What do you think?
Rate this book
Desert Sanctuary #1
An Improbable Wolf
When werewolf Jace Bryson, leader of the special ops task force in the Sanctuary hears there has been another wolf attack in Las Vegas, he quickly assembles two teams to investigate. Upon his arrival he discovers that wolf, Deacon Fairchild, the victim of the latest attack, is his mate. Even more surprising is the fact that Deacon used to be human. Humans afraid of catching ‘the wolf virus,’ have hunted shifters almost to the brink of extinction, but they have been mistaken. Werewolves are not made; they are born - until Deacon. When a human is murdered, Jace must find the wolf responsible and stop him, before people become aware of the wolf’s ability and rage a war upon the shifters in the Sanctuary that could mean the end of the life they have become accustomed to. Jace’s problems become exacerbated when he discovers the attack on his mate was anything but random, it was personal and the culprit is only getting started. Will Jace find the wolf responsible in time to save his mate’s life? ***Please note*** This book has been previously published, the cover has been changed and the story re-edited, but otherwise the content remains the same.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2012
28 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Lavinia Lewis
168 books184 followersLavinia discovered reading at an early age and could always be found with her nose in a book. She loved getting lost in a fantasy world even then. When her parents bought her a typewriter for Christmas at aged eleven, her fate was sealed. She spent hours dreaming up characters and creating stories. Not a lot has changed.
Lavinia is a Welsh Valley girl who has lived all over the UK. Today she lives at home in the small village in which she grew up, just outside of Cardiff, Wales, but ask her again tomorrow and it could very well be somewhere different. She has travelled extensively to places as far and wide as Africa, Asia, Australia, North and Central America and most of Europe. Although some of her books are set in Texas she has never stepped foot in the state but plans to spend time there in the near future. She is a proud Brit, but feels quite at home when visiting the grand ol’ USofA.
Although Lavinia is a huge fan of the romance genre, particularly M/M she will admit to reading anything and everything. She loves horror, a good thriller and if a book has the capacity to make her cry, well, all the better. She loves a gritty, angst-ridden, gut-wrenching story, but is more than happy to settle in with a lighter, fluffier tale. She loves a happy ending and the characters in her books have thus far been lucky enough to find one. She can’t guarantee that will always be the case. She has two cats and wouldn’t part with them for the world, even though they make her sneeze.
Lavinia also writes M/F romance under the pseudonym Amy Armstrong.
Lavinia is a Welsh Valley girl who has lived all over the UK. Today she lives at home in the small village in which she grew up, just outside of Cardiff, Wales, but ask her again tomorrow and it could very well be somewhere different. She has travelled extensively to places as far and wide as Africa, Asia, Australia, North and Central America and most of Europe. Although some of her books are set in Texas she has never stepped foot in the state but plans to spend time there in the near future. She is a proud Brit, but feels quite at home when visiting the grand ol’ USofA.
Although Lavinia is a huge fan of the romance genre, particularly M/M she will admit to reading anything and everything. She loves horror, a good thriller and if a book has the capacity to make her cry, well, all the better. She loves a gritty, angst-ridden, gut-wrenching story, but is more than happy to settle in with a lighter, fluffier tale. She loves a happy ending and the characters in her books have thus far been lucky enough to find one. She can’t guarantee that will always be the case. She has two cats and wouldn’t part with them for the world, even though they make her sneeze.
Lavinia also writes M/F romance under the pseudonym Amy Armstrong.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 8, 2013
Coming to a kindle near you…
A werewolf romance like every other.
Where one man becomes what humanity hates most…
Another man awaits his destiny in a government base hidden away from the world…
When two men, meet for the first time…
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
…and fall instantly in love.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Then the unexpected happens...
…or it should have…
I am so sick of “you are going to do it because I said so, and you have no choice” shit.
So Over It!
A werewolf romance like every other.
Where one man becomes what humanity hates most…
Another man awaits his destiny in a government base hidden away from the world…
When two men, meet for the first time…
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
…and fall instantly in love.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Then the unexpected happens...
…or it should have…
I am so sick of “you are going to do it because I said so, and you have no choice” shit.
So Over It!
Want to read
May 24, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/24/2020)! 🎁
November 10, 2012
Since the going public event three years ago when paranormal creatures revealed themselves to the human world violence amongst the groups has increased. Humans, in typical fashion unfortunately, began hunting those who were different, leading to the disbanding of packs, in the case of wolves. This has wreaked havoc, making the wolves more wild and dangerous, viewing humans as targets. The war pitted human against shifter with very unhealthy results. So the government set up a compound, a sancturary, in the Mojave Desert for shifters. It is a safe haven and has a task force that goes after shifters who attack humans. Jace is the leader of the task force, and heads out to try to clean up a human attack.
What he finds, however, is a different story. Deacon has been attacked, did almost die and is now a wolf. Jace’s mate, to be exact. This shouldn’t be possible, since wolves are only born, not made, but here stands Deacon to show otherwise. He isn’t sure of himself, the other shifters don’t know what to make of him (except for Lewis, who sticks to him like glue as his protector) and all Jace knows is MINE. Deacon is an improbable wolf.
Deacon is a great character. He goes through this painful, life-altering, mind boggling thing and remains sane, for one, and brave. He’s fearful of what this new life means, and let’s face it, Jace is anything but sympathetic. He may claim “my mate” but there were times you want to yell at him. Deacon is losing his humanity, his job, his apartment, his life as he knows it and Jace’s reaction is kind of “deal”. Especially when they are discussing how Deacon will have to move to the sanctuary and Jace’s “You’ll find the people who live there don’t place much significance on material possessions.” Way to think of anyone but your mate, Jace. He’s probably luck that Deacon’s wolf understands mating because Deacon probably would have just left otherwise.
The mate part shows Deacon to have a subby side, and at first I thought, “he isn’t like that!” but then realized he very well could be, we don’t know him prior to the attack. So they worked well together there. A funny aside was that as they were having sex and Jace was talking, I thought he sounded so much like he was starring in porn. The next paragraph, Deacon is thinking that Jace sounded like he was on set at a porn shoot. Well okay then!
I was sad to learn who was in on the attacks and the reason behind them even worse. There were a couple unanswered questions, but as this is the first in the series, I can assume they will be upcoming. A very nice beginning to a new shifter series.
What he finds, however, is a different story. Deacon has been attacked, did almost die and is now a wolf. Jace’s mate, to be exact. This shouldn’t be possible, since wolves are only born, not made, but here stands Deacon to show otherwise. He isn’t sure of himself, the other shifters don’t know what to make of him (except for Lewis, who sticks to him like glue as his protector) and all Jace knows is MINE. Deacon is an improbable wolf.
Deacon is a great character. He goes through this painful, life-altering, mind boggling thing and remains sane, for one, and brave. He’s fearful of what this new life means, and let’s face it, Jace is anything but sympathetic. He may claim “my mate” but there were times you want to yell at him. Deacon is losing his humanity, his job, his apartment, his life as he knows it and Jace’s reaction is kind of “deal”. Especially when they are discussing how Deacon will have to move to the sanctuary and Jace’s “You’ll find the people who live there don’t place much significance on material possessions.” Way to think of anyone but your mate, Jace. He’s probably luck that Deacon’s wolf understands mating because Deacon probably would have just left otherwise.
The mate part shows Deacon to have a subby side, and at first I thought, “he isn’t like that!” but then realized he very well could be, we don’t know him prior to the attack. So they worked well together there. A funny aside was that as they were having sex and Jace was talking, I thought he sounded so much like he was starring in porn. The next paragraph, Deacon is thinking that Jace sounded like he was on set at a porn shoot. Well okay then!
I was sad to learn who was in on the attacks and the reason behind them even worse. There were a couple unanswered questions, but as this is the first in the series, I can assume they will be upcoming. A very nice beginning to a new shifter series.
May 9, 2021
Too bare bones
2.5 stars
This shortish title is a series starter story in an MM shifter series. It has a HEA. Can be read as a standalone. Insta-attraction, Fated mates.
I have to admit outright this wasn't for me. It's not badly written, but mainly the fault was that it wasn't romantic in my opinion. It was too short to fly properly, and as a result it didn't get its wings in the air properly. There was no room for it to develop so, the characters' feelings would have had a chance to romance. It was your ordinary fated mate and wham bam sex. Without the fastly developing romance in my opinion. And that's where I draw the line. It simply has to have "feeling" however fast but still. Still believably portrayed and described considering this type of thing, which admittedly often is pretty fast and furious. If this had been found in it for me it would be much better. I also didn't really feel the characters.
2.5 stars
This shortish title is a series starter story in an MM shifter series. It has a HEA. Can be read as a standalone. Insta-attraction, Fated mates.
I have to admit outright this wasn't for me. It's not badly written, but mainly the fault was that it wasn't romantic in my opinion. It was too short to fly properly, and as a result it didn't get its wings in the air properly. There was no room for it to develop so, the characters' feelings would have had a chance to romance. It was your ordinary fated mate and wham bam sex. Without the fastly developing romance in my opinion. And that's where I draw the line. It simply has to have "feeling" however fast but still. Still believably portrayed and described considering this type of thing, which admittedly often is pretty fast and furious. If this had been found in it for me it would be much better. I also didn't really feel the characters.
December 9, 2019
I loved reading this shifter book. It has strong characters and was wonderfully written and the author is one of my favorites. I can not wait to see what is written next. I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves shifter books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2023
Eh. Not bad. Short and a little underdeveloped in areas, but not an awful way to spend an hour or two.
January 1, 2013
4.25 stars
A Joyfully Jay Review
It’s been three years since shifters revealed themselves to the human population and chaos quickly ensued. Fear drove some humans to hunt down and destroy entire packs of shifters. In turn, packs were dissolved and, without that structure, fear drove some shifters to hunt humans. Finally the human government allocated a piece of land the size of a small town to be a sanctuary for those shifters looking to live a normal life, known as the desert sanctuary.
Captain Jace Bryson didn’t pay that much attention to reports of a man being attacked by a “wolf-man.” All shifters know there is no such thing. But there has been an attack on a human, and that means that Jace and his team must investigate and hunt down the rogue wolf. When he arrives at the hospital to investigate, he discovers that not only is the victim a shifter, but he’s also Jace’s mate. But the mystery lies with Deacon Fairchild. When he entered the hospital less than twenty-four hours ago, he was completely human — hospital records prove it — but now he is undoubtedly a wolf shifter. And everyone knows that shifters are born, not made.
Deacon is as surprised as everyone else to hear the news and see the proof that he is a shifter. When he woke up in the hospital, Deacon felt like a new man, but remembered nothing after leaving work the previous night. And now his entire world has changed. Not only is he now a shifter, but his is being forced to uproot his life and move to the desert sanctuary. To add to the mystery that follows him, Deacon’s wolf is half man/half wolf, which is thought to be more of a myth than reality.
When Jace hears of another attack by the same wolf, this time ending in murder, he is forced to return to Vegas to hunt down the rogue wolf with Deacon by his side. Evidence leads Jace and his team to believe the attack on Deacon was personal and not a random incident. Then Jace and Deacon uncover a plot of jealousy, misunderstandings, and deceit that threatens to destroy their mating before they’ve really had a chance to really begin.
An Improbable Wolf is the first book in Lavinia Lewis’ new series, Desert Sanctuary. I like this story. The author presents a twist on the usual shifter world, creating likeable characters, and an entertaining plot without any angst.
I like both Jace and Deacon for their strength – not so much physical but mental. That pertains mostly to Deacon. Jace is strong in character to begin with, and continues to exercise that strength as the story progresses. But Deacon’s life does a complete one-eighty and, yeah, he’s nervous and afraid of what this new world has in store for him, but he faces it head on and refuses to hide from it.
The bond between Jace and Deacon is instantaneous, but Deacon doesn’t understand it and Jace refuses to push him. Whereas this is a story of mating, it is not an insta-love story. In fact, the word love is never mentioned, which I appreciate since the entire span of the story (minus the epilogue) is two days.
This storyline is filled with action, mystery, and deceit. Things aren’t always what they seem in this story. It’s very fast paced from beginning to end, but easy to keep up with. I can’t say the storyline is believable in the real world sense, but in the world Lewis created, it is quite good and works well.
And speaking of the world building, An Improbable Wolf is set in a world where shifters are known to humans, but instead of being accepted they are hunted out of fear, almost to extinction, which has caused a sort of war between the species. The desert sanctuary is the safe haven for shifters, a sort of military base of protection and supportive community of shifters. The world itself is very well written and exciting.
My biggest pet peeve when reading any story is lack of consistency. In this story there is a little confusion as to the number of shifters on the team that travelled to Vegas the second time, and which shifters were actually there. And, yes, it’s a small detail, but it makes my minor OCD kick in and then I spend too much time flipping back and forth between pages to try and figure out if I missed something or if it was, in fact, a mistake. There are also a few unanswered questions, but I believe they are left open-ended on purpose in order to lead into the next installment.
Overall, An Improbable Wolf by Lavinia Lewis is very entertaining and quite creative. The new world is my favorite part of the story, but the characters are great too. There are several secondary characters that I’m sure will have a story of their own in the future. I’m looking forward to those stories.
A Joyfully Jay Review
It’s been three years since shifters revealed themselves to the human population and chaos quickly ensued. Fear drove some humans to hunt down and destroy entire packs of shifters. In turn, packs were dissolved and, without that structure, fear drove some shifters to hunt humans. Finally the human government allocated a piece of land the size of a small town to be a sanctuary for those shifters looking to live a normal life, known as the desert sanctuary.
Captain Jace Bryson didn’t pay that much attention to reports of a man being attacked by a “wolf-man.” All shifters know there is no such thing. But there has been an attack on a human, and that means that Jace and his team must investigate and hunt down the rogue wolf. When he arrives at the hospital to investigate, he discovers that not only is the victim a shifter, but he’s also Jace’s mate. But the mystery lies with Deacon Fairchild. When he entered the hospital less than twenty-four hours ago, he was completely human — hospital records prove it — but now he is undoubtedly a wolf shifter. And everyone knows that shifters are born, not made.
Deacon is as surprised as everyone else to hear the news and see the proof that he is a shifter. When he woke up in the hospital, Deacon felt like a new man, but remembered nothing after leaving work the previous night. And now his entire world has changed. Not only is he now a shifter, but his is being forced to uproot his life and move to the desert sanctuary. To add to the mystery that follows him, Deacon’s wolf is half man/half wolf, which is thought to be more of a myth than reality.
When Jace hears of another attack by the same wolf, this time ending in murder, he is forced to return to Vegas to hunt down the rogue wolf with Deacon by his side. Evidence leads Jace and his team to believe the attack on Deacon was personal and not a random incident. Then Jace and Deacon uncover a plot of jealousy, misunderstandings, and deceit that threatens to destroy their mating before they’ve really had a chance to really begin.
An Improbable Wolf is the first book in Lavinia Lewis’ new series, Desert Sanctuary. I like this story. The author presents a twist on the usual shifter world, creating likeable characters, and an entertaining plot without any angst.
I like both Jace and Deacon for their strength – not so much physical but mental. That pertains mostly to Deacon. Jace is strong in character to begin with, and continues to exercise that strength as the story progresses. But Deacon’s life does a complete one-eighty and, yeah, he’s nervous and afraid of what this new world has in store for him, but he faces it head on and refuses to hide from it.
The bond between Jace and Deacon is instantaneous, but Deacon doesn’t understand it and Jace refuses to push him. Whereas this is a story of mating, it is not an insta-love story. In fact, the word love is never mentioned, which I appreciate since the entire span of the story (minus the epilogue) is two days.
This storyline is filled with action, mystery, and deceit. Things aren’t always what they seem in this story. It’s very fast paced from beginning to end, but easy to keep up with. I can’t say the storyline is believable in the real world sense, but in the world Lewis created, it is quite good and works well.
And speaking of the world building, An Improbable Wolf is set in a world where shifters are known to humans, but instead of being accepted they are hunted out of fear, almost to extinction, which has caused a sort of war between the species. The desert sanctuary is the safe haven for shifters, a sort of military base of protection and supportive community of shifters. The world itself is very well written and exciting.
My biggest pet peeve when reading any story is lack of consistency. In this story there is a little confusion as to the number of shifters on the team that travelled to Vegas the second time, and which shifters were actually there. And, yes, it’s a small detail, but it makes my minor OCD kick in and then I spend too much time flipping back and forth between pages to try and figure out if I missed something or if it was, in fact, a mistake. There are also a few unanswered questions, but I believe they are left open-ended on purpose in order to lead into the next installment.
Overall, An Improbable Wolf by Lavinia Lewis is very entertaining and quite creative. The new world is my favorite part of the story, but the characters are great too. There are several secondary characters that I’m sure will have a story of their own in the future. I’m looking forward to those stories.
May 24, 2014
The first book in the Desert Sanctuary series is a mesmerizing and thrilling m/m shifter romance. The author has created a tantalizing world of shifters that reader can’t help but get caught up in. The story has some unique elements as well some surprising twists and turns that keep the reader’s guessing. The story takes place in a world where the shifters have been revealed and there are humans that don’t want them around, but I there were some differences that add a little spice to the story. I was engrossed in the story from beginning to end and I can’t wait to read more about these captivating shifters.
See my full review at:
http://www.thejeepdiva.com/review-imp...
See my full review at:
http://www.thejeepdiva.com/review-imp...
October 1, 2014
This almost feels like a spin off from Shifters Haven but there are distinct differences in these two worlds. Sanctuary offers up human transformation via wolf virus and third forms plus now humans are aware of shifters and shifters are basically forced into a sanctuary for protection due to the decimation of most pack alphas. I thought it offered a great slightly differing view from the Shifters Haven series... similar but not exact. It's different enough to not be confused by the other series and I look forward to the next book.
December 18, 2012
A good start to the series. I would have like a tad bit more romance in the story but since it's a shifter novel it worked the way it was. The plot and character development were good. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 13, 2013
OMG I love me some mate shifters. The spin on this shifter story was really good and very different from a lot of the others I've read. I think the sex scenes between Deacon and Jace were incredibly freaking hot and I love that in a story. Great book!!
July 11, 2013
Need the next one!
November 13, 2012
I liked it, can't wait till next in series comes out.
January 13, 2013
Loved the book. Read it in just a couple of hours, but looking forward to book 2.
November 18, 2019
A enjoyable & interesting MM shifter romance with a somewhat different approach to the shifter world. The plot is well-paced with some intrigue & unexpected incidents. The characters are fairly well-developed & interesting with a variety of traits, they have realistic emotions feelings & expectations.
There is: a special task force leader & wolf shifter (Jace) goes to investigate a wolf attack & upon arrival discovers the victim (Deacon) is not only a unbelievable new wolf shifter but also his mate but there are more problems on the way as the attacks continue, drama, twists& turns, intrigue, suspense, humans, various kinds of shifters, mystery, adventure, action, danger, threats, violence, enemies, conflict, deceit, betrayal, discovery, disbelief, mates, decisions, confrontations, surprises, strange incidents, attacks, conspiracies, contentment, steamy scenes & a satisfying conclusion.
There is: a special task force leader & wolf shifter (Jace) goes to investigate a wolf attack & upon arrival discovers the victim (Deacon) is not only a unbelievable new wolf shifter but also his mate but there are more problems on the way as the attacks continue, drama, twists& turns, intrigue, suspense, humans, various kinds of shifters, mystery, adventure, action, danger, threats, violence, enemies, conflict, deceit, betrayal, discovery, disbelief, mates, decisions, confrontations, surprises, strange incidents, attacks, conspiracies, contentment, steamy scenes & a satisfying conclusion.
November 17, 2019
Public fear and violence has reigned since Shifters went public to humans. Sanctuaries were established to help protect the few remaining outposts of Shifters, and guide them through their changes, and to help them manage their issues.
Reports were received of a new act of violence against a human while Jace, leader of a spec ops team at the desert Sanctuary, was biting into some tasty bacon.
The suspicious activity in this instance may be related to insecurities on behalf of a single troubled wolf, but more might be afoot, and the conspiracy may have cast a wide net - or it could all be bunk. It is up to Jace and his teammates to discern.
Possible matebonds, betrayals and new loyalties will stir things up quite a bit, and not always in a fun and sexy way.
Action and romance!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reports were received of a new act of violence against a human while Jace, leader of a spec ops team at the desert Sanctuary, was biting into some tasty bacon.
The suspicious activity in this instance may be related to insecurities on behalf of a single troubled wolf, but more might be afoot, and the conspiracy may have cast a wide net - or it could all be bunk. It is up to Jace and his teammates to discern.
Possible matebonds, betrayals and new loyalties will stir things up quite a bit, and not always in a fun and sexy way.
Action and romance!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2019
An exciting start to the Desert Sanctuary series
It has been three years since the supernaturals went public, and the reaction has not been pretty. A lot of prejudice, violence and murder have ensued.
Jace is a leader in the sanctuary compound where shifters are safe. A human, Deacon, was attacked by a rogue wolf and needs to be picked up and brought in. Amazingly, Deacon is now a wolf. Jace's whole team's eyes are about to be opened to a set of new shifters no one had suspected could exist.
As usual, Lavinia has crafted a first rate story full of loveable characters. The insertion of a whole new set of villains makes the series more enjoyable - more unexpected twists, and more conflicts to resolve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It has been three years since the supernaturals went public, and the reaction has not been pretty. A lot of prejudice, violence and murder have ensued.
Jace is a leader in the sanctuary compound where shifters are safe. A human, Deacon, was attacked by a rogue wolf and needs to be picked up and brought in. Amazingly, Deacon is now a wolf. Jace's whole team's eyes are about to be opened to a set of new shifters no one had suspected could exist.
As usual, Lavinia has crafted a first rate story full of loveable characters. The insertion of a whole new set of villains makes the series more enjoyable - more unexpected twists, and more conflicts to resolve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2019
I enjoyed Deacon and Jace’s story. There were parts of the story that were oddly rushed - like the discovery of what Deacon and Jeff had in common, or the activity in the epilogue. Because of the epilogue, I hope that this is only the beginning of a series and not a stand-alone, because I want to know more about what happened in New Mexico and how we can be sure that it’s not happening elsewhere.
One thing that I really liked was that when Penn was dealt with, it was quick and almost anti-climactic. It was a bit of a shock, but it was also fun to see that all the training and lethal skills he had didn’t matter in the slightest, when it all came down to it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
One thing that I really liked was that when Penn was dealt with, it was quick and almost anti-climactic. It was a bit of a shock, but it was also fun to see that all the training and lethal skills he had didn’t matter in the slightest, when it all came down to it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 16, 2019
Yet another fantastic story of wolves and their mates.
Strong female characters that try the patience of their strong protective mates.
The women are as protective of their men and often receiving a spanking before a ravishment.
I look forward to the next in the series, and will have to reread the wayward mates books while I wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Strong female characters that try the patience of their strong protective mates.
The women are as protective of their men and often receiving a spanking before a ravishment.
I look forward to the next in the series, and will have to reread the wayward mates books while I wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2019
This was a great start to a new series by this author. I found it to be filled with action, adventure, suspense, intrigue, and mystery....not to mention finding a mate. This is the way to start a new series; I'm definitely going to love this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2020
This story was very unique and fascinating. There was a virus that can turn men into shifters with some of them having three different wolf forms. Jace was the mate of Deacon (who was attacked and turned). The writing was excellent and the plot was compelling. I found it to be quite an enjoyable and creative (yet chilling) read. =)
November 23, 2019
Minimally Acceptable
Another new shifter world view and one that’s not sunshine and roses. Some random murder and mayhem and a few too many excessively long sex scenes. The book ends, the story does not.
Another new shifter world view and one that’s not sunshine and roses. Some random murder and mayhem and a few too many excessively long sex scenes. The book ends, the story does not.
May 26, 2020
An Improbable Wolf
Fast paced and sexy! A great short m/m Wolf shifter novella that was packed full of action, suspense and romance.
Fast paced and sexy! A great short m/m Wolf shifter novella that was packed full of action, suspense and romance.
August 14, 2022
Interesting start to the series. I liked it.
October 6, 2014
Interesting premise with great possibilities for a series, but choppy and not completely fleshed out.
The normal conflicts and danger expected in a shifter story are here so nothing new there but the Desert Sanctuary and the reasons for it are interesting. Shifters have announced themselves and humans of course have to kill what they are afraid of. The government steps in and gives Shifters a military installation for their safety. Jace works in a military capacity to rescue shifters from humans or capture rogue shifters who've attacked humans. Deacon is a victim of a wolf attack but instead of dying becomes a wolf. That is impossible. Humans can't be changed. Shifters are born. Even more impossible, Deacon shifts into a wolfman, the very thing nightmares, movies and fears are made of.
All of this could be really intriguing if the author tried. Unfortunately we are rushed through all of it with acceptance by all parties, especially Deacon that are unbelievable. I know it paranormal, I know none of it is real but even in this I expect incredulity and denial when impossible things happen.
My last real complaint, lack of technology. This is supposedly a current contemporary paranormal romance story yet more than once someone is sent off alone to do something, take a message to someone etc. this is supposedly a military operation but they don't carry radios to communicate with each other? At the end when the shit is hitting the fan a cell phone comes in handy with the info that is needed. I realize a character going off alone allows the bad guy an opening but it's a lazy plot device. Maybe if they were off in the wilderness or sun spots were interfering with communication but a military operation taking place in Las Vegas we all know radios and cell phones are easily accessable.
I will continue this series and the authors other series because they are a simple diversion but I'm really hoping they get better.
One other little mention the author might take into consideration; in both this and 'Shifters Haven' everything takes place in America, we go to the hospital we aren't in hospital. We drive up to the curb, not kerb and our cars run on tires, not tyres!! Haha! Not a major problem but a quirk I find entertaining.
The normal conflicts and danger expected in a shifter story are here so nothing new there but the Desert Sanctuary and the reasons for it are interesting. Shifters have announced themselves and humans of course have to kill what they are afraid of. The government steps in and gives Shifters a military installation for their safety. Jace works in a military capacity to rescue shifters from humans or capture rogue shifters who've attacked humans. Deacon is a victim of a wolf attack but instead of dying becomes a wolf. That is impossible. Humans can't be changed. Shifters are born. Even more impossible, Deacon shifts into a wolfman, the very thing nightmares, movies and fears are made of.
All of this could be really intriguing if the author tried. Unfortunately we are rushed through all of it with acceptance by all parties, especially Deacon that are unbelievable. I know it paranormal, I know none of it is real but even in this I expect incredulity and denial when impossible things happen.
My last real complaint, lack of technology. This is supposedly a current contemporary paranormal romance story yet more than once someone is sent off alone to do something, take a message to someone etc. this is supposedly a military operation but they don't carry radios to communicate with each other? At the end when the shit is hitting the fan a cell phone comes in handy with the info that is needed. I realize a character going off alone allows the bad guy an opening but it's a lazy plot device. Maybe if they were off in the wilderness or sun spots were interfering with communication but a military operation taking place in Las Vegas we all know radios and cell phones are easily accessable.
I will continue this series and the authors other series because they are a simple diversion but I'm really hoping they get better.
One other little mention the author might take into consideration; in both this and 'Shifters Haven' everything takes place in America, we go to the hospital we aren't in hospital. We drive up to the curb, not kerb and our cars run on tires, not tyres!! Haha! Not a major problem but a quirk I find entertaining.
August 9, 2016
Forgive me, but I couldn’t get past the very True Blood (on HBO) feel of the baseline for this story: time has passed after the reveal, some humans are cool with shifters, while others are utter whack jobs and want to eliminate them. And where the story could (and in my opinion, should) have done something new and different, I just didn’t feel it.
To the positive, both Jace and Deacon are reasonably well-defined and their connection, while instant felt possible and real. OK – I am reading a shifter story and do need to approach it with a touch of suspension of disbelief, but Lewis did manage to imbue her characters with humanity and emotions that were easy to relate to, and there is a sense of humor in the often sarcastic and gruff responses from Jace.
But the prospect of a ‘transference of wolfy traits’ after an attack was not nearly as earth shattering to the characters (or this reader) as I would have expected since Deacon would be the first ever ‘made wolf’.
This was a pleasant and quick read that didn’t provide any great challenge but did bring some laughs and heat even with Jace’s rather Bow-Chicka-Wow-Wow narration of events and physical sensations and actions.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review for The Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
To the positive, both Jace and Deacon are reasonably well-defined and their connection, while instant felt possible and real. OK – I am reading a shifter story and do need to approach it with a touch of suspension of disbelief, but Lewis did manage to imbue her characters with humanity and emotions that were easy to relate to, and there is a sense of humor in the often sarcastic and gruff responses from Jace.
But the prospect of a ‘transference of wolfy traits’ after an attack was not nearly as earth shattering to the characters (or this reader) as I would have expected since Deacon would be the first ever ‘made wolf’.
This was a pleasant and quick read that didn’t provide any great challenge but did bring some laughs and heat even with Jace’s rather Bow-Chicka-Wow-Wow narration of events and physical sensations and actions.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review for The Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 3, 2013
I love the "mate" thing. I like the idea of someone out there who belongs only to me. And I am to him. However, in books like this it is mostly about sex. I don't mind it at all. I love it actually, but sometimes you want something more. Like in this story - there was a chance to explore the fact of improbable wolf (his awesome qualities), but instead it is hushed by mate-sex. Personally I would have loved reading about Deacon's powers. To see him rip apart few bad people. There was a promise of something interesting in the beginning, but it all went downhill after MCs were left alone and had their first sex. Suddenly Deacon became submissive and it all very well fitted into Jace life and everyone was happy. Except me, I wasn't happy. I wanted for them to have a HEA. Just before that I wanted Deacon to kick-ass. And Jace didn't even shift, not once (showing off his canine teeth doesn't count).
I guess there will be many books in Desert Sanctuary series but they all will be the same: find mate - have sex - the end.
And it is disappointing because it could have been a great story.
I guess there will be many books in Desert Sanctuary series but they all will be the same: find mate - have sex - the end.
And it is disappointing because it could have been a great story.
October 3, 2015
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. One the one hand it was a little different than the usual take on shifters, on the other it bears significant resemblance to the Lost Shifters series. I did like the drama and suspense quite a bit. I've been eagerly awaiting the next one in the series to see how it continues.
November 12, 2012
I'm positively impressed with this first shifters book. Jace and Deacon were a fine, well created couple. Both of them are interesting and pulling from the start till the end. The whole world Lavinia Lewis created is well described. I'm definitely looking forward for more.
December 24, 2013
I've read a lot of wolf shifter books and this one doesn't stand out in any way for me. Kinda just your typical run of the mill shifter immediately finds his mate, someone tried to kill his said new mate, they save the day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews