The Howling Heart

by April Bostic

Paige Donovan is an ambitious college graduate who aspires to reach the top of the corporate ladder. She's climbing fast when given the promotion of a lifetime at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City. Her bright future comes to an unexpected halt after news of her father's death. She inherits his old cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and just when she thinks her luck couldn't get any worse, she has a car accident in the mountains and awakens in the small, remote community of Black River.

Soon, she's engulfed in the mystical world of Varulv ---wolves descended from 13th century Scandinavia and blessed by Norse gods with the ability to appear human. Paige is desperate to return home, but never expects to fall for her rescuer, Riley Gray, a charming young werewolf from England who offers her an alternate future with his pack.

Now, she must choose between the career she's always wanted and the love she's always dreamed.

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

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2013

About the author

April Bostic is a New Jersey-based, Adult Romance author who enjoys unleashing her creativity and letting her imagination run wild. Her love of romance books inspired her to become not just a reader, but also a writer. In December 2008, she self-published her first novel, a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist entitled "A Rose to the Fallen".

Her first short story, "Right Here, Right Now", released in January 2012, is an erotic romance with a dash of S&M. The following year, she released two more short stories: a romantic urban fantasy inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche entitled "Eros, My Love", and a sexy romantic comedy entitled "Love Addiction".

After five years, she released her second novel, "The Howling Heart" in August 2013, a paranormal romance that delves into the mystical world of werewolves and Norse gods. To end her busiest year in publishing, April also released her fourth short story in December 2013, a historical paranormal romance entitled "A Dark Scandal".

Reviews

[Mikky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at:
Nocturnal Predators Reviews

* An eARC was provided in exchange of an honest review

Immediately after I read the synopsis I just had to read this book. The story line seemed so good and I love wolf stories so it would be a win-win situation. Fortunately for me, the author had a book tour still open for reviews. I jumped on the boat and started reading right away.

The first 55% of the book was amazing. Riley was adorable and Paige was a little annoying and air headed, but I could deal. From that point on the details in the story became disturbing, fast. I can't even comment on the why's. All I'll say is that with those I can't deal.

Riley was consistent character wise and attitude wise throughout the full novel. I just loved that Paige described him as having a "mole on the upper left corner of his mouth". He was gentle and understanding with Paige. A little too understanding if you ask me.

Paige was an air head. In her mind, the world revolves around her and everything that goes wrong in Black River is because she was there. It was pretty annoying having her repeat this over and over and over again. I found it weird that even after she decided to stay she never called her workplace and told them the news or her b*tch of a mother for that matter. By the end of the book she was so whiny and lifeless that I wanted to throw her off a bridge for letting her mother control her.

Dominic came to add to the plot. He made me want to pull out my own hair because everyone patted him on the head. After I discovered what he had done to Quinn I would have killed him myself if karma hadn't gotten to him first (FYI poor Quinn, she didn't even get her happy ending....).

Her mother is strange. One moment she's the frigid, cold-hearted b*tch who doesn't give a crap about her daughter and the next she calls the Black River police and a complete stranger says to her "her daughter made her choice" and comes running to a rescue no one asked for.

I also had a huge problem with how the wolf community was run. I am very pro-feminism so anything that goes against equal rights for women and men will get a raise out of me. I understand the a wolf community is very hierarchic and macho, but I've read other books that portrayed it differently. With that being said, the wolf community was a sexist society. The one law that ruined the whole thing for me was that if one male wanted to mate with one female, but another male comes along and wants to claim her as well, they dual until death and if the male the female doesn't want wins she has no right to tell him no. What law can be more sexist than that?

For all of the jabs this book received in this review, I still enjoyed it to a point where I wanted to finish it. I truly cared about the outcome of the hero that was Riley. Hello! He was a described as a "norse god", how can I not want to know what happened to him at the end? It's impossible not to xD

Favorite Quotes:

"Once we're bonded to someone, we're loyal until death."

"Money, success, high fashion, and designer labels meant nothing to him, and I didn't feel pressure to acquire those things."

"Because males are stupid and they like to fight."

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different paranormal shifter story with Norse mythology added for good measure! I really liked the explanation for the existence of wolf shifters and the enthralling plot into which it is woven. It is a unique take on this genre, with many new to me aspects which make this such an enjoyable story to get lost in (and my family can confirm that I really did get lost in it, I really needed 'Do Not Disturb' signs around me whilst reading it!)

There are many well portrayed characters in the story, from Paige and Riley, to his family and step family and her Mum and boss. I couldn't quite make my mind up about Riley, he's a total mix of strong beta male threatening to be alpha but love makes him into more of a howling, weak, wretch at times. Most of the story is set in a small, remote village in the Colorado Rockies, with a tight knit community complete with its own set of rules and regulations. Although Paige and Riley met when she was only ten years old he's been fixated on her being his mate ever since. I liked the reveal about how he got her to return to visit and the role of the gods in their reunion. There are plenty of anxious moments as the story develops, including a fight to the death. To find out between whom and why, you'll just have to read it yourself!

A great addition to shifter romance writing, I suspect this author's work will just keep on improving!

Many thanks to IndieSage PR for providing me with an ecopy of this novel to read in exchange for my honest review.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

I struggled with my decision on how to rate this book. After much reflection, I finally decided to give it a four-star rating. You may be wondering what could have led to this struggle. The story was good, but there were aspects that had me rethinking my decision to read it. There was a hint of the possibility of sexual deviation. Thankfully, it was just a hint because that would have been too much for me to handle.

With that being said, my reasons for awarding a four-star rating was due to the following:

1. A Unique and interesting storyline:
The Howling Heart is not your typical werewolf romance. It delved into a world where fantasy met reality and mythology. I found the concept surrounding the origin of werewolves fascinating and refreshing. They were not considered to be werewolves, but wolves that appear human. They are larger than your typical werewolf and this was due to centuries of inbreeding.

2. Pacing:
The story is well paced. It flowed smoothly from start to finish. There were a few scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. There was never a dull moment in this book.

3. Well portrayed characters:
Howling Heart tells the story of Paige Donovan and Riley Gray. Paige works with a prestigious fashion magazine. She is in a solid relationship or so she believed until she caught her boyfriend cheating. When she thought things could not get any worse, she received news of her father's death. In a bid to handle her grief, she returned to the cabin she had inherited from her father. This cabin and the surrounding areas held a lot of memories for Paige. One memory that stood out most in her mind was the day she made friends with a white wolf pup. Little did she know that returning to the Black River area would change her life in ways she could never imagine.Paige is a complex character. She grew up under unhappy circumstances, however, she did not allow it to define her as an adult.She is strong and vulnerable at the same time. The fact that she is willing to give up the life of comfort that she is accustomed to for love demonstrates her brave and unselfish nature. However, I must confess that there were times when I wanted to knock some sense into her. It baffled me how someone who claims to be smart could behave foolishly at times.Riley's character was somewhat confusing. He is sexy and strong-willed. It's his strong-willed nature that led to him constantly butting heads with his father. He is a charmer, a take charge person and protective of those he cared about. However, he has a dark side. Now, what confused me was his actions when thought he was going to lose Page. He cried, begged and whined. These are not traits one would expect to find in a male such a Riley.

4. The Ending
The ending was not what I was expecting. It took me by surprise, but I believe it was a beautiful ending. The author is new to me as such I had no idea what I was getting into. Now, that I am at the end, I can honestly say that I enjoyed the way she made the story come alive.

There is not much more I can say for fear of giving away the story. Nevertheless, I can say this much. I am glad I read this book. If you love shifter romance and want a refreshing take on the world of shifters, then I recommend that you get a copy.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cabin in Black River, Colorado was supposed to be something fun for young Paige, but her parents’ constant fighting scared her so much, she decided running away had to be better. That’s when she found a cute little white puppy in the woods, and a few minutes of happiness and joy until she was surrounded by a pack of snarling wolves, protecting their little packmate. Her family never went back to that cabin, so when Paige’s father dies and leaves it to her years later, she returns to Black River to re-visit the memories and deal with what to do with the cabin, taking a leave from her coveted high-fashion magazine job in the New York. Alone in the cabin, Paige receives a “visit” from a large white wolf, but the sheriff doesn’t seem to be as concerned as he should be. Deciding that it’s better to keep the cabin in her past, she leaves town and is in an accident and is rescued by an Adonis of a blonde guy who is determined to keep her around, but again, she finds that her space is invaded by something that sheds white hairs. Again, no one seems concerned. What is going on in this remote little town? Why is this hot guy so determined to keep her around? And why is he completely naked so often? And finally, what do Norse Gods have to do with wolves? What are Varulv?

The Howling Heart by April Bostic is part mystery, part romance, all paranormal and shows a lot of naked bits, by a lot of naked shifters. I like a good paranormal romance, love the tension, the danger, the confusion by the human until the light finally goes on and acceptance and more are achieved. I just couldn’t fully believe or connect with the two main characters as much as I wanted. I did find supporting characters that I wanted to know more about, and completely enjoyed, though! Paige was an educated adult working in the high-end fashion industry in New York, yet her character seemed too timid and too embarrassingly fascinated by all of the casual nudity, while her feminine feathers were completely ruffled by the thought of being subservient to a male for anything. Riley, our hotter than blazes shifter was the Alpha’s son and had decided as a pup that Paige was to be his mate. He never forgot her and went way overboard when she returned to Black River. As a character, he was not consistent and seemed rather naïve to the human world, and dare I say, often suffered from “dumb blonde” syndrome a little too much for my liking. To his credit, he did show some hot moves on the battlefield and in the bedroom, but I still couldn’t see him with Paige and there were times I questioned his actions.

This is fantasy, we can be taken from pure and innocent to melting hot erotica in a matter of a few pages and that is where April Bostic took us, so I can’t say I wouldn’t let Riley shed on my bed!
I wish to thank April Bostic for providing me a review copy of The Howling Heart in exchange for my honest review.


Publication Date: Author's New Revised edition August 1, 2013
Publisher: Eternal Press
ISBN: (Paperback) 978-1629290201
Number of Pages: 262
Genre: ADULT Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 3 Stars
Available from: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good: A decent read. Cute story line and characters, okay pacing, and refreshing tale of wolves descended from the Varulv clan.

The bad: Nothing constructive to embellish on BUT I was hoping for more plot after Paige had made her decision whether to bond with Riley or not. I mean, there is, but I wanted more.

Also, I was a tad interested and shocked at the mention of the possibility of bestiality. I don’t know how such a thing would have even been possible to portray since physically a werewolf male and a human? How is that even possible?

My thoughts:

While this book didn’t “wow” me, I liked it very much. It’s actually one of my more favorite books from April Bostic aside from “A Rose to the Fallen.”

“The Howling Heart” tells the story of Paige and Riley. Paige unbeknownst met Riley when they were children but moved away. Years later, she is climbing the ladder for a top magazine but it all comes to a halt when her father passes away.


(Paige Description: Wavy auburn hair, blue eyes.)


Paige then returns to a cabin where she inherited from her dad only to meet up with Riley once again.

Enter Riley.


(Riley Description: Sandy blonde hair, suntanned, and has a mole on the upper left corner of his mouth.)


Riley had never forgotten Paige ever since their brief meeting as children. As the years gone by, he yearns for her to return to make and claim her as his mate.

How will Paige take Riley’s secret? Will she embrace it/him or go back to her life in New York and leave everything behind?

My verdict:

An interesting take on werewolves!! I recommend if you’re looking for a sweet romantic tale of first love within the paranormal world.

I like these kinds of reads so it naturally appealed to me. Plus too, werewolves are known to be possessive characters and I love those traits in male heroines so my interest was definitely satisfied with the characterization of Riley.

A lovely, lovely read!! I hope to read more from Ms. Bostic!

[CeCe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story began from page one where Paige goes to her family’s cabin when she is 10 years. While out lost in the forest, she meets a little white wolf pup who she friends. After that first meeting with the pup, her family goes back to New York and they never return to the cabin. After 13 years later, Paige cannot get that white pup out of her mind. Then something happens which forces Paige to return to the cabin only to run into a man named, Riley.
Did I feel connected to the characters? I liked all the characters in this story, even Riley’s dad. He was stern about the pack laws because they were the laws to protect his pack which was his family. Regarding Paige being hesitant to join the pack, I could understand why. Paige was finally in a place in her life that she thought she always wanted to be. There were hard decisions for her to make between her life in New York and her life with the pack. Riley was faithful and loving to Paige. I was a little leery of Riley’s insta-love for Paige in the beginning.

Pace of the story: The pace was good. However, it took me a while to get used to the writing style. The writing was a little too verbose. I think the author could have cut out some of the information, description in the story.

Positives: I love these stories where the girl meets a little wolf pup when she is little only to never see him again until she is much older.

Negatives: I do not condone the way the heroine handled one situation with Trevor.
Many times I felt like the story was told to me instead of experiencing it. I wanted to experience the couple’s connection since I love these types of paranormal stories where the characters met when they were both young only to reunite when they are older. The story was there, I just felt like at time, it was not executed.

Bottom line: I really enjoy reading these types of paranormal stories. I wanted to keep reading whenever I got a chance to find out what was going to happen.

Book Format Read: A copy was provided in change for an honest review.

[Majanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...

I find werewolf stories usually to be less interesting as vampires / witches, mostly because they tend to have pretty basic core, and little originality. The Howling Heart proved me very, very wrong. The author has been inspired by Norse culture and ancient folklore to craft a rather impressive werewolf legend that definitely ranks high on the originality ladder.

Paige, our main character, had it all. Climbing the corporate ladder three steps at a time, so to speak, she thought life couldn’t get any better. It ended up getting a lot worse. Her Dad passed away, and in an attempt to deal with her grief, she travels to the cabin he left for her in his will, a remote cabin far away from civilization, which her family visited sometimes when she was younger.

The setting is a small, remote village. I love those kind of villages, old and traditional, tucked away from the rest of the world, where everyone knows everyone. The setting was described well, and I immediately felt like I could picture the scenes.

Added in is, of course, an alpha male, Riley Gray. I usually tend to dislike the alpha male trope because for some reason, these alphas always act like they’re superior to everyone. Riley doesn’t really act that way though. He’s protective, he likes to take charge, and he’s very good at charming people, but he lacks most of the personality traits I tend to dislike about alphas.

This book is a gritty read, and you know, wolves will be wolves, so the action in the bedroom (and other places) is always a bit on the rough side. I’d definitely recommend keeping this book away from minors.

I enjoyed the plot, characters, setting, and the writing as well. A solid read.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im not really sure where to start on my review for The Howling Heart, to be honest Im still not really sure what I think of it. The book has lots of potential. I love reading paranormal as its one of my favorite genres to read. April Bostic is a great writer, that can be seen with in the story. I loved the story line and characters, I wanted more information at certain parts of the story, more about some of the characters and scenes that were presented to us. I dont know if there will be a sequel to this book but if so maybe that would give us more insight to some of the characters that were introduced. My favorite character had to be Quinn maybe it was because she was so mysterious and I wanted to know more about her. I think with a content editor this book could really go places and be phenomenal. If you like shapeshifting wolves and insta love this is the book for you.

[JadeShea · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Howling Heart begins when Paige gets a call about something bad happening to her father. Now, she must go back tot he cabin she left so many years ago. But strange things are happening to her, and she can't seem to understand what's going on with everyone especially when the talk of wolves comes up.

This book was not for me. I felt like the story didn't make a whole lot of sense, and it was very hard to connect with the characters. I was annoyed with the way the heroine acted for part of it. I felt she should have been a lot more understanding, and I hated that she kept feeling like she had to leave. It really rubbed me the wrong way.

Over all I did not like this one.

[Farrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to say about this book. It was rather unusual. But, in a way that kind of worked. So, part of me is slightly bewildered, but the rest of me really enjoyed this book. And that's how I feel about every part of it. Strange, yet oddly amazing. The Howling Heart was a lovely paranormal romance. I really liked this book.

Paige was a nice heroine. She's just been offered the promotion of a lifetime, when her father's death takes her away and she ends up in Black River. And, once there, she meets the love of her life and is forced to choose if she wants her career or her chance at true love. Like this book as a whole, I kind of don't know what to say about her. On one hand, I questioned her decisions a lot. On the other, I still really liked her character. She was thrown into a difficult situation and she handled it as best she could. And, when it came down to it, she showed herself to be a selfless heroine. In the end, I really liked her.

Riley was so sweet. He's utterly devoted to Paige and had been since they met as children. Almost to the point of obsession. But, again, he still made it work. I thought he was a sweetheart and I really liked him.

The romance was intense, both emotionally and physically. Emotionally because Riley had loved Paige so long and that kind of intense devotion draws out intense devotion. Physically because, even while Riley and Paige couldn't fully be together until they were mated due to pack law, the chemistry was always burning and, when they finally did get together, it was downright explosive. Yet, it was almost insta-love, but in a way that still allowed me to like the romance. I thought they were a lovely couple.

I liked how the werewolf mythology was done, with the Norse gods and all that. In this variation, the Varulv are wolves with the ability to shapeshift into humans. Rather than being humans who turn into wolves, these creatures are essentially wolves. It was kind of odd, but it was so interesting that I really liked it.

Are you noticing a pattern here?

The plot was nice. There wasn't much tension from conflict because, as conflict arose, it were dealt with swiftly. So, while I wasn't riveted, I was still drawn to the story. There were twists along the way that I never saw coming, especially with how it ended. Most of the book, I thought it would turn out one way, and it ended up turning out another. And I really liked how the story concluded.

As I said before, this book is odd, but in a way that really works. If you can tell with what I've said, that applied to everything in the book. It was different, but I still really liked it. The Howling Heart was a lovely paranormal romance that I really enjoyed. Loves of the genre, you definitely need to give this book a try.

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Shera (Book Whispers) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even with the male lead crying and emotionally blackmailing the lead into staying with him I might have been OK. Because as the book progresses Riley, the male lead, does prove himself. The hopeless romantic in me really starts to believe his case of love at first sight. Despite some of the minor sexism and the . . . rushed pacing. Where each event feels like:
And then. And then. And then. And then. And more and then!

Paige and Riley have chemistry. It's hot! The world of the Varuvl—also known as werewolves—and the Norse mythology is a real treat, which I would have loved even further explored. Even though the book and plot felt as standard as it comes to the Paranormal Romance genre. I could have loved it. Truly. Despite all of my issues with crybaby Riley. God he's pathetic. Alpha material. No. Beta. Heck yeah. Even though I thought Paige and Riley could have been better as a role reversal. Riley makes a great cry baby fragile girl, but I kind of respect Bostic for making such a male lead.

This writing is underdeveloped.

The writing tells instead of shows. Even with barren writing like the Anita Blake series, you can feel the world being painted in your mind. Heck, even P.C. and Kristin Cast House of Night books have a way with words. (And we all know how childish I find the dialogue and sometimes the characters' thoughts.) At times the sentences in Howling Heart are choppy. Even scenes. Other times I'm left going, “Wait, what? How did that make it past editing?” It felt like a ton of writing clichés and “what would an author paste in hear” mash up.

Bostic hasn't found her writing rhythm or flow yet. Nor, her own personal writing style. When she does . . . I'm pretty sure her books are going to rock! There are a lot of good things present here. Just not enough. There are two things that kill books for me. Lack of decent writing. Check. Lack of character depth and realism. Bostic does a pretty good job of creating the characters here, and the two love interests definitely have chemistry. The writing just wasn't advanced enough to support it.

Sexual Content: Steamy! Standard PNR scenes.

1/5- I couldn't finish it or wish I hadn't

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

[Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was anything but what I was expecting. Yes, I knew it was a paranormal romance that involved werewolves, but I just wasn’t expecting this. It was such a great love story that started with young children. But one of them happened to be part wolf.

Paige is on track to have the career of her dreams in New York. But with the sudden loss of her father, she is left dealing with the emotions and issues that arise from a death in the family. But more than that, when it’s time to read his will, Paige discovers that she is now the owner of a cabin in the Rocky Mountains. But what is special about this cabin is that Paige loved it 13 years before when she was last there. Her mother and she thought her dad had sold it years before, so it was quite a shock to them both to find out that Paige had inherited it.

Paige makes her journey out to Colorado to check out the cabin and see what she can do with it. But what she discovers is a hot as hell guy… and a scary wolf. When the sheriff in town denies any wolves being in the area, Paige is determined to find the truth. What she finds is so much more than she expects.

What she finds is love. But with all great loves, it comes with a price. First, Paige’s home is in New York, so far away from the secluded town she is now in. Second, Paige is human… the man she is most attracted to is kind of the same.

There is a lot of twists and turns with this book that you just don’t see coming and I have to admit I almost put it down when talk of bestiality came up, however, I pushed through it (and no there is none of it in the book) and found the story between Riley and Paige to be beautiful. Paige learns so much about herself and what she truly wants from life and what will make her happy. Riley knows that Paige is the one for him, he just has to go about making her his in a slightly unorthodox way.

This story did capture me and the love between Paige and Riley was beautiful. I really enjoyed the story and have discovered that adding a little paranormal to my world of romance is good.


*I received a complimentary copy of The Howling Heart in exchange for an honest review**

[Tishia (Paperback Opinion) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Howling Heart by April Bostic is an adult paranormal romance. It follows Paige Donovan – a young woman who just finds out that she inherited a cabin in Colorado after her dad dies. She takes bereavement leave from her exciting job at a fashion magazine in New York to check on the condition of the cabin.

During her stay in Colorado, Paige has a car accident and is rescued by a hunky guy named Riley. He and his family take care of her until she recovers. Paige discovers that Riley, and everyone else in the small town, is a Varulv. They are wolves that take on human form. This is a little different from other books about wolves, because these characters are more wolf than human (rather than the other way around).

The character of Riley seemed all over the place to me. He's supposed to be strong and sexy. He is a murderer. He is sweet. He is obsessive. He is a cry-baby. Riley doesn't even REALLY know Paige, but when she decides she needs to leave and go back to New York, he cries. He has this obsession with her that is a little creepy. It was definitely insta-love on his part. Yeah, he saw her when she was a little girl visiting the cabin with her family, big deal. They didn't get to know each other. Then he pines for her for years until she returns.

I seriously almost didn't finish this book. When talk of bestiality came up, I was almost ready to put down my kindle. It didn't happen. BUT... she was agreeable to it – eww... And there was a lot of talk about it.

I know wolf packs are close, but Riley and his twin sister share a bedroom in a trailer with their dad and step-mom. They are adults – you would think they wouldn't still be living with their parents (let alone share a bedroom). Also, obviously they aren't wearing clothes when they shift to their human form from their wolf form – but I was a little weirded out that they weren't bothered by letting their boobs or junk hang out for the world to see.

There are a lot of good reviews for this book. Maybe I'm just not open-minded enough. I didn't particularly like this book, but the writing wasn't bad. Also, there were some interesting plot twists so I will give it 2 stars instead of just one.

[Kimber Wheaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

The Howling Heart opens with a frequent memory that plagues main character Paige, an event that occurred thirteen years ago at the family cabin in the woods. Soon after she learns her father has died and she is now the owner of said cabin. She feels a strong pull to return, one that she can't rationalize or ignore.

Paige is emotionally fragile when she arrives in the Colorado small town. She just lost her father and also caught her boyfriend in the act of cheating. When she sees Riley in the general store, it's lust at first sight. Paige is a strange woman. One moment she seems so put together and practical. The next she's jumping into a strange situation with both feet. I almost died laughing when she finally began asking the town doctor life altering questions toward the end. I guess better late than never...

Riley fell in love with Paige the moment they met in the forest when he was a pup and she was a girl. When she arrives at the cabin, he wastes no time professing his undying love. He's another strange one. At times he's a dominant alpha-male type, at others a complete pushover. The love Riley has for a woman he doesn't know is sweet in that 'love at first sight' or 'instant soul-mate' sort of way. It was funny how they'd proclaim love for each other, and then Paige would lament how little she knows about him.

By the end of the story, it's obvious that Paige truly does love Riley—all of him body, heart, and soul. It's really rather sweet (in a somewhat creepy kind of way) that she feels this way. The entire time I was reading I kept wondering how a relationship could possibly work when they come from two very different worlds. But sometimes love really can conquer all, so why fight it.

I enjoyed the ending quite a bit. It gave the story closure as well as providing a decent laugh. The Howling Heart is for ages 18+ due to mature content. If you like paranormal stories featuring shapeshifters, add this one to your TBR list.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I have to say that I love reading books about werewolves but this was a different take on wolves and the origin in which they came from. I also love reading about Norse Gods because the Scandinavian history is so strong and so diverse that I found myself delving in deep with this book and I could not have been happier.

Paige has just graduated from college and is determined to be at the top of her career and no matter what happens she will work her butt of to get there. So as she is working and enjoying her new life she has a set back when she gets news that her father has died. Paige is sad and leaves right away to go to her fathers cabin and bury him. On her way there to the cabin she gets into a accident and when she wakes up she realizes she is somewhere else. She also notices the handsome guy staring at her. When she asks him what happened her tells her he rescued her from the accident.

Once Paige gets her mind focused she asks the stranger his name and he says it is Riley. Riley feels something for Paige but he comes from a different world and time so he is nervous but once he tells Paige everything she will have to decide whether or not to stay with him or leave and go back to her job. Riley wants Paige but will it be to much for Paige to give up the career she has worked so hard to get?

This is one hell of a paranormal read and I am so glad I read it because it is one of my top 2013 books everyone MUST READ!

[Carrie (Book Fairy) Fort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Lines "You’re proof not all humans are bad, so it wouldn’t make sense to hate all of you.”

“Please…I…beg you. Give me…a chance…to love you.”

“I would die…before…I let anyone…have you.”

“I want you to listen to me. I’m glad you came. I’ve loved every day we spent together…from the first day we met to this moment, now. I’m happiest when I’m with you. I don’t want you to have any regrets, because I don’t.”

What a fabulous Varulv love story! This is a love we all hope to have and wish to experience!
Paige is a city girl who went to this fabulous cabin when she was younger and played with a wolf pup, now that she's older she's been dreaming about the pup. When her father dies and leaves her that cabin she goes to check it out. What she didn't expect was to see that wolf again. Then all hell breaks lose when she gets in accident.
Riley can't believe she is back! Paige is here. He has thought of nothing but her for all his life. Can he win her over when she finds out he is Varulv!?
I enjoyed this book, it was a easy read that had me shedding a few tears. I am not sure how I feel about ending though, I would like to see a next book to see what happens with that pack.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (RBTL)

FOUR HOWLING FAIRIES

[Adrienne Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howling Hearts by April Bostic was a refreshing read. It is not your typical Werewolf story and I have to admit, I really enjoyed this one.

April has created characters that you can relate to, fall in love with, and want to hear from again. I love her ontake on werewolves, were humans can change into wolves, she did it the other way around. Wolves can change for a amount of time into humans.

The story follows Paige, a woman that has everything. An awesome job at the posh magezine Elle, a boyfriend to die for and plenty of feature growth. Then in one night her life took a plunge. The death of her father.

When she heard that he left her the cabin in the mountains, something that both her and her mother thought he sold a long time ago, Paige had to revisit the cabin to decide what she wants to do with it.

She’s been there once before as a child where she met a wolf pup. Now years later she is finally going back.
She met Riley, our wolf boy and it was instant attraction.

I loved Riley, he was such an amazing character and the world with the wolves were really well developed, the ending….fairy tale and I would recommend this novel to every werewolf fan out there.

Great Job, April. I hope there is more to come of this story.

[Becky Kozera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paige has spent her life climbing the corporate ladder to get to her dream job. She is finally offered her dream job. After her offer her life is turned upside down. Her dad passes away and leaves her the cabin in Colorado. She returns to the cabin against her moms request. This cabin hold many dreams for Paige of her childhood. She has to decide if she is going to keep the cabin or sell it. She finds out the Black River is not the town that she thought that it was. There are many secrets hidden in this small town. After trying to flee the town and wrecking her car she finds out the biggest secret the hard way. The problem is she is falling in love with the one that rescued her. After finding out the secret she has to decide to say or die for knowing the secret.

She spends more time with Riley and falls for him more and more each day. She knows that she still needs to return to her dream job but is not sure if she can do that any more. Know she has to decide if she is going to take her dream job or her dream man.

[Jara Beaubien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was given this book and promised a honest review..

I have read enough of shifters be them wolves or bears ar even birds, this one was different, not unlike the ones I have read before yet the same, a lovely story.
Paige Donovan as child met a wolf pup when she tried to run away from home, befriending the young pup she almost met his family but was found by her parents and the local authorities.
Now years later, she finds herself dreaming about this pup she met and the vacation home in Colorado.
At work she gets a promotion she wanted and as she calls her Mother to share the news, she also finds out that her Father died. She also finds out that in her Fathers will is that home in the Colorado mountains she had been dreaming of.

Enter Riley and Quinn and the secrets they both have and are keeping from her, slowly and surely she is dragged into the secrets until she knows what they are, at the same time she finds out that Riley loves her and she comes to find out she too loves him, will they share a future, will their lives run as one? Read the book its a great story.

[Andrea Heltsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, this book was very enjoyable. I love shifter stories, especially shifter romances. Paige was a fun character. I loved following her journey.
The concept was solid. I was intrigued enough to keep turning the pages. Quinn was a great character as well. I loved her sass, strength, and loyalty.
I only have two complaints of this story and that is why I deducted a star.
1. Riley. He is the love interest for Paige. I'm okay with vulnerable guys, but he was a head case it felt like. One minute he's aggressive, and the next, he's sobbing and begging Paige. it makes him come across as a weak character. The author tries to redeem him about halfway, but I already had my impression made.
2. The ending. It felt very unrealistic, materialistic, and unfair. That's all I can say about that.
Overall, despite its problems, I did like the story. This book gets four glittery stars!

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, exciting, romantic and original paranormal romance that many fans of the genre are going to fall in love with!

I really liked Paige’s character right from the start. So much sadness, loneliness and hurt from childhood to adulthood. Then to happiness, success and a love filled life. She’s a great character that I’m sure all readers will adore.

Riley knew who his mate was for over ten years. Meeting her at a very young age only to have her pulled away from him and not to see her again for ages. He only wants her. No other is acceptable. Now all he needs is to find her, claim her and make her his forever.


I hope there will be a continuation to The Howling Heart. It has many addictive properties and I honestly would love to know how Paige and Riley continue with their new life. Oh and Quinn (Riley’s Sister). I want her to be happy! She truly deserves it :)

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Page was a little girl, she went on vacation with her mom and dad out I the middle of no where. Pages parent's did nothing but fight, so Page decided to run away from them. she packed a bag and ran. She ran straight onto a white wolf!!!
Here comes the bonding even though
she has no idea.


Quite an interesting situation Paige has found herself in. She is plotting whether she is stay put in. She has no idea if she will be staying in black and river. She is so confused. She has sick an amazing job waiting for her in new York city. She also can't deny the pull she feels for Riley.

So does Riley makes the right choice!??
one click to find out you will enjoy

[Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by Debra Presley at Book Enthusiast Promotions for an honest review.

This was a very fast read. Some parts were a little bit of a reach for me but overall it was a good story line with sexy scenes. I love the ending and really hope there is going to a part two. The ending left me with so many possibilities for a second book, so I say bring it on Bostic!

For more reviews, go to bbsbookreviews.com

[Theodora Catalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Howling Heart

by April Bostic 

Paige Donovan is an ambitious college graduate who aspires to reach the top of the corporate ladder. She’s climbing fast when given the promotion of a lifetime at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City. Her bright future comes to an unexpected halt after news of her father’s death. She inherits his old cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and just when she thinks her luck couldn’t get any worse, she has a car accident in the mountains and awakens in the small, remote community of Black River.

Soon, she’s engulfed in the mystical world of Varulv---wolves descended from 13th century Scandinavia and blessed by Norse gods with the ability to appear human. Paige is desperate to return home, but never expects to fall for her rescuer, Riley Gray, a charming young werewolf from England who offers her an alternate future with his pack.

Now, she must choose between the career she’s always wanted and the love she’s always dreamed.

My thoughts (Theo~):

I received a copy from the author in
exchange for an honest review.

I was slightly torn by this book
because I was not sure where my heart and head were lying when it come to this
book. I was conflicted with my own feelings about this book and that made me
reckless and annoyed with myself!

The characters:

Paige Donovan is
a normal human, working for the
prestigious magazine Elle and ready
to conquer the world! She is smart and yet shy and not so ready to face the
world, but she is working her ass off and that brings her the happiness she
deserved: the promotion she was hoping for!

The only stupid thing that could
happen on this beautiful day would be a to catch her boyfriend cheating twice
in the same day and receive a phone call from the one you just couldn’t have a
normal conversation with – your mom – giving you the worst news in the world by
phone!

After really catching her boyfriend
cheating, Paige is thrown into a depth of darkness that only a human could feel
and still survive. Her father, her rock, her life, died of a heart attack
previously into that day. She is left alone and not ready to face the world
just yet!

Her parents relationship has been
one of not talking after their divorce; as a child who have had remained with
her father after the divorce she finds the news almost surreal! No one is
supposed to lose a parent and stand still and waiting for something better to
happen!

She is also not prepared to hear
that her inherit is actually the cottage that her dad used to own into the
woods, in Colorado! Nor is she thrilled that her father lied when he said that
he has sold the place. She wants to see what it is so special about that place
that he couldn’t sell it!

She remembers her one time there
when she was ten. The leaving, the forest, the white beautiful pup she played
with, the golden eyes that were watching her and also the howl of despair after
she left that place. She is ready to take a few times for herself and forget
about the world. What she is not ready is to meet again with the pup, only this
time he is older and much more handsome that she remembered!

Things go south when everything is
escaped from under control in the small town Black River from Colorado and when
everything gets so supernatural that Paige cannot stand it!

I found the love between Paige and
the white wolf – Riley, sweet and nice, but forced and sometimes I was getting
the impression that something was missing! I loved the “triangle” that sort of
formed between her, Riley and Dominic. I’ve also loved Quinn for being sure of
herself and not wanting to become dominated. I didn’t like the fact that Paige
just accepted everything, no fuss no buzz! A kiss and everything was solved... I
found that odd and not so interesting. As if it made the book forget some
important matters.

I loved how they mated with each
other, that the bond between Gods, werewolves and so on was truly blurred
because that was a fantasy lived for real. I also loved how the description
worked around this book. The characters were described perfectly!

I also didn’t quite enjoy Paige’s
way of dealing with everything. It was like she knew she needed to react in a
certain way, but she left herself manipulated by the author. I don’t know if
this makes sense, but she is a character that if it is played well she won’t
even need the author to evolve, but if she is forced some unbalanced things
might come up.

But in the end I’ve liked the story
and the characters. I wish I had a Riley with me *laughs*.

Happy readying everyone~!

3.5 / 5 butterflies 

                                                                       

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Gifted in exchange for my honest review for a Book Blitz*

I must have read a different book than all these high ratings?

This book took me longer to read because I was constantly writing notes about it... like there's an essay on my kindle.

Now you may be a reader that enjoys this book so its up to you to decide whether you want to give it a try. but these are my views:

Plot
Female from the City - Check
Wilderness - Check,
Weird backwood town - Check,
Wolves - Check - now this is where it gets a bit different - Norse Gods (mmm now that may be interesting!) This is why I chose to Review this book, but I was disappointed really.
Why - well to be honest after reading a fair few PNR books and Fantasy books based on Gods and Ancient myths that you can see the author has done a lot of research, blended it into the plot and continued to develop it throughout the book. I feel this did not happen here.

What we have are 2 gods from Viking/Norse Mythology -Freyja goddess of love, sex, beauty, fertility, gold, seiðr (magic), war, and of course death. Then we have Máni, personification of the moon in Norse mythology, (The man in the Moon) and then 2 star crossed lovers.
We do not have Werewolves in this story - men that turn to wolves, no it's reversed - Wolves that can turn into Human form. The first wolf and human that fell in love are blessed by Freyja (Freya) and the wolf is given special powers to enable him to shift into human form to be with his beloved.

The premise of the origin was good - I just think that it could have been better if there had been more given to the history of the pack put in at further stages of the book rather than just stating it as a fact and moving to the next part of the scene.

Voice/Writing style - The story is 'Told' I didn't really connect with any character at all, although I felt the story starts off good when our main character is a child on holiday in the wilderness at the cabin her dad bought, I actually thought in the first chapter that this story would be a good one for me, but as soon the Paige grows up, I would call her naive, and she was pretty annoying at times.

I also have a hard time with the editing - there are sentences that have words missing, others where the wrong word has been used (e.g. Make Due, this should be Make Do) there were others...

The flow and story are choppy, rushed there is no connection to the characters.

Characters
Told in Paige's POV,
Paige works for Elle, and she just seemed too weak to be in the position she was supposed to be in.
(Also - another thing I found was that there was a lot of product/brand names used in this book, which I found unusual as most authors tend to be vague - using shampoo, not using TRESemmé for instance)
Paige life goes from being on top of the world, having a party to celebrate her new promotion at work, to crashing down after catching her boyfriend with another woman at said party - well hes a cheating arsehole - concentrate on the job, but nope, while having to deal with that she gets a devastating call from her mother.... (sorry not going to give the whole book away)

So I was ok so far, we have a troubled Paige going off to recover, and then things start to get weird for her, she decides to hightail it back to civilisation only to crash her car, and get rescued by a Fit, Tanned Blonde hotty, who begs her to stay with him forever...

Riley - our Beta Wolf, now where it came to Paige he seemed too mushy, Crying - I have never seen a Male Wolf/Shifter crying, then he would then go all Animalistic/calculated and show dominance?

The Weird...

The Fit. Tanned. Hotty is named Riley and he takes her to his trailer (well his Fathers, The Sheriff and step moms trailer where he shares a room with his twin sister - YEP grown man sharing room with grown sister, Ok I am not a prude, but??? weird - creepy, Paige get the hell outa dodge before they handcuff you to the bed!) I will also mention at this point that these Locals who live in the woods have no problems walking around naked, even down the highstreet!)

The weirdest - OMG at 61% I really was do I DNF... but I was like a deer in headlights, I sat dumbstruck wondering if I had just read that... I re-read - Yes I did just read that....

- YEP I JUST READ THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Paige, would you…” Opening my eyes, I turned on my back and saw him sitting next to me. He leaned his head down, but most of his face remained hidden in shadow, so I couldn’t see his expression. “Would you ever…” I didn’t need to see his expression to know he was nervous about asking me something. “Huh?” He paused and ran a hand through his hair. “Would you ever…make love to me…when I’m a wolf?”

His question caught me off-guard. Uneasiness followed at the thought of partaking in bestiality. “Um…” I fought the urge to turn back around and feign sleep. “I’m afraid to do that,” I replied honestly. “I would never hurt you.”“Maybe not intentionally, but remember. You have sharp teeth and nails.” I swallowed nervously. “And uh, doesn’t your penis look different when you’re a wolf? It’s a lot bigger, isn’t it?” A mental image of making love to his wolf form entered my mind, and I shuddered involuntarily. “Yes, because it’s made for a she-wolf, but that doesn’t mean it won’t fit you.”


Omg I seriously don't know what this author was smoking
I can't stop reading tho. ... wolf human sex maybe happening soon!!!!

But we get even weirder

“Would I give birth to a human baby?” This time, he hesitated. For a few seconds, he stared into my eyes, and I had a feeling I wouldn’t like his answer. Finally, he responded quietly, “No, you would give birth to a wolf pup.” I gasped and dropped my gaze.

OMG - REALLY???

at this point I went to bed, and this morning I decided that I needed to know if the author took it there... Mmm Nope, the plot goes back to the usual Trope and continues for a while, but then it ends quickly and with a scene that seemed rushed and out of character of the Packs laws... but I guess it will probably leave it open for another book, but I am not really interested in finding out.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars out of 5

Umm…I was not excepting that.

Song Choice: “I Miss You” by Blink 182, “Matter of Time” by Cartel

First Two Warnings: This is an adult book, meant for those over the age of 18 years of age, kay? Cool. Second warning…thing I received this book as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review and that is what I will be.

First Thoughts: When I started this I was really intrigued, I mean I am a werewolf fanatic it’s a bit of a problem to be perfectly honest, anyways, this did definitely surprise me. Unfortunately some of the werewolves beliefs in this book did give me an understanding of why some people choose not to read werewolf books. Before I get too far into anything, there were really well done parts in this book, the writing style in general was quite beautiful at some points. So now for a more in depth look see.

(I am doing Characters first)

Thoughts on Characters:

Paige: Well she is kind of a non-descript looking character, we know she is a brunette but all thoughts on her weight is always sort of vague which would have been fine but at some points Paige acted very vain to me and it was upsetting because she seemed to be at such odds with herself. Like we don’t know how much she weighs, and doesn’t seem to like to talk about it but after a horrific accident involving her car the biggest worry here is that her face is bruised. But beyond that she is a little too indecisive for my likings. She really is determined to leave but she doesn’t want to. She is terrified but not really. At times she really acted her age other times I felt like she was a lot younger than she actually was.

Riley: Wow. Okay. So Riley….seemed to have a bit of personality problem. He was all over the place for me, one minute he is this child, like acting like he is five years old begging for a piece of candy – only it wasn’t candy it was for Paige to stay, but he barely knows her. I understand insta-love rules, I really do but I don’t know for me in this book it felt too sudden. Half way through the book he almost started to get better from this very child-like attitude he had, he was becoming what I love about Alpha males, especially werewolf Alpha males, that possessive, jealous, strong confident kind, but he would break that and revert back to this five year old status. I like my guys playful don’t get me wrong but I don’t something about how Riley was written I just kept picturing this small little boy running around.

Thoughts on Plot: Now with all that said I was very distracted by the characters in order to really experience the plot. For the most part I really did enjoy it, well for the most part. Honestly the comment I made about before in the first thoughts, were that these werewolves were very, very, sexist, and totally ungrudging about certain things. If you have read The Mating by Nicky Charles – any of her books really you know the rule, no outsider can know about them and that was sort of the rule here. I didn’t mind that as much but the Alpha made the rules seem like they were so easily broken, like it was no big deal… I don’t know it was hard to digest knowing how stubborn the Alpha was. Anyways more though on the overall plot, the werewolves in this book were much different than what we normally come across (not in the aspect they look different just their heritage). There were a couple things that I saw coming, others not so much. But I would like to warn any reader starting this that there is talk of bestiality and I was literally ready to call it quits because sorry that is not for me, like at all, but there was none. Just as a warning if you are enjoying the book see that then think to yourself, oh hell no, calm down its okay there is none of that. I did love the idea of this book, and the plot but like I said I was very distracted by the characters.

The ending: It was a good ending. I don’t want to give anything away so :D ta-da!

In the end all I have to say is that this might not have been for me, but it might be for you. That’s for you to decide and honestly I would give April Bostic another chance for a different read.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Howling Heart is a sweet paranormal romance about the depth of love between two individuals from vastly different social worlds who must overcome almost impossible obstacles to find their way to each other. Along the way, this young couple will have to risk everything that’s familiar and safe to them to find happiness, and a pervading question throughout the book is how much Paige is willing to sacrifice for a man who loves her so deeply, it’s almost heartbreaking at times.

I would place this book in the new adult paranormal romance genre, and it’s one that adults of all ages who like the supernatural might enjoy, but because of the sexual situations, I wouldn’t recommend it for younger readers. I enjoyed the inclusion of Norse mythology connected to the origin of the Varulv wolves that live in secret all over the world. The story is set in the remote area of Black River, Colorado, where Riley Gray’s pack has settled, living quietly apart from humans. Bostic does a great job in describing and explaining this male-dominated, patriarchal group of super wolves who abide by their own laws. In fact, humans have never been allowed into their world until Paige Donovan arrives in town.

Riley and Paige already have a connection, a bond that’s formed between them, even though Paige isn’t aware of it when she arrives back in Black River to stay in her father’s cabin where she spent one wonderful summer as a child. Paige is a recent college graduate and her career is just beginning to blossom at a prestigious fashion magazine until she learns of her father’s death. She takes a brief leave of absence to revisit the cabin so she can decide what to do with it. She becomes terrified when she discovers evidence a wolf has been lingering in her cabin and decides to cut her trip short. However, unfortunate circumstances prevent her departure and she ends up staying with Riley and his family instead. Overall, Paige is a likeable character, but she always seemed to be one step behind in making connections that seem so obvious.

Paige’s fear of wolves is the first of many obstacles Riley must face as he tries to win Paige’s heart. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for all of his life and wants to claim her, but pack law prevents wolves from telling humans about their existence. Paige becomes almost hysterical at the thought of wolves being in the vicinity, and Riley’s father, the alpha of the pack, has forbidden Riley from trying to explain the situation to her. However, Riley is determined not to let Paige leave.

Paige is just getting over a heartbreak of her own and has no intentions of falling in love with Riley, but he is sweet, patient, and relentless in his pursuit of her. Whereas Riley seems to have a case of “insta-love,” Paige initially only has “insta-lust,” but her resolve to leave weakens as she spends more time with the beautiful white wolf who is quick to profess his love and adoration for her. Riley is a charming hero, who is strong and confident and not overly “alpha” when he’s with Paige. I also like that he is so easily able to express his emotions and feelings around Paige instead of holding everything in.


Pack law plays an important role in the story and is a catalyst for much of the external conflict that ensues. The arrival of an unwelcome Varulv wolf also adds another level of unexpected drama and danger to the plot and shows that if finding love is hard, holding onto it is even more difficult.

Overall, this is a feel-good paranormal romance about a couple’s struggle to overcome overwhelming odds to keep them apart and left me with a big smile at the end. I would like to see Riley’s sister, Quinn, have her own story. She is a strong, supportive character and deserves a chance for happiness.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

[Books A-Brewin' · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Out of all the paranormal and mythical creatures I have read about, werewolves always hold a special place in my heart. I think it's the whole shapeshifting thing. Being able to change from one thing to another seems like it could come in handy from time to time. Perhaps I just think humans are boring and am an animal lover. Who's to say.

This book opens on a girl having a dream about her past in which she encounters a wolf pup in the forest behind her house and immediately befriends it (this is very reminiscent of Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater). For some reason Paige, an assistant to the editor at a fashion magazine, remembered that time in her life, and that particular family vacation. Pushing the memory out of her mind, she makes it to work and receives the promotion she had been waiting for. Ecstatic she throws a party to celebrate. It seems though that Paige is not destined to enjoy her promotion because she gets the news that her father has passed away due to a heart attack. Wracked with grief, Paige, along with her self-centered mother, start making preparations for her father's future. Paige comes to find out that the cabin they stayed out during their family vacation was given to her in her father's will.

With the plaintive whines of her mother telling her to sell the cabin, Paige ventures back to the last place she was happy and her parents were still together. Her plan is to check it out and see if she wished to sell it or fix it up to keep. Once again, it seems Paige is not destined to feel the emotions she wishes to. She went to grieve her father's death and instead gets sucked into a world of wolves and a strange town of outsiders.

In her time there she does meet one of the most handsome men she could ever lay eyes on and so starts a whirlwind romance between Riley and Paige. Paige soon realizes there is more to Riley then just handsome features. He is also a wolf and he has set his sights on her from the moment he met her. He cares for her when she is injured and protects her from all that could or would harm her. He wants her to stay with him. He wants to be with her always.

But what of her career at home. Everything she had worked for was back there, but this hunk who wanted her and loved her was here and not willing or able to relocate. Career or love? What a dilemma.

This book snagged my interest from the very first page. I started reading it late at night, thinking I'd read a few chapters and then turn in for the night. I got sucked in and didn't put it down until the sun was out and the book was finished. There were some references to bestiality that were a bit, "uhhh... I don't know how I feel about that." But all-in-all, it was beautifully written and an original concept. It was a different spin on werewolves and used Norse gods instead of the traditional Greek gods most books do.

The Howling Heart will leave its reader "howling" for a sequel.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first journey into April Bostic’s work, so I had no clue what to expect, but I’ve been on a shifter kick as of late, so I was determined to give it a shot. I was glad I did! This lady had the wolves down pretty well. It’s not the best shifter book that I’ve ever read, but certainly not the worst either.
Riley and Paige meet as children, she a human and he a pup. She’s escaping a crappy childhood, running from parents that care more about fighting with each other, than the welfare of their daughter. I just have to interject at this point, I hate Paige’s mother. It usually takes a lot for me to hate a character, but April was able to bring about those feelings toward this woman with no effort at all. I don’t want to give away the details of why, but the woman is horrid. A complete miserable excuse of a mother.
So, as Riley runs away, she encounters this strange white pup in the forest that surrounds her family’s cabin in a remote part of Colorado. Little does she know, the “puppy” is actually a young wolf. Solid white, and extremely rare to his kind. They immediately become friends, even though their time is cut short when Paige is “rescued” by her parents and the town sheriff.
Strange things begin to occur during the remainder of their vacation, including when Paige meets a young boy about her age, who seems to be one with the wild. The culmination of these events leads Paige’s mother to declare the cabin and unsafe environment and the family leaves, never to return to the small town of Black River.
Fast forward thirteen years, Paige is grown and living in New York, working as a young associate for Elle magazine- a dream come true. Yet, her dreams are still haunted by the memory of the white pup and the boy that she only briefly met. Her parents are now divorced, and she is still extremely close with her father, luckily not so much her mother. Again, a vile creature that woman.
Then, tragedy strikes. The worst thing that could happen to Paige does.
She’s suddenly presented with the opportunity to return to Black River, and maybe reclaim some of the happiness that she remembers from her time there. Little does she know her life will forever change when she returns.
She reunites with Riley, now a gorgeous man, who instantly lets her know that she is his mate, the one whom he has longed for since they met in the forest all of those years ago. Except she has no idea the secret that he and the rest of the community share. To her, this is only a time of bereavement and vacation until she can return to her life in New York.
I love that things don’t turn out the way she planned. I love that Riley is a persistent man, and I most of all love the way that Paige is eventually assimilated into the wolf culture. They claim her as their own. Riley is ready to move heaven and hell to be with Paige
Their love, however fast it seems to develop, is so pure and strong. These two literally fight to the death for each other. They are determined to let nothing stand in the way of the bond they share.
I loved the entire book, up until the end. Don’t get me wrong here- there is a total HEA, I just wish that it would have taken place elsewhere, differently. I cannot reveal what I mean by that- just that it didn’t feel right the way they began their lives. Maybe there will be future books where we see that there has been a change- at least, that’s what I hope.
All in all, I like the book, and would highly recommend it to paranormal/shifter fans, or even just fans of romance. It was an amazing story and April seems to be a talented lady!

[Sorcha O'Dowd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m ashamed to say I’m always a little sceptical when entering the fictional world of werewolves. Maybe it’s my disdain for Jacob Black in Twilight and everything he represents, or maybe I just don’t find them realistic enough. Nevertheless, I figured it was past time I experimented a little and gave reading a werewolf romance a go.
I loved ‘The Howling Heart’ and knew from the word go that this would be a very different kind of werewolf story. I loved Paige from the start, loving the independent life she had made for herself, despite the glimpses we saw of her slightly dysfunctional childhood in the prologue. I loved the devotion she had to her job and how willing she was to make her own way in the world, not being afraid of the hard work she’d have to do to get there.
The death of her father was heartbreaking, and as we saw a little of his character in the prologue, it made his death all that more poignant for the reader. His death was handled brilliantly, and I understood Paige’s need to go to her father’s cabin despite her mother’s disapproval. The way her mother was scornful of Paige’s inheritance was almost humourous yet April Bostic beautifully contrasted this side of Paige’s mother with the fear and bad memories that were associated with their last holiday at the cabin. The prologue in which this was all shown was hauntingly written.
I adored the way that werewolves were explained in this novel. It have their abilities to shift into wolf forms a more realistic explanation, particularly when it was explained that they were born as wolves, and not as humans, meaning that their genetic makeup is actually that of a wolf but whom had been blessed with the ability to shift into human form. It was a brilliant twist on the traditional humans-become-wolves storyline, and I was intrigued with the idea of genetics being key in the werewolves evolution.
Paige and Riley’s relationship was beautifully written and paced brilliantly, especially when Paige is sceptical at starting a serious relationship, making constant reminders that she has a life she will have to return to. Her independence really inspired me and made me admire her all the more.
The only reason that this book didn’t quite reach five stars for me was Paige’s reluctant agreement to one day have sex with Riley when he is in wolf form. I felt really quite cheesed off with Riley at this point and felt like screaming at him that she was human and had made a ridiculous number of sacrifices to be with him, and it was about time he made some sacrifices too. The thought put me off a little, and made mewhich is why I gave it 4 rather than 5 stars, but I do commend the author for raising this issue, especially in the context of the types of werew0lves this story dealt with.
The action scenes were paced perfectly, and had me on tenterhooks throughout. I wanted to hit the other members of the pack, who wouldn’t even consider changing their ways every so slightly to accomodate Paige. I really felt for her as she was doing everything she was so that Riley would be happy, even if it meant she herself was not as happy.
Overall this was a fantastic, exciting read and I look forward to seeing more from this author.
4 Stars!