Howl for It (The Pride Series)

Howl For It was two paranormal shifter romances in one book, each novella length. I originally picked up the book because I’m a big fan of Cynthia Eden’s romantic suspense novels, but I’d never tried her fantasy books. After reading Wed or Dead, I’m definitely trying more of her paranormal books, because it was fantastic! I’ve never read Shelly Laurenston’s stories, so I was pleasantly surprised by her story! It had me cracking up and it was pretty hot!

3.5 Stars Like a Wolf With a Bone-Shelly Laurenston

Egbert Ray Smith, Eggie for short, is on break from the Marine Corps and back home with his family, the Smith Pack. As usual there’s family drama with his brothers and their mates it seems the Smith boys have married the Lewis sisters and they’re always fighting over something. Waiting outside while they hash things out inside, Eggie spies the youngest sister, Darla Mae outside as well, shaking her head over the drama playing out between the mates inside. Eggie is immediately smitten and follows Darla Mae out into the forest where he witnesses a few male figures hunting her. Apparently, Darla Mae has brought trouble back with her from San Francisco, and Eggie makes it his mission to keep her safe.

As I said, Like a Wolf With a Bone had me cracking up. The antics between the families were funny, just their names alone had me laughing: the Lewis sisters all had Mae as their middle name: Janie Mae, Roberta Mae, Janette Mae and so forth, and all were married/mated to the Smith brothers all with Ray as their middle names: Nicky Ray, Bubba Ray, Frankie Ray. You get the picture. At any rate it was fun seeing the Eggie and Darla Mae get to know each other, falling a little harder with every minute while settling in to his home and town, battling family and danger in the process. Their romance was hot! Definitely want to read more from Ms. Laurenston.

4.5 Stars-Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden

Cynthia Eden’s romantic suspense is always a thrill ride and I can now say the same about her paranormal stories. Kayla and Gage are on opposite sides, Kayla is a hunter of all paranormal entities, and Gage is a wolf-shifter, a powerful Alpha of his pack; so, you wouldn’t think they’d be getting married, yet as the story opens that’s exactly what’s playing out.

Oh, the chemistry between Kayla and Gage was sizzling! There’s obviously some mistrust between them when they each had secrets, but there was never a question that these two weren’t meant to be together. Their secrets come out pretty much from the start and they each must deal with betrayals from each of their groups. It was non-stop action, and when there wasn’t danger to deal with Kayla and Gage couldn’t keep their hands off each other! Loved the story and the paranormal world set up, but I’m not sure if this book is part of another series Cynthia Eden writes. I see a potential for more stories here, and I’d like to read more!

Like a Wolf With a Bone – Shelly Laurenston

This was delightfully fun, though it took me a bit to get into it. It’s set in 1974, with Eggie Ray Smith home on leave from the special shifter group of the Marines, and Darla Mae Lewis home from her work as a pastry chef in San Francisco. When she’s attacked by humans, Eggie decides to take her back to his place in the hopes that whoever’s after her won’t be able to follow. Of course, once Darla wakes up, she’s got something to say about his high-handedness…

“I could skin ya, have you deboned, and buried in less than an hour. It’s in the trainin’. So don’t y’all cross me when it comes to Darla Mae.”
The two eldest hunkered down more over their food, the youngest nearly choked on his pancake, but Bubba Ray leaned back in his chair and noted, “I guess this means you love her.”
But Eggie wasn’t about to get into discussing any of that with his kin. “Just don’t get in my way, and I won’t have to kill any of ya. I hate upsettin’ Momma and all.”

I loved these two together. Darla’s able to take care of herself, and that’s one of the things Eggie loves about her. The whole thing is ridiculously tongue-in-cheek, and I laughed so much while reading this. It’s still also sweet, and I loved the way their relationship developed.

Wed or Dead – Cynthia Eden

“But Kayla wasn’t leaving. She’d never left a job before, and she wouldn’t start now. From the corner of her eye, she glanced at Gage. Poor guy. He had no idea what was coming for him. Did he think this was some kind of epic romance?
Think again.
She was the predator. He was the prey. And, soon enough, he’d grow to hate her.”

This was much more action-packed than the first story, and also a bit more typical. Kayla’s a monster hunter tasked with killing Gage, the alpha of the Las Vegas shifter pack. Unfortunately, getting close to him has involved getting, well, *very* close to him, and the story picks up at their wedding. I think this story suffered in comparison to Ms. Laurenston’s, since this one has so much more action, plot, and backstory, that the characterization was weaker. I was hoping this was the start of a series, but it looks like it’s not, unfortunately. As it is, I’ll definitely be looking up more by Ms. Eden.

Overall, two enjoyable shifter romances!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

LIKE A WOLF WITH A BONE
Shelly Laurenston

It was interesting at first but I just couldn't get behind a character as goody goody as the h, Darla. She was just too sweet, too peppy and of course she's also bossy, opinionated and sassy (-_-) but somehow ended up being rather boring for me.

Then there was the H, Egbert Ray Smith (who goes by Eggie!) and it all kind of went down hill from there. No matter how alpha and dangerous we're told he is, with a name like Eggie, I just couldn't take him seriously.

On top of that there were a lot of side characters that made vague appearances throughout the story that derailed the focus off the main couple and the whole story takes place in 1974 with an epilogue 30 years later that just felt off for me.

Would I recommend? Its a prequel to a new series (?) so maybe hold out for the first book. I don't think you're missing much here.

WED OR DEAD
Cynthia Eden

A mate bond between a shifter and an assassin? Yeah, to say it's complicated would be an understatement. Kayla and Gage have good chemistry and I liked the action and conspiracy that surrounded the h. She was strong and pretty kick ass. Until they introduce the cheesey villain and her annoying brother. Blood is thicker than water so I get why she acted the way she did when it came to her brother, but the villain! She frustrated me with her second guessing of the H and throw him over so easily for her brother. And vise versa, the way her brother so easily threw her over for the villain.

Gage was a good H but there just wasn't enough page time with him to really get a feel for him. Liked that he was 100% committed to Kayla right from the start (even before they find out their truly mates) but it felt too rushed. The smexy times were hot and creative *wiggles eyebrows* It's worth a read for that alone, Lol!

Would I recommend? Yes, this has the setup for the next in the series and a lot of backstory for the evil group hunting down shifters and especially regarding the villain.

* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I received a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I do own this in paperback too!

This book has two stories in it. Both are fabulous stories! I think I have read this book before, but it was prior to writing reviews as most of the books I’ve read by Shelly. I’ve read a ton of Shelly’s books, and she is one of my favorite authors. I own her books in paperback. I didn’t used to write reviews because I didn’t think what I thought mattered to others. I didn’t used to look at reviews then either, but I share for those on the fence. I will eventually go back and re-read all of those books to write reviews, but I haven’t found time yet. Cynthia is a newer author to me, but I definitely love what I’ve read so far and will continue to check out her work.

Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston is another story in a world I love with women full of attitude that make for exciting adventure and reading. This is a prequel of how DeeAnn’s parents get together, and it gives you insight into Eggie who is DeeAnn’s daddy. I love when the Lewis sisters are together especially when you throw in those Smith boys. It is a fabulous world that I love getting lost in. I’m always up to read Shelly’s work!

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden is an interesting paranormal world where there are hunters who seek to destroy those paranormals. This was a story full of twists and turns and deception. There was tons of action and plot that I didn’t see some things coming. It was definitely a great read! I can’t wait to read more of Cynthia’s work!

I highly recommend to paranormal and shifter fans who love humorous stories that are full of action, attitude, and love, and for fans who love complex worlds and great reads!

Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston:
This was such a cute shifter story! Both main characters were quirky and just had me laughing. It was silly but entertaining. The blurb makes Eggie sound scary and while he was a well trained military man with no social skills, he came off almost shy when he was with Darla. Darla was the fun, outgoing shifter who didn't really have a care in the world and wasn't afraid of anything even when their were human men trying to kill her. She pretty much just inserted herself into Eggie's life and he just followed along with whatever she wanted. Both of their families added some entertainment to the story as well. Very fun read.

Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden:
This was a more serious read than Shelly's story but equally as entertaining. If you like the Hero's who go after what they want no matter the consequences, you get that in Gage. He's a strong, dominant and protective Alpha of his pack and that extends to his very human mate Kayla. Their courtship was very short and all Gage wanted to do was bind her in marriage as quickly as possible. Probably due to the fact that he was hiding a secret from her, but she was hiding a secret from him as well. This short story was full of action as Gage and Kayla work together to try and survive a rogue shifter posing as a human hunter.

I would give both these stories 5 Stars. I enjoyed both of them in different ways. Shelly Laurenston for the fun entertainment and Cynthia Eden for the Suspenseful entertainment. ARC provided by Netgalley.

Howl For it comprises of two of my favorite authors, Cynthia Eden and Shelly Laurenston. You know when you decide to read a book written by either of this author that you are in store for hours of entertainment. I am happy to say that Howl For It never failed to entertain.
But a fair warning this book was originally released on August 28, 2012, by Bravo.

Book #1: Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston. If you read the Pride Series than you may know Dee-Ann. Well, this story is about her parents and how they met. Along with a great story, Shelly Laurenston put her brand of mixing romance with humor. This story was a pleasure and you got to visit with the Lewis and Smith.

Book #2: Wed or Dead was written by Cynthia Eden. This too is a shifter romance. But where Shelly Laurenston entertained us with humor and romance. Cynthia Eden provided us readers with intrigue. It started off with Kayla who only lot in life is to kill paranormal creatures that prey on humans. With her next target being Gage…An alpha of the Vegas pack. The only way she can take him out was by marrying him and then on their wedding night take him out. Or so she thought! She finds out that Gage has a say on the matter.

Both of these stories, though different brought the same reaction…of pure satisfaction of having the pleasure of reading two relaxing stories of humor and intrigue.

Howl for It a solid paranormal romance that all romance fans will enjoy.

Two very different shapeshifter novellas come together with a mix of mayhem, mystery and wolfish romance.

"Like a Wolf With a Bone" was full of Shelly Laurenston’s trademark humor, but I’ll admit I found it a bit much. There are too many side characters and I found Darla’s sisters in particularly just blended into one. There are simply too many brothers and sisters floating around with too similar names for me to get a hold on them in just a short novella. The overall story is quite fun, but I wasn’t in the right mood for this kind of over the top, madcap family humor.

"Wed or Dead" is completely different. We have a human marrying a werewolf, lots of secrets and lies, a secret government agency and more family drama than you can shake a tranquilizer at. I found it an enjoyable if not particularly spectacular suspenseful read.

So overall I found this okay. If you love wolf-shifter romance then you’ll probably love it, especially if you’re already a fan of one or other of these authors. If you like crazy humor, then Laurenston always has you covered, but if you’re more a fan of suspense then Cynthia Eden does a pretty good job. Personally I liked the second more than the first, but neither one left me wanting to explore more of the series the came from.

(Review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.)

LIKE A WOLF WITH A BONE by @Shelley
Egbert Ray ( Eggie ) is a deadly wolf shifter. His brothers have married or mated to the Lewis sisters. Everyone is scared of Eggie and try to stay clear of him. He's in a special unit in the marines with other shifters. Darla Mae is the first person not afraid of Eggie. She is attacked on her own territory and Eggie takes her back to his territory. But he never expects to fall for the pacifist wolf shifter. Someone still wants Darla dead but they'll have to go through Eggie first.
From what I understand this takes place in the '70s. Sometimes the dialogue didn't sound natural but there was plenty of action, fighting, and sex, with a little humor thrown in.
----------------------------
WED OR DEAD by @CynthiaEden 5 stars
Kayla is a hunter who takes down wolves and other paranormal creatures who kill humans. Gage is the Alpha of the Vegas pack and is Kayla's next mission. She must get as close as possible to him and then kill him with a silver knife. What better way than to marry him. Gage knows her plans but they can't help but fall for each other. From the first time Gage got a whiff of Kayla, he knew she was his. They are captured and Kayla finds out some disturbing truths about the hunters leader.
Loved this story. Exciting, sexy, bloody, and a little suspenseful.
---------------------------------
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *

If you love shapeshifter romance then I'm pretty sure that you've already heard of these two authors. This time it's all about the Wolves though and even though there's suspense within these two stories for this reader it's all about the romance!
Like A Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston
As you would expect from this author it's an hilarious look at the dynamics within her Pack world. The uber scary Eggie is reluctantly on leave when he comes to the rescue of Darla Mae. I honestly didn't mind that the plot surrounding Darla Mae felt weak as I found immense joy in the burgeoning relationship between Eggie and Darla Mae. Plus their families are just so crazy that you never know what they will do next but with Eggie growling and Darla Mae strutting her stuff this story certainly entertained me.
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
This felt very passionate right from the start with an undercover Hunter marrying the Alpha Wolf ! Yep it's a conundrum right from the start but it's pretty obvious that Gage knows what he wants , so will he put his Pack first or his new wife Kayla? Supporting characters didn't really work for this reader but the overall idea funnily enough did with betrayals, lies and a very hot Wolf !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I enjoyed both stories in this “bundle”, although each is very different where one has humorous overtones, the other is more suspenseful. If you’ve followed Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series then you’ll enjoy going back to revisit a beginning of well established characters from that series. I happen to love a rough, gruff, silent type of Alpha and Eggie is all that – his perfect counterpart is the fun loving, adventurous Darla. Like A Wolf With A Bone reminded me of why I enjoy this series so much.

Wed or Dead is very different where one hunter tries (and fails) to pull the wool over one shifter’s eyes. Gage and Kayla may both be marrying under the totally wrong reasons but that doesn’t affect the chemistry between them. Kayla is about to discover that her prey isn’t what she thought he was, and one stubborn man is about to get caught in his own trap… with his mate. Suspenseful, sexy and entertaining. I enjoyed this one.

If you love Shifter Romance, then you’ll want to check out Howl For It.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

4- "Going somewhere..?" Stars!

~~Review for Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden only.~~

I am a huge fan of Eden’s pnr writing so it was a no-brainer to request this little collection. And although Gage and Kayla’s story was quick in its telling it was an extremely enjoyable read.

"It’s too late to run… I’d just follow you."

A shifter marrying a hunter is not what one generally expects seeing as they generally fall on opposite sides of the fence when the chips are down. Kayla has been tasked with getting close to Gage in order to penetrate his pack and take it down, but little does she realize as she walks down the aisle, that Gage knows exactly who she is and what she is after.

A hunter and a wolf didn’t have a shot at forever…

Double crosses, twists and turns, plenty of action of the sexy and non-sexy variety, this was a novella length story that packed a decent punch.

"I’m not letting you go."

I actually think the premise of the hunters and what occurred in this book would have been a great start to a series, I don’t think the author has written any more involving these characters though. But one can hope for the future.

These two books are linked only by the common theme of shifters. You don't need to worry about remembering characters from the first story to enjoy the 2nd!

Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston

OMG It's a flashback to the 70's! I was only a baby during the time that this book was set and it was a hoot! Darla is in your face, don't give a damn feminist with a knack for baking (so un-PC!!!)Eggie is like a trap, coiled and ready to spring but Darla just loves to poke. All her sisters have hooked up with Eggie's brothers but she doesn't want a mate, no sirree!!!

Pity fate is fickle and has decided to throw these two together! I did feel sorry for Darla and Eggie cos their brothers and sisters are...an acquired taste to say the least. I really hated them for the way they treated Darla and Eggie.

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden

A shifter wedding with a difference. The groom is a shifter and the bride is a hunter...although neither of them wants to admit it, their is more to this wedding than similar plans to catch the other!

Very dark and dangerous feel. Lots of betrayal, mistrust, lies and lost families. I'd definitely read more in this series!!!

Two very different shapeshifter novellas come together with a mix of mayhem, mystery and wolfish romance.

"Like a Wolf With a Bone" was full of Shelly Laurenston’s trademark humor, but I’ll admit I found it a bit much. There are too many side characters and I found Darla’s sisters in particularly just blended into one. There are simply too many brothers and sisters floating around with too similar names for me to get a hold on them in just a short novella. The overall story is quite fun, but I wasn’t in the right mood for this kind of over the top, madcap family humor.

"Wed or Dead" is completely different. We have a human marrying a werewolf, lots of secrets and lies, a secret government agency and more family drama than you can shake a tranquilizer at. I found it an enjoyable if not particularly spectacular suspenseful read.

So overall I found this okay. If you love wolf-shifter romance then you’ll probably love it, especially if you’re already a fan of one or other of these authors. If you like crazy humor, then Laurenston always has you covered, but if you’re more a fan of suspense then Cynthia Eden does a pretty good job. Personally I liked the second more than the first, but neither one left me wanting to explore more of the series the came from.

(Review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.)

LIKE A WOLF WITH A BONE by @Shelley
Egbert Ray ( Eggie ) is a deadly wolf shifter. His brothers have married or mated to the Lewis sisters. Everyone is scared of Eggie and try to stay clear of him. He's in a special unit in the marines with other shifters. Darla Mae is the first person not afraid of Eggie. She is attacked on her own territory and Eggie takes her back to his territory. But he never expects to fall for the pacifist wolf shifter. Someone still wants Darla dead but they'll have to go through Eggie first.
From what I understand this takes place in the '70s. Sometimes the dialogue didn't sound natural but there was plenty of action, fighting, and sex, with a little humor thrown in.
----------------------------
WED OR DEAD by @CynthiaEden 5 stars
Kayla is a hunter who takes down wolves and other paranormal creatures who kill humans. Gage is the Alpha of the Vegas pack and is Kayla's next mission. She must get as close as possible to him and then kill him with a silver knife. What better way than to marry him. Gage knows her plans but they can't help but fall for each other. From the first time Gage got a whiff of Kayla, he knew she was his. They are captured and Kayla finds out some disturbing truths about the hunters leader.
Loved this story. Exciting, sexy, bloody, and a little suspenseful.
---------------------------------
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *

If you love shapeshifter romance then I'm pretty sure that you've already heard of these two authors. This time it's all about the Wolves though and even though there's suspense within these two stories for this reader it's all about the romance!
Like A Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston
As you would expect from this author it's an hilarious look at the dynamics within her Pack world. The uber scary Eggie is reluctantly on leave when he comes to the rescue of Darla Mae. I honestly didn't mind that the plot surrounding Darla Mae felt weak as I found immense joy in the burgeoning relationship between Eggie and Darla Mae. Plus their families are just so crazy that you never know what they will do next but with Eggie growling and Darla Mae strutting her stuff this story certainly entertained me.
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
This felt very passionate right from the start with an undercover Hunter marrying the Alpha Wolf ! Yep it's a conundrum right from the start but it's pretty obvious that Gage knows what he wants , so will he put his Pack first or his new wife Kayla? Supporting characters didn't really work for this reader but the overall idea funnily enough did with betrayals, lies and a very hot Wolf !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I enjoyed both stories in this “bundle”, although each is very different where one has humorous overtones, the other is more suspenseful. If you’ve followed Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series then you’ll enjoy going back to revisit a beginning of well established characters from that series. I happen to love a rough, gruff, silent type of Alpha and Eggie is all that – his perfect counterpart is the fun loving, adventurous Darla. Like A Wolf With A Bone reminded me of why I enjoy this series so much.

Wed or Dead is very different where one hunter tries (and fails) to pull the wool over one shifter’s eyes. Gage and Kayla may both be marrying under the totally wrong reasons but that doesn’t affect the chemistry between them. Kayla is about to discover that her prey isn’t what she thought he was, and one stubborn man is about to get caught in his own trap… with his mate. Suspenseful, sexy and entertaining. I enjoyed this one.

If you love Shifter Romance, then you’ll want to check out Howl For It.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

4- "Going somewhere..?" Stars!

~~Review for Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden only.~~

I am a huge fan of Eden’s pnr writing so it was a no-brainer to request this little collection. And although Gage and Kayla’s story was quick in its telling it was an extremely enjoyable read.

"It’s too late to run… I’d just follow you."

A shifter marrying a hunter is not what one generally expects seeing as they generally fall on opposite sides of the fence when the chips are down. Kayla has been tasked with getting close to Gage in order to penetrate his pack and take it down, but little does she realize as she walks down the aisle, that Gage knows exactly who she is and what she is after.

A hunter and a wolf didn’t have a shot at forever…

Double crosses, twists and turns, plenty of action of the sexy and non-sexy variety, this was a novella length story that packed a decent punch.

"I’m not letting you go."

I actually think the premise of the hunters and what occurred in this book would have been a great start to a series, I don’t think the author has written any more involving these characters though. But one can hope for the future.

These two books are linked only by the common theme of shifters. You don't need to worry about remembering characters from the first story to enjoy the 2nd!

Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston

OMG It's a flashback to the 70's! I was only a baby during the time that this book was set and it was a hoot! Darla is in your face, don't give a damn feminist with a knack for baking (so un-PC!!!)Eggie is like a trap, coiled and ready to spring but Darla just loves to poke. All her sisters have hooked up with Eggie's brothers but she doesn't want a mate, no sirree!!!

Pity fate is fickle and has decided to throw these two together! I did feel sorry for Darla and Eggie cos their brothers and sisters are...an acquired taste to say the least. I really hated them for the way they treated Darla and Eggie.

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden

A shifter wedding with a difference. The groom is a shifter and the bride is a hunter...although neither of them wants to admit it, their is more to this wedding than similar plans to catch the other!

Very dark and dangerous feel. Lots of betrayal, mistrust, lies and lost families. I'd definitely read more in this series!!!

Walking through the library Tuesday, killing time before picking the kids up from school, I found this book and Wolf With Benefits. Not knowing anything about the author of the books, I picked them up and took them home, reading them both and enjoying them!!

Howl For It is the start of the whole Pride series, which I didn't know until now, but it still was written so well that I was able to read it and not be lost. Which is wonderful because I really hate reading books out of order!!

Eggie Ray is something of a strange man, or wolf. He isn't talkative like his brothers and he is a special marine, very good at killing. Of course that means that most of the pack is scared of him and wants nothing to do with him.

Darla Mae is one of the Lewis sisters, in fact her older sisters are all involved with Eggie Ray's brothers, but of course everyone has told her to stay away from Eggie. But trouble seems to be after Darla Mae and Eggie is determined to protect her.

This is the story of the beginnings of the Pride, Eggie and Darla - their romance and life, what happens to bring them together and then there is their pride and joy, introduced at the end of the book, Dee-Ann, their daughter. It's an amazing story to the rightness of two people being together, two people that complete each other and understand each other without the need for a lot of words or fancy things.

This may be a shorter story, just filling in the background on Dee-Ann, but it is still and amazing book and I am so glad I read it, even without knowing it was the beginning. I read book EIGHT first, and now I am ready to dig into books one thru seven!!

Howl for It by Shelly Laurenston; Cynthia Eden is book 0.5 in the "Pride" series. This brings together two authors with two books.

Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston
This is the story of Egbert 'Eggie" and Darla Mae. Eggie is a hard man who most people are scared of, but he finds Darla Mae to be beautiful inside and out. But he thinks she would not want him. But Darla Mae sees more in him then most people and she depends he be treated fairly. This was a really sweet hot romance.

Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
This is the story of Kayla Kincaid and Gage Riley. Gage was to be an assigment for Kayla by getting close to him like no one else had. But after she ended up marring him she was told to kill him but Kayla has become to have feeling for him.

I really enjoyed these two books They were great reads and a good chance to read other authors that you might not have read before.

Howl For It by bestselling authors Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden is a highly entertaining, paranormal collection that's a definite MUST read! Both of these stories were terrific with awesome characters, hilarious banter, crazy antics, danger, intense situations, and intriguing twists and turns. These novellas will pull you in right from the beginning, and you won't be able to put it down until the last word is read. From an old favorite (Eden) to a new-to-me author (Laurenston), both of have packed quite a punch with these fantastic stories!

Like a Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston - 5 stars!

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden - 5 stars!

I would strongly recommend this book, and both of these exceptional authors.

I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

An anthology duo from authors Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden makes for a very entertaining combo read. Two differing sides of paranormal romance, one more campy humor, and one more rip-roaring action, and both sides are definitely furry. Hey--you scratch my back and I'll scratch your back! "Like a Wolf with a Bone", from Shelly Laurenston, is set in the seventies--the perfect era for this funny, "far out", clan-with-a-plan paranormal romance romp. Darla Mae Lewis is the "quiet one" in a family of loud and proud she-wolf sisters. When she falls into the protective care of Eggie Ray Smith, nothing in the world will ever be the same. Eggie Ray is big, bad, and you won't like him when he gets mad. A lethal combat assassin, Eggie is not exactly a "social animal", and he knows that he should keep Darla Mae at arm's length. However, her sweet and sassy nature brings out a depth of tenderness and passion in Eggie that no one ever expected, except for Darla Mae. Besides all that, the girl can make pies like nobody's business! Better together than apart, they must find a way to defeat their enemies and sooth the fuse that lights the feud between warring shifter clans. "Wed or Dead", from author Cynthia Eden, is a suspenseful and passionate paranormal romance adventure. Kayla Kincaid, a hunter--a slayer, makes the deadly mistake of falling for her assignment. In fact, she falls so hard, that against all her better instincts, she marries him! He is Gage Riley, Alpha Wolf, and leader of his pack. He knows exactly whom he is marrying, but love leads him down the aisle and into a deadly confrontation with an evil Kayla never suspects. The villain in this story is beyond vile, stealing the trust of a selected few as he leaves the carnage of their loved ones behind. Kayla's brother is a pawn in this deadly game, making her take chances that she can't afford to lose. Gage has already lost his heart, but he can't let the threat to his pack go unanswered. Can Kayla and Gage find the courage to trust each other above all else that they have ever known? Is their love as strong as their passion? Cynthia Eden takes her readers on a thrilling paranormal romance ride that starts and ends with a Alpha Wolf and his bride.

Review Copy Gratis Brava Books

copy received through Netgalley for honest review
I chose this book because Shelly laurenston was one of the authors. I have never been disappointed in her books and am happy to say that this one is good too. She delivers humor and sexy alpha heroes each and every time. Eggie and Darla are a cute couple. Everyone either hates or is scared of Eggie. He is a cold killer with little regard to anyone's feelings. Darla changes things and it was cute to see Eggie "romance" her.
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden was a little more serious. Gage had to protect his human bride from a rogue shifter. Together they must try to survive all the drama. Good action and suspense to entertain the reader

I voluntarily read an advanced reviewers copy of this book

Like a dog with a bone by Shelly Laurenston

This book was great. I have read this story in the past as a part of a book that was purchased for me..by me... for my reading pleasure. At first I was worried it may be weird reading about Dee-Ann's parents but I loved it! I loved it so much that I went back and read every book that I purchased from the series in the past. It was funny and romantic in a way that was perfect for Darla Mae and Eggie Ray Smith

Overall, If you love shifters...than you will love this book!

Two excellent shifter tales.
Shelly Laurenston brings together Egbert Ray Smith a wolf operative working for the government. He is home on vacation when his talents are needed to foil a deadly plot against Darla Lewis a She-wolf. Protection and Chemistry abound.
Cynthia Eden's Wed or Dead is also included in Howl for It. Kyla Kincaid is a shifter hunter commissioned to take down Las Vegas Alpha Gage Riley. Story of twists and turns along with howling romance.
Book was provided by Kensington books via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion.

Brought to you By OBS reviewer Heidi

howl-for-it-pride-shelly-laurenston-cynthia-edenShelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden have teamed up with their shapeshifting stories to bring us this fun book. I’ve broken down my thoughts on the two stories below.

Like a Wolf with a Bone
Pride, Book #0.5
By Shelly Laurenston
Author’s Website: http://shellylaurenston.com/
Egbert ‘Eggie’ Ray Smith is on a forced leave from the Marines, much to his dismay. He is the most reviled of all the Smith brothers, and is a trained assassin. But after dropping his brothers off at the Lewis house to see their mates, Eggie sees the youngest Lewis girl, Darla Mae. Eggie is instantly attracted, but knows she is too good for the likes of him. But when full humans come with the intent to kill, he takes action, saving her life and sweeping her off to his house in Tennesse. He will do anything to keep her safe and make her his!

This is the first story I’ve read from Laurenston, and I don’t know what I was expecting, but it really wasn’t this. There are so many shapeshifter stories out there and I don’t feel that this one had anything to really set it apart from all the others.

It also had some obnoxious traits in it, for instance the fact that all the Smith brothers were mated to one of the Lewis girls seemed a little too close for comfort for me. What are they the only wolf families in town? Come on, expand the gene pool a little bit! I’m getting flashes of Hot Shot from the Sookie Stackhouse series where everybody is inbred in this town’s near future!! I also found the names annoying … all the smith boys with Ray at the end and all the Lewis girls with Mae at the end. It was just a little too country for my liking.

Eggie and Darla were okay characters, although I think they got along a little too much, no fighting or arguing is pretty unrealistic. But overall I just didn’t see anything all that great about either character. I really hope the series improves as it progresses.

Wed of Dead
By Cynthia Eden
Author’s Website: http://www.cynthiaeden.com/
This is a story by another new-to-me author. And I must say it drew me in quick, hit hard, and didn’t let go! I really enjoyed this story and only wish it was part of a series!

After Kayla Kincaid lost her family to an attack by a wolf shifter, she and her only remaining relative, her brother Jonah, joined the ranks of the hunters. Killing the shifters that prey on innocent humans.

Kayla’s latest mission is to get close to wolf shifter alpha, Gage Riley, and kill him. Getting close to Gage is how Kayla finds herself in a Vegas chapel marrying the sexy alpha. But she refuses to kill him until after she’s at least sampled his body!! But shortly after they are attacked by other hunters and she makes a split-second decision to protect Gage, putting her on the outs with her team and their leader that has more secrets than any of them ever could have expected!

This story was just a lot of fun. It kept me hooked and was an easy, fast read!

I enjoyed both Gage and Kayla. Gage was sexy male wolf personified and would do anything to protect his mate and his pack. Kayla could kick butt in her own right, but does suffer from what so many leading gals do, the need to be a better person and save those her guy would rather put an end to! The story would have ended much quicker without that need! But the story was still good.

Overall Thoughts: This was a decent read, and one any shifter fan will enjoy! Even though I gave these two stories the same rating, I did enjoy the second story, Wed of Dead a bit more!! I’m looking forward to reading more from these authors!

Wow...I just LOVE Shelly's stories. If anyone is familiar with her work you should recognize the last name Smith, Lewis, and Morrighan(I think I got the spelling right). Anyways, her stories all all kinda tied together in some way. Smith you recognize from the Pride Series. The Morrighan eventhough vaguely mentioned in A Wolf with a Bone is from the Magnus Pack Series. Lewis I believe is from Pride too just dont remember. I just thought that was interesting because I've read that whole series before this book. Loved Eggie. He was really sweet and thoughtful when it came to Darla Mae. She was so funny and kinda crazy in her own way. I love how tough, dangerous, and mean and stealthy Eggie was. At first I HATED his name and thought why did she name him Egbert? LOL. His name grew on me and ended up loving it. I will say even though Darla Mae was 24 I think she kinda came across sometimes as younger like 20. Could be she acted that way because she was so sheltered and kept close to home til she DEMANDED to go away. LOL. The love scenes were hot too. He was so gentle with her with her first time. They didn't admit it right away but it was love at first sight. I think this is one of my favorite couples. I got this on Kindle Unlimited but I think I am going to buy it because I like keeping series' together. The other book didnt keep my attention as much but it was sooo different than Shellys book. I think thats why it worked as a set.

"Like A Wolf With A Bone" by Shelly Laurenston - 3.5 stars

Wolf shifter Eggie Smith is use to others fearing him. He's better off being left alone anyhow. But while on leave from the Marines, Eggie falls hard and fast for the piece loving she-wolf Darla Lewis after saving her. Darla has no idea why a group of humans took shots at her but she's happy to get a break from her rowdy family. She can see Eggie has a good soul and she'll defend him against his own pack or anyone else who tries to take her wolf away.

We've met Darla and crazy uncle Eggie in previous books in the Pride series and here we go back to the 70s to see how this unlikely pair met. There are no big surprises in this story. Eggie loves his mate (and later on his daughter) and tolerates very little else. Darla is a pie baking sweetheart who has no problem showing her claws to anyone who even thinks of messing with her family. This was a very cute story with a lot of humor and out there wackiness that's abundant in this series. Anyone can read this short but I think fans will enjoy this story the most because you get to see what the older Smiths were like before their offspring took over.

"Wed Or Dead" by Cynthia Eden - 4 stars

Kayla's mission was to get close enough to wolf shifter and alpha Gage Ryder to eliminate him but what started out as an assignment has turned into something more. Gage knew Kayla was a hunter the moment he saw her yet that never stopped him from wanting to claim her. When they learn there are traders on both sides, Gage and Kayla will fight together to save themselves and the people they love.

Things are intense between this pair from the start and not even the fact she's part of a group of hunters that have been led to believe all shifters are evil dampens things between them. Gage is your typical alpha who willingly sheds blood for his pack and has a penchant for growling at anyone who gets too close to his mate. Kayla is your standard heroine who can kick butt and has a sad past. Not the most original characters but I loved the chemistry and they always kept things interesting and very hot.

This story is a bit darker and more complex than the first one. In addition to Gage and Kayla having obvious issues they need to work through, there's more to her boss that what you first see and his secret will shock Kayla to her core. Fast-paced and fairly bloody, this short was my favorite of the two. I hope to see more from the Las Vegas pack because there were several members of the supporting cast I'd love to see get their own story.

4.5

*Book source ~ Many thanks to Kensington for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

'Howl For It' contains two paranormal stories by authors I love. To read. Authors I love to read. *cough*

'Like a Wolf with a Bone' by Shelly Laurenston is about Eggie Ray Smith and Darla Mae Lewis, parents to the scary Dee-Ann Smith of many Pride books. Eggie Ray is one scary killer and Darla Mae is a pacifist. Well, she's as much of a pacifist as a wolf shifter can be. The two shouldn't have a thing in common, but their chemistry is off the charts and they find they can rub along quite well together. Now, if they can just keep their annoying families out of their business then Eggie won't have to kill any of his, or her, kin.

My only complaint about this story is that it is too short. I can read Pride books forever and never want them to end. I love the snarky conversation, the descriptions, the shifter interactions and the humor. When I open a Pride book I know I'm going to be entertained and I was not disappointed in this one. I actually rate this a 5 biter even if it was more of a snack than a meal.

'Wed or Dead' by Cynthia Eden seems to be set in the same world of her Night Watch and The Fallen series. Same world but maybe only loosely connected though I'm not positive. Anyway, Gage Ryder is a wolf shifter, the Alpha of Las Vegas and he's being hunted. Kayla Kincaid is human, but she's also something else. A Hunter. When her boss orders her to get close to Gage she does so. And when Gage asks her to marry him, her boss orders her to do so. But when he tells her to stab Gage in the heart with a silver blade on their wedding night, she just can't do it. So with a Hunter team closing in, Gage and Kayla make a run for it together though neither one trusts the other. And that makes for a shaky start to a marriage.

I always enjoy Cynthia Eden's writing and characters. The plot on this could have used a bit more in the pre-planning stage instead of starting with Kayla walking down the aisle. I was a bit confused as to what the heck was going on and it made me a tad cranky. However, the plot picks up, things are explained and I was soon on the same page as the characters. If this is a short story introducing us to a new series I look forward to reading more. 4 bites and a nibble out of 5.

This book is a collection of two different stories from different authors. I didn't much care for the first story, Like a Wolf with a Bone. If I could have given it 2.5 stars, I would have. It was somewhat amusing in a hillbilly, hick kind of way. Not really my kind of story although I did kind of enjoy the relationship between the two main characters Darla and Eggie. The rest of the characters were worthless and didn't interest me in the least and I have no desire to read anymore of the series from this author, Shelly Laurenston.

However, I did enjoy the second story, Wed or Dead, much better. This was a much better story and definitely more interesting characters. This series I would read more on but when I checked to see what other books there were on this storyline, I couldn't find anymore. I like the whole human hunter, wolf pack storyline. Kind of reminds me of the Psy-Changeling storyline from another author that I really like. I like this author, Cynthia Eden and would read more from her.

Like a Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston:

This is the story of how Dee-Ann Smith's parents, Eggie and Darla Mae, met. Eggie is a killer. Stone-cold, he does the jobs that no one else will, he does it well, and he doesn't think twice. Darla is a pacifist. Great combo! Everyone is trying to protect Darla from Eggie, but when she unknowingly witnesses a murder, humans are after her and Eggie wants to be the one who protects her.

As with any Shifters series story, the banter and dialogue is random and hilarious, the family fights constantly, and the only calm in center of it all is sweet Darla. She knows right away that Eggie isn't the mean, heartless man everyone makes him out to be. She senses the good in him and knows from the start that he's the one for her. The best part of the stories in this series is the insanity. These characters will say anything, do anything and it makes me laugh. With this story, set in the 70s, there are random references to Columbo and Charles Manson (Darla was only with the cult for an hour!)

*********
She walked bank to the counter, faced him, and said, "I love you, Eggie Ray."

Eggie nodded and waited for more - because there was always more when it came to Darla Mae and that's where he was expecting that damn hammer - but after nearly a minute she shrugged and said, "That's it. I love you. I'll always love you."

Darla looked off and suddenly added, "And I like pie."
*********

I have to admit, when I started the story, I couldn't remember how Eggie and Darla Mae fit into the series and who we had already met in a previous book that was directly related, until the epilogue came and jumped thirty years into the future with a visit from their daughter Dee-Ann and Ulrich Van Holtz. Learning more about Eggie makes me understand Dee-Ann so much better and where she gets her "personality" from. She's daddy's girl, and after getting a better understanding of Eggie and Darla Mae, they have that sweet kind of crazy that I love reading about. (162 pgs) 4/5 stars

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden:

Wow, the start of this one reeled me in quick. Gage and Kayla are walking down the aisle. For Kayla, it's a mission, get close to the target (her soon to be husband) so she can take him out. Only problem with that is, over the past two months that she's gotten close to him, she's started having true feelings for him and she hesitates in her mission. She's a hunter, she takes out the shifters that are killers. Gage is a pack alpha and he's known all along who Kayla is and suspects that there's more to her than meets the eye. It all comes out after their wedding night (one sexy wedding night) after Gage claims her as his, Kayla's team breaks in and she takes off with Gage, proving where her new loyalty lies. The only problem is, her brother is still among the hunters and she can't abandon him. This leads to not only Gage's capture, but hers as well.

Gage and Kayla are now fighting against the leader of the hunters, a man that Kayla trusted for years, believing him to be her rescuer and not the monster he really is. I was completely into this world and these characters - the first part is really engaging and fast paced. And then Kayla makes a really stupid choice. I groaned out loud because I hated seeing her do this. Even knowing the man she thought was their leader and fighting for the good side was truly a monster, she chooses to stay within his reach because of her brother, knowing that she'll just be locked back up after she and Gage had managed to escape. It just seemed like such a stupid thing for her to do and it made me think of her differently after that, not in a good way.

The action is intense until the very end, and kept the story moving along at a great clip. Overall, I enjoyed the relationship between Gage and Kayla. I'm a sucker for the whole "mate - claiming - alpha" set up and Gage is as alpha as they come. Aside from the few moments with Kayla that had me annoyed with her choices, I liked this world and the action packed story surrounding the fight between the human hunters and the wolf shifters. (150 pgs) 4/5 stars

Like a Wolf with a Bone by Shelly Laurenston

Egbert "Eggie" Ray Smith is one of the most-feared members of the rowdiest packs in the South. And once he kidnaps Darla Mae Lewis nothing is ever the same again.

Darla Mae Lewis couldn't believe her luck when Eggie kidnapped her. Sometimes a girl gets very tired of her family being overprotective of her. Eggie has managed to start a pack feud and unleash Darla Mae's instincts all at the same time. Now Darla Mae can't wait to see what comes next.

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden

Gage Ryder knew his human bride could be wild. What he didn't plan on was spending his honeymoon night trying to stay ahead of the hunters that are trying to finish him and his pack off. He might have fun playing with hunters under different circumstances but not on the one night he was looking forward to. Now Gage will do whatever it takes to uncover all of Kayla's secrets and get to the truth. He just has to make sure he doesn't' get trapped in his own seductive game.

This is another great story from both of these authors and that are sure to make them both auto-buys for many readers. Shelly's story is sure to have readers in tears from laughing so hard and Cynthia is sure to have them in tears that the story is over. This can be a very fast read for some readers but it is one that shouldn't be missed for anything. The stories pull the reader in and refuse to let go for any reason. The characters are fun and engaging.

Like A Wolf With A Bone - Awesome novella addition to Laurenston's Pack series! I didn't realize going into this one that it was a prequel of sorts. It actually takes place in the 70′s and is essentially the start of the series with the first couple we'd only seen in passing, Darla and Eggie. First off, love the name Eggie and how Laurenston took me from snorting at the absurdity of the name to finding it endearing quite quickly. Eggie is a big, bad, feared addition to the pack and her prefers to stay on his own...until he rescues Darla from some murdering humans and whisks her away to safety at his house. I enjoyed the look back into this family and coming to understand the dynamics that the two play even in the present. As always a whole slue of secondary characters familiar with the series make appearances that light up the pages with shenanigans unique to this series! Hysterical interactions ensue making this one a captivating and entertaining read!

Laurenston writes southern charm and wit like no one else I have ever read. Her books never cease to make me laugh at the antics of the characters and their egos that know no bounds. Great novella!

Wed or Dead - If you know me at all, you already know that Cynthia Eden is one of my favorite authors. For me to not like her book would take.....well, I don't really know because it's never happened. So yeah, I enjoyed this stand alone novella. But really, you should have known that the moment you saw Cynthia Eden's name on the book.

Kayla is a trained hunter meant to take down the leader of a local pack of wolves named Gage under any circumstances. Even if those circumstances involve marrying him. Which she totally does, but for more reasons then to finish him off after their honeymoon bliss. Gage has grown on her and despite orders and her many secrets she can't reveal to him, she sides with him. What follows is a whirlwind novella that kept me glued to the pages. In a short amount of time an entire story is told, way more then what you would normally get with this length of book.

Wed or Dead, while being a story line we should all be familiar with at this point (hunter and animal), was a solid read that I enjoyed from beginning to end. It was an easy read full of smoking hot alpha males and a pretty smart (overall) heroine that could hold her own in any situation. Eden writes incredible sex scenes and for that alone I must say..WOW.

Great anthology!

I give Howl For It by Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden 4 stars!

Nikki @ Ramblings From A Chaotic Mind

Howl For It by Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden
Paranormal Romance -Aug. 28th, 2012
4 1/2 stars

This amusing and highly entertaining anthology is well worth the money.

Like a Wolf with a Bone by Shelly Laurenston

Darla Lewis is the youngest wolf shifter in her family and they just don't take her seriously! So what if she isn't loud or pushy like her other siblings. She is happy as she is. To get away from her annoyingly bossy sister she left to study culinary skills around the world. She has just returned home to find the most unlikely love interest in the most feared member of the extremely scary Smith clan, Egbert Ray Smith. Darla is mysteriously targeted by humans with weapons and Eggie comes to the rescue and saves her. When she wakes up, she finds herself at his place disoriented and confused but enjoying his surprisingly sweet company. But her family is appalled. Eggie is dangerous and especially not for their quiet, sweet Darla! But that is because Darla hasn't seen any reason to fight for something she really wants before and now she wants Eggie.

This was a highly amusing and fun read. Eggie and Darla are great together and it was hilarious to read their families try to interfere for their own `good.' Also the mystery behind Darla's attack adds some extra mystery. But what steal the show are the surprisingly tender and cute romantic moments between the two main characters. This is already one of my favorites in the series. Do not miss this story- well worth the price of the book!

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden

Kayla's entire family except herself and her brother were killed by evil shifters. So when she is saved by a man who has created an army to exterminate shifters she readily agrees. Only this latest assignment has proved tricky for her conscience and her heart. For she has been ordered to infiltrate the pack in Vegas and get close to their leader, Gage Ryder. The problem is she is finding that is attracted to Gage and might actually like him! Plus he wants to marry her. Can she go through with a false marriage and what happens when he reveals that he knows she is a slayer but wants her anyway? Things only get dicier when her commander seems to have secrets of his own and might be a little insane!

This was an engaging read that will definitely entertain. Kayla is hardcore, that is until she meets Gage and finds she has mushy feelings! But Gage is very persuasive and Kayle soon learns that maybe all shifters are not evil. When they are both captured she must make hard decisions that are well worth the love and loyalty of a hunky shifter.

These two novels were a joy to read. If you enjoy either of these authors these two stories are definitely written on the top of their game. DO not miss this book!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Reviewed by FRANCESCA & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

Finally an anthology you will want to sink your teeth into! I had a great time reading this book, even though it's two short stories. It was fast, had me laughing and was also sexy. Great reading!

Like a Wolf with a Bone by Shelly Laurenston - 4.5 Stars

It's no secret that Shelly Laurenston has been my go to author for fun and sexy for the past 3 years, since I discovered her books. Her Pride series is one of my favorite shifter series still to date and I was so very excited to get a short story! Well, I admit it's been a while since I read the books so I couldn't quite remember who Eggie was. Then as soon as I started reading I thought it was great that she gave him a book. Eggie is the crazy uncle that is really good at killing things. He is also Dee-Ann Smith's father (from Big Bad Beast). We go back in time in the Pride series and this story reads as a prequel to the whole series. The Smith clan has always been crazy and Eggie maybe a little scary, but seeing him falling in love with Darla Mae was just adorable. He's tough and probably the most feared wolf around. She's smart and quiet and you would think a delicate flower. When her life is in danger, he takes it upon himself to protect her. Of course keeping her safe means keeping her close to him. And yes, the get close and hot and heavy. But what I loved the most about this story was the fact that knowing how Eggie is (from the future) it was so nice to see that sweet and cuddly side of him, how he melted for his woman and gave in to her every whim even though he's such a big tough guy. And lets not forget funny. This short story was laugh-out-loud hilarious while being very sweet and sexy. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"What's so funny...wait. That was a laugh, wasn't it? I'm still trying to learn your different grunts."

"Just don't get in my way, and I won't have to kill any of ya. I hate upsettin' Momma and all."

"Stop glaring at everyone Eggie Ray."
"I'm not. I'm only glaring at the men staring at your legs."

"I'm not going to let you ruin our beautiful day by killing three men and burying them in the woods. I won't allow it."

"I hate Lynyrd Skynyrd. It's my Alabama cousins who like 'em."

Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden - 4 Stars

I'm not sure if this was supposed to be part of a series as Cynthia writes a few sexy wolves but I thought this story stands alone perfectly. Even though this story still has some funny moments, there was a lot more action and suspense than in the first one. Kayla is part of a group of hunters (humans) and her job was to pretend to be in love with and marry Gage, the wolf alpha. Little does she know that Gage knew all along what she was but wanted to be with her anyway because she's his mate. Kayla also has issues in her past as it was a wolf who killed her parents and why she now joined the hunters. But everything she thought she knew is about to change and the truth has to come out. Gage was hot and sexy, as you can expect with an alpha wolf shifter. Posessive and intense. He wanted Kayla and he never backed down from his plan to have her, one way or another. I really enjoyed seeing things through Kayla's eyes and slowly realizing how she had been lied to and that her feelings for Gage were too strong to be denied. Capture, betrayals and pack conflict, this story had a bit of everything and it was a great suspenseful read. If this is part of a series, then believe me I'll be reading it. I would like to know more about Kayla's brother to start with.

*ARC provided by publisher

Like A Wolf With A Bone
By Shelly Laurenston
158 pages
Series: Pride, book # 0.5
5 Stars
3 Flames

This is my first book in the Pride world. It certainly will not be the last. Like a Wolf with a Bone introduces readers to who I am going to assume are the parents of the heroes and heroines of the future books in the series. Making a rough guess I think this story actually takes place in the late 70's. I'm in love with this world. I can relate to Tennessee hillbillies. I live amongst them. I love this quote used to describe the Smith family. "They're not a Pack, they're a hillbilly cult filled with criminals and `shine runners."

Darla Mae Lewis and Eggie Ray Smith are interestingly misunderstood members among their Packs. Darla is viewed as the weak pacifist. Eggie is viewed as a lethal killer who deserves to be feared by all. Call it coincidence, karma, or fate but these being in the same place at the same time saves one from death and changes two lives permanently.

I've read and loved Shelly's Magnus Pack books. I was fully prepared for a bat crap crazy heroine. She has a knack for writing heroines that I want as besties and women at my side in a bar fight. I had heard that her heroines in this series were also a little on the wild side. I'm guessing that Darla Mae and Eggie Ray are the calm couple from the Pride series.

Darla and Eggie make for a great read. I enjoyed them together. They were different enough to refer to as an opposite attract, but their similarities are what made they so different. I liked the way that worked for them.

Favorite quote, Darla to Eggie. "What's so funny...wait. That was a laugh, wasn't it? I'm still trying to learn your different grunts."

Wed or Dead
By: Cynthia Eden
150 pages
4 Stars
4 Flames

I loved the fact that this story began the exact same way that it ended. Kayla is on a mission to rid the world of the monsters that are preying on the innocent. Gage is protecting the innocents close to him from the evil that is seeking to remove them from the living. It sounds like they are both fighting the same evil at this point right? Oh so wrong. Gage and Kayla have to work hard to find a common ground and some much needed trust. They also have to enlighten each other on the blurry gray areas that they have found themselves in.

Wed or Dead was an action packed paranormal romance tale. I'm looking forward to reading more of Cynthia's paranormal books. I've read and enjoyed her romantic suspense series. Let me tell you this lady does paranormal phenomenally well. Her Vegas includes various shifters, vampires, demons, witches, and of course a group of humans who are trying to keep this world safe from the predators.

I received this book from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review

Shapeshifting bad boys and the women who aren't afraid to go toe to toe with them. So.much.fun.

Like A Wolf With A Bone - Shelly Laurenston's shifters are ridiculously sassy. And I kinda love that. For all that she's considered the quiet one of the family, Darla can hold her own against anyone. Even Eggie Smith -- big, bad, and feared by most everyone.

The family dynamics made me giggle -- the stoic brothers, the sisters who bake when angry, the over-protective vibe poor Darla has to put up with, Eggie's acceptance that everyone is afraid of him. Darla and Eggie's courtship (or whatever you'd call it when one kidnaps someone for their own good) was a hoot. Everyone in this book is just sassy. And fun. And I like them.

Wed Or Dead - Double crossing, betrayals, lies, lies about lies, and a marriage between two people who couldn't be more different. Why, yes, I did enjoy this one. HOW DID YOU KNOW?

More than the setup on this one, I loved how devious Gage was. He planned for every contingency and he was fully aware of what he was getting into before he set it all in motion. I like a wolf who knows what he wants and goes for it. And the sexy times? THUMBS UP!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

A pair of short stories about wolf shifters.

The Stories
Shelly Laurenston`s "Like a Wolf with a Bone" even reads as though Laurenston had written this first. It was too brash even though it did make me laugh. It was nice to get the background on Eggie Smith and how he pursued his bride, Darla Mae Lewis (Dee Anne's parents). It also explains the birth of the pie shop. It's been awhile since I read the books in the Pride series and I find myself wanting to start over again to see how Janie Mae and Bubba made out and what happened with Benjamin Ray, Frankie Ray, and Nicky Ray. I do like how Darla Mae sticks up for Eggie!

Laurenston may want to check on naming Darla Mae a Smith too early in the story. She's still a Lewis and hasn't even met Eggie yet.

Cynthia Eden`s "Wed or Dead" is a cute idea with both parties hiding a secret and wanting to go through with the get-close-to-me plan for all the wrong reasons. Kayla Kincaid is about to get a wake-up call she hadn't expected while Gage Riley has his own plans for their wedding night, which Lyle McKennis intends to disrupt.

This just ended up irritating me with all the stupid decisions made by Kayla and her brother, Jonah.

The Cover
The cover has a huge full moon in the background and it's all pale greys with some sort of grey-on-grey design superimposed on the black wrought iron gate behind a well-muscled man wearing only jeans.

The title is an obvious reference to the wolf shifters both stories are about and the male protagonists in both certainly do Howl for It.

This book contains two wolf-shifter stories by Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden. I bought it because I enjoy Shelly Laurenston's Pride series (also her dragon series as G.A. Aiken).

In Like a Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston we learn the story of how Eggie and Darla Smith (Dee-Ann's parents from Big Bad Beast (Pride, #6) ) got together. Egbert "Eggie" Ray Smith has a reputation even among his own kin of being slightly psychotic. Darla Lewis is the "quiet" Lewis sister. But there is someone for everyone and for Eggie its Darla. Darla gets the monosyllabic Eggie to open up if only to her and Eggie finds the one person on the planet who isn't afraid of him.

The only book I've read by Cynthia Eden up till now is Hotter After Midnight and to be honest I don't remember it all that well. I guess I need to go back and re-read it. The second story in this book is Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden in which we find the alpha wolf-shifter of the Las Vegas pack, Gage, marrying a human hunter, Kayla. She knows he is a wolf-shifter but thinks he doesn't know she is a hunter. It all started out as a job for her. Get close to Gage then kill him only she didn't count on falling for the big lug.

As I said at the beginning I bought this for the Shelly Laurenston story and wasn't disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised by the Cynthia Eden story.

I really enjoyed this anthology with the two stories inside, I loved going back into time with the pride pack with Eggie! what a hoot, I loved it all and how we sore old characters but they were young, what a hoot!

the other story by Cynthia was good, I am not familiar with her work as well as Shelly. I enjoyed it though and would look in to more from her.

I loved this book. I love their style of writing. The author does a wonderful job of my making her characters come to life . There were so many laugh out loud moments. I can not wait to read more of their series and learn about the other shifters stories.The author does a wonderful job of my making her characters come to life . There were so many laugh out loud moments

HOWL FOR IT by Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden is an intriguing and interesting paranormal romance. Two stories with wolf shifters,passion,danger,pack feuds,secrets,with strong,fearless heroines and tough,sexy heroes. Both authors have written stories with intriguing and interesting plots and engaging characters that will dazzle and delight readers. While, this is my first time reading Ms. Laurenston,it will not be my last. I love Ms. Eden's stories rather they are her paranormal or romantic suspense stories. A must for any who enjoy shifters,wolves,paranormal,and romance. "Howl For It" is a quick and fun read and part of the "Pride" series.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

This is a release of a previously published book, but don't let the fact that these stories are older turn you away. Adventures, action, intrigue and romance are the words that pop into mind when i re-read this compilation. Laurenston And Eden are masters of their craft.

I'll be upfront: I usually hate anthologies and novellas. They are almost always more trouble than they are worth- I just end up disappointed. But, I absolutely liked this one. I flat-out enjoyed it. I'll re-read this one.

I'm a fan of Shelly Laurenston. I think she writes great, lighthearted fiction that is the perfect balance to some of the more grim paranormal fiction out on the market. Yes, it may not be to everyone's taste. Her books are campy, weird, geeky, flaky, a little sexier than I'm sometimes comfortable with, and, sometimes, outright bizarre. Yet, they are also consistently sweet, very well-written, and just plain enjoyable. I think everyone should try three of her books (you need three to stop feeling like a fish out of water because the characters and books are very inter-related and she doesn't weigh down her stories (thank you!) by constantly summarizing the stories she has already told.)

This one is Eggie Ray Smith and Darla Lewis' story. It is a prequal, of sorts, that tells how the parents of one of her earlier characters, Dee Ann Smith, met. I have to say, this prequal is perfect as a novella. Eggie Ray, known already to Laurenston's fans, is famously silent. And, he isn't much chattier as a lead character though we get a better look at him than we ever have. We get to see Eggie Ray when he is not working. And, Laurenston doesn't torture the story or the character (and make Eggie Ray an inconsistent character) to make him into a card-board cut-out hero.

Laurenston is particularly talented when it comes to characterization and Eggie Ray is a great example. I thought Laurenston may have boxed herself into a corner with this character's earlier appearances- not a lot of places to go, I thought, with seriously quiet, dangerous, and disappears a lot. But, he becomes sweet, devoted, as well as admirably wise about himself, his limitations/flaws, and how to woo his future wife. I found Eggie Ray to have just about the most solid ego of any hero I'd ever read. And not in a chest-beating, Alpha male way. This is a guy who just doesn't bother to do or say anything he doesn't want to and has no desire to appear as anything other than he is. It was remarkably refreshing that the biggest bad-ass in Laurenston's universe has no pretensions. My only critique? He never once said, "time to start the killin'."

Another particular talent of Laurenston's? She knows how to incorporate and illustrate her characters with a solid use of narrative, dialogue and action. She doesn't just tell the reader that Eggie Ray has a healthy ego. The reader comes to their own conclusions via the narrative, the plot, the dialogue and the character's thoughts. Her characters walk the walk rather than the author making it clear that this character has these specific traits. So few authors actually nail that.

Darla was the surprise of the story because she just turns out to have way more facets than she has ever shown as a secondary character. And, in a strange way, Laurenston makes you believe that they are perfect for each other despite glaring differences. Unlike other Laurenston heroines, Darla was not the slightest bit crazy or flaky. It was funny because she had these super-flaky experiences, yet, she was the most even-keeled, grounded character of Laurenston's I've yet read. She ended up being the dominant partner- which was delightful and surprisingly reasonable.

As to the suspense sub-plot? I don't really care. I read Laurenston's books for the characters while the sub-plots are just stuff for them to do. For her long-time readers, it was just as outlandish as her other sub-plots and there was car racing, murder, jail cells, girl-fighting, Lynard Skynard pre-plane crash, and a lot of pie. I told you she could be outright bizarre- but, it works.

As to Cynthia Eden's novella, it actually was very enjoyable (I know, I shouldn't be surprised but for every story in an anthology you enjoy it seems to require one you just hate.) It was the darker side of shifter fiction: grim and dangerous. But, the hero and heroine were well-written and enjoyable. They had a nicely equal relationship dynamic which is rarer than it ought to be. They had excellent chemistry- no small feat. There was some excellent romantic tension for a shorter novella that actually started with the hero and heroine getting married. The suspense plot was much meatier than Laurenston's which balanced the anthology nicely. And, it was well-done with a surprisingly well-written villain who was all evil but not predictable. I'm going to look up Cynthia Eden's back-list. I'll admit, the grim and angsty shifter fiction isn't my favorite genre but her novella was so well-written that I may find myself another go-to author. Solid characters and good writing can make anything enjoyable.

All in all, read it and enjoy it. It was fun.

I liked this stories.
But, favorite was " Like a Wolf with a Bone" by Shelly Laurenston.
The characters were well written and the story-lines were good.
These author's are talented paranormal romance writers.
Good stories.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I believe this is a reissue I had previously read these 2 short stories. Both are fun and fast reads. Excellent fun! I rate them a 4.5.

I've read this book several times and absolutely adore it. Ms. Laurenston has a way of making her characters come alive for me. I love how the characters are funny, goofy, and definitely loveable. This entire series makes me happy and I wish she'd write more of them.

Stories were so good. I just loved learning about Dee Ann's parents love story. I read it out of order was weird but still interesting. The second story was also enjoyable. I'm going to try to find more of that series if there is one.

I absolutely loved the first story in this book. it is part of the pride series by Shelley Laurenston. It brought many of the elements that we had heard about in the other books all together, showing the beginning. it is a prequel but I would not recommend reading it before the others. The second story I did not like and that is why it only got 4 stars.

I found this book going thou Kindle unlimited books. I have to say I loved it. Both storys were wonderful. Only thing I wish is all the books were available on kindle unlimited. I would start with the first and would not stop until I was done...well one can dream..