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Alaskan Totem Shifters #1
Raven Heart
A curvy woman determined to protect her town, a raven shifter protector with secrets to keep, and a beast out for his own profit add up to an action-packed romance!
Curvy political activist Elena Peratrovitch has only one passion: keeping her small Alaskan town of Shkalnik free of business developments that would ruin its remote beauty. But when the government puts neighboring land up for lease, Elena must face down the billionaires who come to invest in the territory. She thinks nothing can change her opposition to developing Shkalnik...
...until gorgeous, sensual Richard Yale arrives on the scene. He's like no man Elena has ever met--and not just because he's richer than Midas. Richard's life as a shapeshifter and a protector of the Tlingit people must remain a secret--until the price of keeping secrets could be the life of the woman he falls in love with at first sight.
Caught between passion and politics, Richard and Elena must fight to find common ground, and to keep Shkalnik out of the hands of those who would truly do it harm...
Curvy political activist Elena Peratrovitch has only one passion: keeping her small Alaskan town of Shkalnik free of business developments that would ruin its remote beauty. But when the government puts neighboring land up for lease, Elena must face down the billionaires who come to invest in the territory. She thinks nothing can change her opposition to developing Shkalnik...
...until gorgeous, sensual Richard Yale arrives on the scene. He's like no man Elena has ever met--and not just because he's richer than Midas. Richard's life as a shapeshifter and a protector of the Tlingit people must remain a secret--until the price of keeping secrets could be the life of the woman he falls in love with at first sight.
Caught between passion and politics, Richard and Elena must fight to find common ground, and to keep Shkalnik out of the hands of those who would truly do it harm...
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2016
100 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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February 18, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/18/2020)! 🎁
February 3, 2020
Great read!
This was a fun sexy story. Murphy Lawless paints wonderful visuals of Alaska with her words plus some seriously steamy sex. I'd love to see more Alaskan Totem Shifter stories.
This was a fun sexy story. Murphy Lawless paints wonderful visuals of Alaska with her words plus some seriously steamy sex. I'd love to see more Alaskan Totem Shifter stories.
July 17, 2019
Lightweight, charming
Well written, sexually graphic with a reasonably predictable plot. I found the characters interesting enough that I would read more, hoping for fuller development of both characters and setting.
Well written, sexually graphic with a reasonably predictable plot. I found the characters interesting enough that I would read more, hoping for fuller development of both characters and setting.
February 11, 2020
I first read this novella back in 2016 when it came out, right before my trip to Alaska, and I loved it then. I like it even more now.
It's a fun, simple light-hearted shapechanger romance story with a bit more of TEH HAWT than we're used to seeing in Ms Murphy's books (for those who don't know, Murphy Lawless is a pen name for C E Murphy). It reads very much as an introduction to a new series, and since Ms Murphy has said she's got more books planned, that's not surprising.
I love both Elena and Richard as characters, although my one criticism of the book is that the blurb describes Elena first and foremost as a 'curvy political activist' as though that's the most important - and maybe the only important - thing about her. Don't get me wrong, as a curvy lass myself, I freaking love me some smart, competent, confident-within-themselves plus-sized heroines.
But 'curviness' is hardly Elena's defining characteristic. I don't remember her once thinking of herself in terms of her appearance. And aside from Richard appreciating her curves when they first meet, it's hardly the defining way HE thinks about her over the course of the book either. Nor does anyone else in the town seem to pay any attention to her curviness. Smarts? Yep. Competence? Absolutely? Respected member (possibly the head? I can't remember now) of the town council? You betcha. But curviness? Not so much a defining factor.
And as for the political activist bit? She's a member (again, or possibly head of?) of the town council who wants to ensure the best possible outcome for her town. That's not what I think of when I hear the word 'political activist'.
So yes: I really enjoyed the reread, and I'd totally recommend it if you enjoy the more explicitly written paranormal romances. But I'd love it if the book blurb were just a bit more accurate.
It's a fun, simple light-hearted shapechanger romance story with a bit more of TEH HAWT than we're used to seeing in Ms Murphy's books (for those who don't know, Murphy Lawless is a pen name for C E Murphy). It reads very much as an introduction to a new series, and since Ms Murphy has said she's got more books planned, that's not surprising.
I love both Elena and Richard as characters, although my one criticism of the book is that the blurb describes Elena first and foremost as a 'curvy political activist' as though that's the most important - and maybe the only important - thing about her. Don't get me wrong, as a curvy lass myself, I freaking love me some smart, competent, confident-within-themselves plus-sized heroines.
But 'curviness' is hardly Elena's defining characteristic. I don't remember her once thinking of herself in terms of her appearance. And aside from Richard appreciating her curves when they first meet, it's hardly the defining way HE thinks about her over the course of the book either. Nor does anyone else in the town seem to pay any attention to her curviness. Smarts? Yep. Competence? Absolutely? Respected member (possibly the head? I can't remember now) of the town council? You betcha. But curviness? Not so much a defining factor.
And as for the political activist bit? She's a member (again, or possibly head of?) of the town council who wants to ensure the best possible outcome for her town. That's not what I think of when I hear the word 'political activist'.
So yes: I really enjoyed the reread, and I'd totally recommend it if you enjoy the more explicitly written paranormal romances. But I'd love it if the book blurb were just a bit more accurate.
January 9, 2026
A curvy woman determined to protect her town, a raven shifter protector with secrets to keep, and a beast out for his own profit add up to an action-packed romance!
Town c0uncil member Elena Peratrovitch has only one passion: keeping her small Alaskan town of Shkalnik free of business developments that would ruin its remote beauty. But when the government puts neighbouring land up for lease, Elena must face down the billionaires who come to invest in the territory. She thinks nothing can change her opposition to developing Shkalnik...
...until gorgeous, sensual Richard Yale arrives on the scene. He's like no man Elena has ever met--and not just because he's richer than Midas. Richard's life as a shapeshifter and a protector of the Tlingit people must remain a secret--until the price of keeping secrets could be the life of the woman he falls in love with at first sight.
Caught between passion and politics, Richard and Elena must fight to find common ground, and to keep Shkalnik out of the hands of those who would truly do it harm...
Town c0uncil member Elena Peratrovitch has only one passion: keeping her small Alaskan town of Shkalnik free of business developments that would ruin its remote beauty. But when the government puts neighbouring land up for lease, Elena must face down the billionaires who come to invest in the territory. She thinks nothing can change her opposition to developing Shkalnik...
...until gorgeous, sensual Richard Yale arrives on the scene. He's like no man Elena has ever met--and not just because he's richer than Midas. Richard's life as a shapeshifter and a protector of the Tlingit people must remain a secret--until the price of keeping secrets could be the life of the woman he falls in love with at first sight.
Caught between passion and politics, Richard and Elena must fight to find common ground, and to keep Shkalnik out of the hands of those who would truly do it harm...
February 24, 2020
I Enjoyed This Story
Richard and Elena's story was very sweet. Richard a raven shifter with two sizes for his raven begins by saving Elena when she falls over the mountain. Then he they meet again and begin to be lovers but he knows that doesn't mean she will want to keep him as he hopes she will decide she does want him. But another shifter has also come to her town a bear shifter. Which of the two billionaire land development guys will be the best for her town and people? She tries to care and protect them as her mother and grandmother did before her. Can they stop bad development ? Can they choose the right company for a job of development of their land since the government has said it must be developed because they need the oil ? A truly informative type of story about how people could feel when a wild areas are developed even though the people living there don't want it of course throw in a paranormal story with it and it's even better.
Richard and Elena's story was very sweet. Richard a raven shifter with two sizes for his raven begins by saving Elena when she falls over the mountain. Then he they meet again and begin to be lovers but he knows that doesn't mean she will want to keep him as he hopes she will decide she does want him. But another shifter has also come to her town a bear shifter. Which of the two billionaire land development guys will be the best for her town and people? She tries to care and protect them as her mother and grandmother did before her. Can they stop bad development ? Can they choose the right company for a job of development of their land since the government has said it must be developed because they need the oil ? A truly informative type of story about how people could feel when a wild areas are developed even though the people living there don't want it of course throw in a paranormal story with it and it's even better.
March 14, 2020
Highly entertaining - Fun, sexy & relatable
A sexy shifter romance with brains and conscience. I found this tale of one woman's efforts to protect her community, culture and the very land which spawned them all highly engaging, entertaining and often thought provoking. The dilemma of the development challenge in the Alaskan wilderness - ecotourism vs. big oil and lumber trade is real and challenging to navigate, even without the supernatural elements of this story. I found the storytelling of the impossible delightfully plausible and fun. Happy insta-love romance with an HEA I want more Alaskan Totem Shifters. The mystique of the Alaskan wilderness, myth and legend wove throughout this story grab the reader's attention and don't let go.
A sexy shifter romance with brains and conscience. I found this tale of one woman's efforts to protect her community, culture and the very land which spawned them all highly engaging, entertaining and often thought provoking. The dilemma of the development challenge in the Alaskan wilderness - ecotourism vs. big oil and lumber trade is real and challenging to navigate, even without the supernatural elements of this story. I found the storytelling of the impossible delightfully plausible and fun. Happy insta-love romance with an HEA I want more Alaskan Totem Shifters. The mystique of the Alaskan wilderness, myth and legend wove throughout this story grab the reader's attention and don't let go.
August 25, 2021
Needs editing
I got 20% through this story. Grammatical errors and sudden shifts of perspective were the least of it's problems.
The hero is an ancient creature. That's a problem I have with vampires: why would an ancient be interested in a young mortal? What would they have in common? Next, he's rich and polished, but also trying to protect Alaskan wilderness as a developer. That just makes no sense to me. But some people have billionaire fantasies. If that's you, maybe you'll like it better than I did.
The heroine is an anti-development politician, but she drops everything to hook up with him when he shows a little interest. That bugged me the most. I hate it when characters think only with their reproductive equipment.
I got 20% through this story. Grammatical errors and sudden shifts of perspective were the least of it's problems.
The hero is an ancient creature. That's a problem I have with vampires: why would an ancient be interested in a young mortal? What would they have in common? Next, he's rich and polished, but also trying to protect Alaskan wilderness as a developer. That just makes no sense to me. But some people have billionaire fantasies. If that's you, maybe you'll like it better than I did.
The heroine is an anti-development politician, but she drops everything to hook up with him when he shows a little interest. That bugged me the most. I hate it when characters think only with their reproductive equipment.
August 17, 2025
https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/raven-heart-by-murphy-lawless-c-e-murphy/
It’s a story of capitalism clashing with culture in today’s Alaska; you know what’s going to happen as soon as you look at the front cover, but the ride is immense fun and the sex scenes very good without being gruesomely explicit.
It’s a story of capitalism clashing with culture in today’s Alaska; you know what’s going to happen as soon as you look at the front cover, but the ride is immense fun and the sex scenes very good without being gruesomely explicit.
February 5, 2020
This one surprised me , i'll admit i wasn't that keen on the sex senes, not really my thing but I fond myself cheering for the protagonist and booking the villian. It's a fun read overall and the ending did take me by surprise. so go for it.
March 6, 2020
A fun, and hot!, read
The characters and locale were far more realized than I expected from a shapeshiftjng romance novel but I guess that’ll teach me! Thoroughly enjoyed this quick read. And the steamy parts really ARE hot chi mama!
The characters and locale were far more realized than I expected from a shapeshiftjng romance novel but I guess that’ll teach me! Thoroughly enjoyed this quick read. And the steamy parts really ARE hot chi mama!
July 26, 2021
This is brilliant
I stumbled on this book after reading the series starring with Gladiator Bear. I loved this book. Native legends have always fascinated me and this was a perfect blend of romance, legend and action.
I stumbled on this book after reading the series starring with Gladiator Bear. I loved this book. Native legends have always fascinated me and this was a perfect blend of romance, legend and action.
January 15, 2022
🥰😍🥰😍❤
This is a fast paced, insta love, intriguing novella. A small Alaskan town, populated mostly by the original natives fighting to keep their wilderness and oceans pure! Loved it!
This is a fast paced, insta love, intriguing novella. A small Alaskan town, populated mostly by the original natives fighting to keep their wilderness and oceans pure! Loved it!
October 16, 2023
I didn't like this story because the ending just left you hanging. The bad guy in the story dies at the end but the part where Richard earns the town's right to develop the land is not there. I just didn't find it interesting - my opinion. Plus there were many typos.
February 28, 2025
Fantastic
This book had me hooked start to finish. The world building and characters completely drew me in. I love the setting and learning a little about the culture. I highly recommend this story.
This book had me hooked start to finish. The world building and characters completely drew me in. I love the setting and learning a little about the culture. I highly recommend this story.
November 30, 2019
Loved it!
I always like her books. But this was one of the best. I hope she does a sequel someday. Awesome!
I always like her books. But this was one of the best. I hope she does a sequel someday. Awesome!
February 4, 2020
Fun
This novella is a lot of fun. Good story-telling, and both Richard and Elena are very likable. The bad guy is a little two dimensional, but enjoyable to dislike.
This novella is a lot of fun. Good story-telling, and both Richard and Elena are very likable. The bad guy is a little two dimensional, but enjoyable to dislike.
February 24, 2020
Great shifter book! My first from this author, won’t be the last. This story builds up, has some unexpected moments, and an HEA. Plus there’s an unusual shifter, which I loved. Recommend!
January 20, 2022
Love it
Wonderful story
A great mix of old and new. A great mix of folk tales and fiction. I loved this story.
Wonderful story
A great mix of old and new. A great mix of folk tales and fiction. I loved this story.
Want to read
December 22, 2022Purchase Amazon February 18, 2020
Read
August 6, 2023Fun read
This is a fun read, with shape-shifting, spicy times, and a strong heroine who's not afraid to fight for what--and who--she loves.
This is a fun read, with shape-shifting, spicy times, and a strong heroine who's not afraid to fight for what--and who--she loves.
October 29, 2023
good story but is missing an epilogue
This was a good story, but it’s missing an epilogue. I would like to have know a bit more of their future
This was a good story, but it’s missing an epilogue. I would like to have know a bit more of their future
September 2, 2016
Finally a fun shifter romance with a smart heroine who does real world things, who could be your best friend; a hero who isn't the biggest alpha-jerk in the world (which makes him even more attractive) he's actually a sexy feminist; plus some sizzling smexy that also nods to reality (sex on scree rock would be beyond uncomfortable and the couple discusses it *love*)
And to top it off the story is tight, well paced after-dinner, read-in-one-sitting length.
Bring on the next installment!
And to top it off the story is tight, well paced after-dinner, read-in-one-sitting length.
Bring on the next installment!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews