Heart of the Highland Wolf by Terry Spear

Summary: Ian McNeill, laird of Argent Castle finds his capital squandered through unwise investments and the wolf clan's home that has been theirs for centuries is in danger of being forfeit for nonpayment of taxes. When a movie producer contacts him with the notion of using his castle to produce a movie, Ian abhores the idea, but it's his only salvation. Even worse, his people become extras in this epic Highland movie. But when one American werewolf romance author, Julia Wildthorn, slips into the castle under the guise of being with the movie company, except she is trying to jumpstart her muse with writing a book set in old-world Scotland--specifically about his castle and his people as the characters in her newest book venture--she and Ian tangle.

Review: I was a little nervous starting this book because none of these characters are familiar. At least with past books there is at least 1 or 2 characters that you have previously read about and gotten a bit used to. I've heard Julia's name mentioned some, but I didn't know how she was as a character. When am I going to learn to trust in my authors? Julia was fun to read even though I don't think she is an alpha. Ian was incredibly dreamy. I couldn't get the Scottish accent right in my head because I hardly ever hear it. He isn't nearly as awesome as Dev, but he was still great. Flynn might have been my favorite character. I think he redeems from his past in this book. The story was great. I knew Julia was an author so I couldn't figure out why she would be trying to steal something, but then you get to the meat of this story. As usual, Terry packs the last couple of chapters full of awesomeness. This is a solid addition to Terry's werewolf series. Really guys. If you haven't tried this series yet I completely recommend it.

4 howls

Wolf Fever by Terry Spear

Summary: Fate turned nurse Carol Woods into a wolf, but she refuses to let being alupus garou define her life. Ordered by her pack leader to find a mate and commit to shifting, there is only one gray wolf that catches Carol's interest; but Chaz McKinley makes it very clear that unless she's willing to accept what she is, he wants nothing to do with her. When a virus outbreak leaves local pack members trapped in their wolf form, will Chaz and Carol learn to trust each other before it's too late for the pack and their one chance at true love?

Review: I had low expectations about this book to be honest with you. Not because I was tired of Terry's writing. Gosh of course not. I thought Carol would annoy me though. "I don't want to be a werewolf" blah blah blah. Yeah I assumed she was going to whine about that through the entire book. Luckily, Terry proved what an amazing writer she is as she proved me very wrong. I didn't like this book as much as Seduced, but it came pretty close. Ryan was all kinds of fun to read about, and Carol wasn't a pain like I thought she would be. Actually her not wanting to be a werewolf was a more minor detail compared to that of the illness that was spreading to the wolves. It was fun getting to know Carol a bit better. She's a very interesting character. I'm not going to elaborate on this next bit for those who haven't read this book yet, but Terry literally waits until the last minute in this book. I was getting a bit nervous at the end there. I want Rosalind to have a book soon. I don't know if that will happen or not, but I think she would be a fun read, and that way Ryan can pay her back and give her the same crap she gave him.

4.5 howls

Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear

Summary: Fascinating aspects of real-life wolf behavior based on extensive research on how wolves live in the wild make Terry Spear's werewolf paranormal series stand out and attract a growing audience. The fifth in the series features heroine Cassie Roux, a biologist who has studied wolves for years, trying to prove to the world they're not evil predators. A red lupus garou (werewolf), who lost her pack and was raised by real wolves, she has dedicated her life to their preservation. Leidolf Wildhaven is a red lupus garou pack leader who has more troubles than he ever thought possible, what with running a pack, a ranch, and other businesses. When Cassie—a rare red female— is spotted in his territory, Leidolf figures he's found the answer to his pack's threatened extinction. Only the headstrong woman has other priorities…

Review: I flipping loved this book. I wasn't sure how I would feel about Leidolf's book because I wasn't sure if I really liked his character or not. He was an absolute delight to read. He wasn't too bad as far as alphas go, and let's talk about Cassie for a minute. She was such fun to read. I loved her attitude and the way she handled Leidolf was hilarious. I was actually surprised that I didn't get bored with the beginning of the story because it's Cassie trying to run from Leidolf, but I thought it was done very well and it wasn't dull at all. I thought some of the minor characters were great fun to read about as well. I'm wondering if some of Leidolf's pack mates will get their own books soon. Or, at the very least, be mentioned in later books so we can see how well they are going along with some of their relationships. This might be my new favorite, but I still have to read the rest of the books so that could very well change.

5 howls

New in the Den (IMM 21)

From Kristi at The Story Siren

It has been a loooooooooooooong time since I did IMM, but here it is again. The super cool Terry Spear sent me a copy of the newest book in her werewolf romance series:

A massive thank you to her!

I only bought 3 books for myself at YALLFest this weekend:

I brought a bunch of books from home to get signed, but I won't list them all. I got a few books that night because there was a big sale going on. I picked up these:

That's a pretty good haul if I do say so myself. :)

Bengal's Heart by Lora Leigh

Summary: Reporter Cassa Hawkins has always supported Breed rights-especially in light of a specimen like Cabal St. Laurents, the epitome of the male animal. But when the Breeds are incriminated in a series of violent murders, it's left to Cassa and Cabal to discover the truth before they become prey.

Review: I wanted to read this book after I read Tanner's book, and I wasn't disappointed. Cabal was hot and Cassa was fierce. The scenes they had together were great. I didn't like Cabal's attitude at some parts, but he was still a pretty likable character. There were a few jaw-drop moments when I read this book. I love it when that happens. Cabal and Tanner are both getting the same score, though I liked Tanner's book more. Overall I thought it was a great addition to the Breeds series.

4 howls

YALLFest 2011

YALLFest 2011

Saturday I went to YALLFest in Charleston with Michelle and it was the most incredible experience ever. I think it might have beaten the Skillet concert. It was that wonderful. Nikki was supposed to come with, but she told me Friday night that she wouldn’t be able to go, but I was nice and got the Melissa and Heather books she gave me signed for her. I didn’t make it to any of the panels and we left before YA Smackdown, but it was still worth the 2 hour drive. Shoot it would have been worth an 8 hour drive. I’m going to pretty much run through the day so this might be kinda long. Be warned.

We got there a bit late because we had to find parking, and after we actually found parking we had to walk back. We ended up walking the wrong way down King Street so we had to walk all the way back. That was definitely my fault. Oops. So we get to Blue Bicycle Books (the used bookstore the fest was held) and we checked the scene out. Beside the store was a lot with a huge white tent. This is where they had books by the authors out to sign, and this was where some of the authors did signings. I got a few books while I was there so that was great.

(Might be the longest part) We went back in to check out, and I’m just chatting with Michelle when a couple guys walk by us. It took a minute, but I realized the guy in the dark shirt was Kaleb Nation. My reaction: “Ohmygod Michelle! That’s Kaleb! The guy in the blue is Kaleb!” I bought the books I was carrying and I went back into the signing line. I’ve never been to one of these book signings before so I was patiently waiting behind some kids that wanted to see Pseudonymous Bosch, but Kaleb saw that I had his books so he told me I could go over to him. Wicked. I’m not going to transcribe our entire conversation, but here’s some of it:

Kaleb: What’s you name?
Me: Kim
Kaleb: Kim? Did you tweet me saying you were coming here?
Me: Yeah…

I don’t know if he could tell, but I was freaking out at that point. I told him I watched his youtube channel, and congrats on his new show that’s being filmed. He asked me if I was doing NaNoWriMo and I told him I didn’t have enough confidence in my writing to do that. He reminded me that Farfield Curse took 6 years to write. I was so freaked out about meeting him I forgot to ask for a picture. Luckily, Michelle was there with mom’s camera and she asked him if he would take a picture with me. He stood up and put his arm around me so I put my arm around him, but it was shaking. I wonder if he felt it at all. Hmmm. He was a sweet guy though. I would definitely love to see him again when he releases more books. Now that I’m away from him I can think of more things I could have said and I didn’t. Nothing serious, just stuff so he knows that I actually do watch his videos and all. Instead of just saying, “I watch your videos…” Oh well.

We got out of his way and a woman approached us and told us she needed us to sign release forms. I knew they were filming Kaleb’s show at YALLFest, but I completely forgot that when I was talking to him. So we had to sign release forms to be in the show. Not sure if we’ll definitely be in it, but there’s a chance which is cool/terrifying.

Next we saw Andrea Cremer and Heather Brewer. I only had a couple of books for both of them, but they were both really nice and they were cool about signing Nikki’s books for me. I got a snazzy picture with Andrea.

Then we went inside and saw Melissa de la Cruz and Margaret Stohl. Melissa was nice, but Margaret…

Just kidding. She was nice too. She saw my red and yellow scarf and started messing with me.

Me: Can you sign these books for me?
Margaret: No. What are you? Gryffindor?
Me: Yep
Margaret: Well *gestures to herself and Melissa* we’re Hufflepuff.
Michelle: Actually she *me* is Slytherin.
Margaret: Well that’s even worse

It was all good fun though. Got a picture with those 2 as well.

Sarah Rees Brennan and Caitlin Kittredge were next. I felt kinda bad because I didn’t have anything for them to sign really. I had 1 antho that Caitlin had a story in, and 4 that Sarah had stories/essays in. I thought about buying The Iron Thorn, but I decided last minute not to. Then we waited in line to get the Caster books signed again, but this time Kami Garcia got to sign them. She was with Victoria Schwab (Another author I decided not to get a book from. I know. Shame.). I got a picture with them together.

We stood in line for David Levithan so Michelle could get a copy of Nick and Nora signed. No I haven’t read any of his books. Yes I know this is close to a sin. I’ll get to it. I promise! I took a picture of her and him together.

Ellen Hopkins was next and I was most excited about her. Actually Friday night I had to buy a copy of Identical because it’s my favorite book of hers, but I never owned my own copy. I have an e-book on my nook, but I wanted a hardcopy for her to sign. I finally bought a copy of Triangles while I was there. I also had Ellen sign Dear Bully and Impulse. I was looking for my copy of A New Dawn since she helped with that as well, but I couldn’t find it. I’m glad I didn’t freak out when seeing her, but I felt bad because I didn’t know what to say. I’ve tweeted with her before, but face-to-face I was drawing blanks. She was nice though and she and Michelle got a good laugh at my expense.

Michelle: I was taking bets on if she would pass out when she met you.
Ellen: She’s doing so well. She’s not even hyperventilating.

I’d much rather be in a stunned silence than freaking out. Of course I got a picture with her.

Carrie Ryan was the next author I wanted to see and she signed my anthos as well as my copy of The Dark and Hollow Places. I didn’t have my copies of The Forest of Hands and Teeth or The Dead Tossed Waves, but TDHP was my favorite of the 3 so it was ok. Got a picture with her as well.

Finally, yes there is an end, I met Diana Peterfreund and Beth Revis. Meeting them was a great way to end the day. I told Diana I haven’t read Ascendent because she hurt my favorite from Rampant, but she assured me everything was going to be okay so I’m not quite as scared as I was before. Beth was nice too, but I haven’t read Across the Universe yet so I didn’t know anything to say. I had a copy of AtU to get signed so I’ll definitely have to read that one soon.

Thanks to all the authors that came to Charleston! And thanks to Michelle for being a sport even though she only knew David! I have to go to more book signings. This was so fantastic. All of the authors were wonderful!