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Woods Family #3
Surrounded By Temptation: A Steamy Paranormal Shifter Romance
When Krista needs Ariel’s biochemical expertise because her new boyfriend can turn into a mountain lion, Ariel thinks her sister has lost her mind. But the possibility of a major discovery like this is too much of a temptation to ignore. Create a drug to stop a shifter from forcing a mating? Only if she got to test his sexual limits herself.
Rob thinks Ariel is an angel in disguise, and he immediately knows she’s the one for him. But is he strong enough to resist his animal’s need to claim her once the temptation begins?
Rob thinks Ariel is an angel in disguise, and he immediately knows she’s the one for him. But is he strong enough to resist his animal’s need to claim her once the temptation begins?
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2012
4 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Harbin
53 books296 followersMandy Harbin is a USA Today Best‐selling author who loves creating stories that explore the complexities of everyday relationships...with some kissing thrown in. She also writes young adult romance as M.W. Muse because teens like kissing, too.
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The Bang Shift Series
Tender Tarts
Woods Family Series
Join Mandy's newsletter and get a FREE book ➜ mandyharbin.com/newsletter
Find her online at:
Bookbub ➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mandy...
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/Author.Mandy...
Instagram ➜ @Mandy_Harbin https://www.instagram.com/mandy_harbin
Twitter ➜ @Mandy_Harbin twitter.com/Mandy_Harbin
The Bang Shift Series
Tender Tarts
Woods Family Series
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 19, 2018
4.5 Stars
Loved this one. A complete alpha male and a strong-willed heroine. And, it was steamy. If I had a bean-flicking bank this would go in it!
Stars : 4.5
Sex at : %
HEA :
Epilogue :
In one word : satisfying
Loved this one. A complete alpha male and a strong-willed heroine. And, it was steamy. If I had a bean-flicking bank this would go in it!
Stars : 4.5
Sex at : %
HEA :
Epilogue :
In one word : satisfying
October 5, 2012
This is a great series and I have enjoyed reading each book. This series should be read in order because as you read each book you find out more about how and why this family came into existence, it’s like unwrapping a surprise in each time. I love how each brother is different with their own unique personality, and sometimes they do clash with one another, so it really makes the story feel more realistic.
This series focuses on one family that cannot go out into the world because if they find their mate and they are unwilling to be with them, then they are driven to killing their prospective mate. So, they end up living a very lonely existence as they are each in need to being mated. Each heroine that comes to the house has to be married or well, you can get the picture of what happens if they are not mated it can get ugly.
This story focuses on one brother in particular, Rob. Rob is very strong and willing to do anything when it comes to getting a mate. Krista is in need of some true love because her husband left her, but she isn’t just quite ready yet to being with another man so Rob has to fight to win her over.
Mandy keeps things fast paced and hot with a great storyline, as she does with the rest of her books in this series. She is also able to convey lots of emotions and questions in the story that leaves your mind wondering what’s happening to the father and what’s he really not telling everyone. I think it all turned out great in the end. I would recommend series to anyone who likes their shifters'.
This series focuses on one family that cannot go out into the world because if they find their mate and they are unwilling to be with them, then they are driven to killing their prospective mate. So, they end up living a very lonely existence as they are each in need to being mated. Each heroine that comes to the house has to be married or well, you can get the picture of what happens if they are not mated it can get ugly.
This story focuses on one brother in particular, Rob. Rob is very strong and willing to do anything when it comes to getting a mate. Krista is in need of some true love because her husband left her, but she isn’t just quite ready yet to being with another man so Rob has to fight to win her over.
Mandy keeps things fast paced and hot with a great storyline, as she does with the rest of her books in this series. She is also able to convey lots of emotions and questions in the story that leaves your mind wondering what’s happening to the father and what’s he really not telling everyone. I think it all turned out great in the end. I would recommend series to anyone who likes their shifters'.
March 12, 2013
Ariel is a biochemist that goes to the Woods' family property at her sister's request to help her new mountain shifter lover's family to overcome their deadly desire to mate with any unmated female. Ariel believes Krista needs psychological help and decides not to tell her that she is now divorced.
When Ariel announces she is divorced shortly after arriving all hell breaks lose and the two unmated brothers Jack and Rob go after each other. I love how Ms Harbin jumps right into the action with no delay. All of her books proceed at a rapid pace with no time for drawn out semantics or dialogue.
However, there were several parts of this story that were completely unbelievable. Ariel decides to formulate a medication to keep them from being so sexually aggressive and decides she must sexually tempt one of them. She selects Rob. She brings just happens to have brought sexy night attire. She masturbates, gets naked, and performs oral sex on Rob--all in the name of temptation? I just couldn't visualize any scientist deciding to masturbate with underwear on in the name of testing a medication.
Once she realizes that she develops feelings for Rob and the medication is working she hurts him by making him think that she believes he is subhuman and a beast. Ms Harbin did an excellent job of portraying Rob's emotions. She also realistically portrayed Ariel's fear of commitment and doubt that love exists. I found myself angry with Ariel for not recognizing Rob's true value and his love while at the same time understanding how difficult it would be to embark on another relationship so soon after being jilted. Ariel and Rob come back together, and with the help of medication Rob is able to delay mating with Ariel until she is ready.
This is another short, hot read with enough plot twists to keep you glued to the book despite some of its far fetched dialogue.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
When Ariel announces she is divorced shortly after arriving all hell breaks lose and the two unmated brothers Jack and Rob go after each other. I love how Ms Harbin jumps right into the action with no delay. All of her books proceed at a rapid pace with no time for drawn out semantics or dialogue.
However, there were several parts of this story that were completely unbelievable. Ariel decides to formulate a medication to keep them from being so sexually aggressive and decides she must sexually tempt one of them. She selects Rob. She brings just happens to have brought sexy night attire. She masturbates, gets naked, and performs oral sex on Rob--all in the name of temptation? I just couldn't visualize any scientist deciding to masturbate with underwear on in the name of testing a medication.
Once she realizes that she develops feelings for Rob and the medication is working she hurts him by making him think that she believes he is subhuman and a beast. Ms Harbin did an excellent job of portraying Rob's emotions. She also realistically portrayed Ariel's fear of commitment and doubt that love exists. I found myself angry with Ariel for not recognizing Rob's true value and his love while at the same time understanding how difficult it would be to embark on another relationship so soon after being jilted. Ariel and Rob come back together, and with the help of medication Rob is able to delay mating with Ariel until she is ready.
This is another short, hot read with enough plot twists to keep you glued to the book despite some of its far fetched dialogue.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
January 4, 2021
Another good addition
Loving this family. Heartbroken for Rob when Ariel was sent away for potentially outing them as research subjects. Such a great concept of a series.
Loving this family. Heartbroken for Rob when Ariel was sent away for potentially outing them as research subjects. Such a great concept of a series.
November 7, 2012
This is not strictly a review, but it was so much fun I wanted to share it with you
Original Post at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust 11/7/2012
SURROUNDED BY TEMPTATION Shifters with a Texas Twang
Surrounded by Temptation
Woods Family Series Book 3
By Mandy Harbin
Print Length: 94 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Amira Press (October 10, 2012)
E-Galley provided by Bewitching Book Tours so I could ask informed questions for the interview below. No remuneration was exchanged and while the questions are mine the responses are all Mandy's Characters.
I enjoyed reading this book which starts off with a scientist having to believe the impossible and moves on to lots and lots of intimate moments. I was lucky to score a visit with our young lovers, Ariel is a young divorcee who is cynical about love, and Rob is a young man who seriously needs to be with her. They're touring the internet these days with their author Mandy and Bewitching Book Tours.
Come by Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust to check out this really fun (and a bit naughty) character interview!
Original Post at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust 11/7/2012
SURROUNDED BY TEMPTATION Shifters with a Texas Twang
Surrounded by Temptation
Woods Family Series Book 3
By Mandy Harbin
Print Length: 94 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Amira Press (October 10, 2012)
E-Galley provided by Bewitching Book Tours so I could ask informed questions for the interview below. No remuneration was exchanged and while the questions are mine the responses are all Mandy's Characters.
When Krista needs Ariel’s biochemical expertise because her new boyfriend can turn into a mountain lion, Ariel thinks her sister has lost her mind. But the possibility of a major discovery like this is too much of a temptation to ignore. Create a drug to stop a shifter from forcing a mating? Only if she got to test his sexual limits herself.
Rob thinks Ariel is an angel in disguise, and he immediately knows she’s the one for him. But is he strong enough to resist his animal’s need to claim her once the temptation begins?
WARNING: This book contains a shifter who must resist his feral need to mate and a biochemist who is hell-bent on testing his sexual limits. You’ll never look at science the same way again.
Reader advisory: This book contains graphic language and explicit sex.
I enjoyed reading this book which starts off with a scientist having to believe the impossible and moves on to lots and lots of intimate moments. I was lucky to score a visit with our young lovers, Ariel is a young divorcee who is cynical about love, and Rob is a young man who seriously needs to be with her. They're touring the internet these days with their author Mandy and Bewitching Book Tours.
Come by Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust to check out this really fun (and a bit naughty) character interview!
November 25, 2012
Returning to the Woods Family Tree farm, this book in the series reveals even more about the origin of the family, their shifter traits and the efforts that they are willing to take to rein in the ‘mine or you die’ reaction the males of the family have when confronted with an available and unattached female.
Created with more attention to characterization and history of the family, this was my favorite of the books so far, although each character has grown and developed through the life of the series, this is the first book that provides a new character that is essentially complete and complex. We meet Ariel, who arrives to conduct scientific research that she hopes (and the Woods hope) will provide her with insight into the brother’s inability to love them and leave them. Ariel is a “survivor” of a disastrous marriage, and feels that love is simply a chemical reaction that is incorrectly interpreted as an emotion. Of course, the scientific possibilities cannot be ignored, even as she also wants to test the sexual limitations and potential, all the while discounting the love that Rob spotted instantly.
Again, a fast-paced read, full of sex, smart dialogue and imagery that will make your mouth water: the author has created a book that will challenge and excite while demanding you read more. Additional questions are answered that were posed and not answered in earlier books, and these are books that do need to be read in order. A fun series that takes the whole genre of shifter stories and turns them on their ear – in a good way.
I was provided an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Created with more attention to characterization and history of the family, this was my favorite of the books so far, although each character has grown and developed through the life of the series, this is the first book that provides a new character that is essentially complete and complex. We meet Ariel, who arrives to conduct scientific research that she hopes (and the Woods hope) will provide her with insight into the brother’s inability to love them and leave them. Ariel is a “survivor” of a disastrous marriage, and feels that love is simply a chemical reaction that is incorrectly interpreted as an emotion. Of course, the scientific possibilities cannot be ignored, even as she also wants to test the sexual limitations and potential, all the while discounting the love that Rob spotted instantly.
Again, a fast-paced read, full of sex, smart dialogue and imagery that will make your mouth water: the author has created a book that will challenge and excite while demanding you read more. Additional questions are answered that were posed and not answered in earlier books, and these are books that do need to be read in order. A fun series that takes the whole genre of shifter stories and turns them on their ear – in a good way.
I was provided an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 16, 2013
REVIEW: Surrounded by Temptation is the third storyline in the Woods Family series by Mandy Harbin. Like the previous storylines, the Woods are a family of mountain lion shifters-all male- who are not in control of their animal side whenever an unmated female is present.
Surrounded by Temptation focuses on Rob Woods and Ariel-Krista’s sister-and a research scientist. On the request of her sister, Ariel has agreed to develop a serum that will help the male shifter control the aggression and their baser instincts to mate. But things go horribly wrong when Ariel is asked to focus on one brother more than the other. When the brothers struggle for power and control, it will be Ariel who loses-both her heart and her pride.
This particular storyline was different from the previous in that the heroine was aggressive to the point of domination and sadistic-all in the name of research-in this, I did not feel the connection between the couple-it was too clinical and too forced. There was no relationship building to speak-everything was justified as part of the experiment. As well, I did not relate to Ariel’s research methods-as far as I was concerned she was cruel and overstepped her position. I like to put myself into the story line and I could not make a connection-I did not understand or agree with her justifications (all in the name of research) and this too, had me hoping for a different direction in the storyline. This series is an erotic romance look at shifter life, but I found nothing erotic or romantic. And in the end, everyone involved lost a little piece of themselves and the family dynamics fractured because of one woman’s need for control. The story also ended on a cliffhanger and one that I had guessed back in the early stages of book one.
Surrounded by Temptation focuses on Rob Woods and Ariel-Krista’s sister-and a research scientist. On the request of her sister, Ariel has agreed to develop a serum that will help the male shifter control the aggression and their baser instincts to mate. But things go horribly wrong when Ariel is asked to focus on one brother more than the other. When the brothers struggle for power and control, it will be Ariel who loses-both her heart and her pride.
This particular storyline was different from the previous in that the heroine was aggressive to the point of domination and sadistic-all in the name of research-in this, I did not feel the connection between the couple-it was too clinical and too forced. There was no relationship building to speak-everything was justified as part of the experiment. As well, I did not relate to Ariel’s research methods-as far as I was concerned she was cruel and overstepped her position. I like to put myself into the story line and I could not make a connection-I did not understand or agree with her justifications (all in the name of research) and this too, had me hoping for a different direction in the storyline. This series is an erotic romance look at shifter life, but I found nothing erotic or romantic. And in the end, everyone involved lost a little piece of themselves and the family dynamics fractured because of one woman’s need for control. The story also ended on a cliffhanger and one that I had guessed back in the early stages of book one.
October 23, 2012
My Review:
I liked the twist in this book that Ariel is on the farm mainly as a scientist. She's working with the cougar shifter's to dispel their aggression with unmated females. It felt like it created more depth to the story to not just be about the relationship between Ariel and Rob. Although, admittedly...this still falls under the erotica category so there is still plenty of hot loving. This book just seemed to have MORE to the actual story and characters than the other books have had. I've enjoyed them all, but this one is definitely my favorite out of all of them so far.
There is also the added element that Ariel is a scientist through and through and after having one disaster of a marriage, she absolutely does not believe in love. She believes in chemical reactions within our bodies that everyone interprets as love. It provided an interesting perspective. Rob, on the other hand, is a pure romantic at heart. Luckily, he knows that he loves Ariel and fully believes that's enough...so he's willing to wait her out.
It was interesting to see the developments with the unmated cougar shifters and how Ariel was able to manipulate/dispel their highly aggressive behaviors. She had some rather unusual approaches which Rob found particularly pleasing, but poor Jack. It will be interesting to see how his HEA plays out for him, since he's not a particularly happy guy anyway.
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I liked the twist in this book that Ariel is on the farm mainly as a scientist. She's working with the cougar shifter's to dispel their aggression with unmated females. It felt like it created more depth to the story to not just be about the relationship between Ariel and Rob. Although, admittedly...this still falls under the erotica category so there is still plenty of hot loving. This book just seemed to have MORE to the actual story and characters than the other books have had. I've enjoyed them all, but this one is definitely my favorite out of all of them so far.
There is also the added element that Ariel is a scientist through and through and after having one disaster of a marriage, she absolutely does not believe in love. She believes in chemical reactions within our bodies that everyone interprets as love. It provided an interesting perspective. Rob, on the other hand, is a pure romantic at heart. Luckily, he knows that he loves Ariel and fully believes that's enough...so he's willing to wait her out.
It was interesting to see the developments with the unmated cougar shifters and how Ariel was able to manipulate/dispel their highly aggressive behaviors. She had some rather unusual approaches which Rob found particularly pleasing, but poor Jack. It will be interesting to see how his HEA plays out for him, since he's not a particularly happy guy anyway.
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 5, 2012
Whoa wee. HOT is what this story is! I read all three and I love stories that are like this. One book is about how one couple get together then the next is about another couple which are characters that you were introduced to in the first one. Then the third is about another couple! I think that I loved the third the most. Because Ariel had to "test" her drug on them. When I say "test" I mean seduce lol. It was really interesting to see how she "tested" him while holding herself back, because man he is hot and wants her but she has to say no. Which she does, until she says yes then Bam the heat get turned up some more. I thought that the thing that happens with the other brother (no, im not telling you what happens) was really interesting. It added more to the story than just the couples getting together.
I think the third book is my favorite then the first book then the second.
I really liked the first one because it really draws you into the story, characters and location. Mikaela is very interesting, she had just broken up eight her fiance but doesn't tell anyone otherwise she wouldn't be able to help her client. I love the way she pushes at Josh and his mountain lion.
The second one was pretty good too. Krista is different most main female characters. She is shy and not quite as strong as most women. I think that is why Toby is the perfect brother for her. He is caring and not overbearing. And very protective.
I think the third book is my favorite then the first book then the second.
I really liked the first one because it really draws you into the story, characters and location. Mikaela is very interesting, she had just broken up eight her fiance but doesn't tell anyone otherwise she wouldn't be able to help her client. I love the way she pushes at Josh and his mountain lion.
The second one was pretty good too. Krista is different most main female characters. She is shy and not quite as strong as most women. I think that is why Toby is the perfect brother for her. He is caring and not overbearing. And very protective.
June 20, 2014
Synopsis: "When Krista needs Ariel’s biochemical expertise because her new boyfriend can turn into a mountain lion, Ariel thinks her sister has lost her mind. But the possibility of a major discovery like this is too much of a temptation to ignore. Create a drug to stop a shifter from forcing a mating? Only if she got to test his sexual limits herself.
Rob thinks Ariel is an angel in disguise, and he immediately knows she’s the one for him. But is he strong enough to resist his animal’s need to claim her once the temptation begins?"
My Review: Another great book in the series, just not my favorite. I really love the animalistic nature and instinct of Harbin's characters. I appreciate Ariel's clinical look but kind of wanted more of that analytical look at the Woods. While Ariel may not be my favorite character I really enjoyed her dominant and bossy behavior, it was nice to see a girl take charge of these guys for a change. The one thing in this book was that I found myself not liking Krista as much, or really Toby for that matter, I almost felt like they had completely different personalities. That said I still enjoyed this book greatly and can't wait to read the more.
Rob thinks Ariel is an angel in disguise, and he immediately knows she’s the one for him. But is he strong enough to resist his animal’s need to claim her once the temptation begins?"
My Review: Another great book in the series, just not my favorite. I really love the animalistic nature and instinct of Harbin's characters. I appreciate Ariel's clinical look but kind of wanted more of that analytical look at the Woods. While Ariel may not be my favorite character I really enjoyed her dominant and bossy behavior, it was nice to see a girl take charge of these guys for a change. The one thing in this book was that I found myself not liking Krista as much, or really Toby for that matter, I almost felt like they had completely different personalities. That said I still enjoyed this book greatly and can't wait to read the more.
January 26, 2015
ENGLISH
Overall opinion: Ariel!!!! What the F***!! Are you insane??? That was exactly my thought in the beginning of the book… I think this the book I liked the less of all the Woods Family.
Cover: OK
Edit: No so great, seams that it was not revised.
Target audience: +18
Writing: Ok, It was not great, I found several typos, and errors, but not so many that would kept me from reading all the books.
Steaminess: Hot
Page turner: Yes.
Plot: A fantasy world. There is a family of mountain lion shape shifters, with 5 sons. Krista asks her sister Ariel help to control the Wood men mating desire problem.
Characters: Ariel just didn’t do it for me; she was kind of a spoiler. Rob was a saint to keep up with her, she’s a complete brat.
Series: Yes (4 out of 5)
Recommend: Yes
Rating: 3 OK
Reviews:
Surrounded by Death (Woods Family, #0.5) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Surrounded by Woods (Woods Family, #1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Surrounded by Pleasure (Woods Family, #2) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Surrounded by Temptation (Woods Family, #3) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Surrounded by Secrets (Woods Family, #4) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Overall opinion: Ariel!!!! What the F***!! Are you insane??? That was exactly my thought in the beginning of the book… I think this the book I liked the less of all the Woods Family.
Cover: OK
Edit: No so great, seams that it was not revised.
Target audience: +18
Writing: Ok, It was not great, I found several typos, and errors, but not so many that would kept me from reading all the books.
Steaminess: Hot
Page turner: Yes.
Plot: A fantasy world. There is a family of mountain lion shape shifters, with 5 sons. Krista asks her sister Ariel help to control the Wood men mating desire problem.
Characters: Ariel just didn’t do it for me; she was kind of a spoiler. Rob was a saint to keep up with her, she’s a complete brat.
Series: Yes (4 out of 5)
Recommend: Yes
Rating: 3 OK
Reviews:
Surrounded by Death (Woods Family, #0.5) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Surrounded by Woods (Woods Family, #1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Surrounded by Pleasure (Woods Family, #2) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Surrounded by Temptation (Woods Family, #3) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Surrounded by Secrets (Woods Family, #4) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 25, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. I loved how Ariel just came out with it in the beginning of the book. She proved her sis wasn't crazy...now what!!! Wow Rob was something special to behold. A definite alpha who doesn't mind letting his hopeful mate take there reins every now and then. I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to read the next and final book. Jack's story is gonna be spectacular.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2014
i have read all books in this series. you want to read them in order…They are all quick reads but different than other shifter stories.from book 1 i was interested in learning more about the family and waiting for next book to come out .
June 1, 2013
Each one just gets better and gives little more info about their family.
February 9, 2013
3 stars sorry, love the brothers!!!!Rob was great but Aeriel just didn't do it for me, just didn't like her character , going to read Jack's book now hope he gets a run for his money, lol
February 4, 2014
3.5 stars - I liked this one a little less than the other Woods Family stories because Ariel annoyed me a bit.
June 28, 2014
2.5 stars
August 19, 2015
Family dynamics good
Excellent storyline on the third son. It shows the difference in the sons personality and love the difference in the mates.
Excellent storyline on the third son. It shows the difference in the sons personality and love the difference in the mates.
September 10, 2016
Such a great series!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews