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Nose to Tail Inc. #3

Wolf Maneuvers

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Gunnar is pretty happy to be a mostly retired black ops soldier, working security for the Marcon pack in the Colorado mountains. He loves the whole crazy pack of alpha and kids, but sometimes he gets a little envious of the loving relationships he sees all around him. So when new teacher Kai shows up unexpectedly, he has his worries about the guy, but he also wants to get to know Kai. Intimately.

Kai isn't just at the Marcon pack home to teach the many children they've adopted. He's been hired by Nose to Tail as added security, because of a threat to the children's safety. He's supposed to be there on the downlow, so even though he wants to tell Gunnar why he's arrived, he knows he has to keep it to himself. He's never met anyone like Gunnar, though, never been part of a pack, so he has no idea what he's in for.

Kai and Gunnar have to navigate a growing mate bond, a danger to the pack that might just end their relationship before it starts, and find trust in each other. Can they do all that before it's too late?

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2021

33 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Julia Talbot

307 books267 followers
Julia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia is a hybrid author, and has been published by many presses as well as self publishing. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved. Julia also writes as Minerva Howe. Find Julia at @juliatalbot on Twitter, or at www.juliatalbot.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,544 reviews47 followers
March 19, 2021
*4/4.5*
Wolf Maneuvers is book three in the Nose to Tail Inc series but actually follows on nicely from the first book with the craziness of the Marcon Pack.
Gunnar came to help bring the alpha back from a trip and just never left, now a full member of the pack and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. When Kai turns up as a new teacher for the older kids, there's something no quite right and he's determined to figure it out, even better if it gets him closer to the handsome man.
Kai is there as a teacher but also as more protection for the children of the pack as his boss has heard rumours of a possible kidnap attempt. What he never expected was it to be such a wonderful family or for Gunnar to make him want so much more.
In regards to the MC's relationship, I actually prefer this story as it felt like a natural progression for the two men as they slowly got to know each other and let their connection build and spark before taking that step together. Really felt their attraction and need for each other, and I loved how much Gunnar was there, showing Kai the way in how to become part of the pack which is not something Kai has ever had before. There is also more drama in this with possible danger on the horizon as a threat is hinted at and more people are being brought in to help protect the pack but especially the children, all of whom are sweet and funny in their own ways. They've all developed from book one and it's great to follow them as well as the MC's through the story.
Definitely a recommended read that I enjoyed from the start and I hope that we get to hear more from this pack with some of the other characters getting their HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Jacquie Stewart.
2,658 reviews74 followers
March 10, 2021
Another 3.5 maybe slightly higher because this one had a bit more interaction between the mates, so their bond felt more natural than book 1.
Book 3 follows on from book 1 which is a tad confusing.
There's an unknown threat to the house and the older kids need a teacher so enter Kai.
The lack of communication about important things got to me but there is an awful lot of talk about mundane things. Repetitive phrases got annoying - "good deal" "rock on" and "cooking on oil" but I stuck with it for the kids (Joe and Jim are the sweetest) and Gunnar.
Its sweet and not full of angst. Wondering who is next now
Profile Image for SFBookReviewer.
632 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2021
Wolf Maneuvers is a shifter series and follows Kenneth the Alpha and his family and actually continues the story from book 1. This book focuses on Gunner and Kai. The book is filled with the entire family and a lot of side characters. It is a somewhat lighthearted, fluffy, family story but it contains a lot of details. This book also has some twists and turns in the overall story. Overall it is a good story with some steamy scenes and some areas where I just had to laugh out loud.
Profile Image for Altivo Overo.
Author 6 books19 followers
September 29, 2021
Satisfyingly fulfilled

The characters from the first volume return in fill force. Gunnar has a major role to play here as well. Major soap opera action with Gunnar and Kai (the "new guy") and enough unnecessary explicit sex to require an 18+ age reading rating.
5,704 reviews39 followers
March 24, 2021
this was good.. cute and sweet.. sexy and interesting.. fast paced and kept me interested.. i liked it.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
April 23, 2022
It's nice to be back with the Marcon Pack, with Gunnar, who has been folded into the family while providing security to Kenneth, Miles, and Jack.

Then we have Kai. He has no clue what he's stepping into, but the Marcon Pack hasn't met anyone that they won't turn into family, and now there's Kai. He has been assimilated, there was no way he could resist the 8 adorable children and Gunny.

Hilarious books, lots of love.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,324 reviews31 followers
March 11, 2021
I was already in love with the Marcon pack from book one in this series. Jack, Miles, and Kenneth and all the kiddos were amazing. Here we have Gunny settling in and being an accepted member of the pack as well as the introduction of Kai. Kai still works for Richard at Nose to Tail and is coming in to be the new teacher for the older kids, but he is also security on the sly. Gunny and Kai have instant connection but Kai has trouble slotting into the pack because he has never had one before. I love how Kenneth and the rest of the crew basically just take him over. One of the things I love about these books is the family relationship that is built here and how each new person basically becomes family. These kids are also adorable and I love seeing how Monie is growing up. Kai and his team in Aspen are there to protect the kids and family against a vague threat, but it is hard to protect a large family when they don’t know what you are trying to do! I adore books about found and adopted families, blood or not. These are some of my favorite reads!
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,407 reviews24 followers
March 25, 2021
This is part of a series, and while not strictly necessary, it helps to have read the earlier books. In this installment, we return to the well-regulated chaos that is day-to-day life for Kenneth and his pack of mates, children, and employees/pack members. There are rumors around that Kenneth’s business empire has caught the eye of some troubling forces, so Kai, PhD and personal protection specialist, is dispatched as the newest member of security-- undercover as a teacher for the kids. Kai immediately connects with his charges and with Gunner, Kenneth’s personal security. Their chemistry leads them from being wary acquaintances to mates in record time. Along the way, there’s plenty of intrigue, lots and lots of meals and activities with the brood of pack kids and their various minders, and, of course, the peril that brought Kai to Aspen in the first place. It’s a wild ride, and an immersive one. If you’re already a fan of the series, this will make you like it even more.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Grace.
112 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2021
This book takes us back to the pack from book 1 and I’m so glad! The Marcon pack is just amazing and seriously, nine kids??? Of course they need a teacher!
Gunnar was brought in as security for the pack Alpha, Kenneth, and he takes his job super seriously. Becoming one of the pack is a massive gift and he loves it. When Kai comes in as the older kids teacher, Gunnar knows off the bat there is something different there.
Kai has never had a pack and, while he is wonderful with kids, he doesn’t really understand fitting in or connecting with the pack/family. He finds out quickly that holding himself apart just isn’t going to work.
As Gunnar and Kai are working on their relationship, the danger to the kids is exposed and they have to rely on each other to keep their pack safe.

I love each of the books in this series and I’m really looking forward to the next, especially with all of the newbies in Pack Marcon!
Profile Image for AshPenny37 .
1,035 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2021
In Wolf Maneuvers, the third book in the Nose To Tail Inc series, Kai is sent into the Marcon pack household (first met in book one) as the new teacher for the family's older kids. They, the family, don't know that teaching isn't Kai's only skill or that he's been sent as security against a potential threat. Gunnar, the Alpha's personal security, knows something's not quite right with Kai's employment but can't place it...until he starts to feel that danger is imminent. What they both come to realise is that they're mates.

I liked this book better than the first outing for the Marcon pack. There's more focus on the MCs and their growing mate bond (rather than the day-to-day family life); their different backgrounds and experience of integrating with the pack. There's also more action to balance out the fluff, giving it another dimension. 3.5* rounded up.

An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
4 reviews
August 11, 2023
It was lovely to be back with Kenneth’s pack again. One piece of advice if possible read the first book in the series, there are a lot of kids and it helps to be introduced to them in Book 1. However, you can still enjoy the book as a stand-alone. I am finding with the authors books that they are low angst, grown up MCs with very little in the way of misunderstandings, just mate/insta love with both MCs working hard to build their relationship and get to know each other, so sweet, sigh. There is a thread of humour throughout the book as well and as always a plot. The only issue I had with this book was it took Kai too long to tell Gunny why he was at the house. It didn’t make sense that he wouldn’t tell Gunny since he was in charge of Kenneth’s security. So that plot device didn’t really work for me. The characters were well drawn and so were the main secondary characters which is a gift of the author to be able to create a vibrant world.
2,225 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2021
Gunnar is retired military. Kai is there to teach the pack's adopted children.
While surrounded by the alphas and other kids, Gunnar feels a little envious and wonders what it will be like to have his own family.
Kai is supposed to be there on the down-low to also provide additional security due to threats. Even Gunnar is unaware. Trig to navigate a mate-bond between them while remaining on high alert, can be quite interesting.

Kai is such a sweet and gentle soul. Just the right balance Gunnar needs. Leave it to Gunnar to underestimate Kai and his abilities. h was in for a real treat in his mate.

Having now indulged in the series, I wish I'd done it sooner. With the new supporting characters added throughout the series, I hope we see more of this or a spin-of series that includes appearances by characters in these three books.

**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Profile Image for Christy.
4,466 reviews126 followers
May 12, 2021
It has been quite a while since I visited the world of ‘Nose to Tail Inc.’ and returning to the chaos of Kenneth, Jack, and Miles’s home was so much fun! These three men have adopted four more children since I last saw them, making the total nine shifter children ranging in age from two to seventeen – Yikes! Getting the chance to see the craziness in the house and the new love story between Gunnar and Kai was a very enjoyable read with a lot of laughs.

Gunnar is now a permanent addition to the household’s security staff with his primary duties being bodyguard/security for Kenneth and his mates. Kai is brought in by Richard, owner of Nose to Tail, as a teacher for the older children and as added security for all the kids. The second part of his duties is kept secret by Richard, as he doesn’t want to worry and upset Kenneth that he’s gotten rumors someone might come after the children to use as leverage against the powerful alpha.

Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Profile Image for Fran.
1,055 reviews11 followers
March 12, 2021
Cross-over characters so best to at least read Wolfmanny to familiarize the reader with the previous characters.
Gunnar and Kai are the main characters of this story and their angst is real. Kai leads a life of loneliness but finds his self in this extraordinary family. Acceptance of himself has been missing all his life but here, with Gunnar, he finds the welcoming embrace he's so long sought. Characters such as Nadine, Tibalt, Gretchen, and Mrs. Horn lends a sense of shifter reality. This story at least contains real angst in that outsiders threaten kidnapping of the children because of lies from rival foreign outsiders. I liked this third book in this Nose to Tail series. This is my honest review for the ARC I got from GRR.
824 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2021
'Pack'ed full of love, fun and action!

This is almost a direct sequel to Wolfmanny, so I would recommend reading that first.
Another entertaining story about the every growing Marcon pack. Since the addition of 4 kids (book 1), there's a need for a new tutor. And with rumors of a threat to the pack, a new bodyguard - enter Kai. He and Gunner, (the latest adult addition to the pack), are the next mate pairing. But before they can get their HEA, they have to contend with a theat to the kids. This brings in new characters for what will hopefully be a continued series.
I really enjoyed this interesting story - it had my favourite elements - angst-free, humour, family, action and an the potential for more stories from an ever growing pack!
Profile Image for Terri.
1,667 reviews
March 27, 2021
This book takes us back to the Marcon Pack, which was featured in book one, Wolfmanny. Kai comes on to teach the older children, and he also has a secret mission involving protecting the children from an unknown danger. Pack member and security expert Gunnar is at first doubtful of Kai's ability to survive the teenage wolves, but he is soon attracted and in awe of the smaller but powerful man.
I enjoyed this book even more than book one, and I loved Kai and Gunny. I also adored the kids even more this time around. They've each come so far since we met them.
This installment is action-packed, humorous, emotional, and terrific. What a fun series! I hope to see more from this world - and this pack - in the future!
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,050 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2021
Wolf Manny is one of my favorite rereads. So I really was happy to revisit the Marcon Pack. It's about a year later. There's a new threat to the pack. This time to Kenneth's nine adopted kids. Richard at the Nose to Tail agency comes through again sending teacher/operative Kai to protect Richard's kids.
Gunnar, Kenneth's security, isn't too sure of Kai. But is crazy attracted. Their romance is set against the absolute chaos of the Marcon pack. A thoroughly enjoyable read on a cozy, cold day. Quick an funny.
Leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for Alexis Woods.
Author 52 books84 followers
March 18, 2021
Wonderful

I truly adore this series, and this book was a deliciously good addition. It takes place about a year and a half after the conclusion of Wolfmanny and contains everyone from the first book. Kai is sent in undercover to be both teacher and protector for the kids, what he doesn't expect is to lose his heart to the bodyguard, Gunnar.

This week be a sure second read, and anyone a third to discover all the nuances that I've grown to love by Ms. Talbot.

KU, book in series, paranormal, fated mates, action, shifter wolf, teacher, bodyguard
Profile Image for Joanne Mccorkell.
1,648 reviews15 followers
Read
March 20, 2021
Dnf at 50%.

I struggled with the first book and was unable to finish. But thought I would try this one. Again I was unable to finish.

I found the story chaotic. Kai is apparently there to be on hand not only for teaching the teens, but as additional security due to an unknown threat. Yet he doesnt give any indication to gunner or anyone else, of this threat.
Gunnar is private security for the alpha. He has suspicions in relation to Kai being secretive, yet he jumps into bed with him anyways.

Personally this didnt make sense to me.
I refuse to rate the story as I couldnt finish it
1,482 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2021
Gunnar is a familiar face if you've read the others as Kenneth's personal security. Kai has been sent in to help teach the older children but unknown to the others, also for security. As these two dance around each other, you will find yourself grinning at the way their relationship moves forward. Kai is having to adjust to pack life while Gunnar has to decide if figuring out Kai's secrets are worth possibly losing his chance with him. Full of life, you will enjoy this story from page one to the end.
173 reviews
March 28, 2021
This was such a great continuation of the first book! I was very happy that the author continued with Gunner. Even though he was only in a few of the chapters in the previous book, he as such an interesting character that I couldn't wait to get to know better.
There is heat, passion and a little some push back. It was great to see someone questioning being pulled into the pack after seeing Jack from the previous book automatically accept. Even though this technically is a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the first to have the introduction to the pack.
Profile Image for Lexi.
1,016 reviews19 followers
April 3, 2021
So happy to get to come back and visit the pack I love so much. Still so much insanity and chaos with these wolves. I am so happy to get Gunnar’s story and Kai was a great balance to him. I really hope to get to know more of the pack and more of their stories. The pack is in trouble again and needs help. I love the action and the tender moments. I love the pups and seeing them continue to grow is a lot of fun! Definitely good o have read the first book since the family’s story started then. I adored Kai and Gunnar so much! They were definitely a great couple.
Profile Image for stardragon.
1,317 reviews7 followers
June 10, 2021
This is a fun series of books. This is from book one continuing the story. Gunnar is the alphas personal security. Kai is a teacher for the older kids and also a security specialist. These two butt heads a lot, because Kai is secretive and Gunnar curious. There is an attempted kidnapping of the children and everyone springs into action to protect the family. New characters are introduced and the core family strength is shown again. I especially like how new comers are embraced and become family and pack.
Profile Image for Audrey Pott.
680 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2021
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series, words flowed, a new threat to the Marcon kids brings Gunnar security to Kenneth and Kai teacher/operative together. Loveable, complex characters, suspense, humour and hot, sexy scenes. Another heartwarming story, a keeper.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Dionne.
Author 1 book14 followers
March 22, 2021
This book follows characters that were introduced in Wolfmanny, the first book in the series. I enjoyed this book a little more than the first one. There was action in the plot but there was more focus on the relationship between the two main characters than there was in Wolfmanny. Kia and Gunnar are great together and I loved getting to read about the characters that were introduced in the previous book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,899 reviews
March 23, 2021
Enjoyable

This third book follows on from book 1, for me this is the better book. The heat between Gunner and Kai is instantaneous, Kai did try to keep Gunner at arms length for a while and settled in to teach the kids during the day and protecting them unknowingly say and night. The story had a decent pace so the relationship had a natural fluidity to it. There was some bits that made me smile along with plenty of aww moments. This makes the series worth reading.
926 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2021
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. Gunnar is Kenneth’s security and Kai is the newly teacher of all of the children. Gunnar isn’t too sure about Kai but the attraction is real. When they have to join forces to protect the children things heat up. Kai doesn’t warm up to the pack right away but finds out how it is to be a part of a pack that is also family. This story has action, humor and suspense.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,559 reviews48 followers
March 26, 2021
I really enjoyed the first book in the series that introduced us to the pack and all its lively children but this book was even better. We have a great romance between Gunnar and Kai but they have to learn each other's secrets and learn to trust each other over the course of the book. I also liked the darker atmosphere in this one involving threats to the pack. It was nice to revisit this group and see how things were developing.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
April 4, 2021
I'm so glad I stuck with this series because this is definitely what I expected and hoped for. I got the feels I hoped for, some dramatic shenanigans, some steam, and the family craziness that drew me to the pack in Wolfmanny. But what I needed from this story was more, just more. More from the MC's, more about the MC's, more passion and tenderness, and more pages for them to really teach us about themselves.
1,925 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2021
Perfectly done

I was sooo excited to read Gunnar’s story. I loved him from book one and felt he was a great addition to the pack. Kai is a interesting and intriguing character I enjoyed him. Together they are a perfect blend. This was a good interesting adventure with great characters and a HEA.
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