What do you think?
Rate this book
Spirit Wild #2
Dark Spirit
Kate Douglas captivated the world of erotic romance with her groundbreaking Wolf Tales series, and she continues to push boundaries in her new Spirit Wild series. Dark Spirit is the second book in the series, following Dark Wolf.Romy Sarika has spent much of her life suffering at the hands of a sadistic cult leader. Twenty years earlier she watched him kill her mother, and now she awaits the same fate. But when the self-proclaimed prophet orders Romy killed, the wolf part of her rises up and for the first time she shifts. Managing to save herself, she leaves death and chaos in her wake.Alone in the woods and badly injured, Romy is found by Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval, two powerful and striking Chanku who help her heal and simultaneously unleash sensual desires in her that are as new and intense as her wolf-like abilities. But just as Romy’s opening herself to this new erotic world and the passionate connections she’s forming with both men, danger is closing in.Bent on revenge and driven by bloodlust, cult members are pursuing the trio. Discovery could mean not just Romy’s death but destruction of the Chanku way of life. With their lives at stake and the Chanku race in jeopardy, the three must fight to save themselves and the future of their proud race.
186 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2014
8 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Kate Douglas
162 books837 followersSome people just seem to know they are meant to write, but it can still take a while to figure out exactly what their career will entail. Kate Douglas started out writing radio copy for a country western radio station in 1972, wrote and illustrated an educational cartoon strip for the American Mosquito Control Association for a number of years, was a newspaper reporter for a small town weekly where she covered everything from high school sports to drug busts, and then, in the mid-1980s, decided to write her first romance.
Many submissions and rejections followed.
In 1998, she sold to a small ebook publisher before anyone knew what an ebook was, but it wasn't until 2005, a full twenty years after finishing that first romance, that she signed with a New York publisher.
In January 2006, Kensington Publishing launched their Aphrodisia imprint of erotic romance with Kate's Wolf Tales, a sexy paranormal series about a lost race of shapeshifters. She went on to write 21 novels and novellas in that series, then wrote three other series for Kensington before moving to St. Martin's Press.
She has two series with SMP--The Intimate Relations series complete with three novels and one novella of romantic suspense set in California's wine country, and an erotic paranormal series, Feral Passions, set in California's Trinity Alps.
She is also continuing her Spirit Wild series, the sequel to Wolf Tales, independently.
Kate and her husband of over forty-five years have two adult children and six grandchildren. They live in the small town of Healdsburg, California, in the heart of the beautiful Sonoma County wine country.
www.katedouglas.com and www.katedouglas.com/eroticromance for full chapter excerpts of all of Kate's books.
You can find Kate on Facebook at www.facebook.com/katedouglas.authorpage or on Twitter @wolftales
Many submissions and rejections followed.
In 1998, she sold to a small ebook publisher before anyone knew what an ebook was, but it wasn't until 2005, a full twenty years after finishing that first romance, that she signed with a New York publisher.
In January 2006, Kensington Publishing launched their Aphrodisia imprint of erotic romance with Kate's Wolf Tales, a sexy paranormal series about a lost race of shapeshifters. She went on to write 21 novels and novellas in that series, then wrote three other series for Kensington before moving to St. Martin's Press.
She has two series with SMP--The Intimate Relations series complete with three novels and one novella of romantic suspense set in California's wine country, and an erotic paranormal series, Feral Passions, set in California's Trinity Alps.
She is also continuing her Spirit Wild series, the sequel to Wolf Tales, independently.
Kate and her husband of over forty-five years have two adult children and six grandchildren. They live in the small town of Healdsburg, California, in the heart of the beautiful Sonoma County wine country.
www.katedouglas.com and www.katedouglas.com/eroticromance for full chapter excerpts of all of Kate's books.
You can find Kate on Facebook at www.facebook.com/katedouglas.authorpage or on Twitter @wolftales
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 5, 2014
Dark Spirit (Spirit Wild Series 02) by Kate Douglas
This series could be sub-titled Chanku: The next generation. The protagonists are Gabe and Jace, wolf-shifters raised in the Montana pack established in the previous series. They’re the kind of people you’d expect them to be: kind, competent, protective. They’re going to need all that to help the heroine, Romy, heal and escape the cultists. Note: You do not have to have read the previous series [although I do recommend it] or even the previous book in this series. It functions well as a stand-alone.
Romy’s life would have to improve a hundredfold to merely be considered awful. Fair warning, there are scenes of graphic violence and references to the abuse [sexual, verbal, emotional, and physical - including witnessing her mother’s murder and her repeated rape as a child] she has experienced all her life. The opening scene has the cult leader trying to whip her to death and almost succeeding… If you have triggers in these areas proceed with caution!
Shifting for the first time, Romy escapes but would still have probably died from her injuries or been recaptured. Jace and Gabe find her and Jace heals her enough that they can escape her pursuers, at least for the moment. The pursuit by the crazed cultists continues as Jace and Gabe help her heal physically and emotionally while learning about being Chanku.
Like the previous Chanku stories – there is a lot of explicit eroticism and everyone plays with everyone in varying configurations and numbers including m/m and m/f/m. So again, if you have triggers in these areas proceed with caution! On the other hand if you like sexual steam, this book provides it!
I look forward to reading the next book.
Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.
Spirit Wild series:
Dark Wolf (Spirit Wild, #1)
Dark Spirit (Spirit Wild #2)
Dark Moon (Spirit Wild #3)
And in case you want to look out for the previous series [the listing is from the FictFact site]:
Wolf Tales (Wolf Tales #1)
Chanku Rising (Wolf Tales #1.5)
Wolf Tales Interlude: The Gift
Wolf Tales II (Wolf Tales #2)
Chanku Dawn (Wolf Tales #2.5)
Wolf Tales III (Wolf Tales #3)
Chanku Fallen (Wolf Tales #3.5)
Wolf Tales IV (Wolf Tales #4)
Chanku Journey (Wolf Tales #4.5)
Wolf Tales V (Wolf Tales #5)
Chanku Destiny (Wolf Tales #5.5)
Wolf Tales VI (Wolf Tales #6)
Chanku Wild (Wolf Tales #6.5)
Wolf Tales VII (Wolf Tales #7)
Chanku Honor (Wolf Tales #7.5)
Wolf Tales VIII (Wolf Tales #8)
Chanku Challenge (Wolf Tales #8.5)
Wolf Tales 9 (Wolf Tales #9)
Chanku Spirit (Wolf Tales #9.5)
Wolf Tales 10 (Wolf Tales #10)
Wolf Tales 11 (Wolf Tales #11)
Wolf Tales 12 (Wolf Tales #12)
This series could be sub-titled Chanku: The next generation. The protagonists are Gabe and Jace, wolf-shifters raised in the Montana pack established in the previous series. They’re the kind of people you’d expect them to be: kind, competent, protective. They’re going to need all that to help the heroine, Romy, heal and escape the cultists. Note: You do not have to have read the previous series [although I do recommend it] or even the previous book in this series. It functions well as a stand-alone.
Romy’s life would have to improve a hundredfold to merely be considered awful. Fair warning, there are scenes of graphic violence and references to the abuse [sexual, verbal, emotional, and physical - including witnessing her mother’s murder and her repeated rape as a child] she has experienced all her life. The opening scene has the cult leader trying to whip her to death and almost succeeding… If you have triggers in these areas proceed with caution!
Shifting for the first time, Romy escapes but would still have probably died from her injuries or been recaptured. Jace and Gabe find her and Jace heals her enough that they can escape her pursuers, at least for the moment. The pursuit by the crazed cultists continues as Jace and Gabe help her heal physically and emotionally while learning about being Chanku.
Like the previous Chanku stories – there is a lot of explicit eroticism and everyone plays with everyone in varying configurations and numbers including m/m and m/f/m. So again, if you have triggers in these areas proceed with caution! On the other hand if you like sexual steam, this book provides it!
I look forward to reading the next book.
Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.
Spirit Wild series:
Dark Wolf (Spirit Wild, #1)
Dark Spirit (Spirit Wild #2)
Dark Moon (Spirit Wild #3)
And in case you want to look out for the previous series [the listing is from the FictFact site]:
Wolf Tales (Wolf Tales #1)
Chanku Rising (Wolf Tales #1.5)
Wolf Tales Interlude: The Gift
Wolf Tales II (Wolf Tales #2)
Chanku Dawn (Wolf Tales #2.5)
Wolf Tales III (Wolf Tales #3)
Chanku Fallen (Wolf Tales #3.5)
Wolf Tales IV (Wolf Tales #4)
Chanku Journey (Wolf Tales #4.5)
Wolf Tales V (Wolf Tales #5)
Chanku Destiny (Wolf Tales #5.5)
Wolf Tales VI (Wolf Tales #6)
Chanku Wild (Wolf Tales #6.5)
Wolf Tales VII (Wolf Tales #7)
Chanku Honor (Wolf Tales #7.5)
Wolf Tales VIII (Wolf Tales #8)
Chanku Challenge (Wolf Tales #8.5)
Wolf Tales 9 (Wolf Tales #9)
Chanku Spirit (Wolf Tales #9.5)
Wolf Tales 10 (Wolf Tales #10)
Wolf Tales 11 (Wolf Tales #11)
Wolf Tales 12 (Wolf Tales #12)
January 11, 2014
Dark Spirit ( Spirit Wild ) by Kate Douglas
The second book of her new series Spirit Wild. The children of our much loved Chanku have grown up, as they experience the same rush of danger, life and love as their pack mates and families.
There has never been a stronger female character. Romy should have died. Thank the Goddess Eve for stepping up to give her the extra push to bring her into her own. Jace, being the son of healers, is in his element when his senses go nuts and he finds the battered and beaten female wolf. It's his strong need of healing that draw him to find and fix her. With quick thinking is the sexy snarky Gabe as he sends danger the opposite way. Jace is not only healing a new chanku but healing another true wolf that takes to this threesome as his own pack. And where would we be without the amazing Anton? I got choked up when he reached out to find out about his boy. The story is charged with danger, laughter and high libido's, beautiful chanku and accomplishments that can only be written by Kate Douglas.
As with all the Wolf Tales and the new Spirit Wild series this story can be read by itself and you won't feel left out. Its very explanatory and doesn't leave you scratching your head. I do however, recommend to anyone to read them ALL! Kate is an amazing author that knows how to make you smile, laugh, cry and shake in your shoes. I loved it!
The second book of her new series Spirit Wild. The children of our much loved Chanku have grown up, as they experience the same rush of danger, life and love as their pack mates and families.
There has never been a stronger female character. Romy should have died. Thank the Goddess Eve for stepping up to give her the extra push to bring her into her own. Jace, being the son of healers, is in his element when his senses go nuts and he finds the battered and beaten female wolf. It's his strong need of healing that draw him to find and fix her. With quick thinking is the sexy snarky Gabe as he sends danger the opposite way. Jace is not only healing a new chanku but healing another true wolf that takes to this threesome as his own pack. And where would we be without the amazing Anton? I got choked up when he reached out to find out about his boy. The story is charged with danger, laughter and high libido's, beautiful chanku and accomplishments that can only be written by Kate Douglas.
As with all the Wolf Tales and the new Spirit Wild series this story can be read by itself and you won't feel left out. Its very explanatory and doesn't leave you scratching your head. I do however, recommend to anyone to read them ALL! Kate is an amazing author that knows how to make you smile, laugh, cry and shake in your shoes. I loved it!
April 23, 2017
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover is very beautiful!! I love when covers have the beast in both forms and such lovely beasts at that!!!
This is the 2nd book in the series and is for adults only due to the violence, discussion of rape, incest, and steamy scenes not involving the above mentioned reprehensible acts.
This book has me front the start, and I didn’t want to put it down. Romy is an amazing character that you can definitely get behind and support. Her strength through all she has endured shines through, and she is such an amazing female lead. Loved her from the start even if it started with my tears! This book is definitely an emotional rollercoaster, and it was an amazing journey. Jace and Gabe are wonderful men who are full of life, love, and protective behaviors. Wolf is also a pretty awesome addition to the traveling pack. I was definitely not ready for the book to end, but I hope to hear more of these characters throughout the rest of the series.
I highly recommend this book to all shifter lovers especially if you like a unique Chanku take on shifters! You will have to read to know what I mean!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover is very beautiful!! I love when covers have the beast in both forms and such lovely beasts at that!!!
This is the 2nd book in the series and is for adults only due to the violence, discussion of rape, incest, and steamy scenes not involving the above mentioned reprehensible acts.
This book has me front the start, and I didn’t want to put it down. Romy is an amazing character that you can definitely get behind and support. Her strength through all she has endured shines through, and she is such an amazing female lead. Loved her from the start even if it started with my tears! This book is definitely an emotional rollercoaster, and it was an amazing journey. Jace and Gabe are wonderful men who are full of life, love, and protective behaviors. Wolf is also a pretty awesome addition to the traveling pack. I was definitely not ready for the book to end, but I hope to hear more of these characters throughout the rest of the series.
I highly recommend this book to all shifter lovers especially if you like a unique Chanku take on shifters! You will have to read to know what I mean!
October 11, 2017
This was my first book by Kate Douglas, it was intriguing and well written. The characters are rich and realistic. I feel like This book is fine to read alone but like I was missing something from her previous series that I haven't read yet. This story was good throughout the book and kept me reading. I really liked Jace he was my favorite and I love the relationship between all the characters. I love the dynamics between Romy, Gabe and Jace! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
September 1, 2023
Very confusing, but sexy and interesting
January 10, 2014
Loving this new addition to what is turning out to be such an amazing series. This is another strong story set in the shifter world of the Chanku wolves. A not so secret group who constantly face danger but are determined to survive no matter what.
This story is set around the very strong willed Romy who has grown up in a religious cult ran by sadistic men and yearns for a better life. When the cult try to kill her out of fear she somehow manages to find the strength with her inner wolfs help to escape . Her trials are far from over though as she knows she will be hunted down.
Enter into the story Jace and Gabe who are also Chanku shifters and luckily Jace has the ability to heal as Romy is at deaths door. These two strong males are instantly attracted to Romy but is it just their natures crying out for the lovely damaged female wolf or is it possible that it's something more permanent? As Romy starts to heal physically Jace and Gabe begin to heal her emotionally too and soon Romy learns that life should be full of passion and love and not just pain and degradation.
Danger is following though and those who want to trap Romy are determined to capture a breeding female. What started out as a journey to safety quickly becomes a journey to life and freedom.
Simply a fabulous read full of passion and verve. Loving the two strong male characters and the simple way they accept their own sexual natures . It was so refreshing to read about characters who embrace their inner natures and Romy is such a fierce and tortured heroine that I was just cheering her on!
As usual from this author the standard of writing is top notch and the story simply flowed. If you dream of strong protective men then maybe it's time you took a ride with one ( or two) of these Chanku guys!
This story is set around the very strong willed Romy who has grown up in a religious cult ran by sadistic men and yearns for a better life. When the cult try to kill her out of fear she somehow manages to find the strength with her inner wolfs help to escape . Her trials are far from over though as she knows she will be hunted down.
Enter into the story Jace and Gabe who are also Chanku shifters and luckily Jace has the ability to heal as Romy is at deaths door. These two strong males are instantly attracted to Romy but is it just their natures crying out for the lovely damaged female wolf or is it possible that it's something more permanent? As Romy starts to heal physically Jace and Gabe begin to heal her emotionally too and soon Romy learns that life should be full of passion and love and not just pain and degradation.
Danger is following though and those who want to trap Romy are determined to capture a breeding female. What started out as a journey to safety quickly becomes a journey to life and freedom.
Simply a fabulous read full of passion and verve. Loving the two strong male characters and the simple way they accept their own sexual natures . It was so refreshing to read about characters who embrace their inner natures and Romy is such a fierce and tortured heroine that I was just cheering her on!
As usual from this author the standard of writing is top notch and the story simply flowed. If you dream of strong protective men then maybe it's time you took a ride with one ( or two) of these Chanku guys!
November 7, 2016
Another home run for Kate Douglas. Her characters are rich, flawed and united. No one writes such love and unity as Kate! (And that's not even mentioning the heat or swoon worthy descriptions)
January 10, 2014
I loved this book it's so good reading about the Chanku children all grow up! Kate has done it again, your in for nail biting adventure, romance, hot and steamy love scenes, over coming hard ships. This book has everything, my only complaint is I wanted it to keep going, with that said I can't wait for the next book!!
January 16, 2015
ARC received via NetGalley
February 4, 2017
Title: Dark Spirit - Spirit Wild Series Book 2
Author: Kate Douglas
Published: 1-7-2014
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Pages: 187
Genre: Romance
Sub Genre: Werewolves & Shifters; Mystery; Paranormal
ISBN: 13: 9781937349998
ASIN: B00HQJ647G
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.75 Stars
I received a copy of "Dark Spirit" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publisher:
Romy Sarika has spent much of her life suffering at the hands of a sadistic cult leader. Twenty years earlier she watched him kill her mother, and now she awaits the same fate. But when the self-proclaimed prophet orders Romy killed, the wolf part of her rises up and for the first time she shifts. Managing to save herself, she leaves death and chaos in her wake.
Alone in the woods and badly injured, Romy is found by Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval, two powerful and striking Chanku who help her heal and simultaneously unleash sensual desires in her that are as new and intense as her wolf-like abilities. But just as Romy’s opening herself to this new erotic world and the passionate connections she’s forming with both men, danger is closing in.
Bent on revenge and driven by bloodlust, cult members are pursuing the trio. Discovery could mean not just Romy’s death but destruction of the Chanku way of life. With their lives at stake and the Chanku race in jeopardy, the three must fight to save themselves and the future of their proud race.
* This book includes excerpts from the first book in the Spirit Wild Series, Dark Wolf, and the next book, Dark Moon! *
Books in The Spirit Wild Series
Dark Wolf
Dark Spirit
Dark Moon
Dark Refuge
My Review of "Dark Spirit":
Contains adult content and strong language. Be warned this is not a novel for anyone under the age of 18. Although this is an adult book it has a strong story line. It deals with life, death, revenge and justice. The basic survival instinct and religious fanaticism. The characters are strong individuals with developed personalities. I missed the first book in this series, but had very little trouble reading it. All references to "Dark Wolf" were explained. Although I hope to go back and read book 1 soon.
My rating for "Dark Spirit" is 4.75 out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading "Dark Moon" next.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQJ647G/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Kate Douglas
Published: 1-7-2014
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Pages: 187
Genre: Romance
Sub Genre: Werewolves & Shifters; Mystery; Paranormal
ISBN: 13: 9781937349998
ASIN: B00HQJ647G
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.75 Stars
I received a copy of "Dark Spirit" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publisher:
Romy Sarika has spent much of her life suffering at the hands of a sadistic cult leader. Twenty years earlier she watched him kill her mother, and now she awaits the same fate. But when the self-proclaimed prophet orders Romy killed, the wolf part of her rises up and for the first time she shifts. Managing to save herself, she leaves death and chaos in her wake.
Alone in the woods and badly injured, Romy is found by Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval, two powerful and striking Chanku who help her heal and simultaneously unleash sensual desires in her that are as new and intense as her wolf-like abilities. But just as Romy’s opening herself to this new erotic world and the passionate connections she’s forming with both men, danger is closing in.
Bent on revenge and driven by bloodlust, cult members are pursuing the trio. Discovery could mean not just Romy’s death but destruction of the Chanku way of life. With their lives at stake and the Chanku race in jeopardy, the three must fight to save themselves and the future of their proud race.
* This book includes excerpts from the first book in the Spirit Wild Series, Dark Wolf, and the next book, Dark Moon! *
Books in The Spirit Wild Series
Dark Wolf
Dark Spirit
Dark Moon
Dark Refuge
My Review of "Dark Spirit":
Contains adult content and strong language. Be warned this is not a novel for anyone under the age of 18. Although this is an adult book it has a strong story line. It deals with life, death, revenge and justice. The basic survival instinct and religious fanaticism. The characters are strong individuals with developed personalities. I missed the first book in this series, but had very little trouble reading it. All references to "Dark Wolf" were explained. Although I hope to go back and read book 1 soon.
My rating for "Dark Spirit" is 4.75 out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading "Dark Moon" next.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQJ647G/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
September 28, 2018
Another Great Read!
I am really enjoying this series! Reading stories about the pups/kids of shifters from a different series that I've read! There is a lot of action that I know will be appreciative! I believe everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I will definitely recommend this book to others!
I am really enjoying this series! Reading stories about the pups/kids of shifters from a different series that I've read! There is a lot of action that I know will be appreciative! I believe everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I will definitely recommend this book to others!
July 30, 2017
Another good Chanku book.
The story line was great! It held my interest to the end. Since I read the first series so long ago it was nice to get updated on the background of the pack. I don't really care for the man in man action so I skip over those.
The story line was great! It held my interest to the end. Since I read the first series so long ago it was nice to get updated on the background of the pack. I don't really care for the man in man action so I skip over those.
August 6, 2018
This book was touching, shocking at times and full of action and steam. I am hooked on the Chanku. They are unique and so amazing with such different abilities. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Be warned you will find yourself addicted too.
October 10, 2017
The second in the second generation of shifters. As good as the first.
April 23, 2018
Okay read
Bit complicated with the families and starts off quite brutally. That said I kept going even though I wasn’t sure where this paranormal story was going,
Bit complicated with the families and starts off quite brutally. That said I kept going even though I wasn’t sure where this paranormal story was going,
April 28, 2018
Love this intense and erotic series.
March 6, 2020
DNF 30%
January 17, 2014
Dark Spirit. Spirit Wild Series 2. Kate Douglas
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I really enjoyed the first in this series, Dark Wolf, so was excited to see this up for review. Its a continuation of the series,this time focussing on Chanku pack members and lovers Jace and Gabe. They find Romy in the woods escaping from the horrific life she's had in the religious cult into which she was born. She's near to death, but they manage to save her, and need to help her keep free from the cult members who are out to find and kill her. She knows nothing about Chanku, and has only just realised she can shift to wolf. The men explain to her how she's also Chanku, and offer for her to come back to their pack with them, but to accompany them while they finish their annual wild wolf survey first.
Romy learns so much about herself, not least that the Chanku are a very sexual group, and both healing and shifting create a strong sexual urge that's perfectly natural. They form a close connection with Romy, both sexual and friendly, and Jace feels sure she's his Mate, though he's treading slowly as she's been through so much, and had such a lot of new information thrust at her.
Meeting the two isn't the end of the danger for Romy, the cult members hate shifters and are determined to kill her, and are tracking her, Jace and Gabe with a view to capturing or killing them all. Even though hunting wolves is forbidden on the land they're on, that hasn't stopped them from shooting a wild wolf, and they seem to feel that they are above any law, quoting God as their excuse.
As with book one I really enjoyed this, but with one big, hige, massive stumbling block though. Once again there was some hot and steamy sex scenes both m/f, m/m, and m/f/m so only read if these won't offend you. Its a good story surrounding the sex scenes too, and I like the way it joins on to the first book, shedding further light on the Chanku and their origins and what they plan to do now humans know about them.
Now for that stumbling block :( I get that there are religious cults that abuse women and children, and I’ve no problem with fiction including that – what I did find hard to take was the fact that Romy was so very, very young when her abuse took place. I'm not saying we should ignore things like this, that's wrong and its up to everyone to stand out against it where they can but – I don't like extremes of it cropping up in my fiction. I don't want sanitised, restricted fiction, but there has to be some stop lines and this is one for me. Romy's age when it started was mentioned again, and again, and again and each time it made me feel very uncomfortable even though its fiction. I'm sure this won't bother many people, but for me it was a real factor in bringing down the overall enjoyment of an excellent story. If she'd been 12 or so I could have coped – that's still wrong of course, but I’d have been able to accept it as part of the story more easily. Younger than that just made me feel very uneasy about it's inclusion in the story. It's excellent value at £1.86 for 234 pages.
Stars: three and a half. Without that stumbling block I’d have given this four and a half so bear that in mind if you feel differently to me about issues like that.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I really enjoyed the first in this series, Dark Wolf, so was excited to see this up for review. Its a continuation of the series,this time focussing on Chanku pack members and lovers Jace and Gabe. They find Romy in the woods escaping from the horrific life she's had in the religious cult into which she was born. She's near to death, but they manage to save her, and need to help her keep free from the cult members who are out to find and kill her. She knows nothing about Chanku, and has only just realised she can shift to wolf. The men explain to her how she's also Chanku, and offer for her to come back to their pack with them, but to accompany them while they finish their annual wild wolf survey first.
Romy learns so much about herself, not least that the Chanku are a very sexual group, and both healing and shifting create a strong sexual urge that's perfectly natural. They form a close connection with Romy, both sexual and friendly, and Jace feels sure she's his Mate, though he's treading slowly as she's been through so much, and had such a lot of new information thrust at her.
Meeting the two isn't the end of the danger for Romy, the cult members hate shifters and are determined to kill her, and are tracking her, Jace and Gabe with a view to capturing or killing them all. Even though hunting wolves is forbidden on the land they're on, that hasn't stopped them from shooting a wild wolf, and they seem to feel that they are above any law, quoting God as their excuse.
As with book one I really enjoyed this, but with one big, hige, massive stumbling block though. Once again there was some hot and steamy sex scenes both m/f, m/m, and m/f/m so only read if these won't offend you. Its a good story surrounding the sex scenes too, and I like the way it joins on to the first book, shedding further light on the Chanku and their origins and what they plan to do now humans know about them.
Now for that stumbling block :( I get that there are religious cults that abuse women and children, and I’ve no problem with fiction including that – what I did find hard to take was the fact that Romy was so very, very young when her abuse took place. I'm not saying we should ignore things like this, that's wrong and its up to everyone to stand out against it where they can but – I don't like extremes of it cropping up in my fiction. I don't want sanitised, restricted fiction, but there has to be some stop lines and this is one for me. Romy's age when it started was mentioned again, and again, and again and each time it made me feel very uncomfortable even though its fiction. I'm sure this won't bother many people, but for me it was a real factor in bringing down the overall enjoyment of an excellent story. If she'd been 12 or so I could have coped – that's still wrong of course, but I’d have been able to accept it as part of the story more easily. Younger than that just made me feel very uneasy about it's inclusion in the story. It's excellent value at £1.86 for 234 pages.
Stars: three and a half. Without that stumbling block I’d have given this four and a half so bear that in mind if you feel differently to me about issues like that.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
January 29, 2014
Source: eARC for Honest Review from Beyond the Page via NetGalley
So the Chanku are a guilty pleasure for me and have been since the original series Wolf Tale. This series involves the second generation of the Chanku from The Wolf Tale series.
In this book Gabe (Anton's son) and Jace (Adam's son) are best friend and partners who are surveying the quality of wolf packs in their areas. During this time they come across a very injured wolf who happens to be Chanku. Following Adam's foot steps Jace heals this new wolf to only be extremely drawn to her.
Romy has lived a HORRIBLE life at a compound undergone dreadful things. To escape death she shifts into a wolf which saves her life.
Once she realizes more about the Chanku and Jace and Gabe she starts to experience for the first time positive happy things. For the first time Romy realizes that sex and sexuality can be a good thing. With the help of Jace and Gabe they help heal her and make her whole.
She is attracted to both Jace and Gabe but her heart has different ideas and it is soley drawn to Jace. I loved Jace and Gabe's relationship and I was hoping for Romy to be part of a threesome but sadly in the end it was only Jace and Romy with Gabe always being part of them but not mated. Even though I didn't get my wish, Jace and Romy were still a great match.
I adore this series. It might not be for all but for some reason it totally works for me. :)
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter
So the Chanku are a guilty pleasure for me and have been since the original series Wolf Tale. This series involves the second generation of the Chanku from The Wolf Tale series.
In this book Gabe (Anton's son) and Jace (Adam's son) are best friend and partners who are surveying the quality of wolf packs in their areas. During this time they come across a very injured wolf who happens to be Chanku. Following Adam's foot steps Jace heals this new wolf to only be extremely drawn to her.
Romy has lived a HORRIBLE life at a compound undergone dreadful things. To escape death she shifts into a wolf which saves her life.
Once she realizes more about the Chanku and Jace and Gabe she starts to experience for the first time positive happy things. For the first time Romy realizes that sex and sexuality can be a good thing. With the help of Jace and Gabe they help heal her and make her whole.
She is attracted to both Jace and Gabe but her heart has different ideas and it is soley drawn to Jace. I loved Jace and Gabe's relationship and I was hoping for Romy to be part of a threesome but sadly in the end it was only Jace and Romy with Gabe always being part of them but not mated. Even though I didn't get my wish, Jace and Romy were still a great match.
I adore this series. It might not be for all but for some reason it totally works for me. :)
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter
August 23, 2016
Romy has lived her life in a cult. She has been treated horrible and has to walk a thin line so she doesn't get killed like her mother did. When the leader demands Romy must be killed she finally has enough and her wolf side comes through. She manages to escape by killing and is now on the run from the cult. They will stop at nothing to kill her and she is badly injoured. Jace and Gabe come across an injured wolf and begin to heal her. What they find is she is Chanku like they are. They begin to teach her the ways of the Chanku and teach her her new desires are natural. The cult is still on Romy's tail and the three will have to stop them before they are killed or before the Chanku way of life is put in danger.
Romy is a character your heart goes out to from the start. She has lived through unspeakable horror and while she could have let it defeat her she doesn't. She opens up her Chanku side and Jace and Gabe show her it is ok to have sexual feelings. Jace is an amazing healer and wonderful person. He sees right away Romy is the one for him. He is afraid of spooking her so he does take his time. Gabe knows he isn't Romy's mate but is there to help her and tries to protect her as well.
I love this series by Kate Douglas and love seeing the kids all grown and finding their mates. I have to say Romy has one of the most horrible stories I have heard. I don't know how she survived as long as she has. She is one of the strongest females I have read so far in this series. I mean her inner strength. She finds ways to face her fears and does whatever she can to put those who have done wrong away. She also while a new wolf isn't afraid to protect those she has just met and consider her family. Jace and Gabe have a bond that you can clearly tell. However right away you can see that Jace and Romy are meant for each other. The only thing I would have to say bad about this book is at times I thought it would have better without Gabe. He seemed to have a big part in some ways but in others I wonder how the story would have been without him. There is the sexy scenes you are used to and come to expect from this wonderful author. If you love a sexy paranormal story be sure to try this series.
Romy is a character your heart goes out to from the start. She has lived through unspeakable horror and while she could have let it defeat her she doesn't. She opens up her Chanku side and Jace and Gabe show her it is ok to have sexual feelings. Jace is an amazing healer and wonderful person. He sees right away Romy is the one for him. He is afraid of spooking her so he does take his time. Gabe knows he isn't Romy's mate but is there to help her and tries to protect her as well.
I love this series by Kate Douglas and love seeing the kids all grown and finding their mates. I have to say Romy has one of the most horrible stories I have heard. I don't know how she survived as long as she has. She is one of the strongest females I have read so far in this series. I mean her inner strength. She finds ways to face her fears and does whatever she can to put those who have done wrong away. She also while a new wolf isn't afraid to protect those she has just met and consider her family. Jace and Gabe have a bond that you can clearly tell. However right away you can see that Jace and Romy are meant for each other. The only thing I would have to say bad about this book is at times I thought it would have better without Gabe. He seemed to have a big part in some ways but in others I wonder how the story would have been without him. There is the sexy scenes you are used to and come to expect from this wonderful author. If you love a sexy paranormal story be sure to try this series.
February 16, 2014
Dark Spirit is a powerful tale of survival, inner strength and love, spiced up with intensely erotic scenes that fit within the overall plot without forsaking the wonderful storyline.
Romy has grown up in an abusive religious cult where women are simply the vessels for the sadistic pleasures of the men, including her own father. When faced with a brutal and sadistic punishment, the pain finally brings Romy’s wolf to the forefront and she escapes, bloody, battered and near death. Best friends and Chanku shifters, Gabe and Jae find her, begin to heal her both physically and emotionally with their own brand of medicine. Will their attraction to Romy be more than the compassion they both feel for her? Will they show Romy that life has so much to offer if she lets go of the past and embraces her inner self with open arms?
Kate Douglas has written an erotic tale with heart! Her ability to create her world and her characters so vividly pulls you in from page one. She writes with a crisp style that is equally unafraid to paint brutality as well as romance and sensual freedom on her way to giving hope for a brighter future for her heroine, Romy. The protective care she instills in Jace and Gabe makes them true heroes with a heart.
Steamy, electric reading!
I received this copy from Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Spirit Wild, Book 2
Publication Date: January 6, 2014
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
ISBN: 9781937349998
Genre: Adult Paranormal Erotica
Number of Pages: 187
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Romy has grown up in an abusive religious cult where women are simply the vessels for the sadistic pleasures of the men, including her own father. When faced with a brutal and sadistic punishment, the pain finally brings Romy’s wolf to the forefront and she escapes, bloody, battered and near death. Best friends and Chanku shifters, Gabe and Jae find her, begin to heal her both physically and emotionally with their own brand of medicine. Will their attraction to Romy be more than the compassion they both feel for her? Will they show Romy that life has so much to offer if she lets go of the past and embraces her inner self with open arms?
Kate Douglas has written an erotic tale with heart! Her ability to create her world and her characters so vividly pulls you in from page one. She writes with a crisp style that is equally unafraid to paint brutality as well as romance and sensual freedom on her way to giving hope for a brighter future for her heroine, Romy. The protective care she instills in Jace and Gabe makes them true heroes with a heart.
Steamy, electric reading!
I received this copy from Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Spirit Wild, Book 2
Publication Date: January 6, 2014
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
ISBN: 9781937349998
Genre: Adult Paranormal Erotica
Number of Pages: 187
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
February 6, 2014
The second book in the Spirit Wild series is an intriguing and erotic romance that captures the heart.
Spending much of her life suffering at the hands of a sadistic cult leader, Romy Sarika’s wolf rises up for the first time when the self-proclaimed prophet orders her death. She manages to save herself, leaving death and chaos in her wake. When Romy is found by Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval, two striking and powerful Chanku, they help her heal and unleash sensual desires that are as new and intense as her wolf-like abilities. But danger is closing in cult members bent on revenge and destruction with not only their lives at stake but the Chanku way of life.
This steady to fast paced plot keeps the reader on their edge of their seat with lots of suspense, action and romance. The author describes every scene with vivid imagery and detail that capture the imagination and keep the readers thoroughly engaged from beginning to end. The strong compelling characters enchant the reader with their charismatic personalities and make it easy for the reader to understand their motivations.
The attraction between Jace and Romy explodes from the pages while the chemistry between Gabe and her is more a simmering passion. The frequent sex scenes are scorching hot with oral sex, anal sex, male/male and male/female/male scenes that leave the reader sizzling with passion. The author brings the characters to vibrant life with well written words and an intensity that grabs the reader’s attention and leaves them wanting to know more. Romy, completely captures the heart with her strong and courageous personality that shines from the pages, the reader can’t help but love the remarkable young woman/wolf.
I have always been mesmerized by the Chanku world and it just keeps getting better. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Spending much of her life suffering at the hands of a sadistic cult leader, Romy Sarika’s wolf rises up for the first time when the self-proclaimed prophet orders her death. She manages to save herself, leaving death and chaos in her wake. When Romy is found by Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval, two striking and powerful Chanku, they help her heal and unleash sensual desires that are as new and intense as her wolf-like abilities. But danger is closing in cult members bent on revenge and destruction with not only their lives at stake but the Chanku way of life.
This steady to fast paced plot keeps the reader on their edge of their seat with lots of suspense, action and romance. The author describes every scene with vivid imagery and detail that capture the imagination and keep the readers thoroughly engaged from beginning to end. The strong compelling characters enchant the reader with their charismatic personalities and make it easy for the reader to understand their motivations.
The attraction between Jace and Romy explodes from the pages while the chemistry between Gabe and her is more a simmering passion. The frequent sex scenes are scorching hot with oral sex, anal sex, male/male and male/female/male scenes that leave the reader sizzling with passion. The author brings the characters to vibrant life with well written words and an intensity that grabs the reader’s attention and leaves them wanting to know more. Romy, completely captures the heart with her strong and courageous personality that shines from the pages, the reader can’t help but love the remarkable young woman/wolf.
I have always been mesmerized by the Chanku world and it just keeps getting better. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
March 7, 2014
romys mother was killer because they discovered she could turn into a wolf,and they threw her body in the trash,her and a friend buried her under
under a tree,after that her father took her home and raped her and made her come to his bed,then he got a new women and she didn`t want her around any more,so rev.ezekiel tryed to make her marry one of the men,but she refused,then called satans bitch,and he was going to make an example of her,her thoughts went back to her mother telling her she had to get out of there,but she didn`t know how to do it,they tyed her to a x post,her arms and legs were tied tight,then they ripped her cloths off of her,there was blood on the posts,they beat her with a wip,they beat her several times she was all most passed out,but she wasn`t going to tell them how bad it hurt,then she heard ezekiel that she wasn`t head yet,her father
said his women wanted her dead,but ezekiel said he knew someone who would pay a good price for her cause she could turn into a wolf,they layed her on a blanket
to carry her to a pen,she was angery and in a lot of pain,and she called inside for her wolf,when she was a wolf she attact the 2 men carrying her her father she ripped his neck out,and ezekiel she ripped his chest,she thought she killed then,
she ran and jumped over the fence and ran into the woods and she swam the river then went to the other side,thats where gabe and jace found her jace was a healer
and tol gabe he didn`t think she would make it.
ok reader friends ther is where i stop case there is so much going to happen that you won`t believe,but it is a must buy its fantastic
under a tree,after that her father took her home and raped her and made her come to his bed,then he got a new women and she didn`t want her around any more,so rev.ezekiel tryed to make her marry one of the men,but she refused,then called satans bitch,and he was going to make an example of her,her thoughts went back to her mother telling her she had to get out of there,but she didn`t know how to do it,they tyed her to a x post,her arms and legs were tied tight,then they ripped her cloths off of her,there was blood on the posts,they beat her with a wip,they beat her several times she was all most passed out,but she wasn`t going to tell them how bad it hurt,then she heard ezekiel that she wasn`t head yet,her father
said his women wanted her dead,but ezekiel said he knew someone who would pay a good price for her cause she could turn into a wolf,they layed her on a blanket
to carry her to a pen,she was angery and in a lot of pain,and she called inside for her wolf,when she was a wolf she attact the 2 men carrying her her father she ripped his neck out,and ezekiel she ripped his chest,she thought she killed then,
she ran and jumped over the fence and ran into the woods and she swam the river then went to the other side,thats where gabe and jace found her jace was a healer
and tol gabe he didn`t think she would make it.
ok reader friends ther is where i stop case there is so much going to happen that you won`t believe,but it is a must buy its fantastic
September 1, 2016
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in the paranormal genre. I have yet to read one of their books that I haven’t completely enjoyed, and this was no exception.
I love the fact that with each book, we learn more and more about the Chanku, their history and what they are hoping for in the future. But not only that, these books all have something of their own that makes them stand out from the other books in the series.
In this book, there are some topics that are discussed that are extremely sensitive. Yet, once again the author’s amazing writing ability makes it so that these scenes are written extremely well. They are done to add to the story, and not just thrown in for shock value.
The different characters in the story; Romy, Jace, and Gabe, are all extremely well written. I was left wanting for nothing when it came to them. They were all extremely well rounded and well written characters in my opinion.
The erotica/sex scenes that do happen in this book are just amazingly well done. The author is able to incorporate M/M scenes into the story in a way that just adds more to it overall. I do like the fact that the author portrays the different types of love between people in many different ways in the story.
My only complaint with this book, and the reason why it didn’t receive a 5 star rating from me, is multiple times throughout the book, Jace would refer to Romy as a “b**ch Chanku”. Now while I do understand why he was doing it, (it wasn’t done in a negative way at all), it just bothered me reading about him describing her that way multiple times.
Reviewed by Crystal for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
I love the fact that with each book, we learn more and more about the Chanku, their history and what they are hoping for in the future. But not only that, these books all have something of their own that makes them stand out from the other books in the series.
In this book, there are some topics that are discussed that are extremely sensitive. Yet, once again the author’s amazing writing ability makes it so that these scenes are written extremely well. They are done to add to the story, and not just thrown in for shock value.
The different characters in the story; Romy, Jace, and Gabe, are all extremely well written. I was left wanting for nothing when it came to them. They were all extremely well rounded and well written characters in my opinion.
The erotica/sex scenes that do happen in this book are just amazingly well done. The author is able to incorporate M/M scenes into the story in a way that just adds more to it overall. I do like the fact that the author portrays the different types of love between people in many different ways in the story.
My only complaint with this book, and the reason why it didn’t receive a 5 star rating from me, is multiple times throughout the book, Jace would refer to Romy as a “b**ch Chanku”. Now while I do understand why he was doing it, (it wasn’t done in a negative way at all), it just bothered me reading about him describing her that way multiple times.
Reviewed by Crystal for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
June 19, 2014
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in place of an honest review.
The first book in this series was so good that I had to read the second one. I also fell in love with the cover. There isn't anything better than seeing a half dressed man on a book cover. You can let your imagination run wild. If you read this book you don't even need your imagination.
Romy Sarika has lived most of her life in the hands of a sadistic evil cult. She watched them kill her mom and she knows in time she will meet the same feat. I couldn't even explain how I would feel to go through all that she has went through.
Romy knows that she is to be killed and gets a little help from above to help her shift so she can run away. When Romy is fount by two Chanku men. Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval. They know that they are meant to find her and they find out that she is the woman for them. Romy seems to find out a lot about herself when it comes to Jace and Gabe.
This book was even better than the first one. This was a very intense read and it kept me on the edge of my seat while I was reading. It was an easy story to get into and I hated when I reached the last page. Now I know I will be getting the next book. It was great to see the kids in the first book grow up and have a story of their own. You normally never find out about the characters in the first book.
The author did a wonderful job creating her characters and bringing out the best in each one. They know they have to fight to stay together and they also need to help the clan and let nothing be known about them. I have to say the sex was explosive.
The first book in this series was so good that I had to read the second one. I also fell in love with the cover. There isn't anything better than seeing a half dressed man on a book cover. You can let your imagination run wild. If you read this book you don't even need your imagination.
Romy Sarika has lived most of her life in the hands of a sadistic evil cult. She watched them kill her mom and she knows in time she will meet the same feat. I couldn't even explain how I would feel to go through all that she has went through.
Romy knows that she is to be killed and gets a little help from above to help her shift so she can run away. When Romy is fount by two Chanku men. Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval. They know that they are meant to find her and they find out that she is the woman for them. Romy seems to find out a lot about herself when it comes to Jace and Gabe.
This book was even better than the first one. This was a very intense read and it kept me on the edge of my seat while I was reading. It was an easy story to get into and I hated when I reached the last page. Now I know I will be getting the next book. It was great to see the kids in the first book grow up and have a story of their own. You normally never find out about the characters in the first book.
The author did a wonderful job creating her characters and bringing out the best in each one. They know they have to fight to stay together and they also need to help the clan and let nothing be known about them. I have to say the sex was explosive.
March 9, 2014
This was a very intriguing story of abuse, sexual abuse, cults, violence and lots of erotic sex. A book with a lot of action from the very first page where Romy is caught, tied and whipped as she relives her life with the abusing cult.
Romy lives in a cult where her father sexually abused her from 6 years old which is ok with the cult and it’s leaders. She watches as they killed her mother who was a shifter. The cult is all about sex and controlling women. Women have no rights all they are made for is sex, having babies and taking care of all men needs. Romy is beaten almost to death why her father watches and agrees she must die. She knows she is a wolf but cannot shift until a voice in her head tells her how. She shifts and gets away.
Jace and Gabe are shifters as well they find her, heal her and protect her. Even through Romy has been sexually abused by her father since she was six, from the get go she wants to have sex with both men and wants to watch them have sex with each other. Both men want to have sex with her and each other.
They are on the run to out run the cult who is hunting them. Can they save themselves, take out the cult?
This book is includes m/m, m/f/m, everyone having lots of sex with each other. This is a wonderful read if you are into this kind of thing this is the book for you. It was a interesting story, where the author put thought into and it flows easily. This is not my cup of tea but I am sure others will love this. If you like over the top erotic this is the book for you.
Romy lives in a cult where her father sexually abused her from 6 years old which is ok with the cult and it’s leaders. She watches as they killed her mother who was a shifter. The cult is all about sex and controlling women. Women have no rights all they are made for is sex, having babies and taking care of all men needs. Romy is beaten almost to death why her father watches and agrees she must die. She knows she is a wolf but cannot shift until a voice in her head tells her how. She shifts and gets away.
Jace and Gabe are shifters as well they find her, heal her and protect her. Even through Romy has been sexually abused by her father since she was six, from the get go she wants to have sex with both men and wants to watch them have sex with each other. Both men want to have sex with her and each other.
They are on the run to out run the cult who is hunting them. Can they save themselves, take out the cult?
This book is includes m/m, m/f/m, everyone having lots of sex with each other. This is a wonderful read if you are into this kind of thing this is the book for you. It was a interesting story, where the author put thought into and it flows easily. This is not my cup of tea but I am sure others will love this. If you like over the top erotic this is the book for you.
July 27, 2016
To start, I would like to say that I've read the entire Wolf Tales series (including all novellas & Sexy Beasts'h and loved them all. I have also read all of this new series so far, but for some reason I just can't grasp it like I did with Wolf Tales. I've enjoyed it, but it hasn't enveloped my attention as WT did.
As for this novel, I would give it 3.5 stars, which is the lowest I've ever rated one of Kate's titles. The reason? Simply put, it bored me. It seems to be a running theme, all the way back through WT that the Chanku women were often abused, sexually many times. I get the reason (their Chanku heritage, etc.), however it gets old after a while.
Here, in Dark Spirit, we have the same storyline; a sexually, mentally and physically abused female, unaware of her Chanku heritage, but knowing she was different, bursting free with the Godess' attention and coming into her own. Within days of her escape, she is in love, mated and all is well.
The story lines have become a bit repetitive and worse, they've lost what made them so intriguing in the start - delving into the sexual nature of the relationship between the two (or three). Rather, as in this novel, it was quick sex, acceptance, mating. Wham, bam, done!
I love Kate Douglas' writing, always have. As I move to the next in the series, Dark Refuge, I can only hope she has returned to the details, paying attention to the specifics, of what originally made her the Wolf Tales Queen.
In the end, still a good read! Enjoy!
*hugs*
Shelbie =)
As for this novel, I would give it 3.5 stars, which is the lowest I've ever rated one of Kate's titles. The reason? Simply put, it bored me. It seems to be a running theme, all the way back through WT that the Chanku women were often abused, sexually many times. I get the reason (their Chanku heritage, etc.), however it gets old after a while.
Here, in Dark Spirit, we have the same storyline; a sexually, mentally and physically abused female, unaware of her Chanku heritage, but knowing she was different, bursting free with the Godess' attention and coming into her own. Within days of her escape, she is in love, mated and all is well.
The story lines have become a bit repetitive and worse, they've lost what made them so intriguing in the start - delving into the sexual nature of the relationship between the two (or three). Rather, as in this novel, it was quick sex, acceptance, mating. Wham, bam, done!
I love Kate Douglas' writing, always have. As I move to the next in the series, Dark Refuge, I can only hope she has returned to the details, paying attention to the specifics, of what originally made her the Wolf Tales Queen.
In the end, still a good read! Enjoy!
*hugs*
Shelbie =)
January 15, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having not read book 1 of this series, this was my first experience with the Chanku (aka werewolf shifters from another galaxy). The book was dark, gritty and naughty, with a tough chick and some alpha males thrown in for good measure.
Romy is a woman who has grown up sexually abused and tormented in an isolated cult. Her mother was killed 20 years prior when she tried to escape as (shockingly) a wolf. After reading her mother’s diary, she knows there is the ability to shift somewhere inside her, but she is unable to get there until one night of horrible abuse. On her way to escape, she runs into Jace and Gabe, two Chanku who immediately vow to protect Romy at all costs.
I have to admit, the romance elements were a little muddy to me. Don’t get me wrong, it was still hot and awesome, but I just didn’t understand the M/M/F dynamic, especially because Jace is essentially Romy’s love interest #1 and Gabe… just kind of participates from time to time. I guess? Like I said, muddy. The sexy scenes were still really sizzling and even included some completely new to me mating rituals. This series really sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go. I’ll definitely be checking out the next installment to see what else Kate Douglas has in store.
Having not read book 1 of this series, this was my first experience with the Chanku (aka werewolf shifters from another galaxy). The book was dark, gritty and naughty, with a tough chick and some alpha males thrown in for good measure.
Romy is a woman who has grown up sexually abused and tormented in an isolated cult. Her mother was killed 20 years prior when she tried to escape as (shockingly) a wolf. After reading her mother’s diary, she knows there is the ability to shift somewhere inside her, but she is unable to get there until one night of horrible abuse. On her way to escape, she runs into Jace and Gabe, two Chanku who immediately vow to protect Romy at all costs.
I have to admit, the romance elements were a little muddy to me. Don’t get me wrong, it was still hot and awesome, but I just didn’t understand the M/M/F dynamic, especially because Jace is essentially Romy’s love interest #1 and Gabe… just kind of participates from time to time. I guess? Like I said, muddy. The sexy scenes were still really sizzling and even included some completely new to me mating rituals. This series really sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go. I’ll definitely be checking out the next installment to see what else Kate Douglas has in store.
February 8, 2014
When I started reading Dark Spirits I wasn't expecting such an explicitly erotic romance I have to admit, I was expecting just the usual shapeshifter romance, but was I wrong. The heroine Romy Sarika, is a young women who has spent most of her life in a cult like community where women are treated terribly, She has been beaten and raped repeatedly from an early age.
When she is ordered to be beaten to death she shifts unexpectedly for the first time and escapes with barely her life.
Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval are Chanku wolf shifters. They discover a badly injured wolf, Jace has powers to heal and discovers the wolf is a Chanku like them named Romy.
I found Romy's discription of her life to Jace and Gabe before the escape very emotional and heart wrenching, she was a survivor. Jace and Gabe were nice characters, I liked them very much. They tried to help Romy all they could, to help her to adjust to being a Chanku and to being free.
This title is a stand alone story, it has a good storyline and doesn't focus too much on the sexual relationship. The reader learns about Chanku wolves and there history in a way that still lets the story flow smoothly. And a loving caring relationship of 3 people. This was a well written story, very well balanced.
I received a free copy of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2014
For the full review: Got Romance! Reviews
I enjoyed this novel. I do feel that something was missing for me to give it way up high five rating, but needless to say, I think if you have enjoyed other Chanku novels from Ms. Douglas you will likely enjoy this one too. There are grisly bloody action scenes, but surprisingly I wanted more pain and suffering dealt out. This is one comment you will have to read to understand. I can’t remember the last time I was so blood thirsty and violent. Then you switch over to tender love making that shows that the characters are creatures of respect and pleasure. Throw in some healing power and you have a delightfully erotically charged romantic read. Delightful is hardly a word I would normally use to describe Kate’s work, but it seems to fit for me this time around.
Dark Spirit is a story about two journeys. One that takes the characters across the northwest portion of the US and another more important one; a journey filled with pain, discovery and love; packed with heartache, anger, understanding and eventually resolution. It is not for the light of heart, but if you enjoy stories of love, healing and extremely hot sex, Dark Spirit is for you!
I enjoyed this novel. I do feel that something was missing for me to give it way up high five rating, but needless to say, I think if you have enjoyed other Chanku novels from Ms. Douglas you will likely enjoy this one too. There are grisly bloody action scenes, but surprisingly I wanted more pain and suffering dealt out. This is one comment you will have to read to understand. I can’t remember the last time I was so blood thirsty and violent. Then you switch over to tender love making that shows that the characters are creatures of respect and pleasure. Throw in some healing power and you have a delightfully erotically charged romantic read. Delightful is hardly a word I would normally use to describe Kate’s work, but it seems to fit for me this time around.
Dark Spirit is a story about two journeys. One that takes the characters across the northwest portion of the US and another more important one; a journey filled with pain, discovery and love; packed with heartache, anger, understanding and eventually resolution. It is not for the light of heart, but if you enjoy stories of love, healing and extremely hot sex, Dark Spirit is for you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews