I know that I am reviewing this series out-of-order and I don’t care. I decided to read my favorite ones first and work my way down. I simply love this novel and love Shelly Laurenston’s writing style. It’s snarky, witty and passionate. Here is a brief overview of this novel provided by Goodreads: Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O’Neill has learned how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice, suburban Jersey boy in the form of a massive Grizzly shifter? Especially one with a rather unhealthy fetish for honey, moose, and…uh…well, her. Yet despite his menacing ursine growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan “Lock” MacRyrie cute and really sweet. He actually watches out for her, protects her, and unlike the rest of her out-of-control family manages not to morbidly embarrass her. Too bad cats don’t believe in forever.
At nearly seven feet tall, Lock is used to people responding to him in two ways: screaming and running away. Gwen-half lioness, half tigress, all kick-ass-does neither. She’s sexy beyond belief and smart as hell, but she’s a born protector. Watching out for the family and friends closest to her but missing the fact that she’s being stalked by a murderous enemy who doesn’t like hybrids…and absolutely hates Gwen. Lock probably shouldn’t get involved, but he will. Why? Because this is Gwen-and no matter what the hissing, roaring, drape destroying feline says about not being ready to settle down, Lock knows he can’t simply walk away. Not when she’s come to mean absolutely everything to him.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Lock! He is one of my favorite male leads. He is such a cuddly, geeky bear. My type of guy. Whereas Lock is clam and collective, Gwen is the exact opposite and a great counterpart to Lock. Gwen is crazy, loud, rude, and very feline. Their dynamics together are simply electrocuting. I love re-reading this novel over and over again. I also really enjoyed the minor character of Blayne. A wolf-dog? Eeks! She is a great friend to Gwen simply because they are both so weird. It really works. I also enjoyed the past characters making an appearance. Jess was great to see again as well as Mitch. Mitch is just a ridiculous male lion. I really like the fact that Shelly Laurenston is able to capture the characteristics of the animal in character. So Mitch really is a lazy, arrogant, male. Where as Lock is a sweet, easily startled, cuddly, vicious male. Ahhh… Great characters. I am really glad I found this series. There is not many series that would write about bad ass women who are not afraid to kick their male counterparts butt. The storyline was really enjoyable. I personally do not care for roller derby, but it was written well enough that I could read it. I’m not a big sports fan.
As for the sex scenes… yes please, may I have more. I need more with this novel. The emotions that lead up to the explosive sex scenes were perfect for the characters. I did not feel that it was exaggerated or forced. It was just the right amount. They are part animal, so just imagine how the sex would be and then times that by 10. That is how great Shelly Laurenston wrote the romance into her novels.
Overall, this novel is 5 out of 5. No big surprise there. It is one of my favorites. I cannot live without, which is probably why I have it on both my kindle and in my TARDIS bookcase. (yes, I have a TARDIS bookcase. I bet you’re jealous right now.) I will be reviewing the rest of this series. I am currently not reading anything new as I have a unit plan to complete. School sucks sometimes. Have no fear, I should be back to reviewing new novels soon.
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