What do you think?
Rate this book
Happily Everlasting World #2
Once Hunted, Twice Shy
Welcome to Everlasting, Maine, where there's no such thing as normal.
Wolf shifter Hugh Lupine simply wants to make it through the month and win the bet he has with his best friend. He’s not looking to date anyone, or to solve a murder, but when a breath taking beauty runs him over (literally) he’s left no choice but to take notice of the quirky, sassy newcomer. She’d be perfect if it wasn’t for the fact she’s the granddaughter of the local supernatural hunter. Even if he can set aside his feelings about her family, Penelope is his complete opposite in all ways.
Penelope Messing wanted to get away from the harsh reminder that her boyfriend of two years dumped her. Several pints of ice cream and one plane ticket to Maine later, she’s ready to forget her troubles. At least for a bit. When she arrives in the sleepy little fishing town of Everlasting, for a surprise visit with her grandfather, she soon learns that outrunning one problem can lead to a whole mess of others. She finds herself the prime suspect in a double homicide. She doesn’t even kill spiders, let alone people, but local law enforcement has their eyes on her.
The secrets of Everlasting come to light and Penelope has to not only accept that things that go bump in the night are real, but apparently, she’s destined for a man who sprouts fur and has a bizarre obsession with fish sticks. Can they clear Penelope’s name and set aside their differences to find true love?
Wolf shifter Hugh Lupine simply wants to make it through the month and win the bet he has with his best friend. He’s not looking to date anyone, or to solve a murder, but when a breath taking beauty runs him over (literally) he’s left no choice but to take notice of the quirky, sassy newcomer. She’d be perfect if it wasn’t for the fact she’s the granddaughter of the local supernatural hunter. Even if he can set aside his feelings about her family, Penelope is his complete opposite in all ways.
Penelope Messing wanted to get away from the harsh reminder that her boyfriend of two years dumped her. Several pints of ice cream and one plane ticket to Maine later, she’s ready to forget her troubles. At least for a bit. When she arrives in the sleepy little fishing town of Everlasting, for a surprise visit with her grandfather, she soon learns that outrunning one problem can lead to a whole mess of others. She finds herself the prime suspect in a double homicide. She doesn’t even kill spiders, let alone people, but local law enforcement has their eyes on her.
The secrets of Everlasting come to light and Penelope has to not only accept that things that go bump in the night are real, but apparently, she’s destined for a man who sprouts fur and has a bizarre obsession with fish sticks. Can they clear Penelope’s name and set aside their differences to find true love?
296 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2017
705 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Mandy M. Roth
409 books1,981 followersNY Times & USA Today bestselling author Mandy M. Roth® loves 80s music and movies and wishes leg warmers would come back into fashion. She also thinks the movie The Breakfast Club should be mandatory viewing for…okay, everyone. When she’s not dancing around her office to the sounds of the 80s, she’s busy writing paranormal operatives and kick-butt urban fantasy heroines. Mandy lives in Oxford, Mississippi with her husband and three boys. She has sold over 2 million books. Mandy has published with Harlequin, Random House/ Virgin Books, numerous small presses, and has had an amazingly successful indie career. She’s had bestselling books in a multitude of categories and genres at Amazon, Nook, Google Play, Apple Books, and Kobo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
March 16, 2018
I’m pretty effing over the werewolves and their consent issues. It’s not attractive. At all. Ever. He doesn’t ask if she wants to be “claimed” (stop using this word) and married but once she finds out that she’s been married without her consent she’s like “oh, but he’s otherwise nice so I guess that’s fine”? COME ON. Cozy paranormal doesn’t mean LAZY paranormal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2017
Supernatural fun
I love this series of Everlasting books. This is the second book I have read in the series and they are both fantastic. You don't have to read them in order to enjoy them. They really are a cozy paranormal books. I want to live in Everlasting and that's saying a lot since I don't like how cold it is in Maine.
I love this series of Everlasting books. This is the second book I have read in the series and they are both fantastic. You don't have to read them in order to enjoy them. They really are a cozy paranormal books. I want to live in Everlasting and that's saying a lot since I don't like how cold it is in Maine.
April 20, 2018
I’m low-grade a very silly person. We’re perhaps not the most sophisticated of humorists, but we’re easily amused.
At one point in this book the male lead, who typically curses like he breathes, finds himself under a spell that prohibits swearing. Sidesplitting comedy ensues.
“A string of what should have been curses poured out of his mouth. Six references to PB and J with bananas on top later…”
“Hold the pickles!”
“Going to shove your sunflower up his whoopsedaisy?”
“Kiss my grits!”
“Uh…. Thanks, but no thanks.”
“I blame that worthless piece of pumpkin pie you were dating.”
“Butter rum squash cookies!”
I did also enjoy the story, liked the main character and suitably adored the male love interest, but the curses-bespelled-into-baked-goods are what truly cemented the majesty of the book for me.
I enjoyed the tale so much I turned around and immediately read it a second time. What greater compliment is there?
“Poodles with umbrellas!”
At one point in this book the male lead, who typically curses like he breathes, finds himself under a spell that prohibits swearing. Sidesplitting comedy ensues.
“A string of what should have been curses poured out of his mouth. Six references to PB and J with bananas on top later…”
“Hold the pickles!”
“Going to shove your sunflower up his whoopsedaisy?”
“Kiss my grits!”
“Uh…. Thanks, but no thanks.”
“I blame that worthless piece of pumpkin pie you were dating.”
“Butter rum squash cookies!”
I did also enjoy the story, liked the main character and suitably adored the male love interest, but the curses-bespelled-into-baked-goods are what truly cemented the majesty of the book for me.
I enjoyed the tale so much I turned around and immediately read it a second time. What greater compliment is there?
“Poodles with umbrellas!”
October 13, 2017
Once Hunted, Twice Shy by Mandy Roth
This story is quite humorous. The non swearing by Hugh is hysterical. His friends laugh at him when he sprouts off about fish sticks and daisies and Hugh ends up laughing with them. That’s a good man. Or rather, Wolf Shifter.
Second in the Everlasting series. Can be read on its own.
A town of paranormals. More romance really than mystery.
“Having two different navigation systems want to drown her was unnerving to say the least.”
Excerpt From Once Hunted, Twice Shy: A Cozy Paranormal Mystery Mandy M. Roth
This story is quite humorous. The non swearing by Hugh is hysterical. His friends laugh at him when he sprouts off about fish sticks and daisies and Hugh ends up laughing with them. That’s a good man. Or rather, Wolf Shifter.
Second in the Everlasting series. Can be read on its own.
A town of paranormals. More romance really than mystery.
“Having two different navigation systems want to drown her was unnerving to say the least.”
Excerpt From Once Hunted, Twice Shy: A Cozy Paranormal Mystery Mandy M. Roth
February 18, 2021
I am giving this one 4 stars simply because it does what it says it is going to do. It is, pure and simply, a romance. Beyond that, it is a *fate* romance. But, what it does, it does well and I will not judge it on any other scale.
There is very little mystery here, and what *is* here, is easily solved. But, the characters are likeable and laughable and cute. It is not long and mind boggling. It is simple, and easy, and goofy. Just exactly the mind candy I was looking for.
And, it filled my last bingo square.
There is very little mystery here, and what *is* here, is easily solved. But, the characters are likeable and laughable and cute. It is not long and mind boggling. It is simple, and easy, and goofy. Just exactly the mind candy I was looking for.
And, it filled my last bingo square.
January 4, 2021
Actually 3.5 stars
The second book in the Everlasting series, Once Hunted, Twice Shy is written by a different author than the first book, and it definitely has a slightly different vibe. Things are still wacky in the town of Everlasting, Maine, where all things supernatural gather. The romance between Will and Penelope is fun, but the absolute best part of the book is when (to win a bet), a local witch curses Will to not be able to say swear words... instead, he frequently references baked goods (“Butter rum squash cookies!”), though my favorite was "Poodles with umbrellas!"
The second book in the Everlasting series, Once Hunted, Twice Shy is written by a different author than the first book, and it definitely has a slightly different vibe. Things are still wacky in the town of Everlasting, Maine, where all things supernatural gather. The romance between Will and Penelope is fun, but the absolute best part of the book is when (to win a bet), a local witch curses Will to not be able to say swear words... instead, he frequently references baked goods (“Butter rum squash cookies!”), though my favorite was "Poodles with umbrellas!"
June 17, 2018
Second in series of 4 written by 4 different authors. The books in this series feature the magincal town of everlasting. Ghosts, shifters, witches...you'd better believe it.
This story features Hugh a wolf shifter/ fisher man and Penelope a antique fanatic, who has returned to the town of everlasting following the break down of a long term relationship.
As soon as she arrives things start going wrong for her...wrong in the right kind of way.
Hugh and Penelope were a great couple, I really liked their banter. And like in the first of this book I found my favourite... PETEY FOR THE WIN!!!
Great suspense filled story, wonderful romance and a really good story.
ARC GIVEN IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
This story features Hugh a wolf shifter/ fisher man and Penelope a antique fanatic, who has returned to the town of everlasting following the break down of a long term relationship.
As soon as she arrives things start going wrong for her...wrong in the right kind of way.
Hugh and Penelope were a great couple, I really liked their banter. And like in the first of this book I found my favourite... PETEY FOR THE WIN!!!
Great suspense filled story, wonderful romance and a really good story.
ARC GIVEN IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
October 17, 2017
The books in this series don't need to be read in order to make sense; they stand on their own. That's a lucky thing for people who read reviews before buying, because I can tell you how awful this book is before you waste your money. The storytelling in this book is very rushed, juvenile, and downright awful. The whole book takes place over the course of two days, and the characters contradict themselves and the previous storyline at every turn. Example: Hero is scared of another character and has been his whole life. Sort of says why but not really. Hints at it everywhere but is never explained or developed, so what's the point? Two pages later, not scared anymore. Hero finds out heroine is related to scary guy and decides not to like her. One paragraph later with no explanation of why he changes his mind, he asks her out. It is just the worst storyline development I've read in years. The first book in the series was pretty good. This one was emphatically not.
October 18, 2017
I have to start out by saying Ms Roth is one talented author. She can write any genre. I’ve read her paranormal romance and was curious to see how she would weave this tale. She didn’t disappoint. Hugh and Penelope were so great together. I was laughing all through the book. Hugh is a big buff alpha werewolf who has a foul mouth so now the community has him putting money into a jar every time he says a dirty word. This is even more embarrassing when it is witnessed by Penelope when she hits him with her car. And not just any car, but a hybrid lol. This is how they meet. Hugh and his inner wolf take notice of Penelope instantly, until he finds that she is related to the man who has hunted and killed his kind and also close relatives all their lives. I’ll let you guys find out what happens next.
December 6, 2020
For a bit of supernatural mystery and romance.
In Everlasting Maine things are NOT what they seem. A town of shifters, witches, ghosts, strange sea creatures and hunters of all the above.
Penelope Messing is the granddaughter of Wilber Messing a well known supernatural hunter.
She decides to come back to her home town after a terrible romantic breakup.
She just arrives and Hugh Lupine a local wolf shifter isn't watching where he is going and Penelope runs him over with her car. But, he heals fast and all is well.
Penelope has a few things to learn about her home town that she never knew. Supernaturals are real? What? Those weren't just stories from Grandpa?? Uh, oh!
Fun read.
In Everlasting Maine things are NOT what they seem. A town of shifters, witches, ghosts, strange sea creatures and hunters of all the above.
Penelope Messing is the granddaughter of Wilber Messing a well known supernatural hunter.
She decides to come back to her home town after a terrible romantic breakup.
She just arrives and Hugh Lupine a local wolf shifter isn't watching where he is going and Penelope runs him over with her car. But, he heals fast and all is well.
Penelope has a few things to learn about her home town that she never knew. Supernaturals are real? What? Those weren't just stories from Grandpa?? Uh, oh!
Fun read.
October 10, 2017
I must say that this is quickly becoming one of my favorite towns. While the death rate is high it is full of amazing and wacky characters. It starts out with a storm, two deaths and a murder accusation for our heroine. She came here to lick her wounds after suffering from a broken heart. However, as it turns out this broken heart is the best thing that could have ever happened to her. She learns about her history and just maybe will fall in love. Mandy did an amazing job creating well thought out characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. This story has it all suspense, romance and mystery. I want to read more of their stories on how the people in this town fall in love.
October 10, 2017
Once Hunted, Twice Shy by Mandy M Roth is the second in the Happily Everlasting Series.
Penelope Messing has been crossed in love, and decides to get away a bit by visiting her favored Grandfather in Everlasting. Things get a little strange when she runs over (literally) the local eligible Wolf-Shifter, being followed by a Wererat carrying a jar of money.
As the second entry in this new Series, written by several outstanding authors, it's wonderful. The scene of small town Maine is consistent with the first, and the new odd-ball characters fit beautifully and continues to build the town. The mystery keeps you reading and this is a another lovely quick read. Solid 4-star.
Penelope Messing has been crossed in love, and decides to get away a bit by visiting her favored Grandfather in Everlasting. Things get a little strange when she runs over (literally) the local eligible Wolf-Shifter, being followed by a Wererat carrying a jar of money.
As the second entry in this new Series, written by several outstanding authors, it's wonderful. The scene of small town Maine is consistent with the first, and the new odd-ball characters fit beautifully and continues to build the town. The mystery keeps you reading and this is a another lovely quick read. Solid 4-star.
November 5, 2017
Funny and romantic. Delightful and quirky characters. And it all takes place in Everlasting. I love this series. This is my first book by Mandy and it won't be my last. I really enjoy all the other authors writing for this series so I am happy to have found that Mandy is also a great storyteller. Everlasting is going to be one of my favourite stops for new books.
October 11, 2018
This is so funny, you guys! So funny! I laughed almost the whole time.
October 5, 2017
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
Penelope came to Everlasting just to visit her grandfather.
In one day, she was accused of murder + she hit someone w/ her car.
Hugh is not having a good day.
He is about to lose a bet that he can go 1 month w/o swearing.
I love the humor in this book.
I started reading this book + I could not put it down.
This town have so many extraordinary Weres ( Were-Kraken )
I totally recommend this book.
Penelope came to Everlasting just to visit her grandfather.
In one day, she was accused of murder + she hit someone w/ her car.
Hugh is not having a good day.
He is about to lose a bet that he can go 1 month w/o swearing.
I love the humor in this book.
I started reading this book + I could not put it down.
This town have so many extraordinary Weres ( Were-Kraken )
I totally recommend this book.
October 6, 2017
I received a free ARC copy of this book for review and here it is. Most times when there is a series written with multiple Authors, you find that they do not revolve around the same people or areas of interest. This one falls right in line with Book one and I have to say, it is the most hilarious, fun loving, gut busting book I have read in a while. Loved all the characters and how some of the others from book one were brought in, and look forward to reading the other two books in the series. Well done :-) HAPPY READING.
January 9, 2018
This is definitely the best book of the series.
October 17, 2017
This is the second installment in this new series "Happily Everlasting ". This is one of my favorite type of series; one with a different author for each book. Since I read this installment first, I cannot yet comment if the authors maintain a consistent arc.
Penelope, a human (with a twist), comes to Everlasting, her birthplace, to visit her grandfather and recover from a broken heart. Even though she was born there, she always thought the stories told to her by her grandfather were just that, stories. By the time she learns they are real she has fallen for Hugh, an alpha wolf Shifter.
Together they, along with her grandfather and friends, solve a double homicide and assist a newly shifted friend adapt.
This was a fun, quirky story that I tremendously enjoyed reading.
Penelope, a human (with a twist), comes to Everlasting, her birthplace, to visit her grandfather and recover from a broken heart. Even though she was born there, she always thought the stories told to her by her grandfather were just that, stories. By the time she learns they are real she has fallen for Hugh, an alpha wolf Shifter.
Together they, along with her grandfather and friends, solve a double homicide and assist a newly shifted friend adapt.
This was a fun, quirky story that I tremendously enjoyed reading.
September 17, 2017
One series, four authors, four different stories, one magical town.
Everlasting!!
This is the second book of the series and I really hope these four authors get together again and write more, it's fantastic.
I don't want to go into the story like I normally do cause I WOULD give away too much and too many spoilers, and ruin it for you.
What I will say though this is an hilarious romance with a mystery thrown in.
Unbeknownst to Penelope Messing her grandfather's side of the family are supernatural hunters, where as Penelope can't see herself harming a fly, in fact Penelope doesn't even know that supernaturals exist. So her finding herself the number one suspect in a double murder and knocking over one of the locals with her rental car all in her first day of arriving sends her nearly into a full panic.
Hugh Lupine a local of Everlasting and a very alpha male werewolf with a foul mouth has found himself in a bet with one of his best friends to get through the month with no swearing. 48 hours in and he's not doing too well, not only is his swearing penalty jar nearly full he gets knocked over by a car, but it's the beauty inside the car that really catches his attention.
Can Hugh get over the hang up that the beautiful Penelope is a member of the Messing family?, can they work together to clear her name? To find out the answers to these two questions and any more. Then your gonna have to read the book. (Evil?....I know, lol)
This is a clean supernatural romance, so not one bit of bad language, but that doesn't mean it's lost Ms Roth's amazing story telling. Her humour can be seen throughout the book right from page one to the very end, and she has the ability to have you sat on the very edge of your seat, unable to put the book down and needing to know what happens next, and I never stopped laughing. Like I said earlier I really hope there will be more to this series.
If I could give more than the allowed five stars I certainly would. It's definitely a must read!
Everlasting!!
This is the second book of the series and I really hope these four authors get together again and write more, it's fantastic.
I don't want to go into the story like I normally do cause I WOULD give away too much and too many spoilers, and ruin it for you.
What I will say though this is an hilarious romance with a mystery thrown in.
Unbeknownst to Penelope Messing her grandfather's side of the family are supernatural hunters, where as Penelope can't see herself harming a fly, in fact Penelope doesn't even know that supernaturals exist. So her finding herself the number one suspect in a double murder and knocking over one of the locals with her rental car all in her first day of arriving sends her nearly into a full panic.
Hugh Lupine a local of Everlasting and a very alpha male werewolf with a foul mouth has found himself in a bet with one of his best friends to get through the month with no swearing. 48 hours in and he's not doing too well, not only is his swearing penalty jar nearly full he gets knocked over by a car, but it's the beauty inside the car that really catches his attention.
Can Hugh get over the hang up that the beautiful Penelope is a member of the Messing family?, can they work together to clear her name? To find out the answers to these two questions and any more. Then your gonna have to read the book. (Evil?....I know, lol)
This is a clean supernatural romance, so not one bit of bad language, but that doesn't mean it's lost Ms Roth's amazing story telling. Her humour can be seen throughout the book right from page one to the very end, and she has the ability to have you sat on the very edge of your seat, unable to put the book down and needing to know what happens next, and I never stopped laughing. Like I said earlier I really hope there will be more to this series.
If I could give more than the allowed five stars I certainly would. It's definitely a must read!
October 17, 2017
In book 2 of the Everlasting series we meet Penelope and Hugh. They played together as young children but lost touch. Now they are back together solving a murder mystery and falling in love. Great characters and a story line packed with humor, adventure, mystery and romance. I love the little references to characters from other stories in this series too! Great fun!! I voluntarily choose to review an advanced copy of this book.
October 1, 2017
Loved this story, Hugh and Penelope were a great match, loved Hugh's friends and Penelope's grandfather as well!
September 19, 2017
As will all my reviews there are no huge spoilers and no real story recap. This is one of four books, all written by different authors, taking place in the town of Everlasting. I have read (and reviewed) all four books and there is no particular reading order while you may find secondary people from other books in this one there is no hint that the other stories are going on in the same town. Each book is self-contained and can be read in any order, but if you are planning on reading all the stories, read this one before Fooled Around and Spelled in Love by Michelle M. Pillow.
This story is a “Cozy Paranormal Mystery” written in third person with no explicit language or sexual scenes with a HEA ending. Well written and entertaining, this story adds charm to Everlasting. Many secondary characters from the other books show up here. The romance in the book was fast in that paranormal love at first love way but there were plenty of sparks between the main couple. The mystery, not so much of a mystery really, but was written in a way that you were not overly bombarded with useless facts and it moved along while holding the story together.
Overall this story is a great addition to Everlasting and I hope that Mandy Roth continues to write more for this unique town.
This story is a “Cozy Paranormal Mystery” written in third person with no explicit language or sexual scenes with a HEA ending. Well written and entertaining, this story adds charm to Everlasting. Many secondary characters from the other books show up here. The romance in the book was fast in that paranormal love at first love way but there were plenty of sparks between the main couple. The mystery, not so much of a mystery really, but was written in a way that you were not overly bombarded with useless facts and it moved along while holding the story together.
Overall this story is a great addition to Everlasting and I hope that Mandy Roth continues to write more for this unique town.
September 3, 2017
Penelope is returning to Everlasting and the comfort of her grandfather after her love life took a nosedive. She loves her job at an auction house but she needs space from Chicago and her ass of an ex.
Hugh struggles to even approach the shop that harbours Wilber Messing! He may be a werewolf but Wil is well known in the supernatural town as a hunter of all things spooky! But when he gets bowled over by Penelope (literally!) he realises he may be getting even closer to the curmudgeonly shop owner. But how can he break it to Penelope that a) he's a werewolf b) her grandfather is not the lovable old man she thinks he is.
Add in some untimely deaths being linked to Penelope's arrival and your have yourself a humdinger of a story. Hugh is the perfect alpha, strong, capable, loving and generous. Penelope is strong when she wants to be and generally unflappable, except when being told her ex neighbour and possible love interest is a werewolf!
Hugh's friends Jake, Petey and Curt are great comic relief and I hope to heck the series surpasses the initial 4 books cos I needs ALL my favourite characters to get a HEA!!!
Hugh struggles to even approach the shop that harbours Wilber Messing! He may be a werewolf but Wil is well known in the supernatural town as a hunter of all things spooky! But when he gets bowled over by Penelope (literally!) he realises he may be getting even closer to the curmudgeonly shop owner. But how can he break it to Penelope that a) he's a werewolf b) her grandfather is not the lovable old man she thinks he is.
Add in some untimely deaths being linked to Penelope's arrival and your have yourself a humdinger of a story. Hugh is the perfect alpha, strong, capable, loving and generous. Penelope is strong when she wants to be and generally unflappable, except when being told her ex neighbour and possible love interest is a werewolf!
Hugh's friends Jake, Petey and Curt are great comic relief and I hope to heck the series surpasses the initial 4 books cos I needs ALL my favourite characters to get a HEA!!!
September 8, 2017
Once Hunted, Twice Shy is book #2 in a 4 book series. ( I really hope there is more to come!)
I have truly enjoyed reading about Penelope and Hugh. Hugh is a wolf/shifter and Polly is an antique dealer. She runs home to her grandfather after her love life takes a nose dive. As soon as she arrives lots of things start happening to her. All to bring her close to Hugh.
I don't remember laughing so very much while reading a book. I loved Polly can she have a book of her own please? I would love to see the kind of trouble that she and Petey get into!
Arc Provided for honest review.
I have truly enjoyed reading about Penelope and Hugh. Hugh is a wolf/shifter and Polly is an antique dealer. She runs home to her grandfather after her love life takes a nose dive. As soon as she arrives lots of things start happening to her. All to bring her close to Hugh.
I don't remember laughing so very much while reading a book. I loved Polly can she have a book of her own please? I would love to see the kind of trouble that she and Petey get into!
Arc Provided for honest review.
September 3, 2017
Book Two of Happily Everlasting Series
Title: Once Hunted, Twice Shy: A Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Author: Mandy M Roth
Characters: Penelope and Hugh
Review: Mandy is one of my favorite authors. So, needless to say, I was very excited to read this book. So happy I did. Loved it from page 1.
Penelope’s family are supernatural hunters, Hugh is a supernatural. What could possibly happen? Romeo and Juliet had nothing on these two.
Her first day in town she is a murder suspect and hits Hugh with her car. A great “meet cute” story if ever there was one.
I really hope this series continues. I want Jake’s and Curt’s story.
This is a thumbs way up for me.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Title: Once Hunted, Twice Shy: A Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Author: Mandy M Roth
Characters: Penelope and Hugh
Review: Mandy is one of my favorite authors. So, needless to say, I was very excited to read this book. So happy I did. Loved it from page 1.
Penelope’s family are supernatural hunters, Hugh is a supernatural. What could possibly happen? Romeo and Juliet had nothing on these two.
Her first day in town she is a murder suspect and hits Hugh with her car. A great “meet cute” story if ever there was one.
I really hope this series continues. I want Jake’s and Curt’s story.
This is a thumbs way up for me.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
September 4, 2017
Fun book. Wolf shifter, lion shifter, shifter hunter, kraken, could you ask for anything more. Very enjoyable.
May 12, 2019
These are fun
August 15, 2020
Once Hunted Twice Shy is my first Mandy M. Roth book and my first dip into the Happily Everlasting series. Reading the authors introduction where she talks about not being allowed to have her male lead swear because this is a “cozy” series I was afraid cozy was code for YA. Not that I’m a fan or either male or female lead characters talking like drunken sailors. I certainly don’t believe swearing makes a man macho. I don’t know why so many contemporary romance authors think having their male leads talk dirty is a prerequisite? I’m no prude and I swear more than I should but to me the idea that if a guy doesn’t have a potty mouth he’s not sexy is ridiculous. But then I won’t pretend to know what turns female readers on. And as much as I enjoy a steamy sex scene as much as the next contemporary romance reader (I am a guy after all) they aren’t necessary for me to enjoy a good story. And this book proved it. There’s no swearing and the substitute words the male lead Hugh Lupine is forced to use instead had me laughing so hard I was crying. And there’s only a suggestion of sex between our female lead Penelope Messing and Hugh Lupine, like television before pay T.V. its enough to let us know what went on between them. This is at its heart a fun, fast paced paranormal romance. It’s populated with many great secondary characters like Hugh’s best friends Curt and Sebastian, his pseudo father/uncle Petey, Polly the quirky witch and Jolene Sebastian’s aunt, who runs the local service station when she’s not busy matchmaking.
Hugh Lupine a wolf-shifter is at 30 years old, a confirmed bachelor who has never done a relationship. In fact he’s never done more than one night stands with no intentions of changing things up. Until he’s struck by a car driven by our heroine Penelope Messing. Lying in the street looking up into the eyes of an angel he hears a heavenly choir and from that point on he’s a goner. As is common in many paranormal romances containing shifters, Hugh has met his fated mate and there’s nothing he can do to resist the gravitational pull, the desire, the sense of possessiveness that overcomes him from that moment on. But when he discovers Penelope is a Messing, the family that is rumored to have killed his mother he is torn.
Penelope Messing 25, has recently been dumped by Craig her boyfriend of two years who then within a few weeks turns around and gets engaged to someone else. Penelope is a wonderful character. She’s quirky and vulnerable but she can also be determined and strong. One of the few issues I had with this story was the idea that Penelope would invest two years of her life in a relationship with a man who did nothing but belittle her and now weeks after he dumped her is still grieving the end of their toxic relationship. She just seems too smart and has too much backbone to have tolerated him for so long. Penelope is in the little Maine coastal town of Everlasting where she was born and lived until both of her parents were killed when she was six years old and was forced to live with her maternal grandparents, to visit her beloved paternal grandfather Wilbur or Wil who runs a local antiques shop. When Penelope’s maternal grandparents took her to live in Mississippi she wasn’t allowed to contact Will until she went away to college. Since then they’d been in frequent contact but she hadn’t ever returned to Everlasting. After Craig dumped her she needed to get away from her home and life in Chicago to lick her wounds and heal. What Penelope doesn’t realize is all those great imaginative stories Grampa Will used to tell her about shifters and witches and vampires etc. when she was a little girl were real. She doesn’t know that she is descended from a long line of “Hunters” born with inhuman attributes (like extraordinary strength and speed) who hunted supernatural beings or that Everlasting is a town full of supernatural beings. When Hugh reveals the truth about himself, her grandfather and the town Penelope at first believes he’s joking or delusional. Until she’s confronted with the undeniable proof that he’s telling the truth. Penelope’s world is then understandably tipped off of it’s access as she attempts to assimilate this information about supernatural being and the idea that her sweet grandpa could be a cold blooded killer.
The story moves along rather quickly without any real unpredictable surprises. There’s minimal angst and a lot of warm happy moments which worked for this reader. Beyond Penelope’s inexplicable willingness to stay in a toxic relationship with her loser ex my only other real problem with this story was how Grandpa Will seemed to fluctuate between accepting the inevitable that Penelope and Hugh are fated mates and being almost violently opposed to the idea.
Hugh Lupine a wolf-shifter is at 30 years old, a confirmed bachelor who has never done a relationship. In fact he’s never done more than one night stands with no intentions of changing things up. Until he’s struck by a car driven by our heroine Penelope Messing. Lying in the street looking up into the eyes of an angel he hears a heavenly choir and from that point on he’s a goner. As is common in many paranormal romances containing shifters, Hugh has met his fated mate and there’s nothing he can do to resist the gravitational pull, the desire, the sense of possessiveness that overcomes him from that moment on. But when he discovers Penelope is a Messing, the family that is rumored to have killed his mother he is torn.
Penelope Messing 25, has recently been dumped by Craig her boyfriend of two years who then within a few weeks turns around and gets engaged to someone else. Penelope is a wonderful character. She’s quirky and vulnerable but she can also be determined and strong. One of the few issues I had with this story was the idea that Penelope would invest two years of her life in a relationship with a man who did nothing but belittle her and now weeks after he dumped her is still grieving the end of their toxic relationship. She just seems too smart and has too much backbone to have tolerated him for so long. Penelope is in the little Maine coastal town of Everlasting where she was born and lived until both of her parents were killed when she was six years old and was forced to live with her maternal grandparents, to visit her beloved paternal grandfather Wilbur or Wil who runs a local antiques shop. When Penelope’s maternal grandparents took her to live in Mississippi she wasn’t allowed to contact Will until she went away to college. Since then they’d been in frequent contact but she hadn’t ever returned to Everlasting. After Craig dumped her she needed to get away from her home and life in Chicago to lick her wounds and heal. What Penelope doesn’t realize is all those great imaginative stories Grampa Will used to tell her about shifters and witches and vampires etc. when she was a little girl were real. She doesn’t know that she is descended from a long line of “Hunters” born with inhuman attributes (like extraordinary strength and speed) who hunted supernatural beings or that Everlasting is a town full of supernatural beings. When Hugh reveals the truth about himself, her grandfather and the town Penelope at first believes he’s joking or delusional. Until she’s confronted with the undeniable proof that he’s telling the truth. Penelope’s world is then understandably tipped off of it’s access as she attempts to assimilate this information about supernatural being and the idea that her sweet grandpa could be a cold blooded killer.
The story moves along rather quickly without any real unpredictable surprises. There’s minimal angst and a lot of warm happy moments which worked for this reader. Beyond Penelope’s inexplicable willingness to stay in a toxic relationship with her loser ex my only other real problem with this story was how Grandpa Will seemed to fluctuate between accepting the inevitable that Penelope and Hugh are fated mates and being almost violently opposed to the idea.
October 25, 2017
Another well plotted and coordinated book in the 4 book series by 4 different authors. No small task! I Received this book as I did the others as an ARC, but the opinions are all mine, joyfully given!
This story, as the others takes place in Everlasting, Maine, where every summer they have a month-long cranberry festival to attract the 'human' tourists and their dollars - quite successfully. The whole town gets into the 'spirit'.
For this well-crafted humorous light mystery, we have two main characters: Penelope Messing and Hugh Lupine.
Penelope is coming back to Everlasting to lick her wounds and be with her favorite grandpa, Will Messing. He wanted to raise her after her parents were killed, but Penelope's grandparents on her mother's side thought Will Messing just too strange and raised her far away. She had a natural affinity for antiquities and so worked for a museum in Chicago after graduating from a university. She loved her job. But, she was just suddenly jilted by her boyfriend of two years and two weeks later he is engaged to marry someone else. So she took her saved vacation days and headed to Everlasting, Maine and Grandpa Will who used to tell the most amazing stories of supernatural beings.
She rented a car and set the GPS to take her to Everlasting. It's starting to storm as she realizes almost too late that the GPS tells her that her destination is IN THE OCEAN. She is at the edge of a cliff and carefully turns around. The storm is really ferocious, so Penelope sensibly pulls over and turns on her emergency blinkers. A friendly townswoman named Jolene comes to her aide and helps her get back to Everlasting. Just as she is slowly driving through town a man suddenly walks in front of her car. She hits him. Officer March is soon on the scene and interrogating her. not just for hitting Hugh Lupine (who readily admits it was his own fault), but also because two people were killed close to the spot where she almost ran off the cliff near the Lighthouse. Hugh is being trailed by a friend with a large jar that is half full of coins and bills. He made a bet with his friends that he could go a month without swearing. It's only 48 hours and the jar is more than halfway full.
This is a delightful,funny series that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't wait for the the next book. But I also want stories for Will and Jolene, Petey and Polly. I'll probably make more requests after the next book. HAPPY READING Y'ALL!!
This story, as the others takes place in Everlasting, Maine, where every summer they have a month-long cranberry festival to attract the 'human' tourists and their dollars - quite successfully. The whole town gets into the 'spirit'.
For this well-crafted humorous light mystery, we have two main characters: Penelope Messing and Hugh Lupine.
Penelope is coming back to Everlasting to lick her wounds and be with her favorite grandpa, Will Messing. He wanted to raise her after her parents were killed, but Penelope's grandparents on her mother's side thought Will Messing just too strange and raised her far away. She had a natural affinity for antiquities and so worked for a museum in Chicago after graduating from a university. She loved her job. But, she was just suddenly jilted by her boyfriend of two years and two weeks later he is engaged to marry someone else. So she took her saved vacation days and headed to Everlasting, Maine and Grandpa Will who used to tell the most amazing stories of supernatural beings.
She rented a car and set the GPS to take her to Everlasting. It's starting to storm as she realizes almost too late that the GPS tells her that her destination is IN THE OCEAN. She is at the edge of a cliff and carefully turns around. The storm is really ferocious, so Penelope sensibly pulls over and turns on her emergency blinkers. A friendly townswoman named Jolene comes to her aide and helps her get back to Everlasting. Just as she is slowly driving through town a man suddenly walks in front of her car. She hits him. Officer March is soon on the scene and interrogating her. not just for hitting Hugh Lupine (who readily admits it was his own fault), but also because two people were killed close to the spot where she almost ran off the cliff near the Lighthouse. Hugh is being trailed by a friend with a large jar that is half full of coins and bills. He made a bet with his friends that he could go a month without swearing. It's only 48 hours and the jar is more than halfway full.
This is a delightful,funny series that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't wait for the the next book. But I also want stories for Will and Jolene, Petey and Polly. I'll probably make more requests after the next book. HAPPY READING Y'ALL!!
September 11, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I adore Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, I rarely try to figure out whodunit (although I have my guesses along the way), I simply enjoy the story, the characters we meet, and the time being swept away, entertained, and often with a few good chuckles tossed in. It does not matter how new or how old the story or series is – it’s the first time I’m reading it so it’s fresh to me. (this is why I’m vague and careful about spoilers in reviews, you never know when someone’s reading a book for the first time)
‘Once Hunted, Twice Shy‘ is the second title in the multi-author series, ‘Happily Everlasting‘, and we’re about to meet some unique characters with, let’s say, unusual abilities beyond being a shifter or a witch. When multiple authors make up a series it’s always fun to watch how new characters are added, how familiar ones are included, and how each author has their own twist on the backstories.
Penelope really has no clue as to the magic that runs through her family, or the role her grandfather’s played in the lives or fate of many people who live in Everlasting, Maine. All she knows right now is that she’s been dumped, duped, and is running to the one man she can trust above all others… her grandfather. It doesn’t take long before odd things begin to happen, or accusations of murder will be tossed in her direction. She’s about to meet her mate, although she has no idea that shifters even exist, let alone intends to fall for a man who seems to have an unending need to show off his swearing abilities (although it is amusing to see those bad words become funny phrases as he tries, without success, to give a good cussing rant).
Hugh is such a sweetheart, well around his lady, even though he had no intention of ever settling down… fate had something else planned for him. But did the love of his life have to be Messing’s granddaughter? Fate and the magic abilities of the townsfolk prove to be quite insistent that Penelope and Hugh belong together.
I had such a good time watching a mystery be solved, meeting new residents of Everlasting, and watching two people who appear to be complete opposites at first glace find a happy ever after ending. If you love a really good Paranormal Cozy Mystery then you should be checking out the ‘Happily Everlasting‘ series, and especially ‘Once Hunted, Twice Shy‘.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I adore Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, I rarely try to figure out whodunit (although I have my guesses along the way), I simply enjoy the story, the characters we meet, and the time being swept away, entertained, and often with a few good chuckles tossed in. It does not matter how new or how old the story or series is – it’s the first time I’m reading it so it’s fresh to me. (this is why I’m vague and careful about spoilers in reviews, you never know when someone’s reading a book for the first time)
‘Once Hunted, Twice Shy‘ is the second title in the multi-author series, ‘Happily Everlasting‘, and we’re about to meet some unique characters with, let’s say, unusual abilities beyond being a shifter or a witch. When multiple authors make up a series it’s always fun to watch how new characters are added, how familiar ones are included, and how each author has their own twist on the backstories.
Penelope really has no clue as to the magic that runs through her family, or the role her grandfather’s played in the lives or fate of many people who live in Everlasting, Maine. All she knows right now is that she’s been dumped, duped, and is running to the one man she can trust above all others… her grandfather. It doesn’t take long before odd things begin to happen, or accusations of murder will be tossed in her direction. She’s about to meet her mate, although she has no idea that shifters even exist, let alone intends to fall for a man who seems to have an unending need to show off his swearing abilities (although it is amusing to see those bad words become funny phrases as he tries, without success, to give a good cussing rant).
Hugh is such a sweetheart, well around his lady, even though he had no intention of ever settling down… fate had something else planned for him. But did the love of his life have to be Messing’s granddaughter? Fate and the magic abilities of the townsfolk prove to be quite insistent that Penelope and Hugh belong together.
I had such a good time watching a mystery be solved, meeting new residents of Everlasting, and watching two people who appear to be complete opposites at first glace find a happy ever after ending. If you love a really good Paranormal Cozy Mystery then you should be checking out the ‘Happily Everlasting‘ series, and especially ‘Once Hunted, Twice Shy‘.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews