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bookaddict1975's review against another edition
4.0
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
This is the first time I can say that a characters name in a book bothered me to the point that I wanted to scream. It may have seemed worse because it was on audio but with a name that doesn't flow like Katie Faith and it seemed like her name was said about a million times, I was just getting annoyed.
I enjoyed the story line and the characters. I love a great shifter romance and I love all things Lauren Dane. Even though the name annoyed me, the book was great! And the narration was good too!
This is the first time I can say that a characters name in a book bothered me to the point that I wanted to scream. It may have seemed worse because it was on audio but with a name that doesn't flow like Katie Faith and it seemed like her name was said about a million times, I was just getting annoyed.
I enjoyed the story line and the characters. I love a great shifter romance and I love all things Lauren Dane. Even though the name annoyed me, the book was great! And the narration was good too!
tita_noir's review against another edition
4.0
REREAD SEP 2021-
Upped my original rating considerably. have to say, I liked this a lot better on my re-read than I did in my original read. Decided to go back and re-read because a third book is coming out and the blurb intrigued me.
For some reason I received it better. it still has some of the issues I mention in my original review below. I will say I got the sense of the town better this time around and the why of the power balance. And the hero/heroine were appealing and sexy.
The biggest con is still the propensity for public, nasty confrontations by the different characters. There were a lot. More than should happen amongst adult people.
But I listened on audio this time and maybe it was the narrator but it was a lot more entertaining that I remember.
Oh well, I'm off to the second one now.
-------
ORIGINAL REVIEW
This was hard to rate. I didn't dislike it, but the plot made no real sense. It feels like it was circling around something and didn't quite get there.
The heroine Katie tread dangerously close to the Mary Sue line. And the central conflict -- a balance of power between the wolves in a small wolf/witch controlled town, made not a lot of sense really. I honestly could not grasp it. It just seemed like the story careened from one confrontation to the next with the same warnings, threats and arguments repeated over and over. Also some characters seemed to have convenient plot personality changes from one confrontation to the next.
This ends on -- not exactly a cliffhanger, but it is clearly the first book in a series because while the central romance ends on a HEA, the overall big conflict is just ratcheting up with consequences for the central couple. And yet I don't believe I am intrigued enough to follow through.
Upped my original rating considerably. have to say, I liked this a lot better on my re-read than I did in my original read. Decided to go back and re-read because a third book is coming out and the blurb intrigued me.
For some reason I received it better. it still has some of the issues I mention in my original review below. I will say I got the sense of the town better this time around and the why of the power balance. And the hero/heroine were appealing and sexy.
The biggest con is still the propensity for public, nasty confrontations by the different characters. There were a lot. More than should happen amongst adult people.
But I listened on audio this time and maybe it was the narrator but it was a lot more entertaining that I remember.
Oh well, I'm off to the second one now.
-------
ORIGINAL REVIEW
This was hard to rate. I didn't dislike it, but the plot made no real sense. It feels like it was circling around something and didn't quite get there.
The heroine Katie tread dangerously close to the Mary Sue line. And the central conflict -- a balance of power between the wolves in a small wolf/witch controlled town, made not a lot of sense really. I honestly could not grasp it. It just seemed like the story careened from one confrontation to the next with the same warnings, threats and arguments repeated over and over. Also some characters seemed to have convenient plot personality changes from one confrontation to the next.
This ends on -- not exactly a cliffhanger, but it is clearly the first book in a series because while the central romance ends on a HEA, the overall big conflict is just ratcheting up with consequences for the central couple. And yet I don't believe I am intrigued enough to follow through.
emilyhei's review
4.0
Katie Grady left Diablo Lake after being left at the altar, now she is back after her father had a stroke to help her family out. Katie quickly realizes that there is no place like home and decides she is back for good. Renting an apartment across from Jace Dooley is an added bonus.
Jace has wanted Katie since he can remember, but she was always untouchable. Now she is single and Jace decided she is the one for him. Katie though finds herself not questioning being with Jace but the rivalry between the shifters are the Dooley's and the Prembry's is throwing a wrench in their courtship. Jace has been letting Katie be the witch she is and has no problem with how she handles things, the Prembry's though see her power as a threat and want her to leave.
Wonderful read. You get a full story but their is a bit of a cliffhanger, not really more a continuation that be in upcoming book I am assuming at the end. Loved Katie, she is self assured and has grown up quite a bit and her confidence puts others off kilter. Jace is pure alpha male, hubba hubba. Anther excellent read from Lauren Dane.
Jace has wanted Katie since he can remember, but she was always untouchable. Now she is single and Jace decided she is the one for him. Katie though finds herself not questioning being with Jace but the rivalry between the shifters are the Dooley's and the Prembry's is throwing a wrench in their courtship. Jace has been letting Katie be the witch she is and has no problem with how she handles things, the Prembry's though see her power as a threat and want her to leave.
Wonderful read. You get a full story but their is a bit of a cliffhanger, not really more a continuation that be in upcoming book I am assuming at the end. Loved Katie, she is self assured and has grown up quite a bit and her confidence puts others off kilter. Jace is pure alpha male, hubba hubba. Anther excellent read from Lauren Dane.
kendalanne07's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cranberrytarts's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a huge fan of Dane's novels. I've enjoyed pretty much all of her previous releases (though obviously I liked some better than others). When I saw she was writing a new paranormal series set in the south I got really excited. It's been my experience that she does both really well, so I figured the two together would be a major hit. I took some time after finishing Moonstruck to write the review because I'm on the fence about my feelings.
It's not that I disliked the book, per se. I just struggled because it didn't really seem to go anywhere. The main conflict - a power struggle between the wolves and witches of Diablo Lake, plus a fight between the two main wolf packs - just circled around itself. I understand this is the start of a new series, but nothing was resolved in this book. Its felt like half a novel and it ended on a quasi-cliffhanger (the HEA is there, but the rest is just...left hanging). I'm curious enough to continue reading, but I'd have been more excited if the next one was available now, rather than sometime in the fall.
It's not that I disliked the book, per se. I just struggled because it didn't really seem to go anywhere. The main conflict - a power struggle between the wolves and witches of Diablo Lake, plus a fight between the two main wolf packs - just circled around itself. I understand this is the start of a new series, but nothing was resolved in this book. Its felt like half a novel and it ended on a quasi-cliffhanger (the HEA is there, but the rest is just...left hanging). I'm curious enough to continue reading, but I'd have been more excited if the next one was available now, rather than sometime in the fall.
jeanz's review
5.0
I recently decided to revisit a genre I have loved for a long time, I guess some would refer to it as paranormal though to narrow that genre down to be even more specific I'd describe it as "shifters". I originally discovered another title by Lauren Dane via Netgalley, and have since explored her other book title listings on Goodreads.
I love the purple hue to the cover of this book, really giving the impression of being under the moonlight. The couple on the front I'd say have to be Jace Dooley and Katie Faith Grady. Would the cover affect my purchasing the book. . . that's a difficult one, I think it would depend what shelf this book was sitting on. Some people on Goodreads have categorised this books genre as erotica. A book being classed as erotica tends to put me off, but having read other titles by this author I decided to go ahead and give this one a go, as I have found the other titles I've read more steamy than what I personally class as erotica and don't read. I'm really glad I did, and I would say it is a paranormal romance with some steamy scenes that are relevant to the plot and well within what you would expect of the characters involved. I think this book has a little something for most paranormal readers, there's the werewolves, cat shifters, and various different types of witches.
The main character of this book is Katie Faith Grady, who left her home in Diablo Lake when she was quite literally left at the altar by Darrell Pembry! Naturally she left town rather upset but her father Avery Grady is ill and her mother Nadine Grady needs her help in looking after Avery and their diner business called "The Counter". Of course Kaite Faith rushes home to help, holding her head high and willing to face all the gossips and whatever they will have to say about her. For Katie Faith her family come first before petty gossips and snide remarks from the Pembry family.
Diablo Lake is an isolated area, that is steeped in both tradition and magic. Those that live in Diablo Lake are paranormal, so werewolves, cat shifters, and witches are the residents.
Katie Faith initially stays over at her best friend, Aimee Benton's home, but soon realise her return to Diablo Lake is going to be a longer stay, if not permanent move. So she decides to take a look at properties available to rent. She approaches local part time realtor Damon Dooley, whose family have a few rental available, in fact one is above the mercantile they own. There's more than one reason Katie Faith shouldn't move into the vacancy apartment above the mercantile, one, it's straight across the hallway from the long not so secret crush of hers Jace Dooley and two, living in a Dooley property puts her in the middle of the shifter war that seems to be brewing. When Katie Faith see's the property, it's everything she wants and more so she decides to throw caution to the wind and move in. Lets face it, living across the hall from a hunky werewolf is not going to be an ordeal!
An altercation on the street shows that Katie Faith Grady is a strong witch who will play an important part in Diablo Lake's future. This makes her a valuable asset to have as part of any family or pack. Katie Faith doesn't want to be anyone's asset, or to be wanted for her magic abilities. . . so she knows who is being genuine around her, and who wants to merely use her for their own betterment. The quiet Katie Faith Grady that left town after being badly let down in the worst possible way on her wedding day has gone. The Katie Faith Grady that returned to Diablo Lake is stronger both in character and magic. Katie will not hide away, as if she did something wrong when the fault was with the other party! She is also determined not to be pushed around or used as a pawn in a larger game between werewolf packs and she isn't afraid of saying her mind/piece anymore!
A relationship between Jace and Katie soon begins, which has the Pembry's shouting from the rooftops that Katie is taking sides. What the Pembrys fail to see is that the Witches are people in their own right too. Though the usually quieter, placid witches are sick and tired of being looked over and taken for granted. Miz Rose has decided its time the witches showed everyone what an important part they are of Diablo Lake and its secrets. When push quite literally goes to shove Katie Faith will have the Diablo Lake Witches as well as the Dooley Werewolves standing by her.
Of course I love the main character of Katie Faith Grady, she may not be a werewolf but she can kick butt as good as any werewolf, male or female! I became quite fond of Jace Dooley . . . in fact all the Dooley men come across really well rather lovable. Adopted and then brought up by their grandparents, JJ & Patti Dooley as their mother died in childbirth and their father, Josiah, did something so bad he was removed from the pack, struck from the historical records and it was ordered he not mentioned of again. It's when Scarlett Pembry uses her recollections of the past to try and push a wedge between Katie and Jace, that she is not only being openly vindictive, she is also breaking pack lore. Sadly head of the Pembry pack, Scarlett's husband Dwayne seems to have neither the notion or power to reign his wife back into line. Which is when his eldest son Macrae Pembry is sent for, he needs to return to Diablo Lake to sort out the mess created by his mother Scarlett, brother Darrell and get the Pembry pack back under control, which his father Dwayne seems incapable of doing.
I really enjoy the histories, cultures and traditions of the different races. The way all the supernaturals and their elements of magic affect each other and how they need to work together to ensure the balance remains in Diablo Lake. I was found the descriptions of the different types of witches captivating too.
I found the older characters in the book enchanting too. Miz Rose the "head witch" in Diablo Lake as well as Avery & Nadine Grady and JJ and Patti Dooley all captured my heart with their stories of the past and subtle encouragement for the relationship between Katie and Jace. The way the older generation of Diablo Lake sort of turn a "blind eye" pretending not to notice things are happening until Katie and Jace are ready to "go official" with their feelings and relationship.
This book and its characters pull you right into the heart of Diablo Lake and then hold you there until the last words on the page. I certainly finished reading this one thinking, "Wow when can I read more?" I absolutely intend to start reading the next book in this fantastic series right away!
I can safely say I have found another author in Lauren Dane whose books I feel an instant pull to read. I would certainly add Lauren's name to my "must read author list"for shifter books, along with Kelley Armstrong, Amanda Carlson, Karina Espinosa, and J.A. Belfield.
Wow, I am adding this series to my "must read" list! and to my "must read more by this author" list too!
I love the purple hue to the cover of this book, really giving the impression of being under the moonlight. The couple on the front I'd say have to be Jace Dooley and Katie Faith Grady. Would the cover affect my purchasing the book. . . that's a difficult one, I think it would depend what shelf this book was sitting on. Some people on Goodreads have categorised this books genre as erotica. A book being classed as erotica tends to put me off, but having read other titles by this author I decided to go ahead and give this one a go, as I have found the other titles I've read more steamy than what I personally class as erotica and don't read. I'm really glad I did, and I would say it is a paranormal romance with some steamy scenes that are relevant to the plot and well within what you would expect of the characters involved. I think this book has a little something for most paranormal readers, there's the werewolves, cat shifters, and various different types of witches.
The main character of this book is Katie Faith Grady, who left her home in Diablo Lake when she was quite literally left at the altar by Darrell Pembry! Naturally she left town rather upset but her father Avery Grady is ill and her mother Nadine Grady needs her help in looking after Avery and their diner business called "The Counter". Of course Kaite Faith rushes home to help, holding her head high and willing to face all the gossips and whatever they will have to say about her. For Katie Faith her family come first before petty gossips and snide remarks from the Pembry family.
Diablo Lake is an isolated area, that is steeped in both tradition and magic. Those that live in Diablo Lake are paranormal, so werewolves, cat shifters, and witches are the residents.
Katie Faith initially stays over at her best friend, Aimee Benton's home, but soon realise her return to Diablo Lake is going to be a longer stay, if not permanent move. So she decides to take a look at properties available to rent. She approaches local part time realtor Damon Dooley, whose family have a few rental available, in fact one is above the mercantile they own. There's more than one reason Katie Faith shouldn't move into the vacancy apartment above the mercantile, one, it's straight across the hallway from the long not so secret crush of hers Jace Dooley and two, living in a Dooley property puts her in the middle of the shifter war that seems to be brewing. When Katie Faith see's the property, it's everything she wants and more so she decides to throw caution to the wind and move in. Lets face it, living across the hall from a hunky werewolf is not going to be an ordeal!
An altercation on the street shows that Katie Faith Grady is a strong witch who will play an important part in Diablo Lake's future. This makes her a valuable asset to have as part of any family or pack. Katie Faith doesn't want to be anyone's asset, or to be wanted for her magic abilities. . . so she knows who is being genuine around her, and who wants to merely use her for their own betterment. The quiet Katie Faith Grady that left town after being badly let down in the worst possible way on her wedding day has gone. The Katie Faith Grady that returned to Diablo Lake is stronger both in character and magic. Katie will not hide away, as if she did something wrong when the fault was with the other party! She is also determined not to be pushed around or used as a pawn in a larger game between werewolf packs and she isn't afraid of saying her mind/piece anymore!
A relationship between Jace and Katie soon begins, which has the Pembry's shouting from the rooftops that Katie is taking sides. What the Pembrys fail to see is that the Witches are people in their own right too. Though the usually quieter, placid witches are sick and tired of being looked over and taken for granted. Miz Rose has decided its time the witches showed everyone what an important part they are of Diablo Lake and its secrets. When push quite literally goes to shove Katie Faith will have the Diablo Lake Witches as well as the Dooley Werewolves standing by her.
Of course I love the main character of Katie Faith Grady, she may not be a werewolf but she can kick butt as good as any werewolf, male or female! I became quite fond of Jace Dooley . . . in fact all the Dooley men come across really well rather lovable. Adopted and then brought up by their grandparents, JJ & Patti Dooley as their mother died in childbirth and their father, Josiah, did something so bad he was removed from the pack, struck from the historical records and it was ordered he not mentioned of again. It's when Scarlett Pembry uses her recollections of the past to try and push a wedge between Katie and Jace, that she is not only being openly vindictive, she is also breaking pack lore. Sadly head of the Pembry pack, Scarlett's husband Dwayne seems to have neither the notion or power to reign his wife back into line. Which is when his eldest son Macrae Pembry is sent for, he needs to return to Diablo Lake to sort out the mess created by his mother Scarlett, brother Darrell and get the Pembry pack back under control, which his father Dwayne seems incapable of doing.
I really enjoy the histories, cultures and traditions of the different races. The way all the supernaturals and their elements of magic affect each other and how they need to work together to ensure the balance remains in Diablo Lake. I was found the descriptions of the different types of witches captivating too.
I found the older characters in the book enchanting too. Miz Rose the "head witch" in Diablo Lake as well as Avery & Nadine Grady and JJ and Patti Dooley all captured my heart with their stories of the past and subtle encouragement for the relationship between Katie and Jace. The way the older generation of Diablo Lake sort of turn a "blind eye" pretending not to notice things are happening until Katie and Jace are ready to "go official" with their feelings and relationship.
This book and its characters pull you right into the heart of Diablo Lake and then hold you there until the last words on the page. I certainly finished reading this one thinking, "Wow when can I read more?" I absolutely intend to start reading the next book in this fantastic series right away!
I can safely say I have found another author in Lauren Dane whose books I feel an instant pull to read. I would certainly add Lauren's name to my "must read author list"for shifter books, along with Kelley Armstrong, Amanda Carlson, Karina Espinosa, and J.A. Belfield.
Wow, I am adding this series to my "must read" list! and to my "must read more by this author" list too!
karky's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the idea of domestic/urban witches and warewolves dYnamics...with some steamy bits of course. I think the idea -erotic(ish) fantasy(ish) was interesting. However the writing was kinda bad and boring and the intentions and why they do what they do were a complete mystery.
I finished it, enjoyed it, as i needed something to listen to after work. However i dont think i will be getting back to this series...
I finished it, enjoyed it, as i needed something to listen to after work. However i dont think i will be getting back to this series...
hollie313's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0