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Three brothers. Three Secrets. One hope to save the shifters of Seattle.
Former SEAL Jaxson River would give his life for his brothers and his pack, but if he doesn’t claim a mate soon, he’ll be forced to step down as their alpha. There’s only one problem: Jaxson’s dark secret would kill any mate he claimed. With someone kidnapping shifters off the street—and only Jaxson and his brothers, Jace and Jared, to stop them—now is not the time for his secret to come out.
Curvy Olivia Lilyfield is a half-witch orphan with a dark secret of her own. She wants to atone for it by doing good in the world, so when she finds a wolf being tortured in an alley, she doesn’t hesitate to help… even though wolves and witches mix like matches and TNT.
Olivia’s dangerous magic means she can’t let anyone get too close — but Jaxson can’t keep his hands off her, and his kisses are more than she can resist. As they race to save the disappearing shifters of Seattle, the true danger lies in loving each other. They’re playing with magical fire… and their secrets could end up destroying them both.
Jaxson is a complete novel with HEA, the first in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (Jace and Jared coming soon).
Contains scorching shifter sex, alpha military heroes, and sexy witches. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.
(This a previously-published edition of ASIN B014ZHGHYQ.)
Former SEAL Jaxson River would give his life for his brothers and his pack, but if he doesn’t claim a mate soon, he’ll be forced to step down as their alpha. There’s only one problem: Jaxson’s dark secret would kill any mate he claimed. With someone kidnapping shifters off the street—and only Jaxson and his brothers, Jace and Jared, to stop them—now is not the time for his secret to come out.
Curvy Olivia Lilyfield is a half-witch orphan with a dark secret of her own. She wants to atone for it by doing good in the world, so when she finds a wolf being tortured in an alley, she doesn’t hesitate to help… even though wolves and witches mix like matches and TNT.
Olivia’s dangerous magic means she can’t let anyone get too close — but Jaxson can’t keep his hands off her, and his kisses are more than she can resist. As they race to save the disappearing shifters of Seattle, the true danger lies in loving each other. They’re playing with magical fire… and their secrets could end up destroying them both.
Jaxson is a complete novel with HEA, the first in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (Jace and Jared coming soon).
Contains scorching shifter sex, alpha military heroes, and sexy witches. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.
(This a previously-published edition of ASIN B014ZHGHYQ.)
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2015
About the author
Alisa Woods
87 books1,049 followersAlisa Woods, Paranormal Romance Author
GET A FREE STORY: http://smarturl.it/AlisaNewsletter
Reading Order:
Dot Com Wolves (formerly Shifters in Seattle)
Claiming Mia (Book 1)
Saving Arianna (Book 2)
A Christmas Wish (Book 3)
Riverwise Private Security
Jaxson (Book 1)
Jace (Book 2)
Jared (Book 3)
Wilding Pack Wolves
Wild Game (Book 1)
Wild Love (Book 2)
Wild Heat (Book 3)
Wild One (Book 4)
Wild Fire (Book 5)
Wild Magic (Book 6)
Fallen Immortals
Lucian & Arabella
Kiss of a Dragon (Book 1)
Heart of a Dragon (Book 2)
Fire of a Dragon (Book 3)
Leonidas & Rosalyn
Chosen by a Dragon (Book 4)
Seduced by a Dragon (Book 5)
Touched by a Dragon (Book 6)
Leksander & Erelah
Loved by a Dragon (Book 7)
Marked by a Dragon (Book 8)
Claimed by a Dragon (Book 9)
Of Bards and Witches (Book 10) Leonidas's Story
Fallen Angels
A Deadly Sin (Book 1)
Guardian of Light (Book 2)
The Sin of Wrath (Book 3)
Seraphim (Book 4)
Prince of Shadow (Book 5)
Tempted: Tajael's Story
Kiss of an Angel: A Christmas Story
Legal Magick
Ever Strange (Book 1)
Mercy Strange (Book 2)
Verity Strange (Book 3)
Broken Souls
My Dragon Lord (Book 1)
My Dragon Keeper (Book 2)
My Dragon Mate (Book 3)
My Dragon Bodyguard (Book 4)
My Dragon Lover (Book 5)
My Dragon Master (Book 6)
GET A FREE STORY: http://smarturl.it/AlisaNewsletter
Reading Order:
Dot Com Wolves (formerly Shifters in Seattle)
Claiming Mia (Book 1)
Saving Arianna (Book 2)
A Christmas Wish (Book 3)
Riverwise Private Security
Jaxson (Book 1)
Jace (Book 2)
Jared (Book 3)
Wilding Pack Wolves
Wild Game (Book 1)
Wild Love (Book 2)
Wild Heat (Book 3)
Wild One (Book 4)
Wild Fire (Book 5)
Wild Magic (Book 6)
Fallen Immortals
Lucian & Arabella
Kiss of a Dragon (Book 1)
Heart of a Dragon (Book 2)
Fire of a Dragon (Book 3)
Leonidas & Rosalyn
Chosen by a Dragon (Book 4)
Seduced by a Dragon (Book 5)
Touched by a Dragon (Book 6)
Leksander & Erelah
Loved by a Dragon (Book 7)
Marked by a Dragon (Book 8)
Claimed by a Dragon (Book 9)
Of Bards and Witches (Book 10) Leonidas's Story
Fallen Angels
A Deadly Sin (Book 1)
Guardian of Light (Book 2)
The Sin of Wrath (Book 3)
Seraphim (Book 4)
Prince of Shadow (Book 5)
Tempted: Tajael's Story
Kiss of an Angel: A Christmas Story
Legal Magick
Ever Strange (Book 1)
Mercy Strange (Book 2)
Verity Strange (Book 3)
Broken Souls
My Dragon Lord (Book 1)
My Dragon Keeper (Book 2)
My Dragon Mate (Book 3)
My Dragon Bodyguard (Book 4)
My Dragon Lover (Book 5)
My Dragon Master (Book 6)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 594 reviews
January 22, 2021
Jaxson was interesting enough for me to read in one sitting. There were some pretty compelling characters and the author shows herself to have good writing capabilities. The romance between the hero and heroine was pretty cute, albeit predictable.
What really let the book down was the lack of foundation and details. The author hints at a more complicated paranormal society but doesn't really do much with that. And other important information, integral to the plot, felt like it had come out of left field. I also felt like the stakes weren't high enough, moments that should have been more tense were very short lived.
Overall, Jaxson is not a bad start to a series. Let's hope the next few books offer more world-building and higher stakes.
Rating: 2/5
What really let the book down was the lack of foundation and details. The author hints at a more complicated paranormal society but doesn't really do much with that. And other important information, integral to the plot, felt like it had come out of left field. I also felt like the stakes weren't high enough, moments that should have been more tense were very short lived.
Overall, Jaxson is not a bad start to a series. Let's hope the next few books offer more world-building and higher stakes.
Rating: 2/5
September 11, 2018
Jaxson the depressed alpha and Olivia the ditzy curvy girl.
I listened to this on audio and the readers, Douglas Berger and Delisha Forest, do a fine job.
I just didn't feel engaged listening to this one. I fast forwarded quite a bit in the middle.
Olivia the curvy 'woe is me' I'm not worthy of him, down on her luck heroine 'rescues' Jaxson from some bad guys. Jaxson the hot shifter with a secret, then rescues her. One thing leads to another and Olivia is now his security company's secretary. This is a security company that is supposed to be top notch and only works for the best of the best, and they haven't had a secretary before this???
Also... (you'd think with all the plot devices in this one, it would have kept my interest better...), Olivia is in charge of finding Jaxson a mate. (fortunately the author doesn't crank up the angst on this too much). BUT, Jaxson can't have a mate because of a dire secretnot that I could see coming from a mile away. It doesn't stay secret for too much of the book though, thank goodness.
The real crux of the book, is Olivia's secret, that she is half witch, and witches and wolves are mortal enemies. This secret drags on WAAAAAy too long imho. Hence the skimmed middle parts of the story. Sure it's tragic blah blah blah. I just found it annoying that it hangs over the MCs heads like the sword of Damocles for the ENTIRE story.
Another part of the plot is the evil Government types who are kidnapping shifters and experimenting on them. This plot will likely continue into the rest of the series. This all takes place in a world that is aware of shifters. They are treated with prejudice though.
All the characters are pretty formulaic. The evil gov types are OTT evil. Jaxon's family is kinda depressing. Bunch of gloomy guys. ALL THE SHIFTERS are hot (men and women) like models. I doubt I'll read more.
I listened to this on audio and the readers, Douglas Berger and Delisha Forest, do a fine job.
I just didn't feel engaged listening to this one. I fast forwarded quite a bit in the middle.
Olivia the curvy 'woe is me' I'm not worthy of him, down on her luck heroine 'rescues' Jaxson from some bad guys. Jaxson the hot shifter with a secret, then rescues her. One thing leads to another and Olivia is now his security company's secretary. This is a security company that is supposed to be top notch and only works for the best of the best, and they haven't had a secretary before this???
Also... (you'd think with all the plot devices in this one, it would have kept my interest better...), Olivia is in charge of finding Jaxson a mate. (fortunately the author doesn't crank up the angst on this too much). BUT, Jaxson can't have a mate because of a dire secret
The real crux of the book, is Olivia's secret, that she is half witch, and witches and wolves are mortal enemies. This secret drags on WAAAAAy too long imho. Hence the skimmed middle parts of the story. Sure it's tragic blah blah blah. I just found it annoying that it hangs over the MCs heads like the sword of Damocles for the ENTIRE story.
Another part of the plot is the evil Government types who are kidnapping shifters and experimenting on them. This plot will likely continue into the rest of the series. This all takes place in a world that is aware of shifters. They are treated with prejudice though.
All the characters are pretty formulaic. The evil gov types are OTT evil. Jaxon's family is kinda depressing. Bunch of gloomy guys. ALL THE SHIFTERS are hot (men and women) like models. I doubt I'll read more.
September 9, 2015
ARC received from author for review
Three sexy, shifter brothers...yum. Jaxson is not only a shifter but a former SEAL...double yum. There's lots of action, plus a great romance and steamy sex. The scene with her aunt and Jaxson reminds me a lot of the end of the Dark Alpha series.
Who is Agent Smith? What's Jace's curse? What happened to Jared? So many questions.
Three sexy, shifter brothers...yum. Jaxson is not only a shifter but a former SEAL...double yum. There's lots of action, plus a great romance and steamy sex. The scene with her aunt and Jaxson reminds me a lot of the end of the Dark Alpha series.
Who is Agent Smith? What's Jace's curse? What happened to Jared? So many questions.
August 18, 2020
4,5 stars - English Ebook - Riverside security series stand alone 🌹🦋🌹
Wanhoo it was making me blush. Security, Alpha, Military, witch, curse, magic, wolf-shifter. Al in one story. 🍀🦋🍀
Wanhoo it was making me blush. Security, Alpha, Military, witch, curse, magic, wolf-shifter. Al in one story. 🍀🦋🍀
August 21, 2016
3.5 "Spell Defying Love" Stars for the story and 4.5 Stars for the narration.
Reminiscent of a fairy tale like UF/PNR tale, Jaxon is an interesting, quick (just under 6 hours) tale. The debut of the River Pack Wolves Series appears to be laying down the framework for a band of shifter brothers who each have their own secret reasons for being unable to take on a mate and thus assume the alpha role for the pack, even as each book in the series tells the journey of how one brother finds his love match.
The underlying UF/PNR plot in Jaxson is fairly standard (shifters and witches that generally conform to many of the basic UF/PNR conventions we have become accustomed to in shifter/witch romances). In that regard, the witches are notorious for wanting to take on shifters as love slaves and thus feared and generally hated by the shifters--meanwhile a shifter's bite can be dangerous to a witch. Layered into this background relationship is a suspense conflict that evolves around an unknown threat against the shifters. Werewolves are slowly disappearing and the River Pack Wolves, who run a security firm, have been engaged to try and solve the threat.
Jaxson is presumed to be the only River Pack brother that can take on a mate and therefore is the current presiding alpha of the River Pack Wolves. Jaxson, however, is hiding a secret that he believes gives him at most one year to fulfill the political objectives he has for the pack since he can never mate.
It is with this backdrop in place that Jaxson meets Olivia Lilyfield, a woman he believes to be human, but who is hiding her own deep dark secrets. Jaxson doesn't understand why he has such a strong magnetic reaction to Olivia, but though he hires her under the guise of being his mate matchmaker (the person who is supposed to find Jaxson his mate), he can't help but feel the strongest attraction for Olivia. An attraction that Olivia feels just as keenly. But can there possibly be a HEA in the future for Jaxson and Olivia when secrets loom in the midst and danger lurks around the corner?
Enhancing the overall effect of the story is the well performed narration by Dougles Berger and Delisha Forest. Mr. Berger performs the chapters from Jaxson's perspective and Ms. Berger the ones from Olivia's. This style generally works well for this story giving the listener a clear differentiation between the POV being shared.
Mr. Berger and Ms. Forest are also generally adept at producing differentiated voices for each character, although Mr. Berger provides less differentiation among his characters, but nonetheless I had no trouble distinguishing the speaker in the dialogue scenes. Additionally, both narrators do a good job of acting out the mood of each scene.
Jaxson generally held my attention. Perhaps my only observation is that the romance between the hero and heroine had a bit of a love at first sight form of attraction to it. Given the natural animosity between wolves and witches--not to mention Jaxson's need to find a mate to remain as the alpha leader for his pack--I would have expected a little more conflict prior to the resolution on this point. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the fairy tale quality of the underlying UF/PNR suspense plot which held my attention throughout the entire listen.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Reminiscent of a fairy tale like UF/PNR tale, Jaxon is an interesting, quick (just under 6 hours) tale. The debut of the River Pack Wolves Series appears to be laying down the framework for a band of shifter brothers who each have their own secret reasons for being unable to take on a mate and thus assume the alpha role for the pack, even as each book in the series tells the journey of how one brother finds his love match.
The underlying UF/PNR plot in Jaxson is fairly standard (shifters and witches that generally conform to many of the basic UF/PNR conventions we have become accustomed to in shifter/witch romances). In that regard, the witches are notorious for wanting to take on shifters as love slaves and thus feared and generally hated by the shifters--meanwhile a shifter's bite can be dangerous to a witch. Layered into this background relationship is a suspense conflict that evolves around an unknown threat against the shifters. Werewolves are slowly disappearing and the River Pack Wolves, who run a security firm, have been engaged to try and solve the threat.
Jaxson is presumed to be the only River Pack brother that can take on a mate and therefore is the current presiding alpha of the River Pack Wolves. Jaxson, however, is hiding a secret that he believes gives him at most one year to fulfill the political objectives he has for the pack since he can never mate.
It is with this backdrop in place that Jaxson meets Olivia Lilyfield, a woman he believes to be human, but who is hiding her own deep dark secrets. Jaxson doesn't understand why he has such a strong magnetic reaction to Olivia, but though he hires her under the guise of being his mate matchmaker (the person who is supposed to find Jaxson his mate), he can't help but feel the strongest attraction for Olivia. An attraction that Olivia feels just as keenly. But can there possibly be a HEA in the future for Jaxson and Olivia when secrets loom in the midst and danger lurks around the corner?
Enhancing the overall effect of the story is the well performed narration by Dougles Berger and Delisha Forest. Mr. Berger performs the chapters from Jaxson's perspective and Ms. Berger the ones from Olivia's. This style generally works well for this story giving the listener a clear differentiation between the POV being shared.
Mr. Berger and Ms. Forest are also generally adept at producing differentiated voices for each character, although Mr. Berger provides less differentiation among his characters, but nonetheless I had no trouble distinguishing the speaker in the dialogue scenes. Additionally, both narrators do a good job of acting out the mood of each scene.
Jaxson generally held my attention. Perhaps my only observation is that the romance between the hero and heroine had a bit of a love at first sight form of attraction to it. Given the natural animosity between wolves and witches--not to mention Jaxson's need to find a mate to remain as the alpha leader for his pack--I would have expected a little more conflict prior to the resolution on this point. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the fairy tale quality of the underlying UF/PNR suspense plot which held my attention throughout the entire listen.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2015
It's a little different para workings than as per usual. So, it was nice to not have the same old same old worn out storyline.
The characters are likable enough.
The writing style is well enough, although I prefer first person. The sentences aren't overly fluffed! There are, however, times that the author gets a little to step-by-step in the action and planning sequences.
The romance is insta-love, but it's cute'c, HEA, standalone, lightening pace romance.. So I expected insta-love.
The suspense plot of kidnapped shifter is, I'm assuming, continued in future books since its left hanging at the end.
The future books feature secondary characters from this story.
Now that all ^that^ is out of the way, here's the problem....
The author doesn't follow through and resolve, cross her t's and dot her i's if you will, with secondary plot points that clearly will not be continued in the next books since they feature the intricacies of secondary characters and the continuation of main kidnapping plot.
Here's a few points in talking about....
The shifter females that were potential mates and the packs they are from? Were none of these bitches and their packs mad about our HEA? The author makes the dating of these women a plot point that takes up a lot of time... Ie the announcement of the dating and the importance of a mate that can secure an alliance. Yet, then the plot point just fades away like it never existed. Okay~ unresolved.
The witch aunt? She just walks away after not seeing her niece for years? No thank you for helping and saving my life? No future plans? Okay~ Unresolved!
Likewise, the evil witch responsible for the curse just gets an odd visit and what? Does nothing? Okay~?
The author also has a few problems with dots connecting. Mc is an orphan since she was preteen. The aunt clearly cares enough to help her NOW. So, why was mc in foster care? Why didn't her coven &/or her aunt take her? There's absolutely no explanation on why the aunt would allow her to go to foster care. I get why she needed to be in foster care for the plot line's purposes, but you (author) gotta make those dots connect. Give me a reason to back it up!
Bottom Line
It's a good effort. The author is creative and her writing (phrasing) style is easy to read and fall into. However, she needs to pay A LOT more attention to the details of her stories. I read this author's True Alpha series as well and found similar problems throughout that series. This author could seriously benefit from some good alpha and beta readers to help her plug up the holes and polish the container.
The characters are likable enough.
The writing style is well enough, although I prefer first person. The sentences aren't overly fluffed! There are, however, times that the author gets a little to step-by-step in the action and planning sequences.
The romance is insta-love, but it's cute'c, HEA, standalone, lightening pace romance.. So I expected insta-love.
The suspense plot of kidnapped shifter is, I'm assuming, continued in future books since its left hanging at the end.
The future books feature secondary characters from this story.
Now that all ^that^ is out of the way, here's the problem....
The author doesn't follow through and resolve, cross her t's and dot her i's if you will, with secondary plot points that clearly will not be continued in the next books since they feature the intricacies of secondary characters and the continuation of main kidnapping plot.
Here's a few points in talking about....
The shifter females that were potential mates and the packs they are from? Were none of these bitches and their packs mad about our HEA? The author makes the dating of these women a plot point that takes up a lot of time... Ie the announcement of the dating and the importance of a mate that can secure an alliance. Yet, then the plot point just fades away like it never existed. Okay~ unresolved.
The witch aunt? She just walks away after not seeing her niece for years? No thank you for helping and saving my life? No future plans? Okay~ Unresolved!
Likewise, the evil witch responsible for the curse just gets an odd visit and what? Does nothing? Okay~?
The author also has a few problems with dots connecting. Mc is an orphan since she was preteen. The aunt clearly cares enough to help her NOW. So, why was mc in foster care? Why didn't her coven &/or her aunt take her? There's absolutely no explanation on why the aunt would allow her to go to foster care. I get why she needed to be in foster care for the plot line's purposes, but you (author) gotta make those dots connect. Give me a reason to back it up!
Bottom Line
It's a good effort. The author is creative and her writing (phrasing) style is easy to read and fall into. However, she needs to pay A LOT more attention to the details of her stories. I read this author's True Alpha series as well and found similar problems throughout that series. This author could seriously benefit from some good alpha and beta readers to help her plug up the holes and polish the container.
December 21, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Jaxson, an ex navy seal and shifter, is the only one of the three brothers that is looked at as the alpha of the pack. Jaxson knows that he will need to take a mate, but Jaxson is keeping a deadly secret, one that could cost his future mate. But with the dangers to his pack, in an attempt to go undercover to discover the reason behind wolves going missing he is "rescued" by a woman with only a phone. So he ends up saving her and revealing himself and his true strength to the enemy. Olivia has just lost her job, refusing to go beneath her morals for a job. And even though she is struggling financially, she has to be true to herself. She never knew shifters until she met Jaxson who was sexy and so above her in looks and figure. But when he offers her a job, she can't refuse. But will her background ruin any chance she has with him?
The Hero
Jaxson, as a ex navy SEAL has his own demons that he deals with including a ex witch girlfriend who put a curse on him and ruined any chance he had of finding his true mate. But when Jaxson meets Olivia and rescues her his wolf is screaming at him to mate her. He knows that he will have to go with three woman who would bring a strong alliance to his pack despite what his wolf and his heart says. But Jaxson knows that his brothers won't be able to take over as alpha due to certain circumstances and that he will do what is necessary. Jaxson is a hero that I truly loved, definite book boyfriend material. He has a heart of pure gold, devoted and protective of his brothers and loyal to his pack.
The Heroine
Olivia is a half witch and left her heritage behind when she accidently killed her parents when she was a little girl and lost control over her gifts. She has blamed herself ever since and refuses to go near a coven or anything that would bring her back to that horrible time. Olivia is a journalist, but when her boss wants her to lossen her morals she quits. Olivia is a heroine you can stand behind. She is courageous and takes up Jaxson's offer to work for him. Her character is lively and caring, and I did like that even though she feels something for Jaxson, she wants what is best for him even if it means giving him up in the end.
Plot and Story Line
Jaxson, was a story I have been wanting to read for quite some time, and after reading some fabulous reviews I knew that I needed to pick this up. So when I saw that it was a freebie, I wanted to grab it up and I am so glad that I took a chance on this one. It was a fun and sexy shifter romance. It is in dual POV format, so we get to see both sides to the story which was lovely. I was very curious about the three brothers and the story does leave us with teasers about the two brothers here. Both are very mysterious and I can't wait to pick up their books because I love tortured brooding males.
So I was really impressed with how this author handled the romance. It takes on a bit of forbidden theme here, with our hero having to find a mate from other packs and our heroine being half witch. Now from what we gather the witch covens and wolf packs HATE each other. So there is definitely a conflict of interest here. The chemistry they have is powerful and it just sizzles off the pages but I liked that it doesn't overpower the actual love story here. We do some deep emotional development in their relationship and it was very curious to see the way their bond develops. I liked that as they start to build trust with each other, and communicate then that is where where their connection really gets good. I did find it curious the way our heroine deals with her being witch toward the end. Some surprises, thrilling excitement and sexy times to keep you wanting more.
The Cover
Oh I like this cover....the gold and brown colors are such a nice touch and I do like a nice male specimen that is pretty to look at. And the lettering fade effect is a nice touch.
Overall View
Jaxson is a exciting and mysterious romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.....THRILLING!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="24901"]
Summary
Jaxson, an ex navy seal and shifter, is the only one of the three brothers that is looked at as the alpha of the pack. Jaxson knows that he will need to take a mate, but Jaxson is keeping a deadly secret, one that could cost his future mate. But with the dangers to his pack, in an attempt to go undercover to discover the reason behind wolves going missing he is "rescued" by a woman with only a phone. So he ends up saving her and revealing himself and his true strength to the enemy. Olivia has just lost her job, refusing to go beneath her morals for a job. And even though she is struggling financially, she has to be true to herself. She never knew shifters until she met Jaxson who was sexy and so above her in looks and figure. But when he offers her a job, she can't refuse. But will her background ruin any chance she has with him?
The Hero
Jaxson, as a ex navy SEAL has his own demons that he deals with including a ex witch girlfriend who put a curse on him and ruined any chance he had of finding his true mate. But when Jaxson meets Olivia and rescues her his wolf is screaming at him to mate her. He knows that he will have to go with three woman who would bring a strong alliance to his pack despite what his wolf and his heart says. But Jaxson knows that his brothers won't be able to take over as alpha due to certain circumstances and that he will do what is necessary. Jaxson is a hero that I truly loved, definite book boyfriend material. He has a heart of pure gold, devoted and protective of his brothers and loyal to his pack.
The Heroine
Olivia is a half witch and left her heritage behind when she accidently killed her parents when she was a little girl and lost control over her gifts. She has blamed herself ever since and refuses to go near a coven or anything that would bring her back to that horrible time. Olivia is a journalist, but when her boss wants her to lossen her morals she quits. Olivia is a heroine you can stand behind. She is courageous and takes up Jaxson's offer to work for him. Her character is lively and caring, and I did like that even though she feels something for Jaxson, she wants what is best for him even if it means giving him up in the end.
Plot and Story Line
Jaxson, was a story I have been wanting to read for quite some time, and after reading some fabulous reviews I knew that I needed to pick this up. So when I saw that it was a freebie, I wanted to grab it up and I am so glad that I took a chance on this one. It was a fun and sexy shifter romance. It is in dual POV format, so we get to see both sides to the story which was lovely. I was very curious about the three brothers and the story does leave us with teasers about the two brothers here. Both are very mysterious and I can't wait to pick up their books because I love tortured brooding males.
So I was really impressed with how this author handled the romance. It takes on a bit of forbidden theme here, with our hero having to find a mate from other packs and our heroine being half witch. Now from what we gather the witch covens and wolf packs HATE each other. So there is definitely a conflict of interest here. The chemistry they have is powerful and it just sizzles off the pages but I liked that it doesn't overpower the actual love story here. We do some deep emotional development in their relationship and it was very curious to see the way their bond develops. I liked that as they start to build trust with each other, and communicate then that is where where their connection really gets good. I did find it curious the way our heroine deals with her being witch toward the end. Some surprises, thrilling excitement and sexy times to keep you wanting more.
The Cover
Oh I like this cover....the gold and brown colors are such a nice touch and I do like a nice male specimen that is pretty to look at. And the lettering fade effect is a nice touch.
Overall View
Jaxson is a exciting and mysterious romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.....THRILLING!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="24901"]
December 11, 2017
This was pretty good. It was quick. The hero was a good guy. The heroine was also a good chick. I enjoyed them together.
But the author rehashed a plot from one of her other series that I HATE. The heroine has to help the hero date other women to find a mare. While they are both attracted to each other. And he had kissed her. It ended up being very short lived so this did not kill the book for me.
BUT there was another major pet peeve. How do big strong manly men manage to always get attacked by the OW who manages to get her tongue down his throat while he is unable to fend her off? All while the heroine watches. AND I would never be putting my own tongue in his mouth not 5 mins later. Because my vagina took over my brain and took away all self esteem. So anyway, things like this take down scores.
All that being said I really liked Jaxson and Olivia and want to read the stories about the brothers.
September 24, 2015
A good start to the series
This was a fun shifter read. While it did have that "insta-love" feel to it, I still liked the characters and the plot was fast paced. I was also pleased to find this offered on kindleunlimited. It's likely I will continue this series.
This was a fun shifter read. While it did have that "insta-love" feel to it, I still liked the characters and the plot was fast paced. I was also pleased to find this offered on kindleunlimited. It's likely I will continue this series.
October 24, 2020
Eh. This was an okay audiobook to listen to but I didn't really feel anything good or bad about it. It was nice enough to listen to in the background but it's not going to make a lasting impression on me. Ask me in a few days what the plot was and I'm probably going to shrug and move on. I mean, werewolves... "romance"... sex... and there you go xD I didn't feel like there was a plot at least for the first half of the book until the male character told her about the curse that was placed on him. Even then I wasn't really invested.
April 30, 2020
My Disclaimer: I was provided a free ecopy of this book by subscribing to the author’s newsletter. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: 4-Stars
This book was a very pleasant surprise. It is well-written with well-developed characters and a pretty good storyline. There is violence in it, but there always is with shifters. And there is some pretty hot sex in it. For which the author includes a warning that you should be over 18 to read her book. I always think that’s a nice touch by an author. I’d rather be warned than be surprised by sex that’s more graphic than what I’m prepared for. Though what’s here between Jaxson and Olivia isn’t overly graphic, it’s just hot and steamy! They’re a couple that clicks from the first glance in the alley.
They are both trying to accomplish something with their lives. Neither one feels like they’re getting anywhere with that. Then one dark secret is used to solve another dark secret and the world is a much better place for both of them. It just isn’t easy to get there. The pace keeps you hopping right up to the very end.
But there are two more brothers here, so there are two more books in the works. Hope they’re as good as this one is! Try it, you’ll like it!
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: 4-Stars
This book was a very pleasant surprise. It is well-written with well-developed characters and a pretty good storyline. There is violence in it, but there always is with shifters. And there is some pretty hot sex in it. For which the author includes a warning that you should be over 18 to read her book. I always think that’s a nice touch by an author. I’d rather be warned than be surprised by sex that’s more graphic than what I’m prepared for. Though what’s here between Jaxson and Olivia isn’t overly graphic, it’s just hot and steamy! They’re a couple that clicks from the first glance in the alley.
They are both trying to accomplish something with their lives. Neither one feels like they’re getting anywhere with that. Then one dark secret is used to solve another dark secret and the world is a much better place for both of them. It just isn’t easy to get there. The pace keeps you hopping right up to the very end.
But there are two more brothers here, so there are two more books in the works. Hope they’re as good as this one is! Try it, you’ll like it!
August 17, 2016
I listened to this for an audio review - it was pretty good - I'd give it a B-
Full review coming
Full review coming
September 9, 2021
Olivia doesn't love her job as a reporter for a sleazy celebrity stalking paper but it's paying the bills for the most part and with her so far behind on the bills after a set of bad occurrences happened including getting hacked, she can't afford to drop this job. But that's exactly what she does and on her way home she spots a couple of guys torturing an animal, before she can think about what she's doing, she tries saving the animal from more abuse.
Except the wolf wasn't just a wolf, it was a shifter. Once the bad men ran off the animal shifted and thanked her for trying to save him.
Jaxson had sent Olivia off after she tried to save him. He hasn't had much luck getting her out of his mind since then but since he was the alpha of the River Pack, he had a lot on his plate to keep himself busy.
Jaxson needs an an office assistant and Olivia needs a job so they come to an agreement and since they both seem to have the hots for one another it works out well for both of them.
Shifters are going missing and Jaxson and his wolves are trying to figure out who is behind it. So when another shifter goes missing he and the other wolves go out to find her and that's when a lot of things start happening fast. This story is filled with secrets, twists and so many hot male wolf shifters that seem to be keeping secrets of their own. The three brother's all seem to have some deep dark secret of their own and I'm looking forward to finding out what they are.
Except the wolf wasn't just a wolf, it was a shifter. Once the bad men ran off the animal shifted and thanked her for trying to save him.
Jaxson had sent Olivia off after she tried to save him. He hasn't had much luck getting her out of his mind since then but since he was the alpha of the River Pack, he had a lot on his plate to keep himself busy.
Jaxson needs an an office assistant and Olivia needs a job so they come to an agreement and since they both seem to have the hots for one another it works out well for both of them.
Shifters are going missing and Jaxson and his wolves are trying to figure out who is behind it. So when another shifter goes missing he and the other wolves go out to find her and that's when a lot of things start happening fast. This story is filled with secrets, twists and so many hot male wolf shifters that seem to be keeping secrets of their own. The three brother's all seem to have some deep dark secret of their own and I'm looking forward to finding out what they are.
July 3, 2016
Jaxson is a great start of a new series. I was in the mood for a good paranormal romance and that's exactly what I got. Jaxson starts off as a typical paranormal romance, but slowly more original touches got added and by the end I was really enjoying this book. Both main characters have a secret that adds something interesting to the story. This is mostly a paranormal romance, there is a bit of a suspense/ military plot line that's set-up here, but doesn't get resolved. So my guess is the next two books continue that plot line. The plot is on the faster side, but never feels rushed.
From the moment Olivia resigned her current job because she wouldn't do the type of work her boss wanted her to do, I knew I was going to like her. Then in the next moment she puts herself in danger to help a shifter. Olivia came across as a very kind person and only towards the end of the book I fully understood how much she would do for those she cared about. She carries a heavy burden with her, does everything to help others in need and can easily calm people down. I liked her as a character, although I did feel sad how she thought Jaxson deserved someone better and couldn't possible want her.
Jaxson has a secret he never told anyone and he knows he doesn't have long before the truth comes to light. While he's investigating some shady business he runs into Olivia who tries to save him and he immediately falls for her. He's your typical alpha male, but also respected Olivia. Which I liked. He really cares about Olivia and does his best to show her she's worth it. He also fairly quickly tells her his secret so she can help him keep it a secret from the pack a bit longer. I wasn't a big fan of the trying to find a mate for Jaxson plot line, as it was obvious the one helping him with that is the women he really wants.
The romance develops pretty quickly, they go from strangers to in lust pretty fast, but I still felt their connection and I liked these two together. Especially towards the end there are some really heartfelt scenes between these two and they were great together. I really liked seeing how much these two cared for each other and I liked seeing the changes into them because of that.
The side characters where all pretty interesting as well, most stays to the background. But we learn enough about Jace and Jared to make me curious about their stories. We also meet some of the Wilding pack members, who will have their own spin-off series. I really liked meeting those characters already and it made me wonder what more we'll see of them in later books.
The world building stays pretty low key in this book, most of the focus being on the plot and the romance. The world building that was presented was interesting. I liked how werewolves didn't seem to live in the shadows too much and the public knew about them, but they still stayed in the shadows mostly and didn't reveal they were shifters too everyone. There are also some hints about other paranormal creatures. I had hoped to get more of the pack feel, but there are only a few scenes were we see more of the pack and those are mostly the suspense type of scenes and one towards the end.
To conclude: this is a great and solid start to this paranormal romance series. It started off as a just okay read, but I ended up really enjoying it. Olivia and Jaxson are both great characters and they both have a secret that added something interesting to the mix. The romance did moved ahead a bit fast, but I did like these tow together and it's obvious how much they care about each other. We also meet the next main characters Jace and Jarod and I am curious about their stories. The world building stays to the sidelines, but there's enough to get a bit of a feel for the world and how the pack works.
From the moment Olivia resigned her current job because she wouldn't do the type of work her boss wanted her to do, I knew I was going to like her. Then in the next moment she puts herself in danger to help a shifter. Olivia came across as a very kind person and only towards the end of the book I fully understood how much she would do for those she cared about. She carries a heavy burden with her, does everything to help others in need and can easily calm people down. I liked her as a character, although I did feel sad how she thought Jaxson deserved someone better and couldn't possible want her.
Jaxson has a secret he never told anyone and he knows he doesn't have long before the truth comes to light. While he's investigating some shady business he runs into Olivia who tries to save him and he immediately falls for her. He's your typical alpha male, but also respected Olivia. Which I liked. He really cares about Olivia and does his best to show her she's worth it. He also fairly quickly tells her his secret so she can help him keep it a secret from the pack a bit longer. I wasn't a big fan of the trying to find a mate for Jaxson plot line, as it was obvious the one helping him with that is the women he really wants.
The romance develops pretty quickly, they go from strangers to in lust pretty fast, but I still felt their connection and I liked these two together. Especially towards the end there are some really heartfelt scenes between these two and they were great together. I really liked seeing how much these two cared for each other and I liked seeing the changes into them because of that.
The side characters where all pretty interesting as well, most stays to the background. But we learn enough about Jace and Jared to make me curious about their stories. We also meet some of the Wilding pack members, who will have their own spin-off series. I really liked meeting those characters already and it made me wonder what more we'll see of them in later books.
The world building stays pretty low key in this book, most of the focus being on the plot and the romance. The world building that was presented was interesting. I liked how werewolves didn't seem to live in the shadows too much and the public knew about them, but they still stayed in the shadows mostly and didn't reveal they were shifters too everyone. There are also some hints about other paranormal creatures. I had hoped to get more of the pack feel, but there are only a few scenes were we see more of the pack and those are mostly the suspense type of scenes and one towards the end.
To conclude: this is a great and solid start to this paranormal romance series. It started off as a just okay read, but I ended up really enjoying it. Olivia and Jaxson are both great characters and they both have a secret that added something interesting to the mix. The romance did moved ahead a bit fast, but I did like these tow together and it's obvious how much they care about each other. We also meet the next main characters Jace and Jarod and I am curious about their stories. The world building stays to the sidelines, but there's enough to get a bit of a feel for the world and how the pack works.
August 30, 2016
(RabidReads.com)The more I listen to books, the more I fall in love with listening instead of reading. So when I was able to get this book on audio-even though I already had bought the book-I pretty much jumped at the chance. I received this from Listen Up in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Olivia Lilyfield is a young woman trying to make her own way in Seattle after being orphaned at twelve. She’s gone through a bunch of bad jobs and has just walked out of her latest catastrophe of a job, when she witnesses a wolf being tortured in an alley. She knows it’s a shifter from it’s size, but still does what she can to stop the abuse. She then meets the most handsome man she’s ever seen in her life. Jaxson River is immediately drawn to Olivia, to the point that he asks her if she is a shifter. She’s not. Not only is she not a shifter, but what half of her is, is a shifter’s enemy-a witch. So no, she doesn’t tell him that part. Long story short, she ends up working for his security company as an office assistant.
Olivia just wants to be normal and she’s not. But she keeps the witch side hidden and absolutely doesn’t ever practice. She’s feisty and curvy instead of thin, and doesn’t think that Jaxson would ever look at her twice. That couldn’t be further from the truth. However, as the alpha of his pack, it’s up to him to mate with a shifter, preferably one from another pack so an alliance can be built. He’s also got a secret, one that will keep him from ever being able to mate.
This ended up being not only a romance, but an exciting adventure as well. Kind of a Special Ops type book due to shifters being kidnapped by a secret group. We meet Jaxson’s two brothers, and they are all involved in trying to find a little shifter girl that has been taken. Before it’s over with, there’s plenty of suspense, action, and scary moments for all. Olivia is not the sort of heroine to get out into that kind of action. So if you are looking for a heroine that is kick butt, that’s not Olivia. But still, I liked her and she ended up redeeming herself in other ways-actually in a big way.
Narration? Douglas Berger and Delisha Forest handled the job effortlessly and with enough passion that I was able to lose myself to the story and not continuously pick apart the narration that sometimes happens with me. Especially on Delisha Forest’s part. As far as Douglas Berger, he had lots of different male voices he had to narrate, and I thought for the most part that he differentiated them well, although some of the lesser characters weren’t quite as well done. But then they didn’t have that much to say, so it would have been harder to characterize their voices with little to no background as far as accents, etc, given. But none of that really mattered as I was totally immersed into the story as only good narrators can make happen.
Wolf shifters, romance, action, and even a couple of witches, combined to make for a story that I actually enjoyed quite a bit. Fast paced, with plenty of sexy times for a just under 6 hour listen, made me stick with it pretty much non-stop once started. I recommend this to adult paranormal romance fans, especially ones that enjoy a danger/action element to their listens/reads. I look forward to continue on with the series eventually.
Olivia Lilyfield is a young woman trying to make her own way in Seattle after being orphaned at twelve. She’s gone through a bunch of bad jobs and has just walked out of her latest catastrophe of a job, when she witnesses a wolf being tortured in an alley. She knows it’s a shifter from it’s size, but still does what she can to stop the abuse. She then meets the most handsome man she’s ever seen in her life. Jaxson River is immediately drawn to Olivia, to the point that he asks her if she is a shifter. She’s not. Not only is she not a shifter, but what half of her is, is a shifter’s enemy-a witch. So no, she doesn’t tell him that part. Long story short, she ends up working for his security company as an office assistant.
Olivia just wants to be normal and she’s not. But she keeps the witch side hidden and absolutely doesn’t ever practice. She’s feisty and curvy instead of thin, and doesn’t think that Jaxson would ever look at her twice. That couldn’t be further from the truth. However, as the alpha of his pack, it’s up to him to mate with a shifter, preferably one from another pack so an alliance can be built. He’s also got a secret, one that will keep him from ever being able to mate.
This ended up being not only a romance, but an exciting adventure as well. Kind of a Special Ops type book due to shifters being kidnapped by a secret group. We meet Jaxson’s two brothers, and they are all involved in trying to find a little shifter girl that has been taken. Before it’s over with, there’s plenty of suspense, action, and scary moments for all. Olivia is not the sort of heroine to get out into that kind of action. So if you are looking for a heroine that is kick butt, that’s not Olivia. But still, I liked her and she ended up redeeming herself in other ways-actually in a big way.
Narration? Douglas Berger and Delisha Forest handled the job effortlessly and with enough passion that I was able to lose myself to the story and not continuously pick apart the narration that sometimes happens with me. Especially on Delisha Forest’s part. As far as Douglas Berger, he had lots of different male voices he had to narrate, and I thought for the most part that he differentiated them well, although some of the lesser characters weren’t quite as well done. But then they didn’t have that much to say, so it would have been harder to characterize their voices with little to no background as far as accents, etc, given. But none of that really mattered as I was totally immersed into the story as only good narrators can make happen.
Wolf shifters, romance, action, and even a couple of witches, combined to make for a story that I actually enjoyed quite a bit. Fast paced, with plenty of sexy times for a just under 6 hour listen, made me stick with it pretty much non-stop once started. I recommend this to adult paranormal romance fans, especially ones that enjoy a danger/action element to their listens/reads. I look forward to continue on with the series eventually.
October 15, 2018
Jaxson
Sexy, short read with wolf shifters and a few witches. Not a lot of angst or communication issues. I prefer external conflict in place of unnecessary drama and this series doesn't waste time with ridiculous drama.
Sexy, short read with wolf shifters and a few witches. Not a lot of angst or communication issues. I prefer external conflict in place of unnecessary drama and this series doesn't waste time with ridiculous drama.
December 9, 2015
3.5 Stars
Fun, quick read.
Fun, quick read.
Want to read
October 15, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/15/2019)! 🎁
December 27, 2023
NB: As a general comment, here is a link to a more general complaint of mine regarding romance novels (this novel was cited as an example of the problems I discuss in my complaint).
Honestly, this one was really, really disappointing.
To be honest, the word that comes to mind, when I think of this book, is 'stinker'.
Why?
Good points:
Characters: The characters were somewhat likeable, at least initially. I liked the fact that the main male character was trying to save his people, who were in the middle of a covert war (i.e. against a mysterious group of people who seemed to be abducting shifters). I could respect the fact that he was keeping secrets (i.e. his inability to take a mate for magical reasons, which is explained in the book) in order to try to keep his people unified in their fight against their new enemy. I could also understand Olivia's (i.e. main female character) reasons for hiding away and being afraid of her power.
World building: Some interesting elements of world building were introduced in the story and, quite honestly, it was mostly those elements which kept me reading until the end (more on this later). For example, the story of witches misusing their powers and seeking greater power by killing shifters was very interesting. The hate between the two 'races' (i.e. witches and shifters) was an interesting story element. The importance of the bond between an alpha and his mate did provide a useful 'anchor' for the story, in that it explained to the reader WHY the search for a mate was so important to shifters (i.e. it was explained that the bond between the alpha and their mate created magic that helped strengthen the entire pack and their bond to each other).
Plot: The plot moved along pretty quickly, but this was also a bit problematic (more below).
Bad points/constructive criticism:
Characters: I have to wonder why so many of the books written about magical, fictional shifter characters have to be massively and enduringly sexist. (That last one I linked to is a particular doozy of a sexism-fest, btw.)
...I'm also really not an expert and I haven't conducted a review of this scientific literature by any means, but here is an interesting discussion (not written by me) of wolf behavior, discussing the notion that the concept of the male 'alpha' wolf as lord of all he surveys may not be accurate. (See also here, for a reference to (and summary of) a scientific article on leadership behavior in wolves.)
(I actually took a course in animal behavior a while back and it was really really interesting, including the discussion we had in class about how human prejudices have often shaped our interpretation of animal behavior over the years.)
In light of the idea that the popular conception of wolf (i.e. Canis lupus) behavior in the wild may well be tainted by our own misogynistic worldview, perhaps we could all do women a solid and stop with the bullshit in werewolf/shifter books? Because seriously, if I read another were-whatever novel where the woman/female shifter has to be saved by the male, exists merely to engage in a 'fated to be mated' scenario with the male protagonist in which she has little to no say, and does fuck all otherwise, I swear I'm gonna have to buy myself a punching bag. Or a vomit-bag. Or maybe take time off to schedule an epileptic fit?
And that doesn't even touch the notion of consent in these books. So many rapey tropes, so little time.
(...I think at some point I should write a treatise on the notion of fated mates and how in and of itself this trope can be problematic: what does this mean in the context of today? Is this yet another literary (note that I use the term loosely here) context where consent becomes fuzzy?)
What's even more mind boggling to me is that so many of these crap books are written by WOMEN.
WTF ladies? /rant
Anyways, this was yet another book where the 'fated mates' angle was evident.
To conclude on our characters, one problem with this book was a relative lack of character exploration. In other words, the two main characters' motivations were explored only as far was was needed to get them bumping uglies, and then that was pretty much it. The ONLY characters who received any attention and development were the two main characters: Jaxson's (i.e. male main character) two brothers apparently are 'wounded souls' but why is never explained. Olivia's aunt makes an appearance, but her character is never developed much -all we seem to learn about her is that she is a witch who is part of a local coven and that she somehow left her niece to be raised by the foster care system. Yet we are supposed to believe she cares about said niece, which makes no sense as this is not *explained*, other than to state that Olivia/her niece wanted it that way (i.e. wanted to be left alone), which makes no sense since said niece was a child at the time. Other secondary characters also appear (e.g. some potential female mates for Jaxson) yet their personalities and quirks are never detailed either, except to say that one was a lawyer with an MBA who was horribly boring/staid and the other an artsy type. There is also an evil witch who cursed an important character, who is basically just shown to be evil.
I kid you not, that was the extent of the characterization in this book.
World building: As I stated above, some interesting tidbits were put forth (e.g. witches and wolf shifters being long enemies because of witches' evil actions) but nothing is ever really detailed.
For example, it seems as though many people may know that shifters exist, but it's never made clear whether this is general knowledge in the human population. How witches came to exploit innate shifter magic and whether there are witches who are not evil is never really explained (the fact that the main character and her aunt help Jaxson evidently suggests there probably are, but how widespread these 'white' witches are as opposed to the evil ones is not explained). Apparently 'mating' formally in shifter circles involves the female wolf getting bitten by the male wolf, which has something to do with their innate magic, but this was not detailed a whole lot either.
Whether other supernatural races exist in this world/universe is not stated. Some information is provided suggesting that special units in (or at least under the purview of) the U.S. military may have been created using shifters... however how shifters interact with the human government was never made clear. Whether other shifter races exist was never really detailed (i.e. was it only wolves)?
...I could go on here, but I think you get the picture.
Plot: Basically, this consisted entirely of the two main characters lusting after each other and sexing each other, aside from a few moments where the reader is shown that SOMEONE is kidnapping shifters.
...WHY shifters are being kidnapped and who is kidnapping them is never explained, if you can believe that (presumably finding out would involve reading the next 10 books in this crap series).
The rest of the series consists of essentially cardboard cutout characters (i.e. see above about characterization in this book) getting kidnapped by equally cardboard cutout bad guys (see above about the lack of explanation of why anyone would do this).
All in all, I'd suggest not bothering with this one.
Honestly, this one was really, really disappointing.
To be honest, the word that comes to mind, when I think of this book, is 'stinker'.
Why?
Good points:
Characters: The characters were somewhat likeable, at least initially. I liked the fact that the main male character was trying to save his people, who were in the middle of a covert war (i.e. against a mysterious group of people who seemed to be abducting shifters). I could respect the fact that he was keeping secrets (i.e. his inability to take a mate for magical reasons, which is explained in the book) in order to try to keep his people unified in their fight against their new enemy. I could also understand Olivia's (i.e. main female character) reasons for hiding away and being afraid of her power.
World building: Some interesting elements of world building were introduced in the story and, quite honestly, it was mostly those elements which kept me reading until the end (more on this later). For example, the story of witches misusing their powers and seeking greater power by killing shifters was very interesting. The hate between the two 'races' (i.e. witches and shifters) was an interesting story element. The importance of the bond between an alpha and his mate did provide a useful 'anchor' for the story, in that it explained to the reader WHY the search for a mate was so important to shifters (i.e. it was explained that the bond between the alpha and their mate created magic that helped strengthen the entire pack and their bond to each other).
Plot: The plot moved along pretty quickly, but this was also a bit problematic (more below).
Bad points/constructive criticism:
Characters: I have to wonder why so many of the books written about magical, fictional shifter characters have to be massively and enduringly sexist. (That last one I linked to is a particular doozy of a sexism-fest, btw.)
...I'm also really not an expert and I haven't conducted a review of this scientific literature by any means, but here is an interesting discussion (not written by me) of wolf behavior, discussing the notion that the concept of the male 'alpha' wolf as lord of all he surveys may not be accurate. (See also here, for a reference to (and summary of) a scientific article on leadership behavior in wolves.)
(I actually took a course in animal behavior a while back and it was really really interesting, including the discussion we had in class about how human prejudices have often shaped our interpretation of animal behavior over the years.)
In light of the idea that the popular conception of wolf (i.e. Canis lupus) behavior in the wild may well be tainted by our own misogynistic worldview, perhaps we could all do women a solid and stop with the bullshit in werewolf/shifter books? Because seriously, if I read another were-whatever novel where the woman/female shifter has to be saved by the male, exists merely to engage in a 'fated to be mated' scenario with the male protagonist in which she has little to no say, and does fuck all otherwise, I swear I'm gonna have to buy myself a punching bag. Or a vomit-bag. Or maybe take time off to schedule an epileptic fit?
And that doesn't even touch the notion of consent in these books. So many rapey tropes, so little time.
(...I think at some point I should write a treatise on the notion of fated mates and how in and of itself this trope can be problematic: what does this mean in the context of today? Is this yet another literary (note that I use the term loosely here) context where consent becomes fuzzy?)
What's even more mind boggling to me is that so many of these crap books are written by WOMEN.
WTF ladies? /rant
Anyways, this was yet another book where the 'fated mates' angle was evident.
To conclude on our characters, one problem with this book was a relative lack of character exploration. In other words, the two main characters' motivations were explored only as far was was needed to get them bumping uglies, and then that was pretty much it. The ONLY characters who received any attention and development were the two main characters: Jaxson's (i.e. male main character) two brothers apparently are 'wounded souls' but why is never explained. Olivia's aunt makes an appearance, but her character is never developed much -all we seem to learn about her is that she is a witch who is part of a local coven and that she somehow left her niece to be raised by the foster care system. Yet we are supposed to believe she cares about said niece, which makes no sense as this is not *explained*, other than to state that Olivia/her niece wanted it that way (i.e. wanted to be left alone), which makes no sense since said niece was a child at the time. Other secondary characters also appear (e.g. some potential female mates for Jaxson) yet their personalities and quirks are never detailed either, except to say that one was a lawyer with an MBA who was horribly boring/staid and the other an artsy type. There is also an evil witch who cursed an important character, who is basically just shown to be evil.
I kid you not, that was the extent of the characterization in this book.
World building: As I stated above, some interesting tidbits were put forth (e.g. witches and wolf shifters being long enemies because of witches' evil actions) but nothing is ever really detailed.
For example, it seems as though many people may know that shifters exist, but it's never made clear whether this is general knowledge in the human population. How witches came to exploit innate shifter magic and whether there are witches who are not evil is never really explained (the fact that the main character and her aunt help Jaxson evidently suggests there probably are, but how widespread these 'white' witches are as opposed to the evil ones is not explained). Apparently 'mating' formally in shifter circles involves the female wolf getting bitten by the male wolf, which has something to do with their innate magic, but this was not detailed a whole lot either.
Whether other supernatural races exist in this world/universe is not stated. Some information is provided suggesting that special units in (or at least under the purview of) the U.S. military may have been created using shifters... however how shifters interact with the human government was never made clear. Whether other shifter races exist was never really detailed (i.e. was it only wolves)?
...I could go on here, but I think you get the picture.
Plot: Basically, this consisted entirely of the two main characters lusting after each other and sexing each other, aside from a few moments where the reader is shown that SOMEONE is kidnapping shifters.
...WHY shifters are being kidnapped and who is kidnapping them is never explained, if you can believe that (presumably finding out would involve reading the next 10 books in this crap series).
The rest of the series consists of essentially cardboard cutout characters (i.e. see above about characterization in this book) getting kidnapped by equally cardboard cutout bad guys (see above about the lack of explanation of why anyone would do this).
All in all, I'd suggest not bothering with this one.
October 2, 2019
I am always looking for a good shifter book.
This series is going to be about these three brothers. I really enjoyed Jaxson’s story.
I like that humans know about shifters it really saved a lot of world-building for the reader and the shock that the heroine would get when she finds out the man she falls for isn’t human. ;) So yay for not having to go through all that.
I am not much of a witch person but I liked how it was woven into this story it was subtle and worked.
Olivia seems kind of meekish but she will show you her backbone and I liked that. She is stronger than you think. The interactions with her and her aunt will show you that.
I am intrigued by the other two brothers. This book had the romance element but I was missing the chemistry the underlying sexual tension.
Still, it was a good story. And the narration was good.
This series is going to be about these three brothers. I really enjoyed Jaxson’s story.
I like that humans know about shifters it really saved a lot of world-building for the reader and the shock that the heroine would get when she finds out the man she falls for isn’t human. ;) So yay for not having to go through all that.
I am not much of a witch person but I liked how it was woven into this story it was subtle and worked.
Olivia seems kind of meekish but she will show you her backbone and I liked that. She is stronger than you think. The interactions with her and her aunt will show you that.
I am intrigued by the other two brothers. This book had the romance element but I was missing the chemistry the underlying sexual tension.
Still, it was a good story. And the narration was good.
April 10, 2021
When Olivia accidentally interferes in security specialist Jaxson's werewolf-trafficking sting operation, sparks fly. He offers her a job to keep her near him, even though he's supposed to be marrying a werewolf woman from another pack. However, he's cursed, and Olivia just might have the key to saving him.
In most supernatural universes, the different supernatural characters more or less get along. Not s for Woods' Riverwise Private Security series, where witches and werewolves are mortal enemies. Which makes it difficult for Olivia, who's actually half witch (and half-human). Her plan to save him is foolish, but they both show the power of true love in saving each other.
In most supernatural universes, the different supernatural characters more or less get along. Not s for Woods' Riverwise Private Security series, where witches and werewolves are mortal enemies. Which makes it difficult for Olivia, who's actually half witch (and half-human). Her plan to save him is foolish, but they both show the power of true love in saving each other.
October 10, 2017
This is probably one of those guilty pleasure romances that is enjoyable for all the right and wrong reasons. This book has it's fair share of cliches and tropes and logic holes, but the characters are lovely, the romance was just the right amount of angsty and sweet, and most importantly, I was entertained, and I liked it.
Possible full review to come... maybe.
Possible full review to come... maybe.
November 13, 2018
A good read. It was a quick and fast pace story with plenty of action, drama and romance with some hot sex scenes. Jaxson and Olivia are a great couple and I loved getting to know them. I love the way they balanced each other out.
Rating: R+ (language and sexual content, some violence)
Language: profanity and use of deity throughout the book
Recommend: Yes
Rating: R+ (language and sexual content, some violence)
Language: profanity and use of deity throughout the book
Recommend: Yes
June 12, 2017
It could have been a lot better. The seeds of a good book were there, I think, but there was too much insta-love, too much angst, too many secrets. And too much sex (I can't believe I am saying that).
August 26, 2020
In reality, this is a 2.5 🌟 for me.
I didn't totally dislike it, but then again, I didn't like it either.
I didn't totally dislike it, but then again, I didn't like it either.
February 3, 2016
Too much plot for such a little book. Readable of course or I wouldn't have kept going but severely depleted when it comes to development. The main characters are pretty one-dimensional when they start and nothing much changes throughout the story. The sexual chemistry is all they really have together and I'm not entirely convinced of that either because I certainly didn't feel it while I was reading this. I also wasn't impressed by the way Olivia "solved" Jaxson's curse problem. Highly theatrical and little substance to it all. In fact, I wasn't impressed by anything really. I find myself a little curious about what the other brothers are hiding but even that is not enough to lure me back to this series. Not happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2018
This is an enjoyable, fast paced shifter story with great duel narrators. It has an interesting storyline and likeable characters that all have dark secrets. There is intrigue, sacrifice, steaminess, romance and action in this entertaining audiobook. The narrators did excellent jobs, suiting the characters well and both adding to the enjoyment of the story. Jaxson is the pack alpha, he is strong, sexy and determined, and the chemistry between him and Olivia is great. I loved Olivia’s character, she is brave, kind and giving. She is scarred by her past and hides from her heritage. Jaxson’s two brothers are both intriguing characters and I look forward to hearing their stories in future audiobooks. This is a fun, easy listening audiobook and a great start to the series.
September 6, 2015
I received an advanced review copy from the author for a honest review.
More, more, more... Ms. Woods always leaves me wanting more!!
This is a fast paced wolfy novel that doesn't disappoint. You'll fall in love with all the wonderful characters, even those sneaky witches. The mystery surrounding each of their ailments definitely kept me interested.
I'd love to read about Jaxson's pups!!! What will their magic really be like???
Jace... I really don't know what to think about him.
Jared... what happened to his mate?!?!
Can't wait for more!!
More, more, more... Ms. Woods always leaves me wanting more!!
This is a fast paced wolfy novel that doesn't disappoint. You'll fall in love with all the wonderful characters, even those sneaky witches. The mystery surrounding each of their ailments definitely kept me interested.
I'd love to read about Jaxson's pups!!! What will their magic really be like???
Jace... I really don't know what to think about him.
Jared... what happened to his mate?!?!
Can't wait for more!!
August 14, 2016
Witch and Wolf Love
For about fifty percent of it the story was good. Then we got to the meat of the problems and it still held tight. My only problem was the alpha really let too much happen without stopping it. Not a bad read all together. I might continue the series.
For about fifty percent of it the story was good. Then we got to the meat of the problems and it still held tight. My only problem was the alpha really let too much happen without stopping it. Not a bad read all together. I might continue the series.
March 1, 2018
I thought this was cute. Definitely insta-love. Pretty predictable but I liked the characters, especially Jared. I am looking forward to the rest of the stories. The pace was quick, no wasted dialogue or gratuitous sex just for the sex of adding more sex scenes.
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