Slade: The Shadow Wranglers Series #4

Shadow Wranglers #4

by Sarah McCarty

Slade needs a cure, but what he finds is a savior, in the latest paranormal romance from national best-selling author Sarah McCarty. Contains mature themes.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Vampires, Erotica, Shapeshifters, Westerns

Audible Audio

First published December 6, 2011

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)romance author

Sarah has traveled extensively throughout her life, living in other cultures, sometimes in areas where electricity was a concept awaiting fruition and a book was an extreme luxury. While she could easily adjust to the lack of electricity, living without the comfort of a good book was intolerable. To fill the void, she bought pencil and paper and sketched out her own story. In the process, Sarah discovered the joy of writing.

Sarah writes what she loves to read; fast paced stories with vivid dialogue, intense emotion and well developed characters. Her attention to detail in her stories has earned her multiple awards and a reserved spot on Keeper shelves everywhere.

Sarah writes for Ellora's Cave, Harlequin HQN, Harlequin SPICE, Berkley HEAT and Berkley SENSATION.

Reviews

[NisyKitty VA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the Johnson brothers!! We need more books!! I don't care if they continue with the weres, KEEP GOING!!

[Nay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed with this book. After the last 2, which I thought were really good, I had high hopes for Slade. I looked forward to seeing the alpha outshine the scientist, and for me, it just didn't happen. The sentences were choppy and half the time I couldn't tell which character was speaking, or I'd have to go back a page to see which question was being answered. Jane was a pain in the ass, and I really didn't feel much of a romantic connection between Jane and Slade, just a scientific, clinical one. Jane's convictions were all over the place--one minute she was obnoxiously stubborn to be one way, and the next minute, she had decided to be another way. It also ended with a lot of unanswered questions, and I find no hint of another book even being on the horizon. It's hinted that some of the werewolves in this series might get their story told one day, but who knows? In short, it was kind of a mess with a so-so story and a little (kinda) hot sex thrown in.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4 Stars

Felt like there were too many side stories left untold so can only assume Ms McCarty was intending to continue with the series, but it's been a few years since this was released so not entirely sure that will still happen :(

[Jocelyn Van Haeren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a second hand store and am surprised and how much I enjoyed it. The cover art is what sold me on it but the writing and plot was light hearted and enjoyable.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately 1.5 stars. There were just too many things that annoyed me and they far outweighed the good. Annoyingly stubborn heroine who would not believe what was right in front of her for a majority of the book. A hero who went overboard every time another male came within 3 feet of her. Too many conflicts that could have been easily solved if the characters would just talk to each other. Too much repetition. Too much name calling ("Slade", "Jane") during one of the sex scenes. Staccato dialogue. At one point, there's a sick baby dying, and every second counts, but every adult who can do anything about it stops and argues with each other over other things that don't really matter in the face of a sick baby who is in need of an immediate cure. And one of the people arguing is his father! Really? That part annoyed me to no end.

I did, however, finish the book because I usually enjoy this author's writing. While her books are never five stars for me, I still usually enjoy them. I did like the overall plot and felt as if this book did add to the overall storyline for this series. I'll continue reading her books unless the issues I had with this one become a trend. Hoping the next one I read will be better. :)

[Carrie (Book Fairy) Fort · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy SLADE found his mate. I love him! Great book NEED MORE

[★¸. • * ° *Jillie* ° *•.¸☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboys... Vampires.... What do you think? I you happen to like both.. you just have to read this series... It's not a series of books that will solve world peace.. but it's a really fun series...

[Lori Meehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally love this series. I highly recommend you read this vampire/werewolf series.
Spade and Jane are two peas in a pod. Science is their life and one that’s getting to be old. Searching for something different something more and boy did they.
I miss Sarah McCarty writing. I so wish for more books.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a bit late in getting my review in...However I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The only other book I've read in the series is "Caleb" and I definitely have to read more. I was hooked from the first book. What these powerful, loving men won't do for their women....Sigh. Where can I get one????

[jerre palaca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on series

5 star from me
This book paid so much attention to the development of the characters the kept drawing me in and I felt the pain and sadness.
But then their was the joy and hope that balanced it all out. It was a good read from cover to cover.

[Ari Liebe · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good. But it leaves you hanging. Is the author really leaving all those loose ends??? This is disappointing… if you’re going to start another question in a book at least make sure you’re going to write another to finish all you left unsaid

[Josephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was okay.

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. Exciting, vampires and werewolves, you can not wish for more

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were inconsistencies compared to the other three books that came before this one. These inconsistencies lead to confusion and doubt.

[Mara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Badly written, no editor around (you’re rather than your, no formatting worth of its name (who the hell was talking?).

[Angela]

0

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final book in series and I loved it. It was exciting. It closed up the stories of the 4 Johnson brother.
Hope author writes some more in this series because she left a lot of things open with some of the lesser characters. I really liked everything about this series and the characters and just don't want it to end. If you like paranormal romance you will like this series

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this sereis and I was looking forward to Slade's book. I am happy to say that I wasn't disappointed - especially since Slade had the potential to be my favorite of the 4 brothers. That said, i really enjoyed the by-play between Slade and all the other characters. He is a quick witted character and i really enjoyed seeing him paired up with a female who was equally quick. I had several places where I laughed, giggled or snickered and it was very nice to have that levity in the book. The sotry ended with the HEA for the couple, but the on going problem of Sanctuary has not been resolved - not even close. The only on going problem solved in this book was the health problems of the baby Joseph. That being said, the still existing problem between Derrick and his mate (who doesn't want him), the unknown "talents" of Tobias the Enforcer, the addition of new wolves to the Tragallion pack (the rouges who have joined them), and the rest of the unmated wolves we have met throughout the story leave plenty of room for the series to continue by following the wolves more closely - and I hope that happens. The only complaint I had about this book was that in a few places it felt like large pieces had been cut during the edit process and there were jumps in the action/happenings that left me felling a little confused until I made the leap of logic that was implied by the next scene. There weren't a bunch of these "ships" but enough that it left me feeling like the story was being rushed. Overall, this was a good read and if you want something a little different than the usual vampire book, this series about cowboys turned vampires fits that.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Slade” by Sara McCarty is the tale of the scientist of the Johnson clan, Slade Johnson, who is struggling to solve the problem of his nephew Joseph’s inability to absorb nutrition even as he tries to supply adequate weapons to his brothers and their werewolf allies to fight against the vampires from Sanctuary. Jane Frederickson has been attempting to refine her research into optimizing the utilization of nutrition because she wants to end world hunger. Unfortunately, she has realized that her work could also be the basis for a horrific weapon and attempts to rectify her error. She is plunged into a world that she has never dreamed of when she discovers that the hacker she knows as “Vamp Man” is really a vampire and he wants to protect her from actual monsters who are with something called Sanctuary and seek to use her research to terrorize. She and Slade must work through many issues before she can decide what role she is going to play in the Johnson clan and whether she will be able to use her research to achieve her goals of ending hunger.

Another exciting addition to the Shadow Wranglers series that combines vampires and cowboys with modern science and technology. Jane is a brilliant scientist but naive about interpersonal relationships, particularly dealing with vampires and werewolves and their possessiveness. A bit confusing since her mate seems to cause an allergic reaction in her with some actions but not others. Slade is the youngest of the clan but his brothers depend heavily on him and his ingenuity. Jane is not used to depending on anyone but herself. They will each learn how to compromise and make room for each other in their respective lives.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding the Johnson quartet and wrapping the series is reliable, methodical, genius brother Slade starting his tale in an exciting chase and rescue scene. Researcher, Jane Fredrickson, doesn't believe vampires exist despite proof standing in front of her. But he says he is and looks like the vampires on TV and he's on her side from the things chasing them, so okay.

Stumped by his nephew's eating habits, Slade struck up a computer friendship with Jane when he saw she was attempting to solve hunger on an international scale. Thinking toward the next step, Jane decided to stop the research but Sanctuary has different plans for Jane and her project. Neither Sanctuary nor the Johnson brothers and their allies have any intention of letting Jane's research die.

The Johnsons have the additional weight of Slade's heart being involved. After regrouping at a safe house, an all out battle between the Johnson Renegade faction and Sanctuary breaks and Slade has a brilliant plan to give his outgunned team an advantage. Lab bound Jane has no scruples or hesitation about getting bloody and comes out guns ablazin' for her mate.

This fast paced read was hard to put down, with its explosive start and intriguing end and highlighted the series strengths in the middle. There was more action in this time critical tale and as the series evolved as the world expanded, also there was more interaction and a less insular feel. The romance was touchingly sweet with a strong sense of 'rightness' that this reader felt more than the other couples.
Rating: 4.5stars

[TINNGG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why oh why doesn't goodreads have half stars?

Hmmm… unlike previous books, this one didn't have a whole lot to annoy me about - other than the non-ending that is.

I am a bit puzzled about the cover - that animal face alluded to in the corner - why does it look vaguely catlike? There are no cat shifters here.

So the h is one of those research scientists writers like to write about - the ones so singleminded that it's not until they've made some grand breakthrough that the ramifications of their research actually sink in. Oh crap; if this fell into the wrong hands… The H, also in possession of a brilliant mind, isn't female so sees risks. Of course, he also doesn't figure it out on his own so…

The car chase was interesting. Also interesting to note that nobody is more than a day or so away from home. Huh.

About the non-ending. She's decided she wants to change, and she's halfway there already, so imagine my surprise when the epilogue is set maybe a day or so later, shredding/burning notes and shredding a computer. That's not a HEA, and it's also overkill on the laptop - swap out hard drives and plop that one next to a strong magnet. Problem solved. Actually a good reformat would work. You don't have to bury it in a 43 ft hole in the ground and burn all the clothes you might have worn at the time...

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the library because of the cover. (I know. I know.) I didn't read the back but I'd wanted to try this author, so I grabbed it. Now, I haven't bitten (sorry) into the whole vampire/werewolf paranormal genre. I'm sorry, I know that's 'IT' right now, but I just have no interest. No Twilight, no True Blood. I really like author Lora Leigh but her popular Breed series? Nope, can't read it.
Having said that, imagine my disappointment when I start reading what I think is gonna be a hot cowboy story and discover, Slade isn't a cowboy like I thought but a vampire. Ugh. But, I never DNF a book, even just a few pages into it, so I kept reading. I'm so glad I did. Although this is several books into the series and there is obviously a lot of backstory I didn't have, I couldn't put it down. I'll be checking out the other books in the series. And for me to do that in a genre I really don't like......that really should tell you all you need to know.

[July · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, I'm not sure that I loved it as much as the others in this series. Although I really like Slade, because I really like a smart guy, and he has grown on me during this series. I do like the way he is so protective of his nephew, but because he has met his mate and she may have the breakthrough to his health, he must find a way to kidnap her or convince her to come with him.
Jane is a scientist who works for the company who has hurt the women that Slade's brothers are married too. They are up to no good, and deep down Jane knows that the research that she does could fall into the wrong hands and have astounding breakthrough, but at what cost and to whom. When Slade risks his life to save hers, she must make a difficult decision on whether to save his nephew or destroy her research.

I hope this series continues with the Werewolves.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started off with humor, suspense, and great potential for both Jane and Slade, but by the end, I felt frustration because we never really get a satisfying answer to Jane's past, and the romance between Jane and Slade seemed...off.

Throughout the book, Jane was contrary to the point of annoyance, and answers; such as what happened to her mother, why she hasn't dealt with the abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather, what she planned as revenge for her stepfather, and her powers of invisibility, is never explained to the point of understanding or satisfaction. Jane wouldn't even talk about her past, even though Slade tries several times to get her to open up to him, but she only talks to him about her work or the Sanctuary. In the end, I was left with more questions than answers, which tainted the rest of the book for me.

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms McCarty writes thrilling battle scenes, emotional decision-making scenes, characters to love, villains to hate, and a book you simply cannot put down. There is limited sex in this book but it isn’t missed because of the exciting plot that takes you well beyond the bedroom. Because Slade is around 150 years old the science and research almost veers into steampunk or something like it. Slade has always been ahead of his time with his research and weapons and he still his at present day. Call this series paranormal or sci-fi, it fits both. SLADE is a book with great writing, excellent character development, and a plot that takes your breath away.

See my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (Feb 9, 2012)

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series disappointed me, the only book I really liked was Jared's he was the only one of the brothers I connected with, and even then it was lacking and not as good as it could have been. On plenty of occasions I found myself drifting and losing parts of the story because it just wasn't engaging. I felt the werewolves had more intensity to them, that they were more solid characters. And I felt the fact that the series wasn't properly concluded and she's gone off and started a completely new series without giving this one a proper ending rather then leaving it unfinished without giving the werewolves namely Derek and Ian without their own books which would have suitably ended the series also lacking. But with the quality of this series, I seriously doubt she could do them justice.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The war with Sanctuary seems to be going full blast ahead with this book and Jane seems to be at the center of it. They want her because they think she can help them decimate their enemies, while the Johnson clan wants her because they think she can save baby Joesph. What Jane wants doesn't seem to matter to anyone.

The attraction between Jane and Slade was funny, at it's heart was a lot of geekiness, as both of them are super smart and love the lab. I thought the family and were's were quite cruel to Jane and I loved it when she finally found her spine and gave it right back to them.

It will be interesting to see where things go from here.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars*

I have finally finished this book. Oh, the cliff hanger that suggests more books of this series to come. I HOPE SO!

Sarah McCarty's book usually never disappoints, but in this case, this book wasn't up to par with her usual work.
There was just not enough character chemistry and character relationship building to make Slade and Jane's relationship believable.
That's why I gave it such a low score.

But I have hope! I am not giving up on Ms. Sarah McCarty! She is still my go to author and I'm still excited for Derek, Ian and other were's stories! (The when is in question, but I would rather wait for a nice story when Ms. McCarty's muses starts to sing again!)

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slade is the scientist of the family. Jane is his mate and also a scientist who has developed a formula that could be used to kill people but also save lives. Slade's nephew is dying and they believe Jane's formula can save him. She is a scientist and she doesn't believe in a mate or vampires or wolves. As she tries to find the right chemicals to save Joseph, she must also face the fact that there is other species besides just human.
I loved this one!!! It is my favorite. You have it all...a hunky vampire scientist, a sexy little human scientist, wolves and monsters. It's a comedy, romantic and scary book all in one.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending was anticlimactic, for the end of the series it left off with more questions then answers. Great story baby brother Slade has met his match in Jane, even smarter then he. His mate but the one woman that is allergic to his bit, so she is the mate that will he will have difficulties with. Poor Joseph all his little body couldn't change on long when his savior Jane found the right protein to save that little boy and all Spade really needed.was Calebs blood. If there was more books with the brothers but with their wolf packs to see how him and the.others are fairing. I wished that Darek could get his HE A and even see that arrogant Tobias get his shock of a mate.