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Halle Shifters #4
Figure of Speech
When two hearts speak as one, no words are needed.
Chloe Williams has waited four long years for her mate to acknowledge her. Time and again he has turned her away for being too young, even when she was hospitalized, recovering from a beating that left lingering after effects. Now that he’s been turned into a Wolf, his mating instincts are kicking in big time. Chloe has to decide if it’s worth risking her heart yet again.
Ten years older than Chloe and dealing with issues she knows nothing about, veterinarian James Woods is about ready to howl in frustration. He’s been drawn to Chloe since she was a radiant nineteen-year-old college student, but the age difference held him back from making a move on her. Now his Wolf wants what’s his, and Jim is finally in a place where he can claim her.
Between meddling mothers, Hunter brothers, and a mystery that threatens to end Chloe’s life, they might find an opportunity to tell each other just how they feel. Or find themselves separated by more than just misunderstood words.
Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, and two people who finally get their damn act together.
Chloe Williams has waited four long years for her mate to acknowledge her. Time and again he has turned her away for being too young, even when she was hospitalized, recovering from a beating that left lingering after effects. Now that he’s been turned into a Wolf, his mating instincts are kicking in big time. Chloe has to decide if it’s worth risking her heart yet again.
Ten years older than Chloe and dealing with issues she knows nothing about, veterinarian James Woods is about ready to howl in frustration. He’s been drawn to Chloe since she was a radiant nineteen-year-old college student, but the age difference held him back from making a move on her. Now his Wolf wants what’s his, and Jim is finally in a place where he can claim her.
Between meddling mothers, Hunter brothers, and a mystery that threatens to end Chloe’s life, they might find an opportunity to tell each other just how they feel. Or find themselves separated by more than just misunderstood words.
Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, and two people who finally get their damn act together.
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First published March 3, 2015
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About the author
Dana Marie Bell
56 books1,938 followersDana Marie Bell wrote her first short story when she was thirteen years old. She attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts for creative writing, where freedom of expression was the order of the day. When her parents moved out of the city and placed her in a Catholic high school for her senior year she tried desperately to get away, but the nuns held fast, and she graduated with honors despite herself.
Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.
You can learn more about Dana at:
http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com
Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.
You can learn more about Dana at:
http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
July 5, 2021
I wasn't looking forward to this book. Chloe and Jim's story has been stagnating in the background through several books so far, due to a series of increasingly unbelievable excuses, and I was meh on the whole thing.
Given a book of their own, Jim continues to be a bland placeholder while Chloe at least has an interesting speech disability. In fact Chloe's entire character is "has a speech disability and loves animals", while Jim doesn't even have that much.
The book is crowded with secondary, tertiary, and even quaternary characters, despite the fact that it has no story of its own other than the promise of an ever-continuing series arc. A highly scientific finger count tells me five new people (no, seven!) moved into town and no doubt into further books--and at least two of them are annoying AF.
And! And! The wild similes, metaphors and fart jokes could be trimmed by at least half. At least.
Given a book of their own, Jim continues to be a bland placeholder while Chloe at least has an interesting speech disability. In fact Chloe's entire character is "has a speech disability and loves animals", while Jim doesn't even have that much.
The book is crowded with secondary, tertiary, and even quaternary characters, despite the fact that it has no story of its own other than the promise of an ever-continuing series arc. A highly scientific finger count tells me five new people (no, seven!) moved into town and no doubt into further books--and at least two of them are annoying AF.
And! And! The wild similes, metaphors and fart jokes could be trimmed by at least half. At least.
March 1, 2015
Chloe Williams has waited a long time for her human mate to claim her, put off by their age difference, her once human mate Jim has not acknowledged their bond, even when she was hospitalised after receiving a beating. A beating that has left lingering effects. But, Jim, now turned to a wolf shifter has come to claim his mate, bringing a surprise with him. But the danger that put Chloe in the hospital seems to have returned to Halle, and is not only after Chloe, but Jim as well.
This is why you should never start a book that is mid-series, sometimes, I admit, it can work out well, in this case it didn’t. I want to preface this review saying that I have not read any other books in this series, although I have read one of her books from Dana Marie Bell’s connected series Halle Pumas. Thank God. Without knowing a little background I would have been completely lost.
Even being a little confused about the background story in Figure of Speech I was fully prepared to enjoy the romance. However, either a majority of the actual ‘romance’ aspect and the relationship build happened in the previous books, or it was glaringly absent. Jim and Chloe had been separated for 4 years, both longing for the other, Chloe had 4 years of mating dreams, which I guessed were erotic dreams about your mate (it never explained exactly what they were) and yet I never felt that chemistry, that i-have-been-waiting-so-long-and-need-you-right-now sizzle. It was all very…nice and civilised; they had the chemistry of friendly acquaintances, not mates.
I will keep this short, suffice to say, the blurb which intrigued me didn’t really live up to my expectations. Maybe I need to read the previous books in the series, but Figure of Speech hasn’t really inspired to try them out.
*ARC provided by publisher
February 21, 2015
DNF'd
Couldnt get into it although I really liked the previous books from this series.
Couldnt get into it although I really liked the previous books from this series.
never-gonna-read
November 5, 2018I refuse to read about Chloe’s HEA after what she pulled with Sarah and Gabe. She was fully aware of what she was doing and to add insult to injury she never faced any consequences for her actions...
July 14, 2017
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover is very subdued, and you would never guess what an awesome shifter book it is!!!
This is the 4th book in the series, but it is the first one I’m reading! I might own some of this series in paperback, but it is at my mom’s, so I can’t check. I will collect this series when I can though, but in the mean time, I got the Halle Pumas series to read through as well as the Poconos Pack books to read! This is for adults only due to the steamy content and violence. You can definitely pick up this book without having read the other books with no trouble, but I imagine it would be even better if you did read them in order.
I love Chloe’s spirit! She is a fighter for sure. She has a speech problem that stems from an attack where she almost died and had a brain injury. Some of her accidental word slip ups are hilarious, but most realize what she meant. Her mate Jim didn’t understand what a mate was while he was human, but now that he is a Wolf, he knows. They have a lot to deal with between family, friends, and attacks. I couldn’t put this book down! It was action packed and awesome for the entire book! I loved it! Spencer (Jim’s brother) is very entertaining!
Dana adds a sense of humor to the book that makes it epic like one of Shelly Laurenston’s books. I can’t wait to read the books I’ve bought, and the rest of this series when I can collect them all!
I highly recommend to any shifter fan especially if you love mixed communities of shifters with humor mixed in with all the action!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover is very subdued, and you would never guess what an awesome shifter book it is!!!
This is the 4th book in the series, but it is the first one I’m reading! I might own some of this series in paperback, but it is at my mom’s, so I can’t check. I will collect this series when I can though, but in the mean time, I got the Halle Pumas series to read through as well as the Poconos Pack books to read! This is for adults only due to the steamy content and violence. You can definitely pick up this book without having read the other books with no trouble, but I imagine it would be even better if you did read them in order.
I love Chloe’s spirit! She is a fighter for sure. She has a speech problem that stems from an attack where she almost died and had a brain injury. Some of her accidental word slip ups are hilarious, but most realize what she meant. Her mate Jim didn’t understand what a mate was while he was human, but now that he is a Wolf, he knows. They have a lot to deal with between family, friends, and attacks. I couldn’t put this book down! It was action packed and awesome for the entire book! I loved it! Spencer (Jim’s brother) is very entertaining!
Dana adds a sense of humor to the book that makes it epic like one of Shelly Laurenston’s books. I can’t wait to read the books I’ve bought, and the rest of this series when I can collect them all!
I highly recommend to any shifter fan especially if you love mixed communities of shifters with humor mixed in with all the action!
March 10, 2015
The first book in this series Bear Necessities was the book that introduced me to the amazingness that is Dana Marie Bell. I fell in love with the world of shifters and DMB's quirky, weird and crazy personality. So I naturally ploughed through all her books from there, and I find myself excited to get back to this series every time. Having said that, I'm afraid this book was a little disappointing for me :(
The Chloe/Jim relationship started from the beginning of the series, we knew they were mates and that Jim was refusing Chole because of her age, and the fact that he was human and had no clue about the mate stuff. So now that Jim's a shifter and he understands the bond, you would think the passion was overwhelming. The problem for me was that I really didn't feel like there was any build up to their romance. DMB is so amazing at getting you all hot under the collar when it comes to her characters, but this time around I felt like the story focused more on the tale of the senate and less on the romance. I didn't feel like they were in love at all, there was no passion between them and Jim just didn't sit right with me.
Besides his name making me picture a 50 something man (I mean come on, can we call him Jamie or James? Jim and Jimbo is not sexy), he just seemed to be a shifter. He was changed against his will and then went off to get his brother, how is it that he is like a super shifter and can fight like the best of them? I know Bell kinda explains it with the whole lone wolf thing but for the first time, I just didn't buy it. Chole was also just an OK character. I think we became so excited to get more of her story because she is so involved in the other books, and maybe she just fell a little flat for me. She was strong, she had to be to survive what she went through but not really kick-ass like the other females in this series.
The truth is that this books seemed like a stop-gap in the series and Chole and Jim were just side characters. I did however LOVE the rest of the characters. You forget how amazing they are, Ryan and Alex have you in stitches and the interactions between Barney and Heather, Glory's story and the new twins has me desperate to read the next book in the series.
I'm not saying that is that a bad book, not in the least, it's just not as good as I expected it to be. I laughed out loud several times, at some parts I couldn't talk I was laughing so hard, the thing was it was at the side characters.
“Tabby, I think Wren’s ass is possessed.”
“Why’s that, sugar?” Tabby sounded calm, but Chloe could hear rustling, like Tabby was playing with her sheets…or changing a newborn’s diaper.
“Should it look like something from The Exorcist is living in there?”
“Alex, we were told about this.” Tabby’s tone was patient. “The black stuff, the…what did she call it? The poo cork? Is out now, and we’re going to see the poop rainbow for a while.”
“I’ll never look at Skittles the same way again,” Alex groaned.
I still think DMB is a literary genius and I can't wait for the next book in this series. I have no doubt she'll keep me on the edge of my seat the whole way through it.
The Chloe/Jim relationship started from the beginning of the series, we knew they were mates and that Jim was refusing Chole because of her age, and the fact that he was human and had no clue about the mate stuff. So now that Jim's a shifter and he understands the bond, you would think the passion was overwhelming. The problem for me was that I really didn't feel like there was any build up to their romance. DMB is so amazing at getting you all hot under the collar when it comes to her characters, but this time around I felt like the story focused more on the tale of the senate and less on the romance. I didn't feel like they were in love at all, there was no passion between them and Jim just didn't sit right with me.
Besides his name making me picture a 50 something man (I mean come on, can we call him Jamie or James? Jim and Jimbo is not sexy), he just seemed to be a shifter. He was changed against his will and then went off to get his brother, how is it that he is like a super shifter and can fight like the best of them? I know Bell kinda explains it with the whole lone wolf thing but for the first time, I just didn't buy it. Chole was also just an OK character. I think we became so excited to get more of her story because she is so involved in the other books, and maybe she just fell a little flat for me. She was strong, she had to be to survive what she went through but not really kick-ass like the other females in this series.
The truth is that this books seemed like a stop-gap in the series and Chole and Jim were just side characters. I did however LOVE the rest of the characters. You forget how amazing they are, Ryan and Alex have you in stitches and the interactions between Barney and Heather, Glory's story and the new twins has me desperate to read the next book in the series.
I'm not saying that is that a bad book, not in the least, it's just not as good as I expected it to be. I laughed out loud several times, at some parts I couldn't talk I was laughing so hard, the thing was it was at the side characters.
“Tabby, I think Wren’s ass is possessed.”
“Why’s that, sugar?” Tabby sounded calm, but Chloe could hear rustling, like Tabby was playing with her sheets…or changing a newborn’s diaper.
“Should it look like something from The Exorcist is living in there?”
“Alex, we were told about this.” Tabby’s tone was patient. “The black stuff, the…what did she call it? The poo cork? Is out now, and we’re going to see the poop rainbow for a while.”
“I’ll never look at Skittles the same way again,” Alex groaned.
I still think DMB is a literary genius and I can't wait for the next book in this series. I have no doubt she'll keep me on the edge of my seat the whole way through it.
June 12, 2020
I had just finished the Halle Puma series, and noticed that Jim and Chloe had their own book. This is the fourth book of the Halle Shifter series. (Halle Puma spin-off) The books in this series are longer and it appears that the same mystery (senate/hunters/attacks on ½ /white shifters) continues throughout. It also has the silly/immature one-liners we saw in the Puma series, and those characters are all still around, because they’re all living in the same town.
I met Chloe in Only in My Dreams where she made Sarah think her and Gabe were in a relationship, because she was jealous of the time she spent with Jim. Since then, Jim has been attacked and turned into a wolf shifter, and Chloe has been attacked which caused brain damage. I’ll admit, I went into this a bit biased towards Chloe cuz she bugged me, and her and Jim’s “love connection” has been going on forever in the background. Not to mention his biggest excuse was the age difference, which was 10 years, and not a RIDICULOUS range.
There’s also a speech disability caused from her attack, and while I appreciate the info on Conduction aphasia with phonological paraphasia. (knowledge is good) It was very distracting, and felt a little bit insensitive, because it felt like she was using it to make a funny. It's hard to ignore, because it’s presented almost every time Chloe speaks.
Some were very easy to decipher what she was trying to say.
That Stucks. Or Don’t fake me regret it.
Some were harder to figure out.
“I cussed meant Babe might want to freshen him.”
And some felt like it was just for a funny.
Want some Red Butt? Or “I’ll have a Poke, please.”
Bottom Line- I didn't love this one. I didn't feel any chemistry between the two; there're too many characters going on, and it's super repetitive. This was a loaner from the library, and I wouldn't have read it if I had to pay the $6. There are plenty of people that loves these books, I thinks it's just a "me" thing. I don't really dig the silly humor shtick.
I met Chloe in Only in My Dreams where she made Sarah think her and Gabe were in a relationship, because she was jealous of the time she spent with Jim. Since then, Jim has been attacked and turned into a wolf shifter, and Chloe has been attacked which caused brain damage. I’ll admit, I went into this a bit biased towards Chloe cuz she bugged me, and her and Jim’s “love connection” has been going on forever in the background. Not to mention his biggest excuse was the age difference, which was 10 years, and not a RIDICULOUS range.
There’s also a speech disability caused from her attack, and while I appreciate the info on Conduction aphasia with phonological paraphasia. (knowledge is good) It was very distracting, and felt a little bit insensitive, because it felt like she was using it to make a funny. It's hard to ignore, because it’s presented almost every time Chloe speaks.
Some were very easy to decipher what she was trying to say.
That Stucks. Or Don’t fake me regret it.
Some were harder to figure out.
“I cussed meant Babe might want to freshen him.”
And some felt like it was just for a funny.
Want some Red Butt? Or “I’ll have a Poke, please.”
Bottom Line- I didn't love this one. I didn't feel any chemistry between the two; there're too many characters going on, and it's super repetitive. This was a loaner from the library, and I wouldn't have read it if I had to pay the $6. There are plenty of people that loves these books, I thinks it's just a "me" thing. I don't really dig the silly humor shtick.
September 10, 2017
I have been waiting for Jim and Chloe's story for forever. The wait was not done patiently :); however, as usual Dana Marie Bell did not disappoint! I loved the story and the Halle characters. In each of the preceding books it was painful to "watch" Chloe as she watched everyone around her find love while her mate was either gone or holding her at arms length. Chloe always knew what Jim was to her but as a human, he only saw her as the young woman he wanted but shouldn't have because of their age differences. Well, fortunately/unfortunately, Jim was turned into a wolf after a serious altercation. So he is quickly drawn into the shifter world as he begins to understand the changes happening in his body and one of those changes includes the wolf recognizes its mate -- Chloe. The woman Jim has always wanted but didn't treat so kindly in an effort to "protect her honor". Jim had no choice but to pursue Chloe because his wolf would have it no other way...and frankly, the man was tired of fighting his attraction for her, too. But Jim had other reasons for keeping Chloe at bay and they involved a seriously screwy set of family dynamics involving dysfunctional and feuding parents and a half-brother that he didn't grow up with but assumed his care. There was a lot going on but Bell really handled the story well. My favorite part was in how she allowed Chloe to remain her sweet and effervescent self despite a serious disability at the hands of others. This story definitely had it all, including a bit of suspense that still existing even at the end of the story. For some reason, there is something going on within the halls of the shifter Senate and it's placing the half-breed residents in Halle and those attached to them at risk. The story moves pretty fast and we say the unfolding of a larger story because of the suspense element and we also get introduced to new characters and enemies who become allies. I cannot wait to read what else Bell has in store for this amazing series.
March 13, 2017
Figure of Speech is the 4th book in Dana Marie Bell’s Halle Shifter’s series.
Fox shifter, Chloe, has been pining after Jim Woods for four years. After nothing but constant rejection, Jim is finally ready to admit to the bond he shares with Chloe. There's nothing standing in their way now, except a barrage of hunters and mercenaries targeting Chloe.
Dana Marie Bell is great at getting you invested in the side characters who populate her stories. So, after seeing all of Jim and Chloe’s angst in the previous books, I was pretty excited about reading their story. Unfortunately, I was a little let down by the direction their book took.
Prior to this, Jim had been adamantly against a relationship with Chloe, due to their age difference. This created a lot of drama between the two given their “fated mate” connection. At the very start of Figure of Speech, this is resolved, via Jim now being a wolf shifter and recognizing the bond. I was a little uncomfortable with this solution. It seemed too easy and convenient of a way to solve a conflict that had been built-up over the course of several novels. I had a hard time believing that Jim would just dive into the relationship because he's now a shifter. On top of this, Jim's past actions were excused away as misunderstandings or given noble explanations. It all added up to me feeling a little cheated. I wish that Bell had given the same weight to Jim’s reluctance and past deeds that she had in previous novels, instead of pushing it aside to concentrate on action plot.
Other than that, I thought this was a fairly good installment to the series. I’ll be curious to read about several side characters in the future (especially Barney). If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll find something to enjoy here.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fox shifter, Chloe, has been pining after Jim Woods for four years. After nothing but constant rejection, Jim is finally ready to admit to the bond he shares with Chloe. There's nothing standing in their way now, except a barrage of hunters and mercenaries targeting Chloe.
Dana Marie Bell is great at getting you invested in the side characters who populate her stories. So, after seeing all of Jim and Chloe’s angst in the previous books, I was pretty excited about reading their story. Unfortunately, I was a little let down by the direction their book took.
Prior to this, Jim had been adamantly against a relationship with Chloe, due to their age difference. This created a lot of drama between the two given their “fated mate” connection. At the very start of Figure of Speech, this is resolved, via Jim now being a wolf shifter and recognizing the bond. I was a little uncomfortable with this solution. It seemed too easy and convenient of a way to solve a conflict that had been built-up over the course of several novels. I had a hard time believing that Jim would just dive into the relationship because he's now a shifter. On top of this, Jim's past actions were excused away as misunderstandings or given noble explanations. It all added up to me feeling a little cheated. I wish that Bell had given the same weight to Jim’s reluctance and past deeds that she had in previous novels, instead of pushing it aside to concentrate on action plot.
Other than that, I thought this was a fairly good installment to the series. I’ll be curious to read about several side characters in the future (especially Barney). If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll find something to enjoy here.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2015
Chloe has waited four years for her mate to acknowledge her and now he’s been turned into a wolf and his mating instincts are kicking in but Chloe doesn’t know if it’s worth risking her heart again in this heart gripping paranormal romance.
Chloe survived a brutal attack that left lingering after effects that cause her problems daily but none hurt her so much as her mate staying away. James Woods stayed away from Chloe no matter how much he wanted her because she was too young to be saddled with his life. The reader can’t help but lose their heart to these two strong compelling characters as they struggle with the life that fate has thrown at them and of course cheer for them as their desire for each other ensure that they can reach for their happily ever after. The fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of suspense, excitement and romance and the well orchestrated events ensure that the reader can’t put the book down until the very end.
There is never a dull moment as the well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life and spine shivering anticipation builds as Jim and Chloe soon realize that not only is Chloe still in danger but so is Jim as an unknown enemy targets the shifters of Halle. It’s a good thing they have family and friends to help because it’s soon obvious to them all that they can’t trust anyone but themselves as more information is revealed.
I was completely enraptured with the story from the very beginning, it is full of passion, loyalty, friendship, family, and lots of humor among all the serious events that take place and I can’t wait to find out what happens next of course while I am waiting I can go back and read the previous books that I haven’t read yet because I think Halle just became one of my favorite places to be.
4 ½ STARS
Chloe survived a brutal attack that left lingering after effects that cause her problems daily but none hurt her so much as her mate staying away. James Woods stayed away from Chloe no matter how much he wanted her because she was too young to be saddled with his life. The reader can’t help but lose their heart to these two strong compelling characters as they struggle with the life that fate has thrown at them and of course cheer for them as their desire for each other ensure that they can reach for their happily ever after. The fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of suspense, excitement and romance and the well orchestrated events ensure that the reader can’t put the book down until the very end.
There is never a dull moment as the well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life and spine shivering anticipation builds as Jim and Chloe soon realize that not only is Chloe still in danger but so is Jim as an unknown enemy targets the shifters of Halle. It’s a good thing they have family and friends to help because it’s soon obvious to them all that they can’t trust anyone but themselves as more information is revealed.
I was completely enraptured with the story from the very beginning, it is full of passion, loyalty, friendship, family, and lots of humor among all the serious events that take place and I can’t wait to find out what happens next of course while I am waiting I can go back and read the previous books that I haven’t read yet because I think Halle just became one of my favorite places to be.
4 ½ STARS
March 19, 2015
Absolutely loved it!
January 29, 2015
It's been a while since I've read a book in this series and I had to cast my mind back to the previous stories and found this book completely different. It took me a while to remember exactly who every character was and there are quite a few now so unfortunately it didn't grab me as quickly as Bear Necessaries or Cynful previously did . It's great to be back in this spin off series of Halle Pumas but for some strange reason this felt a little flat to me. Yes there's lots of humorous interactions and these shifters sure know how to have a good time but at times I did find something's mildly irritating.
Jim has always been wildly attracted to Chloe but has constantly pushed her away believing that he is to old for her. Now Jim finds himself turned into a Wolf Shifter and his urge to claim her as his Mate is overwhelming. That's one thing I struggled with as it's as if Jim has done a one hundred and eighty degree turn in this book. He has fought it for so long and yet from the start of this book he is well and truly onboard for a lasting relationship with Chloe.
Chloe has been to hell and back and is still coping with the after effects of the vicious attack she was subjected to. She's left with scarring both physical and mental but probably the hardest thing is the realisation that she can never be a veterinarian now. She not only has difficulty controlling her hand but her speech is forever altered and now her words are mixed up which does often have hilarious consequences but it's not really a laughing matter . This brave young woman faces frustration and yet she never let's it get her down and I do like that she's written as a heroine with gumption and grit.
Ok so I thought that this book had a lot less sexual tension than previous books but that's probably because the couple seem to accept each other right from the beginning. It's a shape shifter romance with lots of different types of shifters and the author seems to be expanding the world that she has created. In previous books the central characters have been quite extrovert and often outrageous but both Chloe and Jim seem far more restrained. Maybe that's what left me wanting? Certainly Jim is uber responsible but for this reader it was Chloe that seemed the most interesting character. She is a fox shifter who for whatever reason has had a complete colour change ( the ultimate makeover?) and in her dreams can now spirit walk and whatever the conspiracy is it's clear that poor sweet Chloe is right at the heart of it.
Lots of characters to laugh at and numerous bad guys showing up but nothing is straightforward in this reality the author has created. I think this will appeal to those seeking a lighter paranormal but to understand everything that's going on I feel this series is probably best read in order.it wasn't my favourite as I do like the Bear shifters but with so much going on and new characters introduced who seem even more peculiar and mysterious I'm hoping for the author to truly wow me with her next instalment
I received a gifted copy of this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Three and a half from me
Jim has always been wildly attracted to Chloe but has constantly pushed her away believing that he is to old for her. Now Jim finds himself turned into a Wolf Shifter and his urge to claim her as his Mate is overwhelming. That's one thing I struggled with as it's as if Jim has done a one hundred and eighty degree turn in this book. He has fought it for so long and yet from the start of this book he is well and truly onboard for a lasting relationship with Chloe.
Chloe has been to hell and back and is still coping with the after effects of the vicious attack she was subjected to. She's left with scarring both physical and mental but probably the hardest thing is the realisation that she can never be a veterinarian now. She not only has difficulty controlling her hand but her speech is forever altered and now her words are mixed up which does often have hilarious consequences but it's not really a laughing matter . This brave young woman faces frustration and yet she never let's it get her down and I do like that she's written as a heroine with gumption and grit.
Ok so I thought that this book had a lot less sexual tension than previous books but that's probably because the couple seem to accept each other right from the beginning. It's a shape shifter romance with lots of different types of shifters and the author seems to be expanding the world that she has created. In previous books the central characters have been quite extrovert and often outrageous but both Chloe and Jim seem far more restrained. Maybe that's what left me wanting? Certainly Jim is uber responsible but for this reader it was Chloe that seemed the most interesting character. She is a fox shifter who for whatever reason has had a complete colour change ( the ultimate makeover?) and in her dreams can now spirit walk and whatever the conspiracy is it's clear that poor sweet Chloe is right at the heart of it.
Lots of characters to laugh at and numerous bad guys showing up but nothing is straightforward in this reality the author has created. I think this will appeal to those seeking a lighter paranormal but to understand everything that's going on I feel this series is probably best read in order.it wasn't my favourite as I do like the Bear shifters but with so much going on and new characters introduced who seem even more peculiar and mysterious I'm hoping for the author to truly wow me with her next instalment
I received a gifted copy of this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Three and a half from me
March 3, 2015
3.75 Stars
Figure of Speech by Dana Marie Bell is the 4th book in the Halle Shifters series. This is the story of Chloe and Jim. Chloe has been having mating dreams of Jim for the last four years but he’s kept his distance all of that time, claiming she was too young. It’s not until after Jim is changed that he learns about shifters and discovers that Chloe is his mate. But even when she’s in the hospital recovering from a brutal and debilitating attack, he rejects her.
I could see and understand both sides of the story but I really sympathized with Chloe. I felt the four years of rejection was glossed over rather quickly but like I said, I understood where Jim was coming from in regards to her age. She did have some growing up to do. She was only nineteen when they met and he’s ten years older than her. When he rejected her in the hospital he was also dealing with some heavy family issues, which Chloe wasn’t aware of until this book.
I really enjoyed Figure of Speech. My heart ached for Chloe having to suffer permanent effects from the attack. One of which is a condition that affects her speech called Aphasia. She has trouble coming up with the correct words at times and it gets worse when she is upset or stressed. Her brain mixes up words and what sounds correct in her head doesn’t always come out correctly. It’s the second book I’ve read with this condition, though in this one the condition is less severe. Chloe is learning to cope but it still upsets her and humiliates her as times. It was heartening to see her friends and loved ones give her their love and support. Jim in particular was very sweet with her.
Figure of Speech is a quick and easy read. The plot is interesting and the characters likable. I loved seeing Jim and Chloe finally come together and I found their interactions to be sweet and sexy. Spencer was a great side character, funny and endearing. There were a couple attempts at humor that I felt were unsuccessful. The ceramic “Elephant” scene in particular struck me as over the top and awkward. All in all though, it was a very good read.
I would recommend Figure of Speech to fans of shifter romance and fans of the series.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from Samhain Publishing, via NetGalley.
Figure of Speech by Dana Marie Bell is the 4th book in the Halle Shifters series. This is the story of Chloe and Jim. Chloe has been having mating dreams of Jim for the last four years but he’s kept his distance all of that time, claiming she was too young. It’s not until after Jim is changed that he learns about shifters and discovers that Chloe is his mate. But even when she’s in the hospital recovering from a brutal and debilitating attack, he rejects her.
I could see and understand both sides of the story but I really sympathized with Chloe. I felt the four years of rejection was glossed over rather quickly but like I said, I understood where Jim was coming from in regards to her age. She did have some growing up to do. She was only nineteen when they met and he’s ten years older than her. When he rejected her in the hospital he was also dealing with some heavy family issues, which Chloe wasn’t aware of until this book.
I really enjoyed Figure of Speech. My heart ached for Chloe having to suffer permanent effects from the attack. One of which is a condition that affects her speech called Aphasia. She has trouble coming up with the correct words at times and it gets worse when she is upset or stressed. Her brain mixes up words and what sounds correct in her head doesn’t always come out correctly. It’s the second book I’ve read with this condition, though in this one the condition is less severe. Chloe is learning to cope but it still upsets her and humiliates her as times. It was heartening to see her friends and loved ones give her their love and support. Jim in particular was very sweet with her.
Figure of Speech is a quick and easy read. The plot is interesting and the characters likable. I loved seeing Jim and Chloe finally come together and I found their interactions to be sweet and sexy. Spencer was a great side character, funny and endearing. There were a couple attempts at humor that I felt were unsuccessful. The ceramic “Elephant” scene in particular struck me as over the top and awkward. All in all though, it was a very good read.
I would recommend Figure of Speech to fans of shifter romance and fans of the series.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from Samhain Publishing, via NetGalley.
May 12, 2017
Figure of speech
I was looking forward to this book the most so far. I adore Chole and everything she has been through broke my heart. Love the Halle Shifters series!!
I was looking forward to this book the most so far. I adore Chole and everything she has been through broke my heart. Love the Halle Shifters series!!
April 13, 2022
Boring. Nothing really happened and nothing was resolved.
March 4, 2015
Where as the last book, Bear Naked was all right, this was a fantastic read. Poor Chloe has not had a good time in the previous 3 books. She was beaten and almost died - on top of dealing with a mate who refused to acknowledge her. But he was human, and human males are clueless to the mating thing, so everyone kept giving him a pass. All that changes with James being changed into a Wolf against his will. Suddenly he has a mating instinct driving him to claim that little Fox, Chloe as his own.
Due to the beating that Chloe received, she has a speech impairment. One that substitutes a rhyming word for what she really means. The author did an excellent job of walking a tight line between comedy and tragedy. We get Chloe's frustration and her family and friends rage at their inability to help Chloe. But we also get some hugely hysterical moments with the things that are said.
I hadn't liked Jim in previous books, thought he was a bit of an ass. But now that we actually get into his head and really get to know him, I understand why he portrayed the way he did. And applauded every bit of why he was acting the way he was. Jim totally redeemed himself in my eyes.
There is more world building and both the story arc and the world arc advances hugely in this book. This series is tied to the Halle Pumas & the Poconos Pack by secondary characters in the area they all live in. Mention is made of the Pumas and Pack, and we do get some updates on characters from those series. I really enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars.
Due to the beating that Chloe received, she has a speech impairment. One that substitutes a rhyming word for what she really means. The author did an excellent job of walking a tight line between comedy and tragedy. We get Chloe's frustration and her family and friends rage at their inability to help Chloe. But we also get some hugely hysterical moments with the things that are said.
I hadn't liked Jim in previous books, thought he was a bit of an ass. But now that we actually get into his head and really get to know him, I understand why he portrayed the way he did. And applauded every bit of why he was acting the way he was. Jim totally redeemed himself in my eyes.
There is more world building and both the story arc and the world arc advances hugely in this book. This series is tied to the Halle Pumas & the Poconos Pack by secondary characters in the area they all live in. Mention is made of the Pumas and Pack, and we do get some updates on characters from those series. I really enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars.
August 29, 2015
4.0 Stars!!!
Note: I should have read the first books which came before this.
Chloe Williams has waited a long time for her human mate to claim her, he is Jim, a human turned wolf shifter and veterinarian has held back because of her age difference until she grew older and because of the family trouble he is going through himself. He feels the pull to her but has not acknowledged their bond.
Chloe was cornered and severally beaten prior to this novel where she spent a long time in the hospital and a year of therapy which has left her with some impaired neurological problems the most pronounced is some speech impediments. She thinks she says the words perfectly but her mouth switches words that sound alike without her knowing. This made her very endearing to me and to the characters around her....her family and friends are very supportive and loving of her.
Now that Jim, turned wolf shifter in an attack outside his vet hospital he has come to claim his mate. Chloe is happy but tentative entering into this relationship but they both are feeling the pull and he knew eventually they would be together. But the reason she was attacked has not gone away. And someone or thing is after her and now her mate.
This danger which seems to stem from their shifter world, the slowly developing romance between Chloe and Jim is what the story is about. Add in a lovable step brother in a wheelchair, couples from previous books in the series and a big ol' fierce and protective, wonderful family and you get a pretty interesting novel.
Note: I should have read the first books which came before this.
Chloe Williams has waited a long time for her human mate to claim her, he is Jim, a human turned wolf shifter and veterinarian has held back because of her age difference until she grew older and because of the family trouble he is going through himself. He feels the pull to her but has not acknowledged their bond.
Chloe was cornered and severally beaten prior to this novel where she spent a long time in the hospital and a year of therapy which has left her with some impaired neurological problems the most pronounced is some speech impediments. She thinks she says the words perfectly but her mouth switches words that sound alike without her knowing. This made her very endearing to me and to the characters around her....her family and friends are very supportive and loving of her.
Now that Jim, turned wolf shifter in an attack outside his vet hospital he has come to claim his mate. Chloe is happy but tentative entering into this relationship but they both are feeling the pull and he knew eventually they would be together. But the reason she was attacked has not gone away. And someone or thing is after her and now her mate.
This danger which seems to stem from their shifter world, the slowly developing romance between Chloe and Jim is what the story is about. Add in a lovable step brother in a wheelchair, couples from previous books in the series and a big ol' fierce and protective, wonderful family and you get a pretty interesting novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2015
Chloe Williams was devastated when her mate refused to acknowledge her. It has been four years and she is still waiting. Now though Chloe is different after an attack left her rehabilitating and speech impaired.
James Woods knows he has a lot to make up to his mate, but he had his reasons. Finding out that Chloe had been injured though brings him to his knees. She was his to protect and he never wants her to regret being his mate again. However there are others who seem intent on destroying Chloe and James is pulling her closely in to make sure it never happens.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=10787
James Woods knows he has a lot to make up to his mate, but he had his reasons. Finding out that Chloe had been injured though brings him to his knees. She was his to protect and he never wants her to regret being his mate again. However there are others who seem intent on destroying Chloe and James is pulling her closely in to make sure it never happens.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=10787
September 19, 2015
Didn't finish. Stopped around Chapter 10. This was boring to me. Didn't really find Jim or Chloe that interesting, but I did like Spencer. What pissed me off was that on every page, Jim is either explaining over why he couldn't be with her before. Then he's explaining again what Spencer has. Then Chloe repeats over on EVERY page what she has or what the doctor says. It was a whole bunch of repetition, to the point I just had to stop. I felt no chemistry between these two. It felt like okay Jim is a wolf now, maybe he can be with Chloe now, but before it was the age difference. Meh. Couldn't make it to the end. But I do love the other books in this series.
July 21, 2015
So happy to finally read Chloe's story and not be disappointed. It took real skill to come up with all of those malapropisms and to have them flow so seamlessly throughout Chloe's conversations with Jim and everyone who loves her.
I can reread the books in these inter-related series anytime and do so often. If you're looking for a story that combines humor and a guaranteed warm fuzzy feeling, look no further than Dana Marie Bell.
I can reread the books in these inter-related series anytime and do so often. If you're looking for a story that combines humor and a guaranteed warm fuzzy feeling, look no further than Dana Marie Bell.
March 26, 2015
I'm so glad with this book Chloe get's what she has been yearning about. She really deserves it after what she went through! I was glad that Jim owned up to his mistakes and explained why he didn't seek out Chloe. I loved how Chloe's family treated Jim, giving him a hard time, but welcoming him too.
The larger story line advanced, but I found myself with more questions than answers. I really hope we get to the bottom of it soon!
The larger story line advanced, but I found myself with more questions than answers. I really hope we get to the bottom of it soon!
October 17, 2018
I like this set of short stories more for the cast of characters than for the two 'main' characters. We get a bit more information on the overall plot arc of the attacks but no resolution yet.
The interations between the people of Halle the Bunsun clan are as crazy fun as you've come to expect. Fun popcorn read.
The interations between the people of Halle the Bunsun clan are as crazy fun as you've come to expect. Fun popcorn read.
March 16, 2015
Well this book started off really good with fun scenarios and quirks between characters. But I was surprised I reached the ending. I feel like there should have been more to the end but I'm sure the next book will cover the rest of the backstory. Not Dana's best work but happy to read the this as part of the Halle Shifter Series
October 27, 2016
I got sick of the repetitive threatening of Jim by every single character ever mentioned in previous books. Felt like the majority of the book was either him being threatened, our her frustrated at her limitations. Felt more like a stop gap between books than something that really added to the series.
February 26, 2015
I feel like I've been waiting for this book FOREVER! Oh I loved it so much. Glad to see Chloe and Jim finally get their HEA after all the hell they've both been through. I love this series so much, and once again I'm not anxiously awaiting the next!
Full review to come at www.thebookpushers.com
Full review to come at www.thebookpushers.com
March 4, 2015
Loved it!!. Just want Barney's book now or Hope's
March 29, 2015
as always love it. sort of a cliff hang ending but still loved it
February 21, 2023
Please note, this review was previously published in 2015 under a profile used by multiple people. I am removing those reviews and republishing them on my new, personal profile.
I have been waiting for Jim and Chloe’s story for so long, ever since we were introduced to them in ONLY IN MY DREAMS (Halle Pumas #5). When Chloe first met Jim four years ago, she knew he was her mate. But Jim, not being a shifter or knowing that shifters even existed, didn’t understand his pull to Chloe and kept denying his feelings and denying her by claiming she was too young for him.
On top of that, Chloe has had a very rough year. For currently unknown reasons, she was attacked and left for dead in an alley. Only Julian’s healing powers were able to bring her back from the brink of death. Sadly, he couldn’t heal all her injuries and to this day she still suffers from some physical and mental effects of that attack. After the attack, she had hoped Jim would realise what he almost lost, but he had some serious personal issues to deal with at the time and rejected her…again. But after recently being attacked by a wolf-shifter and turned, he is now desperate to make Chloe his.
Sadly, I was let down by FIGURE OF SPEECH. There was no chemistry between Jim and Chloe. It didn’t keep my attention. The attempts at humour felt forced and overly drawn out. There were no funny comments or sexy scenes that are worth mentioning. And the repetition got old. I got sick of hearing Jim’s explanations of Spencer, the issues regarding his parents, and why he kept rejecting Chloe over the years. Apart from Jim’s issue with their 10 year age gap (which I totally understand considering she was just 19 when they met), the whole saga with Spencer and his parents just didn’t make sense to me. I felt like this was only introduced in order to gain sympathy and a quick forgiveness for Jim for the sake of moving the story along quickly. Especially since he still currently has those issues with Spencer and his parents, only now he’s a wolf and he can’t stand the suffering of the mate dreams. Therefore, he’s now ready to claim Chloe. I get the feeling that if he hadn’t been changed, he would still be rejecting her.
And after four years of suffering the mate dreams herself, Chloe doesn’t seem overly upset about the fact that only now is Jim ready to claim her. She suffered for years. What? She can’t make him suffer for a few more weeks??? She never even ranted or raved at him, or told him how badly his rejection hurt her.
Like I said above, I felt the relationship between Jim and Chloe was rushed in order to make room for the conspiracy, which was the most dominant part of this story. And I am so ready for this conspiracy to be over. I’m worried that Miss Bell is starting to spread things a little too thin and we’ll end up with a lot of loose ends. There’s at least one more book to come in this Halle Shifters series, and given that there is another couple waiting to be mated, I think there’ll be at least one more book after that.
I’ve really enjoyed reading the Halle Pumas, Poconos Pack and Halle Shifters series, so it sucks to give any book in these series a less than 5 Star review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2019
Chloe Williams has waited four long years for her mate to acknowledge her. Time and again he has turned her away for being too young, even when she was hospitalized, recovering from a beating that left lingering after effects. Now that he’s been turned into a Wolf, his mating instincts are kicking in big time. Chloe has to decide if it’s worth risking her heart yet again.
Ten years older than Chloe and dealing with issues she knows nothing about, veterinarian James Woods is about ready to howl in frustration. He’s been drawn to Chloe since she was a radiant nineteen-year-old college student, but the age difference held him back from making a move on her. Now his Wolf wants what’s his, and Jim is finally in a place where he can claim her.
Between meddling mothers, Hunter brothers, and a mystery that threatens to end Chloe’s life, they might find an opportunity to tell each other just how they feel. Or find themselves separated by more than just misunderstood words.
Heather's Notes
I had been looking forward to this book. Jim and Chloe have been circling each other for a while. It was a bit of a disappointment. Oh who am I kidding I was very disappointed. The story line went no where. They did add a few new characters, that seemed to be added for comic relief (that fell a little flat IMO). The whole book was about how if Jim had only known they had been mates he would have given in a long time ago. It got annoying and very repetitive. This was the first book I listened to instead of reading so I don't know if that played into or not. It took a lot longer to get through than the others though. I still want to continue the series, but I hope DMB wraps it up soon. At least start a new storyline.
Ten years older than Chloe and dealing with issues she knows nothing about, veterinarian James Woods is about ready to howl in frustration. He’s been drawn to Chloe since she was a radiant nineteen-year-old college student, but the age difference held him back from making a move on her. Now his Wolf wants what’s his, and Jim is finally in a place where he can claim her.
Between meddling mothers, Hunter brothers, and a mystery that threatens to end Chloe’s life, they might find an opportunity to tell each other just how they feel. Or find themselves separated by more than just misunderstood words.
Heather's Notes
I had been looking forward to this book. Jim and Chloe have been circling each other for a while. It was a bit of a disappointment. Oh who am I kidding I was very disappointed. The story line went no where. They did add a few new characters, that seemed to be added for comic relief (that fell a little flat IMO). The whole book was about how if Jim had only known they had been mates he would have given in a long time ago. It got annoying and very repetitive. This was the first book I listened to instead of reading so I don't know if that played into or not. It took a lot longer to get through than the others though. I still want to continue the series, but I hope DMB wraps it up soon. At least start a new storyline.
April 6, 2021
AUDIBLE REVIEW 2021
I really, really, want the rest of this series written so we can find out what is going on.
Must say I enjoyed this more in audible than I did the book, maybe due to the fact I haven’t have to wait between stories. Saying that I know there is nothing written after the next book.
Rated story one star higher.
BOOK REVIEW 2016
This book was a long time in coming and did not do justice to all the prior build up for it.
Whilst we get more information on the background story, we still focus on Chloe who has been waiting for her mate for four years.
Jim had his reasons for ignoring Chloe over the years and because he was not a shifter, he did not feel the mating pull. Once he was attacked and turned it is a different story and he does give Chloe credit for her strength for coping with the mating dreams. Whilst I can understand where he was coming from, it was extremely hurtful to Chloe.
I think if Jim had been told the truth by his mother of how serious Chloe's injuries were, I believe things would have been different.
I really wish Jim had stood up to his psychotic mother sooner but everything was all happening at once and Jim was on overload. She gets off too lightly for me.
Even with all the tension and sadness the story still shines.
I realise his brother Spencer was important but that had not taken up all of his life, it was a good excuse but not good enough.
Poor Chloe, going through everything she has and still being such a wonderful bright character. She is a superstar and I hope when the puzzle of the white shifters is solved that somehow Chloe gets healed so she can resume her career. It seems only fair.
Jim’s brother Spencer is awesome, what a great character.
I really, really, want the rest of this series written so we can find out what is going on.
Must say I enjoyed this more in audible than I did the book, maybe due to the fact I haven’t have to wait between stories. Saying that I know there is nothing written after the next book.
Rated story one star higher.
BOOK REVIEW 2016
This book was a long time in coming and did not do justice to all the prior build up for it.
Whilst we get more information on the background story, we still focus on Chloe who has been waiting for her mate for four years.
Jim had his reasons for ignoring Chloe over the years and because he was not a shifter, he did not feel the mating pull. Once he was attacked and turned it is a different story and he does give Chloe credit for her strength for coping with the mating dreams. Whilst I can understand where he was coming from, it was extremely hurtful to Chloe.
I think if Jim had been told the truth by his mother of how serious Chloe's injuries were, I believe things would have been different.
I really wish Jim had stood up to his psychotic mother sooner but everything was all happening at once and Jim was on overload. She gets off too lightly for me.
Even with all the tension and sadness the story still shines.
I realise his brother Spencer was important but that had not taken up all of his life, it was a good excuse but not good enough.
Poor Chloe, going through everything she has and still being such a wonderful bright character. She is a superstar and I hope when the puzzle of the white shifters is solved that somehow Chloe gets healed so she can resume her career. It seems only fair.
Jim’s brother Spencer is awesome, what a great character.
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