Not much worries Noah Wulfenbach, one of the most powerful shifters in North America, but questions about Iva Yamauchi’s recovery had made him anxious. He was vigilant in his caring for his mate, sitting beside her tree, talking to it—to her. Now that she’s back, Noah’s relief is matched only by his desire to drag the feisty dryad to his house to complete their mating bond.

I used to read this author a long time ago, before I got so bogged down in reviewing books, so I was excited to read something from her. Unfortunately, I wish it hadn’t been the 5th in a series. It made things a little confusing for me. However, I still enjoyed the story and characters. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. 

**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Noah Wulfenbach has been vigilant in his caring for his mate, sitting beside her tree, talking to it but now she’s back and his relief is matched only by his desire to drag the feisty dryad to his house to complete their mating bond. Iva is ready to make for lost time, curious and excited to find out just how firmly she’s tied to Mr. Tall, Dark and Growly. But before they can explore the depth of their connection they have to kill the most powerful of demons…or die trying.

‘Maggie’s Grove is the place to be… the strong, solid characters are easily connected to and draw readers into their story which is full of passion, strength, loyalty and a willingness to fight evil. The romance between Noah and Iva is sweet with lots of powerful chemistry but their relationship has started off with trouble which they must overcome before they can hope to fulfill their destined bond. This keeps emotions and passion flowing from the pages as readers become enthralled with this couple.

The plot is fast paced and a bit complex with lots of suspense and excitement and readers can’t help but continue to turn the pages until they have read every last word. The battle with the Van Helsings is an ongoing one, so the story is best read in sequence for complete understanding of the character relationships and the nuances of the conflict but the story is still quite enjoyable if readers haven’t read them. This series is full of wonderfully unique and fascinating characters in a vivid and entertaining world that readers can’t get enough of and this one is a powerful and exhilarating reading experience.

Greer lives in Maggie’s Grove and is a dryad. Greer has an unclaimed mate named Mollie. Molly is a fire element. Mollie has been doing some investigating and is making some people mad. She also got on the wrong side of some shapeshifter wolves. One of the well liked wolves was killed and everyone is blaming Mollie. Maggie turned to Greer who she had rejected and it is killing Greer. But he would protect Mollie with his dying breath.

I really enjoyed this story and plot. There is a lot of suspense and twists and action. I loved the character of Mollie as well as Greer and the twists and turns they went through. I recommend.

I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.

Indirect Lines

Halle Shifters, #5

Dana Marie Bell

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Date of Publication: December 1, 2015
Number of pages: 228
Cover Artist: 70,000

There’s only one way to win this game: break the rules.

Halle Shifters, Book 5

James “Barney” Barnwell is losing his ever-loving mind. Between the threat to the white shifters and a riddle he’s been ordered to solve, he can actually go for ten whole minutes without thinking about Heather, the woman destined to be his mate.

As much as he burns to get the redhead under him, the safest place for her is far away from him. If the bad guys catch the barest hint of her scent on his skin, she’ll become a target.

The way Heather sees it, the quicker she helps the stubborn Bear solve the riddle, the quicker he’ll bite her—literally. But when she’s hurt while protecting her cousin from an attack, she finds herself right where Barney never wanted her: smack dab in the middle of the investigation.

Like it or not, Barney is forced to bring her fully into his crazy world. With his mate’s life in his hands, he’s in a race against time to solve this maddening riddle before the enemy discovers that the Hunter has finally been caught by love.

Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, lots of questions and maybe even some answers. Remember: Fox holds the key.

I really like snarky, smart-assed heroines, especially when they are giving that attitude to an alpha male.  I dig on good dialogue, witty repartee and snazzy one liners. And so far, this series has not disappointed in that regard.

I started this series when I saw a book about a bear named Bunny (Bear Necessities). I totally have this thing for bear shifters. They are my favorites, by far, so I had to give it a go. And... I had a good time with it. So much so, that I also checked out the the author's Halle Puma & Poconos Pack series, which exists in the same world as the Halle Shifter series. The three series don't have to be read together; they are stand alone series. However, be aware, there are some cross over characters that you are going to want to read all about. :)

This particular book is about Barney and Heather, whom we met in earlier books. Their story plays a large part in the overall story arc. Much progress is made and many questions are answered about the white shifters, and about some of the problems the town has been experiencing lately. There is at least one more couple to be mated, and I can't wait for their story. It has been several books in the making.

Since we meet and get background on a couple in prior books before their actual story, I strongly suggest reading these in order. Especially since there is an overall story arc that plays out in each book. Since this book was such a crucial piece to the puzzle, I had a hard time putting the book down. It was a fast, fun read and earned 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Samhain Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Feel the need for a cleanse after all the Thanksgiving eating? 

Here are some great Romance Novels featuring  Vegans and Vegetarians.

My lists are never in any particular order. Enjoy!

1. Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark, Book 6) by Kresley Cole

His obsession…

Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

Her downfall…

Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.

They were never supposed to want each other this much...

With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?

2. Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION…

Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face to face, they’re perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they’ve kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as co-workers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm.

…THERE ARE NO RULES.

But all bets are off when they’re asked to join forces on a major case. At first apprehensive, they begin to appreciate each other’s dedication to the law—and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection doesn’t last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it’s an all out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hot under the collar…

3. Accidental Magic by P. C. Cast

In Candy Cox and the Big Bad (Were)wolf, five-time divorcée Candice Cox is burned-out and lacking in love. But when a friend’s spell presents Candice with the young werewolf lover of her dreams, she starts to rethink her commitment to swearing off men. While the age difference throws her at first, Justin is exactly what Candice needs to kick-start her stalled love life… 

In It’s in His Kiss, strict vegetarian Summer Smith has always had a hard time giving up control—especially since her magic is unpredictable at best. But when she meets a dark, gorgeous vampire named Colin, Summer suddenly finds herself wanting to let loose and experience the new appetites awaked by Colin’s kiss…

4. Venus in Blue Jeans by Meg Benjamin

Coming off a broken engagement to a lying charmer, all bookstore owner Docia Kent wants is a fling, not a long-term romance. And for her fabulously wealthy and fabulously nosy parents to butt out of her life for a while. The Texas Hill Country town of Konigsburg looks like the perfect place to get both. Especially when she gets a look at long, tall country vet Cal Toleffson.

Cal has other plans for Docia. One glance at the six-foot version of Botticelli’s Venus, and he knows he’s looking at the woman of his dreams. Now if he can just fend off the eccentric characters of Konigsburg long enough to convince her romance isn’t such a bad idea.

One night of mind-blowing sex isn’t the only thing that leaves them both stunned. With Docia’s bookstore under attack, Konigsburg suddenly doesn’t seem so welcoming. Once again she finds her trust tested—and is left wondering if she was ever meant to have a happily ever, after all.

5. Magic Dreams by  Ilona Andrews

Alpha Pack leader Jim Shrapshire has always been the strong, silent type. But something has come over him--a magic force currently residing in one of the Pack's headquarters. Were-tigress Dali Harimau has always wished she could get Jim's attention--but now he needs her help. 

Stricken with a magic-sickness, Jim needs Dali's flair for magic. And to save him, she must challenge a powerful, dark being to a battle of wits.

6. Lovin' Blue by Zuri Day

Thanks to a stroke of bad luck, Eden Anderson's childhood tormentor, Jansen McKnight, is now her temporary roommate. He's also a badass, gun-toting cop who relishes a steak dinner. As a peace-loving vegetarian, there's nothing Eden hates more than guns--and meat. And there's nothing she'd love more than to deflate Jansen's overblown ego. So when Jansen bets Eden that he can seduce her within two weeks, she can't wait for him to lose. But as Eden learns more about the man beyond the badge, their teasing turns tantalizing. Soon, Eden starts to believe that opposites may indeed attract, and she can't stop thinking about the man in blue. . .

7. Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful-and passionate-of the Elder races.

8.  Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

Jack Travis leads the uncomplicated life of a millionaire Texas playboy. He makes no commitments, he loves many women, he lives for pleasure. But no one has ever truly touched his heart or soul. Until one day, a woman appears on his doorstep with fury on her face and a baby in her arms. It seems Jack is the father and this woman is the baby's aunt. The real mother has abandoned the child to her more responsible sister. And now, Jack is being called upon to take responsibility for the first time in his life

9. Blood of the Maple by Dana Marie Bell

A seduction-gone-wrong leaves vampire Parker Hollis with a new vegetarian lifestyle and on the run from a vengeful witch. Moving to small-town Maggie's Grove, Parker meets a redheaded dryad with green, leafy blood that draws him in a way he hasn't experienced in decades. His new neighbor smells divine, and it isn't long before craving gives in to need.

In a unique community of supernaturals, tree-loving outcast Amara Schwedler has never quite fit in. She's scarred by a traumatic incident and feared by the local townsfolk. She's convinced Parker will look elsewhere for a mate once he discovers she's not one of the O-positive set, and can't believe it when Parker finds her irresistible.

When the witch who's been plaguing Parker's life discovers the newfound attraction between Parker and Amara, she takes out her anger on the town. Can the supernaturals of Maggie's Grove accept Amara and band together in time to withstand the assaults of the enraged witch?

10. It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

The Windy City isn't quite ready for Phoebe Somerville—the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not ready for the Stars' head coach, former gridiron legend Dan Calebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Calebow is everything Phoebe abhors. And the sexy new boss is everything Dan despises—a meddling bimbo who doesn't know a pigskin from a pitcher's mound.

So why is Dan drawn to the shameless sexpot like a heat-seeking missile? And why does the coach's good ol' boy charm leave cosmopolitan Phoebe feeling awkward, tongue-tied...and ready to fight?

Need more? Check out my Goodreads list: Green: Vegans and Vegetarians in Romance Novels

I would love to know your favorites?