family from certain death.

If you love shifter romances, don't miss this steamy, action-packed read!

Warning: Bloodthirsty werewolves, sexy shifters, and edge-of-your-seat adventure in this paranormal romance.

Book 2 coming soon.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Supernatural

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2013

About the author

T.F. Walsh emigrated from Romania to Australia at the age of eight and now lives in a regional city south of Sydney with her husband. Growing up hearing dark fairytales, she's always had a passion for reading and writing horror, paranormal romance, urban fantasy and young adult stories. She balances all the dark with light fluffy stuff like baking and traveling.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

TF Walsh has ANOTHER fabulous read & ANOTHER fabulous Giveaway!

Click on Banner to #Enter - Intl - Ends Dec 16, 2016!

Get your passport ready! Cloaked in Fur by T. F. Walsh is taking us to Romania and the Carpathian Mountains, where deep in the woods, a pack of wulfkin live. Nearby, mankind is totally unaware of these shapeshifters’ existence, but something has been maiming and killing people and all evidence leads to some kind of wolf or other large animal. But animal expert, Daciana, knows better, because she is a member of the pack living outside of the pack restrictions in the city. Wulfkin always stick with their own kind, but Daciana is different and now she has fallen head over heels in love with a human, Inspector Connell Lonescu, a detective investigating the brutal murders, many of whom are connected to Daciana. Being a possible suspect could endanger the pack, so Daci must find and stop whoever is doing the killing, because it is not normal, not even by wulfkin standards, and she must do it without revealing who or what she is to Connell. Is that even possible? Must she choose between her pack and the man she loves? Lives are at stake and time is running out in more ways than one for Daciana, as she risks her own life to save those around her.

Is Cloaked in Fur just another paranormal romance? Nope. Sure we have the hot human guy, the hot shifter girl, secrets, deceit, life-threatening events, wayward loyalties and love, but there is never a stop in the action and it felt real! Emotions run high, the tension between the two main characters is almost sweetly and desperately heartbreaking. T. F. Walsh has done a marvelous job of painting a fresh face on the genre from that first leap into the story to the last page, her writing is crisp and intense. Ms. Walsh’s ability to make me draw mental images of the backgrounds and walk along with Daciana was amazing. Her characters are well-defined, and fit together like perfect puzzle pieces. The strength of Daciana’s and Connell’s characters was completely believable with their flawed edges. I completely enjoyed this book from start to finish and look forward to more from this author!

Publication Date: August 5, 2013
Publisher: Crimson Romance
ASIN: B00DV0XJ4A
Number of Pages: 234
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Adults
Available from: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
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[★Moonrise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daciana loves living in the city. She has her own apartment, a great job as an animal behaviorist, and a gorgeous, attentive boyfriend who works as an inspector with the local police force. On the surface, Daciana’s life appears ideal ... but that’s only half the story. When the full moon reaches its peak, and looms large over the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, Daciana transforms into a moonwulf. And as part of an ancient line of shapeshifting wolves, Daciana is expected to live with her pack family, to mate within the pack, and to maintain the clandestine life of her elders, thus ensuring the pack maintains its secrecy from humans. Not one to follow orders or tradition, Daciana has fallen in love with a human, causing upheaval within her pack at a time when unity is more important than ever. With a new pack encroaching on their territory, a rogue wolf creating a panic, and a magical elixir that could change the course of everything, Daciana is torn between two worlds. Does she stay with her pack family, or risk it all for the man she loves?

There were so many aspects of this book that I enjoyed, it’s hard to know where to start! It’s well written, perfectly paced, and filled with enchanting characters. Daciana is a strong, thoughtful female character with plenty of flaws and angst. We get to know the range of her emotions and personality characteristics in a realistic and believable way. Connell is a gorgeous and lovable character, with his own set of flaws and quirks. He struggles with his relationship with Daciana, and on more than one occasion has clearly been to the bar to ease his woes! We get to know Sandulf, Enre, and others--all important, and all with meaningful contributions to this story. A great read! I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next installment.

[Desere · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are part of a pack you know the number one rule is to never turn your back on them. Fight at all times for what is right for the "family". So when you lose your heart to a human and you end up having to chose between saving the man you love or the family you need to stand by what would you do?

Personally I would run for the hills as fast as my feet can carry me, but when it involves a love for both parties at hand so strong running is no where near a option and you are left with making up new rules as you go along and hoping that you are making the right decisions.

In this read from author T.F. Walsh I was given the story of Daciana she is not only a moonwulf (or werewolf for those of you unfamiliar with the term) but also a animal expert, and thus when people start getting killed off she immediately knows that the killer is so much more than just a very large animal.

Because she met and and fell in love with the hu-man of her dreams, Connel she left the pack and lives in the city amongst the humans but there is still a sense of responsibility towards her pack, and when Connel's life is in danger she has to bring out more than just the claws to save both family and lover.

The characters of Daciana and Connel were both written so exceptionally well and with such vivid detail it left me absolutely speechless and in complete awe! It is not all that often I find a paranormal read with characters so perfectly described and so life like that I feel as if I can touch their every move and emotion so I was very pleasantly surprised and more than happy with this read!

The idea of Connel not knowing that Daciana is a moonwulf was intriguing and made for some truly terrific entertainment. I loved the suspense and action building up to scenes of fantastic explosive "Oh wow here it comes!!" moments! The author had me entranced and on the edge of my seat !

I am taking away a message of there is a thin line between love of family and love of the romantically linked kind, holding back the truth in order to save one or the other will possibly leave you with more problems than you ever thought, be open about your life, yes the truth may not set you free but in the end your life will be on the path fate has determined for you.

I captivating, kick ass thrilling read! I recommend this read for anyone and everyone who loves a paranormal read that will leave you seeking to know and learn more about the world not found in everyday other romance related reads.

5/5 star review
" Cloaked in darkness and only his love can set her free"

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely captivating novel. Walsh has taken the paranormal romance genre and created a unique novel that stands out while still fitting perfectly into the genre. I loved the change in setting, taking us to Romania and using it to create a setting about which so many of us have no preconceived notions. Walsh brought it to life for me in a big way, painting it with her words. The plot was unique. Walsh never depended on things that came before her, but rather invited readers to join her on a fast paced, unforgettable journey that at times more closely resembled a well written romantic suspense than a paranormal romance.

The realism of Walsh’s characters is one of the things that sets this novel out on its own. Sure the main character was a shifter, but she was developed in such a way that you could easily believe she lived next door to you. Everything about her was so lifelike and easy to believe. The chemistry between the main characters is sweet and unmistakable.

Walsh’s straightforward writing brings this unique perspective to the paranormal romance genre. It’s a must read for lovers of all things shifter.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daci is having a very bad week in deed. Torn between her wulfkin pack and the man she loves. Comes to a head when a dracwulf is sent out to hunt down her friends. She has to hunt down the dracwulf while lying to he handsome boyfriend Connell and keep the wulfkin pack safe from everyone and everything. Things go from bad to worse when the she finds out that the pack master has gone insane and he wulfkin hunting partner is taken by the dracwulf. She has to lie to Connell and hung the wolf and figure out who is targeting her . All before the full moon, or before she has a nervous breakdown which ever comes first

I liked this story once I got into it . At the beginning I was a little confused on the definition of the dracwulf and the wulfkin. But as the story went on the author got more in depth on the difference between the two. Overall the flow and writing of the book was good. The tension and the heat could of been a little hotter between Daci and Connell for me .I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a different type of werewolf story . Congrats TF Walsh
I give the story line a 4 flame and the romance 4flames

[Lexa Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite characters in books are tough, strong, and smart, and Daciana fits the bill perfectly! From the very beginning she caught my sympathies. She's a woman torn between so many things: family, duty, the wolf change that takes her over every full moon, and the sexy man she loves. As if that's not enough, there's a mysterious killer preying on her closest friends and as she tries to hide the secret of her wolf-pack connections, her boyfriend becomes suspicious and their relationship falters.

The author has penned a dynamic plot that never lets up from the first pages. In every chapter, Daciana's life gets more complicated, and troubles close in from all sides. The romance part of the plot heats up the novel as she struggles to choose between her love for her wolf family and her love for heart-throb Connell. She's desperate to find a way to have both, but it seems impossible. Everything comes together in a pulse-pounding ending that will leave the reader breathless. Highly recommended!

A copy of the novel was provided in exchange for an honest review.

[T.B. Markinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daciana is having a bad day. Not one that I've ever experienced. A rogue werewolf is murdering her friends. The police suspect she may be involved. Her boyfriend, who is an Inspector, doesn't trust her. The leader of her pack is acting insane. This is a lot for one to handle all alone.

The action in this novel kept me glued to my Kindle. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Daciana is a flawed and lovable character. I liked her spunk, wit, and smart ass comments. Each chapter added to the suspense. And the ending left me wanting more. Can't wait to see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Whoa buddy what an interesting shifter romance this is! Young gives us a string female shifter that is stuck between the love of her life and her pack. The secrets just may be the end of her if she cannot figure things out in time to keep them all safe. Makes for a great read and I am looking forward to more stand alone romances set in the same world. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Snowdogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance novels aren't my usual preference, but this book had more than enough to keep me interested. I loved every minute of it and the ending left me wanting to know what happens next.

[Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Cloaked in Fur, and my head is still reeling. Daciana is a moonwulf on her way to becoming a full wulfkin. The problem is that she doesn't want to be either. During her time living in the city, she falls in love with a human inspector named Connell. She is willing to risk it all and even desert her pack to be with him. With only a few days left before her transformation into a full wulfkin, Daciana is faced with many challenges—a killer hybrid wolf is killing off her friends, to the police, she is a suspect in the murders, and the relationship she has built with Connell is on the fence because of her need to keep secrets. There is also a past lover come back to rekindle their romance and an alpha who has absolutely lost his mind.

Cloaked in Fur is action-packed. From the very first chapter, I was engulfed in Daciana's world of fierce werewolf creatures and all the ripping, snarling, and clawing that come with it. T.F. Walsh did an excellent job creating the two very different worlds, as well as the struggle Daciana has when choosing between them. I enjoyed the unexpectedness of the story. Romances are known to be in third person with both the male and female perspective. This story was in first person and only in Daciana's voice. Also, usually the story tells how the relationship between the male and female starts, but here, Daciana and Connell's relationship is already established, and we are watching it be tested. I appreciate and respect authors who challenge writing conventions and do something different. The new take on werewolves and the Romania setting is refreshing and new. I do wish the wulf lore was explained more in the beginning of the story because it did get a bit confusing. Also, I did want to see more about the super wulfkin and its powers. It came at such a climatic part and was such an interesting concept, I wanted it to be included more in the final scenes. Maybe it will be included in the following book—all the more reason to keep following this author.

If you like romances with action, suspense, and wolf shifters, I highly recommend reading Cloaked in Fur by T.F. Walsh. It will be nothing you expect but everything you need. You won't be able to put it down once you've started.

[Samantha Stambaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Romania, Daciana, or Daci as everyone calls her, works at the Animal Research Institute where she tracks animals and their behaviour as an animal specialist. She sometimes lends herself to the police on animal attack crimes. Her boyfriend, Connell, is on the police force and is bothered that all the latest attack victims are linked to Daci. Not to mention that Daci has been hiding any information about herself from Connell. One piece he might want to know about is that his girlfriend is a Wulfkin - half wolf, half human.


Deep in the forest is where Daci's wolf pack resides. Sandulf is the Alpha, or pack leader, and he has a few secrets of his own. One of them could be very deadly if it isn't discovered soon. Enre, Daci's friend and former lover, is still very much in love with her. He intends to help Daci get the secret elixir that will make her completely human. But time is running out, and they still have to find the recipe for the elixir and stop whatever is killing humans just outside their wolf den.


I am happily surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I love wolves, romance, and a good storyline with some mystery thrown in here and there. And that's what I received when I was drawn in by the first paragraph. Cloaked in Fur is filled with action throughout, and just when you think you have it figured out, T.F. Walsh throws a wrench in to stir it up. I like sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what the next chapter will bring. I was more than satisfied with this novel. It was fun, a quick read, and T.F. Walsh gained a new fan. I look forward to see what else this author can string together.


I received this book in exchange for an honest review.


~ cross-posted on http://beyondmybookshelf.blogspot.ca/

[Christine Rains · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daciana lives divided by two worlds. She's a moonwulf with a strong pack, and she's in love with a human. Her pack doesn't know about her boyfriend Connell, and Connell doesn't know about her supernatural side. Living with secrets isn't easy, but it's about to get worse. A rogue wolf is killing people, and it's not just any animal, it's a feared dracwulf. Daciana's secrecy is working against her, and the police are starting to suspect her. She's forced to choose between protecting her relationship with Connell and saving her pack from a gruesome death.

This well-written paranormal romance is T.F. Walsh's debut novel. It doesn't play shy either. Right away, we're thrown into the story with intense action and a powerful love that sets the mood for the tale. Daciana is a smart and strong protagonist with a lot to lose. She's in a tough situation, but she isn't the type to give up. Admirable and loyal, I was rooting for her right from the beginning. Connell is the perfect complement to her. Logical, steadfast, and gorgeous. Though I found myself drawn to Daciana's sexy ex, Enre. He's one sizzling hot werewolf!

The great cast of characters are supported by a powerful plot. It kept me riveted on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It's dark and fast-paced with hold-your-breath suspense. A wonderful urban fantasy world has been created in the city of Brasov, Romania. Walsh paints vivid images with her descriptions and made me feel as if I were really in the Carpathian woods.

CLOAKED IN FUR made a strong impression and left me wanting more. I can't wait to read more from Walsh in the future.

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Daci, who is in a desperate search for an elixir to make her fully human. She is a moonwulf and on the next Lunar Eutine she will transform into a full-blown wulfkin

What does all that mean? Well basically she is currently the type of werewolf that only transforms on the full moon. However, once she goes through the Lunar Eutine she will be able to transform whenever she wants.

Why is that a bad thing? She is currently allowed to have a life outside the pack and has fallen in love with Police inspector Connell Lonescu. Connell doesn't know she is a moonwulf and she has been lying left and right trying to find this elixir. Oh did I mention once she becomes full wulfkin she will have to go back to the pack and essentially serve as brood mare! You can understand her desperation!

Darcy has five days to go when a vicious beast starts killing off people Daci knows! The police suspect she is involved. Connell knows she is lying to him and his trust in her is stretched thin. All the while the beast doing the killing was created by her Alpha who is doing nothing to stop it! In 5 days time Daci's world around her crumpled and everything she has worked and hoped for is slipping through her fingers, including Connell!

Cloaked in Fur was an emotional and intense ride through this new take on Werewolf mythology! I loved every minute of it! I really look forward to reading more in this series!...Sara

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[Monica Boots · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daciana lives in two worlds. She loves living in the city amongst the humans and is in love with Connell a human police detective and she is a moonwulf with a pack. She has kept her being a moonwolf hidden from Connell which is not easy and it is about to get worse. A Darcwolf, a creature that is not allowed to excist, is killing people. Daciana's secrecy and lies are working against her, and it doesn’t take long for her to become a suspect. She's trying hard to salvage her relationship with Connell and saving her pack. I liked Daciana, determined to make things work with Connell the love of her life. She's in a tough situation, but she isn't the type to give up. I liked Connell, the gorgeous detective, who stuggled so much with their relationship. It was a well written story and I read it in one sitting. It was packed with action that just kept me reading and I liked the story very much.

[Allyson Lindt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a strong heroine in a story who knows when it's appropriate to lean on her partner, and when she needs to stand on her own, and Daciana doesn't disappoint. From the very start of the book we can see she's not only strong and fierce, but torn between her two worlds.

As the story unfolds, things heat up both on Daciana's investigation, and with Connell. I found myself turning pages one after another, drawn forward by the action, suspense, and romance of this book.

This is a dark, compelling, and intense read, that paves its own path in the genre and strays away from worn and tired tropes. TF Walsh has done a brilliant job of drawing us into Daciana's world and holding us captive until the very last page.

[Rowena May O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book. I couldn't put it down. Fast, pact,interesting and original. Cloaked in Fur never let up from the first page. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves werewolf books. Set in Romania around the Carpathian Mountains, this book is set in the first person which I love. Daciana is a Moonwulf about to become a full Wulfkin and is searching for the cure to prevent this happening so she and the human Inspector Connell Lonescu who she loves, can be together. But bound by oaths to her wulfkin family and the fact there is a rogue wolf killing her human friends, her life is about to implode. I loved all the characters in this book, and hope to see more of them in future books. An excellent read.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down... read the entire book in one sitting. I just wish there had been a little more world building such as more detail on the differences between the different types of "wulfs" and why Daciana was living in the human world just before her final changes. I will be eagerly awaiting a sequel to see if the Daciana's romance is able to flourish now that she is the alpha or if she will eventually do less in the human world and more in the wulfkin world.

[Billie Turknett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This is an excellent read. All new stuff, nothing played on before. A new mythological creature born in this book. No remake of Dracula, or the Werewolf. I truly enjoyed this book. I felt the characters were strong and well defined. I think the main character was emotional yet strong at the same time. She had a way about caring for everyone, protecting them, and loving them yet she would have left them at one time if given the chance. I am glad it worked out the way it did. I'd recommend this book to a friend and I can't wait to read book two.

[Kriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started off as a three and ended off with a really strong four read. I'm thinking the finished draft is better since I only have the rough readers compilation full of editing notes which pointed out the things that bugged me the most. In the end it wrapped up well. this wasn't an alpha shifter book and it appeasing an alpha female book. Which is why it doesn't get the high marks some have given in. I didn' like Daci till the end.

[Kate Larkindale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, exciting spin on the werewolf genre. Daciana is a conflicted heroine, torn between her love of a human and her loyalty to her pack. With her final transformation to wulfkin only days away, the tension between her loyalties gives the story an urgency that keeps the reader turning pages.

With a mutant dracwulf loose in the Romanian city she lives in, the suspense and action remains at a high level throughout.

[Danelle Our-Wolves-Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight for me to read. From page one you are pulled into a mysterious plot. As each character, no matter big or small, comes into the story- you feel an instant history with. The dialogue is revealing and intriguing throughout, as each person enters and leaves the book.

I felt compelled to continue reading, I had to see if Daciana found what she was looking for. Her journey became an emotional one for me, as she progressed through the book.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intense novel with a lot of action and romance. Seeing Daciana deal with a human love interest—who doesn’t know about her werewolf side—and a killer werewolf on the loose whom she must battle was exciting. This is a fast-paced read with a lot of intrigue involving the werewolf pack. I also liked the world-building in this with the pack and its rules.

[Mona Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cornered

Daci is trying to figure out how to have it all. The man of her dreams, her friends and stay alive. Something is killing people she knows and her lies could put everyone she loves in danger. This is a fast paced book that will draw you in and not let you go until the very end.

[Kurt Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not something I would usually read, but I'm glad I did. Its such a fantastic story. You're missing out if you don't read it! Congratulations to the author, you are a great writer :)

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read, it keeps you on your toes and glued to the book, I loved Daciana' s quick wit and I especially loved Lonescu.

Can't wait for more, an excellent and highly recommended read

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: The novella was provided to me by InstaFreebie in exchange for an honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way. The novel I purchased at full price after reading the novella. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

My Review:
While these two books can stand on their own, I am reviewing them as one because their stories blend seamlessly. I won't belabor the details of the story since you have the summary of that above for each of the books.

Ms. Walsh came up with a wonderful storyline for the novella that was fresh and new. She writes very well, too. In spite of the fact that Daciana could have been discovered at any moment, I was laughing at her trying to get dressed in her office before anyone walked in one her. I could picture the whole scene either watching it or actually doing it. She doesn't just tell you what's happening, she shows you. Such a difference in the enjoyment of a book. Thank heavens she didn't linger at the kill sites. But she made it possible to hear the "click" when Daci and the inspector first locked eyes.

They make a great couple. Inspector Connell Lonescu. He's recently divorced, losing his best friend in the process. Daciana, a moon wulf, changing on the full moon. But their relationship is HOT! And once they resolved some of the problems they seemed to be buried in, they actually got time to fall in love. That should stand them in good stead as they deal with the load of troubles coming their way in the future!

The novella had its own crime and began their relationship. The first novel rounds out their relationship and has its own crisis. Plus, the pack has problems. It seems to set up Daciana as being in charge of the pack at the end of book one. But a female in charge and with a human boyfriend, how will the pack react? I don't have book two, yet, so I don't know. I did happen to pick up another novella, Cloaked in Christmas, for future reading.


This is a series I strongly recommend to any of you who enjoy paranormal. The writing is great and the stories so far seem fresher. And the relationships steamy!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a word: a gripping story with unusual world-building, descriptive writing that plunges the reader into Walsh’s world, a dangerous romance and an exotic setting.

Cloaked in Fur has so many elements that made it successful for me, and I’m glad I had a chance to read this very different werewolf story. Walsh has obviously researched wolf behavior, and she incorporates it nicely into the story by letting her wulfkin characters behave as wolves in a pack, even when they are in human form. Set in Romania, the story jumps right into the action and doesn’t let up until the end. I enjoyed both the international flavor of the story and the exotic locale of the Carpathian Forest, and I thought it worked really well for this dangerous and bloody tale of family bonds, misplaced loyalties and the consequences of breaking promises.

Daci is a moonwulf and is half-human. She is about to turn into a full-fledged wulfkin with the next full moon, but the twist to this is that Daci has fallen in love with a human man, and she yearns to become human herself so that she can be with him. One of her pack mates, a wulfkin named Radu, is trying to help her locate a recipe for a secret elixir that may be able to stop her from transforming for good, and give her the human form she desires. But the demanding and sadistic alpha of the pack named Sandulf has other plans for Daci, and getting the elixir in time to transform her is going to be nearly impossible, not to mention keeping her real identity and whereabouts a secret from her human boyfriend, Connell.

As Daci dodges questions from Connell, who is losing patience with Daci’s lies, a dangerous and impossible creature has come to town and is killing and eating humans. This isn’t good news for Daci, who is already stressed out about her impending change. But killing the creature is harder than she thought, and she’ll need the help of her pack if she wants to stop it for good.

Walsh has the most sensual writing style, which gives the story a depth that brings the wulfkin to life for the reader. All of the wulfkin have heightened senses, especially their sense of smell, and Walsh gleefully describes the scents that batter Daci on a daily basis, even when she isn’t in wolf form. Because Daci is a moonwulf and not fully turned yet, she can often feel her wolf inside her, struggling to get out. These were some of the most descriptive passages for me, when Daci experiences this struggle. The wolf is part of her, and yet it is separate too. The hardest times for her are when she can’t control the wolf, and the author does a great job of allowing the reader to experience the clash between Daci's human and animal sides.

The romance between Connell and Daci was fraught with tension, which was interesting for a while, but soon became a bit strange for me. Daci declares her undying love for Connell, and she’s willing to give up her life with the pack for him. Yet they spend most of the story fighting and bickering, and I had a hard time imagining why Connell wanted to stay with Daci, especially since she has been lying to him for the past year. A wulfkin named Enre is also battling for her affections and wants to be her mate, which added a kind of love triangle to the story. I didn’t mind it though, since Enre’s presence added more tension between Daci and Connell, and for me made their weird relationship more tolerable.

The story is fairly short, and I would have loved to see a few things expanded upon, especially the origins of the wulfkin and how Daci became a moonwulf. The author hints at Daci’s human mother, but she never delves into it. Perhaps another book in the series is in the works, which would give Walsh more room to explore her thoroughly fascinating and addictive world. For fans of werewolf stories filled with moody atmosphere and lovely descriptions, Cloaked in Fur is a real treat.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daciana is a moonwulf, and on her one year of freedom from her pack, she did the unthinkable. She fell in love...with a human. Now her time is up, and her alpha is determined she return to them and cut all ties to the outside world. As if that wasn't bad enough, someone created a shifter-wild wolf hybrid and released it in the wild. A best that knows only it's natural instincts, it's having a grand time laying claim to it's new territory. Territory that happens to be the city in which she lives while attempting to blend as a human.

Beyond pissed, Daciana attempts to capture the beast, without revealing her secret, before another of it's murders could get pinned on her. But can she accomplish such a difficult task without her relationship with Connell crumbling under the lies?

I really like the concept of a moonwulf. It has elements of traditional werewolf mythology, with bits of more modern shifter ideology. Plus, the word is just fun to say. Moonwulves are, as their name implies, connected to the moon. As the moon completes it's cycle and enlarges, their sense/abilities increase, and they are able to shift forms on the night of the full moon. At a certain point in their lives, the moonwulves reach a certain moment where everything changes. At that moment, they become full blown wulfkin and there is no turning back. If the rumors are true, then Daciana is fighting against nature's clock. When her time comes, she will loose her one chance to become what she truly wishes to be: pure human.

Daciana is an interesting character. Despite her flaws, she's a strong and resourceful. When certain things are being neglected and trouble left on the loose, she's not afraid to step in. She understands the concept of right and wrong, and for her, looking the other way is not an option. Even if it means taking the path away from the one she loves.

I really liked the side characters. Radu sounds like a good friend to have. Unless you needed muscles, then Enre's got your back. When he was first introduced, I thought I would dislike him because of the role he was to play. But in the end, he won me over, and I rather enjoyed his character. As things started heating up and tensions strained the pack, I didn't want any of my new found friends to get harmed in the crossfire.

The only thing that disappointed me a little, and kept me from giving the book a high rating, was the relationship between Daciana and Connell. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate it or anything. Later on in the book, it's all written very well and believable as they struggled to overcome the lies and the danger. I just wish we had more before. When we first meet them, they are kind of already have some tension because of her secrets. Then the first murder really starts the ball rolling on their difficulties.

I think he's a bit justified in his actions, but he kind of comes off as a bit of a whiny jerk at times. I had to rely on the fact that she keeps telling herself/him that she loves him and that she is trying to become human so she can have a future with him as evidence that he's not always that insecure. Again, for what we learn about him, I get his reasoning. I wanted more 'actiony' proof.

I don't think it would be such a issue with me, except another individual in the book as likes Daciana as well. We get to see him expressing his interest, she talks about their past together, and we get to see him doing that that profess his, if not love, than at least his willingness to sacrifice for her. I could SEE their relationship, and I kind of wanted them to get together. I couldn't understand why she wanted the other guy over him. Connel kind of started to redeem himself in my eyes by the end of the story.

Where the book ends, there is still more story to tell. So I am very curious as to where things will go next.

[Books A-Brewin' · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have always had a soft spot for shapeshifters and werewolves in particular so when approached by the author to read and review her book, I was thrilled to have the opportunity. After reading the synopsis I felt that this would be a really unique spin on the whole werewolf creature as a whole.

In typical werewolf style, Daciana, a moonwulf, is most susceptible to shifting during the full moon. However, it is only after her ceremonial passage into a wulfkin that she can embrace her wolf counterpart and shift as often as she desires. Being a moonwulf and future wulfkin doesn't come without rules within her close-knit pack. She is never to mate with a wild wolf and breed offspring, she is never to attack or kill humans, she is never to choose the human world over her pack, and she is never to fall in love with humans. On the wulfkin's version of rumspringa, she is free to explore the human world before returning to the pack, claiming a mate, and making more pups to increase the pack's ranks. That all changes when she meets Connell, a very human man, and falls in love.

Her whirlwind romance with Connell drives Daciana to not only leave her pack, but to attempt to make herself completely human so she can be with Connell forever. That is not something Daciana's pack or her alpha will allow. It is only after a malicious dracwulf, the offspring of a wulfkin and a wild wolf, starts attacking and feasting on Daciana's friends, that she realizes finding a way to be human and with Connell forever is the least of her problems.

Daciana is forced to lie continuously to the man she loves, hunt down a blood-thirsty monster, stride a careful line in pack politics, and search for a cure to her moonwulf status. No sweat, right?

As I said before, I thought that the premise of this story was incredibly unique and intriguing. The whole werewolves having sex with real wolves and creating pups was a little, uh, unnerving, but I have never seen it done before, so there's that. The problem I found in this book was instead of having a clear rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion, as is the general format, it went up and down. Every time I felt the story was coming to a comfortable close, something else would happen and continue the story. It was a bit frustrating and caused the book to feel drawn out and lose some of its appeal.

With the romance, I find that I generally connect better with characters when I can see their romance unfold. In this book, the romance is already established so the "I love you so much" phrases thrown around sounded a little forced.

Negativity aside, I must have found something in it that appealed to me since I didn't struggle too much to read it. I read it in a matter of two days and was content with it. I didn't leave the reading experience regretting the time spent.

Cloaked in Fur is a twist on werewolf lore coupled with a Romeo and Juliet-esk love. It introduces it's reader to a fantasy world unlike any they have seen before.

Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot...

[Maryjane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast and furious

If you like fast paced reads then this is a book for you. I love the idea of a wulfkin's shape shifter romance mystery. It's got everything you want in a great book. I'm hooked! Five Huge Stars from me.