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The Tameness of the Wolf #2
Strength of the Wolf
After a fiery exit from Afghanistan, Tim Madison is promoted to major. Jeremy Wagner is a civilian, just beginning his Transition to True Alpha. As a lone wolf, he has no one to teach him the vital principles of strong leadership. After a volatile chance encounter, Tim and Jeremy form an intimate bond.
As Jeremy prepares to someday lead his own pack, Tim struggles with military werewolves being needlessly maimed in combat, as well as specifically targeted by hostile forces. Despite Tim and Jeremy’s feelings, werewolf and human politics or family conflict could prevent their mate-bond.
As Jeremy prepares to someday lead his own pack, Tim struggles with military werewolves being needlessly maimed in combat, as well as specifically targeted by hostile forces. Despite Tim and Jeremy’s feelings, werewolf and human politics or family conflict could prevent their mate-bond.
365 pages, ebook
First published September 6, 2013
31 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Kendall McKenna
23 books677 followers Kendall McKenna
love & dog tags
Kendall McKenna is an author of M/M erotic romance novels featuring well-developed characters, complex stories, and realistic action sequences.
Kendall McKenna is the MLR Press 2013 Author of the Year. Her first work of fiction was written at the worldly age of nine, and was a transformative work that expanded on the story told in a popular song of the time.
She tried her hand at vampire and cowboy fiction, winning high school poetry and short story contests along the way. It wasn’t until she discovered the world of m/m erotic fiction and found her stride with cops, Marines and muscle cars, that she felt inspired to share her stories with readers who enjoy the same things.
Putting herself through college by working in a newly-created HIV testing clinic in her local Department of Health, introduced Kendall to the gay and lesbian community. Understanding and empathy has made her a lifetime advocate of GLBT issues.
A brief bout of unemployment gave Kendall the time and focus she needed to finally produce a novel worth submitting for publication. Her first novel, Brothers In Arms , introduced the world to her authentic military stories and characters. Kendall’s second novel, Strength of the Pack, was nominated for a 2013 Bookie Award, by Author’s After Dark.
Kendall was born and raised in Southern California, where she still lives and works. A non-conventional relationship has kept her happy for the last decade. Her four dogs enjoy it when she writes, as she sits still long enough for them to curl up around her.
Website/Blog:
www.kendallmckenna.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/kendallmckenna
love & dog tags
Kendall McKenna is an author of M/M erotic romance novels featuring well-developed characters, complex stories, and realistic action sequences.
Kendall McKenna is the MLR Press 2013 Author of the Year. Her first work of fiction was written at the worldly age of nine, and was a transformative work that expanded on the story told in a popular song of the time.
She tried her hand at vampire and cowboy fiction, winning high school poetry and short story contests along the way. It wasn’t until she discovered the world of m/m erotic fiction and found her stride with cops, Marines and muscle cars, that she felt inspired to share her stories with readers who enjoy the same things.
Putting herself through college by working in a newly-created HIV testing clinic in her local Department of Health, introduced Kendall to the gay and lesbian community. Understanding and empathy has made her a lifetime advocate of GLBT issues.
A brief bout of unemployment gave Kendall the time and focus she needed to finally produce a novel worth submitting for publication. Her first novel, Brothers In Arms , introduced the world to her authentic military stories and characters. Kendall’s second novel, Strength of the Pack, was nominated for a 2013 Bookie Award, by Author’s After Dark.
Kendall was born and raised in Southern California, where she still lives and works. A non-conventional relationship has kept her happy for the last decade. Her four dogs enjoy it when she writes, as she sits still long enough for them to curl up around her.
Website/Blog:
www.kendallmckenna.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/kendallmckenna
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
December 20, 2020
I am gonna be honest here and admit, that I skipped this book after reading "Strenght of the Pack" , and jumped straight into book 3, ""Strenght of the Mate"". Why, you might ask...Well, because I do this assbackwards thing a lot, and because it had the lowest rating on Goodreads. I also wasn't sure I would like a book about Tim. , than for this one. I know, I should be ashamed of myself !!
I admit that this one isn't my favorite in the series (because that honor belongs to book 3) ...but I really did enjoy reading it.
I loved Jeremy...he was such an awesome brat !! I loved his playful yet dominant wolf :)
It took me a bit longer to really warm up to Tim, but I think that's because I've read Adams book first and I love Adam !! I don't think Adam did anything wrong in this book either and because I know what he's going through now....I really felt for him...so Tim being an asshole to him rubbed me the wrong way.
I got over it though...All the hot and heavy sex distracted me from my anger. This book was way hotter than the other ones, and bonus : both men bottomed..hooray !!! I love it when that happens, I am all for them being versatile. True Alpha Jeremy had no problem submitting to Tim and I really admired that. Of course he had no problem dominating him either...so so HAWT !!
The military stuff was still a bit confusing ... There were parts where I didn't get what the hell they were talking about. I would have liked a bit more of Jeremy and a bit less of Tim working. Noah and Lucas rocked as always and I absolutely loved reading about Dawson ;)
Love this series, highly recommended !!!!
This review was posted on Wendy's Wycked Words
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December 27, 2023
There are a couple different storylines intertwined in this book. Shifters in the US military and shifter power balances/relationships. Even though this book could be read as standalone, there are reoccurring characters that are heavily featured in this book from the first book, so I recommend reading them in order.
It almost felt like the author read reviews from book one saying that wasn’t enough sex. Because she BROUGHT those intimate moments in this book!! However, I liked the slow moving romance from book one a little bit more.
Non-homophobic world
Shifters/humans in the military
Gay romance
Age gap
Mate bonds
Shifter politics and military action
Loads of side characters
Heavy with military acronyms
Graphically detailed sex scenes
Tim (40s?) is a high-level Marine just returned from Afghanistan, a little bland and dad-like at first.
Jeremy (25) is a lone wolf, working as an intern for an architect firm. He is confused about being an alpha, his transition is happening late in life.
Although this authors writing takes a little getting used to, I really do like the way she creates relationships and intimacy.
I wish the story had focused more on these two men, and less on the military moments.
It almost felt like the author read reviews from book one saying that wasn’t enough sex. Because she BROUGHT those intimate moments in this book!! However, I liked the slow moving romance from book one a little bit more.
Non-homophobic world
Shifters/humans in the military
Gay romance
Age gap
Mate bonds
Shifter politics and military action
Loads of side characters
Heavy with military acronyms
Graphically detailed sex scenes
Tim (40s?) is a high-level Marine just returned from Afghanistan, a little bland and dad-like at first.
Jeremy (25) is a lone wolf, working as an intern for an architect firm. He is confused about being an alpha, his transition is happening late in life.
Although this authors writing takes a little getting used to, I really do like the way she creates relationships and intimacy.
I wish the story had focused more on these two men, and less on the military moments.
October 4, 2015
Re-read Oct. 2015: Loved it just as much the second time! Highly, highly recommended, but read the first book first.
Kendall McKenna has done it again with her second installment of the Tameness of the Wolf series Strength of the Wolf. This book has everything we've come to expect from Ms. McKenna. Real military drama. Complex, interesting, three dimensional characters. An exciting, edge-of-your-seat plot. Off-the-rails, ridiculously powerful, emotional sex between the MCs. You get it all with this installment. Unfortunately, I believe this book will be best read when the entire series is eventually available. This will not deter from my 5 star rating, but there was not a natural progression in this story, a definite beginning and end, that could have easily made it a stand alone with basic knowledge of the characters and their place in this universe. There are a lot of unanswered questions we are left with at the end, and that is fine because we do know we are getting a sequel (up next are Terrell and Kai's story) but many of the questions have to do with Tim and Jeremy. It left me feeling a bit cheated and unfulfilled. But I still loved every word and every moment Tim and Jeremy were together. Their chemistry was incredible and made for a perfect pairing. And it was such a delight to have favorites Lucas and Noah, from Strength of the Pack, along for most of this ride.
So, loved the book, 5 stars, but while the first installment Strength of the Pack made my favorites shelf and my fuck yeah, 5+ stars shelf and is hands down my absolute favorite shifter story ever, Strength of the Wolf didn't make any of these lists/shelves. But if you have read and enjoyed Strength of the Pack, this is a must read and I can highly recommend it. I get shivers just thinking about the bite marks! *shiver*
Kendall McKenna has done it again with her second installment of the Tameness of the Wolf series Strength of the Wolf. This book has everything we've come to expect from Ms. McKenna. Real military drama. Complex, interesting, three dimensional characters. An exciting, edge-of-your-seat plot. Off-the-rails, ridiculously powerful, emotional sex between the MCs. You get it all with this installment. Unfortunately, I believe this book will be best read when the entire series is eventually available. This will not deter from my 5 star rating, but there was not a natural progression in this story, a definite beginning and end, that could have easily made it a stand alone with basic knowledge of the characters and their place in this universe. There are a lot of unanswered questions we are left with at the end, and that is fine because we do know we are getting a sequel (up next are Terrell and Kai's story) but many of the questions have to do with Tim and Jeremy. It left me feeling a bit cheated and unfulfilled. But I still loved every word and every moment Tim and Jeremy were together. Their chemistry was incredible and made for a perfect pairing. And it was such a delight to have favorites Lucas and Noah, from Strength of the Pack, along for most of this ride.
So, loved the book, 5 stars, but while the first installment Strength of the Pack made my favorites shelf and my fuck yeah, 5+ stars shelf and is hands down my absolute favorite shifter story ever, Strength of the Wolf didn't make any of these lists/shelves. But if you have read and enjoyed Strength of the Pack, this is a must read and I can highly recommend it. I get shivers just thinking about the bite marks! *shiver*
March 11, 2015
...written on September 11, 2013
4 Stars - a sequel that doesn't quite reach the level of the first part, but well worth reading - and hot, hot...
This is the second installment in a series where we now have yet another fascinating love story. This time it is the Marine officer Tim's luck to find a lover/werewolf (Jeremy) who may not seek, but needs, a firm hand and a mature mate. Because this novel is so much associated with part #1 Strength of the Pack (5 stars from me), I recommend that you first read it to get the full benefit of this one. The main characters Lucas and Noah, Tim's colleagues and close friends, from the first book are also included (as teammates of course) in this new story.
Tim Madison is recently after returning home from the war in Afghanistan promoted to Major. Tim has been asked to lead a development Department regarding questions about the werewolves in the military. Manuals should be written and new approaches are tested. Back home in California again after several years in the wars in the Middle Asia, Tim begins to relax and look forward to his new interesting task.
After a night out with colleagues, Tim meet a younger very handsome but very angry man. Attraction occurs immediately and Tim cannot help but be mesmerized by the pretty cocky and immature guy.
Jeremy Wagner is a civilian architect, just beginning his Transition to a True Alpha Werewolf. Firstly it's quite "late" in his life - he is 25. Secondly Jeremy doesn't know a thing about how to handle all the emotions that come and go in his soul and body. He takes quite unnecessary and impossible battles and sways between trying to act be like an alpha and to fall back into the role of a ordinary submissive pack member. Sadly Jeremy has besides that, been thrown out and excluded from his local Carlifornia pack.
One of Tim's good werewolf friends (Noah), another True Alpha, takes on the task of supporting Jeremy in his development into a strong alpha werewolf. Thereby meet soon Tim and Jeremy again...
As I said in my review about the first part in this series; These are not the most dialogue rich books, or the most talkative boys love stories - this is about war, danger, lust, desire and needs with some big, tough and very physical men. It's about needs from werewolf culture, needs at full moon and changes in the werewolf. It's about us, and them, learning more about this strange culture. Learning how too use it in the army/marine, in the battles and in the U.S. war conflicts.
But this is of course a lot about Jeremy's personal growth into a werewolf alpha and Tim's part in this. Then we have the budding love, the hot nights (especially on full moon), family relationships and much more. Their love was quite (insta) fast but I still felt for it directly. They both just needed each other in different ways.
...sweet and tender love - but never sugar sweet - and I love it as always.
I must admit that sometimes I did't understand everything in all military discussions with many three-letter acronyms that are never really explained. Maybe they are obvious to some readers but not to me. Well I'm not really interested in tactical battles and debates on such. But the exciting and interesting part was how the werewolves were used and participated in the battles and within the U.S. military. These books are also partly a sort of textbooks in this topic. When this series is over sometime in the future, then surely both I and the books' characters, learned so much more about these issues.
Never mind, I'm still most interested in the romantic part... and it was a lot of grand love and steam. These werewolfs are hot guys with a lot of needs. The humans, as Tim (and Lucas from the first book), have a lot to stand up to. Here, it is both dominance and submission interspersed alternately. Nor will there be replays over and over again as in some other books. It (the steam) actually feels alright just enough but not to much for the story as a whole. Maybe more than in the first part and I need to say; it is very explicit as in most romances nowadays.
In the past, I knew next to nothing in the gay steam area and now all these captivating M/M books taught me much, much... haha. Too much? I don't know, maybe yes... *blushing*. But to be honest; I like what I'm reading - YES I really do - I just love all these sweet "boys who loves boys". Soon, I should after all, be a little measured on M/M romances but I will anyway surely read the next book (#3) in this series.
And it must be pointed out again - these guys are so nice to get to know. If you want a good and well written “male&male-military-paranormal-steamy and romantic”-story just read these books. New lovebirds in each book and very well done.
I always love a yummy shifter story. This one didn't let me down.
I LIKE - OMG these guys are h...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A buddy read with my dear friends Bev, Trisha and Andrea 7-9 September http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
4 Stars - a sequel that doesn't quite reach the level of the first part, but well worth reading - and hot, hot...
This is the second installment in a series where we now have yet another fascinating love story. This time it is the Marine officer Tim's luck to find a lover/werewolf (Jeremy) who may not seek, but needs, a firm hand and a mature mate. Because this novel is so much associated with part #1 Strength of the Pack (5 stars from me), I recommend that you first read it to get the full benefit of this one. The main characters Lucas and Noah, Tim's colleagues and close friends, from the first book are also included (as teammates of course) in this new story.
Tim Madison is recently after returning home from the war in Afghanistan promoted to Major. Tim has been asked to lead a development Department regarding questions about the werewolves in the military. Manuals should be written and new approaches are tested. Back home in California again after several years in the wars in the Middle Asia, Tim begins to relax and look forward to his new interesting task.
After a night out with colleagues, Tim meet a younger very handsome but very angry man. Attraction occurs immediately and Tim cannot help but be mesmerized by the pretty cocky and immature guy.
‘Tim stopped; frozen in his tracks. His heart hammered in his chest again, this time for a different reason. Standing in front of a line of parked cars was a stunningly beautiful young man. Tim's mouth fell open an he stared openly.
Ho-ly fuck!
Jeremy Wagner is a civilian architect, just beginning his Transition to a True Alpha Werewolf. Firstly it's quite "late" in his life - he is 25. Secondly Jeremy doesn't know a thing about how to handle all the emotions that come and go in his soul and body. He takes quite unnecessary and impossible battles and sways between trying to act be like an alpha and to fall back into the role of a ordinary submissive pack member. Sadly Jeremy has besides that, been thrown out and excluded from his local Carlifornia pack.
One of Tim's good werewolf friends (Noah), another True Alpha, takes on the task of supporting Jeremy in his development into a strong alpha werewolf. Thereby meet soon Tim and Jeremy again...
‘His head was large, his chest wider, his neck thicker. Despite the darkness, Jeremy was easy to see, his solid black fur stark against the white of the snow. The moonlight reflected in his amber eyes as calmly watched Tim.’
As I said in my review about the first part in this series; These are not the most dialogue rich books, or the most talkative boys love stories - this is about war, danger, lust, desire and needs with some big, tough and very physical men. It's about needs from werewolf culture, needs at full moon and changes in the werewolf. It's about us, and them, learning more about this strange culture. Learning how too use it in the army/marine, in the battles and in the U.S. war conflicts.
But this is of course a lot about Jeremy's personal growth into a werewolf alpha and Tim's part in this. Then we have the budding love, the hot nights (especially on full moon), family relationships and much more. Their love was quite (insta) fast but I still felt for it directly. They both just needed each other in different ways.
...sweet and tender love - but never sugar sweet - and I love it as always.
I must admit that sometimes I did't understand everything in all military discussions with many three-letter acronyms that are never really explained. Maybe they are obvious to some readers but not to me. Well I'm not really interested in tactical battles and debates on such. But the exciting and interesting part was how the werewolves were used and participated in the battles and within the U.S. military. These books are also partly a sort of textbooks in this topic. When this series is over sometime in the future, then surely both I and the books' characters, learned so much more about these issues.
Never mind, I'm still most interested in the romantic part... and it was a lot of grand love and steam. These werewolfs are hot guys with a lot of needs. The humans, as Tim (and Lucas from the first book), have a lot to stand up to. Here, it is both dominance and submission interspersed alternately. Nor will there be replays over and over again as in some other books. It (the steam) actually feels alright just enough but not to much for the story as a whole. Maybe more than in the first part and I need to say; it is very explicit as in most romances nowadays.
‘Tim relaxed into Jeremy's hard body, moaning each time Jeremy sucked a beuise into his throat, or nipped sharply at his to sensitive skin.’
In the past, I knew next to nothing in the gay steam area and now all these captivating M/M books taught me much, much... haha. Too much? I don't know, maybe yes... *blushing*. But to be honest; I like what I'm reading - YES I really do - I just love all these sweet "boys who loves boys". Soon, I should after all, be a little measured on M/M romances but I will anyway surely read the next book (#3) in this series.
And it must be pointed out again - these guys are so nice to get to know. If you want a good and well written “male&male-military-paranormal-steamy and romantic”-story just read these books. New lovebirds in each book and very well done.
I always love a yummy shifter story. This one didn't let me down.
I LIKE - OMG these guys are h...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A buddy read with my dear friends Bev, Trisha and Andrea 7-9 September http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
August 21, 2015
I didn't love this as much as the first one but it was pretty close.
Kendall McKenna writes some really hot sex with some awesome dirty talk. I approve!
Kendall McKenna writes some really hot sex with some awesome dirty talk. I approve!
September 7, 2013
2.5
I was happy to this story focus on Tim Madison one of the players from Strength of the Pack but it didn't work for me as much as I wished it did.
There were a couple of different story lines flowing here. Tim meeting the civilian transitioning True Alpha Jeremy, the overseas attacks on werewolves, Tim's brother Adam and unexpectedly
I'm a big fan of sex but there was just too much here for me. ;) It just felt that for 3/4 of the book that's all the connection that Tim and Jeremy had. I don't think it helped that I just re-read SofP right before this where Noah and Lucas had a slow, steady build to their relationship before they slept together. I ended up having a hard time connecting to Jeremy's character maybe because with all the focus on sex we didn't really see a lot of his transition but were more told that he had achieved it near the end. He's not military so delving more into what it means to be a civilian True Alpha is something that I would have enjoyed and I was curious about this:
It just seemed like there were two different books here with the relationship running parallel to the military story but never really crossing over in any meaningful way. I found parts of both stories interesting but not cohesive, sadly, and it really affected my enjoyment of the read because it felt fractured. I think I went into this expecting a military shifter story similar to book one so the introduction to the younger, not quite steady civilian Alpha Jeremy was a bit of a surprise. It's a surprise I could have worked with if the focus had been less on sex and more on the concept of what it is to become a True Alpha.
Still, once the story reached the 3/4 mark I had come to enjoy Jeremy and Tim together, it just took me a while to get there. I enjoyed the cameos of the other characters and while this didn't resonate with me like the first in the series I'll be checking out book 3 when it's released.
I was happy to this story focus on Tim Madison one of the players from Strength of the Pack but it didn't work for me as much as I wished it did.
There were a couple of different story lines flowing here. Tim meeting the civilian transitioning True Alpha Jeremy, the overseas attacks on werewolves, Tim's brother Adam and unexpectedly
I'm a big fan of sex but there was just too much here for me. ;) It just felt that for 3/4 of the book that's all the connection that Tim and Jeremy had. I don't think it helped that I just re-read SofP right before this where Noah and Lucas had a slow, steady build to their relationship before they slept together. I ended up having a hard time connecting to Jeremy's character maybe because with all the focus on sex we didn't really see a lot of his transition but were more told that he had achieved it near the end. He's not military so delving more into what it means to be a civilian True Alpha is something that I would have enjoyed and I was curious about this:
It just seemed like there were two different books here with the relationship running parallel to the military story but never really crossing over in any meaningful way. I found parts of both stories interesting but not cohesive, sadly, and it really affected my enjoyment of the read because it felt fractured. I think I went into this expecting a military shifter story similar to book one so the introduction to the younger, not quite steady civilian Alpha Jeremy was a bit of a surprise. It's a surprise I could have worked with if the focus had been less on sex and more on the concept of what it is to become a True Alpha.
Still, once the story reached the 3/4 mark I had come to enjoy Jeremy and Tim together, it just took me a while to get there. I enjoyed the cameos of the other characters and while this didn't resonate with me like the first in the series I'll be checking out book 3 when it's released.
September 12, 2013
Shifter wolves. Marines. Wolves WITH Marines? Hell! Yes! Bring on Release day.
I agree, YUM!!
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3001/26...
Loved it. Thought Jeremy was all kinds of sexy with Tim. Speaking of which, the sex scenes melted my Kindle. It's a mess. I know there was other stuff going on...I do know that...like good world building and military intrigue and a transitioning alpha...but did I say it was freaking sexy? Because...well
If you want to read a review? Then it's here - http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
September 8, 2013
I was so excited to read this book, and it definitely didn't disappoint. Kendall McKenna really does a great shifter story and then she combines it will military men and I can't stop myself from wanting to read it. She knows her stuff. Her books are authentic and read well, I also love the fact she creates her own shifters. Things aren't the same as in other books. It's unique, fresh, and hot.
From the beginning I was happy. We saw Lucas and Noah - the couple from book one - in the very beginning. We started out with Tim and Lucas. It reintroduced our former MC's and within a short space, we met Jeremy - the other MC - and things just took off. There was an instant connection there, even if Tim didn't really notice it... But I kinda think he was smart enough to know something was up. We quickly discover Tim is older than Jeremy, and the two butt heads a little in the beginning.
The story was touching in some places, hot, funny, and sweet. I loved the sex scenes in this book, and as for the first kiss... Wow. Just wow.
I had a really great time reading this book. I loved both MC's, and both had somewhat difficult pasts. Tim and his brother intrigued me from the beginning, while Jeremy's past was sad... It wasn't something very upsetting, but it was nice to see them grow, come together, and fall in love. Although, there were some questions left open. But it didn't stop me from falling in love with the couple like I did with Lucas and Noah.
I'm hoping we see more of these two in the next book... I think it could help maybe... It would be nice to answer the questions we were left with. I have high hopes for the next book, Terrell and Kai's story. Plus I think we might see more of Tim's brother...
Really enjoyed the buddy read with, Bev, Ingela, and Andrea. Glad we could read this together.
From the beginning I was happy. We saw Lucas and Noah - the couple from book one - in the very beginning. We started out with Tim and Lucas. It reintroduced our former MC's and within a short space, we met Jeremy - the other MC - and things just took off. There was an instant connection there, even if Tim didn't really notice it... But I kinda think he was smart enough to know something was up. We quickly discover Tim is older than Jeremy, and the two butt heads a little in the beginning.
The story was touching in some places, hot, funny, and sweet. I loved the sex scenes in this book, and as for the first kiss... Wow. Just wow.
I had a really great time reading this book. I loved both MC's, and both had somewhat difficult pasts. Tim and his brother intrigued me from the beginning, while Jeremy's past was sad... It wasn't something very upsetting, but it was nice to see them grow, come together, and fall in love. Although, there were some questions left open. But it didn't stop me from falling in love with the couple like I did with Lucas and Noah.
I'm hoping we see more of these two in the next book... I think it could help maybe... It would be nice to answer the questions we were left with. I have high hopes for the next book, Terrell and Kai's story. Plus I think we might see more of Tim's brother...
Really enjoyed the buddy read with, Bev, Ingela, and Andrea. Glad we could read this together.
September 12, 2013
I don't know.. maybe 3.75? Maybe 4? It was good, don't get me wrong... I just wasn't as interested in this book as I was the first in the series. It seemed a lot of the same... and just kinda predictable. Also there was a LOT of sex and normally that doesn't bug me, but it actually got old.
Good read still.
Edit: ALSO I really love Tim. He is super-duper awesome and authoritative and that's totally hot.
Good read still.
Edit: ALSO I really love Tim. He is super-duper awesome and authoritative and that's totally hot.
September 9, 2013
EPIC FAIL. Sadly, given how much I enjoyed the first book in the series, this second book was truly awful. Basically the plot, not to mention character development, suspense and world building, just disappeared under an avalanche of porno sex. My butt was sore just reading about it, and reading about it, and reading about it....
August 24, 2014
3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this story coming out because I loved the first one and did a quick re-read before starting this one. I really enjoyed that the author still included Noah and Lucas and we got to see them again and they were still part of this story. I was a little disappointed with this one, I guess I was expecting the sexual tension that we had in the first one. It was almost 80% into the first story before Noah and Lucas actually sleep together. With this one, Tim and Jeremy basically jumped into bed immediately and while there was still a story happening (a couple of stories actually), the majority of their relationship from the beginning was sex scenes, these two were hot together, it just seemed too much and I started skipping my way through. I wanted to find out more about Jeremy and even more about Tim. I got glimpses and pieces of both their lives, but it made me have more questions than when I started. While the characters were the same, and the general military storyline, I just didn't have the same feelings that I had with the first book. However, despite all of it, I am still glad I read the story, got to see Noah and Lucas again and will read the next one when it comes out.
Reread - 8/24/14
I was really looking forward to this story coming out because I loved the first one and did a quick re-read before starting this one. I really enjoyed that the author still included Noah and Lucas and we got to see them again and they were still part of this story. I was a little disappointed with this one, I guess I was expecting the sexual tension that we had in the first one. It was almost 80% into the first story before Noah and Lucas actually sleep together. With this one, Tim and Jeremy basically jumped into bed immediately and while there was still a story happening (a couple of stories actually), the majority of their relationship from the beginning was sex scenes, these two were hot together, it just seemed too much and I started skipping my way through. I wanted to find out more about Jeremy and even more about Tim. I got glimpses and pieces of both their lives, but it made me have more questions than when I started. While the characters were the same, and the general military storyline, I just didn't have the same feelings that I had with the first book. However, despite all of it, I am still glad I read the story, got to see Noah and Lucas again and will read the next one when it comes out.
Reread - 8/24/14
June 23, 2014
I liked this one better than the first. Why? One word:
COMMUNICATION
January 16, 2021
Quick Nurse, the screens....
yowza, this was hot!! 4.5 stars and 
Following on from 'Strength of the Pack', this one featured Captain Tim Madison and lots of Lucas and Noah from the previous book too. Captain Tim has been authorised to set up a new department which will focus solely on Werewolves and their role within the US military. The old rule books are being chucked out of the window so to speak, and Tim, Lucas and Noah are the 'face' of the new-look 'Werewolves Are Wonderful' attitude at the Pentagon. They return home from Afghanistan and head out to California to start getting things organised, meeting several new Wolves including the MC of the next book in the series. Tim also happens to meet Jeremy Wagner, a young Alpha Wolf in transition who has been cast out by the Alpha Wolf of his existing pack as he sees him as too much of a threat. Quite rightly, Jeremy is confused, angry and likely to lose his cool at a moment's notice, but there is definitely something between him and Tim, and of course, this makes for some hot sex!!
In the background, we have the second thread of storyline which is that Wolves are being targeted in Iraq by enemy Wolves. A great number are being maimed and injured, and the intriguing (and sinister) part is that the US military/government seem to want to create a sort of 'super species' Werewolf to fight their battles...Noah, Lucas and the rest of the Wolves are being kept in the dark about it, and who knows what's going to happen further down the line. I'll leave this one here, there's plenty of action, and lots of unanswered questions too.
Big Shout Out to my Buddy Readers on this one...Ingela, Andrea and Trisha. Thanks Ladies.
yowza, this was hot!! 4.5 stars and Following on from 'Strength of the Pack', this one featured Captain Tim Madison and lots of Lucas and Noah from the previous book too. Captain Tim has been authorised to set up a new department which will focus solely on Werewolves and their role within the US military. The old rule books are being chucked out of the window so to speak, and Tim, Lucas and Noah are the 'face' of the new-look 'Werewolves Are Wonderful' attitude at the Pentagon. They return home from Afghanistan and head out to California to start getting things organised, meeting several new Wolves including the MC of the next book in the series. Tim also happens to meet Jeremy Wagner, a young Alpha Wolf in transition who has been cast out by the Alpha Wolf of his existing pack as he sees him as too much of a threat. Quite rightly, Jeremy is confused, angry and likely to lose his cool at a moment's notice, but there is definitely something between him and Tim, and of course, this makes for some hot sex!!
In the background, we have the second thread of storyline which is that Wolves are being targeted in Iraq by enemy Wolves. A great number are being maimed and injured, and the intriguing (and sinister) part is that the US military/government seem to want to create a sort of 'super species' Werewolf to fight their battles...Noah, Lucas and the rest of the Wolves are being kept in the dark about it, and who knows what's going to happen further down the line. I'll leave this one here, there's plenty of action, and lots of unanswered questions too.
Big Shout Out to my Buddy Readers on this one...Ingela, Andrea and Trisha. Thanks Ladies.
September 10, 2013
Review written for Hearts on Fire Reviews
Book 2 in The Tameness of the Wolf series. This segment builds a bit on what we learned about the shifter dynamics from book one with Noah as the True Alpha with Lucas as his Dominant. Whereas in The Strength of the Pack we learned about Noah finding his Dominant and coming into full power, here we meet Jeremy, an up and coming True Alpha and his mate, Major Tim, who we met in Strength of the Pack.
I loved that Noah and Lucas are strong presences here, but this story really shows how one becomes a True Alpha following Jeremy through his transition from a meek, mid-level wolf, cast out by his previous pack when his True Alpha potential was recognized by the current pack leader. I really enjoyed watching the transition and seeing how Jeremy came to be such a strong, knowledgeable and respected True Alpha. When Tim meets Jeremy, they hit it off, without realizing what they could mean for each other. Luckily, Tim is more aware than most humans about the ins and outs of the wolves, so it doesn’t take long (even though he denies it for some time) before he accepts his position as Jeremy’s mate.
This story takes its time. Tim, Noah and Lucas, as well as a few others, are leading a team to revamp the shifter policy and procedures for the military. At the same time, Noah is called upon as True Alpha to see to complaints and administer punishments. This takes them back to the sandbox here and there. With Jeremy being a civilian, he remains behind. Their bond continues to grow, however, just as Jeremy continues to go through his transition gaining strength and powers.
I really liked these guys together. Tim is a really strong character and doesn’t lose any of that even when Jeremy becomes more powerful and dominant. There is a lot of hot sex in this story, but there is also a lot of story to go with it. We meet some new wolves, as Jeremy gains support to take over his own pack. I loved how Tim explained some of the military jargon to Jeremy as they each learned how best to be a mate to the other.
The story is well written, with hot military dudes and sexy werewolves working side by side. I love the way things work in this world where there are different lines between the wolf packs and the military ranks, and it’s a refreshing change to see things done so differently. I’m a huge fan of this author and am happy to have another great series to keep up with. There seems to be a few things brewing here, and I’m really looking forward to the next installment.
February 7, 2014
While i enjoyed this book, I didn’t love it the way I did Strength of the Pack. It was a good read and I loved the two MC’s, I feel like it was more about hot sex then story. And no, I am not complaining about hot steamy sex! (my friends here on GR know better then to think I would do that! LOL) What I loved so much about Strength of the Pack, was the world building, the military action, the dialogue and how Lucas and Noah’s relationship grew. And while this story kept my attention and i grew to care for Tim and Jeremy I felt where there could have been opportunities for me to become more emotionally involved was steamy sex instead.
We met Tim in book 1, he was Lucas and Noah’s commanding officer and instrumental in teaching Lucas to lead werewolves. I liked Tim as a military officer, he was tough, yet fair and genuinely cared about the human’s and werewolves under his command. Tim is older, more patient, and when he and his friends run into a young and in the midst of transition True Alpha werewolf he is captivated. Jeremy is raging hormones and adrenaline, in the midst of transitioning into a True Alpha. When he runs into Noah, Lucas and Tim coming out of a bar, all he knows is he wants to challenge and confront. It’s no stretch of the imagination that Noah takes up teaching and mentoring the young True Alpha Werewolf and of course Tim with his experience ends up helping Jeremy as well.
I enjoyed watching Jeremy grow and mature, I would have liked to have seen more of this actually. Jeremy is calm one moment and angry and ready for a fight the next. I felt like it was a missed opportunity to add more depth to this character. But, regardless of this I found Jeremy a sweet, caring and intelligent and hot (yummy hot, steamy hot, give me more of him hot).
And the bonus for me was Lucas and Noah’s appearances in this book. OMG I love these two, give me more and more of them!!! And like I said in the beginning, there was plenty of hot steamy sex. Tim and Jeremy definitely had chemistry and they could generate some heat together!! And while most of this story takes place in the U.S. there are a few times Tim, Lucas and Noah have to go back into the war in Afghanistan. So we get some military action as well. Overall, I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed watching Jeremy become the True Alpha he was meant to be and Tim find his own partner and not be envious of Noah and Lucas anymore. 4 stars. and i can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
We met Tim in book 1, he was Lucas and Noah’s commanding officer and instrumental in teaching Lucas to lead werewolves. I liked Tim as a military officer, he was tough, yet fair and genuinely cared about the human’s and werewolves under his command. Tim is older, more patient, and when he and his friends run into a young and in the midst of transition True Alpha werewolf he is captivated. Jeremy is raging hormones and adrenaline, in the midst of transitioning into a True Alpha. When he runs into Noah, Lucas and Tim coming out of a bar, all he knows is he wants to challenge and confront. It’s no stretch of the imagination that Noah takes up teaching and mentoring the young True Alpha Werewolf and of course Tim with his experience ends up helping Jeremy as well.
I enjoyed watching Jeremy grow and mature, I would have liked to have seen more of this actually. Jeremy is calm one moment and angry and ready for a fight the next. I felt like it was a missed opportunity to add more depth to this character. But, regardless of this I found Jeremy a sweet, caring and intelligent and hot (yummy hot, steamy hot, give me more of him hot).
And the bonus for me was Lucas and Noah’s appearances in this book. OMG I love these two, give me more and more of them!!! And like I said in the beginning, there was plenty of hot steamy sex. Tim and Jeremy definitely had chemistry and they could generate some heat together!! And while most of this story takes place in the U.S. there are a few times Tim, Lucas and Noah have to go back into the war in Afghanistan. So we get some military action as well. Overall, I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed watching Jeremy become the True Alpha he was meant to be and Tim find his own partner and not be envious of Noah and Lucas anymore. 4 stars. and i can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
April 8, 2015
65% in and I am seriously wondering why wasting even more time on this.
Why did I bother reading SotW at all? I am a freaking masochist, that's why, but even then, I can't stand this book anymore. I don't give a flying bird if something or someone might prevent "Tim and Jeremy's mate-bond". Whatevah. The only question I really want answered - is this the same Tim, A Walking Werewolf Encyclopedia, from volume one? I mean - what the hell happened? Why is he so clueless?
Not going into other faults that plague the story and the writing or else I won't ever shut up.
Because I have already invested so much in this book, and I am not talking about the steep price, I am going to round my 65% to the nearest hundred and claim the books as "finished". I need some kind of a reward for the boredom and eye-rolling I went througheven if it were for my masochistic perverted purposes.
1 star
Kinda sorta liked Jeremy. Maybe. I don't know.
Hence half a star upgrade from one on Booklikes and Leafmarks.
Why did I bother reading SotW at all? I am a freaking masochist, that's why, but even then, I can't stand this book anymore. I don't give a flying bird if something or someone might prevent "Tim and Jeremy's mate-bond". Whatevah. The only question I really want answered - is this the same Tim, A Walking Werewolf Encyclopedia, from volume one? I mean - what the hell happened? Why is he so clueless?
Not going into other faults that plague the story and the writing or else I won't ever shut up.
Because I have already invested so much in this book, and I am not talking about the steep price, I am going to round my 65% to the nearest hundred and claim the books as "finished". I need some kind of a reward for the boredom and eye-rolling I went through
1 star
Kinda sorta liked Jeremy. Maybe. I don't know.
Hence half a star upgrade from one on Booklikes and Leafmarks.
September 10, 2013
Excellent follow up to Strength of the Pack. Completely enjoyed having Noah and Lucas front and center, and look forward to seeing more of all of the guys in the next book.
Tim finally gets him man in this installment. Jeremy is a True Alpha werewolf just going through his transition and needs some serious help. His transformation from insecure, bratty kid to large and in charge alpha was an experience. Wasn't too sure about him at the beginning, but it really worked and I found myself being proud of him at the end.
As with all of the books I've read by this author, the military aspect is very much front and center, and a huge part of the story. I can't imagine how this story would work without it. I am not military myself, but it comes across very authentic.
Tim finally gets him man in this installment. Jeremy is a True Alpha werewolf just going through his transition and needs some serious help. His transformation from insecure, bratty kid to large and in charge alpha was an experience. Wasn't too sure about him at the beginning, but it really worked and I found myself being proud of him at the end.
As with all of the books I've read by this author, the military aspect is very much front and center, and a huge part of the story. I can't imagine how this story would work without it. I am not military myself, but it comes across very authentic.
June 16, 2017
What this book lacks in severe UST (and some might miss that) as seen in the first story, it completely makes up for it by having an overall easy relationship between the two MC's because they communicate!! What a concept! This means actual culmination, completion, full on sex within the first 20% (as opposed to 90%). Was that a little fast?? Sure but it's a were/shifter book and there's urges and hormones and mystical stuff that needs to be taken care of which negates the absurdity of insta-love/lust.
I give props to the author - there was no skimping on the smex - it is varied, it is in depth, it is HOT. Hotter than the first book in my opinion. *fans self*
So in conclusion - if you like weres, awesome and frequent sex (with dirty talk and a bit of an age gap) and you liked the first book, then this sequel is seriously a no brainer!!
I give props to the author - there was no skimping on the smex - it is varied, it is in depth, it is HOT. Hotter than the first book in my opinion. *fans self*
So in conclusion - if you like weres, awesome and frequent sex (with dirty talk and a bit of an age gap) and you liked the first book, then this sequel is seriously a no brainer!!
October 30, 2014
I'll try to come up with a full review later.
Basically I like this more than the first book because it has sex. Like actual...you know.
But it is not my favorite shifter story. It's great, but not my favorite for some reason I can't pinpoint.
RECOMMENDED!
4 HOT SHIFTER/MARINE/CIVILIAN LOVIN' STARS!
Basically I like this more than the first book because it has sex. Like actual...you know.
But it is not my favorite shifter story. It's great, but not my favorite for some reason I can't pinpoint.
RECOMMENDED!
4 HOT SHIFTER/MARINE/CIVILIAN LOVIN' STARS!
July 10, 2014
The second installment in the series, Strength of the Wolf revisits one of my favourite couples and a dearly remembered world, this time in the perspective of Tim and following his romance. This was a novel I enjoyed a lot, but I confess I'm guilty of constantly comparing it to the first one-- to which I found it didn't quite match up.
The setting of the novel was as intriguing as ever; reading about how the military is attempt to completely integrate werewolves and utilise their skills effectively is fascinating as well as observing all of the pack dynamics from not only Noah, but also Jeremy, a fledgling true alpha still trying to learn the ropes of his position.
Having fond memories of Tim from the first novel, I was excited to find out that he was getting his own novel and love, but I admit it threw me off a little. Previously we saw him as a steady, implacable well of knowledge and calm authority, so I admit reading in his perspective completely disoriented me, especially when he as constantly checking Lucas out in the beginning and describing him and Noah as attractive... Strange, to say the least. I suppose it was a rocky transition from seeing him as a mentor to reading about his .... dangly parts -- doing what dangly parts do.
In regards to Jeremy, our other main character and Tim's love interest, I admit I'm not completely sold on him. I did find him lovely after a while, yet he was still so unfamiliar; I felt as if even at the end of the novel we were never truly able explore his character intimately. Speaking of characters though: revisiting Lucas and Noah and their lovely lovely relationship, especially in the eyes of an outsider, was such a treat. And all of the supporting characters were likeable and interesting.
This leads on to my other point, which was the lacklustre romance. One of the biggest problems in this novel, in my humble opinion, hah, was the lack of interaction. Jeremy is a civilian true alpha, and as McKenna was not only writing in the POV of a Marine but also determined to keep the military side-plot occurring concurrently to the romance, there was a lack of detail between the Tim and Jeremy which left me unsatisfied and dubious of their love. In the previous novel there was balance as both were Marines and romantic development could occur simultaneously to the military plot, however in this case I feel as if there was a missing piece in the cake that I really really really wanted to fucking eat.
This issue, of course, mirrors that of reality, however the issue was unresolved in the novel. They still fell into true-love with little difficulty. I wanted to see interaction and development. I wanted to see them together. Honestly, precious development time was lost because they were fucking like bunnies on Viagra. When they did interact it was pure magic though. Not only that, I think it would've been more productive to ignore the military side because really, there were three plots going on with little expansion: Jeremy becoming true alpha and growing as a character (which was totally skimmed over...), military plot and romance plot.
Anyway, in spite of all my nitpicking and such I did enjoy this novel. Admittedly not as much as the first but it as lovely and charming and damn was the little threads of plot interesting as hell. I'm hoping with fingers crossed for another book since there was a potential plot material slipped into this novel.
Note: the Shaming and Casting Out scene was particularly brutal and I was surprised to see something like this in such a feel good novel. It's scary to think of something like this happening. Not belonging is such a painful and brutal thing especially for a species (?) that exist in packs.
Rating: 3.5 solid read
The setting of the novel was as intriguing as ever; reading about how the military is attempt to completely integrate werewolves and utilise their skills effectively is fascinating as well as observing all of the pack dynamics from not only Noah, but also Jeremy, a fledgling true alpha still trying to learn the ropes of his position.
Having fond memories of Tim from the first novel, I was excited to find out that he was getting his own novel and love, but I admit it threw me off a little. Previously we saw him as a steady, implacable well of knowledge and calm authority, so I admit reading in his perspective completely disoriented me, especially when he as constantly checking Lucas out in the beginning and describing him and Noah as attractive... Strange, to say the least. I suppose it was a rocky transition from seeing him as a mentor to reading about his .... dangly parts -- doing what dangly parts do.
In regards to Jeremy, our other main character and Tim's love interest, I admit I'm not completely sold on him. I did find him lovely after a while, yet he was still so unfamiliar; I felt as if even at the end of the novel we were never truly able explore his character intimately. Speaking of characters though: revisiting Lucas and Noah and their lovely lovely relationship, especially in the eyes of an outsider, was such a treat. And all of the supporting characters were likeable and interesting.
This leads on to my other point, which was the lacklustre romance. One of the biggest problems in this novel, in my humble opinion, hah, was the lack of interaction. Jeremy is a civilian true alpha, and as McKenna was not only writing in the POV of a Marine but also determined to keep the military side-plot occurring concurrently to the romance, there was a lack of detail between the Tim and Jeremy which left me unsatisfied and dubious of their love. In the previous novel there was balance as both were Marines and romantic development could occur simultaneously to the military plot, however in this case I feel as if there was a missing piece in the cake that I really really really wanted to fucking eat.
This issue, of course, mirrors that of reality, however the issue was unresolved in the novel. They still fell into true-love with little difficulty. I wanted to see interaction and development. I wanted to see them together. Honestly, precious development time was lost because they were fucking like bunnies on Viagra. When they did interact it was pure magic though. Not only that, I think it would've been more productive to ignore the military side because really, there were three plots going on with little expansion: Jeremy becoming true alpha and growing as a character (which was totally skimmed over...), military plot and romance plot.
Anyway, in spite of all my nitpicking and such I did enjoy this novel. Admittedly not as much as the first but it as lovely and charming and damn was the little threads of plot interesting as hell. I'm hoping with fingers crossed for another book since there was a potential plot material slipped into this novel.
Note: the Shaming and Casting Out scene was particularly brutal and I was surprised to see something like this in such a feel good novel. It's scary to think of something like this happening. Not belonging is such a painful and brutal thing especially for a species (?) that exist in packs.
Rating: 3.5 solid read
September 14, 2013
2.5 stars rounded up because of the halo effect from the first book
Insta-love is one of my least favorite tropes, especially when I can't figure out what the guys see in each other. And insta-love with no real plot and very little action (aside from lots - and lots and lots and lots - of sex)? No thanks.
Other than a pretty face, what did Tim find remotely appealing about Jeremy at first? Seriously. It made no sense to me that Tim would want to spend any time at all with Jeremy as we saw him through the first 2/3 of the book. I certainly didn't find Jeremy particularly appealing, but I've loved books with characters I wouldn't want to date - just make a clear case for why they're the right person for someone else.
I had only slightly more idea why Jeremy was with Tim. I loved Tim in the last book, but he didn't seem nearly as awesome in this one. And Jeremy didn't even have that context, he just saw a guy who was telling him how to behave better. So maybe it was some sort of daddy thing?
At any rate, it was a sad contrast to the first book where the guys had common interests and goals, and it made sense to me that they'd want to be together. The first book also had exciting action, which this one lacked, with a few exceptions (those were my favorite parts of the book). Lack of action doesn't have to be boring. This could have been a great character-growth story, but although there was some, that wasn't the focus. Actually, I'm not sure what the focus was. Was there one? Other than lots and lots of sex?
The first book had had some odd word choices (like calling an asshole a 'fissure') but this one not only had that, it also had missing words, wrong words, and entire sentences that I struggled to parse. For example:
Also, why were all the "bad" wolves beige or brown, the True Alphas white or black, and everyone else shades of gray? I figured the desert wolves were beige because, y'know, camouflage. But when the only other baddies we met were brown, it made me wonder.
There were also a number of seemingly-significant things that never seemed to go anywhere. There was one in the first book I wondered about, that I found myself still wondering here: what the heck is the big deal about sniffing the small of the back? That was a fairly trivial one, but I did wonder. In addition to that, there were a few rather major things brought up or tossed out, and then apparently forgotten about. All the more frustrating when they might have made the story so much more interesting,
I enjoyed the book enough to keep picking it back up, but barely. I like spending time in this world. I find it fascinating, particularly when they're in theater, and I'd love to spend more time there. But by the end of the book, I was eager for it to finish. I just wanted to be done with the darn thing. That's a very disappointing contrast to the end of the first book, which left me eager for more.
Insta-love is one of my least favorite tropes, especially when I can't figure out what the guys see in each other. And insta-love with no real plot and very little action (aside from lots - and lots and lots and lots - of sex)? No thanks.
Other than a pretty face, what did Tim find remotely appealing about Jeremy at first? Seriously. It made no sense to me that Tim would want to spend any time at all with Jeremy as we saw him through the first 2/3 of the book. I certainly didn't find Jeremy particularly appealing, but I've loved books with characters I wouldn't want to date - just make a clear case for why they're the right person for someone else.
I had only slightly more idea why Jeremy was with Tim. I loved Tim in the last book, but he didn't seem nearly as awesome in this one. And Jeremy didn't even have that context, he just saw a guy who was telling him how to behave better. So maybe it was some sort of daddy thing?
At any rate, it was a sad contrast to the first book where the guys had common interests and goals, and it made sense to me that they'd want to be together. The first book also had exciting action, which this one lacked, with a few exceptions (those were my favorite parts of the book). Lack of action doesn't have to be boring. This could have been a great character-growth story, but although there was some, that wasn't the focus. Actually, I'm not sure what the focus was. Was there one? Other than lots and lots of sex?
The first book had had some odd word choices (like calling an asshole a 'fissure') but this one not only had that, it also had missing words, wrong words, and entire sentences that I struggled to parse. For example:
Tim was as happy being the young barista’s guinea pig, as she enjoyed experimenting on him. She constantly developed new recipes and never once scalded the espresso.(Emphasis mine) What does that mean? Where did the humor come from, how did it fill Tim with power, and since when is power a prerequisite to laughing out loud?
Humor filled Tim with enough power that he had the urge to laugh out loud.
Also, why were all the "bad" wolves beige or brown, the True Alphas white or black, and everyone else shades of gray? I figured the desert wolves were beige because, y'know, camouflage. But when the only other baddies we met were brown, it made me wonder.
There were also a number of seemingly-significant things that never seemed to go anywhere. There was one in the first book I wondered about, that I found myself still wondering here: what the heck is the big deal about sniffing the small of the back? That was a fairly trivial one, but I did wonder. In addition to that, there were a few rather major things brought up or tossed out, and then apparently forgotten about. All the more frustrating when they might have made the story so much more interesting,
I enjoyed the book enough to keep picking it back up, but barely. I like spending time in this world. I find it fascinating, particularly when they're in theater, and I'd love to spend more time there. But by the end of the book, I was eager for it to finish. I just wanted to be done with the darn thing. That's a very disappointing contrast to the end of the first book, which left me eager for more.
September 8, 2013
A very different book than the first one in the series. In the first book you are introduced to Noah and Lucas - a True Alpha and his Dominant. There is a lot of combat and military components and it is very tense in every way (sexual, safety, etc). The relationship has this sort of authentic ring to it because it is slow and Lucas is clueless -- and by the time he finally realizes you are like "YES YES YES...FINALLY!"
Here you have Tim and Jeremy and much, not all, of the book is in the states so it is more focused on relationship and less on environment. There were several different plot points given attention or introduction - some of which don't come to anything so I would suppose they are in there for future books.
I enjoyed getting to know Tim more - and Jeremy, once he transitioned, was pretty great. There is a 10 year or so age difference and I think perhaps that was played up too much in the beginning because it was in my head every time they talked, had sex, etc. Try as I might, it just felt off a bit to me because Jeremy acted like so much younger due to his transition to True Alpha. When he was angry/aggressive that seemed pretty fitting - it was when he was whiny, petulant, and bratty that I had a hard time. I thought he needed a good spanking. His work was interesting but we never really get to know him very well - and his distance and disconnect from the military meant I had a hard time appreciating him for much of the book. Not he wasn't hot - it was just I didn't see him necessarily as right for Tim.
The sex was hot and there is a lot of it (perhaps a bit too much). I think I would have enjoyed it better if both MC's were military (or not as the case would be) because the fact they were in 2 different worlds and we spent so much time in the military one means I never felt close to Jeremy - and therefore my emotional investment in him was less. Also - he just didn't seem very dominant to me most of the time which I expected. Noah and Lucas both have very dominant vibe's and you feel right even when one is topping and one is bottoming because they are 2 major hunks of men. I think it's the tousled hair hanging in the face too - I tend not to associate that with anything but younger, thinner, twinky guys so the pic in my head just did not go to the muscular hot alpha guy.
I did enjoy it greatly - but I wasn't as drawn into it as the first one. I think perhaps I got spoiled because the sexual tension in the first was just so superb. Also I read The Final Line immediately before this one - and that featured the same sort of story with one MC military and one not. It was actually very similar but I felt much more connected to the 2 MC's and they seemed to fit together better. We never do figure out in this one why Jeremy's transition happened late - or what that meant.
Don't get me wrong - I thought this one was very good and the unique True Alpha and Dominant concept with military were's is refreshing.
Here you have Tim and Jeremy and much, not all, of the book is in the states so it is more focused on relationship and less on environment. There were several different plot points given attention or introduction - some of which don't come to anything so I would suppose they are in there for future books.
I enjoyed getting to know Tim more - and Jeremy, once he transitioned, was pretty great. There is a 10 year or so age difference and I think perhaps that was played up too much in the beginning because it was in my head every time they talked, had sex, etc. Try as I might, it just felt off a bit to me because Jeremy acted like so much younger due to his transition to True Alpha. When he was angry/aggressive that seemed pretty fitting - it was when he was whiny, petulant, and bratty that I had a hard time. I thought he needed a good spanking. His work was interesting but we never really get to know him very well - and his distance and disconnect from the military meant I had a hard time appreciating him for much of the book. Not he wasn't hot - it was just I didn't see him necessarily as right for Tim.
The sex was hot and there is a lot of it (perhaps a bit too much). I think I would have enjoyed it better if both MC's were military (or not as the case would be) because the fact they were in 2 different worlds and we spent so much time in the military one means I never felt close to Jeremy - and therefore my emotional investment in him was less. Also - he just didn't seem very dominant to me most of the time which I expected. Noah and Lucas both have very dominant vibe's and you feel right even when one is topping and one is bottoming because they are 2 major hunks of men. I think it's the tousled hair hanging in the face too - I tend not to associate that with anything but younger, thinner, twinky guys so the pic in my head just did not go to the muscular hot alpha guy.
I did enjoy it greatly - but I wasn't as drawn into it as the first one. I think perhaps I got spoiled because the sexual tension in the first was just so superb. Also I read The Final Line immediately before this one - and that featured the same sort of story with one MC military and one not. It was actually very similar but I felt much more connected to the 2 MC's and they seemed to fit together better. We never do figure out in this one why Jeremy's transition happened late - or what that meant.
Don't get me wrong - I thought this one was very good and the unique True Alpha and Dominant concept with military were's is refreshing.
September 8, 2013
3.5*
The first book in the series was awe-summ yumminess. This one confused me. I liked Tim and Jeremy, I just felt like I never got to know Jeremy. We never met his family, his coworkers, his friends. Did being a lone wolf mean we weren't allowed to get to know him? Why mention his late shifting if it was never explained or delved into?
A lot of time was spent in the Middle East, while I understand it was to move forward the DoD's plot line. It did nothing to move forward Tim and Jeremy. I was glad to see Noah and Lucas, but still. A lot of Tim and Jeremy's time was spent knocking boots, but there was so much more that was missed.
The men were still yummy and the sex was hot I just expected more.
The first book in the series was awe-summ yumminess. This one confused me. I liked Tim and Jeremy, I just felt like I never got to know Jeremy. We never met his family, his coworkers, his friends. Did being a lone wolf mean we weren't allowed to get to know him? Why mention his late shifting if it was never explained or delved into?
A lot of time was spent in the Middle East, while I understand it was to move forward the DoD's plot line. It did nothing to move forward Tim and Jeremy. I was glad to see Noah and Lucas, but still. A lot of Tim and Jeremy's time was spent knocking boots, but there was so much more that was missed.
The men were still yummy and the sex was hot I just expected more.
April 22, 2015
I didn't like this as much as the first one. Since Tim was a Marine and Jeremy wasn't, they didn't spend nearly as much page time together on page as Lucas and Noah did. It felt like I missed out on the getting to know each other and the falling in love part of the story. However, I did like the characters, and the sex was hot, although I did find myself missing the sexual tension this time around.These guys pretty much got right down to it. For such a long book, it didn't feel like we got to see much, at least not what I wanted to see- for instance, Jeremy's transition.
April 19, 2015
*** 3.5 Stars ***
I wasn't as enthralled with the story or the chemistry between Tim and Jeremy as I was with Lucas and Noah in Book 1, but McKenna's writing is too good - and her sex scenes too hot! - for me to give this anything less than 3.5 stars.
I wasn't as enthralled with the story or the chemistry between Tim and Jeremy as I was with Lucas and Noah in Book 1, but McKenna's writing is too good - and her sex scenes too hot! - for me to give this anything less than 3.5 stars.
February 1, 2019
This was book 2 in
"Tameness of the Wolf"
series. This was a pretty good read. Jeremy Wagner is out of control with raging hormones when he meets Marine Major Tim Madison. Military true alpha Noah understands what Jeremy is going through. With Noah’s help, Jeremy learns to control his internal chaos. This book took place in San Diego, California with a whole lot of things going on in it. Tim is appointed commanding officer of Marine Corps Werewolf Training Tim’s mission along with Noah and Lucas, is to fully educate the human marines about werewolf hierarchy as well as the werewolves vulnerabilities to severe injuries. Tim is also dealing with an emotional separation from his younger brother Adam. Tim and his team are required to travel back and forth to combat zones which strain his relationship with Jeremy. Jeremy who is an architectural intern, was cast out of his pack before he came into his full alpha powers. But, challenging the current alpha is Jeremy’s fate. Because Tim is in the military, Jeremy’s decision about the future becomes even more difficult. Jeremy has completed his transition and must fulfill his destiny. This was a good read that was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
October 27, 2013
Sequel to Strength of the Pack. It started out fetching, but turned somewhat repetitive from about the middle onward. Still, the new relationship formed satisfyingly, and I was happy to meet Noah and Lucas again. Also, I liked the military and fighting scenes a lot, not that I'm any kind of expert, but they felt authentic. Toward the end,quite a lot of loose threads showed up, pointing toward the sequel.
March 27, 2022
✮4 Stars✮
September 8, 2013
4.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This book is part of a series best read in order.
Early this year we were introduced to The Tameness of the Wolf Series written by McKenna, and all of us who read it were ecstatic with the first book. There we met LT Young and Sgt Hammond, and their epic story took us into a wild ride suffused with all kind of action, be it military or romantic. Among the many characters that were deeply involved in the first book, Tim Madison caused great curiosity and admiration of the readers. A Captain back then Tim makes a promotion to Major in this book which follows his life and his struggles. However, a word of advice for new readers, Noah and Lucas follow along with Tim, they are a strong part of this book as well, and you might want to pick up book #1 first to get properly mind-blown and second to get a good idea on this world’s mechanics and rituals.
Now, what a freaking awesome story yet again!
See, I just had to exclaim and shout it our loud (literally as well as in writing) because damn it, McKenna does it again. I admit that the first book was of a faster pace, the angst and tension were higher there due to the fact that the story was happening in the middle of a freaking battlefield in addition to the True Alpha/Dominant epic relationship that Lucas was making a big issue of not falling for, for most of the story.
Here we have our team, Major Madison, Captain Young, and SSgt Hammond (yes, yes the promotion is a big deal) back in US trying to re-write the lost knowledge of were-soldiers, making things easier for them to follow pack rules, and protecting them from unnecessary harm. The night our guys and their friend celebrate their promotions, a funny thing happens. A kid challenges Noah right outside of their restaurant. The ludicrous idea, the unbelievable scene, and the intensity that follows after is amazing.
Meet Jeremy, a civilian werewolf going through Transition of True Alpha. Status: Lone Wolf, Cast Out from his former pack due to Pack’s Leader’s fear of Challenge. Basically we have a young man who at one point is insecure and mild-mannered, and the next he goes bat-shit crazy.
Now put this petulant brat in the presence of Major Tim… Add in there hormones, lust, and pure hotness, and take a wild guess of what you get.
Oh my God! It was fantastic I tell you. This is what I like about Kendall’s werewolves and mate-pairs; that when it hits them they don’t instantly know, they don’t go all crazy “oh I’m mated, it’s fate” and all that crap. Kendall’s wolves and their mates seriously work their relationship hard to reach at any point of true intimacy and knowledge of their mate. It’s a work in progress and not instant brain-washing that makes these pairs so freaking unique.
And oh my God (again), the sexual scenes are plain hot, freaking steamy, unbearable porn! Of the kind that makes you pant and want to do something about it before you seriously burst a vain in your damned brain. If you thought book #1 was good, you have no freaking idea what the chemistry between Tim and Jeremy is like. It’s Fever! It’s the damned Sahara! Your mouth with go completely dry while your body won’t know what the Hell hit it. God! Kendall’s choices of scenes are evil beyond imagination. And to top it all, they are un-relentless as they keep going for a substantial amount of time of text space or length, whatever you want to call it. Yeah ok, I am partial to Noah and Lucas, but this pair rises right there up with them when it comes to hot were/human sex. Where is that fan I bought just for this book again?
Back to the story, I will not go ahead and give out spoilers, at least no more than I’ve already have. This story however is a mixture of romance, military fights – as our officer to go back and forth in Iraq to supervise how their suggestions are working- and civilian human as well as werewolf things. We get a closer look to Tim’s family. We get a closer look to hidden family secrets that cause so emotional drama. We meet Adam Tim’s brother (is there a story coming out from him? I sure hope so). We also see Jeremy’s change from that petulant kid to a full blown Alpha under Noah’s (surprise!) supervision. Alright, Tim help too what with his Marine mentality bleeding into Jeremy’s core. We get to see Lone Wolfs runs and mostly we get to see a pretty cool Challenge. Now if I’m gonna be totally honest I would’ve loved it if the Challenge were a bit harsher on those freaks, but never mind me, I’m always pro blood when it comes deep down to it.
So wrapping this up, I don’t need to recommend this book at all to the fans of the series. They must have already gotten a copy and dived right in, feeling ecstatic and overjoyed, even as anticipation for the next one already has made its presence. If however you’re new to the series, don’t know them, are a fan of military/werewolves then don’t wait, go grab it, grab the previous one as well, and make it a marathon out of it. Not to be missed!
P.s.: Totally freaking awesome!
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
This book is part of a series best read in order.
Early this year we were introduced to The Tameness of the Wolf Series written by McKenna, and all of us who read it were ecstatic with the first book. There we met LT Young and Sgt Hammond, and their epic story took us into a wild ride suffused with all kind of action, be it military or romantic. Among the many characters that were deeply involved in the first book, Tim Madison caused great curiosity and admiration of the readers. A Captain back then Tim makes a promotion to Major in this book which follows his life and his struggles. However, a word of advice for new readers, Noah and Lucas follow along with Tim, they are a strong part of this book as well, and you might want to pick up book #1 first to get properly mind-blown and second to get a good idea on this world’s mechanics and rituals.
Now, what a freaking awesome story yet again!
See, I just had to exclaim and shout it our loud (literally as well as in writing) because damn it, McKenna does it again. I admit that the first book was of a faster pace, the angst and tension were higher there due to the fact that the story was happening in the middle of a freaking battlefield in addition to the True Alpha/Dominant epic relationship that Lucas was making a big issue of not falling for, for most of the story.
Here we have our team, Major Madison, Captain Young, and SSgt Hammond (yes, yes the promotion is a big deal) back in US trying to re-write the lost knowledge of were-soldiers, making things easier for them to follow pack rules, and protecting them from unnecessary harm. The night our guys and their friend celebrate their promotions, a funny thing happens. A kid challenges Noah right outside of their restaurant. The ludicrous idea, the unbelievable scene, and the intensity that follows after is amazing.
Meet Jeremy, a civilian werewolf going through Transition of True Alpha. Status: Lone Wolf, Cast Out from his former pack due to Pack’s Leader’s fear of Challenge. Basically we have a young man who at one point is insecure and mild-mannered, and the next he goes bat-shit crazy.
Now put this petulant brat in the presence of Major Tim… Add in there hormones, lust, and pure hotness, and take a wild guess of what you get.
Oh my God! It was fantastic I tell you. This is what I like about Kendall’s werewolves and mate-pairs; that when it hits them they don’t instantly know, they don’t go all crazy “oh I’m mated, it’s fate” and all that crap. Kendall’s wolves and their mates seriously work their relationship hard to reach at any point of true intimacy and knowledge of their mate. It’s a work in progress and not instant brain-washing that makes these pairs so freaking unique.
And oh my God (again), the sexual scenes are plain hot, freaking steamy, unbearable porn! Of the kind that makes you pant and want to do something about it before you seriously burst a vain in your damned brain. If you thought book #1 was good, you have no freaking idea what the chemistry between Tim and Jeremy is like. It’s Fever! It’s the damned Sahara! Your mouth with go completely dry while your body won’t know what the Hell hit it. God! Kendall’s choices of scenes are evil beyond imagination. And to top it all, they are un-relentless as they keep going for a substantial amount of time of text space or length, whatever you want to call it. Yeah ok, I am partial to Noah and Lucas, but this pair rises right there up with them when it comes to hot were/human sex. Where is that fan I bought just for this book again?
Back to the story, I will not go ahead and give out spoilers, at least no more than I’ve already have. This story however is a mixture of romance, military fights – as our officer to go back and forth in Iraq to supervise how their suggestions are working- and civilian human as well as werewolf things. We get a closer look to Tim’s family. We get a closer look to hidden family secrets that cause so emotional drama. We meet Adam Tim’s brother (is there a story coming out from him? I sure hope so). We also see Jeremy’s change from that petulant kid to a full blown Alpha under Noah’s (surprise!) supervision. Alright, Tim help too what with his Marine mentality bleeding into Jeremy’s core. We get to see Lone Wolfs runs and mostly we get to see a pretty cool Challenge. Now if I’m gonna be totally honest I would’ve loved it if the Challenge were a bit harsher on those freaks, but never mind me, I’m always pro blood when it comes deep down to it.
So wrapping this up, I don’t need to recommend this book at all to the fans of the series. They must have already gotten a copy and dived right in, feeling ecstatic and overjoyed, even as anticipation for the next one already has made its presence. If however you’re new to the series, don’t know them, are a fan of military/werewolves then don’t wait, go grab it, grab the previous one as well, and make it a marathon out of it. Not to be missed!
P.s.: Totally freaking awesome!
Thommie
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