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Wayward Wolves #1
Es war einmal ... ein Wolf
Gibson Kellers Leben folgt einer ziemlich öden Routine: Aufstehen, Arbeiten und eine Menge Kaffee dazu. Nebenbei kümmert er sich noch um Ellis, seinen großen Bruder, der in seiner Wolfsgestalt steckt, seit er aus dem Krieg heimgekommen ist. Ein einfaches Leben mit vielen langen Läufen auf zwei oder vier Beinen … bis Ellis einen gut aussehenden Mann über eine Klippe ins eiskalte Wasser in der Nähe ihres Hauses jagt und Gibsons Leben damit für immer verändert.
Zach Thomas wollte einen Neuanfang machen, als er sich das alte B&B kaufte – sein Stadtleben hinter sich lassen und endlich die ersehnte Ruhe finden. Auf den Pfaden hinter seinem Grundstück zu wandern, klang eigentlich wie eine ziemlich sichere Idee – bis zu dem Augenblick, als ihn ein riesiger, schwarzer Wolf in den See jagt und Zach beinahe ertrinkt. Zu seiner Überraschung muss er erfahren, dass es wirklich Werwölfe gibt, doch das ist nichts gegen die Entdeckung des Mannes, der ihn aus dem eisigen Wasser rettet und dann einfach in sein Herz spaziert, als gehörte es ihm.
Zach Thomas wollte einen Neuanfang machen, als er sich das alte B&B kaufte – sein Stadtleben hinter sich lassen und endlich die ersehnte Ruhe finden. Auf den Pfaden hinter seinem Grundstück zu wandern, klang eigentlich wie eine ziemlich sichere Idee – bis zu dem Augenblick, als ihn ein riesiger, schwarzer Wolf in den See jagt und Zach beinahe ertrinkt. Zu seiner Überraschung muss er erfahren, dass es wirklich Werwölfe gibt, doch das ist nichts gegen die Entdeckung des Mannes, der ihn aus dem eisigen Wasser rettet und dann einfach in sein Herz spaziert, als gehörte es ihm.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2018
92 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Ford
79 books1,890 followersRhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series and is a two-time LAMBDA finalist and a multiple Gold and Silver Medalist by the Florida Authors and Publishers President’s Book Awards. She is published by Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications and Rogue Firebird Press.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
January 3, 2020
3.5 Hearts
I quite enjoyed this understated foray into the shifter world by Rhys Ford. It’s not a light your pants on fire type of romance, nor filled to the brim with her descriptive prose, but it's still a decent start to a new series.
As per the blurb, Zach inadvertently runs across a huge wolf and straight into the arms of said wolf’s human brother Gibson. It wouldn’t be a Ford story if there wasn’t at least insta-lust and this was no different. However, it takes some time for Zach to wrap his brain around the existence of werewolves despite the strong mutual attraction. It doesn’t hurt at all that he greatly admires Gibson’s steadfast devotion towards his wolfy brother Ellis, who’s stuck in his animal form as a coping mechanism to past war trauma.
Narrated by Derrick McClain, I know he’s a fan favorite and with good reason. He’s got a great baritone, emotes well, and varies his voices expertly. However, for some unknown reason, there’s just one little quirk of his that drives me batty. It’s not as strong as it has been in some of his other works, but it was there enough to be distracting. If not for this one thing, he’d be in my top 5 for sure. As I always say, audios are a personal thing, just like one’s reading experience and unfortunately, McClain is not an automatic win for me.
Regardless, if you like shifters, if you like a slow burn, this is for you! Many have mentioned that half the focus is on Gibson’s brother Ellis and his painful steps towards healing, and that’s true. However, I didn’t feel it detracted much from Gibson and Zach. I like to think that this was a nice segue towards Ellis’s story, and I look forward to more of everyone in the sequel! Overall, this was sweet, interesting, and of course sexy, and it's quite doubtful fans of Ford won't enjoy her new endeavor into the world of werewolves!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
I quite enjoyed this understated foray into the shifter world by Rhys Ford. It’s not a light your pants on fire type of romance, nor filled to the brim with her descriptive prose, but it's still a decent start to a new series.
As per the blurb, Zach inadvertently runs across a huge wolf and straight into the arms of said wolf’s human brother Gibson. It wouldn’t be a Ford story if there wasn’t at least insta-lust and this was no different. However, it takes some time for Zach to wrap his brain around the existence of werewolves despite the strong mutual attraction. It doesn’t hurt at all that he greatly admires Gibson’s steadfast devotion towards his wolfy brother Ellis, who’s stuck in his animal form as a coping mechanism to past war trauma.
Narrated by Derrick McClain, I know he’s a fan favorite and with good reason. He’s got a great baritone, emotes well, and varies his voices expertly. However, for some unknown reason, there’s just one little quirk of his that drives me batty. It’s not as strong as it has been in some of his other works, but it was there enough to be distracting. If not for this one thing, he’d be in my top 5 for sure. As I always say, audios are a personal thing, just like one’s reading experience and unfortunately, McClain is not an automatic win for me.
Regardless, if you like shifters, if you like a slow burn, this is for you! Many have mentioned that half the focus is on Gibson’s brother Ellis and his painful steps towards healing, and that’s true. However, I didn’t feel it detracted much from Gibson and Zach. I like to think that this was a nice segue towards Ellis’s story, and I look forward to more of everyone in the sequel! Overall, this was sweet, interesting, and of course sexy, and it's quite doubtful fans of Ford won't enjoy her new endeavor into the world of werewolves!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
February 17, 2018
SO, Rhys Ford has done it again!
She has written an introduction to a series, I'm pretty sure will be fantastic.
But that is also one of my niggles with this: it does feel a wee bit like an introduction.
It is a novella, and I understand that she was finishing up Miki's story (with a lot of words) so she wanted something lighter, which I think is a pretty apt description of this story.
I really did enjoy this a lot, so it wasn't the biggest 'issue', but I did notice that it was not a comprehensive, mystery-masterpiece of 10.000 people and a plot that took 4560 twists and turns... You know: Rhys Ford-style.
Not a lot actually happens in this book (there is a wee bit of drama, but ) and we have the dreaded 'Six Weeks Later'-sentence, which I (personally) sometimes find somewhat of an excuse, for not writing the story.
But then it is explained what DID happen, and I didn't actually mind that sentence so much.
This did add to the general 'light and chill and fluffy'-feel of this story, though.
Gibson and Zach meet when Gibson's brother, Ellis, chases Zach through the forest, down the hill and into the river (head first, not feet first)... And oh yeah, Ellis is in wolf form!
Gibson brings Zach home (in the storm) and thus begins a nice chill story of Gibson, Zach and Ellis. And make no mistake, Ellis is a big part of this, but it didn't really bother me, since I found all three characters very charming and likeable.
And let the record show that I'm guessing
Besides the shifter-element, which read very natural somehow (I thought it was explained well, and woven into the story quite fluidly without going on and on and on) and the 'chill-ness' of this story, I found it quite hilarious, and it had more than one 'laugh out loud'-moment (of course at really inappropriate times, when people were being beheaded in the BF's TV-show).
I also want to mention that I found Ruth and Martha BRILLIANT and I'm so happy we got some lesbian representation, without it being too much or caricature-ish.
I did miss some more background on Zach (and his family) and Gibson/Ellis (and their family), since it was only touched upon briefly. It didn't take away from the story, since they are not IN it, but it was sort of noticable that the MCs origin-stories were not thoroughly explored.
The last thing I want to mention is Ms. Ford's use of analogies, and boy does she love those. The thing is, as a non-native English speaker, they are sometimes EXTREMELY difficult to understand, and become tooconvoluted? Excessive? Flowery? much, for me.
I get the artistic side of it, and wanting to weave a story around the story, and drawing the reader in, but when everything is 'lightbolts and thunder', nothing is suddenly 'lightbolts and thunder', since it loses it's meaning, if that makes sense.
For fans of Rhys Ford I would say READ this, but if you want more action, wait 'till the next book is out and then read them consecutively.
I really thought this was a nice, fun, chill introduction to this series, and I do hope we get to hang out with Zach and Gibson again, since they are so very likeable.
*ARC kindly provided by author in a giveaway, in exchange for an honest review at GR and Amz*
She has written an introduction to a series, I'm pretty sure will be fantastic.
But that is also one of my niggles with this: it does feel a wee bit like an introduction.
It is a novella, and I understand that she was finishing up Miki's story (with a lot of words) so she wanted something lighter, which I think is a pretty apt description of this story.
I really did enjoy this a lot, so it wasn't the biggest 'issue', but I did notice that it was not a comprehensive, mystery-masterpiece of 10.000 people and a plot that took 4560 twists and turns... You know: Rhys Ford-style.
Not a lot actually happens in this book (there is a wee bit of drama, but ) and we have the dreaded 'Six Weeks Later'-sentence, which I (personally) sometimes find somewhat of an excuse, for not writing the story.
But then it is explained what DID happen, and I didn't actually mind that sentence so much.
This did add to the general 'light and chill and fluffy'-feel of this story, though.
Gibson and Zach meet when Gibson's brother, Ellis, chases Zach through the forest, down the hill and into the river (head first, not feet first)... And oh yeah, Ellis is in wolf form!
Gibson brings Zach home (in the storm) and thus begins a nice chill story of Gibson, Zach and Ellis. And make no mistake, Ellis is a big part of this, but it didn't really bother me, since I found all three characters very charming and likeable.
And let the record show that I'm guessing
Besides the shifter-element, which read very natural somehow (I thought it was explained well, and woven into the story quite fluidly without going on and on and on) and the 'chill-ness' of this story, I found it quite hilarious, and it had more than one 'laugh out loud'-moment (of course at really inappropriate times, when people were being beheaded in the BF's TV-show).
Zach’s elbow got caught on his sweatshirt, and Gibson nearly kneed him trying to get his pants down. One of their plates landed on the floor, either hit by Gibson’s foot or possibly Zach’s underwear when it flew off of Gibson’s finger as he twirled it around. There was a brief scramble toward the fireplace, as it appeared one of the couch’s throw pillows was headed straight for the flames when thrown off to make room...
I also want to mention that I found Ruth and Martha BRILLIANT and I'm so happy we got some lesbian representation, without it being too much or caricature-ish.
I did miss some more background on Zach (and his family) and Gibson/Ellis (and their family), since it was only touched upon briefly. It didn't take away from the story, since they are not IN it, but it was sort of noticable that the MCs origin-stories were not thoroughly explored.
The last thing I want to mention is Ms. Ford's use of analogies, and boy does she love those. The thing is, as a non-native English speaker, they are sometimes EXTREMELY difficult to understand, and become too
I get the artistic side of it, and wanting to weave a story around the story, and drawing the reader in, but when everything is 'lightbolts and thunder', nothing is suddenly 'lightbolts and thunder', since it loses it's meaning, if that makes sense.
For fans of Rhys Ford I would say READ this, but if you want more action, wait 'till the next book is out and then read them consecutively.
I really thought this was a nice, fun, chill introduction to this series, and I do hope we get to hang out with Zach and Gibson again, since they are so very likeable.
*ARC kindly provided by author in a giveaway, in exchange for an honest review at GR and Amz*
June 12, 2018
*2.5 stars*
Confession time: the first time I listened to this book I was a little... buzzed. I had a lot of wine and listened to this book while doing chores (yes, I'm a party animal), and I found it... a bit confusing.
So after a day went by, I listened to the book again (totally sober this time!)... and I still found it to be a bit confusing.
I felt like there was a backstory or prequel I was missing. Zach stumbles upon these guys, but then it turns out he actually moved nearby and knows everyone? Where was that info before? Wouldn't he have heard about Gibson and Ellis? And then it was too much insta-connection and none of that werewolf magnetism that makes shifter books so special. I actually kind of with Ellis and Zach had gotten together, but maybe that's just me.
The narration was very good, and the book was a quick, easy listen, but I was unimpressed overall. Unfortunately.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Confession time: the first time I listened to this book I was a little... buzzed. I had a lot of wine and listened to this book while doing chores (yes, I'm a party animal), and I found it... a bit confusing.
So after a day went by, I listened to the book again (totally sober this time!)... and I still found it to be a bit confusing.
I felt like there was a backstory or prequel I was missing. Zach stumbles upon these guys, but then it turns out he actually moved nearby and knows everyone? Where was that info before? Wouldn't he have heard about Gibson and Ellis? And then it was too much insta-connection and none of that werewolf magnetism that makes shifter books so special. I actually kind of with Ellis and Zach had gotten together, but maybe that's just me.
The narration was very good, and the book was a quick, easy listen, but I was unimpressed overall. Unfortunately.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
February 9, 2018
~ONCE UPON A FAIRYTALE~
Now wait a whole damn minute...
Rhys Ford wrote this?
That’s what you’re trying tell me…this short with it’s quiet intensity was written by the same author that gives me crazy per book. This sweet fairytale romance was written by Rhys 🤯. Like “Once Upon a Wolf” is an actual gay fairytale.
Zack is having a bad day when his leisure stroll lands him in the path of a gigantic bigger than any wolf he’s ever seen, his fear kicks in and he takes off running. Running might not have been such a good idea when he finds himself in freezing waters and losing consciousness fast. He comes to in the home of a beautiful stranger and maybe he’s hit his head too hard because he's sure he just saw a man turn into a wolf.
Gibson’s no-good brother is just pure trouble wrapped in black fur. Having taking on the role of caretaker to his brother trapped in wolf form, having someone on their land isn’t a complication they need. So for the life of him he can’t understand why Ellis would chase the man down. Now they’ve got a half dead stranger in their home and he’s just discovered that they’re a little more than ordinary.
Can I just say I’m like head over heels in love with this story. There’s something very quiet about the storytelling. It’s almost too intimate, as if I’m looking in on something I was never meant to see. I love the pace, I love the writing, and I love the characters. It was just a wonderful light read, and it goes hand in hand with the cold ass weather and snow I’m surrounded by right now. This is a side of Rhys I’ve never read and I like it.
Overall, it’s a good little read. I don’t know how fans of Rhys will take it but I welcome it with open arms. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. This was a great setup to a world with limitless options. This could be the start of something wonderful.
~ARC provided by author for an honest review~
Now wait a whole damn minute...
Rhys Ford wrote this?
That’s what you’re trying tell me…this short with it’s quiet intensity was written by the same author that gives me crazy per book. This sweet fairytale romance was written by Rhys 🤯. Like “Once Upon a Wolf” is an actual gay fairytale.
Zack is having a bad day when his leisure stroll lands him in the path of a gigantic bigger than any wolf he’s ever seen, his fear kicks in and he takes off running. Running might not have been such a good idea when he finds himself in freezing waters and losing consciousness fast. He comes to in the home of a beautiful stranger and maybe he’s hit his head too hard because he's sure he just saw a man turn into a wolf.
Gibson’s no-good brother is just pure trouble wrapped in black fur. Having taking on the role of caretaker to his brother trapped in wolf form, having someone on their land isn’t a complication they need. So for the life of him he can’t understand why Ellis would chase the man down. Now they’ve got a half dead stranger in their home and he’s just discovered that they’re a little more than ordinary.
Can I just say I’m like head over heels in love with this story. There’s something very quiet about the storytelling. It’s almost too intimate, as if I’m looking in on something I was never meant to see. I love the pace, I love the writing, and I love the characters. It was just a wonderful light read, and it goes hand in hand with the cold ass weather and snow I’m surrounded by right now. This is a side of Rhys I’ve never read and I like it.
Overall, it’s a good little read. I don’t know how fans of Rhys will take it but I welcome it with open arms. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. This was a great setup to a world with limitless options. This could be the start of something wonderful.
~ARC provided by author for an honest review~
January 24, 2018
I've been looking forward to this new shifter series, by Rhys Ford ever since I found out it was upcoming. I mean, I love the worlds that Ford creates and I'm always left wanting the next book, and that certainly is the case here.
Once Upon a Wolf is a good start to this new series. I loved the world-building and the predicament Ellis was in and how he basically instigated a relationship between his brother, Gibson, and their new neighbor, Zach. It felt original.
This is a short book, however, and that makes it more difficult to strike that balance between the world-building and the relationship development. That's where Once Upon a Wolf missed the mark for me. I felt like the relationship-building took a back seat to the world building and to the secondary character, Ellis.
While I loved Gibson's tireless dedication to his brother, I felt that there was too much focus on Ellis, instead of the romance between Gibson and Zach. Plus, while it was late in the book before Gibson and Zach get physical, it still didn't really feel like a slow-burn, because I felt like I was missing so much of them falling for each other.
Still, I do want to see where this series goes, and I will definitely read the next book.
------------------------
ARC of Once Upon a Wolf was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Once Upon a Wolf is a good start to this new series. I loved the world-building and the predicament Ellis was in and how he basically instigated a relationship between his brother, Gibson, and their new neighbor, Zach. It felt original.
This is a short book, however, and that makes it more difficult to strike that balance between the world-building and the relationship development. That's where Once Upon a Wolf missed the mark for me. I felt like the relationship-building took a back seat to the world building and to the secondary character, Ellis.
While I loved Gibson's tireless dedication to his brother, I felt that there was too much focus on Ellis, instead of the romance between Gibson and Zach. Plus, while it was late in the book before Gibson and Zach get physical, it still didn't really feel like a slow-burn, because I felt like I was missing so much of them falling for each other.
Still, I do want to see where this series goes, and I will definitely read the next book.
------------------------
ARC of Once Upon a Wolf was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2022
Nuovo libro trash da aggiungere alla lista.
Personaggi con la personalità di un comodino: Presenti
Ambientazione non definita: Presente
Dinamiche improbabili: Presenti
Dialoghi cringe: Presenti
Linearità della trama: Assente
Di certo non potevo aspettarmi altro da un libro del genere ma al peggio non c'è mai fine, o meglio, al cringe e al trash non c'è mai fine. I due protagonisti non mi hanno trasmesso niente, zero romanticismo, zero tensione sessuale, zero in tutto e per tutto.
I personaggi secondari sono solo delle ombre sfumate che fanno da contorno a una storia di cui si è intuito il finale fin dalla prima riga.
La storia non è originale ma poteva essere sviluppata e arricchita in mille modi per renderla un po' più interessante.
Lo stile non è dei migliori e non so se la traduzione abbiamo peggiorato o migliorato il tutto ma non mi è piaciuto per niente, molto scarno e per nulla coinvolgente.
Non ve lo consiglio assolutamente, a meno che non abbiate voglia di una lettura senza pretese e trash.
Personaggi con la personalità di un comodino: Presenti
Ambientazione non definita: Presente
Dinamiche improbabili: Presenti
Dialoghi cringe: Presenti
Linearità della trama: Assente
Di certo non potevo aspettarmi altro da un libro del genere ma al peggio non c'è mai fine, o meglio, al cringe e al trash non c'è mai fine. I due protagonisti non mi hanno trasmesso niente, zero romanticismo, zero tensione sessuale, zero in tutto e per tutto.
I personaggi secondari sono solo delle ombre sfumate che fanno da contorno a una storia di cui si è intuito il finale fin dalla prima riga.
La storia non è originale ma poteva essere sviluppata e arricchita in mille modi per renderla un po' più interessante.
Lo stile non è dei migliori e non so se la traduzione abbiamo peggiorato o migliorato il tutto ma non mi è piaciuto per niente, molto scarno e per nulla coinvolgente.
Non ve lo consiglio assolutamente, a meno che non abbiate voglia di una lettura senza pretese e trash.
September 11, 2021
2.5 Stars
I LOVE Ellis. I love his wolfish shenanigans, the mystery of his story, and how far he came throughout... the problem is that it isn’t Ellis’ story. I think?
Gibson is a wolf shifter that lives with his brother (Ellis) in a mountain cabin. One day Ellis decides to play a game of chase with an unsuspecting stranger… except the stranger is terrified and slips down the mountain. Luckily, Gibson is able to rush to the aid of the badly injured Zach.
Zach is the new neighbor that purchased a bed & breakfast and he connects with Gibson *super* fast. Well, maybe not a connection but they are attracted to each other right away… even badly injured, Zach is wanting to mount Gibson (which I would totally believe if this was a mates type shifter book). It just seems a foregone conclusion that because they are the only two men within miles, they would end up together. I get it, last man on Earth and all- but it didn’t seem authentic IMO. Unfortunately there isn’t much else to the Zach and Gibson show. The romance/connection between Gibson and Zach was put on the back burner as all focus went to Ellis. Because of this, the relationship felt forced.
As the synopsis mentioned, Ellis is stuck in his wolf form to cope with the nightmares that never leave. This book provides in-depth coverage of Ellis’ status, the growth he makes, the danger he gets in, and the care he receives from Zach and Gibson. Ellis and Zach form a special bond that I believed and a connection I felt. It's a damn shame it wasn't their story.
One of the things I adore about shifter stories is the possessiveness. I love the growly mine and the unapologetic need to be near the other and the ultimate desire to claim them. With this book, any time Gibson showed a hint of possessiveness, he went apologetic. *sad face* There wasn’t much heat on page and I was glad for it. Without the connection between the MCs, more sex would have just felt out of place to me.
I can’t recommend this book for the MCs but I was a fan of Ellis and if he's getting a story, then reading this would be necessary. I’ll continue on this series *only* if Ellis gets his official story.
I LOVE Ellis. I love his wolfish shenanigans, the mystery of his story, and how far he came throughout... the problem is that it isn’t Ellis’ story. I think?
Gibson is a wolf shifter that lives with his brother (Ellis) in a mountain cabin. One day Ellis decides to play a game of chase with an unsuspecting stranger… except the stranger is terrified and slips down the mountain. Luckily, Gibson is able to rush to the aid of the badly injured Zach.
Zach is the new neighbor that purchased a bed & breakfast and he connects with Gibson *super* fast. Well, maybe not a connection but they are attracted to each other right away… even badly injured, Zach is wanting to mount Gibson (which I would totally believe if this was a mates type shifter book). It just seems a foregone conclusion that because they are the only two men within miles, they would end up together. I get it, last man on Earth and all- but it didn’t seem authentic IMO. Unfortunately there isn’t much else to the Zach and Gibson show. The romance/connection between Gibson and Zach was put on the back burner as all focus went to Ellis. Because of this, the relationship felt forced.
As the synopsis mentioned, Ellis is stuck in his wolf form to cope with the nightmares that never leave. This book provides in-depth coverage of Ellis’ status, the growth he makes, the danger he gets in, and the care he receives from Zach and Gibson. Ellis and Zach form a special bond that I believed and a connection I felt. It's a damn shame it wasn't their story.
One of the things I adore about shifter stories is the possessiveness. I love the growly mine and the unapologetic need to be near the other and the ultimate desire to claim them. With this book, any time Gibson showed a hint of possessiveness, he went apologetic. *sad face* There wasn’t much heat on page and I was glad for it. Without the connection between the MCs, more sex would have just felt out of place to me.
I can’t recommend this book for the MCs but I was a fan of Ellis and if he's getting a story, then reading this would be necessary. I’ll continue on this series *only* if Ellis gets his official story.
Copy provided for honest review.
June 18, 2018
Wolves on audio...it's a thing...who knew...
Well actually I'm pretty sure we all did but for me this one was a must...it's by Rhys Ford and she's totally a favorite of mine. So needless to say there were no real surprises here because...I've read the book already and as far as the story goes as far as the story goes my original review still holds true so, I'm going to borrow from it in regards to the story...here goes...
First off let's chat a bit about the main characters and their relationship...I liked the way Gibson and Zach's relationship developed as a slow burn against the backdrop of event's that while not connected to Zach and Gibson held a loose tie to Gibson and Ellis's family history on the mountain . Ellis grabbed my curiosity fairly quickly and I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed that there's a story coming for him soon.I really enjoyed the banter between Zach and Gibson and with Ellis as well...
I'm hoping that as things progress in this series we'll learn a little more a bout Zach's life before he came to own the B&B. We've gotten some glimpses of his life, enough to know that Zach was in a accident, that his family relations are strained to say the least.
While this one got off to a bit of a slow start for me. I have faith in Ms Ford's ability to draw me into her stories and make me not only glad I'm reading them but want more and more...and yes, more and so far I definitely want some more of Gibson and Zach but I'd also like to find out more about Ellis and while he really didn't seem to be a nice guy much less a good one. I have the feeling that there's possibly more to Pat Brown than we know and I'm sure that it could make for an interesting story as well. I think at the end of it all for me I'm on board with this series not because of where Ms Ford has taken us but because I'm curious to see where we have yet to go.
Now on to the audio portion of this audio book...
Derrick McClain was the narrator for this audio book and overall I enjoyed things except for the minor glitch that Zach's voice wasn't quite what I had imagined it would be.
My previous experiences with this narrator have varied and while a couple of the audio books that I've listened to haven't worked really well for me the opposite is also true and I've really enjoyed others.
Regardless of whether I've enjoyed it or not I do find that in general this narrator ticks the basics on my list of 'must have's for an audio book'. His voices are varied, expressive and words are pronounced clearly and concisely but not to the point of being monotone or stilted.
So overall Derrick McClain produces an audio book that can readily be enjoyed and beyond that when it comes to things like how a voice sounds we're talking about a purely subjective issue that's a matter of personal taste which to me means that it's not an issue of right or wrong, good or bad just what works for one individual and not for another. This time around things didn't work as well as they have other times, but that doesn't mean that the next time won't be an entirely different experience. While he's not on my 'must listen' list neither is he on my list of 'not in this life time' more like 'let's take this one audio book at a time'.
Still at the end of it all I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read/listen to what comes next from Ms. Ford's band of 'Wayward Wolves'.
*************************
An audio book of 'Once Upon A Wolf' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Well actually I'm pretty sure we all did but for me this one was a must...it's by Rhys Ford and she's totally a favorite of mine. So needless to say there were no real surprises here because...I've read the book already and as far as the story goes as far as the story goes my original review still holds true so, I'm going to borrow from it in regards to the story...here goes...
First off let's chat a bit about the main characters and their relationship...I liked the way Gibson and Zach's relationship developed as a slow burn against the backdrop of event's that while not connected to Zach and Gibson held a loose tie to Gibson and Ellis's family history on the mountain . Ellis grabbed my curiosity fairly quickly and I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed that there's a story coming for him soon.I really enjoyed the banter between Zach and Gibson and with Ellis as well...
“You’re really going to attempt to make pancakes?” The mock horror in Zach’s grimace was a clear indication he’d picked up more than his share of sardonic expressions from the brothers. “Aren’t you happy with trying to kill me just at dinnertime? Now you’ve moved on to breakfast?”With less than 100 pages to this story there's a lot happening and lot of groundwork is being laid out for not just this story but I suspect some of it will become more relevant as the series unfolds. As well as Ellis who I'm hoping that we'll see more of some of the secondary characters like Ruth and Martha, the two women who are looking after Zach's B&B, then there's Pat Brown the son of the former sheriff and currently working for the sheriff's department himself and there's some interesting history between the Kellers and the Browns to be sure.
I'm hoping that as things progress in this series we'll learn a little more a bout Zach's life before he came to own the B&B. We've gotten some glimpses of his life, enough to know that Zach was in a accident, that his family relations are strained to say the least.
While this one got off to a bit of a slow start for me. I have faith in Ms Ford's ability to draw me into her stories and make me not only glad I'm reading them but want more and more...and yes, more and so far I definitely want some more of Gibson and Zach but I'd also like to find out more about Ellis and while he really didn't seem to be a nice guy much less a good one. I have the feeling that there's possibly more to Pat Brown than we know and I'm sure that it could make for an interesting story as well. I think at the end of it all for me I'm on board with this series not because of where Ms Ford has taken us but because I'm curious to see where we have yet to go.
Now on to the audio portion of this audio book...
Derrick McClain was the narrator for this audio book and overall I enjoyed things except for the minor glitch that Zach's voice wasn't quite what I had imagined it would be.
My previous experiences with this narrator have varied and while a couple of the audio books that I've listened to haven't worked really well for me the opposite is also true and I've really enjoyed others.
Regardless of whether I've enjoyed it or not I do find that in general this narrator ticks the basics on my list of 'must have's for an audio book'. His voices are varied, expressive and words are pronounced clearly and concisely but not to the point of being monotone or stilted.
So overall Derrick McClain produces an audio book that can readily be enjoyed and beyond that when it comes to things like how a voice sounds we're talking about a purely subjective issue that's a matter of personal taste which to me means that it's not an issue of right or wrong, good or bad just what works for one individual and not for another. This time around things didn't work as well as they have other times, but that doesn't mean that the next time won't be an entirely different experience. While he's not on my 'must listen' list neither is he on my list of 'not in this life time' more like 'let's take this one audio book at a time'.
Still at the end of it all I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read/listen to what comes next from Ms. Ford's band of 'Wayward Wolves'.
*************************
An audio book of 'Once Upon A Wolf' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2018
3.5 Stars
Once Upon a Wolf is the first novella of the Wayward Wolves series, it's pretty fluffy for Rhys Ford, and she has assured readers that all of the books in the series will "fit" into one another.
I really liked all of the characters, and there's a sweet HEA to be found at the end, but I wish more time had been spent on the romantic relationship development. I didn't mind that this is sort of a low steam romance, but not really slow burn, because there's an instant connection between Gibson and Zach.
Don't get me wrong - I thought what romance is there is very sweet, but so much time is spent on Gibson's brother, Ellis, who suffers from PTSD and handled it by going wolf for years, that while there's palpable love between the brothers, and a real connection that can be felt, I missed that connection for Gibson and Zach.
There's less time spent on romance and more time spent on the rehabilitation of Ellis, so because this is quite short at just over 90 pages that made it really difficult to explore the relationship between Gibson and Zach as much as I craved.
There's definitely quite a bit of world-building, which was interesting and has me hooked for more, but there were some things left unexplained that I wanted more information about (i.e.: Martha - where does her training come from? What happened to Brown?).
Hopefully we'll get to know the characters more as the series progresses, and I'll get some answers for my burning questions, but I'm excited to see where Rhys Ford is taking the series next.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Once Upon a Wolf (Wayward Wolves #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Once Upon a Wolf is the first novella of the Wayward Wolves series, it's pretty fluffy for Rhys Ford, and she has assured readers that all of the books in the series will "fit" into one another.
I really liked all of the characters, and there's a sweet HEA to be found at the end, but I wish more time had been spent on the romantic relationship development. I didn't mind that this is sort of a low steam romance, but not really slow burn, because there's an instant connection between Gibson and Zach.
I just feel like right now, here with you, I’m not alone anymore,” Zach whispered, his voice trailing off. “I felt alone in a crowd of people, in a house full of my family and friends, but here in a cabin barely big enough to hold two humans and a wolf, I feel like you see me, you hear me, and I’m not just shouting in the darkness hoping I won’t disappear.
Don't get me wrong - I thought what romance is there is very sweet, but so much time is spent on Gibson's brother, Ellis, who suffers from PTSD and handled it by going wolf for years, that while there's palpable love between the brothers, and a real connection that can be felt, I missed that connection for Gibson and Zach.
There's less time spent on romance and more time spent on the rehabilitation of Ellis, so because this is quite short at just over 90 pages that made it really difficult to explore the relationship between Gibson and Zach as much as I craved.
“I love you,”...“I cannot live without you.”
“Well, that works out, then,” he murmured back, tightening his hold on Gibson, refusing to let go. “Because I can’t live without you either, and I love you so much, I want to spend my life making you smile.”
There's definitely quite a bit of world-building, which was interesting and has me hooked for more, but there were some things left unexplained that I wanted more information about (i.e.: Martha - where does her training come from? What happened to Brown?).
Hopefully we'll get to know the characters more as the series progresses, and I'll get some answers for my burning questions, but I'm excited to see where Rhys Ford is taking the series next.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Once Upon a Wolf (Wayward Wolves #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 27, 2018
2.5 stars
Zach is walking through the woods on a freezing day when he suddenly encounters a wolf. Scared he runs away, only to be chased by the wolf. And that’s how Zach ends up in the freezing lake.
When Zach wakes up he learns he is rescued by Gibson, who is living in a cabin in the woods. Gibson is living there with his….. wolf? Except when there is a thunder Zach sees that wolf changing into a man and into a wolf again.
Gibson is living in his family’s remote cabin because he needs to solitude to take care of his brother, Ellis. Ellis came back from the war a wolf and refuses to turn back.
Now that Zach knows about their werewolf secret. Gibson lets him stay there for a few days to recover…
I never really got into this. In some books the way we learn about characters is done right. I love books where I learn a great deal about a character or what’s going on in one single sentence. This was not such a book.
I felt confused when things were mentioned in a way that made me feel as if I’ve already should have known about it. Sometimes that works in books. Not here. It made me feel disconnected and standing on the sidelines instead of in the middle of the scene.
Like we only get told at 40 or 50% that Zach bought the Inn nearby and that’s why he was walking through the woods. It was so weird to learn that so late in the book and it was told in a way like I should have been aware of it all along. I know this is a short book but it still felt very late.
Even the relationship was handled that way. I still can’t figure out how Gibson knew Zach was gay. It is never mentioned and they both kind of assumed but never said it out loud. Same with the attraction. I did not found out they were attracted to each other with the way they talked to each other. They never acted flirty, or said anything to make the other person aware there were feelings.
That’s why it was a huge surprise that we suddenly get told there have been kisses. Yes, there is a peck on the lips on page, but after that it is mentioned in passing that they are now kissing. Oooookay…. And then we got the I love yous. Without any relationship building whatsoever I was stunned they were already at that level.
I don’t think Rhys Ford’s writing style and I mesh very well (even though I loved her Cole McGinnis series).
------------------------------
An ARC of Once Upon a Wolf was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Zach is walking through the woods on a freezing day when he suddenly encounters a wolf. Scared he runs away, only to be chased by the wolf. And that’s how Zach ends up in the freezing lake.
When Zach wakes up he learns he is rescued by Gibson, who is living in a cabin in the woods. Gibson is living there with his….. wolf? Except when there is a thunder Zach sees that wolf changing into a man and into a wolf again.
Gibson is living in his family’s remote cabin because he needs to solitude to take care of his brother, Ellis. Ellis came back from the war a wolf and refuses to turn back.
Now that Zach knows about their werewolf secret. Gibson lets him stay there for a few days to recover…
I never really got into this. In some books the way we learn about characters is done right. I love books where I learn a great deal about a character or what’s going on in one single sentence. This was not such a book.
I felt confused when things were mentioned in a way that made me feel as if I’ve already should have known about it. Sometimes that works in books. Not here. It made me feel disconnected and standing on the sidelines instead of in the middle of the scene.
Like we only get told at 40 or 50% that Zach bought the Inn nearby and that’s why he was walking through the woods. It was so weird to learn that so late in the book and it was told in a way like I should have been aware of it all along. I know this is a short book but it still felt very late.
Even the relationship was handled that way. I still can’t figure out how Gibson knew Zach was gay. It is never mentioned and they both kind of assumed but never said it out loud. Same with the attraction. I did not found out they were attracted to each other with the way they talked to each other. They never acted flirty, or said anything to make the other person aware there were feelings.
That’s why it was a huge surprise that we suddenly get told there have been kisses. Yes, there is a peck on the lips on page, but after that it is mentioned in passing that they are now kissing. Oooookay…. And then we got the I love yous. Without any relationship building whatsoever I was stunned they were already at that level.
I don’t think Rhys Ford’s writing style and I mesh very well (even though I loved her Cole McGinnis series).
------------------------------
An ARC of Once Upon a Wolf was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2018
In my opinion, novellas work best when they are simple and to the point. This book just didn't do it for me.
I can appreciate that Rhys Ford wanted to build the shifter world and give some backstory, but it didn't translate well in such a short amount of page space. There were different threads that were brought up suddenly, explained roughly, and then just sort of forgotten as the story moved on to the next thing.
Zach and Gibson were cute enough, but I wasn't invested in their relationship. Their relationship is fairly close to insta-love, but I don't mind that in shifter romances.
I did think it was sweet that they got to know each other first before jumping into bed, and that they were happier for it.
There's a lot of page time given to Gibson's brother, Ellis, and his issues. It distracted from the MCs. Again, I think the whole plotline with Ellis was too complex for such a short novella.
But in the end, this was just an okay read for me. The romance was pretty lukewarm, and the book overall was just missing that captivating quality I usually expect from Rhys Ford.
I can appreciate that Rhys Ford wanted to build the shifter world and give some backstory, but it didn't translate well in such a short amount of page space. There were different threads that were brought up suddenly, explained roughly, and then just sort of forgotten as the story moved on to the next thing.
Zach and Gibson were cute enough, but I wasn't invested in their relationship. Their relationship is fairly close to insta-love, but I don't mind that in shifter romances.
I did think it was sweet that they got to know each other first before jumping into bed, and that they were happier for it.
There's a lot of page time given to Gibson's brother, Ellis, and his issues. It distracted from the MCs. Again, I think the whole plotline with Ellis was too complex for such a short novella.
But in the end, this was just an okay read for me. The romance was pretty lukewarm, and the book overall was just missing that captivating quality I usually expect from Rhys Ford.
March 5, 2018
3.5 wolfish stars rounded down to 3 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR wolfish or otherwise...
Soooo...I'm not really a big fan of shifter books but...
I am a big fan of Rhys Ford which meant that this was a must read for me. I was a little slower to get into this story but there was still a lot about this one that I came to really like.
First off let's chat a bit about the main characters and their relationship...I liked the way Gibson and Zach's relationship developed as a slow burn against the backdrop of event's that while not connected to Zach and Gibson held a loose tie to Gibson and Ellis's family history on the mountain . Ellis grabbed my curiosity fairly quickly and I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed that there's a story coming for him soon.
I really enjoyed the banter between Zach and Gibson and with Ellis as well...
While this story isn't really about Ellis even though he was an integral figure in it...this was Zach and Gibson's story. Gibson is Ellis's younger brother and he's very protective of Ellis who seems to be stuck in his wolf form since coming home from the war. His days are quiet and simple for Gibson and Ellis as they hide out in their cabin in the woods awaiting the time when Ellis is ready to take human form again.
Zach has bought the local B&B in the hopes of starting over and finding some peace and quiet for himself getting chased into a nearby lakes that's freezing cold was not a part of his plan but then neither was the big black wolf who chased him there.
The last thing Gibson expected to find floating in the lake near the cabin he shared with Ellis was a man who pushed all of his bell and whistles and would come to quickly steal his heart. While Gibson and Zach quickly realize that they are drawn to each other their relationship is a slow burn and takes time to develop as unexpected events force Gibson and Ellis to place things between them on the back burner for a while.
With less than 100 pages to this story there's a lot happening and lot of groundwork is being laid out for not just this story but I suspect some of it will become more relevant as the series unfolds. As well as Ellis who I'm hoping that we'll see more of some of the secondary characters like Ruth and Martha, the two women who are looking after Zach's B&B, then there's Pat Brown the son of the former sheriff and currently working for the sheriff's department himself and there's some interesting history between the Kellers and the Browns to be sure.
I'm hoping that as things progress in this series we'll learn a little more a bout Zach's life before he came to own the B&B. We've gotten some glimpses of his life, enough to know that Zach was in a accident, that his family relations are strained to say the least.
While this one has gotten off to a bit of a slow start for me. I have faith in Ms Ford's ability to draw me into her stories and make me not only glad I'm reading them but want more and more...and yes, more and so far I definitely want some more of Gibson and Zach but I'd also like to find out more about Ellis and while he really didn't seem to be a nice guy much less a good one. I have the feeling that there's possibly more to Pat Brown than we know and I'm sure that it could make for an interesting story as well. I think at the end of it all for me I'm on board with this series not because of where Ms Ford has taken us but because I'm curious to see where we have yet to go.
*************************
An ARC of 'Once Upon a Wolf' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Soooo...I'm not really a big fan of shifter books but...
I am a big fan of Rhys Ford which meant that this was a must read for me. I was a little slower to get into this story but there was still a lot about this one that I came to really like.
First off let's chat a bit about the main characters and their relationship...I liked the way Gibson and Zach's relationship developed as a slow burn against the backdrop of event's that while not connected to Zach and Gibson held a loose tie to Gibson and Ellis's family history on the mountain . Ellis grabbed my curiosity fairly quickly and I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed that there's a story coming for him soon.
I really enjoyed the banter between Zach and Gibson and with Ellis as well...
“You’re really going to attempt to make pancakes?” The mock horror in Zach’s grimace was a clear indication he’d picked up more than his share of sardonic expressions from the brothers. “Aren’t you happy with trying to kill me just at dinnertime? Now you’ve moved on to breakfast?”
While this story isn't really about Ellis even though he was an integral figure in it...this was Zach and Gibson's story. Gibson is Ellis's younger brother and he's very protective of Ellis who seems to be stuck in his wolf form since coming home from the war. His days are quiet and simple for Gibson and Ellis as they hide out in their cabin in the woods awaiting the time when Ellis is ready to take human form again.
Zach has bought the local B&B in the hopes of starting over and finding some peace and quiet for himself getting chased into a nearby lakes that's freezing cold was not a part of his plan but then neither was the big black wolf who chased him there.
The last thing Gibson expected to find floating in the lake near the cabin he shared with Ellis was a man who pushed all of his bell and whistles and would come to quickly steal his heart. While Gibson and Zach quickly realize that they are drawn to each other their relationship is a slow burn and takes time to develop as unexpected events force Gibson and Ellis to place things between them on the back burner for a while.
With less than 100 pages to this story there's a lot happening and lot of groundwork is being laid out for not just this story but I suspect some of it will become more relevant as the series unfolds. As well as Ellis who I'm hoping that we'll see more of some of the secondary characters like Ruth and Martha, the two women who are looking after Zach's B&B, then there's Pat Brown the son of the former sheriff and currently working for the sheriff's department himself and there's some interesting history between the Kellers and the Browns to be sure.
I'm hoping that as things progress in this series we'll learn a little more a bout Zach's life before he came to own the B&B. We've gotten some glimpses of his life, enough to know that Zach was in a accident, that his family relations are strained to say the least.
While this one has gotten off to a bit of a slow start for me. I have faith in Ms Ford's ability to draw me into her stories and make me not only glad I'm reading them but want more and more...and yes, more and so far I definitely want some more of Gibson and Zach but I'd also like to find out more about Ellis and while he really didn't seem to be a nice guy much less a good one. I have the feeling that there's possibly more to Pat Brown than we know and I'm sure that it could make for an interesting story as well. I think at the end of it all for me I'm on board with this series not because of where Ms Ford has taken us but because I'm curious to see where we have yet to go.
*************************
An ARC of 'Once Upon a Wolf' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2018
3.7 Stars
I liked it, but I didn't love it.
The narration was good, even if it not being by Greg threw me off; I have this automatic assumption that he performs all of the audio for Rhys - which is wrong, obviously - but it kept creeping into my brain that I was listening to Not-Greg, and then I would get distracted. For that reason I'm going to put it on the re-read shelf for actual reading at a later date to see if the change in medium affects my rating.
Don't get me wrong - there was NOTHING inherently wrong with the narration. In fact, when I could distract my brain enough to get around the Not-Greg issue, I thought it was done extremely well. The voices and how Derrick McClain performed the dramatic scenes were top-notch, and I know I have a few books on my TBR with him narrating...so I'll definitely try to get my hands on more of them.
The disconnect was entirely my own doing, and I hate that because I usually love Rhys' books - faults and all.
Original Thoughts:
OMG YOU GUYS! Rhys wrote a shifter book!!
I liked it, but I didn't love it.
The narration was good, even if it not being by Greg threw me off; I have this automatic assumption that he performs all of the audio for Rhys - which is wrong, obviously - but it kept creeping into my brain that I was listening to Not-Greg, and then I would get distracted. For that reason I'm going to put it on the re-read shelf for actual reading at a later date to see if the change in medium affects my rating.
Don't get me wrong - there was NOTHING inherently wrong with the narration. In fact, when I could distract my brain enough to get around the Not-Greg issue, I thought it was done extremely well. The voices and how Derrick McClain performed the dramatic scenes were top-notch, and I know I have a few books on my TBR with him narrating...so I'll definitely try to get my hands on more of them.
The disconnect was entirely my own doing, and I hate that because I usually love Rhys' books - faults and all.
Original Thoughts:
OMG YOU GUYS! Rhys wrote a shifter book!!
February 12, 2018
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This was ok for me. I liked the story ok, but the insta-love/connection was a little much. The trust that Gibson put into Zach so quickly seems far fetched and the fact that they both have an instant attraction to the other while Zach is half dead after falling in the lake, just wasn't realistic. It was cute and enjoyable seeing Gibson and Ellis interact, and then seeing how Zach reacted to Ellis. I love shifter books and this one was good as far as explaining the wolf history. I bet it was super cute when Ellis and Gibson were baby pups!
The majority of the story is about Gibson trying to coax Ellis into turning into his human form again, since he has been in wolf form for about 2 years. It was rough seeing Ellis so tortured from what he experienced, he was so wounded. But I could see his playful side too, especially when he tooted in Zach's truck. ;)
These characters were so fun, and if you take away the instant love they have going, this story was really good, and I would like to read more about these men (do they want kids, is the question; I want to see baby pups!!). Overall I give this 3 stars.
This was ok for me. I liked the story ok, but the insta-love/connection was a little much. The trust that Gibson put into Zach so quickly seems far fetched and the fact that they both have an instant attraction to the other while Zach is half dead after falling in the lake, just wasn't realistic. It was cute and enjoyable seeing Gibson and Ellis interact, and then seeing how Zach reacted to Ellis. I love shifter books and this one was good as far as explaining the wolf history. I bet it was super cute when Ellis and Gibson were baby pups!
The majority of the story is about Gibson trying to coax Ellis into turning into his human form again, since he has been in wolf form for about 2 years. It was rough seeing Ellis so tortured from what he experienced, he was so wounded. But I could see his playful side too, especially when he tooted in Zach's truck. ;)
These characters were so fun, and if you take away the instant love they have going, this story was really good, and I would like to read more about these men (do they want kids, is the question; I want to see baby pups!!). Overall I give this 3 stars.
February 17, 2018
It sounded promising. This was my second shifter book, and it wasn't what I expected.
Zach wasn't really freaked out about learning that werewolves do exist, I expected him to be more surprised, or something. Of course at the time he was incapable of moving much.
There was an insta-lust at the beginning (which okay, wolves, duh), but that has been put on the back-burner, due to more important matters (saving the brother from himself). And then there was the fact, that after two encounters Zach felt that he was part of the family. Huh? Slow down, boy!
I was interested in the brothers relationship, and Ellis's past (I guess we'll see that in the next book).
My biggest problem was that, it wasn't really romancy, they only did anything sexy in the last twenty pages, and it was far from passionate.
But the cover looks nice!
Zach wasn't really freaked out about learning that werewolves do exist, I expected him to be more surprised, or something. Of course at the time he was incapable of moving much.
There was an insta-lust at the beginning (which okay, wolves, duh), but that has been put on the back-burner, due to more important matters (saving the brother from himself). And then there was the fact, that after two encounters Zach felt that he was part of the family. Huh? Slow down, boy!
I was interested in the brothers relationship, and Ellis's past (I guess we'll see that in the next book).
My biggest problem was that, it wasn't really romancy, they only did anything sexy in the last twenty pages, and it was far from passionate.
But the cover looks nice!
i-ll-return-mayhaps
March 4, 2018If only this was a full length book, unfortunately as a novella it's over-reaching.
The world appears interesting enough but this is all introduction setting up for the series; I don't feel the story has started. Lots of possibilities hinted at, the future series looks interesting, but on it's own account the book doesn't give much.
My main issue is there's too much fit in, for it to work it would need more focus. We learn about Ellis, Ellis appears interesting there's clearly plenty story there. But the romance here is between his brother and the newcomer both of whose names I've already forgotten when it's supposed to be their story! There's nothing about them that demanded attention so when Ellis took himself off I stopped reading and have forgotten to return.
I'll likely return before the next book/novella is out, I'd like to read Ellis's story.
The world appears interesting enough but this is all introduction setting up for the series; I don't feel the story has started. Lots of possibilities hinted at, the future series looks interesting, but on it's own account the book doesn't give much.
My main issue is there's too much fit in, for it to work it would need more focus. We learn about Ellis, Ellis appears interesting there's clearly plenty story there. But the romance here is between his brother and the newcomer both of whose names I've already forgotten when it's supposed to be their story! There's nothing about them that demanded attention so when Ellis took himself off I stopped reading and have forgotten to return.
I'll likely return before the next book/novella is out, I'd like to read Ellis's story.
June 11, 2018
Updated for audiobook review:
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I am a huge fan of Rhys Ford’s writing so I was really excited for her first foray into shifters with this first book in her Wayward Wolves series. As always, Ford’s writing is descriptive and evocative and these characters and their surroundings just leap off the page. I love the twist on shifters Ford has created here, with a slightly different take on the normal lore. Even just small things like the way the men shifted were a bit unique. This isn’t your typical pack and fated mates type story. In fact, the book feels very much like a regular contemporary with the addition of shifters. I particularly enjoyed the idea of Ellis caught in his shifter form. It was a great way to not only add conflict to the story, but also to show the different aspects of their human and wolf sides.
Zach and Gibson are sweet together, with a slow bloom to their romance. I appreciated how Zach, while stunned by the news of shifters, still put Gibson and Ellis first, determined to do whatever it took to protect them. As the story continues, Zach helps Gibson care for Ellis, and I liked how committed Zach is to both men. This isn’t a story with a lot of heat, as Zach and Gibson keep the physical side of their relationship at bay while they are helping to work through issues with Ellis. But you can still feel the connection between them as there is a sweet tenderness and a lovely romance.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I am a huge fan of Rhys Ford’s writing so I was really excited for her first foray into shifters with this first book in her Wayward Wolves series. As always, Ford’s writing is descriptive and evocative and these characters and their surroundings just leap off the page. I love the twist on shifters Ford has created here, with a slightly different take on the normal lore. Even just small things like the way the men shifted were a bit unique. This isn’t your typical pack and fated mates type story. In fact, the book feels very much like a regular contemporary with the addition of shifters. I particularly enjoyed the idea of Ellis caught in his shifter form. It was a great way to not only add conflict to the story, but also to show the different aspects of their human and wolf sides.
Zach and Gibson are sweet together, with a slow bloom to their romance. I appreciated how Zach, while stunned by the news of shifters, still put Gibson and Ellis first, determined to do whatever it took to protect them. As the story continues, Zach helps Gibson care for Ellis, and I liked how committed Zach is to both men. This isn’t a story with a lot of heat, as Zach and Gibson keep the physical side of their relationship at bay while they are helping to work through issues with Ellis. But you can still feel the connection between them as there is a sweet tenderness and a lovely romance.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 18, 2018
I liked it. For an instalove shifter story it was good but by no means original. I'm about ten minutes past closing the book and I already can't remember the MC names.
But I do remember Ellis. He overshadowed the whole book. I'm much more intrigued by Ellis
But I do remember Ellis. He overshadowed the whole book. I'm much more intrigued by Ellis
June 8, 2018
I like my shifter stories a lot darker and more gritty. This book had very little substance and Ford’s typical “why say it in five words when I can say it in 15 or 20”. Too light and sweet for me. And it really needed a thorough copyedit.
September 4, 2018
Da kauft man sich ein Häuschen im Grünen, spaziert gemütlich durch den Wald und wird mal eben von einem riesigen Wolf in den nächsten See gejagt – so hatte sich Zach seinen Tag eigentlich nicht vorgestellt, als er splitternackt auf der Couch von Gibson und dessen Bruder Ellis zu sich kommt, halb erfroren und offensichtlich mit Halluzinationen. Wie soll er sich sonst erklären, dass der Wolf kein Wolf, sondern ein Mensch ist, der sich nicht richtig wandeln kann?
Ein toller Anfang in eine schöne Wintergeschichte, die Lust auf mehr macht, denn Gibson und Zach passen als Paar wirklich gut zusammen. Schade nur, dass so viele Fragen offen bleiben und einige Dinge mir auch etwas zu abrupt abliefen.
Aber ich hoffe jetzt auf die nächsten Bände, denn die Geschichte um Ellis und auch einiges andere ist noch zu erzählen, und vielleicht werden dann auch die Fragen beantwortet, die in diesem Kurzroman bislang offen geblieben sind.
Eine schöne Geschichte, der ich zufriedene 3* und eine Leseempfehlung gebe. Allein schon wegen Ellis, der eine recht eigenwillige Art hat, seine Launen kundzutun. Eine recht geruchsintensive, um es mal so zu umschreiben. Ich habe jedenfalls herzlich gelacht.
Ein ganz liebes Dankeschön geht an den Dreamspinner Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Ein toller Anfang in eine schöne Wintergeschichte, die Lust auf mehr macht, denn Gibson und Zach passen als Paar wirklich gut zusammen. Schade nur, dass so viele Fragen offen bleiben und einige Dinge mir auch etwas zu abrupt abliefen.
Aber ich hoffe jetzt auf die nächsten Bände, denn die Geschichte um Ellis und auch einiges andere ist noch zu erzählen, und vielleicht werden dann auch die Fragen beantwortet, die in diesem Kurzroman bislang offen geblieben sind.
Eine schöne Geschichte, der ich zufriedene 3* und eine Leseempfehlung gebe. Allein schon wegen Ellis, der eine recht eigenwillige Art hat, seine Launen kundzutun. Eine recht geruchsintensive, um es mal so zu umschreiben. Ich habe jedenfalls herzlich gelacht.
Ein ganz liebes Dankeschön geht an den Dreamspinner Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.
February 8, 2018
3.5 Stars
Rhys Ford did tell her reader group that she wanted to write something sweet, and since it’s her...werewolves! The story actually is pretty sweet and there’s no mystery and no one dies. It doesn’t mean everything is sunshine and roses. Zach and Gibson, and Ellis, were engaging characters, as was the mutual hurt/comfort storyline. A fair amount of world building is fit into novella form, grounded in the present, where people think lycanthropes are not real. I didn’t find the explanation given for their existence entirely logical here or understand how they could remain so secret. I rarely read shifter stories for this reason; I want too much logic around paranormal characters and occurrences!
Zach and Gibson do feel an instant connection and fall into insta-love, which fits with this genre but I still thought Zach accepted the existence of werewolves too easily. The other problem I had was getting too little about Zach and Gibson’s relationship building. The story seemed more about Ellis than Zach and Gibson. Intimacy, even kissing, happens late in the story, that too ending up timed around Ellis’s condition and actions. That sounds negative, but I still liked the whole story quite a bit. All were solid, intriguing characters, including the ladies running Zach’s B & B. It seems obvious that characters are being introduced for future storylines and I do want to know what happens to Ellis. This novella contains all the elements Rhys excels at in her narrative and prose. I admit to my bias against paranormal but I can’t miss a Rhys Ford story, so readers who enjoy shifters, including her fans, will like this even more, I’m sure.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
Rhys Ford did tell her reader group that she wanted to write something sweet, and since it’s her...werewolves! The story actually is pretty sweet and there’s no mystery and no one dies. It doesn’t mean everything is sunshine and roses. Zach and Gibson, and Ellis, were engaging characters, as was the mutual hurt/comfort storyline. A fair amount of world building is fit into novella form, grounded in the present, where people think lycanthropes are not real. I didn’t find the explanation given for their existence entirely logical here or understand how they could remain so secret. I rarely read shifter stories for this reason; I want too much logic around paranormal characters and occurrences!
Zach and Gibson do feel an instant connection and fall into insta-love, which fits with this genre but I still thought Zach accepted the existence of werewolves too easily. The other problem I had was getting too little about Zach and Gibson’s relationship building. The story seemed more about Ellis than Zach and Gibson. Intimacy, even kissing, happens late in the story, that too ending up timed around Ellis’s condition and actions. That sounds negative, but I still liked the whole story quite a bit. All were solid, intriguing characters, including the ladies running Zach’s B & B. It seems obvious that characters are being introduced for future storylines and I do want to know what happens to Ellis. This novella contains all the elements Rhys excels at in her narrative and prose. I admit to my bias against paranormal but I can’t miss a Rhys Ford story, so readers who enjoy shifters, including her fans, will like this even more, I’m sure.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
February 23, 2018
3.5*
This is a novella length which means Rhys Ford has a lot of work to do in both establishing the world building for the start of a new series but also giving the reader a fully rounded romance with the main characters here. I think, in the main, this is achieved and achieved well.
I liked the twist on the werewolf trope and the way in which she approached the set-up for what's going to be a connected set of characters and I liked both Gibson and Zach, the romantic pairing. I loved Ellis, Gibson's brother, who is really the main focus of this whole story.
The setup for the meet/cute was a brilliant way to open up the book, full of action and giving the reader lots of questions from the off but there was also a fair bit of time when not a lot happened and perhaps a bit too much of the book's narrative was handed over to the two men dealing with Ellis and his predicament.
I would have liked a bit more actual romance between the two men, their attraction is obvious but we get nothing on page until almost the end of the book and even then, it's more of a casual reference to the fact they've been getting it on. I don't necessarily need graphic sex scenes but I would like to have an indication that there's a physical relationship as well as the friendship!
The language, as expected from this author, is beautifully lyrical, descriptive and making full use of all the flowery emoting that is the norm. This book is also very funny as well and I know a few friends have quoted one of the scenes which was a highlight for me too:
All in all this was a success for me and now I'm wanting to know more about this world, where Ellis goes next, what happens with Pat and more about the fabulous couple Ruth and Martha.
Also - how fabulous is this cover?! I'm not usually one for being attracted to a book just because of the cover, I like to go on the blurb usually, but this one absolutely caught my eye on Dreamspinner's website when I first saw it.
#ARC kindly provided by the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
This is a novella length which means Rhys Ford has a lot of work to do in both establishing the world building for the start of a new series but also giving the reader a fully rounded romance with the main characters here. I think, in the main, this is achieved and achieved well.
I liked the twist on the werewolf trope and the way in which she approached the set-up for what's going to be a connected set of characters and I liked both Gibson and Zach, the romantic pairing. I loved Ellis, Gibson's brother, who is really the main focus of this whole story.
The setup for the meet/cute was a brilliant way to open up the book, full of action and giving the reader lots of questions from the off but there was also a fair bit of time when not a lot happened and perhaps a bit too much of the book's narrative was handed over to the two men dealing with Ellis and his predicament.
I would have liked a bit more actual romance between the two men, their attraction is obvious but we get nothing on page until almost the end of the book and even then, it's more of a casual reference to the fact they've been getting it on. I don't necessarily need graphic sex scenes but I would like to have an indication that there's a physical relationship as well as the friendship!
The language, as expected from this author, is beautifully lyrical, descriptive and making full use of all the flowery emoting that is the norm. This book is also very funny as well and I know a few friends have quoted one of the scenes which was a highlight for me too:
Zach’s elbow got caught on his sweatshirt, and Gibson nearly kneed him trying to get his pants down. One of their plates landed on the floor, either hit by Gibson’s foot or possibly Zach’s underwear when it flew off of Gibson’s finger as he twirled it around. There was a brief scramble toward the fireplace, as it appeared one of the couch’s throw pillows was headed straight for the flames when thrown off to make room...
All in all this was a success for me and now I'm wanting to know more about this world, where Ellis goes next, what happens with Pat and more about the fabulous couple Ruth and Martha.
Also - how fabulous is this cover?! I'm not usually one for being attracted to a book just because of the cover, I like to go on the blurb usually, but this one absolutely caught my eye on Dreamspinner's website when I first saw it.
#ARC kindly provided by the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
January 27, 2018
3.5 stars
I've always hoped Rhys Ford would write a shifter book, because no one can do savage and murderous better than her. I finally got my wish....kind of. Once Upon A Wolf wasn't exactly what I expected, and while Rhys pulled me into the book with her amazing gift of storytelling, I feel like something was missing.
Once Upon A Wolf feels to me more like the introduction to Ellis and the prequel to his book, rather than the love story of Zach and Gibson. Their budding relationship took second place to Ellis's recovery, and that's perfectly fine, except this book was supposed to be more about Gibson and Zach.
Gibson is a wolf shifter who has spent the last 2 years of his life caring for his older brother Ellis, whose body refuses to shift back to human after the horrors of war. Ellis's torment and slow recovery is beautifully done! I love Ellis! The problem is that I don't feel like I got to know as much about Gibson, since the focus wasn't exactly on him.
Zach survived a horrible crash that should've left him dead, and after a painful and long recovery, this city boy turned his life around and bought an old inn in the middle of nowhere. Getting lost while walking through the woods, he finds himself chased by Ellis's wolf, and then rescued from a certain death by Gibson. Finding out that wolf shifters exist blows his mind, but Zach immediately feels at home in the company of Gibson and Ellis.
The romance between Zach and Gibson is veeeery slow burn, and that's mostly because the focus is simply not on their relationship. We are told that they spend a lot of time together, but we don't really witness any of those times. I expected more, but this doesn't make this book bad by any means.
One thing is for sure.... I might not have gotten what I wanted in terms of Zach and Gibson, but I definitely can't wait to read Ellis's book! There's so much mystery surrounding him still! I'm looking forward to it!
I've always hoped Rhys Ford would write a shifter book, because no one can do savage and murderous better than her. I finally got my wish....kind of. Once Upon A Wolf wasn't exactly what I expected, and while Rhys pulled me into the book with her amazing gift of storytelling, I feel like something was missing.
Once Upon A Wolf feels to me more like the introduction to Ellis and the prequel to his book, rather than the love story of Zach and Gibson. Their budding relationship took second place to Ellis's recovery, and that's perfectly fine, except this book was supposed to be more about Gibson and Zach.
Gibson is a wolf shifter who has spent the last 2 years of his life caring for his older brother Ellis, whose body refuses to shift back to human after the horrors of war. Ellis's torment and slow recovery is beautifully done! I love Ellis! The problem is that I don't feel like I got to know as much about Gibson, since the focus wasn't exactly on him.
Zach survived a horrible crash that should've left him dead, and after a painful and long recovery, this city boy turned his life around and bought an old inn in the middle of nowhere. Getting lost while walking through the woods, he finds himself chased by Ellis's wolf, and then rescued from a certain death by Gibson. Finding out that wolf shifters exist blows his mind, but Zach immediately feels at home in the company of Gibson and Ellis.
The romance between Zach and Gibson is veeeery slow burn, and that's mostly because the focus is simply not on their relationship. We are told that they spend a lot of time together, but we don't really witness any of those times. I expected more, but this doesn't make this book bad by any means.
One thing is for sure.... I might not have gotten what I wanted in terms of Zach and Gibson, but I definitely can't wait to read Ellis's book! There's so much mystery surrounding him still! I'm looking forward to it!
January 28, 2025
The cold was swallowing him whole, a ravenous snake consuming him as prey. A darkness as thick as the menacing shadow in the trees began to take him, and as the not-quite-frozen lake stole the life from his body, he saw the wolf mount the boulder, throw its head back, and cast out an eerie, haunting cry.
I never, ever, ever thought Rhys Ford would write a paranormal shifter story. Not because she thinks she’s better than that or anything, oh hell no, but more because I have a small glimmer of how her brain works and I knew she couldn’t write a shifter unless she had the science and physics of shifting figured out in a way that made sense and was plausible. To say I was excited when I turned the first page is a mild understatement.
I could feel the love and compassion Gibson has for his brother, Ellis, with every look and the tone of his voice. Their entire family has alienated them believing that Ellis is trapped inside his wolf and should be put down. Gibson is so afraid that this instance of Ellis chasing Zach might be an indicator that Ellis has gone insane. But without his brother shifting and talking to him, Gibson has to guess, and he’s feeling more alone than ever. It doesn’t help that Ellis has brought home (so to speak) the one man in a thousand miles who hits every one of Gibson’s buttons.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
I never, ever, ever thought Rhys Ford would write a paranormal shifter story. Not because she thinks she’s better than that or anything, oh hell no, but more because I have a small glimmer of how her brain works and I knew she couldn’t write a shifter unless she had the science and physics of shifting figured out in a way that made sense and was plausible. To say I was excited when I turned the first page is a mild understatement.
I could feel the love and compassion Gibson has for his brother, Ellis, with every look and the tone of his voice. Their entire family has alienated them believing that Ellis is trapped inside his wolf and should be put down. Gibson is so afraid that this instance of Ellis chasing Zach might be an indicator that Ellis has gone insane. But without his brother shifting and talking to him, Gibson has to guess, and he’s feeling more alone than ever. It doesn’t help that Ellis has brought home (so to speak) the one man in a thousand miles who hits every one of Gibson’s buttons.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
February 9, 2018
Wow! What a great start to a new series from one of my favorite authors! Yes, shifters are new to Rhys Ford, and this one wasn't quite perfect, but it was very enjoyable.
The romance portion of this book follows Zach the human, and Gibson the wolf shifter. The two meet shortly after Ellis, Gibson's brother, terrifies Zach and chases him in to the lake. Yes, Ellis is a hot mess and stuck in wolf form, but still! So Gibson comes to the rescue and pulls a bruised, battered, and concussed Zach out of the freezing water and takes him to the cabin he shares with Ellis. Where Zach ends up riding out a storm, injured, and sees Ellis partially shift from wolf to human, then back. This understandably concerns him. But he still wants to be involved with Gibson, and with Ellis as he learns his story.
So this book is really more about Ellis and his issues/healing than the romance between Gibson and Zack. Rhys has mentioned this is meant to be a sweet romance, and it is, but there is a fair amount of drama, and not as much romance as I expected. No, there is no murder or mystery, no one dies during the book, although a past mysterious death is mentioned, and causes some of the drama. But the romance aspect definitely takes a back seat to the situation with Ellis. Now I liked Ellis just fine, but lots of page time is spent with him. There is only one on page sex scene, and one implied sex scene. Not a big deal, but again, less romance, more Ellis based plot...
I loved the world Rhys has given us, that's kind of a thing she's really good at, and it shows, even with shifters not being her thing. She had a different take on the physical side of shifting that I found disturbing and yet cool. I was certainly left with questions about the shifters, and do hope we get more history in the next book. I loved all of the characters, Ellis is a freaking mess and I can't wait to get more on him. I would have liked a little more history on both Gibson and Zach, but this is a novella so there wasn't tons of time for that. I got what I needed to know about them, but an expansion wouldn't have been bad. The side characters at the inn Zach purchases are intriguing, again, I hope we got more about them later!
Overall a very enjoyable book, and I am waiting curiously for the next installment!
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The romance portion of this book follows Zach the human, and Gibson the wolf shifter. The two meet shortly after Ellis, Gibson's brother, terrifies Zach and chases him in to the lake. Yes, Ellis is a hot mess and stuck in wolf form, but still! So Gibson comes to the rescue and pulls a bruised, battered, and concussed Zach out of the freezing water and takes him to the cabin he shares with Ellis. Where Zach ends up riding out a storm, injured, and sees Ellis partially shift from wolf to human, then back. This understandably concerns him. But he still wants to be involved with Gibson, and with Ellis as he learns his story.
So this book is really more about Ellis and his issues/healing than the romance between Gibson and Zack. Rhys has mentioned this is meant to be a sweet romance, and it is, but there is a fair amount of drama, and not as much romance as I expected. No, there is no murder or mystery, no one dies during the book, although a past mysterious death is mentioned, and causes some of the drama. But the romance aspect definitely takes a back seat to the situation with Ellis. Now I liked Ellis just fine, but lots of page time is spent with him. There is only one on page sex scene, and one implied sex scene. Not a big deal, but again, less romance, more Ellis based plot...
I loved the world Rhys has given us, that's kind of a thing she's really good at, and it shows, even with shifters not being her thing. She had a different take on the physical side of shifting that I found disturbing and yet cool. I was certainly left with questions about the shifters, and do hope we get more history in the next book. I loved all of the characters, Ellis is a freaking mess and I can't wait to get more on him. I would have liked a little more history on both Gibson and Zach, but this is a novella so there wasn't tons of time for that. I got what I needed to know about them, but an expansion wouldn't have been bad. The side characters at the inn Zach purchases are intriguing, again, I hope we got more about them later!
Overall a very enjoyable book, and I am waiting curiously for the next installment!
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2022
It's 3.5 ⭐ for me.
I really liked this story. It got me hooked from the very first line but things went down in the second half of the book.
I found the story refreshing and the characters likable and extremely well written. I was expecting something else and it surprised me. It was in general a good read for me.
Now my problem with the story. It's hard to explain without giving any spoilers but I'll try. A big part of the book takes place in just a day (You can imagine how complicated the situation just with that information). After that day the plot twist was rushed in just a few pages and then everything was okay and nothing really exciting happened until the end. The rhythm of the story felt off.
The relationship between the two protagonist was exactly the same. They met and it was not an instant love but there was something there and they both felt it. After the first day they didn't meet for a while and when they did there's all this drama going on with people getting hurt and truths being told and they barely exchanged a few words but when everything it's settled there's an understanding between them (technically not on page). Just like that they are a thing 🙂. After all that excitement their lives goes on and there's a routine and they are actually really cute and sweet together. Then a little cliffhanger with one of the characters and finally the end.
I liked that it was not like any other shifter romance. Their relationship was healthy. They talked and said their limits. They took a while for the physical part of the relationship and it was something they both discussed and agreed on. They were equals and there was no wolf instincts interfering and making q show of masculinity and stuff. It was refreshing for this genre.
I would like to keep reading this author's book. I enjoyed the writing and the book was promising. Maybe I just need to read another one of their books to feel better.
I really liked this story. It got me hooked from the very first line but things went down in the second half of the book.
I found the story refreshing and the characters likable and extremely well written. I was expecting something else and it surprised me. It was in general a good read for me.
Now my problem with the story. It's hard to explain without giving any spoilers but I'll try. A big part of the book takes place in just a day (You can imagine how complicated the situation just with that information). After that day the plot twist was rushed in just a few pages and then everything was okay and nothing really exciting happened until the end. The rhythm of the story felt off.
The relationship between the two protagonist was exactly the same. They met and it was not an instant love but there was something there and they both felt it. After the first day they didn't meet for a while and when they did there's all this drama going on with people getting hurt and truths being told and they barely exchanged a few words but when everything it's settled there's an understanding between them (technically not on page). Just like that they are a thing 🙂. After all that excitement their lives goes on and there's a routine and they are actually really cute and sweet together. Then a little cliffhanger with one of the characters and finally the end.
I liked that it was not like any other shifter romance. Their relationship was healthy. They talked and said their limits. They took a while for the physical part of the relationship and it was something they both discussed and agreed on. They were equals and there was no wolf instincts interfering and making q show of masculinity and stuff. It was refreshing for this genre.
I would like to keep reading this author's book. I enjoyed the writing and the book was promising. Maybe I just need to read another one of their books to feel better.
May 19, 2018
I didn't really feel a connection between Gibson and Zach. It felt way too rushed to be authentic. I will probably read the next book in this series to see if it gets better. Because Rhys Ford.
March 31, 2018
2.5 stars. Totally forgot about hoopla. Why buy when you can borrow . Very light read. More HFN. Now you are going to say but it's not but it has anot epilogue . Exactly , a tacked on in the future epilogue . Not a story to HEA.
February 16, 2018
The moment Rhys Ford revealed she was writing a shifter book, I couldn't wait to read it. I just finished reading Once Upon A Wolf and I absolutely love it! Rhys' approach to writing can be unconventional at times and a few readers of her work (depending on series) will recognize it right away. This book is the first in a new series and since Rhys' books tend to play like a "movie reel" in my mind. The bulk of this story focuses on the world building which may (understandably), be a turn off to readers who are in it for the romance.
If Rhys Ford wasn’t a writer I could easily see her being a painter. She brings her worlds alive with effective descriptive words that feed the imagination making everything so vivid, almost tangible. The summary sums up the story very well. To add to it would lead to spoilers which I try to avoid posting. I will state that this is not your run of the mill shifter story, it is distinctively original.
To be fair, I knew this story would be short and depending on her approach, I was either in for a romance heavy tale or a world-building first installment. The latter proved to be true. She laid the groundwork for future plotlines and introduced a lineup of interesting characters that helped whet my appetite for more. With that out of the way, the rest of the series ( in my opinion), will be more focused on future relationships, conflict/ plot and character interaction. This series is off on a good start. I am eagerly awaiting book 2!
If Rhys Ford wasn’t a writer I could easily see her being a painter. She brings her worlds alive with effective descriptive words that feed the imagination making everything so vivid, almost tangible. The summary sums up the story very well. To add to it would lead to spoilers which I try to avoid posting. I will state that this is not your run of the mill shifter story, it is distinctively original.
To be fair, I knew this story would be short and depending on her approach, I was either in for a romance heavy tale or a world-building first installment. The latter proved to be true. She laid the groundwork for future plotlines and introduced a lineup of interesting characters that helped whet my appetite for more. With that out of the way, the rest of the series ( in my opinion), will be more focused on future relationships, conflict/ plot and character interaction. This series is off on a good start. I am eagerly awaiting book 2!
November 21, 2018
Rhys Ford ci regala il primo volume di una nuova serie sovrannaturale, incentrata sui mutaforma, ambientata fra le montagne della California.
Zach è un uomo che ha deciso di cambiare vita a seguito di un grave incidente che lo ha segnato fisicamente e mentalmente. Ha lasciato la città e l’attività di famiglia – con cui non ha un buon legame – per rifarsi un’esistenza altrove, acquistando un piccolo B&B fra i monti. Durante un’escursione, però, l’incontro con un gigantesco lupo che lo insegue gli fa rivedere la morte in faccia.
Ellis è quel lupo – un licantropo, in realtà – bloccato nella sua forma animale dopo il ritorno dalla guerra: è difatti un veterano traumatizzato che non ha completamente potere sulla propria mente e sul proprio corpo.
Dopo esser stato rinnegato dalla sua famiglia per la sua condizione, ad assisterlo c’è solo suo fratello Gibson, che rimane affascinato da Zach, quando lo salva dalle acque gelide del lago in cui l’uomo è finito per colpa del lupo.
Durante la convalescenza di Zach, i due uomini hanno modo di conoscersi un po’ e non negano una certa intesa sessuale che, però, è accantonata per colpa di troppi fattori. Nasce comunque un’amicizia che cresce man mano che il tempo passa e Zach si rivela un alleato prezioso quando una situazione drammatica minaccia i due fratelli.
Ci sarebbe molto altro da dire, ma mi fermo qui per non rovinarvi le sorprese della trama.
Questo primo capitolo è incentrato su Zach e Gibson, sul loro legame che germoglia pian piano fino a fiorire del tutto.
La storia non contiene molte scene esplicite, ma quella presente è funzionale alla trama e piacevole.
Ellis, che sulla carta sembrerebbe un po’ reggere il moccolo, è invece un bel personaggio, che immagino avrà il suo ruolo primario nel prossimo volume, perché questo ha una sua conclusione, sì, ma lascia aperte delle porte al futuro e situazioni ancora da risolvere.
Una menzione doverosa va a Martha e Ruth, una coppia che è di poche parole, ma preziose amiche per i protagonisti.
Anche il ‘cattivo’ di turno spero che ritorni in futuro e sono curiosa di vedere cosa succederà.
La storia è piacevole da leggere e ben tradotta. Il legame tra fratelli è commovente, e mi è piaciuto anche il lento progredire della parte amorosa fra Zach e Gibson. Ma, secondo me, ci sono delle parti che avrebbero meritato un approfondimento migliore e qualche spiegazione in più.
L’impressione finale è comunque positiva, con un vago sentore di favola che rimane a fine lettura e che consiglio quindi agli amanti del genere mutaforma e a chi vuole coccolarsi un po’.
Zach è un uomo che ha deciso di cambiare vita a seguito di un grave incidente che lo ha segnato fisicamente e mentalmente. Ha lasciato la città e l’attività di famiglia – con cui non ha un buon legame – per rifarsi un’esistenza altrove, acquistando un piccolo B&B fra i monti. Durante un’escursione, però, l’incontro con un gigantesco lupo che lo insegue gli fa rivedere la morte in faccia.
Ellis è quel lupo – un licantropo, in realtà – bloccato nella sua forma animale dopo il ritorno dalla guerra: è difatti un veterano traumatizzato che non ha completamente potere sulla propria mente e sul proprio corpo.
Dopo esser stato rinnegato dalla sua famiglia per la sua condizione, ad assisterlo c’è solo suo fratello Gibson, che rimane affascinato da Zach, quando lo salva dalle acque gelide del lago in cui l’uomo è finito per colpa del lupo.
Durante la convalescenza di Zach, i due uomini hanno modo di conoscersi un po’ e non negano una certa intesa sessuale che, però, è accantonata per colpa di troppi fattori. Nasce comunque un’amicizia che cresce man mano che il tempo passa e Zach si rivela un alleato prezioso quando una situazione drammatica minaccia i due fratelli.
Ci sarebbe molto altro da dire, ma mi fermo qui per non rovinarvi le sorprese della trama.
Questo primo capitolo è incentrato su Zach e Gibson, sul loro legame che germoglia pian piano fino a fiorire del tutto.
La storia non contiene molte scene esplicite, ma quella presente è funzionale alla trama e piacevole.
Ellis, che sulla carta sembrerebbe un po’ reggere il moccolo, è invece un bel personaggio, che immagino avrà il suo ruolo primario nel prossimo volume, perché questo ha una sua conclusione, sì, ma lascia aperte delle porte al futuro e situazioni ancora da risolvere.
Una menzione doverosa va a Martha e Ruth, una coppia che è di poche parole, ma preziose amiche per i protagonisti.
Anche il ‘cattivo’ di turno spero che ritorni in futuro e sono curiosa di vedere cosa succederà.
La storia è piacevole da leggere e ben tradotta. Il legame tra fratelli è commovente, e mi è piaciuto anche il lento progredire della parte amorosa fra Zach e Gibson. Ma, secondo me, ci sono delle parti che avrebbero meritato un approfondimento migliore e qualche spiegazione in più.
L’impressione finale è comunque positiva, con un vago sentore di favola che rimane a fine lettura e che consiglio quindi agli amanti del genere mutaforma e a chi vuole coccolarsi un po’.
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