Mating Dance

Black Hills Wolves #50

by Merryn Dexter

The Matrons of the Tao Pack are on the hunt, seeking out unmated couples who would be a perfect match – even if they don’t know it yet.

Sander Burrows is a wolf with a broken spirit. During thirty-five years away from home and pack, he made a life for himself among the humans. Now, tragedy and a sense of failure drive him home into the arms of his loving family.

Aurora “Rory” Hanson hates Sander almost as much as she loves him. Humiliated at seventeen when he stood her up at the annual spring dance, she has since lived a life of relative solitude on the fringes of the pack.

When Sander catches sight and scent of Rory, feelings run hot. His wolf recognizes his mate and he’ll do just about anything to overcome Rory’s dislike of him. Even accept the assistance of four interfering busybodies.

The matrons want the old spring dance revived and what better way to “help” two fated wolves to happiness than to force Rory and Sander to work together on the organizing committee.

Finding love doesn’t get any easier even for wolves in their fifties. Misunderstandings, old hurts, and the sharp edge of Miss Kathy’s tongue must all be overcome if two old friends are to achieve true happiness.

Genres: Paranormal Romance

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2016

About the author

Merryn Dexter is a military spouse who, after a varied employment career (from selling sandals to old ladies with bunions to being a health and safety coordinator for a construction company), is thrilled to be pursuing her dream career as a romance writer. She likes The Winchesters, Spike, Hotch, Loki and watching complicated European Noir. Her hobbies include crying at books, crying at movies, crying at tv serials (there’s a theme!) and believes all stories should have a Happy Ending.

Reviews

[Cheesecake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sander is 35 years too late and he doesn't even know it.
One of those stories where she knows they are mates before he does. He was supposed to take her to the dance but full of a teenage need to spread his wings, he decides to take off for parts unknown instead. She goes to the dance without him and is bullied relentlessly. It shapes her life and her wolf who knows they have a mate (gone or not) will not let her get close to anyone else.

I gotta say I read most of this book with a heartache.

Sander returns 35 years later (only somewhat forgivable because they live longer than humans), and is surprised to find that Rory is his mate. Why is she mad at him??? duh!
Those pack matrons play matchmakers again in this one. But not as annoyingly as they have in other books.

I do feel that Sander redeemed himself and I liked his side stories of helping with the pack teens, but I still felt sorry for Rory by the end of the story.
Ideally, I think for second chance romances to be successful, I need to not still feel sorry for either MC...
He shows her that she is special and I was in no doubt of his devotion...
The end was sweet.

It was just little nit picky sh*t as usual. I do like the way the author has a nice understanding of how people interact and how trust is a fragile thing. He has meaningless lovers over the years while she remained a virgin... now she's a 50-something virgin. He never actually apologises to her. Petty of me to harp on that? Maybe. The balance of power was always in his favour. She fights off an old enemy for him. But that she would be his eventually, he never had to doubt and that just seemed unfair. After she was left doubting for 35 years??? He worked to show her his devotion but he was never in any doubt that he would succeed... Petty I know, but it seemed unfair... I also was hoping she'd get pregnant or there'd be an epilogue where she does... even though she's 50ish, if they live that much longer wouldn't it be possible? An epilogue like that would have gone a long way to heal my feeling of unfairness after 35 years of ignorant shittiness. Instead, the ending was him standing her up again for a dance again. Sure it was for a good reason but it ruined the ending for me. So 3 stars because of the usual double standards.

[Deb M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merryn Dexter wowed me once again! Mating Dance tells the story of yet another Burrows family member and it’s everything I’ve come to love about this author. Flawless writing, creative storytelling, and vivid imagery work their magic to have you believing that shifters are indeed real and living in the world among us. Each of Ms. Dexter’s three Black Hills Wolves novellas are a fab combination of suspense, subtle humor, and blazing hot chemistry that pulls you in and leaves you anxiously waiting for the next story.

Sander Burrows has returned to the pack after thirty-five years of living in the human world. At the age of 22, he couldn't wait to escape the terrors imposed on the pack by their Alpha. Now, with a new Alpha in place, the town of Los Lobos rebuilding, and pack members returning, it’s time to come home. The Burrows family, as well as the entire pack, is overjoyed to have Sander back. Everyone except Aurora “Rory” Hanson. She’s still holding a grudge about the fact he made her look the fool by standing her up at the spring dance all those years ago.

Rory’s character has so many lovable qualities. She’s 52, which is awesome as far as I’m concerned. We don’t have enough sizzling “mature” love stories! And, what with shifters and their long lifespan, 50 is the new 30. But Rory never moved on, her wolf stubbornly insisting on Sander or no one. I love Rory’s wild, rough and tumble nature. She lives in a cabin in the woods, growing herbs, and flowers as her business. A small deformity caused her to be the subject of ridicule and bullying while growing up and she still carries that stigma. She’s been happy keeping to herself but once she discovers Sander is back all kinds of emotions bombard her. To make matters worse, the busybody matrons are out to pair up the singletons of the pack in time for the spring dance. Rory is feisty, bold, and always willing to help out those in need. She’s hilarious when she’s pissed off, using creative but PG versions of swear words to express herself. When Sander and his wolf decide she belongs to them it's loads of sexy fun.

Sander had no idea he’d caused hurt and humiliation the night he stood up Rory. Now he’s on a mission to make things right and claim her as his mate. He’s kicking himself for being such an idiot and his wolf is in full agreement. I loved that Sander was sweet, gentle, and insistent. Taking his time to woo Rory isn’t easy, especially with his wolf beating down the door. But Sander isn't going to take no for an answer, and the rest of the pack is in agreement. Which makes for lots of frustration as well as thwarted attempts at romance when the pack butts in.

Merryn Dexter is, hands down, one of the most amazing storytellers out there. She always manages to write a sexy romance while at the same time weaving in secondary characters that bring additional elements of drama and suspense. I certainly hope she has more Black Hills Wolves stories up her sleeve!
****Reviewed for Xtreme Delusions****

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sander Burrows fled the hated blood oath imposed by the old evil alpha 35 years ago. Now he walks away from the human world he has lived in. In Law enforcement all those years, tired of all the evil he has seen there and because of his need for his family he returns to the Black Hills. Only days after his arrival he gets a whif of his fated mate, only problem is she can't stand him, but he sets out to win her over by any means.

Rory (Aurora) Hanson is still seething after Sander stood her up for the annual spring dance 35 years ago. She can't remember a time when she didn't love him and nothing ever changed after he left, she has kept to herself all this time. Now he is back and claiming that she is his fated mate, but she has had plenty of time to hate him and she can resist his advances, or can she? Will her insecurities keep her from having the happiness she has longed for all her life?

I loved visiting the Tao Pack again. Those 4 Matrons just don't give up! I look forward to reading more of the Black Hills Wolves in the near future

[Lo · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started well for a few chapters and then it fell flat.



I didn't feel anything. Emotions...Zero. He told Rory they have to talk...


It never happened.

She's hurt because their first sexual encounter ended badly and... Through the door he admitted it was his fault (and it is his fault being 35 years too late). And then again... Nothing emotional !
She let him spend the night in her cottage but then... nothing more. We only know from his POV he was with her, at night, the whole week. Still no talk.



We couldn't even have a scene where these two mates share what happened during the last 35 years they where apart !?



I couldn't care for any of them. I felt a little something when Julia, Daniel's mother, found her mate again.



I need angst, emotion, love... This book wasn't for me.

[Cherri-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

You and me, Rory. 5 GOLDEN OLDIES :)

"No,” she whispered. Sander had the ability to devour her heart in a single bite. It was too late for him to show an interest in her now. Is it? The wolf inside whispered. WHOA! Talk about one PAWFECTLY HOWLING, sweet & spicy, tender & loving, HOT HOT HOT panty melting Mating Dance to end ALL Mating Dances! And one that was a long time coming!! In more ways than one! snicker First off, I knew I would love this book simply because it says "by Merryn Dexter" on it, but I sure as floofing hell did not expect to feel the way I did! I was grinning, giggling, thoroughly enjoying this FURLICIOUS tail, then bawling like a baby – both happy & sad tears - on more than one occasion throughout this adventure! (Which to me is never a bad thing because it shows just how emotionally invested & how deeply attached I am to the characters and their story!) Then add in the fact that this is about a couple in their fifties and you get a whole different perspective and appreciation for it! A different – but FURTABULOUS - connection too! It’s PAWESOME to see a story like this, with a couple like this, seeing them get a first chance at second love? Or is that a second chance at first love? *big grin* Once you read the story, you will know EXACTLY what I mean! :) I loved every. single. bit. bite. groan. moan. pant. laugh. tear. squeal. Okay, okay! I LOVE EVERY SINGLE LITTLE FURRY PIECE OF THIS WOLFLICIOUS TAIL!!! *ahem* Since her first book, I will admit that I honestly don’t pay much attention to the description of Merryn’s books before buying & reading them as her name on them is enough for me! So I didn’t realize that the theme for this book WAS the busybodies! “The Matrons of the Tao Pack are on the hunt, seeking out unmated couples who would be a perfect match – even if they don’t know it yet.” So when I was reading the book, and those interfering old biddies started their “bullying”, well, not really bullying, more like coercing I guess, they just rubbed me the wrong way from then on! But then when I realized that they weren’t up to something bad & I caught on to what they REALLY were up to, I decided I not only liked them, I LOVED them! I love visiting & catching up with friends, seeing what they have been up to since I last saw them – that Jessie is just so darn adorable! - meeting new ones, seeing this Tao Pack heal, grow and blossom back into the Pack Life they should have always had. That in itself was enough to melt my heart and get the tears flowing too! But then Merryn adds her WOLFTASTIC magical touch to it all and my heart warms right up, making me smile and be proud to be part of this SHIFTACULAR Pack!! With Merryn's FURNOMENAL talent and her beautiful & genuine gift and her way of telling the stories, the creativity to them, the way they stand out & above the crowd, it all combines to take reading to a whole new level! Reading her books turns "just reading" into one FLOOFING hot & FURTASTIC adventure like no other! Right from book one of Merryn’s (A Mate’s Healing Touch), all I have to do is start reading and by the time I am through the first paragraph, I find myself transported into the story, connecting with the characters, living alongside them, experiencing it AS them, feeling every emotion with them, for them, as them, with EVERY. SINGLE. BOOK. Or at least, after I stop drooling over those nummy covers, that is! wink I have even had the immense pleasure to read 3 of her books a second time (so far), and the experience, emotion and love for the characters, the book, the WHOLE WOLFIN’ EXPERIENCE only gets deeper, more intense and more pleasurable each time! I have read & loved other books in this Black Hills Wolves series by other authors (in fact, some of the characters in THIS book are ones I am already familiar with), as well as the two previous Black Hills Wolves stories of Merryn's and while I can only guess at how interesting, fun, maybe even a tad “challenging” it must be to include other author's characters into YOUR stories, Merryn does this flawlessly, expertly and ABSO-FLOOFIN'-LUTELY FURRIFICALLY!! I have fallen wholly & completely in book love with Merryn, no Mating Dance needed! wink

[Annetta Sweetko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mating Dance takes us back to the Tao Pack and this time, the matrons of the pack are doing a bit of matchmaking, whether the couple likes it or not.

Sander Burrows had left the pack to work as a cop among the humans for a number of years. A tragedy in that world sends him back to his pack. And back to Aurora “Rory” Hanson ... who now hates him.

Rory has her reasons ... years ago he stood her up for the spring dance and disappeared from her life, leaving her a laughingstock. Already treated badly because of an accident in her childhood that left her missing fingers on one hand, making it harder to get around on four legs when she shifts, this was the final straw. Living a semi-solitary life hasn't been all bad ... she's close enough to feel the pack but she doesn't have to deal with the nonsense everyday.

That all changes when the matrons decide to help Sander and they finagle this couple into organizing the return of the spring dance. Will it work? Can the past be forgotten, forgiven and give way to happiness?

Well written and fun book that gives a shifters' look at second chances. The past alpha's horrors are still being felt by this pack as they continue to regroup and sometimes hearts are the last to heal. I loved Rory, she is one tough little cookie, with a sweet heart and gentle ways ... unless Sander is around. Sander is perfect for her ... he didn't let her snarling and snapping at him deter him from the goal of catching the heart of his mate. The Alpha's plans for him helped him release the last of his pain from his former job and gave him goals ... and made him want to settle back with the pack. Toward the end, author Merryn Dexter gave us a little scare, but I should have guessed that the reason he was late was a good one that helped a teen boy and his mom. Great read and can't wait for the next one.

[Jennifer Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. I have only read a couple of the Black Hills Wolves books, but I have really enjoyed the ones that I have read and this one is no exception! After a time away from his pack, Sander Burrows returns home to deal with trauma that he has dealt with in his time in the human life. Back at home, Rory Hanson has been living on the outskirts of the pack, keeping to herself because she feels that she doesn't belong and only going into town to provide her herbs and floral arrangements to the community. Rory has had a crush on Sanders from the time she was in school and has never grown out of it. She runs into Sanders and is surprised to see he is back.

The matrons of the pack are determined to match up the single members of the pack and so they set their sights on Sander and Rory. As the pack begins to restore the town to the way it was prior to a rough reign by a tyrant, they want to bring a spring dance into tradition like it used to be. In order to set up for the dance, they decide to have Sander and Rory work together to make sure the dance is at its best. With the matrons making sure that Sander and Rory are working together, there is no way that the matrons will not get their way in the end. I loved this and recommend it to everyone!

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

35 years! 35! that's how long it took Sander to roam around in various places/jobs before a tragedy in his latest job has him considering where he really belongs. without a second thought he packed up everything and left to go back to his pack.
a few days are all he needs to find his spot again with the pack, like he wasn't away for decades.
that isn't counting on Rory, the young girl he left behind. when he sees her again his wolf had a very clear message for him : mate. and it seemed not only his wolf knew but the local matrons had set their sight on them as well.
Rory was fuming when she saw Sander again. he had left her. it had taken a lot but she managed to make a living, mostly in solitude but with Sander back things come crashing down, hard. in her fifties and still single, Sander is the one wolf who makes her own wolf preen and prance around him and knew at some level what he was to her but she couldn't accept it. he left them 35 years ago! 35!

what a joy it was to read about these two, them not being in their early twenties or thirties is also refreshing. love has no age!! gotta love these matrons and their meddling ways of bringing people together.

free copy given in exchange for an honest review

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of "Mating Dance" from Merryn, in exchange for an honest review.

Merryn has done another AMAZING job with 'Mating Dance', book 48 in the "Black Hills Wolves" series. I'm so happy I was able to ARC for Merryn when I read her debut, being offered the chance once again & I jumped at it with grabby hands. I can say that I loved how we got a glimpse of how everyone was doing since 'A Mate's Healing Touch', more importantly I loved meeting the newest characters & learning their backgrounds. Sander's finds himself needing his family around him after a case goes wrong, he moves back to Los Lobos after years of being away. Being back with the pack at Los Lobos has Sander's wanting to see one women, but mistakes made when he was younger makes it harder. Aurora has lived her life on the outskirts of the pack, never quite fitting in, even more since that night she was humiliated during the annual spring dance. When she bumps into Sander in the new diner Aurora can't wait to run back home...

So I'm not going to ruin this for you, if your a fan of the "Black Hills Wolves" series, shifters or paranormal genre, grab this book. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down & devoured the words. I can't wait to read what Merryn writes next...

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora (Rory) & Sanders had a past before he left without telling anyone. The way he left hurt Rory the most so now she feels she hates him. He is back thirty-five years later. The author was able to draw you into the story & make you feel like you were there. Amazing ability to make the book come alive. I loved the that the main characters were older, it was a refreshing twist. I also loved the small town in the story. I found myself rooting for some and wanting to slap others upside the head. I would recommend this story for all who enjoy paranormal romance. This was the first book I've read from this author and look forward to reading more. I loved how the story ended, yet just began, you will understand when you have read this book.

*Disclaimer... I received a copy for the purpose of review. The opinion stated above is 100% my own.*

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merryn Dexter has done it again. I love her stories for how well everything flows and how well her characters fit together...even if they are opposites. Rory and Sander were supposed to attend a dance together over 30 years ago but instead of Sander showing up, his wandering feet lead him away from the Pack...and Rory. 30+ years later, Sander returns to The Black Hills and the Tao Pack. The first time he scents Rory, he knows she's his mate. Rory however, still bitter and upset with him after all those years, doesn't want anything to do with him or his inner wolf. But Sander knows she feels the same way as he does, now if he could just break down those walls she's built to protect herself and her broken heart, they might finally have their HEA. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it and the Black Hills Wolves series.
ARC given in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mating Dance squeezed my heart and didn’t let go. It really was not the story that I was expecting as part of the Black Hill Wolves. From the moment the book started there was a depth of overwhelming emotion that was easy to feel and connect with. I felt Sander’s breaking point and desperation to just go home, all the way through feeling how Rory felt when she recalled how she had been poorly treated as a young girl, to how she was confused about how to react to Sanders. It was beautiful to see how both Rory and Sanders got involved with the community and were part of making sure that everyone worked together as a pack. Watching Sanders take things slowly with Rory was sweet, but almost made you want to shake him. Sanders & Rory’s Mating Dance was one that was very enjoyable to read.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This author has just raised the bar on herself & her own work ;) LOL ... "Mating Dance" is my new favorite out of the 3 stories by Ms. Dexter & her offerings as part of the Black Hills series :D This engaging novella grabbed me from the start & held on through the end, then left me wanting more! Great descriptions & well defined characters with witty dialogue make this a real page-turner; tho there were times I wanted to scream at Rory (the female protagonist) & reach into the book to wring her neck ;) lol ... Yes, each book can stand-alone, but I'm glad I've read all 3 by this talented author & in sequence, since secondary characters do reappear & add flavor to this fantastic must read that you won't want to miss out on!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new part of the Black Hills Wolves .The Matrons of the Tao Pack decide the single men and women will be mated to help the pack grow and Sander Burrows is going to be the first one they find someone for , he has been gone for thirty-five years and has now come back. Aurora “Rory” Hanson hates Sander as much as she still loves him, he did not show up for a dance that meant everything to her.! Will Sander realize how much harm he did to her that night? The Matrons want the old Spring Dance revived and decide the way to bring these two together is to make them work together to get it to happen! Will two wolves in their 50’s finally realize they are true mates and get over the hurts of the past? barwatts@telus.net

[Cindy Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Rory and Sander's story. Not only do we get a homecoming, an old flame and meddling old ladies, we get the kids of Tao Pack and that was the main thing I appreciated the most with this book. I really liked how the kids were brought in and given more of a story than just a mention here or there. I also like the meddling ladies because they are the type of people you find everywhere.There is always a grandmother, an aunt or and older friend that wants to see the younger people paired up and cant help but meddle in their lives to see it happen. While the beginning is sad, the ending more than makes up for it and Ms. Dexter brings another winner to the Black Hills Wolves.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first I have read of this author and it is great. I can't wait to read more.

He returns home after being gone for years. She can't believe he is back. But what he did to her in the past hurt so much. Can she forgive him and give him a chance?

This is a fast read that will make you want to read more about this community of wolves. They have had a terrible past and are trying to move on. But some of the older ladies are having fun playing match makers.

Received ARC from author for an honest review.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that has different emotions in a few of the characters which makes it a fantastic story to read. You have Sander who comes home after years away, you have Rory who has only wanted 1 man/wolf and now he is back in her life and you have a child, Daniel, who is struggling to do what is right by his mom but who wants more.

I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. This is from the Black Hills Wolves series by the author. Another excellent story by the author!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read this author before and now I'm asking myself why ?
Sander Burrows returns to his pack after being away for 35 years, family is just what he needs right now and when he sees Aurora (Rory) Hanson again, the girl he left behind all those years ago, his wolf recognises her as his mate. Sander is determined to claim her but the hurt he caused Rory all those years ago runs deep.
I loved that this books main characters are in their 50's it's a refreshing change and a happy reminder that it's not only the 20 somethings that enjoy the erotic pleasures.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merryn Dexter is a gifted storyteller. You are sucked in from the first page and reluctant to finish the last. I adore these characters, the spirt wounded cop and the heart damaged loner with an anti-bullying story going on in the background. The author manages to cram a lot in a short story but you don’t feel short changed. Mating Dance is part of the loosely connected Black Hills Wolves series but can be read standalone. Highly recommended.

[Sheri Secord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, this was the first book I read in the series. I was not lost by not reading the book's before it. Well written with touches of humor. Young love lost gets another chance. The pack has had a rough time in the past, now things are starting to turn around. Mates divided by events get a second chance. Will be reading more of this Author and this series

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better! I loved every minute of this love story! It's a little different then the other two in the series that I've read, in that the match makers are put in full effect! As always the authors writing is absolutely amazing. I just can't get enough of this beautiful family that's ever growing!

5 stars

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this in exchange for honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. I loved how characters came together. and plot formation.