Liz Jekyll might be the most wanted werewolf in London--wanted for dating, that is--but she doesn't take it as a compliment. In fact, it's a wretched nuisance because Liz has a vital secret to hide. What she needs is a disinterested werewolf who could pretend to be her boyfriend.
Carson Erving would be very interested in Liz if it weren't for Gentiana Aeternae. The botanist werewolf from Alabama has found the legendary Elixir Gentian, and ruthless people will do anything, kill anyone, to get their hands on a plant that can grant an extra hundred years of life.
As danger explodes around them, two very independent werewolves will have to do the unthinkable and rely on one another. But when Liz's secret is revealed, who will die?
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
*** I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
I've read 3 of the Collegium series, but have somehow got myself out of order. Doctor Wolf is book 4, and I've missed Book 3. I don't think this matters as they are all stand alone. I really enjoyed Doctor Wolf, as much as Demon Hunter which is one of my favourite Jenny Schwartz books. I liked the tension between Carson and Liz, and I liked the regular intrusion of previous characters from the series, particularly Steve and Fay. This was fast paced with some lovely scenes - my favourite being Carson and Liz's 'wolf' run through London. I liked how the author introduced modern issues (sexual slavery/human trafficking) into this story, along with the idea of an elixir to help elderly people age with grace and dignity and live longer higher quality lives. I was a little critical of my previous Collegium read (book 2) for pacing, and for long periods of character thoughts/justifications - there was none of that here - just lots of adventure, humour and fun.
This urban fantasy has suspense, action, and romance. Both of the main characters have intrigue and secrets that cause danger. It was also nice to see Steve and Day from the first two books.
This had more typos than any other work I've read from this author.
The Jeckyll family within the Collegium Series have been entertaining from one story to the next. Liz's strength of her character, so much like Steve's had its plus moments in the story. Liz and Carson's chemistry was simmering and intense throughout the read. But there wasn't enough time throughout the story to really enjoy their pairing. It felt rushed between segments. The story as a whole felt rushed. I like both Liz and Carson's characters but I wanted more story of/with them to make the story a bit more conceivable for the outcome/finale given.
This story centres on Liz Jekyll, a wolf-were who happens to be Steve’s little sister (Collegium books one and two), and Carson Erving, also a wolf-were, who insists he’s too involved with his own projects to have a love life, but what’s the harm in a little flirting, right? That’s fine by Liz. She doesn’t need another were sniffing around courting her and leaving her uncertain as to whether it’s her or her considerable family connections they desire. Fortunately, Carson’s happy to pretend to be her boyfriend for a little while to put the others off. The only were who doesn’t get her message is Brandon Moffatt, a wolf-were who wants to be the Beo Pack’s (Liz’s family) next Alpha. Divorced with two daughters, there are those who believe he’d be the perfect mate for Liz, but Liz has secrets of her own. Their revelation has devastating affects not only for Liz, but also for Steve, Brandon and the entire were-community.
This was another wonderful story, which kept me guessing the characters’ secrets, only one of which I guessed correctly. The revelation of that character’s true intentions upset me and stayed with me long after the story ended, but that’s what made it such a great read. There are edge-of-the-seat moments in this book with quite a few plot twists, which I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the way characters from other stories in the series such as Steve and Fay Olwen (books one and two) made reappearance and added substance to the current story.
Again, this is a stand-alone, but it’s great to read the progression of the series, know who’s who, and understand their significance in the other stories. And did I mention the sensuality? Definitely worth the read. :)
Doctor Wolf is the fourth book in The Collegium Series by Jenny Schwartz. With this series, I discovered a fun, fast-moving mix of urban fantasy, romance, and action, set in a world where supernatural beings - from demon hunters to dragon knights - live alongside humans. Over the seven books, you meet a wide range of characters, each with their own quirks, loyalties, and love stories, all tied together by the mysterious and sometimes politically messy Collegium. There are magical battles and plenty of supernatural drama, but the heart of the stories lies in the relationships - friendships, romances, and even the rivalries - and the way trust and betrayal shape them. The Collegium itself is a great backdrop, acting as both a safe haven and a source of trouble. Each book has its own self-contained adventure and romance, but they all connect to paint a bigger picture of a world that keeps expanding. Perfect for readers who like their fantasy worlds bustling with magic, danger, and a touch of sass. Happy Reading…
Liz Jekyll has a conundrum - since there are three wolf-were vying to become the next Beo pack alpha, she can’t afford to align with any of them nor outright reject them, lest the pack view the candidates in relation to her feelings. Liz is very popular with her nosy pack mates. And …she has a secret she is trying to keep.
Carson Erving is trying to steer clear of pack politics, so he isn’t acting on his attraction to Liz. He has projects of his own that require delicate handling, and he just doesn’t need the extra attention. But, Liz is hard to dismiss.
Then, attacks and break-ins escalate, and the safest place to be is with each other. Can they take down their common enemy?
3.75-4 stars. I really like this series. Liz is Steve’s sister (the suzerainty). As granddaughter of a retiring alpha Liz is weary of being pursed romantically and it being viewed through the lens of politics. She’s also harboring a trafficking victim in a witness protection program. Carson is a botanist but, like, an Indian Jones style botanist? Yeah. And he’s discovered a miracle healing plant that may extend life 1k yrs. Though they are attracted to each other, the secrets Liz & Carson keep could spell danger for anyone who finds out about them. Hijinx ensue.
Doctor Wolf, a stand-alone ebook in the Collegium series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This may be the most light-hearted books I've read by this author. It was a pleasant, predictable story which lacked the world-building and politics I've come to love in her collection of series. A good read, but measured against my prior reads, not a book I'd re-read.
While this book can be read independently, the cozy shifter-mage contemporary fantasy romance series (The Collegium) is richer when read in order. These are early works of the author, and while all are good, she grows as a writer over the span of the series.
In fact, I'm working my way through all her series!! Many, many books; thank God I have Kindle Unlimited. Doctor Wolf is a personal favorite of this series. Lot's of action as well as heartwarming romance.
This my 7th Jenny Schwartz book in about 2 weeks. If you like Urban Fantasy with steamy romance you have found your writer. She will keep you entertained and turning pages. Highly recommended.
Some things didn't add up for me (like Brandon's whole behaviour, I didn't get him at all) but apart from that the story was nice, easy flowing and kept me entertained. Happy Wolvenoot!
Doctor Wolf by Jenny Schwartz is a paranormal romance that breaks the mold. When you find a story like this you don't want to put it down. The mystery and romance and danger embedded in this love story make it something that I was thrilled to read.
Liz Jekyl is the granddaughter of the alpha in her pack, and the sister of the suzeritan. To say she is important is an understatement and with that importance comes -to her- the unwanted attention of suitors. But the secret she harbors means she can't let anyone close.
Carson Erving is a wolf without a pack, but wouldn't call himself a lone wolf. With his work in mystery, he won't justify bringing someone in that he might not be able to trust. When Liz asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend to make the suitors back off he says no. But Liz has to hide something from her family and the only way is to keep the wolves from her home. So who better than the man and Wolf that has no interest in being anything to her.
With action and love, family and danger woven into a beautiful story of mystery you can't go wrong with Doctor Wolf! 3 of 5 stars that set this apart from most shifter story lines.
Significantly better than I expected from the title and genre.
This was a very pleasant surprise. Very well-written, a nicely detailed plot, and interesting characters. I read this prior to reading any of the previous books in the series, but found it easy to follow. I'll definitely be picking up the other books. Deals with some harsh issues in the world, and does it well. Plenty of urban fantasy non-romance events to liven things up.
I haven't read many shape shifter books. I think this is my first modern one. I really enjoyed it. Getting in the heads of shape shifters was intriguing. I had no trouble 'suspending my disbelief.' The characters came across as real and I wanted to keep reading. I liked seeing how they thought and how they went about shifting. The fact that they were socially responsible made me like them even more. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I love all of the pairings that have come from each book and how everything connects. The characters are all so wholesome, whiles perhaps unrealistic, is welcome to read about.