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SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #1
Hungry Like the Wolf
The Dallas SWAT team is hiding one helluva secret . . . they're a pack of wolf shifters.
The team of elite sharpshooters is ultra-secretive—and also the darlings of Dallas. This doesn't sit well with investigative journalist Mackenzie Stone. They must be hiding something . . . and she's determined to find out what.
Keeping Mac at a distance proves impossible for SWAT team commander Gage Dixon. She's smart, sexy, and makes him feel alive for the first time in years. But she's getting dangerously close to the truth—and perilously close to his heart...
The team of elite sharpshooters is ultra-secretive—and also the darlings of Dallas. This doesn't sit well with investigative journalist Mackenzie Stone. They must be hiding something . . . and she's determined to find out what.
Keeping Mac at a distance proves impossible for SWAT team commander Gage Dixon. She's smart, sexy, and makes him feel alive for the first time in years. But she's getting dangerously close to the truth—and perilously close to his heart...
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 6, 2015
693 people are currently reading
4793 people want to read
About the author
Paige Tyler
185 books2,065 followersPaige Tyler is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, romantic suspense and paranormal romance. She and her very own military hero (also known as her husband) live on the beautiful Florida coast with their adorable fur baby (also known as their dog). Paige graduated with a degree in education, but decided to pursue her passion and write books about hunky alpha males and the kick-butt heroines who fall in love with them.
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October 10, 2025
After reading eight of the books in this series, I’ve decided to go back and read the ones that I’ve missed.
Hungry Like the Wolf
by Paige Tyler is the first book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times in Dallas, Texas, this novel features Gage Dixon and Mackenzie Stone.
The Special Weapons and Tactics team are members of the Dallas police force. They tend to be secretive, but also well liked by the citizens of Dallas and its politicians. Mackenzie, an investigative journalist believes they’re hiding something and she’s determined to find out what it is. Keeping her at a distance proves difficult for Gage, despite being the SWAT team commander.
Gage looks out for his team who he considers family and pack. He’s also competitive and charming. Mackenzie is always after the next big story. She tends to be a workaholic and tends to socialize with only her photographer, assistant, and best friend, Zak Gibson.
The story starts with an action-packed prologue featuring bank robbers, multiple dead and injured, and a lot of hostages. From there, the story progresses through several SWAT responses as well as Mackenzie and Gage getting to know each other. The storyline is gripping from beginning to end with several action scenes. The world-building is excellent, and there are a few twists and turns.
This book delivers on escapism through instant attraction, friendship, found family, and trust. At the same time, it tackles the serious issues of murder, abduction, hostage-taking, secrets, and much more. There are a couple of steamy scenes in the second half of the book.
Overall, this is a briskly paced and suspenseful novel that’s full of danger, action, and a sense of urgency. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book was originally published on January 06, 2015.
---------------------------------------
My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
The Special Weapons and Tactics team are members of the Dallas police force. They tend to be secretive, but also well liked by the citizens of Dallas and its politicians. Mackenzie, an investigative journalist believes they’re hiding something and she’s determined to find out what it is. Keeping her at a distance proves difficult for Gage, despite being the SWAT team commander.
Gage looks out for his team who he considers family and pack. He’s also competitive and charming. Mackenzie is always after the next big story. She tends to be a workaholic and tends to socialize with only her photographer, assistant, and best friend, Zak Gibson.
The story starts with an action-packed prologue featuring bank robbers, multiple dead and injured, and a lot of hostages. From there, the story progresses through several SWAT responses as well as Mackenzie and Gage getting to know each other. The storyline is gripping from beginning to end with several action scenes. The world-building is excellent, and there are a few twists and turns.
This book delivers on escapism through instant attraction, friendship, found family, and trust. At the same time, it tackles the serious issues of murder, abduction, hostage-taking, secrets, and much more. There are a couple of steamy scenes in the second half of the book.
Overall, this is a briskly paced and suspenseful novel that’s full of danger, action, and a sense of urgency. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book was originally published on January 06, 2015.
---------------------------------------
My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
June 23, 2015
I did it! I finished it! Major Pet Peeve: Awful heroine.
So, this book had a good (a bit stereotypical) Alpha Male, some hot sexy times, a solid world-building and solid writing.
And it had an awful heroine.
You can read below why I hate her (she is stupid, selfish, egotistic, shallow and dishonest. Examples of her musings and behaviours see below.
Another reason to hate her:
Below my status Update after 25%:
A few reasons why I immensely dislike the heroine - in citations.
Here the background: the werewolves are serving as SWAT officers and saving lives. Mac is a nosy world-class investigative journalist who thinks they are dirty/taking performance enhancing drugs. She goes to the crime scene of an ugly hostage situation and decides to visit the building where the criminals are in.
"If she could sneak inside and find a place to hide, she'd be able to observe the SWAT eam in action and see how messy things really got."
1. Not cool to risk your own life like this
2. So not cool to potentially hinder the rescue mission.
"Well, she could play that game, too. But while she wasn't above using her feminine wiles to get a story, (...)"(...) "If she couldn't distract him with her feminine assets, this job might turn out to be tougher than she thought"
1. World-class journalists don't get stories with their boobs and asses.
2. Manipulative behaviour is way uncool.
3. Thanks so much for helping all those professional women out there who try hard to be successful without utilizing sexuality. NOT.
"You agree not to detail any of our tactical procedures or techniques like the one I just told you about. You print those and you'll get my team killed." He lifted a brow. "Do we have an agreement?"
Mac nodded eagerly. "Yes." She'd agree to whatever he wanted it if got her in the compound - even if it meant going back on her word later."
1. You lying bitch.
2. Is nothing holy to you? Those guys risk their lives to save people.
3. I hate you. So much.
I will have to give a low rating, I know that already. And I am a bit sorry right now, as the world-building and the writing are not bad.
But this anti-heroine, who has nothing going for herself but selfishness, stupidity, dishonesty and all-around ass-holery, ruined it already.
Did I mention that I hate her?
With the force of a thousand suns.
So, this book had a good (a bit stereotypical) Alpha Male, some hot sexy times, a solid world-building and solid writing.
And it had an awful heroine.
You can read below why I hate her (she is stupid, selfish, egotistic, shallow and dishonest. Examples of her musings and behaviours see below.
Another reason to hate her:
Below my status Update after 25%:
A few reasons why I immensely dislike the heroine - in citations.
Here the background: the werewolves are serving as SWAT officers and saving lives. Mac is a nosy world-class investigative journalist who thinks they are dirty/taking performance enhancing drugs. She goes to the crime scene of an ugly hostage situation and decides to visit the building where the criminals are in.
"If she could sneak inside and find a place to hide, she'd be able to observe the SWAT eam in action and see how messy things really got."
1. Not cool to risk your own life like this
2. So not cool to potentially hinder the rescue mission.
"Well, she could play that game, too. But while she wasn't above using her feminine wiles to get a story, (...)"(...) "If she couldn't distract him with her feminine assets, this job might turn out to be tougher than she thought"
1. World-class journalists don't get stories with their boobs and asses.
2. Manipulative behaviour is way uncool.
3. Thanks so much for helping all those professional women out there who try hard to be successful without utilizing sexuality. NOT.
"You agree not to detail any of our tactical procedures or techniques like the one I just told you about. You print those and you'll get my team killed." He lifted a brow. "Do we have an agreement?"
Mac nodded eagerly. "Yes." She'd agree to whatever he wanted it if got her in the compound - even if it meant going back on her word later."
1. You lying bitch.
2. Is nothing holy to you? Those guys risk their lives to save people.
3. I hate you. So much.
I will have to give a low rating, I know that already. And I am a bit sorry right now, as the world-building and the writing are not bad.
But this anti-heroine, who has nothing going for herself but selfishness, stupidity, dishonesty and all-around ass-holery, ruined it already.
Did I mention that I hate her?
With the force of a thousand suns.
January 5, 2015
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
Nothing starts a new year off right quite like a debut werewolf series, and Paige Tyler brings it with SWAT. There are sixteen alpha males to choose from, so you’re sure to find at least one to drool over, and first in line is their smexy leader, Gage Dixon. HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF was light on shifter lore, but heavy on scorching romps which makes it the perfect read for Paranormal Romance groupies looking for a bit of danger, and a whole lot of steam. The story was predictable, and insta-love goes hand-in-hand with this genre, so if you’re expecting something other than entertaining fluff you should probably keep walking, however if quality PNR is your kryptonite then this is where it’s at.
This is essentially Romantic Suspense with a supernatural slant, and I loved how Tyler combined the two! The very notion that a team of smokin’ hot werewolf officers are protecting the citizens of Dallas was enough to make me one-click this title. There’s just something about a man in uniform that lights my fire, and if you throw in fur I’m done for. The plot wasn’t that difficult to figure out, but still interesting enough to keep me turning the pages at a quick pace. SWAT kills a mob boss’ son during a hostage situation, the king pin is now out for blood, and all the while Mackenzie Stone is trying to prove that the city’s golden boys aren’t as clean as they appear to be. I’ll leave it to you to fill-in the rest.
I was let down by the were aspects of this story line; other than knowing from page one that the characters are no ordinary cops, the author doesn’t dig any further into that aspect until much later, and even then very sparingly. I liked that the mates lingo was replaced by The One, that their first change is brought on by a high-stress, life-threatening situation instead of the usual puberty / bite / full moon, and that the author focused on scent. However, other than those three elements, plus a brief mention of DNA and babies, that’s pretty much all of the werewolf mythology that this novel had to offer. Do they HAVE to change? Are there females? I could have done with one less sex scene, and more deets.
The attraction between Mac & Gage was immediate, but their love was not; granted the latter did happen in under a week which is to be expected whenever a HEA occurs in one installment. They had great chemistry, and their sex marathons will make you wish that you had a member of the Special Wolf Team Alpha at your beck and call. I had to roll my eyes when Stone exposed Dixon’s secret, and did exactly what you’d expect a journalist to do—pick the story over the man—only to later regret her decision, and crawl back begging forgiveness. Of course Gage accepts her apology, she joins the Pack, and everything is hunky-dory after that. I was just hoping for a little twist. Still, their tale was a cute one.
A seductive book filled with peril and romance; HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF was yummilicious!
Nothing starts a new year off right quite like a debut werewolf series, and Paige Tyler brings it with SWAT. There are sixteen alpha males to choose from, so you’re sure to find at least one to drool over, and first in line is their smexy leader, Gage Dixon. HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF was light on shifter lore, but heavy on scorching romps which makes it the perfect read for Paranormal Romance groupies looking for a bit of danger, and a whole lot of steam. The story was predictable, and insta-love goes hand-in-hand with this genre, so if you’re expecting something other than entertaining fluff you should probably keep walking, however if quality PNR is your kryptonite then this is where it’s at.
This is essentially Romantic Suspense with a supernatural slant, and I loved how Tyler combined the two! The very notion that a team of smokin’ hot werewolf officers are protecting the citizens of Dallas was enough to make me one-click this title. There’s just something about a man in uniform that lights my fire, and if you throw in fur I’m done for. The plot wasn’t that difficult to figure out, but still interesting enough to keep me turning the pages at a quick pace. SWAT kills a mob boss’ son during a hostage situation, the king pin is now out for blood, and all the while Mackenzie Stone is trying to prove that the city’s golden boys aren’t as clean as they appear to be. I’ll leave it to you to fill-in the rest.
I was let down by the were aspects of this story line; other than knowing from page one that the characters are no ordinary cops, the author doesn’t dig any further into that aspect until much later, and even then very sparingly. I liked that the mates lingo was replaced by The One, that their first change is brought on by a high-stress, life-threatening situation instead of the usual puberty / bite / full moon, and that the author focused on scent. However, other than those three elements, plus a brief mention of DNA and babies, that’s pretty much all of the werewolf mythology that this novel had to offer. Do they HAVE to change? Are there females? I could have done with one less sex scene, and more deets.
The attraction between Mac & Gage was immediate, but their love was not; granted the latter did happen in under a week which is to be expected whenever a HEA occurs in one installment. They had great chemistry, and their sex marathons will make you wish that you had a member of the Special Wolf Team Alpha at your beck and call. I had to roll my eyes when Stone exposed Dixon’s secret, and did exactly what you’d expect a journalist to do—pick the story over the man—only to later regret her decision, and crawl back begging forgiveness. Of course Gage accepts her apology, she joins the Pack, and everything is hunky-dory after that. I was just hoping for a little twist. Still, their tale was a cute one.
A seductive book filled with peril and romance; HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF was yummilicious!
December 8, 2015
2.5
I had no idea how to rate this book, so I went with 2.5 but a 3 star GR rating.
So, this book wasn't awful. It started out pretty nice, everything went well (for the most part) 'til about 60%, then it got awkward.
Maybe the thing I didn't like was the chemistry, or lack thereof. I get the instalove (it annoys the hell out of me but I try not to judge), but the one in this book was so so annoying. It was just strange and it made me feel nothing.
Then, after about 60%, I kept looking at how much of the book I had left, I felt the author dragged the ending a bit. Well, I wasn't in a very good mood, so maybe that influenced me a bit.
On the other hand, it was pretty fast paced and the writing style was ok (again, not bad and not good either, somewhere inbetween).
Anyway, it wasn't a bad book, but I can't say it was good either. It's worth reading only if you really have nothing better to try.
I had no idea how to rate this book, so I went with 2.5 but a 3 star GR rating.
So, this book wasn't awful. It started out pretty nice, everything went well (for the most part) 'til about 60%, then it got awkward.
Maybe the thing I didn't like was the chemistry, or lack thereof. I get the instalove (it annoys the hell out of me but I try not to judge), but the one in this book was so so annoying. It was just strange and it made me feel nothing.
Then, after about 60%, I kept looking at how much of the book I had left, I felt the author dragged the ending a bit. Well, I wasn't in a very good mood, so maybe that influenced me a bit.
On the other hand, it was pretty fast paced and the writing style was ok (again, not bad and not good either, somewhere inbetween).
Anyway, it wasn't a bad book, but I can't say it was good either. It's worth reading only if you really have nothing better to try.
December 10, 2014
Just when you thought you’d heard it all you could about “werewolves”, Paige Tyler comes in and twists it all around. Hungry Like the Wolf is an action packed adventure that puts a totally new spin on what it takes to become a werewolf. I’m not giving it away, you’ll have to read Hungry Like the Wolf to find out more.
The elite Dallas SWAT team has a secret. A secret Mackenzie Stone, journalist, wants to uncover. But Gage Dixon will do everything in his power to protect his team and their secret, even if it means getting close and personal with the irresistible Ms. Stone.
Caution: This plot contains a group of strong alpha males in uniform. The entire SWAT team is made up of werewolf shifters.
The chemistry and possibility of “the one” are both evident from Gage’s and Mac’s first meeting, making the sexual tension extreme. The anticipation could be cut by a knife.
I relished in the stories fast pace and action filled scenes but wished there was a little more world building that would give us a deeper connection to the characters.
Hungry Like the Wolf is a great read for those of us who love an action-packed adventure with sexy shifters in uniform.
I received this ARC copy of Hungry Like the Wolf from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchanged for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 6, 2015.
Written by: Paige Tyler
Series: SWAT
Sequence in Series: Book 1
Page Counte: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: January 6, 2015
Rating: 4 Stars
ISBN-10: 1492608475
ISBN-13: 978-1492608479
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
The elite Dallas SWAT team has a secret. A secret Mackenzie Stone, journalist, wants to uncover. But Gage Dixon will do everything in his power to protect his team and their secret, even if it means getting close and personal with the irresistible Ms. Stone.
Caution: This plot contains a group of strong alpha males in uniform. The entire SWAT team is made up of werewolf shifters.
The chemistry and possibility of “the one” are both evident from Gage’s and Mac’s first meeting, making the sexual tension extreme. The anticipation could be cut by a knife.
I relished in the stories fast pace and action filled scenes but wished there was a little more world building that would give us a deeper connection to the characters.
Hungry Like the Wolf is a great read for those of us who love an action-packed adventure with sexy shifters in uniform.
I received this ARC copy of Hungry Like the Wolf from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchanged for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 6, 2015.
Written by: Paige Tyler
Series: SWAT
Sequence in Series: Book 1
Page Counte: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: January 6, 2015
Rating: 4 Stars
ISBN-10: 1492608475
ISBN-13: 978-1492608479
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 16, 2015
ETA 12/21/14: Not bad but the world building could have been stronger.
ETA 11/11/14: SQUEEEEEEEEEEE! It's on my Kindle!!!!
Werewolves, action/adventure, and romance - this book isn't calling my name, it's SCREAMING my name. :D WANT!
1/15/15 The Actual review :D -
Werewolves. As police officers. And there’s romance. And action. So. Much. Catnip! (Pardon the expression.) I was giddy when I saw this book and knew I wanted to read it. I was intrigued by the premise of a SWAT team being composed entirely of werewolves. Certainly they’d have advantages but how would they keep their secret? How did so many wolves end up on the team? How do they stay hidden in plain sight?
Journalist Mackenzie ‘Mac’ Stone also has questions about the SWAT team even though she doesn’t know about their furry secret. Her attention has been caught by the near perfect track record of the team and their low profile. She suspects they’re hiding something; how can a team be so successful, have so few internal problems, and be honest? She’s convinced they’re dirty and begins following them. Pack Alpha Gage at first tries keeping her away but changes his mind and decides to let her in and give her a personal tour. He’s attracted to her, her scent practically overwhelms him, and he has a hard time keeping his distance. She’s equally attracted to him and also has difficulty staying away. She wants a high-profile story, he wants to protect his pack and team, and they want each other. There’s definitely a conflict of interest, which doesn’t stop them from having some steamy, lengthy sex. Apparently these werewolves have built-in Viagra and all-nighters are quite literal.
I’m not a fan of the “fated mate” trope, and while I liked both Gage and Mac and there was definitely heat between them, I couldn’t quite buy their rapid romance especially with all of the conflicts between them. The “I love you” took a little longer, but in all not quite two weeks passes in the story. Mac is supposedly Gage’s one true love, the one (a phrase I seem to be using frequently lately), but when he needs to make a choice between Mac and his pack, it’s surprisingly difficult. Maybe that’s as it should be since he’s the Alpha of the pack but after all the fuss made over how she was his one true love, I expected it to be simpler.
The world building is light though late in the story we get a mini-info dump thanks to Mac’s curiosity. There are sixteen wolves on the team so presumably we will have sixteen stories. I hope that it won’t take Tyler that long to develop the world. That said, she does have a couple twists on the werewolf lore and I look forward to seeing more on them.
Meanwhile, there’s a crime lord after Gage and the SWAT team. His son led a bank robbery, took hostages, and killed people. When he’s killed by the team during hostage retrieval, daddy dearest doesn’t take it well. He makes several attempts on the team, hoping to exact revenge. We get your basic clichés and tropes during this storyline, no big surprises. It leads up to the story finale and the big climax of Mac and Gage’s romance.
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF, despite its werewolf SWAT premise, takes the safe road and trods the worn path. The characters are interesting though some of the pack could have been better developed, the sex is hot, and there are some tender moments. There’s potential for the series and despite my gripes with the story it kept me reading. It’s worth reading and giving the series a chance.
ETA 11/11/14: SQUEEEEEEEEEEE! It's on my Kindle!!!!
Werewolves, action/adventure, and romance - this book isn't calling my name, it's SCREAMING my name. :D WANT!
1/15/15 The Actual review :D -
Werewolves. As police officers. And there’s romance. And action. So. Much. Catnip! (Pardon the expression.) I was giddy when I saw this book and knew I wanted to read it. I was intrigued by the premise of a SWAT team being composed entirely of werewolves. Certainly they’d have advantages but how would they keep their secret? How did so many wolves end up on the team? How do they stay hidden in plain sight?
Journalist Mackenzie ‘Mac’ Stone also has questions about the SWAT team even though she doesn’t know about their furry secret. Her attention has been caught by the near perfect track record of the team and their low profile. She suspects they’re hiding something; how can a team be so successful, have so few internal problems, and be honest? She’s convinced they’re dirty and begins following them. Pack Alpha Gage at first tries keeping her away but changes his mind and decides to let her in and give her a personal tour. He’s attracted to her, her scent practically overwhelms him, and he has a hard time keeping his distance. She’s equally attracted to him and also has difficulty staying away. She wants a high-profile story, he wants to protect his pack and team, and they want each other. There’s definitely a conflict of interest, which doesn’t stop them from having some steamy, lengthy sex. Apparently these werewolves have built-in Viagra and all-nighters are quite literal.
I’m not a fan of the “fated mate” trope, and while I liked both Gage and Mac and there was definitely heat between them, I couldn’t quite buy their rapid romance especially with all of the conflicts between them. The “I love you” took a little longer, but in all not quite two weeks passes in the story. Mac is supposedly Gage’s one true love, the one (a phrase I seem to be using frequently lately), but when he needs to make a choice between Mac and his pack, it’s surprisingly difficult. Maybe that’s as it should be since he’s the Alpha of the pack but after all the fuss made over how she was his one true love, I expected it to be simpler.
The world building is light though late in the story we get a mini-info dump thanks to Mac’s curiosity. There are sixteen wolves on the team so presumably we will have sixteen stories. I hope that it won’t take Tyler that long to develop the world. That said, she does have a couple twists on the werewolf lore and I look forward to seeing more on them.
Meanwhile, there’s a crime lord after Gage and the SWAT team. His son led a bank robbery, took hostages, and killed people. When he’s killed by the team during hostage retrieval, daddy dearest doesn’t take it well. He makes several attempts on the team, hoping to exact revenge. We get your basic clichés and tropes during this storyline, no big surprises. It leads up to the story finale and the big climax of Mac and Gage’s romance.
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF, despite its werewolf SWAT premise, takes the safe road and trods the worn path. The characters are interesting though some of the pack could have been better developed, the sex is hot, and there are some tender moments. There’s potential for the series and despite my gripes with the story it kept me reading. It’s worth reading and giving the series a chance.
September 16, 2017
I can't say I didn't see some of this coming. I mean, a series about wolf shapeshifters who are also SWAT members? With a title of HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF? What did you expect, lady, a read worthy of Oprah's Bookclub?
"I guess some women might consider them attractive."
"Some?"
"The ones who're only interested in muscular men who kick in doors and shoot things."
"Versus men who do what? Take pictures and eavesdrop on police scanners?"
"And program their own phone apps. Trust me. That skill is in high demand these days."
And actually for the most part it was the best kind of fun, sexy, thrilling, ridiculousness. Until roughly the 75% mark. Then it got a little too ridiculous. The heroine got a little too stupid. The emotional conflict got resolved a little too quickly. Said stupid heroine accepted werewolves a little too easily. And I got really tired about all The One stuff -- side note, I was totally hoping not every book would be about this buuuut that end scene sure makes me think otherwise. I'm just hoping all the regurgitated folklore will be toned down now that the explanations have been handled and our expectations set for what's the come.
Sometimes it felt like he was in charge of a day care centre -- for out of control werewolves.
This had some pretty funny moments, with a delicious swoony genuinely good alpha hero, an eclectic group of alpha werewolves, no love triangle or unrequited bestie bullshit, smooth effortless writing that I chewed through in no time at all, and endless action-y potential for the rest of the series. I'm just hoping for some slightly more realistic (har har, I know right) elements to the plot and way better heroines. I would say I'm also hoping for less insta-lusty-love The One-ness but again I'm probably not going to get my wish on that one. Oh well. Throw me some hate-to-love and resisting-the-pheromones (at least) every other book and I'll be happy enough.
2.75 "so close to being a mindlessly entertaining three" stars
"I guess some women might consider them attractive."
"Some?"
"The ones who're only interested in muscular men who kick in doors and shoot things."
"Versus men who do what? Take pictures and eavesdrop on police scanners?"
"And program their own phone apps. Trust me. That skill is in high demand these days."
And actually for the most part it was the best kind of fun, sexy, thrilling, ridiculousness. Until roughly the 75% mark. Then it got a little too ridiculous. The heroine got a little too stupid. The emotional conflict got resolved a little too quickly. Said stupid heroine accepted werewolves a little too easily. And I got really tired about all The One stuff -- side note, I was totally hoping not every book would be about this buuuut that end scene sure makes me think otherwise. I'm just hoping all the regurgitated folklore will be toned down now that the explanations have been handled and our expectations set for what's the come.
Sometimes it felt like he was in charge of a day care centre -- for out of control werewolves.
This had some pretty funny moments, with a delicious swoony genuinely good alpha hero, an eclectic group of alpha werewolves, no love triangle or unrequited bestie bullshit, smooth effortless writing that I chewed through in no time at all, and endless action-y potential for the rest of the series. I'm just hoping for some slightly more realistic (har har, I know right) elements to the plot and way better heroines. I would say I'm also hoping for less insta-lusty-love The One-ness but again I'm probably not going to get my wish on that one. Oh well. Throw me some hate-to-love and resisting-the-pheromones (at least) every other book and I'll be happy enough.
2.75 "so close to being a mindlessly entertaining three" stars
October 17, 2015
Loved the SWAT/SWAT combo - hot cops who are wolves
Reporter Mackenzie is hot on the trail of a big story, sure that there is a dirty secret behind the Dallas SWAT team's perfect record and she is not above using her seduction skills on SWAT team leader, Gage, to get that story. And Gage, whose team is composed of werewolves, is as equally willing to use his own animal magnetism on Mac to protect his pack's secrets.
I really liked Hungry Like the Wolf. I liked both the fearless tenacious Mac and the swoon worthy heroic Gage and the pair sizzle together from the start - there is a mate attraction, but it doesn't make it too easy for them. I also liked the the fact that Gage and MacKenzie are at odds over her search for the truth, it provides a good conflict between the pair as a foundation for the story, which is augmented nicely by the friction within the Pack fueled by Mackenzie digging around their turf. And to top it off, there's an external threat to the team from a crime boss looking for revenge which provides the opportunity for some good action.
I really like the idea of the whole crew of huge alpha male cops, though I'd have liked a bit more male bonding time to go with the testosterone ridden tension permeating the hunky team -with 16 alpha wolves in close proximity the fur will fly. And the romance worked pretty well for me, because Gage holds off on the consummation for a while due to the threat that Mac presents to his team - though I must be getting old, because I did a bit of skimming once the sexy times got more page time (less is really more for me).
So, I enjoyed Hungry Like the Wolf and I will be looking for more from this series - Special Weapons And Tactical/Special Wolf Alpha Team - and catching up with Tyler's X-Ops shifters in the mean time.
Reporter Mackenzie is hot on the trail of a big story, sure that there is a dirty secret behind the Dallas SWAT team's perfect record and she is not above using her seduction skills on SWAT team leader, Gage, to get that story. And Gage, whose team is composed of werewolves, is as equally willing to use his own animal magnetism on Mac to protect his pack's secrets.
I really liked Hungry Like the Wolf. I liked both the fearless tenacious Mac and the swoon worthy heroic Gage and the pair sizzle together from the start - there is a mate attraction, but it doesn't make it too easy for them. I also liked the the fact that Gage and MacKenzie are at odds over her search for the truth, it provides a good conflict between the pair as a foundation for the story, which is augmented nicely by the friction within the Pack fueled by Mackenzie digging around their turf. And to top it off, there's an external threat to the team from a crime boss looking for revenge which provides the opportunity for some good action.
I really like the idea of the whole crew of huge alpha male cops, though I'd have liked a bit more male bonding time to go with the testosterone ridden tension permeating the hunky team -with 16 alpha wolves in close proximity the fur will fly. And the romance worked pretty well for me, because Gage holds off on the consummation for a while due to the threat that Mac presents to his team - though I must be getting old, because I did a bit of skimming once the sexy times got more page time (less is really more for me).
So, I enjoyed Hungry Like the Wolf and I will be looking for more from this series - Special Weapons And Tactical/Special Wolf Alpha Team - and catching up with Tyler's X-Ops shifters in the mean time.
March 7, 2016
I had to admit that when I started this, I was a little skeptic (yes, I can start a book feeling like that!). The thing is, I usually prefer to take Alpha men in small dosage. I know they're big hit among romance readers, but I tend to think Alpha men are so close of being Assholes. So my preference in romance leans more towards approachable regular men. So I was skeptical on whether I could enjoy a book where all the men were Alphas.
Oh well, Tyler proved me wrong because this was definitely ENJOYABLE. I thought Tyler's writing pulled me in, and the pace of this book was quite fast. Sure, there was a HUGE insta-love relationship (Gage and Mackenzie got engaged in mere days!) alongside the concept of The One, but I still found myself quite entertained. It helped that Mackenzie and Gage did have a wonderful chemistry between them.
I thought Mackenzie was feisty and she showed that she wasn't a damsel in distress, and I loved that from her. Also Gage might be Alpha and protective, but he never came close to being a possessive asshole. In fact, I liked that the way that he handled Mackenzie the 'reporter' in the beginning. He didn't just bulldoze his way around her!
I didn't think the werewolf mythology in this book wasn't clearly explained -- I still wondered about the werewolf DNA (since the werewolves here are born with the dormant DNA rather than being turned). I mean, how is it there originally? Is there a study about it, a scientific research into this foreign DNA? I was curious...
The Pack was great, loved those men. I couldn't wait to see how the other wolves react with their own "The One". I think I am going to keep reading this series.
Oh well, Tyler proved me wrong because this was definitely ENJOYABLE. I thought Tyler's writing pulled me in, and the pace of this book was quite fast. Sure, there was a HUGE insta-love relationship (Gage and Mackenzie got engaged in mere days!) alongside the concept of The One, but I still found myself quite entertained. It helped that Mackenzie and Gage did have a wonderful chemistry between them.
I thought Mackenzie was feisty and she showed that she wasn't a damsel in distress, and I loved that from her. Also Gage might be Alpha and protective, but he never came close to being a possessive asshole. In fact, I liked that the way that he handled Mackenzie the 'reporter' in the beginning. He didn't just bulldoze his way around her!
I didn't think the werewolf mythology in this book wasn't clearly explained -- I still wondered about the werewolf DNA (since the werewolves here are born with the dormant DNA rather than being turned). I mean, how is it there originally? Is there a study about it, a scientific research into this foreign DNA? I was curious...
The Pack was great, loved those men. I couldn't wait to see how the other wolves react with their own "The One". I think I am going to keep reading this series.
June 12, 2015
I am always on the hunt for a good paranormal romance. Fortunately for me, Paige Tyler was running a sale on Hungry Like the Wolf and I decided to pick it up. Best $0.99 cents I ever spent but I would have absolutely paid the full price for this story. Hungry Like the Wolf kept my attention from beginning to end and the pages on my Kindle couldn't flip fast enough. I loved the main protagonists -- Mackenzie Stone and Gage Dixon. They were a perfect compliment to one another. The unwittingly engaged on a get and conceal campaign with one another which led to more...sensual engagements. I loved the concept behind the SWAT team and totally look forward to reading more from the series. I cannot wait until I get my hands on Xander -- errr...his story, I mean :D.
January 6, 2015
In HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF we meet ace reporter Mac Stone who has gotten wind of something odd happening behind the scenes at the nationally admired Dallas SWAT team. On a mission to expose as much corruption as she can Mac is determined to get access to the team by any means necessary. Reporter character usually tend to annoy me in stories as they tend to consistently put getting their scoops and the 'right' to know ahead of common sense. But in this case Mac seems to find a balance between her need to find out what is being hidden behind Dallas' renowned SWAT team and the need to protect what she eventually finds out.
Gage is a wonderfully calm, sure and deliberate alpha leader and I enjoyed the way that he asserted himself with both his team and with Mac. Gage is the kind of leader that would put his pack and the safety of others ahead of his own happiness and even his own safety if needed.
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF is a pretty quick read because the plot moves forward at a good pace with no real lags in the story. I do hope however that in future books we learn more about the paranormal lore that should go along with a wolf shifter story. We don't get a lot of paranormal information in this one. It seems that most of the males in the group are definitely alphas and I would like to know how that is going to continue to work for them or if they will all eventually branch out on their won. I'm sure that as the series moves forward a lot of the blanks will be filled in. The gaps in the lore Tyler is building is really the only complaint that I had with this one. With a bit of tweaking this could have just as easily simply been a really good romantic suspense novel.
Although HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF is technically a paranormal romantic suspense novel the paranormal aspect isn't played up too much. Although it should be an important part of the story the paranormal aspect isn't explicitly explained. I enjoyed the introduction to the world created by Tyler and will definitely be reading further into the series.
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Gage is a wonderfully calm, sure and deliberate alpha leader and I enjoyed the way that he asserted himself with both his team and with Mac. Gage is the kind of leader that would put his pack and the safety of others ahead of his own happiness and even his own safety if needed.
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF is a pretty quick read because the plot moves forward at a good pace with no real lags in the story. I do hope however that in future books we learn more about the paranormal lore that should go along with a wolf shifter story. We don't get a lot of paranormal information in this one. It seems that most of the males in the group are definitely alphas and I would like to know how that is going to continue to work for them or if they will all eventually branch out on their won. I'm sure that as the series moves forward a lot of the blanks will be filled in. The gaps in the lore Tyler is building is really the only complaint that I had with this one. With a bit of tweaking this could have just as easily simply been a really good romantic suspense novel.
Although HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF is technically a paranormal romantic suspense novel the paranormal aspect isn't played up too much. Although it should be an important part of the story the paranormal aspect isn't explicitly explained. I enjoyed the introduction to the world created by Tyler and will definitely be reading further into the series.
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
February 21, 2015
Pre book..
Did you say alpha man??
After reading...
I gotta say I did enjoy this story, the sex scenes were hot and I would like to read more by this author.
:)
Did you say alpha man??
After reading...
I gotta say I did enjoy this story, the sex scenes were hot and I would like to read more by this author.
:)
May 3, 2015
4 Stars - Wolves in SWAT Clothing
With a strong code of ethics, journalist Mackenzie Stone attacks a story like a dog with a bone. Mac’s nose for stories often leads her into dangerous situations, but the public deserves the truth. This time, she catches a scent that may reveal Dallas’ SWAT time isn’t as squeaky-clean as it should be. After seeing the team in action, there’s a sequence of events that doesn’t add up. As Mac digs deeper and gets closer to the team she experiences a conflict of interest. Their smoldering commander makes her feel things she’s never felt with any man. His men seem like good people. When do the people you’re trying to expose become more important than the story?
The last eight years, Gage Dixon has brought in the best men from around the country to be part of his elite team. The Dallas SWAT team has very unique traits in common, one of them being they are all werewolves. Gage is not about to let a hardnosed investigative journalist expose their secrets. He hopes bringing Mackenzie Stone into his compound and showing her there isn’t anything to see or write about will not blow up in his face. His men question whether he’s thinking with the right part of his anatomy, but he can’t deny his attraction to Mackenzie is too intense to be normal. Is she ‘The One’ described in werewolf lore or will she be the one to betray their secret?
Hungry Like the Wolf was a thrilling ride! It combines some of my favorite elements: the paranormal and the action you find in romantic suspense. It doesn’t hurt that the story is littered with passionate and protective alpha men! (Not that I don’t enjoy the well-written beta male, which are few-and-far between in Romancelandia.) The ‘fated-mate’ trope felt a little unnecessary but served a purpose, as in the plausibility of certain characters’ actions.
There was never a dull moment in this story, but maybe a very high-crime rate with very well-armed criminals in Dallas. The baddies kept coming and coming! Ms. Tyler also gave her werewolves unique traits, so when I questions whether a team of all alpha werewolves could work together I had to remind myself that 1) this is fiction and 2) these are Tyler’s werewolves. (So, get out of Mercyverse!)
The steam level was high and I appreciated that sex didn’t litter this novel. I also appreciated that the hero and heroine weren’t declaring their love within three days; they had other strong feelings before building up to their declaration. Hungry Like the Wolf delivered entertainment and served as a sizzling introduction to a promising paranormal-romantic-suspense series! I am looking forward to book 2 in this series, which will feature Xander and possibly an alpha female werewolf. I’m eager to their dynamics!
With a strong code of ethics, journalist Mackenzie Stone attacks a story like a dog with a bone. Mac’s nose for stories often leads her into dangerous situations, but the public deserves the truth. This time, she catches a scent that may reveal Dallas’ SWAT time isn’t as squeaky-clean as it should be. After seeing the team in action, there’s a sequence of events that doesn’t add up. As Mac digs deeper and gets closer to the team she experiences a conflict of interest. Their smoldering commander makes her feel things she’s never felt with any man. His men seem like good people. When do the people you’re trying to expose become more important than the story?
The last eight years, Gage Dixon has brought in the best men from around the country to be part of his elite team. The Dallas SWAT team has very unique traits in common, one of them being they are all werewolves. Gage is not about to let a hardnosed investigative journalist expose their secrets. He hopes bringing Mackenzie Stone into his compound and showing her there isn’t anything to see or write about will not blow up in his face. His men question whether he’s thinking with the right part of his anatomy, but he can’t deny his attraction to Mackenzie is too intense to be normal. Is she ‘The One’ described in werewolf lore or will she be the one to betray their secret?
Hungry Like the Wolf was a thrilling ride! It combines some of my favorite elements: the paranormal and the action you find in romantic suspense. It doesn’t hurt that the story is littered with passionate and protective alpha men! (Not that I don’t enjoy the well-written beta male, which are few-and-far between in Romancelandia.) The ‘fated-mate’ trope felt a little unnecessary but served a purpose, as in the plausibility of certain characters’ actions.
There was never a dull moment in this story, but maybe a very high-crime rate with very well-armed criminals in Dallas. The baddies kept coming and coming! Ms. Tyler also gave her werewolves unique traits, so when I questions whether a team of all alpha werewolves could work together I had to remind myself that 1) this is fiction and 2) these are Tyler’s werewolves. (So, get out of Mercyverse!)
The steam level was high and I appreciated that sex didn’t litter this novel. I also appreciated that the hero and heroine weren’t declaring their love within three days; they had other strong feelings before building up to their declaration. Hungry Like the Wolf delivered entertainment and served as a sizzling introduction to a promising paranormal-romantic-suspense series! I am looking forward to book 2 in this series, which will feature Xander and possibly an alpha female werewolf. I’m eager to their dynamics!
February 17, 2015
I absolutely adored this book - straight to my favourite shelf!!!
I get the feeling I am in for a truly fabulous series, I'm hoping the next installment is about Xander!!!
I get the feeling I am in for a truly fabulous series, I'm hoping the next installment is about Xander!!!
December 29, 2018
4.5 stars
July 17, 2015
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Quickie Review:
Dammit all to hell. Things were going so fucking good! I mean. Like the book version of your eyes rolling back in your head and then...the heroine had to be both too stupid to live and put her career as a journalist above everything else and not give a damn who it hurt. Gah but I HATE heroines like that. Worst career for a heroine to have. It's like an instant stamp of "you're going to wish the bad guys would just kill me before the book is over" it put smack on their foreheads.
Full Review:
There were so many fantastic shiver-worthy things about Hungry like the Wolf. I was freaking LOVING this read. I mean, hello, a SWAT team made of werewolves! Loves! But there was one big issue kept this book from knocking it out for me and oh made me so angry. And that was...the heroine which was a shame because it was a killer start to one helluva exciting series other than her.
Alright the quick of it is that the Dallas SWAT team has a major secret, you know, being they're all wolves and such. And now a reporter is poking around trying to uncover the secret behind the SWAT team--she's sure they're on drugs or something--and exposing them for what they are even though they do an amazing job and everyone adores them. If she can break a story on them it'll make her career! Hrms.
Oh I was loving these men! The whole set up for the series is pretty awesome. There's a whole lotta delicious Alpha male of the wolfy variety happening. They're fun and hot and work well together. Just some serious sexy make-a-girl-pant all over the place with some humor added in. Getting to see them going out on calls and hanging out together and the tension that would pop up with so much testosterone brandying about was just a good time. And Gage was one hot hero. I really did adore him.
And Mac. The One. While I was pretty wary of her at the start and her motives she did grow on me during the story as she got to know the guys and saw what they did every day. She could be fun and went all in when she got the experience to see and do what they did. We'd been at a solid 4-4.5 stars. I was totally digging it all. And then Mac nearly ruined it all for me and fell back on the stereotypical reporter attitude of the story being the most important thing no matter that it would destroy lives of good men and their families. Because it would make her career!! She became that idealistic 'everyone should know and it'll be fine' type of heroine. She loves these people and was willing to betray them in the worst possible way...for a story and getting ahead in her career. And that's basically when I done with this book and lost all respect for her as a heroine. I nearly threw my kindle across the room I was so angry. Had it happened at the start of the book before she knew them..maybe it would have been forgivable--with enough groveling. But the way it was done and how quickly they just patted her hand and said it was all okay...nope. Really over a month after reading I'm still pretty TO-d about it.
So three stars. The rest of Hungry Like the Wolf was fantastic and I loved the writing overall. Tyler has a way of pulling you in completely and making it impossible to put down a book. I'll definitely read more from Tyler and think the set up for the series--a wolf based SWAT team--was simply amazing and the men gloriously sexy and fun. I was just so disappointed in the route the heroine was taken in the end. But others loved it-- including the heroine. So maybe she'll work for you. Hopefully.
Quickie Review:
Dammit all to hell. Things were going so fucking good! I mean. Like the book version of your eyes rolling back in your head and then...the heroine had to be both too stupid to live and put her career as a journalist above everything else and not give a damn who it hurt. Gah but I HATE heroines like that. Worst career for a heroine to have. It's like an instant stamp of "you're going to wish the bad guys would just kill me before the book is over" it put smack on their foreheads.
Full Review:
There were so many fantastic shiver-worthy things about Hungry like the Wolf. I was freaking LOVING this read. I mean, hello, a SWAT team made of werewolves! Loves! But there was one big issue kept this book from knocking it out for me and oh made me so angry. And that was...the heroine which was a shame because it was a killer start to one helluva exciting series other than her.
Alright the quick of it is that the Dallas SWAT team has a major secret, you know, being they're all wolves and such. And now a reporter is poking around trying to uncover the secret behind the SWAT team--she's sure they're on drugs or something--and exposing them for what they are even though they do an amazing job and everyone adores them. If she can break a story on them it'll make her career! Hrms.
Oh I was loving these men! The whole set up for the series is pretty awesome. There's a whole lotta delicious Alpha male of the wolfy variety happening. They're fun and hot and work well together. Just some serious sexy make-a-girl-pant all over the place with some humor added in. Getting to see them going out on calls and hanging out together and the tension that would pop up with so much testosterone brandying about was just a good time. And Gage was one hot hero. I really did adore him.
Gage clenched his jaw. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Xander looked to Mike for help, but he just shrugged. "I mean that it seems like she might be The One for you, is all."
The One. Capital T capital O. Gage snorted. "You know I don't believe in that crap. Mackenzie smells great. Doesn't mean she has some psychic ability to control my mind."
"Maybe not," Mike agreed with a laugh. "But that doesn't mean she can't control the rest of you."
"Funny." Gage chuckled.
And Mac. The One. While I was pretty wary of her at the start and her motives she did grow on me during the story as she got to know the guys and saw what they did every day. She could be fun and went all in when she got the experience to see and do what they did. We'd been at a solid 4-4.5 stars. I was totally digging it all. And then Mac nearly ruined it all for me and fell back on the stereotypical reporter attitude of the story being the most important thing no matter that it would destroy lives of good men and their families. Because it would make her career!! She became that idealistic 'everyone should know and it'll be fine' type of heroine. She loves these people and was willing to betray them in the worst possible way...for a story and getting ahead in her career. And that's basically when I done with this book and lost all respect for her as a heroine. I nearly threw my kindle across the room I was so angry. Had it happened at the start of the book before she knew them..maybe it would have been forgivable--with enough groveling. But the way it was done and how quickly they just patted her hand and said it was all okay...nope. Really over a month after reading I'm still pretty TO-d about it.
So three stars. The rest of Hungry Like the Wolf was fantastic and I loved the writing overall. Tyler has a way of pulling you in completely and making it impossible to put down a book. I'll definitely read more from Tyler and think the set up for the series--a wolf based SWAT team--was simply amazing and the men gloriously sexy and fun. I was just so disappointed in the route the heroine was taken in the end. But others loved it-- including the heroine. So maybe she'll work for you. Hopefully.
May 30, 2020
Meh. I liked it, but I didn't Love it.
Not sure if I will continue this series. I really liked Cooper & maybe Xander but other than that not really invested in any characters. Def not as good as Delta Heroes or KGI. Was hoping for a PNR version like one of those.
Not sure if I will continue this series. I really liked Cooper & maybe Xander but other than that not really invested in any characters. Def not as good as Delta Heroes or KGI. Was hoping for a PNR version like one of those.
August 30, 2024
Hungry Like the Wolf is book one in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team series by Paige Tyler. We are introduced to several dreamy hunky alpha wolves; who make up the Dallas SWAT team.
Action, suspense, and romance.
Hungry Like the Wolf starts off slow, picks up, slows down, and picks up again. I wasn’t overly impressed or drawn into the world and story. The world building wasn’t bad, but we just don’t get much on the world building until later, much later, in the story when we have a mini-info dump. I did like the concept of Ms. Tyler’s werewolves. I found it intriguing how they became werewolves. It's not the norm that we typically see with a bite, a curse, or born as a werewolf. I appalled the different take on werewolves.
As for the characters: We are introduced to a lot of sexy SWAT guys. Their is no shortage of dreamy men to think about especially when they are half naked. I enjoyed all the SWAT guys introduced. Then their’s Mackenzie the reporter. I’m not a fan of reports. I just have a hard time with them and Mac was no different. She was an ok character. I didn’t hate her, but I didn’t like her either. I was indifferent. I will say their was one part in the story that really made me not care for Mac. At this point she’s gotten to know the SWAT team and they are friends in a way, so when she puts her career above everything else and don’t give a dame about who it will hurt or how it will effect lives I wanted to throttle her and I felt so sorry for Gage. Last, our sexy wolf SWAT leader Gage. I loved him. He has a great head on his shoulders and a protective streak that is enduring. I like how he’s put his team/pack/family together and cares for them.
We are treated to a little action/suspense with a crime lord after Gage and the SWAT team. This adds a little danger to the story along with Mac and Gage’s romance. Their were the classic cliches and tropes during the storyline, so no big surprises in the story.
Narration: This is my first experience with Abby Craden’s and I enjoyed her narration of Hungry Like the Wolf. She did a good job. I liked her voices and I could disguise; between all the male characters. That distinction made them stand out, be individuals, and become more real.
Hunger Like the Wolf takes the safe road, the characters are interesting enough, and the sex is steamy. It didn’t overly impress me, but it was still a pleasure and a satisfying listen.
Rated: 3 Stars
Action, suspense, and romance.
Hungry Like the Wolf starts off slow, picks up, slows down, and picks up again. I wasn’t overly impressed or drawn into the world and story. The world building wasn’t bad, but we just don’t get much on the world building until later, much later, in the story when we have a mini-info dump. I did like the concept of Ms. Tyler’s werewolves. I found it intriguing how they became werewolves. It's not the norm that we typically see with a bite, a curse, or born as a werewolf. I appalled the different take on werewolves.
As for the characters: We are introduced to a lot of sexy SWAT guys. Their is no shortage of dreamy men to think about especially when they are half naked. I enjoyed all the SWAT guys introduced. Then their’s Mackenzie the reporter. I’m not a fan of reports. I just have a hard time with them and Mac was no different. She was an ok character. I didn’t hate her, but I didn’t like her either. I was indifferent. I will say their was one part in the story that really made me not care for Mac. At this point she’s gotten to know the SWAT team and they are friends in a way, so when she puts her career above everything else and don’t give a dame about who it will hurt or how it will effect lives I wanted to throttle her and I felt so sorry for Gage. Last, our sexy wolf SWAT leader Gage. I loved him. He has a great head on his shoulders and a protective streak that is enduring. I like how he’s put his team/pack/family together and cares for them.
We are treated to a little action/suspense with a crime lord after Gage and the SWAT team. This adds a little danger to the story along with Mac and Gage’s romance. Their were the classic cliches and tropes during the storyline, so no big surprises in the story.
Narration: This is my first experience with Abby Craden’s and I enjoyed her narration of Hungry Like the Wolf. She did a good job. I liked her voices and I could disguise; between all the male characters. That distinction made them stand out, be individuals, and become more real.
Hunger Like the Wolf takes the safe road, the characters are interesting enough, and the sex is steamy. It didn’t overly impress me, but it was still a pleasure and a satisfying listen.
Rated: 3 Stars
January 5, 2015
The Dallas SWAT team is hiding a huge secret and Mackenzie Stone is out for next big story but Gage is finding it impossible to keep Mac at a distance and she’s getting dangerously close to the truth…and his heart in this thrilling paranormal romance.
There is never a dull moment is this thrilling fast paced and smooth flowing plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seat with suspense, action and romance. The reader’s can’t help but get caught up in the story as Mackenzie sets her sights on the Dallas SWAT team determined to uncover the secret to their success and Gage as the team commander and pack leader must protect their secret at all cost. Only problem is their attraction which burns hot from first meeting only get hotter and harder to deny the closer she gets to the team. The characters are strong, captivating and undeniably sexy and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning with Gage and Mackenzie making one explosive couple.
Spine tingling excitement builds throughout the story as a very bad man sets his sights on Gage and his team and then decides that Mackenzie makes the better target for his rage. The well written scenes and details paint vivid images that capture the imagination and bring the story to life while the well orchestrated suspense and action draw the reader in and make them fell as if they are part of the story. To add spice and depth to the story, Mackenzie becomes part of the team and is torn between her quest for the truth and her desires that results in some combustible sex scenes.
Sparks fly in every direction from bullets, claws, fangs, explosions and passion in this fascinating new series by Paige Tyler and I for one can’t wait to read the next one. If you like red hot sexy alpha males, you can’t go wrong with this romance and well the fact that they are werewolves in a dangerous job just puts the cherry on top. I want to say a special thank you to Mr. Tyler for helping Paige brainstorm this great new series.
- Eva
There is never a dull moment is this thrilling fast paced and smooth flowing plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seat with suspense, action and romance. The reader’s can’t help but get caught up in the story as Mackenzie sets her sights on the Dallas SWAT team determined to uncover the secret to their success and Gage as the team commander and pack leader must protect their secret at all cost. Only problem is their attraction which burns hot from first meeting only get hotter and harder to deny the closer she gets to the team. The characters are strong, captivating and undeniably sexy and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning with Gage and Mackenzie making one explosive couple.
Spine tingling excitement builds throughout the story as a very bad man sets his sights on Gage and his team and then decides that Mackenzie makes the better target for his rage. The well written scenes and details paint vivid images that capture the imagination and bring the story to life while the well orchestrated suspense and action draw the reader in and make them fell as if they are part of the story. To add spice and depth to the story, Mackenzie becomes part of the team and is torn between her quest for the truth and her desires that results in some combustible sex scenes.
Sparks fly in every direction from bullets, claws, fangs, explosions and passion in this fascinating new series by Paige Tyler and I for one can’t wait to read the next one. If you like red hot sexy alpha males, you can’t go wrong with this romance and well the fact that they are werewolves in a dangerous job just puts the cherry on top. I want to say a special thank you to Mr. Tyler for helping Paige brainstorm this great new series.
- Eva
June 30, 2016
RATING: SOLID 3 HEARTS
Men in uniform + werewolf shifters = SOLD! Its been a while since I last read an okay werewolf book, but Paige Tyler's debut read definitely resolved that for me. Along with a little suspense, action and a lot of steaminess thrown together with the werewolf aspect, this was a little better than okay. I enjoyed this, despite me wishing that certain aspects could change, most notably the stupid (and infuriating) thing Mac does near the 73% mark. There were some other minor reservations I had, but for the most part, this was fun. It also helped that there were a lot of delicious men to swoon over! =DD
November 16, 2014
OMG, I LOVED THIS SOOOO MUCH!!!
I wasn't expecting it to be so sweet, but heck, I'm in love with THE WHOLE SWAT TEAM now *SWOON*
CAN'T WAIT to read the REST of this series, Paige Tyler!!!!
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca*
I wasn't expecting it to be so sweet, but heck, I'm in love with THE WHOLE SWAT TEAM now *SWOON*
CAN'T WAIT to read the REST of this series, Paige Tyler!!!!
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca*
not-for-me
November 27, 2015Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I like alpha males and not beta heroes, where the heroine chases after him.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I like alpha males and not beta heroes, where the heroine chases after him.
December 29, 2014
A special police team made up of huge, lethal alpha werewolves? Yes, please! I was so eager to try Paige Tyler's new shifter series and I loved the idea of the setting and the potential for a bunch of terribly exciting action stories and a new sexy alpha hero for each one.
This first book was the pack leader, Gage Dixon's story and wouldn't you know it his heroine was an investigative journalist determined to snoop out a story. Ordinarily, I see the word 'reporter' or 'journalist' in a book blurb and I high tail it quickly in the opposite direction. The whole 'the world deserves to know and its my job to dig for it no matter what havoc I wreck in everyone's life' thing just doesn't do it for me, but fortunately I was more curious about the werewolf police team and decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did because I had a good time with this one. Now did MacKenzie Stone prove me right about reporter type characters? Absolutely! However, I give her points for being so much more than that too.
The story opens with Gage and the team called in for a severe hostage situation with ruthless armed gunmen at a bank. They are shadowed by the inquisitive reporter and her photographer determined to prove the squeaky clean SWAT team are hiding something dirty and are too good to be true. Gage and the guys have their hands full, but in the end, they manage to whisk the snoopy journalist from getting grabbed by the bad guys and take down the gunmen while rescuing the hostages. After things settle, Gage realizes that the tenacious Mac Stone will not go away unless they satisfy her curiosity for whatever she's after so he agrees to let her interview the team and explore the SWAT compound against the wishes of his team who fear that she will play him and get at their secret.
Mac can't believe her luck. Sgt Gage Dixon has acceded to her and has given her permission to do her investigation. Now if only she can keep from getting her head turned by the very delectable SWAT leader and her focus on her story. It doesn't take long to realize that her original suspicions about corruption and dirty cops aren't true, but there is something...her journalist's intuition is roused. Okay, maybe it's just her being roused. She's never responded to a guy like she is with Gage and he's not indifferent either. If only he would take the threat more seriously of the crime boss who lost his son in that SWAT rescue.
The story opens with little introduction right into the action and lets the worldbuilding and character backgrounds unfold at a nice pace throughout the story. Most of the story focuses on the relationship between Gage and Mac both their smoldering attraction and the cat and mouse game they play as she tries to pry his secrets out of him. The conflict is based on the fact that the team are werewolves and it has to be kept a secret and yet that isn't really where the focus lies. Shifter moments are few and far between though I wasn't too disappointed as I did have the other aspects of the story to be caught up in.
As to the characters, at first, I was prepared for disappointment in Mac because one of the first actions from her is to stupidly race past the police barriers to get into the building where the armed gunmen and hostages are to take pictures and observe the SWAT team. She's an untrained, unarmed, human and she is oblivious of the obvious because there is a story with her name on it. Yep, I was prepared to hand her the TSTL trophy, but I ended up having to put it away when she demonstrated no further lapses in judgment of that sort. Whew! And her need to dig for a story didn't bother me too badly because she wasn't trying to scoop someone's private life; she was trying to expose possible corruption. Later, she makes a big mistake, but yeesh under the circumstances I think most of us would have screwed that one up (sorry, no details or I'll spoil it for you).
Now Gage is alpha enough to command a whole team of werewolves chosen to be on his team because they are alphas and highly trained in their own right. His quiet strength, loyalty and care of his pack and leadership make him the perfect hero. He is overwhelmed by all that is MacKenzie, but kudos for him, he doesn't shy away from his attraction and even when he is suspicious of what she really wants to know, he opens up and lets her in. So refreshing to deal with a guy who may not understand it all, but he isn't a player and commitophobe- actually neither of them are. The passion was hot and these two had no trouble pursuing it. Gage sets the pace, but even he doesn't make them wait too long.
In the end, I had a good time with this opening story to a new series. I'm filled with enthusiasm to go on to the next SWAT story and the team member to get his romance. Paranormal Romance lovers who like red hot passion and some strong action sequences of a romantic suspense sort should definitely give this one a try.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This first book was the pack leader, Gage Dixon's story and wouldn't you know it his heroine was an investigative journalist determined to snoop out a story. Ordinarily, I see the word 'reporter' or 'journalist' in a book blurb and I high tail it quickly in the opposite direction. The whole 'the world deserves to know and its my job to dig for it no matter what havoc I wreck in everyone's life' thing just doesn't do it for me, but fortunately I was more curious about the werewolf police team and decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did because I had a good time with this one. Now did MacKenzie Stone prove me right about reporter type characters? Absolutely! However, I give her points for being so much more than that too.
The story opens with Gage and the team called in for a severe hostage situation with ruthless armed gunmen at a bank. They are shadowed by the inquisitive reporter and her photographer determined to prove the squeaky clean SWAT team are hiding something dirty and are too good to be true. Gage and the guys have their hands full, but in the end, they manage to whisk the snoopy journalist from getting grabbed by the bad guys and take down the gunmen while rescuing the hostages. After things settle, Gage realizes that the tenacious Mac Stone will not go away unless they satisfy her curiosity for whatever she's after so he agrees to let her interview the team and explore the SWAT compound against the wishes of his team who fear that she will play him and get at their secret.
Mac can't believe her luck. Sgt Gage Dixon has acceded to her and has given her permission to do her investigation. Now if only she can keep from getting her head turned by the very delectable SWAT leader and her focus on her story. It doesn't take long to realize that her original suspicions about corruption and dirty cops aren't true, but there is something...her journalist's intuition is roused. Okay, maybe it's just her being roused. She's never responded to a guy like she is with Gage and he's not indifferent either. If only he would take the threat more seriously of the crime boss who lost his son in that SWAT rescue.
The story opens with little introduction right into the action and lets the worldbuilding and character backgrounds unfold at a nice pace throughout the story. Most of the story focuses on the relationship between Gage and Mac both their smoldering attraction and the cat and mouse game they play as she tries to pry his secrets out of him. The conflict is based on the fact that the team are werewolves and it has to be kept a secret and yet that isn't really where the focus lies. Shifter moments are few and far between though I wasn't too disappointed as I did have the other aspects of the story to be caught up in.
As to the characters, at first, I was prepared for disappointment in Mac because one of the first actions from her is to stupidly race past the police barriers to get into the building where the armed gunmen and hostages are to take pictures and observe the SWAT team. She's an untrained, unarmed, human and she is oblivious of the obvious because there is a story with her name on it. Yep, I was prepared to hand her the TSTL trophy, but I ended up having to put it away when she demonstrated no further lapses in judgment of that sort. Whew! And her need to dig for a story didn't bother me too badly because she wasn't trying to scoop someone's private life; she was trying to expose possible corruption. Later, she makes a big mistake, but yeesh under the circumstances I think most of us would have screwed that one up (sorry, no details or I'll spoil it for you).
Now Gage is alpha enough to command a whole team of werewolves chosen to be on his team because they are alphas and highly trained in their own right. His quiet strength, loyalty and care of his pack and leadership make him the perfect hero. He is overwhelmed by all that is MacKenzie, but kudos for him, he doesn't shy away from his attraction and even when he is suspicious of what she really wants to know, he opens up and lets her in. So refreshing to deal with a guy who may not understand it all, but he isn't a player and commitophobe- actually neither of them are. The passion was hot and these two had no trouble pursuing it. Gage sets the pace, but even he doesn't make them wait too long.
In the end, I had a good time with this opening story to a new series. I'm filled with enthusiasm to go on to the next SWAT story and the team member to get his romance. Paranormal Romance lovers who like red hot passion and some strong action sequences of a romantic suspense sort should definitely give this one a try.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2015
SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team
I couldn't resist grabbing-up this new series by Paige Tyler! Hungry Like the Wolf is part of her new series featuring very alpha males as part of the Dallas SWAT team. Only these are not any ordinary males, they're shifters of the furry, werewolves variety. Need numbers. There are 16 members of this close-knit group to drool over. Brother officers who have each other's backs, bro-camaraderie, and some serious physical awesomeness going on. I loved every minute spent with these guys!
Hungry Like the Wolf feels much like a Romantic Suspense story with danger in the form of crime bosses, bombs, and dangerous armory, only you throw in the extra-abilities and shifting of supernatural werewolves. Paige Tyler creates plenty of action sequences and danger to get you heart racing then hits you with intense, steamy romantic scenes between the hero and heroine to keep it racing, while creating a great blend suspense and romance!
The story opens with the focus on our hero commander Gage Dixon dealing with a dangerous crime boss that's causing havoc in Dallas and has a personal vendetta against Gage, placing a bounty on him. In walks investigator reporter Mackenzie Stone who is hot on the trail of this beyond reproach SWAT team, believing they're too good to be true and wants to uncover the truth behind the teams extraordinary success.
The chemistry between Gage and Mac is immediate and the pheromones are lit up, but it took me awhile to warmup to Mac's character as a reporter which is not my favorite type of heroine. Despite her determination to uncover a damaging story and bring down this group of amazing guys, (I admit, I felt very protective over them) I was able to get past my slight disgruntlement once Mac used her smarts and saw beyond the potential story. Gage, on the other hand, was a perfect blend of alpha strength, a role model, leadership, and loyalty to his brothers ... plus, undeniable sweet and sexy to Mac!
The band-of-brothers theme added fun to the story, and I really hope we can get some more mythology behind these men and their abilities. The story touches just briefly on their past, and for most PNR readers it should suffice, but I'm hoping for more as it could really make this series fantastic as an whole. I did enjoy the theme of each member having his mate "The One" as a myth that is now turning a reality for these heroes, with Gage being the first to experience it for the group. At great start to a new series that is sure to promise plenty more thrills and romance!
My Rating: 4 stars. I really liked it!
PLEASE NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my fair and honest review. Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for the review opportunity!
December 20, 2014
Hungry Like The Wolf is the first book in Paige Tyler's newest series "SWAT" which just means we have a pack of a SWAT team, who are sexy shifter wolves and fight totally badass and are sexy hot!! I mean can you resist that combination? I certainly couldn't. When I was asked to do a honest review and spotlight post I was so excited to start this one. I have seen other books by this author, of course, but I haven't ever picked her up. And I just love this combination...good type cops, but are also part of a werewolf pack, and quite frankly shifters are my weakness. probably one of my favorite sub genres to read in the paranormal romance genre. They just do something for me, and I adore animals so I loved what Tyler's does with this series. Now this is the first book, so the hero, is the pack's leader and alpha, Gage Dixon. Gage will do anything to protect his pack and the men he has fought to protect and who are his family, and no woman will change his mind on that matter but he underestimated the power of the "One". Among wolf lore, every werewolf has a mate that is the one for him in every way, and Mackenzie could be the one but she is dangerous. Mackenzie is a journalist, and she has dedicated her life to the truth and sharing that truth. She suspects that Gage and his team are hiding something, and she means to find out what it is. But what she doesn't expec6t is to fall in love, or to discover a secret that could destroy the one man that has ever truly loved her....will she make the right choice?
Hungry Like The Wolf was such a amazing read and after reading this author, I definitely HAVE to try her out again. I definitely love all the various aspects of the plot that seemed to blend together in a way that leaves a compelling story. This story was quite a romance and I couldn't help but just love it from the beginning. These two have quite the chemistry, and it builds up, they take some time working out this little courting dance they have going on here, and both of them tend to lean toward denying what they feel due to their suspicions of each other. They each have strong personalities and are so stubborn, yet they have a powerful bond to each other, and we really see that come into play from the beginning of the story. It was also quite fun to see the other members of the pack and the different ways they contributed to it as a whole.
This story was exciting, full of mystery and anticipation, a steamy romance, and quite a powerful love story that thrilled me from head to toe. I just can't wait for the next book in the series. This was stunning and full of thrills and a paranormal mixture, of fun sexy wolves, sensual romancfe and adventure!! INTOXICATING!!
Hungry Like The Wolf was such a amazing read and after reading this author, I definitely HAVE to try her out again. I definitely love all the various aspects of the plot that seemed to blend together in a way that leaves a compelling story. This story was quite a romance and I couldn't help but just love it from the beginning. These two have quite the chemistry, and it builds up, they take some time working out this little courting dance they have going on here, and both of them tend to lean toward denying what they feel due to their suspicions of each other. They each have strong personalities and are so stubborn, yet they have a powerful bond to each other, and we really see that come into play from the beginning of the story. It was also quite fun to see the other members of the pack and the different ways they contributed to it as a whole.
This story was exciting, full of mystery and anticipation, a steamy romance, and quite a powerful love story that thrilled me from head to toe. I just can't wait for the next book in the series. This was stunning and full of thrills and a paranormal mixture, of fun sexy wolves, sensual romancfe and adventure!! INTOXICATING!!
December 3, 2014
~Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review~
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books>.
What can I say- men in uniform turn me on and shifters are one of my favorite creatures of the night, so those are one of the main reasons that "made" me choose this book. I can't say that the story impressed me, but I also can't say it was that bad. There were some things I liked about it and then there were some things that the author could have done better in my opinion.
Meet Dallas SWAT team- one of the best agencies dealing with crime and criminals with one big secret that could potentially ruin their reputation- they are a pack of werewolves. Their secret comes in danger when their impeccable record becomes suspicious to one of the famous investigative journalists- Mackenzie Stone who is also the MC of this story.
Mackenzie is certain that there's something illegal going on in the SWAT team and she wants to be the first one who will reveal it to the world, but there's one thing she didn't predict when plotting against the Swat Team and that's their ripped, intense & way too hot leader- Gage Dixon.
~ The things I liked the most about this book were the strong, witty and laid-back main and secondary characters. The chemistry between Mackenzie & Gage was palpable from the page 1 and I liked that the relationship between them two wasn't rushed, but rather slow-building.
~ The thing that in my opinion needs improvement is the poor building of the paranormal world. Some part of me thinks that this book is lucky because I read it after one read I really didn't like and rated 1 star. If I read it after Burn for Me (Hidden LEGACY, #1) by Ilona Andrews which had an amazing paranormal world building, I'm not sure that my rating would be the same or better say it would perhaps be less than 3 stars.
The author should have done more research before including the paranormal aspect in the story in order to make it more interesting and unique. The paranormal world here was quite monotonous and lacked imagination. The story would have been much better for me if there hadn't been anything paranormal and I think that the most of the paranormal fans would agree with me.
I would recommend this book to readers who are fans of above all action-packed stories with sexy men in uniform as their leading characters and a steamy romance mixed with a little light paranormal world.
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books>.
3 solid, action-packed, suspenseful & steamy stars.
What can I say- men in uniform turn me on and shifters are one of my favorite creatures of the night, so those are one of the main reasons that "made" me choose this book. I can't say that the story impressed me, but I also can't say it was that bad. There were some things I liked about it and then there were some things that the author could have done better in my opinion.
Meet Dallas SWAT team- one of the best agencies dealing with crime and criminals with one big secret that could potentially ruin their reputation- they are a pack of werewolves. Their secret comes in danger when their impeccable record becomes suspicious to one of the famous investigative journalists- Mackenzie Stone who is also the MC of this story.
Mackenzie is certain that there's something illegal going on in the SWAT team and she wants to be the first one who will reveal it to the world, but there's one thing she didn't predict when plotting against the Swat Team and that's their ripped, intense & way too hot leader- Gage Dixon.
~ The things I liked the most about this book were the strong, witty and laid-back main and secondary characters. The chemistry between Mackenzie & Gage was palpable from the page 1 and I liked that the relationship between them two wasn't rushed, but rather slow-building.
~ The thing that in my opinion needs improvement is the poor building of the paranormal world. Some part of me thinks that this book is lucky because I read it after one read I really didn't like and rated 1 star. If I read it after Burn for Me (Hidden LEGACY, #1) by Ilona Andrews which had an amazing paranormal world building, I'm not sure that my rating would be the same or better say it would perhaps be less than 3 stars.
The author should have done more research before including the paranormal aspect in the story in order to make it more interesting and unique. The paranormal world here was quite monotonous and lacked imagination. The story would have been much better for me if there hadn't been anything paranormal and I think that the most of the paranormal fans would agree with me.
I would recommend this book to readers who are fans of above all action-packed stories with sexy men in uniform as their leading characters and a steamy romance mixed with a little light paranormal world.
May 11, 2015
Give me more! Hungry like the Wolf makes a reader hunger for more in this series. Ms. Tyler is a new to me author and she kicks it off with a well written paranormal romantic suspense. Mackenzie "call me Mac" is a nosy reporter. She reminds people she is an investigative journalist not a lesser paid reporter. Regardless, when she sniffs out a story, she will not rest until she exposes every little detail because the Public has the right to know.
Right off the bat, I hate this character. Mac is a self-righteous busy body who thinks she knows what is best for everyone else. I have very little respect for her and hope she is shot. It is not to be. She is saved by the Dallas SWAT team who she's tried to expose for taking some kind of experimental enhancement drugs. What rubs me wrong about Mac is her belief that she can destroy other people's life and think that hers should be kept private. Hypocrite much? Gage Dixon is the commander of the SWAT team and also the Alpha of this pack. This is the secret he is keeping from all. When Mac threatens the pack, Gage takes a stance which is unpopular - he keeps his enemy closer.
The sexual tension between Gage and Mac is strong as pheromones and social constraints prevent them from copulating, even if Mac turns into a bitch in heat. Gage may want to hump her leg like a horny dog, but he is keeping his hands to himself. This is actually quite amusing as Mac can not believe her seduction to get what she wants is failing. When the two finally get it on, it's explosive. From an erotic standpoint, this story is good and the chemistry between the two main characters is decent.
The writing is smooth and the story is fast paced. There are no big surprises here. The story progression is as expected and the final conflict is resolved in a believable manner. The real driver of this story is not the plot, it's the characters and their epiphanies. It would be nice to learn more about this world as the werewolf mythos is barely touched upon here. There are many questions as to how werewolves have learned about themselves if they are all lone wolves. How do they know about packs? If they are isolated, how did they hear about the urban legends of "The One"? Ms. Tyler can strengthen her series if she spent a bit more time with the world building. She is already talented with character development and erotic scenes. Now if she ups her game with a meatier story, it will appeal to more readers. This paranormal romance is recommended for wolf lovers who enjoy alpha men in uniforms.
*provided by Edelweiss
Right off the bat, I hate this character. Mac is a self-righteous busy body who thinks she knows what is best for everyone else. I have very little respect for her and hope she is shot. It is not to be. She is saved by the Dallas SWAT team who she's tried to expose for taking some kind of experimental enhancement drugs. What rubs me wrong about Mac is her belief that she can destroy other people's life and think that hers should be kept private. Hypocrite much? Gage Dixon is the commander of the SWAT team and also the Alpha of this pack. This is the secret he is keeping from all. When Mac threatens the pack, Gage takes a stance which is unpopular - he keeps his enemy closer.
The sexual tension between Gage and Mac is strong as pheromones and social constraints prevent them from copulating, even if Mac turns into a bitch in heat. Gage may want to hump her leg like a horny dog, but he is keeping his hands to himself. This is actually quite amusing as Mac can not believe her seduction to get what she wants is failing. When the two finally get it on, it's explosive. From an erotic standpoint, this story is good and the chemistry between the two main characters is decent.
The writing is smooth and the story is fast paced. There are no big surprises here. The story progression is as expected and the final conflict is resolved in a believable manner. The real driver of this story is not the plot, it's the characters and their epiphanies. It would be nice to learn more about this world as the werewolf mythos is barely touched upon here. There are many questions as to how werewolves have learned about themselves if they are all lone wolves. How do they know about packs? If they are isolated, how did they hear about the urban legends of "The One"? Ms. Tyler can strengthen her series if she spent a bit more time with the world building. She is already talented with character development and erotic scenes. Now if she ups her game with a meatier story, it will appeal to more readers. This paranormal romance is recommended for wolf lovers who enjoy alpha men in uniforms.
*provided by Edelweiss
February 4, 2015
ARC Review. The review originally posted at: Love Affair with an E-Reader
I love this high-adventure, shifter romance. It has all the right elements for an explosively fun read – a cynical alpha male (lots of them); a smart, sassy female, a law enforcement setting (can it get any better than SWAT?), and a notorious bad guy with lots of money and no-holds-barred bad behavior.
Gage Dixon is the leader of the Dallas SWAT. He has recruited some of the best shifters around the country to be on the team and work under the radar. It is unclear who is in-the-know, but what is clear is that the public isn’t. Mackenzie Stone’s journalistic instincts tell her that something isn’t kosher, but she hasn’t discovered exactly what is wrong. However, what IS right is the white hot chemistry between her and Gage.
The author navigates around the insta-love by introducing the notion of “The One” – a shifter’s perfect mate. I can buy into that idea. Unfortunately, the idea of The One isn’t really well developed. Does this inexplicable pull only apply to the shifter? Or the mate as well? Why is idea of The One a myth among shifters? Is it really so unusual? I would also like more world-building all round. I would like to understand more about how a person becomes a shifter. I get that it is genetic and is triggered by stress. I would like to know more about the community of shifters. How are they identified? When Gage was recruiting for the Team, he was looking for specific clues, but it is unclear to me what those are. Are there other established shifter communities out there? Who helps nurture these new wolves? I am looking forward to future books to see where the author takes us.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Paige Tyler is a new author to me. I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to read this entertaining book. I’m sure I will be stocking my TBR with more of her books.
I love this high-adventure, shifter romance. It has all the right elements for an explosively fun read – a cynical alpha male (lots of them); a smart, sassy female, a law enforcement setting (can it get any better than SWAT?), and a notorious bad guy with lots of money and no-holds-barred bad behavior.
Gage Dixon is the leader of the Dallas SWAT. He has recruited some of the best shifters around the country to be on the team and work under the radar. It is unclear who is in-the-know, but what is clear is that the public isn’t. Mackenzie Stone’s journalistic instincts tell her that something isn’t kosher, but she hasn’t discovered exactly what is wrong. However, what IS right is the white hot chemistry between her and Gage.
The author navigates around the insta-love by introducing the notion of “The One” – a shifter’s perfect mate. I can buy into that idea. Unfortunately, the idea of The One isn’t really well developed. Does this inexplicable pull only apply to the shifter? Or the mate as well? Why is idea of The One a myth among shifters? Is it really so unusual? I would also like more world-building all round. I would like to understand more about how a person becomes a shifter. I get that it is genetic and is triggered by stress. I would like to know more about the community of shifters. How are they identified? When Gage was recruiting for the Team, he was looking for specific clues, but it is unclear to me what those are. Are there other established shifter communities out there? Who helps nurture these new wolves? I am looking forward to future books to see where the author takes us.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Paige Tyler is a new author to me. I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to read this entertaining book. I’m sure I will be stocking my TBR with more of her books.
April 11, 2015
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
I needed a good PNR, and this fit the bill! This is the first book in Paige Tyler’s new series SWAT, a series about a SWAT team made up entirely of alpha shifters. They have such an amazing record, that the city of Dallas has given them commendations, etc. But a source shows up at Mackenzie Stone’s work and tells her that they aren’t normal guys. He has the claw marks to prove it.
Mackenzie figures these guys are on some new performance enhancing drug, and she smells a story. So she camps out in front of the SWAT compound. After she nearly gets herself hurt by trying to catch the guys in action, their leader Gage finally allows her to come in for a day or two and follow them around.
Other than seeing some sexy eye candy, Mackenzie thinks everything is pretty routine. It doesn’t hurt that she’s really attracted to Gage.
Gage has made some enemies in his line of work. He knows this, and he figures that he and his team can handle anything. What he doesn’t expect is for Mackenzie to become a target. He wants to protect her, but she’s an independent woman who is ready to give up on her story. Until she’s put in the line of fire. To save her, Gage has to reveal his secret. He’s a werewolf.
Will Mackenzie break the biggest story of her career? Or will she keep the Dallas SWAT team’s secret?
The world-building isn’t confusing, and the werewolves are made through a trait in one’s DNA, rather than being bitten. This is a nice change of pace, and the writing is, as always, well-done. I’m fast becoming a fan of Ms. Tyler’s books. I really like the X-Ops series she’s writing, as well as this new SWAT series. One thing that’s nice, though, is that if you aren’t a big PNR fan, this book will work for you since it’s not heavy on the world-building or wolfy living.
***ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca
I needed a good PNR, and this fit the bill! This is the first book in Paige Tyler’s new series SWAT, a series about a SWAT team made up entirely of alpha shifters. They have such an amazing record, that the city of Dallas has given them commendations, etc. But a source shows up at Mackenzie Stone’s work and tells her that they aren’t normal guys. He has the claw marks to prove it.
Mackenzie figures these guys are on some new performance enhancing drug, and she smells a story. So she camps out in front of the SWAT compound. After she nearly gets herself hurt by trying to catch the guys in action, their leader Gage finally allows her to come in for a day or two and follow them around.
Other than seeing some sexy eye candy, Mackenzie thinks everything is pretty routine. It doesn’t hurt that she’s really attracted to Gage.
Gage has made some enemies in his line of work. He knows this, and he figures that he and his team can handle anything. What he doesn’t expect is for Mackenzie to become a target. He wants to protect her, but she’s an independent woman who is ready to give up on her story. Until she’s put in the line of fire. To save her, Gage has to reveal his secret. He’s a werewolf.
Will Mackenzie break the biggest story of her career? Or will she keep the Dallas SWAT team’s secret?
The world-building isn’t confusing, and the werewolves are made through a trait in one’s DNA, rather than being bitten. This is a nice change of pace, and the writing is, as always, well-done. I’m fast becoming a fan of Ms. Tyler’s books. I really like the X-Ops series she’s writing, as well as this new SWAT series. One thing that’s nice, though, is that if you aren’t a big PNR fan, this book will work for you since it’s not heavy on the world-building or wolfy living.
***ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca
January 19, 2015
When the police force encounters a situation they can’t manage they call in the elite of their kind… SWAT.
Perhaps I am showing my age here, but I grew up watching SWAT on TV every week. However, I have never encountered a SWAT team quite like this one. It would explain a lot. Bigger, faster, stronger, these men are the type of police officers just about anyone would be afraid to encounter in a dark alley or otherwise. Now add the wolf factor and you’ve got an unstoppable force. Unless, you’re a reporter looking to expose their secret. In which case, you suspect everything and everyone.
I absolutely loved the SWAT team. Every last member, even the scary ones, was fully developed and could easily carry their own books right here and now. My only point of contention was really the heroine’s. Although it was obvious that her main objective was always to expose the underlying story she felt the team was hiding, so you can’t really hold that against her. After all, it’s her job. However, her philosophy of expose the story, no matter who is hurt ion the process, and let the readers decide what to do with the information is irresponsible journalism in my book and a huge point against her. How do you claim to love someone then turn around and try to betray them? She started off as a strong character but quickly turned into a very unlikable character.
Overall it was a fantastic story. I found it well written and filled with enough action to keep things interesting. I especially loved the characters and can’t wait to read the next book.
Reviewed by Iris for Cocktails and Books
Perhaps I am showing my age here, but I grew up watching SWAT on TV every week. However, I have never encountered a SWAT team quite like this one. It would explain a lot. Bigger, faster, stronger, these men are the type of police officers just about anyone would be afraid to encounter in a dark alley or otherwise. Now add the wolf factor and you’ve got an unstoppable force. Unless, you’re a reporter looking to expose their secret. In which case, you suspect everything and everyone.
I absolutely loved the SWAT team. Every last member, even the scary ones, was fully developed and could easily carry their own books right here and now. My only point of contention was really the heroine’s. Although it was obvious that her main objective was always to expose the underlying story she felt the team was hiding, so you can’t really hold that against her. After all, it’s her job. However, her philosophy of expose the story, no matter who is hurt ion the process, and let the readers decide what to do with the information is irresponsible journalism in my book and a huge point against her. How do you claim to love someone then turn around and try to betray them? She started off as a strong character but quickly turned into a very unlikable character.
Overall it was a fantastic story. I found it well written and filled with enough action to keep things interesting. I especially loved the characters and can’t wait to read the next book.
Reviewed by Iris for Cocktails and Books
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