THE RELUCTANT ALPHA by A.K. Michaels

Title:  THE RELUCTANT ALPHA

Series:  Highland Wolf Clan #1

Author:  A.K. Michaels

Publish Date:   03.20.15

Publisher:  A.K. Michaels

Category /Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content

Received from:  A.K. Michaels (in exchange for an honest review)

Goodreads link: The Reluctant Alpha

Date completed: 04.21.15

Description from the publisher:

Cameron Sinclair is a successful businessman, with world-wide offices. He’s a multi-billionaire with all the trappings, private jet included. But Cameron has a secret – he’s also a Wolf. A Wolf who vowed never to return to Pack life, or his birthright as Alpha.

With no choice but to answer his father’s summons, he reluctantly returns to his Highland Pack. However, two Alphas in one Pack will never do and things do not go smoothly. Cameron again leaves his Pack to aid his Uncle in the US, with several of his friends in tow.

What awaits is heartache, sorrow, and the chance for a new life as Alpha of a large Pack. A life with love in it, his first sight of the white She-Wolf affecting him in ways he can’t even understand.

A deadly threat is uncovered and he and his Wolves must defend the Pack by all means necessary. When the threat is a corrupt and depraved Alpha and a horde of immortal guards, can Cameron save the Pack? And, if he does, will he want a part of it?

Or, will he do what he always does – walk away?

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This is the first book in the Highland Wolf Clan series.  They will need to be read in order.

Cameron Sinclair never wants to be alpha of his family pack.  Instead, he left to build his own fortunes and he has succeeded.  Though a billionaire on his own now, when called back to the Highlands that were home, he goes.  What he finds is that his uncle in America has some serious hostile issues coming from an unknown enemy.  During reconnaissance, he sees a white she-wolf and finds that his life will never be the same.

I loved this story.  The family relationships are not all happy, happy, joy, joy.  They’re real – a little bitter, a little sweet, and a lot of love.  The story line is well thought-out and expertly executed.  This is one that will stick in my mind for a long time to come.  I have tons of questions, but asking them here would be spoiling the story for you who are reading this review.

I recommend picking up this book and joining the Highland Wolf Clan – Arrrooooo!

This was the first book I have read from A.K. Michaels.  I promise it won’t be the last.  Thank you A.K. for offering me this story.  I am looking forward to reading book 2!

Grammar/editing:  B – a few small errors

The Highland Wolf Clan series:

1. The Reluctant Alpha
2. The Alpha Decides

Other Books from A.K. Michaels:

• Lori’s Wolf
• Vlad & Irina

Defender’s Blood Series:

      1.      Alex’s Destiny
      2.      The Birth and the Battle
      3.      The Turning
      4.      The Return
      5.      The Fallen
      6.      Tatiana’s War
      7.      Lexi’s Trials

The Witch, Wolf, and Vampire Series:

1. The Witch, the Wolf, and the Vampire
2. The Witch, the Wolf, and the Vampire, book 2
3. The Witch, the Wolf, and the Vampire, book 3

Sabrina’s Vampire Series:

      1.      Sabrina’s Vampire
       2.      Assassin
       3.      Hunted

Supernatural Enforcement Bureau Series:

      1.      The Dragon and the Vampire
      2.      The Imprisoned Dragon and the Witch
      3.      Bureau Under Siege:  Paranormal Romance with a Bite

AMAZON-US

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BARNES&NOBLE

BEACH BEAR by Rachel Real

Title:  BEACH BEAR

Series:  California Bears #6

Author:  Rachel Real

Publish Date:   04.24.15

Publisher:  Rachel Real

Category /Genre:  Paranormal Romance, BBW

Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content

Received from:  Amazon purchase

Goodreads link: Beach Bear

Date completed: 04.29.15

Description from the publisher:

Curvy weather girl, Sunny Prim, has a terrifying accident that leaves her confused and stranded on a sandy beach. But she's not alone. Havoc Hunter, A sexy, tan and dirty blonde beach bum werebear comes to her rescue . And also, shows her how to have a little fun in paradise.

Should Sunny hold out hope for rescue? Or, should she kick back and have a little fun in the sun?

This is a quickie read and a HEA Romance.

It takes place in the larger world of the California Bears Series, but is complete and can be read as a standalone.

Steamy scenes ahead! This novella has hot passionate alpha sex scenes. If curvy gals gettin' their groove on with shifters aren't your cuppa tea, pass this one up. But if you like big girls and brawny heroes--enjoy!

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The numbering of the books is a bit wonky as both Bear Bound and Beach Bear are listed as #3.  They are not the same book, so a little confusion there.  Since they do stand-alone, it turns out to be not a huge issue.  Given the dates of publication, I would say this should actually be listed as #6.

When Sunny Prim, a curvy weather girl, falls off of a cruise ship, she finds herself washed ashore on a deserted island that already has one occupant.  Havoc Hunter had given up on the idea of a mate and has isolated himself on his uncharted island.  Havoc has come to Sunny’s rescue once, could he be her salvation?  Could she be his unexpected mate?

Entertaining, but….even in human form, he penis was referred to as his “bear cock” – ewwww – smacks a little too much of bestiality.

This is the first book I have read from Rachel Real.  I have to admit to a morbid curiosity to try another of her books.  While I found her editing lacking and the touch of bestiality disturbing, I still thought the story idea was interesting and promising if polished up.

Grammar/editing:  D – many errors, some distraction

The California Bears series:

1. Heat Wave
2. Bear Mates
3. Bear Bound
4. Alpha Love
5. Beast Fever
6. Beach Bear

Other Books from Rachel Real:

Bayside Tigers Series:

1.      Surf n’ Turf
2.      Furry Fling
3.      Wet n’ Wild
4.      Purrfect Paradise
5.      Roying Waves
6.      Jungle Fever

AMAZON-US

 

BENEATH THE LAYERS by Mia Rivers

Title:  BENEATH THE LAYERS

Series:  Layers #1

Author:  Mia Rivers

Publish Date:   03.03.15

Publisher:  Mia Rivers

Category /Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content

Triggers alert:  Domestic violence, sexual assault

Received from:  Mia Rivers (in exchange for an honest review)

Goodreads link: Beneath the Layers

Date completed: 04.17.15

Description from the publisher:

I have a secret.

A secret that no-one besides my boyfriend, my mother, and I know. A secret from my past which has me trapped in a relationship from hell.

Refusing to tell a soul, I’ve kept it balled up inside for the past few years, trying to seem composed for the world while my reality was the complete opposite. I gave up on any hopes of a different life. A life where love and happiness existed. Alex, personally saw to it himself. He made sure it was drilled deep within my brain. This was the hand that life had dealt me. The life I learned to accept.

Until the day I bumped into Nick.

A gorgeous man who's haunted my thoughts and awakened my desires. A man, whose persistence turned my world upside down, more than it already was. The same man who also happened to be my boss and had a secret of his own. A secret that I couldn't decipher, even when it stood right in front of me. A secret that would blow me away.

My name is Tara and this is my story.

*Due to mature content this book is not suitable for readers younger than 18*

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Tara has a secret that has haunted and tormented her for six years.  Tara also has a tormenting boyfriend.  He knows her secret and is using it as only a domineering jerk could.  When Tara (literally) runs into Nick, she is immediately thrown off center and wishing for a life she believed could never be hers.  Nick, too, has a secret.  One that could destroy them.

I loved Tara.  She is beautiful mixture of vulnerable, naïve, and intelligent.  She is determined and strong, despite her toxic relationship with Alex.  Alex is a classic silent-movie style villain in the black hat.  There is not a single redeeming quality to him, except in her dreams.  I was cheering for Nick the whole way through the book.  He is gorgeous, sexy, sweet, and alpha-dominant.  A dominant man (Nick) is always sexier than a domineering one (Alex).

… and then the last chapter happened.  I did NOT see it coming.  I wanted to throw my Kindle.  I wanted to scream.  I settled for contacting the author, calling her a naughty word (after thanking her for sharing the book with me), and then insisting that she get writing because I need to know what happens next!

This is the first book released by Mia Rivers.  I consider it a treat to find a new author just starting out that I believe could be a big name in the literary world.  There were a few places where she could have provided more description and there were a few places that it was obvious she was going for word count – newbie mistakes, but I feel she has a great story-telling ability that only needs to be nurtured to life.  I have contacted her and have offered my services to Beta on the next book.  I’ll be the first to admit, Beta reading gives as much to me as it does to the author, so I’m looking forward to her “using” me.

Grammar/editing:  ungraded – book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused

The Layers series:

1. Beneath the Layers

 

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