Fans of the paranormal genre will find this second installment in the Shifters of the Claiming Kind series a sweet and steamy ride. Keep reading to get a tantalizing taste of To Mate a Wolf by Jordan Ashton, along with my impressions of this m/m read. To celebrate this book being spotlighted today make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $50 Amazon GC and an e-copy of books 1-5 in the Shifters of the Claiming Kind series too!
Chandler Brooks opened his home to Evan Michaels, a cute half-lynx who was in dire need of his and his brothers’ protection. But he never imagined he’d open his heart, too. All this time he thought an eternal mate didn’t exist, until Evan came into his life. He tries to win the frightened and cocooned half-lynx’s heart and make him his life mate. But a past lover returns, determined to ruin any chance Chandler has at love and happiness.
Can Chandler make Evan trust him and open his eyes to the everlasting love that exists between them, while protecting him from a hidden and deadly danger lurking nearby that’s ready to strike?
Can Chandler make Evan trust him and open his eyes to the everlasting love that exists between them, while protecting him from a hidden and deadly danger lurking nearby that’s ready to strike?
EXCERPT:
When they got to the range, Chandler removed his hat and rested it on a wooden post, then waltzed up to a magnificent black horse. Patting its black mane, he said, “This here is Wanda. She is a thoroughbred. I bought her from our neighbor Sal Winfred. He owns several racehorses. She’s too old to race competitively anymore, but she’s perfect for us.”
He turned to get the burgundy leather saddle resting in the corner of the stall and hauled it over her, securing the straps on both sides.
Jumpy and fearful, Evan stammered, “D–do you have a super slow pony I can ride instead?”
Chandler laughed, his pearly white teeth sparkled in the beaming afternoon sunlight. “Wanda is the slowest and tamest we have, I’m afraid.”
Evan’s armpits began to perspire with his apprehension, and he really regretted wearing this light blue T-shirt which turned dark blue when it got wet. Soon he’d be a sweating slob. And if he lost his grip on Wanda and landed on his ass or his face in front of his dreamboat hunk, well, there went any chance of making a good impression.
“All right. I–I guess I have no choice but to ride her,” he stuttered.
“I’ll be riding with you, if that reassures you.” He gave him a slanted, flirty smirk.
Panic and excitement twirled around Evan like a tornado, making him anxious and super uneasy. He hoped he didn’t forget to put on deodorant after coming out of the shower, because with all the sweating he was doing, he’d start smelling like the horse they’d be riding pretty soon.
“Unless you prefer to go solo…” Chandler tilted his head to the right.
Evan shook his head. “No, believe me, the last thing I want to do is ride Wanda solo. I’m scared I’ll hurt her or she won’t like me and hurl me off.”
Chandler held out the stirrup, grinning. “No, she would never do that to you. She likes you a lot. You’re a super likable guy, you know.”
Evan blushed as he put his foot into the stirrup and hoisted himself onto Wanda. Her wide girth had his tense inner leg muscles stretching.
Once he was settled, he absorbed Chandler’s words. You’re a super likable guy. Was that a good thing or a bad? Was he likable as in he could be a good friend? Or was he likable as in a boyfriend-boyfriend relationship? He hoped Chandler meant the latter.
After Chandler positioned himself behind him on the horse, he wrapped his arms around Evan to reach for the reins. Evan lost his breath when Chandler’s nose tickled the back of his neck through his stretching movements. His heart raced fast. He could feel its pulse in his throat.
“Sorry about that,” Chandler apologized.
“It’s okay.” Evan squeaked and coughed, trying to clear the nervousness from his throat.
Chandler’s cologne smelled sweet, alluring, and very familiar. Was it Drakkar Noir he wore? Before he could ask him if it was, Chandler squeezed Wanda’s sides, and she began to gallop slowly.
Evan gasped.
“You okay?” Chandler’s warm breath caressed and tickled Evan’s ear and cheek.
“Yeah,” he mumbled, trying to get a grip on his raging hormones and stop his churning stomach.
Wanda continued to gallop at a steady pace. Soon Evan’s drumming heartbeat settled to its natural pace as his fear began to subside. He stared out at the vast grasslands. It was breathtaking. He’d only witnessed this type of view in movies or still life photos, but never in real life.
As if reading his mind, Chandler said, “It’s thirty acres. My parents started this ranch some thirty-one years ago. They had just moved to Oklahoma when someone told them that this place was being sold through an auction. The previous owner had passed away. He had no kids or wife, or any other family who could inherit it, so it went to the state upon his death.
“They got it at an amazing price. My brothers and I have always lived here. It’s the only home we’ve ever known.”
Evan sighed slowly, still admiring the land. “And it’s beautiful.”
Chandler nodded, gazing around as well. “Yes, it is.”
After a moment’s silence, Evan turned to stare into his eyes. He said, “Felix told me your parents died when you were only twenty-one and you had to look after your four younger brothers all by yourself.”
Chandler stared back in silence. He wasn’t smiling nor frowning, and he seemed to simply be thinking. Evan wondered if he was remembering the past and how it must have been hard for him to have so much responsibility put on his shoulders at such a young age.
“Yeah, I did. I also had to take care of the ranch. It was really difficult at first, especially with Bane, my hardheaded brother. It isn’t easy for two alpha wolf shifters to get along. And at that time he was a rebel, to say the least. But we all found a way to get along and work together.”
Staring deeply into Chandler’s eyes, Evan said in a soft, low voice, “You’re remarkable.”
Chandler chortled. “Thanks. No one has ever called me that before.” His laugh turned to a soft smile. “And so are you.”
Blushing once again, Evan lowered his gaze. “No, I’m not. I was never like you. I wasn’t a responsible person or caring of others. I was the opposite. I let my brother and my mom down.”
Chandler gently touched his chin, lifting it so Evan’s eyes would meet his. “You were young, and didn’t know any better. But now you do and have changed. So stop putting yourself down and be proud of who you’ve become. Evan Michaels, you are one remarkable, handsome, amazing guy.”
He leaned in, joining his warm lips to Evan’s. Electricity traveled through their contact, taking Evan’s breath away.
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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
As a fan of the m/m genre, along with paranormal reads, this book offered a lot in its premise. While reading it fulfilled some of the promise it gave, I was left frustrated as well. From the very first page I felt that I was missing out on what set these shifters apart from others. The idea of life mates isn't very clear either and just assumed. In this tale of insta-love though that assumption is needed as alpha-shifter Chandler, a man with many one-night stands, falls for the sweet and sexually naive Evan. Theirs is a rocky journey to HEA as Evan's criminal past comes back to put him and his newfound happiness in jeopardy.
Chandler is the head of his family after the deaths of his parents. He never saw a life mate in his future, especially after his chosen mating with another man left him cold. His brother's recent discovery of his own life mate though puts Chandler in close quarters with a young man who's made some bad choices in his life that still weigh on him today. Chandler's inexplicably drawn to Evan and with his forgiving nature envisions a future between them. it will take a lot of convincing to win Evan over as self-esteem issues and Chandler's promiscuous past bruise the fragile relationship just forming between them. While I liked the charm and self-assuredness of Chandler, as well as his ability to talk dirty, nothing stood out in him to designate him as alpha. His brothers seemed just as strong-willed and quick to help as Chandler.
Evan though is clearly subordinate as he's shy and naive in so many ways. He's quick to blush and to acquiesce to Chandler's desires which leads to numerous super steamy encounters, but it also enhances feelings of jealousy. All this leads to a fragile relationship which leaves Evan uncertain about his place in Chandler's world. His criminal background deepens his uncertainty and has him running from the HEA within his grasp which frustrated me and again showed his naivety. Evan may have a good heart but he clearly has a lot to learn as he's easily led astray.
While Chandler was drool-worthy with a charming and sensual side that was appealing, Evan left me frustrated. He was kind and cute in a way reminiscent of a puppy dog, but the inequality in his relationship with Chandler kept me from becoming fully immersed in their HEA. There was however lots of steamy encounters in this short romance to scorch my fingers from one page to the next. Throw in a bit of suspense very late in the story and you end up with a romance that had to fight its way to fruition. As part of the Shifters of the Claiming Kind series this second installment CAN be read on its own but it will be more richly rewarding seeing Chandler and Evan's relationship form from the very beginning. Fans of the paranormal and m/m genres though will find this a sexy read to give them a few hours of decadent delights.
My rating for this is a C+
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Jordan Ashton is a writer and wife whose passion for reading romance novels led her to writing them, too. She believes love can conquer all and that it makes the world go round, not money. Her heroes, heroines, and the worlds she creates bring this belief to life. She is and will always be a true romantic at heart.
BOOKSTRAND AUTHOR PAGE: www.bookstrand.com/jordan-
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Author_J_
FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/
**********GIVEAWAY**********
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Hi Jody,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the time to review my book and for featuring it on your blog. I really appreciate it. :) :)
Thanks for sharing the excerpt and your thoughts on the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your impression, I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance. Looking forward to read it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new release! Looking forward to reading it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance at the giveaway! :)
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