Erin is a young psychologist, with no time for anything but her work, and unable to remember anything about her past. She leads an uneventful life, but a lonely one, in which she secretly wishes for a soulmate... Conner is an unusual patient who approaches her, thrusting her into a strange world of darkness that runs beneath our own. He believes himself to be a creature of legend-a werewolf. But he also draws Erin with a roguish charm, and an irresistible feeling that seems to bind them together... Conner desperately tries to save her from an unknown evil that persues her with a relentless passion that crosses centuries, an evil that once took her very soul away, somewhere in Erin's lost memories. As she becomes more entwined in a series of events that will remind her of who she really is, will she make it away from the oncoming darkness unscathed...? "In Connor, we meet Dr. Erin Miller -a professor who specialises in Mental Illnesses and more specifically Schizophrenia. When an old colleague who owns his own private practice arrives asking for her help , Erin has second thoughts but when she discovers that he believes he is in fact a werewolf that has lived for over 2000 years and asking specifically for her , she is intrigued. Erin decides to meet Connor and reads his file, soon she is drawn into his world and to her surprise discovers that Werewolves are in fact - well REAL. Erin herself though since connecting to Connor , has been having nightmares -ones that feel almost like memories but she can't have experienced what she's dreaming or has she ? We discover that Erin cannot remember much that happened prior to becoming in her early 20's in the Human world and soon we are drawn into a world of werewolves and memories and where Erin may not be exactly human ? A fast paced novel that keeps readers entertained and has not only Werewolf storylines but also pyschiatry sprinkled throughout." 4/5 Stars, Paula Philips, The Phantom Photographer Blog, May 2012
I'm Miranda Stork, and I'm addicted. Addicted to writing and reading books, anyway. And chocolate, but that's another issue - no interventions, please.
I live in the middle of a forest in North Yorkshire, spending my spare time as the wild woman of the woods, scaring small children and upsetting the sheep. On the days that I feel like being civilized, or I haven't got any unicorns to ride, I sit down and pour the tumbling thoughts in my head out onto digital paper. Mainly the thoughts and characters come out in paranormal form, with a good smattering of romance, because everyone likes a good cuddle. But you can also find strong elements of thrillers, myths, and even dystopia amongst the pages of all my novels. I've wanted to write books ever since I first realised that fairytales were not the newspapers of the fairy kingdom, but the imaginings of actual people who wanted to tell fancy made-up stories to other people. From that moment, I was hooked.
Why do I write? Good question. It might be easier to just keep the stories in my head, or even just to write them for myself. But I want to share them. There is no greater delight for a writer than when a reader devours your book, and declares, "Something in that novel resonated with me. And I want MORE." So grab your lucky clover and a baseball bat (there's some nasty paranormal creatures where we're going), eat the cookie with 'eat me' tagged on it, and enter through the tiny door into the world of Miranda Stork...
Holy Crap! I just have to start off with that. Conner is absolutely amazing! I started this book at 8pm and the next thing I knew, It was 3:45am and I was staring at the wall of my bedroom in complete disbelief. This story line is one of a kind. Half the time, I felt like i'd dived head first into the rabbit hole with no clue as to how I would ever get out. I'm still not out. Usually, by the time iv'e finished no more than a quarter of any given book, Iv'e already pretty much figured out how it's going to go. Conner had me confused and reeling from page one. It's like a paranormal romance meets a psychological thriller! Every time I "thought" I knew what was going on. Another bombshell was dropped leaving me screaming "WTF?!" at my kindle. Half the time I didn't know who was good, who was bad, who was crazy and who was sane or who's sad delusional viewpoint we may be seeing these events unfold through. But one thing was for sure. I needed to find out more than I needed sleep, or my next breath for that matter. This book is completely, totally, wonderfully insane from start to finish and I am now itching with the need for the second installment! I will be telling everyone I know about this wonderful author and how deep her imagination goes!
5 stars! One of the best novels I have read all year!
Let me start off by saying, that as a sub-genre of paranormal romance, werewolves do not interest me. I find that they are overly clichéd, and frankly, too much attention is given to the more “wolf-like” aspects of the hero. I don’t think dogs are sexy. And I don’t want to read about sexy dogs. That being said, Conner has made me do a complete one-eighty on the whole werewolf thing. At least on Miranda Stork’s werewolves.
From the beginning, Conner is described with just enough detail to be sexy and intriguing without all the overt alpha-male sexuality that is so common. He’s cheeky and sly, yet there’s something vulnerable that makes you want to find out more. And just wait until you discover his secret. My jaw literally dropped and I almost spit coffee everywhere.
Erin is a woman to be identified with. She’s smart, yet has her faults, but she is definitely not one of those too-stupid-to-live, can’t-find-her-way-out-of-a-room-without-a-man-to-lead-her type of woman. She is sometimes a bit too trusting, but that speaks to the earnest nature of her character. But when push comes to shove, her backbone snaps straight in an instant and she’s ready to give as good as she gets.
There is a common thread of duality in this book, a trait I noticed early on, but it wasn’t until the end that I really began see how it was weaving together. I was pleased, and then upset, because as the action in the book was ramping up and things were falling together in the excitement of the narrative, BOOM! End of story. Which, mind you, is not a bad thing. There is a sequel coming. I’m just a little put out that I have to wait to read more, because what was written was so thoroughly enjoyable.
The good parts: Characters you will love (and some you will love and hate), a fast-paced narrative laced with twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat and wondering what could possibly happen next. An interesting take on the werewolf sub-genre without being overblown or hackneyed.
The bad parts: Not bad, per se. A few editing quirks, nothing I haven’t seen in books put out by the Big Six, and certainly not anything glaring enough to detract from the story or from my reading. Also, I would have liked a little more sexual tension, and even a little more sex (as this is a romance), but looking back, I can see how maybe having more of that would have impacted the storyline in a way that would deviate from where Ms. Stork was taking the plot.
Overall: I found this book to be engaging, exciting, and a great read. A solid 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. And I’m overly picky.
Isn't it funny that once you know someone with a particular name , when you see that name it makes you either smile or cringe , it casts a reaction. For me , I smiled when I saw the name Connor as that is my nephew's name. Connor by Miranda Stork held two things that I really enjoy , the first obviously werewolves though I am a Vampire girl if it came down to the crunch and Psychiatry , more specifically Mental Illnesses which I love reading and discovering about - this could be due to my Dad working in this field. In Connor, we meet Dr. Erin Miller -a professor who specialises in Mental Illnesses and more specifically Schizophrenia. When an old colleague who owns his own private practice arrives asking for her help , Erin has second thoughts but when she discovers that he believes he is in fact a werewolf that has lived for over 2000 years and asking specifically for her , she is intrigued. Erin decides to meet Connor and reads his file, soon she is drawn into his world and to her surprise discovers that Werewolves are in fact - well REAL. Erin herself though since connecting to Connor , has been having nightmares -ones that feel almost like memories but she can't have experienced what she's dreaming or has she ? We discover that Erin cannot remember much that happened prior to becoming in her early 20's in the Human world and soon we are drawn into a world of werewolves and memories and where Erin may not be exactly human ? A fast paced novel that keeps readers entertained and has not only Werewolf storylines but also pyschiatry sprinkled throughout.
Favourite Character: Filtiarn (what can I say, I like bad guys *laugh*)
Erin is a psychologist, who is asked to work on a new case. Little does she know this case will turn her life upside down, if she takes it. Conner, who is the name of the patient in the case, thinks he is a werewolf and has been in the practice for some years. Conner is handsome, built and charming and Erin and Conner seem to have a connection, but why? Read the book and find out.
I found that although this novel is a paranormal-romance it wasn't over-loaded with erotica which I quite enjoyed, a little is great, but I find when there is too much it ruins the story. I found that Miranda Stork wrote this novel beautifully, it has just the right amount of sex, drama, mystery and a little bit of pyschiatry to make me want to keep turning the pages. The story was well-written and fast-faced, there's never a dull moment.
I really enjoyed this novel and gave it a strong 4 stars mainly because the plot is set up in a manner that gives you little bit by little bit and you can't help but want to keep reading until BANG! Something you didn't expect happens and you want to keep reading even then and finally you're up until 2am and you have to work the next morning! The characters are well-developed and interesting. I don't know why but I always seem to like the bad guys in books. Even though Filtiarn is pretty much evil, he has subtance and issues and that to me makes the characters more real.
If you like paranormal-romance that's full of mystery that keeps you guessing, then you will enjoy this book!
I like the imagination of the author for this one! The way the author introduced her story, characters and the plot with Conner into a mental institution for believing he to be a werewolf, was fantastic.
Ms. Stork has a lot of creativity and a good sense of plotting, humour and entertainment. I have to say that the little twist at the end was a great surprise and surely quite interesting!
Erin is a psychologist who's working at the same mental institution where Conner is detained. She was assign to his case. But Conner isn't a standard patient. He seems to believe he's a real werewolf! Oh Yeah! You got me with this punch line!
The whole werewolf background surrounding Conner's. His past, his life since he's in the mental institution, his life as a werewolf and/or human was well described and pretty fun to discover! But the most interesting part was when Conner is trying to convince Erin of his true nature. When Erin begins to doubt, the story got into full speed and everything rush in!
The only bad point (if it's a bad point); it's the fact that it's too long before we learn the true about Erin, Conner and everything about the whole story. I was so caught up in the story, but always keep at bay without answers!!!
I liked the fact that Miranda Stork gives the reader a new Paranormal Romance story that stands out from the original/plain werewolves stories!
Recommended for all PNR lovers, werewolves lovers and for something refreshing in the shape-shifters world! Buy, borrow, and put on your TBR pile!
I got this book free as part of a promotion and read it last week. And I have to say...I LOVED it!!!
I've never heard of this author before, but she can really spin a tale, and 'Conner' has some amazing twists in it that I never saw coming. The character of Conner is so HAWT! And Erin is a great female lead, shes really intelligent and confident, and she is well-rounded as a character.
The settings were so vivid, and I felt as though I were really there. The story moved fast, but not so fast that you felt it was rushed.
Overall, I thought this was a brillant book, and was refreshing from the usual paranormal romances form bigger authors. Can't wait for the sequel to come out!
Review to come, June 7First, I want to say I loved Miranda’s dedications at the beginning. They were so very heartwarming!
Erin is a professor who occasionally takes on some therapy cases. Professor Whitfield has a private practice now, and he asks Erin to work on a difficult case. The patient believes he is a werewolf – and he is asking specifically for Erin.
Normally, working at a private practice is against her principles; money should not be able to purchase good health. But something about this case file for Conner beckons her. She tells Professor Whitfield “yes”.
“Everyone has a distinct point in their lives where everything in their life changes, be it for better or for worse.”
Conner Woods is the patient, and he definitely believes he is a werewolf. He is tall, dark, handsome and a bit menacing in his looks. Right away I’m attracted to him. He has a certain manner, a way with words that captivates you, and you definitely want more.
As for Erin, I like her. She seems like an intelligent woman. But then she starts realizing she can’t remember large blocks of time from her own past – just like Conner claims. I really loved how this story built up on itself. The psychology aspect was fascinating. The real question that crept up was “Who is really having the psychotic break? Conner? Erin? Filitiarn? Someone else entirely?
“The touch was almost tender, but the image of a snake coiling itself around her came into her mind, but she decided that was an insult to snakes.”
Oh yes, Filitiarn. He’s definitely painted as the villain here. Is he really? Somewhere along the line there is a shift, and you aren’t sure who is telling the truth and who only believes they are telling the truth! I just thought the whole thing was very exciting in the way it explored how your mind can play tricks on you. Schizophrenia definitely became a question of mine… wait, no, I'm not schizophrenic… wait, no…
And that’s exactly what was so awesome about this story. You begin to question everything. Even as Erin undoubtedly starts to fall for Conner, there is a part of her that doesn’t trust him. And who the heck is Filitiarn, and how does he fit into this puzzle? And when the blood starts to spill, is it a figment of her imagination or are those people really dead?? Everyone is suspect and you don't know who is on what side, I was even questioning Erin. Perfect!
Then some aspects sort of took on a fairytale feel to me, but remember – fairytales aren’t always about the happy princess and her prince. There’s the villain, and usually some type of magic involved. The flashbacks and memories in this story really helped to build up the history of everything going on. There are definitely some hair-raising moments. Overall, I found this book a story I couldn’t put down. It’s a story that is millennia in the making, but its over in the blink of an eye. I can’t wait to read book two, Erin. Conner is a must read for all werewolf fans. It has a fresh spin on wolves, and I thought it was great.
“But Erin,” he said in his low, deep Irish accent, “Would you do all this if you weren’t attracted to me?” ~~~~ Thump. It isn’t there! Thump. “It isn’t there! It isn’t there! Thump! IT ISN’T THERE! Silence. ~~~ Ahhh … I’m not sure where to begin. My mind is still back in Ireland at Forest Hall … in the shower! LOL. I loved Conner. He’s sweet, sexy, sultry and dangerous, or is he? Hmmm… you’ll have to read to find out. I loved this book. It literally had me squirming in my seat. SQUIRMING! In a good way. I even got up early in the morning to read because I couldn’t sleep until I finished it. Yeah, this book is that good. I’m not a morning person. I did have some difficulty with the author’s use of was before sat or stood, as in; “he was stood next to…” I wasn’t sure if it was intentional because a great deal of the story was set in Ireland and maybe they talk that way, LOL, but it happened throughout the entire book. But putting that aside, it wouldn’t surprise me if this book makes the New York Times Best Selling List some day. Lots of twists. I received this book from the author for an honest review. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this awesome book, Miranda. I’m looking forward to reading Erin. 4.7 stars because of the "was" thing I mentioned.
I found Miranda Stork’s debut novel, “Conner,” to be as schizophrenic as one of its main characters is suspected of being. Sometimes, it’s a straight up YA paranormal romance, throbbing with lust-filled exchanges and arousal. Sometimes, it slips into mild erotica, delivering the goods for those desperately seeking release. And sometimes it crosses the great divide into horror, dripping with blood, guts, and chills aplenty.
The great rock band, Cheap Trick, once said, “Everything Works If You Let It.” Well, that’s the case with “Conner.” Schizophrenic or not ... PNR, erotica, horror, or some combination thereof … this novel works in the end, and that’s all that matters.
Stork weaves psychiatric mumbo-jumbo (BTW—that is an official term, as per the upcoming DSM-V) into reimagined werewolf and vampire lore, creating a tale that is original and inventive.
And the twist at the end was more satisfying than a shrink telling you that he/she now charges for sixty-minute hours.
Like two of the other reviewers here, I recieved this book free in an Amazon promotion. I wasn't actually sure if I was going to like it, as I don't always like a lot of paranormal romances, usually because they tend to be very heavy on the romance side of things.
But I have to say, I really enjoyed this one. It isn't just all about the relationship between Erin and Conner and Filtiarn, although that is very well written into the story line. There is plenty of action that happens, but the pace of the story speeds comfortably along without being too fast.
I thought the characters were great, they had their own flaws and troubles, which made them very 3-dimensionable, rather than flat.
I thought this book was great, and would recommend it to anyone who wants a paranormal romance with a bit more action in the storyline.
Erin is a psychologist who agrees to take on a patient who believes he is a werewolf, Conner. Erin and Conner have a hot attraction toward each other, but Erin isn't sure who or what to trust, not even herself or her own memories. What I loved about this book was that there is a such a twist on the traditional werewolf/shifter story, and you never really knew what was going to happen until the end.
I could not stop reading this book until it was finished because I had to know what happened! Could not put it down and stayed up all night! Is Conner really a werewolf? Is his world real? Is Erin imagining everything? And the biggest question of all...Will Erin and Conner be together in the end?
This was a well written, imaginative book, and I can't wait to read the next in the series so I can see what happens!!!
Wow... Just wow. The cover is what hooked me the most, but after reading the blurb I knew I absolutely had to read this book! I know I don't read as fast or as much as everyone else does, but I found the story really original. You start following Erin's adventure (even though this first book is about Conner) and you get to a point in which you find yourself doubting the events like Erin does, wondering if what you're reading is real or not. And that was really cool. The sexual tension is unbearable, so much that you want to strip off your clothes and join the party. It's fantastic! The huge cliffhanger at the end left me bummed. Ms Stork, you can't end things like that and not give me more to read. I NEED to know! Amazing job, I really am looking forward to book 2 now!
'Conner' took me on a wild, fantastic and exciting ride! I feel as if I've been to Ireland and back with Erin, the female lead of this story. There's action, suspense, fantasy, romance, and just enough of the story left unanswered for me to crave more. I know that there is a sequel, and now, I simply must read it! :D Grammar perfectionists will find a few mistakes, but not enough to take away from the fast-pace of the story - full of just as many twists and turns as the main character's Manor house - with a pinch of 'wait...what just happened?!' Want to know more? BUY it!! I enjoyed this very much, and cannot wait to read the next in the series!
Miranda is a very cunning when she writes. She tells you just enough to get you interested, then drip feeds you the rest of the plot slowly throughout the book. You have to read until the very end, you are hooked, sucked in, begging for more. You have to read until to very end, to quite simple find out what is really happening, what is it Miranda is not telling you, that you know is in the air and feel in you bones. You are hooked whether you like it or not! A great read.
It was great and then....it just became too much...yes, Conner can be a werewolf with a split-personality...I'm okay with that. Erin can have years of lost memory and also be a werewolf. When you add Conner/good-Filtiarn/bad with Erin/good and Erin/bad it is just confusing...don't get me wrong...it was great but for me it was just too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Really great paranormal romance, but it goes even further with suspense and mystery! Great story with surprises at every turn and it keeps you guessing! A nice twist I must say! I received this book as a gift!
I hate to give a negative review on a book I got for free, but I have to be honest. The first thing to say is that this book needed to be proofread (a lot). There were many glitches in the story, missing words, grammatical errors, etc that made it jarring to read for me. I trudged thru to the end, tho' the story began to seem silly. It read as tho the author just rushed thru it trying to get the basic story out without worrying whether or not it made sense. I think the idea has promise and could be very interesting if more care is taken to flesh it out to make the characters and the story seem more plausible.
I loved the start of this book. Erin, a psychologist, is asked to check on a man, Conner, who says that he changes into a werewolf. I loved that the meetings went through a period of time and not a week. What turned me away from the story was that when those sessions ended, I hated the "pointless riddles" which were predictable early in the story. The author should have just announced them at 60% and not waited until 95%. I felt as if things were prolonged just to add drama. Plus not a fan of multiple POVs. I found myself skimming and barely finishing.
I loved this book!!! It definitely had a whirlwind of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting!! It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering, and I couldn't wait to get to the ending to get the answers I wanted. The next book I'm sure is going to be awesome! I can't wait to read it to find out what happens next!!
Loved It! This book had so many unexpected twists and turns in the story it kept me hooked all the way through wanting to know what happens next. I loved Erin despite her curiosity landing her in trouble quite a few times! A very Cleverly thought out plot, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be purchasing the second book titled 'Erin'. A definite must read for all.
This was such a wonderful werewolf story. It was one of those stories that you begin reading thinking you have an idea of where it is going, only to find out that you had no idea at all. It was a very nice surprise. As you read this story, you come to realize that it's not a story that you've heard a million times before but instead it is a completely unique perspective on a well-known and very popular legend, the werewolf.
The author manages to artfully tell a tale that blends a modern day perspective with a great deal of historical background bringing a very intricately detailed story full circle; wrapping up nicely yet leaving you, the reader, practically salivating for the next book (which luckily is available now!).
This story starts out in a fairly normal way; psychologist gets patient who thinks he's a werewolf, she thinks he's (to put it in less than technical terms) crazy, things happen that I won't give away, and, well, you'll just have to read it but by the end you won't believe what happens! The author uses great descriptive tones so you can pretty much get a really good idea of how the scenery is supposed to look and the character development is wonderful so you feel like you really know the characters as the story progresses.
This story is simply just a really good, twisting and turning, wonderful read that will leave you guessing right up until the very end. You just won't know what is happening until the end, even if you think you do. Excellent story and I'm looking forward to the continuation of these characters lives in future books!
Wow, what a fantastic story! I was drawn in the first chapter and didn't put it down until I finished. The author did an excellent job of drawing the reader in. I loved the author's take on Werewolves, with the genre flooded with books, it's refreshing to read something new. I really enjoyed how descriptive the book was, I felt immersed in their world. While there were times I felt I knew where the story was headed, I was slapped in the face with a twist, and they kept coming. I look forward to reading the next book in the series! I recommend the book to paranormal lovers and really anyone loving books where the twists and turns keep you on your toes!
Right off the bat, I'm excited and drawn in by the sort of dark atmosphere. I mean this literally as it's a summer evening and the point of view is told from - we know not what ... yet. Some ideas come into place just as I am brought back to modern day and again pulled right in by the psychology professor whose ethics are more to my tune than the man who seeks her help. A not-so-subtle ethics debate is underlying as what appears to be a fascinating tale begins.
As I read on, the main character prompts me to wonder if he's what he says he is, or just a modern day Sybil. All the while the ethics question lingers and comes up repeatedly based on how he's being treated in his current facility. As I watch him transition back and forth the first few times, during his first examination by Dr. Miller, as Conner explains the incident that led to his incarnation, I cannot help but think of the line Jared Leto sings, "Tell me would you kill to save a life?" Read for yourself, you'll see what I mean & have your own opinions as to the 'right' answer to such a question.
Reading along I also thoroughly enjoy the author's references to pop culture, both classic and of my generation.
The adventure begins early into the book - I read it in one session, unable to put it down. An element of good vs. evil... or wait! Is it evil or only a group of people who aim to protect the planet & all of its inhabitants from the destruction we humans inflict? You'll have to read for yourself to see - you won't be sorry you did.
First in what is obviously a series but just wow I wow! I didn't quite know what to expect from this author as its the first thing I have read from her and was hooked from the very beginning. Love the cover! Gorgeous man and the story is just as tempting! We meet Erin who is a psychologist who specialises in those who have psychological delusions and from the outset of this story she is clearly fascinated by Conner a young man claiming to be a werewolf. Or is he? This is not your ordinary run of the mill paranormal romance. This is an interesting mix of the supernatural coupled with suspense. If you thought it might be erotica than fear not as its much more complicated than that. This is a tale that will delight, enchant and suck you in! Well done Ms Stork! Hoping the next instalment will surprise me even more. I was lucky enough to read this free in exchange for an honest review I heartily recommend it and will look for other books from this author 4 and a half stars from me
This book was a little hard to read for several reasons. One, the phraseology. I don't know if some of it is Britishisms or if it's bad editing. I was able to skim over those as I got used to it. The story races back and forth and you think you kinda might maybe know the secrets, but then you aren't sure. But it seems like a lot of talk to get to the end, which is NOT the end. If you are even remotely interested in the story by the time you get to the last page, it will be necessary for you to now purchase Erin. Oh, I should also mention, you arrive almost half way through the book and all of a sudden you find yourself reading a little steamy sexy scene (and quite tingly), but don't get too excited, because that is it.