This mysterious island hermit managed to avoid entanglements ... until she walked into his cabin.
Mira froze.
It wasn't fear. It was a strange mix of curiosity, compulsion, and desire.
He was bare to the waist, and she hadn't been wrong about his strong, muscular body. There wasn't a scrap of fat on him anywhere, just lean muscle rippling beneath light bronze skin dusted with curls of dark hair. His face was broad and handsome, with a nose that was just a little crooked as if it had been broken once. Dark hair framed high cheekbones and a strong jaw.
His eyes were just as startling green as the ones she had been dreaming about. They weren't pure green, but rather, had a ring of dark blue around the iris and fine threads of amber and brown. Summer forest eyes, striking and pure.
For a moment the two of them stared at each other, as if he somehow found her as captivating as she found him. Then he stood up suddenly, and she was entranced all over again by the flowing, rapid grace of his movements.
The blanket fell away, making Mira intensely aware that he was wearing nothing but a pair of beat-up jeans slung low enough over his hips that a dusting of dark curls were visible above the waistband.
"Dane," he said. His voice was deep and rough, as if he didn't use it much.
"What?" Mira said dazedly, wrenching her gaze to his face.
"Dane," he repeated. Then he seemed to run it back in his head. "My name. I'm Dane."
Lauren Esker writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance that’s just a little off the beaten path. Which isn’t surprising since she’s a lifelong Alaskan who is a little off the beaten path herself! (Literally and figuratively.) She also writes graphic novels and scifi/fantasy as Layla Lawlor, and m/m romance as Layla M. Wier.
With a major storm rolling in, Dane secures his cabin on the island and takes to the ocean in his shifted form of an Orca.
Mira is in trouble, she made a delivery and thought she had time to get safely back home. Now she's in the middle of it and trying to contact someone, anyone for help. She also knows that even the Coast Guard wouldn't attempt a rescue in these waters. She's sure she's going to die as her boat capsizes.
Dane's Orca isn't sure at first what has gotten his attention, he does know that it's unwise to ignore its senses though. His Orca pushes Mira to a rock that is somewhat scalable and is relieved when she's able to pull herself up, while he shifts. She does however pass out right after and is unconscious as Dane gets her to his cabin and settled.
Mira wakes before him and sees him asleep on the floor next to the bed. She's startled and her she tries to remember how she got there. Dane wakes from the scrutiny and immediately introduces himself. It's a bit awkward at first but they manage to get to the point of him showing her to his facilities to get cleaned up.
When she returns to the cabin, Dane has opened it up and was clearing some of the storm's debris, outside.
This is only the beginning and Dane finds he has to open up to her, she's his mate after all. He just doesn't realize how much danger they both were in until it's too late.
I love the way this tale unfolds, with plenty of angst, secrets revealed, and of course the romance within all the turmoil.
I really hope Zoe writes more of Westerly Cove I'd love for Tor and Eren's sister Inga to find her mate as well.
I liked it. I really, really liked it. A little bit different since it was written about a hermit type literally hiding out on a deserted island. Dane escaped from a compound where shifters were being tortured until they're human selves barely existed and they're animal selves would respond to any command. As an orca shifter, living on an island worked out well for him. With a friend who brought him needed supplies, he lived well enough. Mira has lived on her boat since being discharged from military service. She survives by taking cargo from one place to another. Then a huge storm comes much faster than anticipated and she's caught out in it when her boat capsizes leaving her trying to survive in the ocean with nothing but a lifevest. Dane sees her in his orca form and rescues her gently bumping her along until he reaches his island where he shifts and gets her out of the water as she loses consciousness. Some time later his enemies figure out where he is and they take Mira captive.
At times this book was quite intense and I found myself turning the pages quickly. The love story was delightful and the descriptions of island life were so well done I could visualize it in my mind's eye. A very enjoyable read.
Great continuation of a cool shifter romance series
Mira is on her boat during a bad storm when it sinks. Dane manages to find her and save her because she is his mate. They get to know each other on his deserted island, but then trouble finds them. I can't say any more without giving everything away. This is a satisfying addition to the Westerly Cove series, but I hope it's not the ending. I would like to see some of the others find mates, like Inga and Juanita.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character and action oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. You do want to read at least this series in order, but to get the full effect read Stone Shifters #1 and 2 before this. If you really want to go back to the beginning, read Bodyguard Shifters series in order then Stone Shifters #1 and 2 and then these 3 in order. All have great shifter romances with complex characters and lots of action. Enjoy!
I loved, loved Dane and Mira’s story. The story drew me in from the very first sentence, pulling me in with mystery and danger and kept me enthralled until the very end. The story starts with Mira on a boat in the middle of a horrendous storm and the boat sinking. After she goes in the icy water even wearing a life jacket she’s not sure she will be rescued in time. Dane is an Orca shifter who lives alone on a small isolated island. He rescues Mira and brings her to his cabin on the island. Dane realizes that Mira is his mate as soon as he sees her but his life is complicated and dangerous. We have heard small snippets of Dane’s story in the previous book but we get the whole tale in this one. This is an exciting fast paced story full of swoons, love, danger, mystery, drama, magic, sweet moments, sexy times, and healing. It is well written, has three dimensional characters who grow and an engaging storyline. I am loving this series and I am excited to read more.
Do I wish that Erin was in on the take down of the Colonel and Black Rock? Yes.
Did I wish that once we saw what the Colonel was we would see others of his kind? Yes.
But disappointments are a part of life. I was disappointed to see one of his kind acting this way, then I remembered that not all his kind are that great, we just like to believe that, but we have seen our fair share of bad apples from this bunch. Although I could make a case that he is scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Outside of wishing to see some royalty, I like the story. The relationship bits were easy and all in by both parties. I would like a more concrete answer as to how they found them, but I’m willing to believe that it was her emergency beacon.
In the end my only question is can they just live there? Don’t they have to see if anyone owns it or put a claim in?
But they had a nice little check in with the couples from the first two books and this has bought our little series to a close.
Now I/we get back to the main, series. Next up, Babysitting Bear.
I enjoyed all of these books as they focused on different shifters than you normally read about. But one thing that really got to me was that there were several times where the author would be talking about one character, but used the wrong name. It only happened once in the first book but it happened more often in each subsequent book. This one had at least 3. If there's another book in the series I hope they can address this issue.
The other reason I took away a star was because I was expecting the sister or the father to be involved in this one since each of the previous books involved someone in the same family. I thought that the sister might have gotten curious about the island after hearing about the hermit from Bernie. Or maybe the dad and the inn owner had a thing back in the day and that was where some of their passionate verbal exchanges stemmed from.
Zoe Chant remains one of favorite writers. There is always plenty of story, plot twists, and likeable character-people in her book. A bit of warning with this one: it's darker, because Dane must do battle against a seriously evil enemy. The underlying theme of choosing light over darkness, even fighting for it, made it worth reading. When light wins? That's an "HEA".
Content: There is sexual intimacy between mates, but it is limited, not overly detailed, and easy to skim past. More importantly, it is secondary to a strong and layered storyline, not a central piece of it.
Crude language is minimal.
There is violence during battle scenes; it's not glorified nor detailed. The descriptions of past abuses to the shifters may be triggering.
Finds his human mate! I am glad he got his happy love story. Was a fav character of mine. Now on a practical stand point. There are a few issues with his Northern island. Winter up there is most of the year. Growing season very short. So unless they have elevated beds, and covered growing spot doubt they can grow much. And how is she going to eat without large food storage for when the ice floating around or rough seas cause her little boat to travel. As well a few other practical issues. I was disappointed they did not raise the ship of hers to sell it for salvage, and get rid of it polluting sea. But more upset that they did not send help to rescue shifters from prison. Helping to give them hand up to reintroduce them to freedom
Dane is a whale shifter and has spent a long time alone on an island with only his friend knowing where he was. Mira is the owner of a small boat and is trying to make it to shore before a big storm strikes. She didn't make it and ended up being thrown overboard. Dane somehow knew he needed to be in the ocean when the storm hit. He finds Mira and gets her back to his island to wait out the storm. He knows she is his mate. Together they end up in and out of trouble with some bad guys who were looking for Dane. Thankfully a pod of whales came to help Dane when he was fighting with the leader of the awful men. So they were able to return to the island and make a better home for them both...
I like Mira. She's competent and thoughtful. Dane is okay. He's not a talker, even for his mate.
The real disappointment is the mercenary group. They show up out of the blue, with no explanation. It really makes no sense that they kidnap Mira and expect her to know about Dane. They reveal shifters to her. It makes no sense that they're led by "The Colonel" and not a higher ranked military officer.
Nothing about the group is explained or illuminated in this book, and the fact that it exists is not resolved in any way. Though there is an HEA, the characters didn't learn or grow or heal.
During a severe storm, Dane saved Mira Rivers from drowning and took her to his tiny island. Human Mira knew nothing about shifters and Dane didn’t know how to tell her he could shift to an orca form or that they were mates. As Mira wistfully spoke about her wrecked boat also being her home, he decided to get some of her things.
Even in orca form it was difficult for Dane to stay underwater searching for Mira’s treasures and he strained to return with some. While Dane was on his make Mira happy mission, soldiers from the merc base, he’d escaped from came and took Mira prisoner. As much as he hated the place, Dane knew he had to rescue his mate. Rating: 4stars
So, the series "Bodyguard Shifters," "Stone Shifters," and "Westerly Cove" are all in the same universe. Bodyguard shifters starts out as a cozy shifter community series and segues for a couple of books into dragon/gargoyle war and politics. Stoneskin Dragon picks up a character from the dragon/gargoyle world, but isn't really part of series after that.
Westerly Cove is back to shifter community, except that this book features a character who isn't in the community, but knows one person in it and lives nearby and has escaped from an evil mysterious organization and then has to fight them when his fated mate is kidnapped.
So while it's a big long series, it feels more like one-offs in the same universe, which I think is a missed opportunity for character and universe development.
Dane had a difficult past and likes being alone on his island. The appearance of Mira has him reconsidering. The two of them are so comfortable together you would think they've known each other forever. When Mira is taken from him, he will do anything to get her back. Even returning to a place he swore he never would. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat. All while Dane and Mira try to explore their growing relationship. A great addition to the series. I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary opinion.
I'm A little disappointed because it left a few things hanging, unanswered questions... Dane was shocked 2 find what he thought he'd never find, his mate. But his past comes 2 bite him in the ass. Things r a little different this x than it was in his past. When it comes 2 his mate he'll do anything. But what happens next gets a little rich and unclear about that bad place. Will it run in his favor or does he loose everything b4 he had a chance 2 actually try 2 live the life he wants 2? Read and find out asap!!
Dane has been hiding for a long time on his Island, alone save for Eren bringing him supplies. Mira's ship goes down and he and his Orca (what he shifts into), saves her. He and his beast realize she is his fated mate. His greatest fear is realized and he must face his past. I have loved Dane since he was introduced.
The idea of an Orca shifter is just wondrous. Or as and dolphins were my favorite mammals that I would talk to thru the glass at aquariums or Sea World.
Last book I think,I say I think because the first two books was about brothers finding love there is a sister inga I think she is single can't remember,if she isn't he was not talked about, but then we jumped to the friend who don't live in westerly cove (the series is called westerly cove) it is the closest place with people to his island.they could of taken some saved shifter to westerly makeing more storys.but they never did?so not sure if more books will show up after a time gap. This series follows on from another.
Dane is an Orca shifter with a traumatic past who has been hiding living on a tiny island alone for some time. He saves Mira from a shipwreck and realizes that they are mates. She gets taken by the people from his past who tried to turn him, Eren and other shifters into a mindless army and Dane goes back to his personal hell to rescue her. I liked that Mira was just going with it from moment 1 and was open to being with him while giving him space. The orca part was really cool too. I would have liked to see some cameos of other characters we met.
So happy for Dane now he doesn't have to hide away from anyone, but he's so use to his solitude peaceful and quiet. Luckily he found a mate that shares the same frame of mind and doesn't mind being isolated. Sure glad that tyrant won't be a bother anymore and now he can live his life without looking over his shoulder... so looking forward to another story from Waverly Cove...big fan as always Winzie19💞🤗.
Wow! Didn’t expect it to be so action-packed! I love how the story started out with a rescue—then there were bad guys involved—and I couldn’t put the book down! I won’t go in any more details, but part of me wishes Ms. Chant will have another story later on about some of the other shifters from the Island…
Imagine one minute meeting your soulmate and literally the next minute you're fighting for your and his life!!! This was non-stop action/drama and suspense with a smattering of romance thrown in for good measure. Another entertaining trip to Westerly Coast where everyday is an adventure. I enjoyed Dane and Mira's story and their characters were engaging and captivating.
Starts with a rescue and snowballs from there in the best way. The two mains are well suited for each other, both older, both veterans. I very much enjoyed the book and hope to see more in this universe.
Mildly spoilery: Him throwing himself and shifting mid air to squish doors and enemies. I just died. Best thing to imagine, I loved it.
I have read all the previous books related to Stoneshifters and Westerly Cove. I wasn’t sure where the direction of Dane’s book would go and how he could possibly find his mate. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this book. I couldn’t predict how the action would play out which I appreciated.
A well written , creative, and inspirational plot. I loved the characters of Dane and his mate . I wanted really bad things to happen to the leader of the mercenaries. And I really liked Dane's friends who came to their rescue. Zoe Chant has fashioned another great story. I will be looking forward to her next written creation of shifters.
Dane (Westerly Cove Book 3) by Zoe Chant. Orca shifter Dane lived on Dead Mans Island hiding from his past. Mira wrecked her boat in a storm. Dane as his Orca saved her life. One look Dane knew she was his mate. Then his past caught up with them and they had to fight for their lives.
Very good story and well written. I need my paranormal stories to be reasonable and have logical reactions. This was both. The hero/heroine had good back stories and the storyline, as well as their actions/reactions, were believable. I would have liked to know what ultimately happened to the inhabitants of Black Rock Island though.
This is a well written story with great characters. I usually read stories about big cats, wolves and bears I wasn't sure about a whale but this one caught me from book 2. I had to read it. I enjoyed this book it was something a little different. I would encourage everyone to go get this one it is worth your time. All three books are worth getting this is a wonderful series.
This is the third book in the Westerly Cove series and once again is hooked right from the start and completely entertained from start to finish. I love Mira and Dane together. They have to fight the bad guys for the HEA but there are so many wonderful moments along the way.
I thought it was a wonderful coincident that he rescued his mate from a shipwreck. They started falling in love only for her to be kidnapped by his old nemesis. What a dangerous, yet exciting adventure for the two of them. Once he got rid of his nemesis, they got their HEA.