Author: Marsha

Woodcutter Werebear by T. S. Joyce

Posted May 15, 2016 by Marsha in Shifter Series / 0 Comments

Woodcutter WerbearTitle:  Woodcutter Werebear
Series:  Saw Bears#2, Damon’s Mountains
Author:  T. S. Joyce
Published:  March 12, 2015
My Rating:  4.5 stars
Source:  Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Skyler Drake is in way over her head. As a breeder chosen by a Crestfall warrior, she’s had plenty of time to accept her fate. But when a chance encounter in Saratoga thrusts her into the path of a mysterious, and strange-talking shifter, Kellen, she begins to realize just how big the world is. And when Kellen-the-kidnapper turns out to be a battle-hardened werebear, she’s thinking she just might have stumbled upon someone who could love her despite her flaws—and possibly survive the wrath of her people.

Kellen would rather be hanged than watch a woman be hurt and trapped in a life she doesn’t choose, and when he gets a glimpse at just how much Skyler is keeping inside, he doesn’t think, only acts on protective instinct. Sure, he’s kidnapping her, but he knows what she really is, and she can escape any time she wants. Unfortunately, his bold moves and determination to show Skyler just how unbreakable she can be put his crew of lumberjack bear shifters in peril. But if he can toe the edge of danger, and avoid the wrath of his alpha, he just might find a mate worth sharing his secrets with.

Shifters are sexual creatures who being so close to their animal side will never, ever pass up  a chance to physically show their mates how much they are treasured – so, this is an adult, 18+ reader tale.

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Lumberjack Werebear by T. S. Joyce

Posted May 13, 2016 by Marsha in Shifter Series / 0 Comments

Lumberjack WerebearTitle:  Lumberjack Werebear
Series:  Saw Bears #1 (over-arch series Damon’s Mountains)
Author:  T. S. Joyce
Published:  February 23, 2015
My Rating:  4.5 stars
Source:  Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Painter, Brooke Belle, is running from her past and hoping that a few weeks in a quaint country cabin will bring her artistic muse back from the brink. But when she lands smack dab in the middle of Asheland Mobile Park, she’s sure there’s been a mistake. Not only has her mentor rented her a dilapidated mobile home in the middle of nowhere, but the trailer park is filled with big, burly, growly, flirty, sexy-as-hell lumberjacks. And one in particular is making her think that maybe she’s landed right where she needs to be.

Tagan James has a lot on his shoulders. As second in a woodcutting crew of bear shifters, he’s got all he can handle keeping his people from tearing each other apart on the job site. But when the beautiful, and terribly human, Brooke Belle lands on his doorstep, all honest and vulnerable and pulling at his animal’s protective instincts, he has to decide whether to boot her out of his park to protect his heart, or take a risk and save her muse.

Every bear shifter knows finding a mate can destroy a dominant like him. But as Brooke shows Tagan just how strong she can be, he’s second guessing everything—including his vow to never fall for a woman.

Hot and Sexy Shifters ahead so this is an adult, 18+ reader tale.

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Deciding Which Shifter Authors Really Tell The Tale You Want To Read

Posted May 4, 2016 by Marsha in Shifter Haven Discussion / 0 Comments

White Wolf image*huge sigh*  There are so many authors who write paranormal romance, specifically shifter romance that it’s often hard to figure out where to start.  There are some amazing writers that give us such detailed, intense even charming shifter stories — and then there are… the others.  I’m certain you get my drift.  Those who put pen to paper with no idea of how to draw me into a story that I will love and rave about – and beg for more.

But here’s the thing – not everyone’s reading enjoyment is the same.  What gives me delicious thrills up my spine may bore you into snores.  And that’s okay, really it is.

Some authors will grow and change, coming into their own unique niche in this field – others never will.  Yet each has their audience of readers.  Because we don’t all like the same things, and that is just freaking amazing and right for each individual.

For myself, I only have so much time to read and post reviews.  Right now, because of knee replacement surgery and the rehab that comes with that surgery I’ve not been able to sit at my computer for great lengths of time.  So I have 74 drafts in a lined notebook of books that I’ve read during the recuperation time these past weeks.  I also have 44 books that I simply returned, half read because they did not appeal to my reading enjoyment.  Yes, total that’s a lot of books, but I had a lot of time on my hands.  Time is a precious commodity – one that I refuse to waste finishing books that simply do nothing for me at all.  Here at Shifter Haven, all of these books I have made the choice to read and review (no NetGalley obligations unless I’ve brought over a review from Keeper Bookshelf because it’s a shifter romance), as a result you’ll only see stories that I’ve enjoyed and would recommend to others based on my likes and enjoyment of the author’s works.  

The truth is, just like finding that perfect mate you’re gonna have to kiss a few frogs along the way… same goes with picking authors that speak to your enjoyment needs.  But just because you didn’t like one book doesn’t mean that a later story won’t be a perfect fit, so give authors a second chance, time to grow – you might be surprised what two or three years can do to a writer’s delivery techniques.

One thing on this blog that I’m trying very hard to keep updated is my “Shifter Authors” section.  There you will find the authors that I really enjoy and will always pick up their new (or older) stories.  If you’re looking for recommendations that’s a good place to start.

Time is precious, we only have so much of it to spare – so don’t feel badly if an author doesn’t “speak” to you.  Wish them well, don’t bad mouth them, and move along to another selection.  Because everyone has an audience that reaches into the heart – you simply have to take the time to find the authors that do that for you.  It is a lifelong journey, one that is actually very enjoyable.  Read what moves you, and leave the rest to another group of readers who will love what you couldn’t.

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Wolf Protector by Milly Taiden

Posted April 30, 2016 by Marsha in Shifter Series / 0 Comments

Wolf ProtectorTitle:  Wolf Protector
Series:  Federal Paranormal Unit #1
Author:  Milly Taiden
Published:  March 29, 2013
My Rating:  4.5 stars
Source:  Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

A woman with a secret…
The Federal Paranormal Unit is an elite squad of supernaturals dedicated to solving missing persons cases. Erica’s gift allows her a special connection with the crime, but it comes at a deep personal cost… Until now, she’s kept her gift a secret, even from the other members of the team. But this case will throw her together with Agent Trent Buchanan. He’s the object of her secret desires, but he’s also a cocky womanizer. She’d rather swim in shark-infested waters with a paper cut than admit she has feelings for him.

A man with one desire…
Wolf Shifter Trent wants Erica more than he’s ever wanted any woman. He’s spent years patiently waiting for her to admit that she wants him too. Working one-on-one in a race to find a serial killer, Trent’s patience and Erica’s resolve wear thin. When Trent discovers the truth about Erica, will he accept her for who she is? And can he protect her from the horrors that her gift brings?

A case that pushes them to the edge…
Erica will have to risk it all if she wants to stop the killer, and when she does, Trent may have to put his own life on the line to make sure his mate is protected.

Sexy shifter at large – adult, 18+ tale.

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Binge Reading Damon’s Mountains Books by T. S. Joyce

Posted April 20, 2016 by Marsha in Shifter Haven Discussion / 0 Comments

white tiger grenerySometimes a series can touch a reader so much that waiting patiently for the next story is nearly impossible.  This time I got really lucky in that an epic group of connected series were available for download one after the other – and I was in shifter heaven.  So I immersed myself in this world full of sexy shifters, strong mates and adorable babies – and danger, suspense and a group of love stories beyond compare.

The “umbrella” title of all these connected series is Damon’s Mountains – but you’ve probably seen then as Saw Bears Fire BearsGray Back BearsBoarlander Bears – and a couple stand alone books.  All together they tell an amazing tale of shifters and their mates, yes of course – but this one is deeper.  It tells the ongoing tale of shifters forced to come out to the human race, to come out to center stage amidst those who are pro-shifter and those who hate them and would wipe them from the face of the earth in a heartbeat.  Government secret ops, mad men and women who want only the power and glory for themselves… and our group of shifters, friends, lovers who simply want to live in peace and no longer be hunted.  And not once during this “umbrella” series do we leave past couples behind – no, this is a community and beloved characters will pop up often in the continuing stories.

This is everything that I love about Shifter Romance series at its best.

The reviews for these stories will start to show up tomorrow, and one or two a day until they are all here at  Shifter Haven.  Because today I downloaded the first story in the newest series of Harper’s Mountains which brings us right back to the children of Damon’s Mountain stories.  I cannot recommend these series highly enough to any Shifter, Paranormal or Romance reader.  They are sexy, funny, dangerous, suspenseful, and will draw you into a world that is full of love, sexy times and adventure.  What is not to love about any of that?

If you have not had the pleasure of reading these, here is the reading order of the stories on  T. S. Joyce’s website

I love any and all Shifter Romance stories – the diversity of worlds and lore draws me in every time.  Yet this group of Shifters really captured my heart, and I believe, if you give them the chance, they’ll capture you as well.

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Resisting The Moon by L. P. Dover

Posted April 10, 2016 by Marsha in Shifter Series / 0 Comments

Resisting The MoonTitle:  Resisting The Moon
Series:  Royal Shifters #2
Author:  L. P. Dover
Published:  December 17, 2015
My Rating:  4 star
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

The past was pain. The present unclear. For Tyla Rand, her future couldn’t be bleaker. Death follows her everywhere, especially to those she loves. Being a member of the royal pack, she believes her time of happiness will come. That is, until wolves from her old pack show up missing. Her mission is to find them, but she won’t be going alone.

Sebastian Lyall, a true born royal and the one man Tyla’s been trying to push away, has offered to help in her quest. Their journey not only brings out their true desires, but attracts the attention of another, someone from Tyla’s past.

However, nothing is as it seems. Death is not done with her and now he wants her to pay. He won’t be satisfied until he’s taken everything away . . . including those she loves.

This story is sexual as all Shifter novels usually but Resisting the Moon also has a high level of violence in it – some scenes may be triggers for some people so along with the usual Adult 18+ reader warning that I always place here.. I have to add extreme violence and possible triggers as well.

Read on for my thoughts on Resisting The Moon.

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Beary Guarded by Ruby Shae

Posted April 8, 2016 by Marsha in Shifter Series / 0 Comments

Beary GuardedTitle:  Beary Guarded
Series:  Polar Bliss #2
Author:  Ruby Shae
Published:  March 28, 2016
My Rating:  4.5 stars
Source:  Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Curvy and scarred, polar bear shifter Riley Holland, the girl with the boy’s name, doesn’t want or need a man. Even if she did, her appearance, combined with her tragic past, have prepared her for a lonely future. When a gorgeous wolf shifter walks into Polar Bliss, her family’s coffee shop, Riley allows herself one second of hope…until her worst fear comes true.

Wolf shifter, Nate McCallister, is the new, single sheriff in town, and he has no plans on changing his relationship status any time soon. His looks and job status have always kept him popular with women, but he gave up on dating a long time ago.  The moment he sees the beautiful, curvy goddess behind the counter at the local coffee shop, everything changes.

Riley would rather be alone than have a mate who finds her lacking, and when she meets Nate, she does the only thing that makes sense. She runs. Nate knows he messed up, but he’s not going to let Riley get away with running. Once he catches the sweet, guarded bear, she’ll understand exactly what it means to be mated to an alpha wolf.

Shifters are very sensuous creatures and mates never, ever hesitate to how how much their mates are loved physically so this is an adult 18+ reader tale.

Read on for my thoughts on Beary Guarded.

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Beary Overdue by Ruby Shae

Posted April 7, 2016 by Marsha in Shifter Series / 0 Comments

Bearly OverdueTitle:  Bearly Overdue
Series:  Polar Bliss #1
Author:  Ruby Shae
Published:  February 4, 2016
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

After seven long years, curvy girl, Jillian Masters, returns to home to bury her late mother’s husband, and catch up with the Holland siblings, including her ex-boyfriend Reid. Though she hadn’t turned out to be his mate, he was the best man she’d ever known, and he’d set the standard for all of her future love interests. Unfortunately, no other man had ever come close to measuring up to her first love.

Polar bear shifter, Reid Holland, is a corrupt man. When his mate left him seven years ago, everything good and decent inside him died, leaving behind an angry and bitter shell. Instead of going after her, he abandoned his family, and his bear, and built his success on endless drinking, fighting and random sexual encounters.

A few glimpses into Reid’s life is all it takes to convince Jillian she made the right choice in leaving all those years ago. Reid had turned into a man she didn’t know, and worse, one she didn’t like. When the truth behind Jillian’s reason for leaving is exposed, Reid is devastated until clarity comes in the form of his bear. Now all he has to do is convince his mate that the man she once loved is back, and he’s here to stay.

Shifters are extremely sexual creatures and have no trouble at all showing their mates physically just how much they are loved so this is an adult, 18+ reader tale.

Read on for my thoughts on Beary Overdue.

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Gray Back Bad Bear by T. S. Joyce

Posted April 7, 2016 by Marsha in Shifter Series / 0 Comments

Gray Back Bad BoyTitle:  Gray Back Bad Bear
Series:  Gray Back Bears #1
Author:  T. S. Joyce
Published:  July 28, 2015
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Matt Barns is on a mission. The goal of this mission? Find a mate before his broken bear drives him into madness. He knows exactly what he’s looking for, but when his bear finally settles for a mate, she dumps his world upside down. She’s funny, sure, but other than that, she’s not his type in any way. Or so he thought, because Willa is breaking down his walls and opening his eyes to a new life he thought he might never find.

Willamena Madden: smart-mouthed, fun-loving, loyal-to-a-fault, proud nerd and fragile human. She’s also somehow become the potential mate to a grizzly shifter. A shifter? She feels sorry for the critters and wishes humans would leave them alone, but Matt is proving he doesn’t need her pity. He’s a sexy, scarred up, growly beast-man, and she’s thinking he could be the one to finally take her V-card. But Matt’s hot and cold, and one of her friends is after a bucket-list werebear diddle with the man Willa’s falling for. And if that isn’t stressful enough, Matt’s Gray Back Crew is a loosely knit community of maniacs.

Matt feels important, but Willa has never been in more danger. If she can’t find a way to survive his people, she’ll have to go back to her safe life without her Gray Back Bad Bear.

Sex is like breathing to Shifters, mates have no problem loving their mates so this is an adult 18+ reader tale.

Read on for my thoughts on Gray Back Bad Bear.

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