In Rhyannon Byrd's latest Bloodrunners romance, passion and secrets collide and only their love will save two werewolves and their pack.
With his sharp gaze locked on the most magnificent female he'd ever seen, Wyatt Pallaton did his best to hold himself back. Of course, Elise Drake was hardly just any female. Fiery and cool, strong, yet at the same time achingly vulnerable, she'd turned his entire world on its head.
No matter how bloody difficult it proved to be, he was done letting her pretend he didn't even exist. Done with letting her fight her own battles. Done driving himself slowly into this maddening state of frustrated desire. One way or another, things were about to change.
Rhyannon Byrd is the national bestselling author of more than forty contemporary and paranormal romance titles, including the romantic thrillers LONDON AFFAIR and NEW YORK SCANDAL, and her books have been translated into ten languages. After years of enjoying the California sunshine, Rhyannon now lives in the beautiful Malvern Hills in England with her family and their ever-growing collection of concert T-shirts and coffee mugs.
Posted At:Riverina Romantics My Rating: 5 out of 5 * Hotness Rating: 4 out of 5 <3
This was such a beautiful romance between Wyatt and Elise. It is definitely tragic and terrifying, on both sides for different reasons, but those tragedies made both their feelings for each other and how they developed so much more potent and believable. I was pulling for them every single second, and I was smiling hard by the end of their story.
Elise is not only mentally scarred from her ordeal 3 years ago, but physically as well. Her outward attitude is of someone who has moved on and become stronger, but inside, she’s still looking over her shoulder-terrified that it will happen again. Despite her fears, she still can’t help but be attracted to Wyatt, but she’s determined not to get involved. I loved Elise. She didn’t think she was strong, but she really was. She pushed herself to move forward. She was stubborn at times, but eventually her heart and those around her won out. She was passionate, sweet, and damn ferocious. For a while she was stuck in her life, but Wyatt forced her to break away from it and become the woman-and wolf-she was meant to be. She was broken, but Wyatt’s love healed her and made her incomparable.
Wyatt was an amazing man. His past was just as traumatic as Elise’s, but it affected him much differently. He has wanted Elise since he first saw her, but he was determined not to even remotely push her in any way. He wanted her to get over her fear, he wanted her to move on and heal and find happiness, as long as it wasn’t with him—because he thought he’d never be right for anyone. Wyatt was an incredibly protective and possessive man, his past making him absolutely determined to keep Elise safe. But those same powerful qualities made him just as susceptible to the love that had always been between them. He was just as broken on the inside as Elise was, just as afraid that love would never be in the cards for him, but it was destiny for them both. He loved her so completely, there was never any doubt that they were meant to be.
I can’t express how beautiful their love was to me. The tragedies in their pasts made it so much more powerful and all-consuming. They were like-damaged souls needing each other to heal and complete themselves. Because of this, I don’t think there was any doubt that these two were destined to be together. This passion and healing is what made it a favorite of mine. It was absolutely beautiful.
See updates to indicate why I was having such a problem with this novel.
In my opinion it is better for me personally to DNF a book I'm not enjoying rather than force myself to finish it and give it 1 star. It's better for both the reader and the author.
Hot, Passionate and completely Addictive.... I admit that this is the first book of this series that I've read and Dark Wolf Running really did surprised me! I already though it was going to be a good book but it caught me by surprise by how much I enjoyed this characters and stuck to every word until the very last page! It's amazing and it's damn good! And LOOK AT THIS COVER! It's gorgeous....
I am so loving this book. The wolf's were amazing and the alphas were portrayed as very dominant yet sweet. They were a man with a wolf inside and not just the wolf part... It made them more believable. The fighting scenes? Out of this world... Rhyannon wrote some pretty sweet asskicking scenes that made me go like: Hells yeah! The storyline? Amazing and interesting until the last word. How could you ask for more?
Normally when you have two people that are very similar in personality you know they are going to clash... Elise and Wyatt were two hot headed, stubborn and lonely wolf's at the start and both of them were afraid of a relationship. They bring all the fire into the book!! One moment they were arguing and screaming and then they were sharing hot hard kisses like they couldn't get enough. I had to take breaks to take a deep breath because this moments will definitely make your blood temperature rise!!
Elise has her wolf part on mute due to an attack that left her broken a few years back. As if that weren't enough she comes from a family that all of her community despises because of her father mistakes. From here on you see that this girl has all the reasons to give up, but you know what? She doesn't for a second! She's a tough ass bitch... And she's going to fight for her place until the very last minute. I loved her. She could be a bitch when she wanted it but that also made her pretty funny sometimes. One thing that I didn't really appreciated was her constant need for compliments... It annoyed me a bit, but oh well. You can clearly see and evolution in this girl from the second she meets Wyatt, like she's more aware of herself and actually finds something worth loving.
"You're not broken, Elise. You're beautiful."
She swallowed so hard it hurt. "I'm not, Wyatt."
"The hell you aren't"
Trying hard not to shatter, she twisted her lips with a smirk. "Careful, Runner. You're going to be bad for my ego."
Wyatt has his own demons. And more than one time he will be coward and try to flee . But he won't be able to because Elise is kind of awesome! From the start this guy is swoon worthy... He's hot, Tall and buff and a complete alpha with his possessive and protective ways that make us girls go crazy! It's impossible not to like this guy even harder when he actually begins to tell us his story, or when he meets Elise and refuses to give up on her even though they tell him to. He is kind of a great guy.... Attentive and so caring. And some of his quotes are downright Aww's worthy!
Every single one of the guys and girls in this book are amazing! All of them have amazing , distinct personalities that will make them be remembered...
Dark Wolf Running will leave you quite warmed in the December month. This is a MUST READ for December! It's spectacular and it will leave you breathless....
*Arc copy of the book given by Netgalley in return of an honest review.
Dark Wolf Running is book five in Rhyannon Byrd's Bloodrunner Series and I was thrilled to rediscover this delightful series. I had read a couple of the books a little while back but had completely forgotten about it. I love when that happens! It's like a new discovery and an old friend all wrapped up in one!
Elise Drake was a daughter of privilege at one point in time her father ran the pack and seemed to rule the world. Of course like most egomaniacs.. he truly did want to rule the world and in doing so all but destroyed the pack. Even when his daughter was raped and almost destroyed he put his needs for power first and left Elise a broken shadow of what she could be. She knew her worth was nothing in his eyes and consequently in the eyes of the entire pack. Because of this she made sure everyone knew she just didn't care.. but now, he's dead and the pack is split. The purebred's still treat her with contempt and refuse to acknowledge that someone is after her. Not knowing what else to do she accepts the help of the Blood Runners (the half breeds and their families) well they pretty much force her too. But Elise is confused, why would they want a broken wolf in their inner sanctum?
Wyatt Pallaton walks his own path and nothing surprises him more than his instant and constant attraction to Elise Drake. Sure her brother left the purebreds and chose to live with the BloodRunners but Elise, she is something different. Of course the fact that she stood with her brother when the BloodRunners took down her father makes her one of them now. Only how can Wyatt convince her of this. That and the fact that she's his mate! A secret he wants to keep because he feels his path is too shady for a true wolf like Elise.
Only time will be able to bring these two together. Time and patience. Wyatt is willing to go as slow as it takes but fate has other plans. Elise is targeted by someone or something and it's up to the bloodrunners to figure out who and of course why. Then there is the fact that their entire pack, split though it may be is weak and subject to attack from the surrounding packs. They have to learn to work together.. but only on the Bloodrunner's terms! No longer will they be treated like second class citizens. No longer will any member of the Pac be treated with the contempt that Elise has to deal with.. accept one or none!
This is not a huge book but it packs a fabulous story!! Like I said in the beginning I was thrilled to find and reconnect with these wonderful characters. I can not wait for more!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Dark Wolf Running, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 3, 2013
I received Dark Wolf Running in exchange for a fair and honest review.
If nothing else, Dark Wolf Running proved that I need to start this series from the very beginning. That’s not a bad thing. It’s not even because there wasn’t enough back story and I was lost – it’s just because I want to get to know the other characters better and get Elise and find out where this story began. In other words, I’m really liking this series.
Dark Wolf Running picks up a little while after Dark Wolf Rising leaves off. The opening scene takes place during the reception at Eric and Chelsea’s wedding. The attraction between Wyatt and Elise is obvious. I love the pull between these characters. Wyatt can’t help himself and Elise doesn’t trust anyone – for very good reason.
Dark Wolf Running was the perfect title for this one, because both Wyatt and Elise spent a lot of time running. They ran from their past, their enemies and each other. Secrets are the biggest wedge between these characters though. Big, dark secrets that they aren’t only keeping from each other, but from everyone. Everyone knows about the trauma that Elise went through, but no one knows everything. Wyatt has his own shadows in his past as well. Even though I knew the author would find a way to get past those odds, it wasn’t easy. They not only had to find a way to trust each other, but they also had to find a way to trust themselves.
You’ve probably already guessed that I loved the supporting characters in this series so far. The Bloodrunners are a tight knit group. They have formed a make-shift family that is comprised of humans, half breeds and pure bred wolves. I like the dynamic that Ryannon Byrd has created with her wolves. They’re familiar, yet she’s given them their own twist that has provided a fresh perspective, at least for this reader. I can’t wait to catch up with the rest of the series when I pick up books 1-3 and I’m hoping that there are at least a few more books to come.
Loved it. This is the first book of this series I have read. Dark Wolf Running is full with action, excitement and sexy scenes. Great mix and perfect for the Paranormal and Shifter readers.
Right after finishing I started with book 1 because I had the feeling I had missed something by not reading this series. Great to have to get the chance to catch up without having to wait for the next book. So I stormed right through the previous 4 books.
There is some recognition in the series. They all begin in a way as the same. A main character that has no clue that he is going to meet his perfect match, his mate. The way that it is described is by wording also almost exactly same in each book. I do recommend to delete any sentences in line of "5 seconds ago he would have never..." or "he would have never guessed that her would be meeting..." sentences but maybe that just pops up because I have read them now all after each other. But when the main characters actually meet each other, the letters are sparkling of the pages.
The characters of the previous books are getting their turn now and then in the new installments which is nice so you hear of them now and them :)
Every book is unique on it's own. Love reading them and I certainly are looking forward to the next installment. Can wait to read the road that let to book 6!
Fifth book in the series The Bloodrunners by Rhyannon Byrd. I Didn't know about this series and since I really liked this book and some reference to what happened in the pathis le I think that this is a series that deserves to be followed. The story in Dark Wolf Running can stand alone, but both the presence of some secondary characters that I liked a lot and I have enjoyed them, and the various small hints on Elise's past and his brethren have intrigued me a lot, so I can't say I'll go forward as before I have to go back. The Bloodrunners are sons of pairs of werewolves and humans, and the clan of werewolves purebreed has always hated them, fomented by Elisa's. father . Wyatt is one of the best Bloodrunners, now their kind protects also the purebreed, they're carrying out a patrol by the borders of the territory, controlling rival packs.
With his sharp gaze locked on the most magnificent female he'd ever seen, Wyatt Pallaton did his best to hold himself back. Of course, Elise Drake was hardly just any female. Fiery and cool, strong, yet at the same time achingly vulnerable, she'd turned his entire world on its head. No matter how bloody difficult it proved to be, he was done letting her pretend he didn't even exist. Done with letting her fight her own battles. Done driving himself slowly into this maddening state of frustrated desire. One way or another, things were about to change. Come hell or high water, she was done running….
I loved both the protagonists and their story is a little different from the usual, more complex and suffered since three years before Elisa was the victim of a rape committed by a group of werewolves. She is full of fear because of the trauma, but also full of courage, she feels revulsion at the slightest physical contact with people of the opposite sex, but with Wyatt is different, he's so hot and handsome and finally she found out she can feel emotions that she believed lost forever. Wyatt, despite his strong attraction for Elisa, understands that he must give her time and earn her trust, he offers his protection and at the same time he respects Elisa and he dosn't wrap her in a cotton wool. Their story is full of seduction, tenderness, passion, a truly wonderful story, set in a well-written plot, and, as I said before, with secondary characters that guarantee very funny moments and leave some questions unresolved for the next books. Both Wyatt that Elisa hide secrets that bring up walls between each other and they must decide what they really want to happen between the two of them: a simple affair or the fairy tale. Only the ending I found it a little too sweet and rushed, but overall a really nice book. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the kind preview.
Quinto libro della serie Bloodrunners di Rhyannon Byrd. Non conoscevo questa serie ma visto che questo libro mi è piaciuto molto e, qualche riferimento a quello che è successo nel passato, mi sono convinta che questa sia una serie che merita di essere seguita. Volendo la storia di Dark Wolf Running è autoconclusiva, ma la presenza di alcuni personaggi secondari che mi sono piaciuti molto e mi hanno divertito, che i vari piccoli accenni sul passato di Elisa e dei suoi fratelli mi hanno incuriosita molto, quindi non posso dire che andrò avanti, visto che prima devo tornare indietro. I Bloodrunners sono creature mezzosangue, figli di coppie di licantropi e umani; tra loro e il clan di licantropi purosangue c'è sempre stata ostilità, fomentata dal padre di Elisa e Wyatt è uno dei migliori Bloodrunners che ci siano, e adesso svolgono il compito di proteggere i confini del territorio da clan rivali violenti.
Wyatt Pallaton posa il suo sguardo penetrante sulla donna più incredibile alla quale si sia mai trovato davanti, ma fa di tutto per non farsi coinvolgere. Certo Elisa Drake può difficilmente essere paragonata a qualsiasi altra femmina. Orgogliosa e controllata, forte e al tempo stesso dolorosamente vulnerabile, ha totalmente invaso i pensieri di Wyatt. Non importa quanto potrà essere difficile dimostrarglielo, ma Wyatt non ha più intenzione di lasciare che lei continui a fingere che lui non esista. E non le lascerà più combattere le sue battaglie da sola. Non ha più intenzione di combattere continuamente contro se stesso e questo desiderio che lo sta facendo impazzire per la frustrazione. In un modo o nell'altro le cose dovranno cambiare. Qualsiasi cosa sarà costretto a fare, lei la finirà di scappare.
Ho adorato tutte e due i protagonisti e la loro storia, che è un po' diversa dalle solite trame, più complessa e sofferta visto che Elisa tre anni prima è stata vittima di uno stupro commesso da un gruppo di licantropi. È piena di paure a causa del trauma, ma anche di coraggio, prova repulsione al minimo contatto fisico con persone dell'altro sesso, ma con Wyatt è diverso, è terribilmente sexy e finalmente torna a sentire e provare emozioni che credeva perdute per sempre. Lui, nonostante la forte attrazione che prova per Elisa, capisce che deve darle tempo e guadagnarsi la sua fiducia, le offre la sua protezione e al tempo stesso la rispetta e non la chiude in una campana di vetro. Un percorso, il loro, pieno di seduzione, tenerezza, passione, una storia veramente stupenda, inserita in una trama ben scritta, e, come dicevo prima, con dei personaggi secondari che garantiscono momenti molto divertenti e lasciano qualche interrogativo insoluto per i prossimi libri. Sia Wyatt che Elisa nascondono dei segreti, che creano delle barriere nel rapporto che cercano di instaurare e devono decidere cosa vogliono veramente che accada tra loro due: una semplice relazione o la favola. Solo il finale l'ho trovato un po' troppo stucchevole e affrettato, ma nel complesso veramente un bel libro. Si ringrazia Netgalley e la Harlequin per la gentile preview.
This got painful right about chapter 3. I was hoping for so much more. The premise was so nice - a cool, collected, balsy heroine and a determined alpha male, who wants to keep her forever and make her stop running from her life and feelings. What a load of crap.
Dark Wolf Running. Rhyannon Byrd. Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I came into this series on the last book, Dark Wolf Rising, the fourth in the series. I found it fairly easy to catch up on the past history, and enjoyed that book so when I saw this I jumped at the chance to review. Once again its an easy to read, fast paced story. Like many conventional series there is an overall story arc running through all the books that connects them, but each book is mainly about two people, their connection to the wolves and is complete in itself. That's my favourite – I hate those books which end in cliffhangers leaving reader in limbo, but love the thought that as well as the stories about Pack characters there's a larger plot to be revealed, and each book adds something to it. Anyway, here we meet Elise and Wyatt, two damaged people with dark problems from their past that make them feel unworthy of love. Their attraction to each other is strong, and fortunately Wyatt is persistent – determined to make Elise see him as a person. Circumstances and danger throw them closer and...steam and fireworks happen between them. Elise is a great character, after learning what happened to her in the past I understood why she was so closed off, and was rooting for Wyatt to show her that the past was gone, and its Now that matters. Of course he needed to learn that lesson himself too.... I enjoyed this book as much as the previous one, interesting characters and pack dynamics, and it varies a bit from the norm with the addition of the Bloodrunners. They're half breeds that have to hunt rogues and only when they've killed a specific number are they accepted into the pack as full members. Not having read books 1-3 its taken me a while to get to grips with that concept, but its a good addition that allows the plots to stretch further and makes the series a little different from others, and with so many books in this genre that’s needed. Wyatt and Elise are terrific characters, and there's lots of emotion coming from them – not just the hot sex type though there's plenty of that but of the darkness of their pats and the way they need to learn to be open and to trust each other. The danger too faced by them and the pack seems genuine and has a realistic feel to it. Even given its fantasy and we need to suspend belief it still needs to feel real within the parameters of the genre to me and this does. There's some quite graphic violence, these aren't pretty sweet wolves, but ones that use their teeth and claws when its needed. Equally they get fully into the emotions of sex with some erotic, carnal, sensual scenes. Its priced at £4.19/$6.77 for 304 pages. Stars: four and a half.
Rhyannon Byrd has delivered yet another amazing addition to the Bloodrunners series! The character are magnificent and the storyline is so well written you just breathe in every word as you turn the pages just waiting to see what happen next. I loved Dark Wolf Running and I am sure you will too.
Wyatt Pallaton is a Bloodrunner. His life has been hard and his scars deep but he has found a home with the Bloodrunners where he can do what he is good at with no questions asked.
Elise Drake is a Dark Wolf. Alone in her pack never knowing who she can trust other than her brother Eric since the death of her sadistic father.
Wyatt has known Elise was his from the very first time he saw her but the sexy, charismatic bloodrunner never normally lost for words has waited hoping for the right moment when Elise would realise it too. Wyatt knows Elise deserves more than he can offer but the more he is around her the harder it is to leave. Now all that is about to change because Elise is in danger and Wyatt is not about to ever let anything happen to her again. Eric, Wyatt and the other Bloodrunners will need to find the ones responsible for the recent attacks before they get what they really came for and Elise will have to believe in herself, trusting those around her if they are to succeed. Find out if Wyatt can let go of his past and Elise can accept hers before it is too late for both of them.
If you haven't read the Bloodrunners by Rhyannon Byrd do yourself a favour and add it to your read list today.
Dark Wolf Running is more of everything we loved in Dark Wolf Rising. The Bloodrunners continue their fight against Rogue Lycans and Werewolves who threaten their way of life and family. To love Drake in Dark Wolf Rising is to love Wyatt in this book. Wyatt, a bloodrunner, is focused and determined to gain Elise Drake's trust. He wants a chance to know Elise better while acknowledging he does not want to involve his heart. (Can a man take coals to his chest and not be burned?) Elise is strong yet vulnerable. Since surviving a brutal rape, she avoids contact with men and is fearful of physical intimacy. Though she is attracted to Wyatt, She is she is just as determined to keep that to herself. Memory of the rape is fresh and has stripped away her confidence. Wyatt sees through her defenses and exercises caution in his approach to her. He is handsome and not at a loss for female attention but there is only one female he wants- Elise who is of the powerful dark wolf bloodline. Three years after the rape, the attackers return and snatch Elise from under the protection of Wyatt. Elise would choose death rather than live through a second rape. When Wyatt's life is threatened, timidity is no longer a part of the equation. Elise transforms into her powerful wolf something she was unable to do for herself and her own protection. Once again we see how powerful we become when we forget about ourselves....i like books that broaden my sense of awareness and i imagine we all possess a measure of power awaiting its own trigger to release it. This is a good read.
Two words….sinfully delicious! This is the first book that I have read by this author and I might just have to check out the others now. I didn’t expect this book to be as steamy as it was, but found it to be an enjoyable fast read. In this book we meet the beautiful, yet hardened by life Elise that has wrapped herself up tightly in a web of cold unfriendliness to hide her deepest and darkest fears along with her secret. She is a detailed and damaged character who was enjoyable to get to know.
When the newest bloodrunner Wyatt meets Elise he knows immediately that he will do whatever is required to have her in his life. Normally he wouldn’t give much into being in a relationship with anyone but something tells him that this one will be different.
Together they try to go through the motions of hiding their own fears and secrets as well as forming a bond with each other. When trouble befalls Elise again, Wyatt is the one that takes her away to keep her safe from those wishing to do her harm. In his small cabin they find themselves facing all of the skeletons in their closets as well as the burning desire that is so evident between them. They will have move past their issues and insecurities to find a mate in each other.
A really fun read for an afternoon curled up on the couch. I found the writing style easy to read and the story line entertaining. It will be nice to see what this author comes up with in the future.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review which has been stated above.
After a vicious attack three years ago, Dark Wolf Elise Drake became cold, hardened, and downright unfriendly to hide her vulnerability. And her secret.
The first time Bloodrunner Wyatt Pallaton meets her, he realizes that he has to have Elise. He's not a relationship person--he has his own vulnerability and secret--but he's willing to be gentle and patient with her.
When Elise is attacked again with near-disastrous results, Wyatt moves the tart-mouthed Dark Wolf to his cabin in Bloodrunner Alley for safety. There, they are on fire for each other. But Elise doesn't do casual sex, even if she can get past her fears, and Wyatt doesn't do relationships.
And Elise still isn't out of danger. But who is after her?
My thoughts:
This is a scorching HOT book! I won't get into it, but...whew!
You'll love Wyatt. Yes, he's a domineering alpha. But he's also good with Elise for the most part, even when she's being nasty. And, believe me, she's not always easy to like. But Wyatt's protective of her, and sees that she's strong and beautiful underneath the hurt she wears on her sleeve.
The book moves along quickly. There is danger, mystery, and suspense. And did I mention that it's HOT? I finished the book before I knew it.
I recommend DARK WOLF RUNNING and the Bloodrunners series. Enjoy!
When I was offered Dark Wolf Running by Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, I did not connect it with Rhyannon Byrd's Bloodrunner Series immediately. It was so long since I had read the first four books in the series. However, when I started reading, it all came back to me. I am happy that Elise Drake, the Dark Wolf who was raped by three unknown lycans, got a book for herself. After being mistreated by her father and later on by her packmates for no fault of hers, it was wonderful that she got someone as worthy and sexy as Wyatt Pallaton to cherish her....Read full review on my blog - http://srivilasica.blogspot.in/2013/1...
I believe this is the second book I have read in this series because some of the characters seemed familiar, as did the setting. I liked this close family like atmosphere that Byrd created in The Alley and thought this is a great addition to the werewolf romance genre. Wyatt and Elise's relationship started under tense circumstances with her former attackers returning for her, but their love scenes didn't seem contrived or interrupted the flow of the story. This definitely won't be the last book I read by this author especially since by the end, a new relationship and story was set up nicely.
This had all the things that would make a really good book to me - misunderstanding regarding love, werewolves, a he-man. But as much as I should have liked it, I didn't. The hero was so full of buts, it was driving me crazy. He wants to leave because he left her alone and she got hurt. Um, well, then why do you want to leave again exactly? How is that better? And this girl's had to practically do back flips while cutting herself open to make him understand that if he loved her he'd stay with her. I just was not into this book at all and that's why it took me forever to read it. I'm sorry to the author, but this is my really, really honest review.
I loved this book! There wasn't a lot of detail given of Whyatt in the previous books, so it was quite a surprise to read how truly wonderful he is. Seriously, so far, he is my favourite out of all the guys. The way he was with Elise, how gentle and still possessive and a total Alpha. I was rooting for Elise to find someone special after the horrible ordeal that happened to her, and Whyatt was just perfect.
This book has so much emotion, romance and suspense, that I couldn't put it down.
It's amazing how good this series is. I can't wait to read the next book.
It's been a while since I read the first 4 books, so I didn't really know what to expect, but that quickly changed. I really like this series in general. lycans = awesome! hot men and strong women = sweet! alpha males going all caveman on their women = well hot damn! those same women not taking their shit = fantastic! and then bring in an underlying story line that spans throughout the books and keeps you intrigued to want to read more.
Heart breaking, keeps you guessing, mouth watering, and just romantic. Loved it. Made me fall for Wyatt... And eager for more. Byrd is awesome and knows how to captivate the audience... Can't wait for the next two... Soon I hope.
Been a long time since I read the previous Bloodrunner's book - I've pretty much out grown these. I am no longer found of the fated mate trope with the "I can never claim my mate because of a past that makes me unworthy" variant. Also difficult is that Byrd's were always among the sexier of the Nocturnes, and I always have trouble with a sexual assault victim returning to sensuality - I just can't put aside what they've been though during the love scenes.
To be honest, I didn't really enjoy this one all that much. It felt a bit shallow. The first 4 books in the Bloodrunner series were entertaining and engaging enough to keep you reading. This one was a struggle to finish!
That said, the plot (not the romance) may be a necessary read for book 6, which I'm actually looking forward to!
This one comes with a solid list of trigger warning. The fact that they were werewolf contributed nothing to the plot. Some part was OK and I did enjoy it.
This is my first book by Rhyannon Byrd and it wont be my last. I found the cast of characters and story to be good, not great but what stood out above all the rest was the passion between Elise and Wyatt.
Elise is a dark wolf, she's has the purist bloodlines and will change into her dark wolf with her true mate. So when she's attacked and beaten, damaged and can't remember what happened. Her whole worlds just stops. Three years later, at her brothers wedding, Elise finds herself being attacked again but this time Wyatt Pallaton defending her. What Elise doesn't know is that Wyatt has been watching her, he's been attracted to her for awhile now and this turn of events mades Wyatt unable to leave Elise alone.
So, I picked up Dark Wolf Running no knowing it was the fifth book in the Bloodrunners seres but I wasn't lost at all. More so it made me want to go back and read the first 4 books so I could catch up. Like many PNR books or Shifter books there is a lot of sexual tension and in this book it just explodes off the page. Making the major plot line of finding Elise's attackers fade into the background. I was transfixed by the way that Wyatt was written. He's just as damaged as Elise but he's so patient and gentle with her. He's also honest about his feelings. All that adds up to some pulse raising scenes. I mean, wow!!
Why 3 stars? Well the sex and romance was 4.5 but the storyline was a 2 at best, so I wen't with 3 stars. Having said that, I cannot wait to read another book my Miss Byrd.
ARC courtesy of Harlequin Nocturne via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fifth book in the Bloodrunners series and unfortunately my first book by this author. I'm happy to be able to say that it made sense and It was easy to read as a standalone book but I have to be brutally honest and say that I feel I would have got even more pleasure if I knew the backstory of the characters . In this book the story centres on Wyatt Pallerton who is a Bloodrunner, which means he is a werewolf born from a human and not pure blood . In this society the Bloodrunners hunt down rogue werewolves but are never fully accepted by all the pure bloods. Wyatt feels himself drawn more and more to the pure blood Elise Drake but she is haunted by her past and tries her best to keep everyone at bay. Elise suffered greatly at the hands of rapists and it looks like they are again searching for her. She knew that someone had been in her home but no one believed her and now it's impossible to ignore. When Elise returns home she's attacked by two masked men and it's sheer luck that Wyatt was close enough to hear her scream! Wyatt insists she stay with him whilst they try to track her attackers but can Wyatt keep his distance from the one woman who his inner beast cries out for? This was a simply fabulous read! It's a new author to me and I don't usually read Harlequin/ Mills and Boon romances so am so glad I did. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of detail and world building that has clearly gone into this series. Easy to read and a great story to curl up with. Will most definitely seek out more of this talented authors work. Recommended for lovers of both romance and paranormal stories.
This is the fifth book of Rhyannon Byrd's Bloodrunner Series. It was my first book of the series but it will not be my last.
Elise Drake is a dark wolf(an extra powerful wolf). But because she is a rape victim, and she grew up with a mean and demeaning father. She has no self esteem and lots of personal issues, and she covers them up by running away or being sarcastic and bitter. Wyatt Pallaton is a Bloodrunner (community protector) who knows that Elise is his mate. After watching her from afar and waiting patiently for her to realize their connection, the two are thrown together when Elise's home is broken into and she is attacked.
Wyatt is my favorite character of this book because he has the patience of a saint. I enjoyed reading their love story, but at some points I thought that Elise had so many issues that it was no way that they could be solved in a 200 page book. I think that she was portrayed as too much of a basket case at some parts of the story.
My thanks to the publishers for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. Overall, this was a great book with lots of action, and smooth story that kept my attention. If this book is any indication, the Blood Runner series is a great series. It is interesting and I really became involved with all of the characters. I'm looking forward to reading the previous books.
After a horrific rape and an abusive father, a psychosomatic inability to use her werewolf powers is the least of Elise’s problems. She’s trying to get her life back on track and that doesn’t include playboy Wyatt. But he scents the truth of their bond. He’s fought against the pull to his mate for months but is done fighting. She’ll be his...at least for a night. But neither is ready to get involved. Attacks on their lives thrust them closer together until they have no choice but to overcome their myriad issues.
First, the official blurb mentions nothing about rape (mine does!). As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, I’m not a fan of books where rape is an issue. There’s also heaps of back-story from other books that is included in here…most of which I wasn’t terribly interested in. The lore/universe of the different wolf packs plus half bloods didn’t grab my attention.
That said, I did enjoy Wyatt and, even though she was a victim, Elise wasn’t an annoying heroine. I’d have liked this romance a heck of a lot more if both the heroine and hero hadn’t run out on each other during the course of the book. One moment everything was lovely for the pair, and then bam one of them was running. I literally shouted at my Kindle when it happened, both times. The author explains the first instance fairly well...after the fact. But the second instance I couldn’t get behind.
The writing style wasn’t bad. The love scenes—once we got them—were hot.
Grab this if you're mad for werewolves and Alpha males with soft sides :)