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Touch of the Wolf
Touch of the Wolf by Vella MunnFamily.Abandon as a child, Winter Barstow is a woman without a family history and few clues to lead her in the right direction. When a stolen artifact from the Olympic National Forest arrives at her door, Winter travels to the remote outpost in Washington in search of who sent it to her and why. Instead of answers, she finds the handsome, yet moody Forest Ranger Jay Raven hiding from his heritage.
Freedom.
Jay’s attraction to Winter is instantaneous, and powerful. To admit it, however, means Jay must recognize a culture he’s left behind—something he’s not willing to do. But when Winter discovers the body of her college mentor, her life is in danger and only the call of the wolf can lead Jay to her side and back to his Native American ways.
And a love strong enough to offer both.
Having just embraced his family, Jay is now faced with a difficult decision: turn his brother in for the theft of ancient tribal artifacts, or protect him. Worse yet is protecting Winter as her continued search for the thieves leads a target for killers. Now Winter and Jay must embrace their heritage and the spirit of the wolf to save Winter’s life, as well as the love that has brought them home.
Freedom.
Jay’s attraction to Winter is instantaneous, and powerful. To admit it, however, means Jay must recognize a culture he’s left behind—something he’s not willing to do. But when Winter discovers the body of her college mentor, her life is in danger and only the call of the wolf can lead Jay to her side and back to his Native American ways.
And a love strong enough to offer both.
Having just embraced his family, Jay is now faced with a difficult decision: turn his brother in for the theft of ancient tribal artifacts, or protect him. Worse yet is protecting Winter as her continued search for the thieves leads a target for killers. Now Winter and Jay must embrace their heritage and the spirit of the wolf to save Winter’s life, as well as the love that has brought them home.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2013
36 people want to read
About the author
Vella Munn
81 books79 followersI had to edit my biography, changing my status from married to widow. Since I'm often asked how I'm doing, I'll put the answer here. For the most part I'm doing all right thanks to loving family and understanding friends.
I have two sons and four grandchildren. Two rescue dogs allow me to hug, walk, and feed them. In exchange they give me unconditional love and the occasional need for the carpet shampooer.
As the product of a rural upbringing, the wilderness, particularly mountains and evergreens are in my blood. I live in a small southern Oregon town which boasts four distinct seasons, an awesome river, and the ocean within a short drive. Ditto with Crater Lake.
Setting plays a big role in most of my writing as witness by two recent contemporary romance series set in Montana's awesome mountains.
Also writes as Dawn Flindt and Heather Williams.
I have two sons and four grandchildren. Two rescue dogs allow me to hug, walk, and feed them. In exchange they give me unconditional love and the occasional need for the carpet shampooer.
As the product of a rural upbringing, the wilderness, particularly mountains and evergreens are in my blood. I live in a small southern Oregon town which boasts four distinct seasons, an awesome river, and the ocean within a short drive. Ditto with Crater Lake.
Setting plays a big role in most of my writing as witness by two recent contemporary romance series set in Montana's awesome mountains.
Also writes as Dawn Flindt and Heather Williams.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 28, 2013
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
Touch of the Wolf by Vella Munn is one of those books that makes you think (I know, how dare she?). It has this intensely spiritual theme that echoes throughout the entire book.
One of the things I really like about historical romance (no this is not a historical romance) is the way a good author sneaks history lessons in with the plot. It's rare to see this done in a contemporary book and yet that is exactly what Ms. Munn does. Draws attention to our past AND teaches us a bit about a culture that refused to die. Wonderfully done.
Winter Barstow came from nowhere, abandoned on the side of the road at the age of five, she had nothing but a made up name and the obvious knowledge of her Native American heritage. Not what her heritage was only that she was Native American. Drawn to the world of anthropology as an adult she seeks answers the only way she knows how. When her mentor sends her an ancient mask from his site, Winter is stunned.. first that he would break so many rules to send it and second at the pull it has on her. As soon as she puts it on she is reminded of the Wolf of her dreams.
Jay Raven has turned his back on his heritage. He has returned to the Hoh reservation but it's to help his family not embrace his culture. When the tribe has to decide on whether or not to work with an outsider, he is worried at the lengths people will go. When bodies start to drop he realizes that his fears are grounded.
Winter and Jay have a connection at their first meeting.. instant attraction but something more... Winter has always connected with her spirit guide but had no clue what it was and Jay shut his spirit guide out years ago. Together, these two walk a difficult path. Each trying to find a way out of the darkness and stay alive in the process.
Honestly, the romance didn't sizzle but the story? Now that was an entirely different matter. A wonderful whodunit with plenty of suspects!
The only distraction I found was that it was set just outside of Forks, WA... I couldn't help it I kept expecting some of the more famous literary residents of Forks to show up. I know Ms. Munn did oodles of research so I think the connection was an unfortunate coincidence but a distracting one none the less.
But don't let that keep you from reading this book! It's a well thought out story with excellent characters and a living, breathing setting! Olympic National Park is an important character rather than a stagnant setting. Perfect for this story.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Touch of the Wolf, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 30, 2013
Touch of the Wolf by Vella Munn is one of those books that makes you think (I know, how dare she?). It has this intensely spiritual theme that echoes throughout the entire book.
One of the things I really like about historical romance (no this is not a historical romance) is the way a good author sneaks history lessons in with the plot. It's rare to see this done in a contemporary book and yet that is exactly what Ms. Munn does. Draws attention to our past AND teaches us a bit about a culture that refused to die. Wonderfully done.
Winter Barstow came from nowhere, abandoned on the side of the road at the age of five, she had nothing but a made up name and the obvious knowledge of her Native American heritage. Not what her heritage was only that she was Native American. Drawn to the world of anthropology as an adult she seeks answers the only way she knows how. When her mentor sends her an ancient mask from his site, Winter is stunned.. first that he would break so many rules to send it and second at the pull it has on her. As soon as she puts it on she is reminded of the Wolf of her dreams.
Jay Raven has turned his back on his heritage. He has returned to the Hoh reservation but it's to help his family not embrace his culture. When the tribe has to decide on whether or not to work with an outsider, he is worried at the lengths people will go. When bodies start to drop he realizes that his fears are grounded.
Winter and Jay have a connection at their first meeting.. instant attraction but something more... Winter has always connected with her spirit guide but had no clue what it was and Jay shut his spirit guide out years ago. Together, these two walk a difficult path. Each trying to find a way out of the darkness and stay alive in the process.
Honestly, the romance didn't sizzle but the story? Now that was an entirely different matter. A wonderful whodunit with plenty of suspects!
The only distraction I found was that it was set just outside of Forks, WA... I couldn't help it I kept expecting some of the more famous literary residents of Forks to show up. I know Ms. Munn did oodles of research so I think the connection was an unfortunate coincidence but a distracting one none the less.
But don't let that keep you from reading this book! It's a well thought out story with excellent characters and a living, breathing setting! Olympic National Park is an important character rather than a stagnant setting. Perfect for this story.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Touch of the Wolf, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 30, 2013
August 15, 2020
Touch of the Wolf had me a bit nervous in the beginning because I wasn't sure if what I was reading was stereotypes or realities. So I did some research. The author is, in fact, a white woman who has a passion for Native American history due to her love of nature. Okay then. That caused me to lean more toward the uncomfortable end of the spectrum, even though it sounds like she probably had done some research. I don't know though. I just know that Jay's brother is an alcoholic and his uncle wears feathers in his hair and communes with eagles. And there's this overarching theme of the "uncooperative Native" since none of the Hoh people wanted anthropologists stomping all over their land. I'm not Native American, so I can't actually speak on any of this, but it all seemed questionable.
What I can comment on is that Jay's brother's alcoholism did wind up being used a plot devise. Winter's professor who was murdered while studying the land admits to hoping to find a Native with a weakness he could exploit. Well, that was Floyd, who he bribed with alcohol to get information and ancient relics. That is disgusting. It's certainly portrayed as being an awful thing to do, but I could have done without that part entirely.
Also, Touch of the Wolf is not the Paranormal Romance that it's marketed to me. There was a brief moment that was reminiscent of The Mask. Winter receives the illegal, ancient artifact, which is a wolf mask. She promptly puts it on, and whoa. Visions and she hears a wolf cry (to the blue corn moon), and then Jay tells her about Wolf. Wolf is totally real and a spirit in the forest. That is not paranormal. Kissing in the forest where a spirit wolf lives does not equal Paranormal Romance. It's just a poorly done Contemporary Romance that attempts to use Native American culture.
Clearly, I did not enjoy Touch of the Wolf at all. Even the big reveal at the end irritated me. The villain spent three chapters monologuing a non-explanation for the murders, which gave the rescue party plenty of time to arrive. On top of what I already discussed, the romance was boring and the sex was cringe-worthy. I don't think "her sex juices bathed his penis" is sexy in the slightest. It sounds messy. Like the rest of this book.
What I can comment on is that Jay's brother's alcoholism did wind up being used a plot devise. Winter's professor who was murdered while studying the land admits to hoping to find a Native with a weakness he could exploit. Well, that was Floyd, who he bribed with alcohol to get information and ancient relics. That is disgusting. It's certainly portrayed as being an awful thing to do, but I could have done without that part entirely.
Also, Touch of the Wolf is not the Paranormal Romance that it's marketed to me. There was a brief moment that was reminiscent of The Mask. Winter receives the illegal, ancient artifact, which is a wolf mask. She promptly puts it on, and whoa. Visions and she hears a wolf cry (to the blue corn moon), and then Jay tells her about Wolf. Wolf is totally real and a spirit in the forest. That is not paranormal. Kissing in the forest where a spirit wolf lives does not equal Paranormal Romance. It's just a poorly done Contemporary Romance that attempts to use Native American culture.
Clearly, I did not enjoy Touch of the Wolf at all. Even the big reveal at the end irritated me. The villain spent three chapters monologuing a non-explanation for the murders, which gave the rescue party plenty of time to arrive. On top of what I already discussed, the romance was boring and the sex was cringe-worthy. I don't think "her sex juices bathed his penis" is sexy in the slightest. It sounds messy. Like the rest of this book.
January 5, 2014
I chose this book because lately I've been running low on my fantasy reads. I was anxious to get my hands on any wolf books. But it's not paranormal. It's mainly about 2 people who are getting to know their heritage and history again.
It was overall a very interesting read. Yes, some of the history on this certain heritage confuses me. But that always happens to me when I just start reading a new fantasy/ paranormal book. There's a lot of stuff to learn.
The murder mystery was suspenseful, it kept my interest... kinda.
Jay and Winter had one of those Love at first sight kind of thing. They definitely had some chemistry going on there.
Thinking that it was paranormal, and in the end wasn't did kind of disappoint me. But that's alright I did get a history lesson out of this. Sure from a heritage that's not real, but whatevs.
*I received this copy from the publisher in trade for an honest review!
It was overall a very interesting read. Yes, some of the history on this certain heritage confuses me. But that always happens to me when I just start reading a new fantasy/ paranormal book. There's a lot of stuff to learn.
The murder mystery was suspenseful, it kept my interest... kinda.
Jay and Winter had one of those Love at first sight kind of thing. They definitely had some chemistry going on there.
Thinking that it was paranormal, and in the end wasn't did kind of disappoint me. But that's alright I did get a history lesson out of this. Sure from a heritage that's not real, but whatevs.
*I received this copy from the publisher in trade for an honest review!
January 14, 2014
An exciting page turner. Love the connection between Winter and Jay.
May 3, 2014
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
I seem to be discovering new authors recently, which is fabulous for someone who reads as much as I do but maybe not for my bank manager! Vella Munn is one such author, and I was more than happy to read Touch of the Wolf when recommended by a friend. This is an ideal book for lovers of romantic suspense who are looking for a read that is perhaps a little deeper than many others out there. Although it will also be an interesting read for devotees of paranormal fiction.
This story centres around Winter Barstow, a young anthropologist who has no recollection of her family and has grown up in foster care always searching for her place in the world. All she truly knows about herself is she obviously has Native American heritage and has always felt a connection with wolves.
The professor she works with Dr Gilsdorf, is on a fact finding mission in the Olympic National Park in Washington when she receives a mysterious tribal mask from him. The mask is in the form of a wolfs head and something about it awakens memories within Winter. Her journey to the Olympic National forest to meet Dr Gilsdorf finds her discovering tragedy as Winter finds out that her mentor has been viciously murdered. Was he slain by opportunistic thieves or is it possible that someone doesn't want his findings made public?
Jay Raven is part of the Hoh tribe but has turned his back on many of his families native beliefs. Working as a Park Ranger he struggles to maintain a balance between the modern world and his heritage. He realises that there are those amongst his people that will stop at nothing to protect their most sacred relics but would they go as far as murder? Meeting the mysterious Winter challenges Jays very beliefs as it's obvious that she knows far more than she's prepared to say. Wanting to protect her Jay tries hard to warn her off but sometimes connections just cannot be ignored. Winter is stirring up a can of worms and it looks like the killer hasn't quite finished his dirty work!
Ok going to be honest and say I was a bit concerned by the location, use of wolves and native American imagery in this book. Why? Well with the advent of sparkly vampires there does seem to be quite a plethora of similar stories around. Happily this is nothing like those! This book is a grown up read, full of mystery, suspense and historical facts. Set in a very evocative landscape it's full of lush descriptions that take the reader into the forest to journey with the central characters. Yes there is a romance but somehow it felt secondary to the mystery of who the murderer was and just what the reasons where.All in all this was a well thought out story and it's obvious that Ms Munn has done her research . A book to make you think and certainly one to enjoy .
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
I seem to be discovering new authors recently, which is fabulous for someone who reads as much as I do but maybe not for my bank manager! Vella Munn is one such author, and I was more than happy to read Touch of the Wolf when recommended by a friend. This is an ideal book for lovers of romantic suspense who are looking for a read that is perhaps a little deeper than many others out there. Although it will also be an interesting read for devotees of paranormal fiction.
This story centres around Winter Barstow, a young anthropologist who has no recollection of her family and has grown up in foster care always searching for her place in the world. All she truly knows about herself is she obviously has Native American heritage and has always felt a connection with wolves.
The professor she works with Dr Gilsdorf, is on a fact finding mission in the Olympic National Park in Washington when she receives a mysterious tribal mask from him. The mask is in the form of a wolfs head and something about it awakens memories within Winter. Her journey to the Olympic National forest to meet Dr Gilsdorf finds her discovering tragedy as Winter finds out that her mentor has been viciously murdered. Was he slain by opportunistic thieves or is it possible that someone doesn't want his findings made public?
Jay Raven is part of the Hoh tribe but has turned his back on many of his families native beliefs. Working as a Park Ranger he struggles to maintain a balance between the modern world and his heritage. He realises that there are those amongst his people that will stop at nothing to protect their most sacred relics but would they go as far as murder? Meeting the mysterious Winter challenges Jays very beliefs as it's obvious that she knows far more than she's prepared to say. Wanting to protect her Jay tries hard to warn her off but sometimes connections just cannot be ignored. Winter is stirring up a can of worms and it looks like the killer hasn't quite finished his dirty work!
Ok going to be honest and say I was a bit concerned by the location, use of wolves and native American imagery in this book. Why? Well with the advent of sparkly vampires there does seem to be quite a plethora of similar stories around. Happily this is nothing like those! This book is a grown up read, full of mystery, suspense and historical facts. Set in a very evocative landscape it's full of lush descriptions that take the reader into the forest to journey with the central characters. Yes there is a romance but somehow it felt secondary to the mystery of who the murderer was and just what the reasons where.All in all this was a well thought out story and it's obvious that Ms Munn has done her research . A book to make you think and certainly one to enjoy .
January 11, 2014
I seem to be discovering new authors recently which is fabulous for someone who reads as much as I do but maybe not for my bank manager! Vella Munn is one such author and I was more than happy to read Touch of the Wolf when recommended by a friend. This is an ideal book for lovers of romantic suspense who are looking for a read that is perhaps a little deeper than many others out there. Although it will also be an interesting read for devotees of paranormal fiction.
This story centres around Winter Barstow, a young anthropologist who has no recollection of her family and has grown up in foster care always searching for her place in the world. All she truly knows about herself is she obviously has Native American heritage and has always felt a connection with wolves.
The professor she works with Dr Gilsdorf, is on a fact finding mission in the Olympic National Park in Washington when she receives a mysterious tribal mask from him. The mask is in the form of a wolfs head and something about it awakens memories within Winter. Her journey to the Olympic National forest to meet Dr Gilsdorf finds her discovering tragedy as Winter finds out that her mentor has been viciously murdered. Was he slain by opportunistic thieves or is it possible that someone doesn't want his findings made public?
Jay Raven is part of the Hoh tribe but has turned his back on many of his families native beliefs. Working as a Park Ranger he struggles to maintain a balance between the modern world and his heritage. He realises that there are those amongst his people that will stop at nothing to protect their most sacred relics but would they go as far as murder? Meeting the mysterious Winter challenges Jays very beliefs as it's obvious that she knows far more than she's prepared to say. Wanting to protect her Jay tries hard to warn her off but sometimes connections just cannot be ignored. Winter is stirring up a can of worms and it looks like the killer hasn't quite finished his dirty work!
Ok going to be honest and say I was a bit concerned by the location , use of wolves and native American imagery in this book. Why? Well with the advent of sparkly vampires there does seem to be quite a plethora of similar stories around. Happily this is nothing like those! This book is a grown up read, full of mystery, suspense and historical facts. Set in a very evocative landscape it's full of lush descriptions that take the reader into the forest to journey with the central characters. Yes there is a romance but somehow it felt secondary to the mystery of who the murderer was and just what the reasons where.
All in all this was a well thought out story and it's obvious that Ms Munn has done her research . A book to make you think and certainly one to enjoy .
This story centres around Winter Barstow, a young anthropologist who has no recollection of her family and has grown up in foster care always searching for her place in the world. All she truly knows about herself is she obviously has Native American heritage and has always felt a connection with wolves.
The professor she works with Dr Gilsdorf, is on a fact finding mission in the Olympic National Park in Washington when she receives a mysterious tribal mask from him. The mask is in the form of a wolfs head and something about it awakens memories within Winter. Her journey to the Olympic National forest to meet Dr Gilsdorf finds her discovering tragedy as Winter finds out that her mentor has been viciously murdered. Was he slain by opportunistic thieves or is it possible that someone doesn't want his findings made public?
Jay Raven is part of the Hoh tribe but has turned his back on many of his families native beliefs. Working as a Park Ranger he struggles to maintain a balance between the modern world and his heritage. He realises that there are those amongst his people that will stop at nothing to protect their most sacred relics but would they go as far as murder? Meeting the mysterious Winter challenges Jays very beliefs as it's obvious that she knows far more than she's prepared to say. Wanting to protect her Jay tries hard to warn her off but sometimes connections just cannot be ignored. Winter is stirring up a can of worms and it looks like the killer hasn't quite finished his dirty work!
Ok going to be honest and say I was a bit concerned by the location , use of wolves and native American imagery in this book. Why? Well with the advent of sparkly vampires there does seem to be quite a plethora of similar stories around. Happily this is nothing like those! This book is a grown up read, full of mystery, suspense and historical facts. Set in a very evocative landscape it's full of lush descriptions that take the reader into the forest to journey with the central characters. Yes there is a romance but somehow it felt secondary to the mystery of who the murderer was and just what the reasons where.
All in all this was a well thought out story and it's obvious that Ms Munn has done her research . A book to make you think and certainly one to enjoy .
January 11, 2014
This is an intriguing and fascinating paranormal romance steeped in Native American culture.
Winter Barstow is a woman without a family history and few clues to lead her in the right direction. When she is sent a stolen artifact from the Olympic National Forest, she travels to a remote outpost in Washington to discover why it was sent to her and finds the handsome and moody Jay Raven. A forest ranger, Jay is hiding from his heritage and the attraction he feels for Winter is instantaneous and powerful. When Winter finds her college mentor’s body she makes herself a target for his killer and Jay must embrace his heritage in order to protect her.
This slow to steady paced plot is full of suspense, romance and a spiritual journey for two people looking for answers. The author brings the story to life with vivid images that grab the reader’s attention, lots of tension building suspense and compelling characters. The attraction between Winter and Jay a smoldering passion that builds throughout the story and the author conveys that passion, their emotions and their personalities with intense details that ensures that the reader can easily relate to them.
The author captures the imagination and immerses the reader into another culture one ripe with traditions and spiritual connections that add depth to the story. The author keeps the reader guessing with surprises, twists and suspicious characters in the universal conflict of greed and personal accomplishments.
The only problem I had was that at the beginning the story seemed to drag, but things quickly picked up and I found the story to be enjoyable and that while the story had lots of Native American culture and references, she used terminology and language that I could follow and not get lost trying to figure out what things meant.
Winter Barstow is a woman without a family history and few clues to lead her in the right direction. When she is sent a stolen artifact from the Olympic National Forest, she travels to a remote outpost in Washington to discover why it was sent to her and finds the handsome and moody Jay Raven. A forest ranger, Jay is hiding from his heritage and the attraction he feels for Winter is instantaneous and powerful. When Winter finds her college mentor’s body she makes herself a target for his killer and Jay must embrace his heritage in order to protect her.
This slow to steady paced plot is full of suspense, romance and a spiritual journey for two people looking for answers. The author brings the story to life with vivid images that grab the reader’s attention, lots of tension building suspense and compelling characters. The attraction between Winter and Jay a smoldering passion that builds throughout the story and the author conveys that passion, their emotions and their personalities with intense details that ensures that the reader can easily relate to them.
The author captures the imagination and immerses the reader into another culture one ripe with traditions and spiritual connections that add depth to the story. The author keeps the reader guessing with surprises, twists and suspicious characters in the universal conflict of greed and personal accomplishments.
The only problem I had was that at the beginning the story seemed to drag, but things quickly picked up and I found the story to be enjoyable and that while the story had lots of Native American culture and references, she used terminology and language that I could follow and not get lost trying to figure out what things meant.
December 31, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Maybe you are someone who’s never connected with your heritage and ancestors. Reading this book may be the incentive you need to change that. With Vella’s descriptions of the surroundings, I can almost smell the forest. If you’re a person that likes to set the mood as you read, you might want to put some Native American music playing in the background.
And until they come up with smell-a-vision for e-readers, you might even break out a candle that reminds you of the forest. Of course, this being the holiday season you may still have a real tree sitting in your house. Or maybe you live in an area that’s nice all year long, go find a nice place to sit outside where you can sit and read this.
This is a story you have to listen to – hear what it’s telling you. It’s a story of beliefs and it’s not always what we see but sometimes what we feel or even hear. Vella’s words just seem to bring everything alive – it requires you to open up your senses. This is not a story that can be rushed. You have to slow down and learn about a group of people that have been misunderstood for centuries.
When I looked at the title, I thought “oh, a paranormal” but it’s not. It’s about heritage and history. The mystery, suspense, and romance are secondary. You just won’t want to put it down. As a reader, when I get to the three-quarter mark, I think the author is going to start wrapping things up and start to tie up loose ends. But no, our author adds in another mystery. And by adding this other mystery nothing gets rushed and it ends on a perfect note.
Maybe you are someone who’s never connected with your heritage and ancestors. Reading this book may be the incentive you need to change that. With Vella’s descriptions of the surroundings, I can almost smell the forest. If you’re a person that likes to set the mood as you read, you might want to put some Native American music playing in the background.
And until they come up with smell-a-vision for e-readers, you might even break out a candle that reminds you of the forest. Of course, this being the holiday season you may still have a real tree sitting in your house. Or maybe you live in an area that’s nice all year long, go find a nice place to sit outside where you can sit and read this.
This is a story you have to listen to – hear what it’s telling you. It’s a story of beliefs and it’s not always what we see but sometimes what we feel or even hear. Vella’s words just seem to bring everything alive – it requires you to open up your senses. This is not a story that can be rushed. You have to slow down and learn about a group of people that have been misunderstood for centuries.
When I looked at the title, I thought “oh, a paranormal” but it’s not. It’s about heritage and history. The mystery, suspense, and romance are secondary. You just won’t want to put it down. As a reader, when I get to the three-quarter mark, I think the author is going to start wrapping things up and start to tie up loose ends. But no, our author adds in another mystery. And by adding this other mystery nothing gets rushed and it ends on a perfect note.
September 10, 2016
Winter was abandoned as a child and knows nothing about her family history. She has only a few clues. She is sent an artifact from the Olympic National Forest and now she is on a mission to figure out why she is drawn to the artifact and what it means to her. She meets Jay a forest ranger who knows all about his heritage but doesn't want all that it means. Winter finds the body of her college mentor and as she and Jay work together to solve a mystery they find themselves in a world of danger. The clues point to Jay's family and Winter will have to learn about her heritage and Jay will have to embrace his. With the call of a wolf their only help at times they are in a world of danger and as they fall in love they have to fight to give it a chance to bloom and for them to live.
This book has many things going for it. You get history as you learn about both main characters heritage. It is a very neat one and the author does a great job with it. You have a mystery as they have to figure out who and why these crimes are happening and why someone would commit murder to keep secrets. Of course there is danger, action and intrigue as Winter and Jay try to figure things out. If that wasn't enough you get romance and Winter and Jay begin to fall for each other. They clearly belong together. Winter is the type of person not to give up when she sets her mind to something and even when afraid she stays strong. Jay is protective of his family but for a while doesn't want his life to revolve around the family history. I liked both of them. The only problem I had with the story was it was slow in a few spots and the beginning didn't pull me right in. It is a good paranormal romance book that once it gets going good it does pull you in.
This book has many things going for it. You get history as you learn about both main characters heritage. It is a very neat one and the author does a great job with it. You have a mystery as they have to figure out who and why these crimes are happening and why someone would commit murder to keep secrets. Of course there is danger, action and intrigue as Winter and Jay try to figure things out. If that wasn't enough you get romance and Winter and Jay begin to fall for each other. They clearly belong together. Winter is the type of person not to give up when she sets her mind to something and even when afraid she stays strong. Jay is protective of his family but for a while doesn't want his life to revolve around the family history. I liked both of them. The only problem I had with the story was it was slow in a few spots and the beginning didn't pull me right in. It is a good paranormal romance book that once it gets going good it does pull you in.
January 19, 2014
Not knowing who you really are and background must not be a easy thing but in this book Winter has been abandoned as a young child but only knows she is Native American. Working the field she does leads her to what could possible be her heritage thanks to a co worker and friend he sends her a package that starts her on a journey that very well mean answers- what he is doing and thinking plus why she has always had a wolf as a companion. She has even gone so far as gotten a tattoo years ago. In her investigation she meets Jay the forest ranger who is hiding from himself and denying his inner spirit animal the opposite of Winter. Considered a outsider at first she finds out her friend is in big trouble and no one has seen him. Oh no that usually is not a good sign. The answer to that plus opening a big can of worms is what Winter gets. The one who helps her now also besides the wolf spirit is Jay and good thing he believes her on the wolf plus is familiar with these things even though he turned his back on his. His brother is nothing but trouble but alcohol plays a part in his mess of a life. This contains alot of mystery and intrigue mixed in with a cultural place and people have alot of respect for which added to my interest. It hooks you right away and the adventure it takes you on is exciting indeed. Experiencing the budding attraction with feelings developing between Jay and Winter is the extra something that brings life also to this suspense. Evil in the heart of man is the culprit here and the dangers they face together insures you do not want to put this down to the very end. Grand ending the ones left standing are the way a good read needs to be and is accomplished here. Received a arc for a honest review
July 29, 2016
Solid 3.5 Stars
This was an interesting read for me, not a story I would normally pick up for myself. That being said, once I got into the heart of the story, I found myself wrapped up in the mystery and looking forward to seeing how things would be resolved – not only with the murder mystery, but with the relationship between Jay and Winter as well as their ability to come to terms with their pasts.
Jay and Winter were both solid characters, struggling with issues from their past and trying to figure out how they fit in to the present. My only complaint with these two was that at times their dialogue was a bit choppy and had me confused. I did appreciate the use of their inner dialogue so I had a better idea of what was going on inside their heads, but at times it was distracting to the actual dialogue going on between the characters.
The murder mystery was well played out and had me guessing right up until the end – which was refreshing. The use of Native American lore and history was well done and interesting adding another layer to the story.
All in all, a good read that kept me turning pages until the end!
I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting read for me, not a story I would normally pick up for myself. That being said, once I got into the heart of the story, I found myself wrapped up in the mystery and looking forward to seeing how things would be resolved – not only with the murder mystery, but with the relationship between Jay and Winter as well as their ability to come to terms with their pasts.
Jay and Winter were both solid characters, struggling with issues from their past and trying to figure out how they fit in to the present. My only complaint with these two was that at times their dialogue was a bit choppy and had me confused. I did appreciate the use of their inner dialogue so I had a better idea of what was going on inside their heads, but at times it was distracting to the actual dialogue going on between the characters.
The murder mystery was well played out and had me guessing right up until the end – which was refreshing. The use of Native American lore and history was well done and interesting adding another layer to the story.
All in all, a good read that kept me turning pages until the end!
I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2014
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Winter is abandoned as a child and isn't unsure of her heritage. When she is sent a wolf mask she is immediately drawn to it. She heads off to the Olympic National Park where her friend sent it from. Once there she meets Jay Raven. They feel something between each other almost immediately but Winter is on the hunt to find her missing friend.
While I enjoyed this book, I really struggled to get through it. Once I put it down, didn't feel like I couldn't wait to pick it back up again. I really enjoyed getting to read about some of the Native American history but I didn't understand what some of the things were they were referring to. All around, this was a good book and I would really suggest it to people who love murder mysteries and Native American books.
Winter is abandoned as a child and isn't unsure of her heritage. When she is sent a wolf mask she is immediately drawn to it. She heads off to the Olympic National Park where her friend sent it from. Once there she meets Jay Raven. They feel something between each other almost immediately but Winter is on the hunt to find her missing friend.
While I enjoyed this book, I really struggled to get through it. Once I put it down, didn't feel like I couldn't wait to pick it back up again. I really enjoyed getting to read about some of the Native American history but I didn't understand what some of the things were they were referring to. All around, this was a good book and I would really suggest it to people who love murder mysteries and Native American books.
March 23, 2014
Se c'è una cosa che veramente non tollero è un libro scritto male. La tua trama sarà anche fantastica ma se la tua scorrevolezza è pari a zero per me sei carta straccia. Prendiamo questo ARC. Hey, è un ARC direte voi. E ok, infatti posso tollerare qualche typo. Ma in questo galley mancavano tutte le fl e i fi!!! E quando non stavo interpretando il testo stile geroglifici (per esempio ew voleva dire flew) mi chiedevo di cosa cribbio stesse parlando, capacità di descrizione e sintassi zero, una ripetizione unica.
Lo devo anche dire che non lo consiglio?
Si ringrazia netgalley per la gentile preview.
Voto: 1 stella
Lo devo anche dire che non lo consiglio?
Si ringrazia netgalley per la gentile preview.
Voto: 1 stella
January 6, 2014
When Winter´s mentor and colleague disappears, she wastes no time to get to the Olympic National Forest where he was doing his research.
The place awakens something deep inside her, connecting with her Native American heritage. Not knowing her own family or background, this gives her peace at mind. If it wasn´t for Forest Ranger Jay - a Native American who stirs forgotten urges and talks to her spirit animal.
Jay´s got his own problems, but when Winter turns up, needing help, he can´t help but being drawn to her.
Mystery, suspense, smutty fluff and ancient beliefs in a great combo.
The place awakens something deep inside her, connecting with her Native American heritage. Not knowing her own family or background, this gives her peace at mind. If it wasn´t for Forest Ranger Jay - a Native American who stirs forgotten urges and talks to her spirit animal.
Jay´s got his own problems, but when Winter turns up, needing help, he can´t help but being drawn to her.
Mystery, suspense, smutty fluff and ancient beliefs in a great combo.
September 6, 2016
This was an interesting read! It has romance and suspense in just the right amounts to keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see how things will play out. I enjoyed the characters and the story line from beginning to end. Definitely a book to check out. I received and ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
December 23, 2013arc provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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