Charmed Wolf

Samhain Shifters #2

by Aimee Easterling

An alpha above and apart.

In her eleven months as alpha, Tara Whelan has maintained tradition in every way except one. Stand above all other wolves? Check. Produce a plan to keep her pack afloat? Glitter factory a go.

The part about choosing a temporary consort and popping out an heir though? Well, she's taking that requirement down to the wire.

Unfortunately, the thirty-sixth interviewee has no intention of becoming Tara's consort. "There are fae here," warns the achingly beautiful shifter who set up a meeting under false pretenses. "They use glamour to look like trusted pack members. Rot clans from the inside out."

He wants permission to hunt fae on Whelan territory. But Tara's father warned about the risk to the clan if another wolf seized the role of alpha.

"You can assist me," Tara tells him. "But I'll lead the hunt."

Genres: Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Audiobook

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2021

About the author

Aimee Easterling is a USA Today Bestselling author writing on the boundary between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She specializes in spunky shifters and invites you to dive into her werewolf world in the Wolf Rampant trilogy, the spinoff Bloodling serial, and her new Alpha Underground series.

Studying biology and working as a naturalist have both informed Aimee's writing, but she's quite willing to let reality slide in favor of a good story. When not writing, she loves to read and always keeps books by Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, and Elizabeth Peters on her shelf. You can learn more at www.aimeeeasterling.com.

Reviews

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Charmed Wolf” is the second installment into the “Samhain Shifters” series by alpha extraordinaire shifter-storyteller Aimee Easterling, a fast-paced, action-packed, pure enjoyment adventure revolving around Tara Whelan’s character, a relatively new alpha, at eleven months in the position, who has trying to uphold every so minor tradition to keep the pack on track, well, every one but one… because the idea to choose any companion only to provide the pack with a heir… ugh... not really appealing, in Tara’s opinion, a girl has to draw the line somewhere, has she not? And indeed she has done her best (and worse) to find a fit, three-dozens prospective mates later, she could have find the one, only the ‘one’ has not interest on becoming the one, he has an agenda of his own, hunting the Fae on Tara’s pack territory…. Well Tara is not about to let some stranger to lead a hunt or anything else in her territory, at least not by himself…. Joining the stranger in a hunt for the fae turns out to be the adventure of her life…. 😊

Aimee Easterling does not need any introduction, when it comes to shifter tales, you just need to ask, she will deliver, as a matter of fact she delivers a lot more that you were ever dreaming of. “Samhaim Shifters” offers an expansion into the wonderful character shifter-verse that constitutes Easterling vast assembly of book & series. This is a stand-alone story, you will love, but don’t make the mistake to believe, even for a minute this novel will stand alone in your library, because… It. Will. Not. Easterling books come in packs 😉… from Alpha to Omega you will love them all. So for those about to enter the Easterling shifter world for the first time, be assure you will not regret it in the least, this book (as each and every one of them) offers a fast-paced, action-packed, well-constructed story, filled with wonderful, credible, and relatable characters and seasoned with a healthy dose of humor. Easterling’s fans.. well.. we already know 😊

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐺🐺ONE SENSATIONAL ADVENTURE🐺🐺
Howling hoydens homer! Aimee serves up another artful masterpiece with this extraordinary rock-my-world, tantalizing rollercoaster, whipping out one heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, block busting dynamo, launching this gem to staggering heights. Shenanigans and chicanery descend in a flurry of unexpected events and stunning mishaps, while observing the perilous struggles and challenging triumphs, attentive to the dramatic twists and wicked turns unfolding, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Rushing headlong into a minefield brimming with riveting drama gripping intrigue underlying currents escalating danger electrifying suspense and intense situations converge, allies are forged and battle lines are drawn, launching this bad boy to life flawlessly. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Remarkable job Aimee, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara Whelan recently became Alpha of the Whelan pack, a hereditary position with some unusual traditions for succession. To of those we a piece of cake, it's the third one that has Tara stuck. She needs a consort, not a husband or mate. A consort to sight a contract to impregnate her to continue the Whelan line. Butch is a member of the Samhain Shifters has been for years, now he is applying for the contract as consort to the Alpha of the Whelan pack, well no really. The Samhain Shifters are investigating Fae activity in the area and the only way to gain an audience with the Alpha of the Whelan pack was to apply for the position of consort.
Absolutely wonderful characters they are charming and fascinating. Sometimes amusing interactions, but always realistic in their communications. Exciting action, with some renegade fae, fast-paced read, and surprising twists in the plot. This is another read must book in a great series, I'm looking forward to the next one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Alpha of the Whelan Pack, Tara Whelan had serious responsibilities. Tradition dictated the pack rules, and it was her time to follow them. Samhaim shifters were tracking fugitive Fae and Butch had to approach the Alpha but as a territorial and strong-willed alpha, Tara had her own agenda and was making things harder for them. With a threat upon the pack, pack mates struggling with their roles, human friends in danger and her attraction to the half-Fae half-wolf, Tara was overwhelmed and in need of help. But things were not as they seemed, and the real threat already was upon them. Love when secondary characters of books I had enjoyed had their own stories. In Moon Glamour Butch left me intrigued and guessing with the mystery surrounding him. Lot of intriguing situations, action, suspense, strong emotions, danger, teenagers in need of reassurance, mystery, twists that I liked, interesting and strong characters, detailed narratives that kept my attention, some amusing descriptions and glitter all around.

[Deb Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charmed Wolf, book 2 of Aimee Easterling's Samhain Shifters, is definitely a story not to be missed! Tara is Alpha of a pack struggling to keep their heads above water. The pack has relied for generations on the benevolence of an unseen Guardian to keep them safe and prosperous. Tara is frantically trying to meet the Guardian's conditions, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult to do so. Meanwhile a handsome stranger waltzes in. Is he the answer to her prayers, or the harbinger of her doom?

The storyline is fast-paced and well written, filled with werewolves, fae, adventure, danger, intrigue and romance. The characters are well developed and engaging. Kale was a particularly interesting character. It was rewarding to see him grow into a strong, young man. Overall, this is another great novel by a strong, talented author.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally loving Aimee Easterling’s Samhain Shifters series and, with Charmed Wolf (Book 2), she somehow ups the ante and improves on the series starter, Moon Glamour, which is already given a 5-star rating to. Read the publisher’s blurb for all that you need as a summary here. The book can stand alone, but I’d recommend starting with Book 1 for newcomers. As for returning readers, know that Tara is back in full force so you know you are going to love this story. Great plot that builds on a great story line (I’ve already loved Rune, and Butch is a neatly crafted addition). Nice world-crafting and magic/paranormal systems creations (gotta love Samhain Shifters), all wrapped up in superb storytelling. Easy to highly recommend.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this author for a long time, and I think this series is the best one by her yet. This is the second book in the series, but this one has a different MC than the first one which threw me. Tara is a great character, and I loved Rune in this one. It was nice to see characters from the first book, but in no way to you need to have read the first one to enjoy this second. The action was great, the plot was excellent, and the writing top-notch. I didn’t even see the twist coming. This is the excellence I expect from this author. I can’t wait for the next one! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed book two as much as the first book in this series. I was entertained by the circumstances around Tara interviewing possible candidates as a consort. I was amused by the wolf shifters running a glitter factory. I admired Tara's dedication and her determination to protect her pack. I liked Rune's and Tara's circuitous route as they worked their way to a happily ever after. I found Teralyn Davis's narration entertaining. I was given a copy of the audiobook through Spotify. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in the Samhain Shifter series is just as much fun as the first book. Being Alpha isn't easy especially when something strange is happening in the pack. Tara has lots to worry about, the children she's babysitting, looking for the sire to the next heir and a stranger wanting to search pack land for the Fae. As with the first book the plot is intriguing and moves at a fast pace with enough suspense and humour to keep you reading even without the sword fights. Looking forward to book 3.

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Samhain Shifters series and it picks up where the first book left off with the exception that it has a different main character than the first book. While you do not need to read book one, why would you want to miss out on such a great read. Tara is stuck, she needs a consort, not a husband or a mate. A consort to sight a contract to impregnate her to continue the Whelan line.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Tara Whelan's pack, the Alpha doesn't choose a permanent mate - just one to achieve an heir. She's having problems finding a consort that suits her. The latest candidate is really there to let her know about the Fae that are corrupting her environmental glitter.

Definitely not the usual shifter story... but I want the environmental glitter!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

An alpha protecting her “alpha ness” while a glitter factory supports them. Yes, humor is packed into a great storyline with very relatable characters leading the charge. Action keeps the page flowing beautifully. Part of a series, this book still can be read as a standalone. Very pleased with this tale in the series! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book so much, I dove right into the second. This one broke my heart and put it all back together again. I loved how the two main characters worked through their problems and how everything that seemed to be tearing them apart brought them together in the end. Full of action and sit on the edge of your seat reading! Definitely a must read!

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely narrated with a sweet voice that is a pleasure to listen to, this story has Tara finding her feet as an Alpha, riding a UNICORN and baby sitting while looking for a traitor all while interviewing for a baby daddy!
I am enjoying this series and am really looking forward to the next book.
Recommended listening/reading.

[Padfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Werewolves, fae & humans oh my!
Strong characters fighting for the best of the rest! Wolves holding the line. Read it for yourself to see if they got this. And why the rude asking the way. I know I did!

The audiobook is good! The narrator has a great voice. Her voice acting is smooth & enjoyable to listen to! Good choice for narrator! I think I'll listen again! You should check it out.

[Livey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricky situation for Rune and Athena

The Samhain Shifter are back looking for faerie influence on shifter land and run into pack alpha Athena who has been taught to work with a guardian. She is under a deadline to find a consort and have a child or she loses the support of the guardian and pack. But something isn’t right and when Rune and Athena encounter a closely related magical being the countdown is excelerated.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Aimee Easterling’s Samhain Shifters urban fantasy/paranormal romance series. Although several of these characters were introduced in Book 1, this story can be enjoyed on its own. And as always, Ms. Easterling has produced a fun, suspenseful shifter story with an exciting plot, plenty of action, suspense, humor, and a bit of romance.

This was a fun story filled with likable characters. It is very much Tara’s story, told in first-person present tense. It was satisfying to watch her learn and grow. I was fascinated with Butch/Rune in the previous book and was happy to learn more about him in this book, although I still don’t feel like I know and understand him as much as I would have liked. Easterling’s male characters often remain a bit mysterious.

I love that Easterling continues to expand the mythology of her world beyond the usual shifters. In addition to werewolves, Charmed Wolf features fae and a unicorn, and they all have interesting stories. The plot included plenty of suspense, some fun surprises, and a very sweet ending.

This is what I refer to as a “popcorn read,” so give it a try if you want an entertaining story that holds your attention but doesn’t require too much effort. This book contains a few curse words, some violence, and sexual suggestiveness, but it should be appropriate for a wide audience. I give this bonus points for a respectful depiction of a young transgender character.

I enjoyed the narration by Teralyn Davis. Her pace is good and she’s easy to understand. I enjoyed her character voices, which help bring the story to life. She does a good job conveying the humor of the story.

I volunteered to review an advanced reader copy as well as an audiobook provided to me by the author.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in this series. First, we meet Tara Whelan, alpha of her wolf pack. Well, she will be as soon as she finds a Consort and a beta. The rules of the pack say she must have a male Beta, and her father's was a female. So every night she fights pack members who desire the position, but so far none have been strong enough. She also keeps interviewing possible Consorts, but none of the wolves have wanted to agree to the terms that must be accepted.

Second, we have the thirty-sixth applicant for the Consort position. Butch is really there for a completely different reason. He is a Samhain Shifter and he is on the hunt for three fae who crossed to the human world from Faery on the last Samhain. He needs Tara's permission to come on pack lands and make sure none of the fae have infiltrated her pack. Tara is sure that hasn't happened. Her pack has a guardian that protects them, as long as they follow the rules. Rules like the Consort and the opposite sex Beta. It turns out that Butch is a powerful Alpha and half fae. He proposes giving Tara his true name as a sign that he means her and her pack no harm. Rune Pelletier.

Not going to spoil the story for you. There are lies, treachery, and - a unicorn. Tara and Rune will find and lose each other. Friendships will be challenged and a great hoax will be exposed. Oh, and everyone will be covered in glitter.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.