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New Dawn #1
Winter Wolf
Katalina Winter was prepared for life to change when she turned eighteen—but she never expected to actually change.
Learning that her birth parents were purebred wolf shifters is shocking enough. Now she’s expected to take her place in their unfamiliar world. Caught between two warring packs, Katalina must learn fast. One pack, led by the father she has only just met, wants to control her—and the other one wants her dead.
However, there is one bright spot to shifting, and his name is Bass Evernight. Tall, dark, and oh-so-handsome, Bass is the wolf that Katalina craves. He’s also strictly a member of Dark Shadow, Bass is the son of her father’s mortal enemy. Yet deep down inside, Katalina’s new primal instincts howl that Bass is her mate. Can their love bring an end to the brutal war that has raged for so long, or will it spark the fighting around them into an all-consuming fire?
Revised This edition of Winter Wolf includes editorial revisions.
Learning that her birth parents were purebred wolf shifters is shocking enough. Now she’s expected to take her place in their unfamiliar world. Caught between two warring packs, Katalina must learn fast. One pack, led by the father she has only just met, wants to control her—and the other one wants her dead.
However, there is one bright spot to shifting, and his name is Bass Evernight. Tall, dark, and oh-so-handsome, Bass is the wolf that Katalina craves. He’s also strictly a member of Dark Shadow, Bass is the son of her father’s mortal enemy. Yet deep down inside, Katalina’s new primal instincts howl that Bass is her mate. Can their love bring an end to the brutal war that has raged for so long, or will it spark the fighting around them into an all-consuming fire?
Revised This edition of Winter Wolf includes editorial revisions.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2014
1090 people are currently reading
2367 people want to read
About the author
Rachel M. Raithby
18 books341 followersRachel M. Raithby started her writing career in 2013 and hasn’t looked back. She draws her inspiration from the many places she has lived and traveled, as well as from her love of the paranormal and thriller movies. She can often be found hiding out with a good book or writing more fast-paced and thrilling stories where love always conquers all. A Brit who has lived in many places, she now resides in a small town in New Zealand, with her dog, three cats and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
November 24, 2015
***3 "you're my home" stars***
Well, this was an interesting book, but i'm afraid that something was missing...
No, it didn't bother me that the story was less or more something that i have certainly read about it in the past, but i think that the plot was a little bit rushed and it was like missing something from Catalina's character...
I understand that she was feeling lost after all that she've been through lately, but i'm afraid that i didn't like her so much!!! She seems very weak with some glimpses of stronger reactions!!!
From the other hand, i liked very much Bass's character...
It was the only one from this book that made me some impression...
The thing is that the storyline wasn't bad, but it didn't wow me... Sometimes i was feeling that "this is it, now it started to be interesting" and then Bang! That excitement was gone!
Well, Catalina just turned eighteen and in the way home with her parents, an accident which involve some wolves happened and they killed instantly.
Now, Catalina frightened and hurt, she is about to discover her true indentity!!!
She is part of something that only in her imagination could exist.
She is a shifter and her real father is claiming her. Oh, and one boy too as her mate!!!
So, Catalina feels so confused and lost with this new situation. She can't accept it and she is fighting her new condition. She just can be a wolf... She needs her life back, but nobody around her seems interesting to what she really wants!!!
The only person who she can turned to is a boy that he sneaks around to see her and who turned out to be the son of the greatest enemy of her pack. But she is drown toward him and she can't stand to be away from him. With him she feels safe and protect... she feels like she is home!!! He is her anchor in this crazy world!!!
Bass had a mission. He had to kill the daughter of the enemy.
But from the first moment that he saw her, he couldn't do it. There was a connection between them that he couldn't deny. So, he is about to disobbey his father and to protect this girl with every viber of his existence!!!
So, Catalina and Bass have too many obstacles to overcome...
Will they manage to succeed in that goal???
Their love are strong enough to overcome all of the things that are about to keep them away???
"I don't fit in your world. I'm not sure i fit anywhere."
"I never fit in my world either, Kat. We are going to make a new world, just for us."
As i told you above, i liked Bass! He was strong and determined and he could do anything for Cat. I like how protective of her he was and i liked the way that he stood beside her in any cost!!!
As for Catalina??? I think that we never saw her real self and i'm sure that she had more to give. She was lost and scared and comfused and that was turning everything into a mess!!!
I will admit that i wanted more scenes of action. They were too short and not too many...
Beyond all that, it was a nice and pleasant reading... It was..
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
Well, this was an interesting book, but i'm afraid that something was missing...
No, it didn't bother me that the story was less or more something that i have certainly read about it in the past, but i think that the plot was a little bit rushed and it was like missing something from Catalina's character...
I understand that she was feeling lost after all that she've been through lately, but i'm afraid that i didn't like her so much!!! She seems very weak with some glimpses of stronger reactions!!!
From the other hand, i liked very much Bass's character...
It was the only one from this book that made me some impression...
The thing is that the storyline wasn't bad, but it didn't wow me... Sometimes i was feeling that "this is it, now it started to be interesting" and then Bang! That excitement was gone!
Well, Catalina just turned eighteen and in the way home with her parents, an accident which involve some wolves happened and they killed instantly.
Now, Catalina frightened and hurt, she is about to discover her true indentity!!!
She is part of something that only in her imagination could exist.
She is a shifter and her real father is claiming her. Oh, and one boy too as her mate!!!
So, Catalina feels so confused and lost with this new situation. She can't accept it and she is fighting her new condition. She just can be a wolf... She needs her life back, but nobody around her seems interesting to what she really wants!!!
The only person who she can turned to is a boy that he sneaks around to see her and who turned out to be the son of the greatest enemy of her pack. But she is drown toward him and she can't stand to be away from him. With him she feels safe and protect... she feels like she is home!!! He is her anchor in this crazy world!!!
Bass had a mission. He had to kill the daughter of the enemy.
But from the first moment that he saw her, he couldn't do it. There was a connection between them that he couldn't deny. So, he is about to disobbey his father and to protect this girl with every viber of his existence!!!
So, Catalina and Bass have too many obstacles to overcome...
Will they manage to succeed in that goal???
Their love are strong enough to overcome all of the things that are about to keep them away???
"I don't fit in your world. I'm not sure i fit anywhere."
"I never fit in my world either, Kat. We are going to make a new world, just for us."
As i told you above, i liked Bass! He was strong and determined and he could do anything for Cat. I like how protective of her he was and i liked the way that he stood beside her in any cost!!!
As for Catalina??? I think that we never saw her real self and i'm sure that she had more to give. She was lost and scared and comfused and that was turning everything into a mess!!!
I will admit that i wanted more scenes of action. They were too short and not too many...
Beyond all that, it was a nice and pleasant reading... It was..
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
August 4, 2016
This book should be called 'Katalina in the Land of Clichés':
- normal teenager with happy life turned orphan all of a sudden - check
- teenager finds about hidden supernatural world - check
- girl is a supernatural being (in this case, a shifter) - check
- girl meets mysterious guy - check
- two guys fight for girl's attention - check
- girl falls automatically in love with said mysterious guy - check
- Woe-is-me, I can't live without you! - check
- there is an epic war going on between two different groups - check
- heroine is caught in the middle of it and has to come up with a solution - check
- solution found and then THE END! - check
March 7, 2022
Originally posted at:
There was something off about this book but I can't pinpoint what it was. The characters were ok, the worldbuilding (though little was present) and writing were ok, and the overall story was fast-paced (but felt rushed due to choppy scene transitions). There were moments that were a tad bit juvenile but it wasn't enough to stop me from being engrossed in the story. There was something that kept me coming back for more which is strange considering I tried reading this novel in 2015 and ended up forgetting about it completely *facepalm*.
The story, like I said, was rather interesting! The heroine has a lot thrown at her in a very short period of time and she reacts how she reacts. I liked her relationship with the hero. I enjoyed how she didn't jump into things due to their circumstances. I loved that he respected her enough to actually talk to her about what was going on instead of expecting to control her. They were actually very sweet together!
The ending was pretty calm considering how I thought this was going to end. I swear I saw one heck of an infuriating cliffhanger looming. I was so glad I was wrong! I may continue on in this series. We'll see!
The Audio Book:
The narration was fine. All the characters were distinguishable from each other. Nothing really stood out but at the same time, nothing was necessarily bad.
There was something off about this book but I can't pinpoint what it was. The characters were ok, the worldbuilding (though little was present) and writing were ok, and the overall story was fast-paced (but felt rushed due to choppy scene transitions). There were moments that were a tad bit juvenile but it wasn't enough to stop me from being engrossed in the story. There was something that kept me coming back for more which is strange considering I tried reading this novel in 2015 and ended up forgetting about it completely *facepalm*.
The story, like I said, was rather interesting! The heroine has a lot thrown at her in a very short period of time and she reacts how she reacts. I liked her relationship with the hero. I enjoyed how she didn't jump into things due to their circumstances. I loved that he respected her enough to actually talk to her about what was going on instead of expecting to control her. They were actually very sweet together!
The ending was pretty calm considering how I thought this was going to end. I swear I saw one heck of an infuriating cliffhanger looming. I was so glad I was wrong! I may continue on in this series. We'll see!
The Audio Book:
The narration was fine. All the characters were distinguishable from each other. Nothing really stood out but at the same time, nothing was necessarily bad.
January 6, 2015
Kat (Katalina) has spent her whole life living with her adopted parents found on the doorstep when she was six months old. Now on her 18th birthday after a terrible accident the only life she’s known has come to an end and a new world filled with wolf shifters has returned to claim her. Locked in the bedroom of a strange house with a man claiming to be her father while wolves patrol outside isn’t easy for Kat to accept. Her father wants her to bond with another pureblood wolf so that they have pureblood offspring because the River Run’s pack has a long war with the Dark Shadow wolves and they are killing each other off.
Kat catches the attention of a black wolf who transforms into the most attractive guy she’s ever seen and something about him captivates her. As she heals from the accident they encounter many secret meetings falling in love and after her first shift Bass helps her escape her family. Returning her home to the life before the wolves caused the accident. So she can say goodbye to her parents and the real world. Her father won’t let her go that easy and in the end Kat will need to return home to deal with her wolf side. Including figuring out what to do with the Dark Shadows and end the bloodshed.
I loved Kat right from the start she’s the kind of girl who doesn’t just roll over when she’s told to do something but does it her own way. She also didn’t accept being a shifter it’s been an internal struggle which I felt made her more real. I was so nervous we would see a love triangle but I think the author handled the relationship between Kat and Bass very well. Granted Cage got hurt but it’s not because of a love triangle. I loved Bass he was willing to give up everything for the girl he loved.
I picked up Winter Wolf based on the gorgeous cover didn’t even read the synopsis before I started it. I loved the idea for the wolves the shift is so much smoother they more they shift and we had a glimpse into Kat’s first few shifts they seemed very painful which is what I would expect. The whole shifter concept was unique and refreshing from the traditional werewolf books. I really enjoyed the story it was captivating right from the start hard to put down I just had to know how It would play out for Kat and Bass. I won’t deny I was nervous we would have a cliffhanger but the ending was perfect it brought a tear of happiness to my eyes. By the end I was invested in Kat’s future I felt I was there with her cheering her on. Winter Wolf is my new favorite werewolf book and one I know I’ll be reading over and over because it’s a HEA romance with paranormal elements my favorite. While the story does have adult situations they are done tactfully that teens as well as adults will fall in love with the story.
Kat catches the attention of a black wolf who transforms into the most attractive guy she’s ever seen and something about him captivates her. As she heals from the accident they encounter many secret meetings falling in love and after her first shift Bass helps her escape her family. Returning her home to the life before the wolves caused the accident. So she can say goodbye to her parents and the real world. Her father won’t let her go that easy and in the end Kat will need to return home to deal with her wolf side. Including figuring out what to do with the Dark Shadows and end the bloodshed.
I loved Kat right from the start she’s the kind of girl who doesn’t just roll over when she’s told to do something but does it her own way. She also didn’t accept being a shifter it’s been an internal struggle which I felt made her more real. I was so nervous we would see a love triangle but I think the author handled the relationship between Kat and Bass very well. Granted Cage got hurt but it’s not because of a love triangle. I loved Bass he was willing to give up everything for the girl he loved.
I picked up Winter Wolf based on the gorgeous cover didn’t even read the synopsis before I started it. I loved the idea for the wolves the shift is so much smoother they more they shift and we had a glimpse into Kat’s first few shifts they seemed very painful which is what I would expect. The whole shifter concept was unique and refreshing from the traditional werewolf books. I really enjoyed the story it was captivating right from the start hard to put down I just had to know how It would play out for Kat and Bass. I won’t deny I was nervous we would have a cliffhanger but the ending was perfect it brought a tear of happiness to my eyes. By the end I was invested in Kat’s future I felt I was there with her cheering her on. Winter Wolf is my new favorite werewolf book and one I know I’ll be reading over and over because it’s a HEA romance with paranormal elements my favorite. While the story does have adult situations they are done tactfully that teens as well as adults will fall in love with the story.
December 12, 2019
This was a good read.
June 13, 2019
2 / 5 star
This book was strongly reminiscent of the wattpad werewolf books I used to devour in high school, so I found it oddly nostalgic.
This was pretty cliche, following eighteen-year-old Kat as her adoptive family is attacked and killed by a pack of wolves who she later finds out are werewolves. Saved by her biological father's pact, she quickly realises he wants her back to breed and create more purebred wolves.
When she finds her mate in the son of their enemy pack, the two have both pacts vying for their blood.
The plot was bare and the dialog/writing was juvenile. It was a quick read and I probably would have liked this when I was going through my werewolf binge, but there wasn't anything different from all the werewolf books of wattpad, nothing unique or developed here.
This book was strongly reminiscent of the wattpad werewolf books I used to devour in high school, so I found it oddly nostalgic.
This was pretty cliche, following eighteen-year-old Kat as her adoptive family is attacked and killed by a pack of wolves who she later finds out are werewolves. Saved by her biological father's pact, she quickly realises he wants her back to breed and create more purebred wolves.
When she finds her mate in the son of their enemy pack, the two have both pacts vying for their blood.
The plot was bare and the dialog/writing was juvenile. It was a quick read and I probably would have liked this when I was going through my werewolf binge, but there wasn't anything different from all the werewolf books of wattpad, nothing unique or developed here.
January 2, 2017
Great First Entry
This was a fast passed story that keeps the reader's attention from beginning to end. The main characters and secondary characters of developed and interact well together. Well worth picking up.
This was a fast passed story that keeps the reader's attention from beginning to end. The main characters and secondary characters of developed and interact well together. Well worth picking up.
October 13, 2015
5 sweet stars from me
What a lovely story, i was captivated from page one to the the last page!
Winter wolf is one of the best stories i have read about wolves.
Katalina's life changed at her eighteenth birthday, its the day she lost her adopted
parents and the day she learns a big secret about herself. She is a shifter and she is
claimed by her biological father's pack (River Run pack) and Sebastian. You see its not so simple
River Run pack and Sebastian's pack Dark Shadows are enemies. Another problem she wants Sebastian and
not the one her biological father wants Cage. My only question is what is she going to do????
Katalina is beautiful girl with strong and independent personality, she is tough and fierce.
I must say i love her character she knows what she wants and nothing stops her from getting it, rules scratch that she doesn't care about them, obstacles scratch that too she overcomes them.
A perfect shifter girl (i won't stop writing about her..but i must)!!!
Sebastian or (Bass) ooh i love his character too he's a Sexy, Alpha male with strong personality WHAT A COMBINATION!!!
He wants her and he will overcome every obstacle as well for her!!!
I couldn't write this review without mentioning some of my favorite secondary characters Cage and his brother Toby.
The only thing i must say about Cage is that i hope he finds the perfect one, he is such a lovely character.
What can i say about Toby, he's one of my super favorite character, he is sooo SWEET but strong for his young age
he stands by his friend (Katalina) no matter the cost.
This story had a very good mixture, suspense, action, lovely characters with great chemistry.
An overall great job from the author, i definitely recommend it especially in those who love paranormal-romance.
ARC kindly provided via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
November 28, 2014
Winter Wolf (A New Dawn Novel Book #1)- Rachel M Raithby.
Katalina has just turned 18, driving back from her birthday dinner with her Parents a horrible accident happens not only is the car upside down, but so is Katalina's world, with her Parents dead she finds herself dragged from the fiery car by Wolves. Wolves that can turn Human.. When she finds herself at her biological fathers, she learns that the world she knew and was comfortable in is not what she thought. Katalina falls and Mates with the son of the Alpha of the rival Pack, How can she live in this world when all Kat wants is to live in the real world... Can Kat and Bass Make a Life together and what of their fathers both Alphas of Packs that hate each other....I suggest you read it and find out....
I felt an instant connection with these characters and although the storyline was a little Romeo and Juliet.. Ms Raithby made it unique an her own.
An Enjoyable read that has left me wanting more.. looking forward to reading more by Ms Raithby and more in the New Dawn Series...
Katalina has just turned 18, driving back from her birthday dinner with her Parents a horrible accident happens not only is the car upside down, but so is Katalina's world, with her Parents dead she finds herself dragged from the fiery car by Wolves. Wolves that can turn Human.. When she finds herself at her biological fathers, she learns that the world she knew and was comfortable in is not what she thought. Katalina falls and Mates with the son of the Alpha of the rival Pack, How can she live in this world when all Kat wants is to live in the real world... Can Kat and Bass Make a Life together and what of their fathers both Alphas of Packs that hate each other....I suggest you read it and find out....
I felt an instant connection with these characters and although the storyline was a little Romeo and Juliet.. Ms Raithby made it unique an her own.
An Enjoyable read that has left me wanting more.. looking forward to reading more by Ms Raithby and more in the New Dawn Series...
January 18, 2015
Did you ever feel like something was missing in you life ?
A part of you was missing ?
Even in the darkest moment of your life you find a light ?
For Katalina this happened after a horrid crash changing her life forever.
Winter Wolf captivated me from the sheer cover alone. I know never judge a book by its cover but in this case this book holds both . Its cover is stunning and this book is certainly enjoyable till you have turned that last page.
I had been ogling this book since it was released and was lucky to have won a gifted copy via this author and I have to say THANK YOU !! I loved it .
Unique, captivating and enthralling - I was whisked along by the storyline.The plot was solid and the male lead character swoon worthy, Kat was sassy, fearless and there characters were filled with depth and definition.
All secondary characters were placed well within the story, all having there parts within. I enjoyed the interaction throughout the story, with the author giving us back story into Bass's life, the packs rift and so much more.
Winter Wolf is A ya paranormal which will suit even the young at heart. It is a truly enjoyable read - would I recommend it ! DEFINETLY !
This read is filled to the brim with lots of goodies for the reader, love, romance, sadness, hope, courage, depth, and danger. If you called it a recipe one would say it has all he right ingredients.
Bass what can I say ** raw* he was every girls dream .. He made my heart throb and many a times I smiled sheepishly at his sweet and cheeky ways. Being a romantic at heart this character captured my heart.
The romance was tasteful and sweet but enough to get your blood pumping :D I personally would have loved more but being a Ya the author did very well with this .
Kat was fearless and sassy - headstrong and certainly a woman not to be reckoned with. I enjoyed her spunk and her character, she was no push over - but also had a heart of gold.
This author does a wonderful job of putting forth her characters emotions, as well as the descriptions within the pages. I really enjoy being immersed in a book as though I am there within the story .
I am assuming from the title being book one this author has more in store for us .. The ending was well delivered giving as a HEA but also room for more books to come if so be it.
A Paranormal delight for all the lovers of this genre.
A part of you was missing ?
Even in the darkest moment of your life you find a light ?
For Katalina this happened after a horrid crash changing her life forever.
Winter Wolf captivated me from the sheer cover alone. I know never judge a book by its cover but in this case this book holds both . Its cover is stunning and this book is certainly enjoyable till you have turned that last page.
I had been ogling this book since it was released and was lucky to have won a gifted copy via this author and I have to say THANK YOU !! I loved it .
Unique, captivating and enthralling - I was whisked along by the storyline.The plot was solid and the male lead character swoon worthy, Kat was sassy, fearless and there characters were filled with depth and definition.
All secondary characters were placed well within the story, all having there parts within. I enjoyed the interaction throughout the story, with the author giving us back story into Bass's life, the packs rift and so much more.
Winter Wolf is A ya paranormal which will suit even the young at heart. It is a truly enjoyable read - would I recommend it ! DEFINETLY !
This read is filled to the brim with lots of goodies for the reader, love, romance, sadness, hope, courage, depth, and danger. If you called it a recipe one would say it has all he right ingredients.
Bass what can I say ** raw* he was every girls dream .. He made my heart throb and many a times I smiled sheepishly at his sweet and cheeky ways. Being a romantic at heart this character captured my heart.
The romance was tasteful and sweet but enough to get your blood pumping :D I personally would have loved more but being a Ya the author did very well with this .
Kat was fearless and sassy - headstrong and certainly a woman not to be reckoned with. I enjoyed her spunk and her character, she was no push over - but also had a heart of gold.
This author does a wonderful job of putting forth her characters emotions, as well as the descriptions within the pages. I really enjoy being immersed in a book as though I am there within the story .
I am assuming from the title being book one this author has more in store for us .. The ending was well delivered giving as a HEA but also room for more books to come if so be it.
A Paranormal delight for all the lovers of this genre.
January 4, 2016
"How can you be so sure? I don't fit in your world. I'm not sure I fit anywhere."
"I never fit in my world either, Kat. We are going to make a new world, just for us."
"I never fit in my world either, Kat. We are going to make a new world, just for us."
I'm tempted to give 4 stars to this book, but it wouldn't be fair and now I'll explain why.
This is one of those books which can relax you, which can make you think a lot less. It is something cute, well-written, but there's a lack in the plot: the protagonist finds out to be a shifter, a wolf of pure-blood and her world change, but actually all she does in the story is trying to escape from this new reality she's been swallowed in. This is all the story, considering the fact that she meets this hot, wonderful, kind, gentle-man human-wolf, but that's it. I loved it, I really did because of this love story and this discovery she makes: the fact that she has to cope with this new part of her, which was always there, and that explains her rage and her angst.
I think I liked it because she is similar to me and this made me fit in something somehow.
I don't regret reading it, although the plot isn't so great, but what remains is totally worth the time.
April 26, 2019
Available to read and listen via Kindle Unlimited. I did go with the narration throughout the whole book thinking that the narrator was not that bad, however now that I've seen some of my friends reviews I'm thinking maybe I should have gone for the read myself. I am thinking, now, that the narrator may have really skewed my view of the FMC's character and personality. I think that this was just an ok story, though it had decent world building the lack of backstory about the supernatural world in general was a little weak. The MC's were rounded well enough, the side characters not so much.
When it comes down to it, there was one point during listening to the narration that I actually yelled "QUIT WHINING" at which point my children made themselves scarce for the rest of the afternoon lol. This FMC, Laura, was portrayed at the most whiny FMC of all time. Truly like hall of fameing it up for whinyness. Ugghh I think I actually did the high pitched whiny sounds back at her even. It was awful.. how in the world this girl has snagged one dude, let alone an awkward love triangle is beyond me. I call it awkward because the narrator portrayed Case as having a really young boy "voice" like not quite puberty age or something. It was disturbing, and threw a huge wrench in the whole love triangle vibe I think the author was going for because in my mind from the first meeting Case was not it, he was not the one, because he had the voice of a 12 year old..
I'm going to have to just chalk this one up as not for me for now. Hopefully maybe I can come back later and just read the book myself and maybe come to a different opinion. Its really amazing how much a narrator can affect the whole feel of a book. Writing this one down to come back to sometime in the distant future..
When it comes down to it, there was one point during listening to the narration that I actually yelled "QUIT WHINING" at which point my children made themselves scarce for the rest of the afternoon lol. This FMC, Laura, was portrayed at the most whiny FMC of all time. Truly like hall of fameing it up for whinyness. Ugghh I think I actually did the high pitched whiny sounds back at her even. It was awful.. how in the world this girl has snagged one dude, let alone an awkward love triangle is beyond me. I call it awkward because the narrator portrayed Case as having a really young boy "voice" like not quite puberty age or something. It was disturbing, and threw a huge wrench in the whole love triangle vibe I think the author was going for because in my mind from the first meeting Case was not it, he was not the one, because he had the voice of a 12 year old..
I'm going to have to just chalk this one up as not for me for now. Hopefully maybe I can come back later and just read the book myself and maybe come to a different opinion. Its really amazing how much a narrator can affect the whole feel of a book. Writing this one down to come back to sometime in the distant future..
April 29, 2018
After a horrific accident that kills her parents, Katalina Winter is dragged off by her birth father to recuperate. There she finds out that she is a wolf-shifter, and that there is a war going on between her father's pack and the Dark Shadow pack. This war has been raging for 18 years, is the reason her father gave her up as a baby, and the reason a pack of wolves were waiting at the crash site trying to kill her. Kat would be more thankful for the rescue, but her father is domineering and angry, and frankly treats her like a prisoner. Even the friendly boys that rescued her from the accident site, have to do as their alpha commands. Increasing her hostility to her own pack, Kat feels drawn to a rogue Dark Shadow named Bass. They seem to share a connection that could mean either trouble or salvation for both their packs.
Very predictable at times, but still an enjoyable and entertaining read. I am wondering what will happen in the next book, especially since It makes me curious.
Very predictable at times, but still an enjoyable and entertaining read. I am wondering what will happen in the next book, especially since It makes me curious.
March 20, 2020
Wow this is a good one🥰
June 18, 2016
Winter Wolf by Rachel Raithby was a great read! I just really enjoyed this book from the very first chapter to the epilogue (I loved that ending, by the way!). I believe that Raithby definitely has a natural talent for writing: her characters are amazing (she made them so easy to love), the story has a perfect balance of action and romance, and her writing style just flows very well.
Although the plot of this book isn't a unique take on werewolves, I thought that Raithby did a great job of incorporating unique elements and ideas, such that this book can be set apart from the generic modern "werewolf" stories. Raithby had a way of using little things to bring new dimensions to her story (I particularly appreciate the attention that Kat, the protagonist, showed to her German Shepard, she didn't forget about him at any point even though her life was falling apart).
Another element of this book that sets it apart from other YA books was the main character: the protagonist goes through some very difficult events in this book and instead of grieving and feeling anger for a short period of time, she experiences the pain and hurt for a period of time that any real person would be expected to. She doesn't just bounce back and act as though it didn't happen a day later, we see how she experiences different stages of grief and how she takes time to put herself back together. I think that that was something that contributed to such a different reading experience. And Kat may not have been a very likable character after reading about how sad and angry she feels for most of the book, but the realism of her reaction made me root for her and connect with her.
The last thing I would like to discuss is Kat's and Bass's relationship. I really appreciate the way Raithby approached it. Instead of making the fire build in an unreasonably fast rate, she took the time to develop a mature relationship. She made sure that their feelings didn't come off superficial, she took the time to let them learn about (and to learn from) each other. She made them special. Kat and Bass share some really cute moments!
I would highly recommend this book to a YA fan, looking forward to the sequel!
Although the plot of this book isn't a unique take on werewolves, I thought that Raithby did a great job of incorporating unique elements and ideas, such that this book can be set apart from the generic modern "werewolf" stories. Raithby had a way of using little things to bring new dimensions to her story (I particularly appreciate the attention that Kat, the protagonist, showed to her German Shepard, she didn't forget about him at any point even though her life was falling apart).
Another element of this book that sets it apart from other YA books was the main character: the protagonist goes through some very difficult events in this book and instead of grieving and feeling anger for a short period of time, she experiences the pain and hurt for a period of time that any real person would be expected to. She doesn't just bounce back and act as though it didn't happen a day later, we see how she experiences different stages of grief and how she takes time to put herself back together. I think that that was something that contributed to such a different reading experience. And Kat may not have been a very likable character after reading about how sad and angry she feels for most of the book, but the realism of her reaction made me root for her and connect with her.
The last thing I would like to discuss is Kat's and Bass's relationship. I really appreciate the way Raithby approached it. Instead of making the fire build in an unreasonably fast rate, she took the time to develop a mature relationship. She made sure that their feelings didn't come off superficial, she took the time to let them learn about (and to learn from) each other. She made them special. Kat and Bass share some really cute moments!
I would highly recommend this book to a YA fan, looking forward to the sequel!
April 26, 2018
Winter Wolf.. oh where do I start?
Okay, first I'll go with the story then the characters.
Now the plot could've been a smidge better in my eyes. Yes, the beginning hooks you right in because there's a death. However, it quickly screeches to a hault when you find out Kat, the MC, basically engaged to someone she's never met and then the MC starts to WHINE, a lot. Then there's a bunch of predictable crap happening every now and then. Some funny moments. A lot of cringing by me but that's mostly the narrators fault. At the end, well it's a god damn happy ending people. Smiles all around!
Now to the characters.
Kat was kind of annoying for most of the book. Yes, she did see things happening right in front of her own eyes than most people do.. but did she always have to whine?!? I get it. YOU ARE UPSET. Just please for the love of god, build a bridge and the get the hell over it already.
Now I only really liked Kat when Bass was around. Although in the audio, the narrator did sort of a creepy voice talk for when she was reading his part of whatever. I always cringed and was like ... "NOPE!" Not today Satan!
Bass was an okay but mostly the cliche bad boy who's almost mysterious and has daddy problems (mostly 'cause his dad's an asshole and crazy) cliche character. Doesn't mean I didn't end up loving him because of his relationship with Kat. Mostly just liked him because he made Kat more bearable.
Cage was just himself really. More annoying than Kat but he also brooded a lot and basically had this disney marriage fantasy. It creeped me out.
Overall, it was an okay book. I liked it. I loved some of the characters and some of the action. Would've loved it more if there wasn't constant whining and shit.
Okay, first I'll go with the story then the characters.
Now the plot could've been a smidge better in my eyes. Yes, the beginning hooks you right in because there's a death. However, it quickly screeches to a hault when you find out Kat, the MC, basically engaged to someone she's never met and then the MC starts to WHINE, a lot. Then there's a bunch of predictable crap happening every now and then. Some funny moments. A lot of cringing by me but that's mostly the narrators fault. At the end, well it's a god damn happy ending people. Smiles all around!
Now to the characters.
Kat was kind of annoying for most of the book. Yes, she did see things happening right in front of her own eyes than most people do.. but did she always have to whine?!? I get it. YOU ARE UPSET. Just please for the love of god, build a bridge and the get the hell over it already.
Now I only really liked Kat when Bass was around. Although in the audio, the narrator did sort of a creepy voice talk for when she was reading his part of whatever. I always cringed and was like ... "NOPE!" Not today Satan!
Bass was an okay but mostly the cliche bad boy who's almost mysterious and has daddy problems (mostly 'cause his dad's an asshole and crazy) cliche character. Doesn't mean I didn't end up loving him because of his relationship with Kat. Mostly just liked him because he made Kat more bearable.
Cage was just himself really. More annoying than Kat but he also brooded a lot and basically had this disney marriage fantasy. It creeped me out.
Overall, it was an okay book. I liked it. I loved some of the characters and some of the action. Would've loved it more if there wasn't constant whining and shit.
January 30, 2015
Winter Wolf. What can I say but wow, I will admit I have stayed away from books like this for some time and I was a little unsure how I would go reading this. But that first time I picked it up to read around 11pm and had to force myself to put it down at 3am. It had me hooked and I could not get it out of my head. So first thing in the morning I was picking it up again to read it. Kat is your young woman trying to find her place in this world. A lot of us can relate to that, but add to it losing the life she once knew on her 18th and facing a strange world she never knew she lost when she was just 6 months old. Facing a world where people want her dead, others will do anything to protect her even from herself. And then meeting her Romeo in Bass. Hundreds of emotions all at once and you get a Kat that just wants to hid from emotions that are just to much. The cracks start to show but when Bass promises to take her away from it, to help say good bye to her past and sort out her future, she must face what her future with be will him. But that's the easy part the hard part will be finding where their future together will be.
This story has violence from the get go and some real heart breaking moments. If you ever lost someone close to you these moments might be hard to read. But over all with all the blood and emotions this is a really enjoyable read that flowed well and one I would read over and over. Thank you Rachel. M Raithby for a lovely book.
This story has violence from the get go and some real heart breaking moments. If you ever lost someone close to you these moments might be hard to read. But over all with all the blood and emotions this is a really enjoyable read that flowed well and one I would read over and over. Thank you Rachel. M Raithby for a lovely book.
November 16, 2014
Katalina feels like her life is in limbo. At 18 and graduated from high school she has no clue what she wants to do with the rest of her life. When a crazy car accident happens and her parents die her whole changes in the blink of an eye. She always knew she was adopted, but being confronted with her biological father and the world he is a part of are two different things. And when she finds out about the war she just landed in the middle of she has no clue what to do espically when the only person who seems to calm her is supposed to be the enemy.
Kat is strong and capible she may not like how things are but accepts what she can and the rest she deals with. She's smart in her own way and trusts her instincts no matter how crazy they appear to be.
Throughout the story we see Kat learning about her new self and situation while trying to figure out how it all fits in with who she was. She doesn't allow anyone to push her around which was one of my favorite things about her, but she never turned into a bully herself. She always did what she thought was right no matter the situation.
This was a great start to a new series and I'm exited to dive into this world some more and see what happens next!
Kat is strong and capible she may not like how things are but accepts what she can and the rest she deals with. She's smart in her own way and trusts her instincts no matter how crazy they appear to be.
Throughout the story we see Kat learning about her new self and situation while trying to figure out how it all fits in with who she was. She doesn't allow anyone to push her around which was one of my favorite things about her, but she never turned into a bully herself. She always did what she thought was right no matter the situation.
This was a great start to a new series and I'm exited to dive into this world some more and see what happens next!
November 1, 2015
I haven't read many shapeshifter novels, but I thought this one was okay...though the plot was a little boring. All it seemed to be about was the romantic feelings between two characters, and the wolf aspect felt like an add-on. The main characters were nice, but I didn't like the insta-love. Sometimes it can work, rarely I think, but in this case it just made the whole story lag...in my opinion. My favorite characters were Toby and Karen. Toby for his loyalty and friendship with Kat. Karen because how she handled herself around Kat and the sweet way she was with her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
Content
Language: moderate-heavy
Romance: medium
Violence: strong
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
Content
Language: moderate-heavy
Romance: medium
Violence: strong
November 18, 2014
Winter Wolf (A New Dawn Novel Book1) – Rachel M Raithby 5 stars - Amazing
Katalina has just turned 18, she is on her way back from a birthday dinner with her parents when she notices the wolves running alongside the car, she tells her dad. The car rolls and crashes, Katalina escapes but the car catches fire and her parents both die and her life instantly changes. She is rescued by a shapeshifter and now finds herself in a whole new unknown world, she ends up at her biological father’s house, learning of her history and the rivalry between the two local packs. The dark shadow pack want to kill Katalina as revenge after a life long feud. However, Katalina falls for/mates with a wolf from the rival dark shadow pack can they survive together with both of their fathers being Alphas from rival packs?
Whoa, I absolutely loved this book, I connected instantly with the characters and the storyline and really felt their highs and lows. Oh and no cliffhanger either ! I will be definitely read more from Rachel M Raithby, I would give this book more stars if I could.
Katalina has just turned 18, she is on her way back from a birthday dinner with her parents when she notices the wolves running alongside the car, she tells her dad. The car rolls and crashes, Katalina escapes but the car catches fire and her parents both die and her life instantly changes. She is rescued by a shapeshifter and now finds herself in a whole new unknown world, she ends up at her biological father’s house, learning of her history and the rivalry between the two local packs. The dark shadow pack want to kill Katalina as revenge after a life long feud. However, Katalina falls for/mates with a wolf from the rival dark shadow pack can they survive together with both of their fathers being Alphas from rival packs?
Whoa, I absolutely loved this book, I connected instantly with the characters and the storyline and really felt their highs and lows. Oh and no cliffhanger either ! I will be definitely read more from Rachel M Raithby, I would give this book more stars if I could.
May 12, 2019
5 STARS
“I received this book from netGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.”
This was a very light hearted and easy read, I enjoyed it quite alright, and I actually read it in just two sitting! That’s rarely happens with me anymore but the easy writing and the flow of the story just barely kept me from a full night of sleep.
This book kept true to the werewolves’ world there was pack politics, mating, loyalty, action…. Just the whole package to what defines a great novel in this genre.
Plus the romance was not exaggerated nor was it boring; it was rightly balanced between the two main characters.
If you like paranormal reads mainly werewolf with a touch of sweet teenage romance who are trying to find themselves in their new paranormal life than this book is definitely for you to pick and Immediately !
Heyy!!!
Take a look and Read some Chapters!!
“I received this book from netGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.”
This was a very light hearted and easy read, I enjoyed it quite alright, and I actually read it in just two sitting! That’s rarely happens with me anymore but the easy writing and the flow of the story just barely kept me from a full night of sleep.
This book kept true to the werewolves’ world there was pack politics, mating, loyalty, action…. Just the whole package to what defines a great novel in this genre.
Plus the romance was not exaggerated nor was it boring; it was rightly balanced between the two main characters.
If you like paranormal reads mainly werewolf with a touch of sweet teenage romance who are trying to find themselves in their new paranormal life than this book is definitely for you to pick and Immediately !
Heyy!!!
Take a look and Read some Chapters!!
November 16, 2014
Wow I really liked the book and the action. Katalina is one tough wolf shifter and stands up to her alpha father Jackson a lot. In such a short time she has suffered a lot and also finds out that she a wolf shifter and has to put up with a lot of things that she is not used to. She also finds her true mate Bass but he is of the enemey's clan, together they have to fight for their love and for they believe is right. Will their love be stronge enough to endore all that is to come? I would recommend this book if you like reading paranormal and action. Once you start reading you won't want to stop until you finish. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
November 19, 2014
Totally loved this story it reminded be a lot of Romeo and Juliet with wolves. It was intense, the portrayal of the wolves as they fought against the other packs was very well done. I really liked Katalina she was a very strong character and was sucked right up into the story. I really wanted this to be a series and see more of the characters for this story.
October 27, 2015
This story doesn't win awards for plot originality but was still a fun and cute read. Bass is the bad boy son of the enemy and Katalina has had her world turned upside down. They find their way to eachother and develop a friendship tempered with attraction. The side characters are interesting as well. The story lends itself well for more books.
ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
ARC given in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us
October 23, 2016
I got this book because it was free on prime and looked like 'fluff'. It was an ok book but little to no plot or character development. Quick read but nothing new or really exciting.
June 8, 2017
instalove + cheesefest + whiny immature MC = my worst nightmare
August 6, 2019
I had a bit of nostalgia reading Winter Wolf because this is definitely a story I would have devoured in my teenage years. I think it’s great, and it’s really well written. Rachel M. Raithby has a great talent for writing interesting world-building and characters.
My criticism is that it’s a bit cliche. We have the story of a normal teenager who finds out about the hidden supernatural world and falls in love with a mysterious hottie. This is only a slight criticism, really, because I enjoyed reading this still! Sometimes it’s enjoyable to read the cliche things and not take it so seriously. I just immersed myself in the story and pretended I was part of the world, and it was very fun to read this.
I haven’t read a shifter-romance in quite a while, and I’m glad I was able to start back into it with Winter Wolf. I have a feeling the story will develop more as the series continues and I’m really looking forward to reading more!
3.5☆ rounded to 4
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with YA Bound Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
My criticism is that it’s a bit cliche. We have the story of a normal teenager who finds out about the hidden supernatural world and falls in love with a mysterious hottie. This is only a slight criticism, really, because I enjoyed reading this still! Sometimes it’s enjoyable to read the cliche things and not take it so seriously. I just immersed myself in the story and pretended I was part of the world, and it was very fun to read this.
I haven’t read a shifter-romance in quite a while, and I’m glad I was able to start back into it with Winter Wolf. I have a feeling the story will develop more as the series continues and I’m really looking forward to reading more!
3.5☆ rounded to 4
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with YA Bound Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
October 4, 2019
This was a bit of a mediocre read for me..... For the first guarterof the book Kat is locked in a room for the next 50 percent or so shes hanging out with Bass and her grandma, the final turn picks up a bit but its over before its started.
I did the Audio version and the Narrator to make Bass sound sexy makes his voice all croaky and to be honest there wasn't much difference between him and the grandma, i wanted to jump in the book and offer him a lemsip or a throat soother....
Kat was so annoying, She always misunderstood every situation, never had any empathy, i was surprised she was 18 she came across alot younger, it was like watching my toddlers throw a temper tantrum every other page, most for no reason whatsoever, how Bass could put up with her mate or not was beyond me he had the patience of a saint.
Bass was a nice enough character, mainly for having to put up with Kat but the character and wolf mirrored was very clever.....
I think the story of a kind of Romeo and Juliet among wolves was a nice twist but i would have preferred more time among the packs rather that with the gran.
I did the Audio version and the Narrator to make Bass sound sexy makes his voice all croaky and to be honest there wasn't much difference between him and the grandma, i wanted to jump in the book and offer him a lemsip or a throat soother....
Kat was so annoying, She always misunderstood every situation, never had any empathy, i was surprised she was 18 she came across alot younger, it was like watching my toddlers throw a temper tantrum every other page, most for no reason whatsoever, how Bass could put up with her mate or not was beyond me he had the patience of a saint.
Bass was a nice enough character, mainly for having to put up with Kat but the character and wolf mirrored was very clever.....
I think the story of a kind of Romeo and Juliet among wolves was a nice twist but i would have preferred more time among the packs rather that with the gran.
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