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Love at Stake #13
Wild About You
Handsome Howard...
Hunky Howard...
Hot Howard...
It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick...
Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he's a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.
Hunky Howard...
Hot Howard...
It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick...
Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he's a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.
370 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 27, 2012
About the author
Kerrelyn Sparks
40 books5,714 followersKerrelyn Sparks apparently has issues with reality. After writing more than a dozen books about vampires, she has now completely gone off the deep end and wound up on another planet. But how thrilling that she can share this magical new world with her readers! Although she is best known (so far) for the Love at Stake series, which has hit as high as number 5 on the New York Times list and 22 on the USA Today list, she hopes her readers will love The Embraced as much as they did her merry band of vamps and shifters. To learn more about her paranormal, historical, and upcoming out-of-this-world fantasy romances, please visit Kerrelyn on Facebook, Twitter, or her website at www.kerrelynsparks.com.
Kerrelyn loves hearing from readers, even those who howl at the moon. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512. If you would like bookmarks and signed bookplates, please mail a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to her P.O. Box, and she will send those items to you.
Kerrelyn loves hearing from readers, even those who howl at the moon. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512. If you would like bookmarks and signed bookplates, please mail a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to her P.O. Box, and she will send those items to you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 516 reviews
November 8, 2012
e-ARC provided by Edelweiss
Hunky Howard, Handsome Howard, Hot Howard, He-Man Howard, Hard-as-rock Howard, Hesitant Howard, Happy Howard....
Continued after the previous book,Wanted: Undead or Alive. Howard Barr, a were bear and employer of MacKay S & I realized that his arc enemy Rhett Bledynn, that somewhat responsible for his banisment is still alive. Rhett who killed Howard's girlfriend twenty years ago is a ambitious and evil werewolf. So Howard decide to get his revenge toward Rhett.
In the other side, readers got a glimpse of Shanna Draganesti. For this series fans, you know that Shanna is Roman's wife and he turn her into vampire in order to save her. Shanna still adjust her new undead life, fell sad since she now can't take care of her children Constantine and Sophia in daylight. Howard as the school and day guardian also missing too (even turn that he's in Alaska, his hometown). Shanna decide to move from her old home. When her son Constantine aka Tino said Howard hide something secret that include 1 woman and 2 men called Big Al and The Hammer, Shanna do what a devoted Mom do. She inspect Howard's belonging. She's so surprised when discover Howard collect a home renovation show DVDs. Feature a big woman call Amazon Ellie. Shanna has a great idea, she will renovate the old mansion for her new house and play matchmaking for Howard since she believe Elsa Bjonberg (Amazon Ellie real name) might be Howard's dream girl.
While Howard succesfully got his revenge to Rhett with the help of Phil Jones, Dougal and his funny and overacting twin cousins, even just a little, his employee Angus MacKay call him back to Albany. That's when he finally met Elsa. Elsa herself have a problem. She's tall. More like 6 ft 2 inch tall, so she always fell unconfident with her big body and so hard to find man that taller than her. Well, Howard is were-bear, a Kodiak were-bear. His height match Elsa, but when she and Howard shake hand, her birthmark burn and she believe that Howard is a beserker that somehow activate her curse. Turn that Elsa's curse connected to Howard's family curse. Elsa is one of three Guardian who long time ago created the were-clan. She have nightmares when she as Guardian of the Forest had pleasured by her lover but then choked to death and curse him.
With the curse, Elsa hesitant to accept Howard, even Howard already declare his love. Too fast, IMO. But I always love men who declare his love first, not denied it until almost the end. Worse, Elsa's aunts decide to protect Elsa with all cost and that mean they will hunting Howard since they believe he will kill Elsa. Howard himself face a threat from Rhett when his close friend dies. With their problem coming fast, Howard must convice Elsa to accept him. Because he already wild about her...
Wild About You is the thirteenth book (waaa, 13 already!!) from Love at Stake series. A series that feature undead and shifter, their war with their enemy Malcontent and evil shifter also how each guy find their happily ever after. Its also have humor and a light story. I wonder when Ms Sparks will end this series especially after I read book 10 (Connor's) and 11 (Gregory's), I think this series is going downhill. Well, the story still fun and light, yet I just not too interested. But glad Ms Sparks back to the track with Phineas's book , and this one.
I already know about Howard Barr. If I remember well, from book #5 (Ian's). He's look so shy, almost non-existent. I kinda think he is old chap, and as long as he got his donuts he will act like your ordinary man. So, I'm surprised to know that he got his own story even after I read Phineas's I understand why now is his turn to be the main character. I'm so smitten by Howard. He have a cute and teddy bear character in him but also alpha to the core. He also enjoy flirting and teasing Elsa. Where the shy Howard go? He grin so often. I admit when I reading about a hero that grinning, I always melt, lol! We will get another side of Howard that we'll never know before. I think Ms Sparks is briliant when it comes to write her heroes. We always learn something new about them.
As for Elsa, she just okay for me even I adore her strength. Being taller than average woman must be hard. Also don't forget the curse and how protective her aunts to her. Elsa's acceptance to Howard's real identity as were-bear also not rushed. She's not freaked out or do screaming like silly girl but she's not believe Howard 100% too. Deep inside she want people recognized her as woman even she look like Amazonian. Glad she finally find her match in Howard.
We will get a new point of view from Shanna Draganesti. Which is fresh so the story just not focus too Howard-Elsa but anothers as well even its still connected. What make me disappointed is there's not much action and the ending kinda anticlimatix. And why the author always write the sex scene almost in the end of story? I want the intimate time between h/H is not rushed even I still find its steamy. The vampires is not so much have story in this book, and the shifter is the main focus. There's another characters I adore.They are Jesse and Jimmy, Howard's cousin. They always cracked me up with their funny jokes. Make the story feel fresh and entertaining.
Wild About You have its all. A beta but also alpha to the core hero,an heroine with unique job (she's do home renovation guys. Since I also work in construction world, I feel a connection lol!), a entertaining story and enganging plot, humor and a little bit action. You will not disappointed read this one. Since I'm collected the paperback version, I will buy the paperback version too to complete my collection :)
Cover talk :
I'm frowning when see the cover. Why Howard have a gray color, while Elsa is still the same. Its will explained later in this book. For the cover, its just okay. Maybe because Howard look like zombie instead were-bear with that gray-ish body.
For bonus (the stepback) :
The mermaid pose make sense since I'd read their scene in the stream, lol! And love the forest pic behind them :)
Hunky Howard, Handsome Howard, Hot Howard, He-Man Howard, Hard-as-rock Howard, Hesitant Howard, Happy Howard....
Continued after the previous book,Wanted: Undead or Alive. Howard Barr, a were bear and employer of MacKay S & I realized that his arc enemy Rhett Bledynn, that somewhat responsible for his banisment is still alive. Rhett who killed Howard's girlfriend twenty years ago is a ambitious and evil werewolf. So Howard decide to get his revenge toward Rhett.
In the other side, readers got a glimpse of Shanna Draganesti. For this series fans, you know that Shanna is Roman's wife and he turn her into vampire in order to save her. Shanna still adjust her new undead life, fell sad since she now can't take care of her children Constantine and Sophia in daylight. Howard as the school and day guardian also missing too (even turn that he's in Alaska, his hometown). Shanna decide to move from her old home. When her son Constantine aka Tino said Howard hide something secret that include 1 woman and 2 men called Big Al and The Hammer, Shanna do what a devoted Mom do. She inspect Howard's belonging. She's so surprised when discover Howard collect a home renovation show DVDs. Feature a big woman call Amazon Ellie. Shanna has a great idea, she will renovate the old mansion for her new house and play matchmaking for Howard since she believe Elsa Bjonberg (Amazon Ellie real name) might be Howard's dream girl.
While Howard succesfully got his revenge to Rhett with the help of Phil Jones, Dougal and his funny and overacting twin cousins, even just a little, his employee Angus MacKay call him back to Albany. That's when he finally met Elsa. Elsa herself have a problem. She's tall. More like 6 ft 2 inch tall, so she always fell unconfident with her big body and so hard to find man that taller than her. Well, Howard is were-bear, a Kodiak were-bear. His height match Elsa, but when she and Howard shake hand, her birthmark burn and she believe that Howard is a beserker that somehow activate her curse. Turn that Elsa's curse connected to Howard's family curse. Elsa is one of three Guardian who long time ago created the were-clan. She have nightmares when she as Guardian of the Forest had pleasured by her lover but then choked to death and curse him.
With the curse, Elsa hesitant to accept Howard, even Howard already declare his love. Too fast, IMO. But I always love men who declare his love first, not denied it until almost the end. Worse, Elsa's aunts decide to protect Elsa with all cost and that mean they will hunting Howard since they believe he will kill Elsa. Howard himself face a threat from Rhett when his close friend dies. With their problem coming fast, Howard must convice Elsa to accept him. Because he already wild about her...
Wild About You is the thirteenth book (waaa, 13 already!!) from Love at Stake series. A series that feature undead and shifter, their war with their enemy Malcontent and evil shifter also how each guy find their happily ever after. Its also have humor and a light story. I wonder when Ms Sparks will end this series especially after I read book 10 (Connor's) and 11 (Gregory's), I think this series is going downhill. Well, the story still fun and light, yet I just not too interested. But glad Ms Sparks back to the track with Phineas's book , and this one.
I already know about Howard Barr. If I remember well, from book #5 (Ian's). He's look so shy, almost non-existent. I kinda think he is old chap, and as long as he got his donuts he will act like your ordinary man. So, I'm surprised to know that he got his own story even after I read Phineas's I understand why now is his turn to be the main character. I'm so smitten by Howard. He have a cute and teddy bear character in him but also alpha to the core. He also enjoy flirting and teasing Elsa. Where the shy Howard go? He grin so often. I admit when I reading about a hero that grinning, I always melt, lol! We will get another side of Howard that we'll never know before. I think Ms Sparks is briliant when it comes to write her heroes. We always learn something new about them.
As for Elsa, she just okay for me even I adore her strength. Being taller than average woman must be hard. Also don't forget the curse and how protective her aunts to her. Elsa's acceptance to Howard's real identity as were-bear also not rushed. She's not freaked out or do screaming like silly girl but she's not believe Howard 100% too. Deep inside she want people recognized her as woman even she look like Amazonian. Glad she finally find her match in Howard.
We will get a new point of view from Shanna Draganesti. Which is fresh so the story just not focus too Howard-Elsa but anothers as well even its still connected. What make me disappointed is there's not much action and the ending kinda anticlimatix. And why the author always write the sex scene almost in the end of story? I want the intimate time between h/H is not rushed even I still find its steamy. The vampires is not so much have story in this book, and the shifter is the main focus. There's another characters I adore.They are Jesse and Jimmy, Howard's cousin. They always cracked me up with their funny jokes. Make the story feel fresh and entertaining.
Wild About You have its all. A beta but also alpha to the core hero,an heroine with unique job (she's do home renovation guys. Since I also work in construction world, I feel a connection lol!), a entertaining story and enganging plot, humor and a little bit action. You will not disappointed read this one. Since I'm collected the paperback version, I will buy the paperback version too to complete my collection :)
Cover talk :
I'm frowning when see the cover. Why Howard have a gray color, while Elsa is still the same. Its will explained later in this book. For the cover, its just okay. Maybe because Howard look like zombie instead were-bear with that gray-ish body.
For bonus (the stepback) :
The mermaid pose make sense since I'd read their scene in the stream, lol! And love the forest pic behind them :)
December 19, 2012
~After reading~
This was amazing!! I loved Howard's book!! I must say that this is my second favorite. Conner and Howard are my top favorite in the series. The flame of burning passion forming and the blazing fire of revenge dance perfectly together. Like a two lives in one that can be hard to handle but will fall in line. The perfect spices to create this amazing sizzling delicious book. Wonder who will be next :)
~Before reading~
OMG!!! Howard's Book!!! Here is the review I have read on the website.
~
The thirteenth book in the Love at Stake series features Howard Barr, the were-bear!
Handsome Howard…Hunky Howard… Hot Howard…
It’s not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels fragile, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she was a pot of honey he’d like to lick…
Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he’s a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on the TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.
~
He is my favorite character!!! Well, my very first character was Carlos but then he pissed me the fuck off when he got with the bitch I hate. Still don't know why that happened. Anyways Howard became my first while Connor and Phineas battle out for second place. I have to read Phineas's book before I can decide. Right now I like Connor for second, but I'll wait and see.
So I have made my vote. Howard is still top favorite, then Conner, and next is Phineas. Those are my top three I enjoy the most =)
This was amazing!! I loved Howard's book!! I must say that this is my second favorite. Conner and Howard are my top favorite in the series. The flame of burning passion forming and the blazing fire of revenge dance perfectly together. Like a two lives in one that can be hard to handle but will fall in line. The perfect spices to create this amazing sizzling delicious book. Wonder who will be next :)
~Before reading~
OMG!!! Howard's Book!!! Here is the review I have read on the website.
~
The thirteenth book in the Love at Stake series features Howard Barr, the were-bear!
Handsome Howard…Hunky Howard… Hot Howard…
It’s not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels fragile, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she was a pot of honey he’d like to lick…
Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he’s a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on the TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.
~
He is my favorite character!!! Well, my very first character was Carlos but then he pissed me the fuck off when he got with the bitch I hate. Still don't know why that happened. Anyways Howard became my first while Connor and Phineas battle out for second place. I have to read Phineas's book before I can decide. Right now I like Connor for second, but I'll wait and see.
So I have made my vote. Howard is still top favorite, then Conner, and next is Phineas. Those are my top three I enjoy the most =)
December 13, 2020
Howard the warebear meets the Elsa because of the interference of Shanna Draganesti. I kinda love that she wanted to play matchmaker, I also think it helped her see that her life isn’t so bad.
The story is interesting and it kept me interested. The curse and Elsa’s aunts feel they need to protect her at all costs from Howard but it really is more than that. Once the truth comes to light its almost sad because it didn’t have to be so tragic for so long.
I like that Howard wanted to protect Elsa from everything including her family if necessary. And Elsa had to follow her heart.
I wasn’t a big fan of the narration but I didn’t dislike it.
The story is interesting and it kept me interested. The curse and Elsa’s aunts feel they need to protect her at all costs from Howard but it really is more than that. Once the truth comes to light its almost sad because it didn’t have to be so tragic for so long.
I like that Howard wanted to protect Elsa from everything including her family if necessary. And Elsa had to follow her heart.
I wasn’t a big fan of the narration but I didn’t dislike it.
December 21, 2012
I CANNOT wait for this book. Ms. Sparks usually puts the hero in the next book in the previous book (at least that is what I have observed). Howard is mentioned in most of the books but has actually played supporting rolls in the last two. I've always loved Howard - I WANT A DONUT!!!
-------------------
Very good. Like Shanna, I expected Howard to be shy. I wanted a bear claw the entire time I was reading.... LOL I did like how Ms. Sparks explained how he went from the balding, bear of a man to the hottie Howard is now. I was afraid that it woudln't make sense...
-------------------
Very good. Like Shanna, I expected Howard to be shy. I wanted a bear claw the entire time I was reading.... LOL I did like how Ms. Sparks explained how he went from the balding, bear of a man to the hottie Howard is now. I was afraid that it woudln't make sense...
October 18, 2012
4.5*
I wasn’t too interested in Howard’s story but KS wrote it marvelously! Ms. Sparks has a great writing style and humor. I always love reading her books, she manages to make them all so different and fresh. The way she blends the Norse myths in this story is very appealing(it also makes me wanna research more about them).
The start of the book was a bit abrupt, with Howard so bent on revenge and not fallowing Angus’ orders, so different than the Howard we used to know in the other books. I am relieved and happy that he didn’t get a personality transplant over this story, he still was the reliable and sweet man of the other books, but KS showed another of his sides. With Elsa he was playful and… wild.
Elsa trying to find about his secrets :D
Elsa was also a great character. I usually dislike most heroines since they go to extremes, either too nice and let the hero walk all over them, or too aggressive and mouthy and they are just plain annoying for me. Elsa had a combination of the two, a winning one: she was thoughtful, smart, funny and also didn’t fall all over Howard.
What I enjoyed the most were the courting scenes since they didn’t jump into bed together from 10% in the book. Howard was trying so hard to do everything to please Elsa and to show her how high he thought of her(if I were looking for a boyfriend he should do the same thing! :D). Another great part of the book was watching Elsa come into her powers(her talking to the animals was HILARIOUS) and how they always fallowed her.
All in all it was another great installment in the “Love at stake” series. I recommend the series to everyone who loves romantic comedies and wants to spend a few hours laughing and crying while reading this great story.
I think this is how Howard feels about his sweets:
One of the best quotes in the book:
“My mom was so excited last night.” Tino struggled with the top to his water bottle, so Howard unscrewed it for him. “She said you got to meet your dream girl.”
“Really?”
Tino nodded and drank some water. “She said it was magical.”
“Really.”
“It wasn’t?” Tino bit into his donut.
“How did your mother know about Elsa?”
“I told her.”
Howard sipped some coffee. “You told her about my secret tapes?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know what secret means?”
“Yes.” Tino stuffed more donut into his mouth. “It means you don’t tell anybody.” His eyes widened. “Oh.”
Bonus: how I feel about that bully Rhett:
I wasn’t too interested in Howard’s story but KS wrote it marvelously! Ms. Sparks has a great writing style and humor. I always love reading her books, she manages to make them all so different and fresh. The way she blends the Norse myths in this story is very appealing(it also makes me wanna research more about them).
The start of the book was a bit abrupt, with Howard so bent on revenge and not fallowing Angus’ orders, so different than the Howard we used to know in the other books. I am relieved and happy that he didn’t get a personality transplant over this story, he still was the reliable and sweet man of the other books, but KS showed another of his sides. With Elsa he was playful and… wild.
Elsa trying to find about his secrets :D
Elsa was also a great character. I usually dislike most heroines since they go to extremes, either too nice and let the hero walk all over them, or too aggressive and mouthy and they are just plain annoying for me. Elsa had a combination of the two, a winning one: she was thoughtful, smart, funny and also didn’t fall all over Howard.
What I enjoyed the most were the courting scenes since they didn’t jump into bed together from 10% in the book. Howard was trying so hard to do everything to please Elsa and to show her how high he thought of her(if I were looking for a boyfriend he should do the same thing! :D). Another great part of the book was watching Elsa come into her powers(her talking to the animals was HILARIOUS) and how they always fallowed her.
All in all it was another great installment in the “Love at stake” series. I recommend the series to everyone who loves romantic comedies and wants to spend a few hours laughing and crying while reading this great story.
I think this is how Howard feels about his sweets:
One of the best quotes in the book:
“My mom was so excited last night.” Tino struggled with the top to his water bottle, so Howard unscrewed it for him. “She said you got to meet your dream girl.”
“Really?”
Tino nodded and drank some water. “She said it was magical.”
“Really.”
“It wasn’t?” Tino bit into his donut.
“How did your mother know about Elsa?”
“I told her.”
Howard sipped some coffee. “You told her about my secret tapes?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know what secret means?”
“Yes.” Tino stuffed more donut into his mouth. “It means you don’t tell anybody.” His eyes widened. “Oh.”
Bonus: how I feel about that bully Rhett:
December 8, 2012
I enjoyed this book. It has Ms. Spark's usual light touch and humor as well as a visit with some old friends from previous books in the Love At Stake series. This story centers around Howard Barr, a bear shifter with an addiction to donuts and a generally genial personality. I believe this is the first story that takes place almost entirely at the Dragon Nest Academy, which has featured in some of the previous books - but only briefly.
I'm not entirely sure why, but this book did not hold my interest as well as most of the others. It may have been real life interruptions, but if I am into a book those interruptions would cause frustration. In this case, it was very easy to set the book aside. I really like Howard and although I didn't dislike Elsa the use of an ancient curse and family feud as basis for keeping the couple apart, was annoying. Elsa couldn't make up her mind, and her vacillation became tiring, bordering on hand-wringing and winging. The story just bogs down while this is going on, and it was easy for me to lose interest. When she finally makes up her mind, the couple is kept apart for a little longer when Howard starts his own hand-wringing. Luckily, this part didn't last long.
Another complaint is, for me, the humor was overly silly at times rather than funny. Elsa's aunts came off as more annoyingly batty than endearingly eccentric, while Elsa's use of alliteration to describe Howard was okay (I love alliteration!), but a bit too repetitive rather than sweet.
In general, another fun entry in the Love At Stake series, but in particular not the best example of Ms. Spark's work. Fans of the series will enjoy the book, I don't recommend it for those who haven't read prior books in the series.
I'm not entirely sure why, but this book did not hold my interest as well as most of the others. It may have been real life interruptions, but if I am into a book those interruptions would cause frustration. In this case, it was very easy to set the book aside. I really like Howard and although I didn't dislike Elsa the use of an ancient curse and family feud as basis for keeping the couple apart, was annoying. Elsa couldn't make up her mind, and her vacillation became tiring, bordering on hand-wringing and winging. The story just bogs down while this is going on, and it was easy for me to lose interest. When she finally makes up her mind, the couple is kept apart for a little longer when Howard starts his own hand-wringing. Luckily, this part didn't last long.
Another complaint is, for me, the humor was overly silly at times rather than funny. Elsa's aunts came off as more annoyingly batty than endearingly eccentric, while Elsa's use of alliteration to describe Howard was okay (I love alliteration!), but a bit too repetitive rather than sweet.
In general, another fun entry in the Love At Stake series, but in particular not the best example of Ms. Spark's work. Fans of the series will enjoy the book, I don't recommend it for those who haven't read prior books in the series.
November 22, 2012
Like so many of Sparks' novels I instantly fell in love with the latest installment of The Love at Stake series, Wild About You. Shy, quiet Howard transforms in his starring role into Handsome, hunky Howard and I loved every second of it!
Wild About You read a bit different than previous installments in the series. Not in a bad way, but there was just more of a serious tone and less laugh out loud moments than I'm used to in a Sparks book. We get an insider look at how Shanna Draganesti (How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire) is dealing with her newly undead status. (Let's just say if there's a such thing as post-vampire depression, she's got it bad.) Fortunately, to take her mind off her own troubles she throws herself into the role of matchmaker for the ever-present, but mysterious, bear shifter Howard.
Throughout Love at Stake we gradually learn more about Howard's past including a heinous banishment from his homeland, a rivalry with the wolf shifter Rhett Bleddyn (baddie from Wanted: Undead or Alive), and a curse that's plagued his kind for centuries.
'Elsa the Amazon' is the star of a home and renovation show 'International Home Wreckers'. At 6'2 she's used to being an oddity, and an outcast. She longs for a man that can make her feel girly and loved. And Howard delivers. Unfortunately for our loving duo Elsa also has a family curse and it could put a stop to their relationship before it can even start.
If you're a fan of Paranormal Romance I have no doubt you'll love Karrelyn Sparks' entire Love at Stake series including Wild About You. It's fast, fun, and filled with enough drama to make it a winner!
Wild About You read a bit different than previous installments in the series. Not in a bad way, but there was just more of a serious tone and less laugh out loud moments than I'm used to in a Sparks book. We get an insider look at how Shanna Draganesti (How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire) is dealing with her newly undead status. (Let's just say if there's a such thing as post-vampire depression, she's got it bad.) Fortunately, to take her mind off her own troubles she throws herself into the role of matchmaker for the ever-present, but mysterious, bear shifter Howard.
Throughout Love at Stake we gradually learn more about Howard's past including a heinous banishment from his homeland, a rivalry with the wolf shifter Rhett Bleddyn (baddie from Wanted: Undead or Alive), and a curse that's plagued his kind for centuries.
'Elsa the Amazon' is the star of a home and renovation show 'International Home Wreckers'. At 6'2 she's used to being an oddity, and an outcast. She longs for a man that can make her feel girly and loved. And Howard delivers. Unfortunately for our loving duo Elsa also has a family curse and it could put a stop to their relationship before it can even start.
If you're a fan of Paranormal Romance I have no doubt you'll love Karrelyn Sparks' entire Love at Stake series including Wild About You. It's fast, fun, and filled with enough drama to make it a winner!
January 23, 2013
If you ever need to find the definition of a filler book in a series, then look no further because this is the definition of such a book. This book is #13 in the ‘Love at Stake’ series and nothing happens in the war against the Malcontents, this book is all about Howard and his mate, Elsa.
We’ve all loved Howard, but we’ve also all been used to Howard being chubby and semi-bald, and trust me, this is not a Howard who is chubby and semi-bald in any way, if you know what I’m sayin..
It took me a while to readjust to that, but then I started picturing Howard as looking like Joe Manganiello, and then I was all good.. Because, you know… Rawwrr..
As a filler book, this was OK, I liked Howard and Elsa’s story, but it didn’t get me riled up in any way like some of the other books did, so I can only give it 3 stars.
We’ve all loved Howard, but we’ve also all been used to Howard being chubby and semi-bald, and trust me, this is not a Howard who is chubby and semi-bald in any way, if you know what I’m sayin..
It took me a while to readjust to that, but then I started picturing Howard as looking like Joe Manganiello, and then I was all good.. Because, you know… Rawwrr..
As a filler book, this was OK, I liked Howard and Elsa’s story, but it didn’t get me riled up in any way like some of the other books did, so I can only give it 3 stars.
December 29, 2012
Howard was everything I wanted him to be and more. His story is enthralling and I hope we see even more of him in further 'Love at Stake' books.
Description:
Handsome Howard...
Hunky Howard...
Hot Howard...
It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick...
Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he's a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their new found love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.
My Thoughts:
I have been attracted to Howard from all the other books in the series. He always seemed to be the reliable one, the one who held it all together back home. His description is past books was not really sexy but that was fully explained to us at the beginning of the story as to why he is now hunky Howard. I am happy that Howard knew what he wanted and who he wanted. We met his foe in the last book and it was great to see him get what was coming to him. Elsa was the perfect mate for Howard, intelligent, patient, self possessed and has her other brand of "otherness".
It was interesting to see a different side of Shanna. I think Kerrelyn Sparks was smart to have us see that everything was not all rosy when her change occurred and that she questioned how it was effecting her as a mother and a woman. I also enjoyed seeing Tino's connection with Howard and how strong it was and that he also connected to Elsa in a similar manner.
KS writes with humor and is a genius at pacing a book so that it is a fast paced whirlwind. You find that night is gone before you realize it and are putting the book down to the sun coming over the horizon. Her characters are charming, funny, and you can readily become emotionally involved with their stories. Thanks for another great read Kerrelyn!
Solid 4 stars and nudge to all those who have not yet discovered the 'Love at Stake' series you are missing out on one of the best PNR series out there. Can't wait for the next book!
Description:
Handsome Howard...
Hunky Howard...
Hot Howard...
It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick...
Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he's a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their new found love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.
My Thoughts:
I have been attracted to Howard from all the other books in the series. He always seemed to be the reliable one, the one who held it all together back home. His description is past books was not really sexy but that was fully explained to us at the beginning of the story as to why he is now hunky Howard. I am happy that Howard knew what he wanted and who he wanted. We met his foe in the last book and it was great to see him get what was coming to him. Elsa was the perfect mate for Howard, intelligent, patient, self possessed and has her other brand of "otherness".
It was interesting to see a different side of Shanna. I think Kerrelyn Sparks was smart to have us see that everything was not all rosy when her change occurred and that she questioned how it was effecting her as a mother and a woman. I also enjoyed seeing Tino's connection with Howard and how strong it was and that he also connected to Elsa in a similar manner.
KS writes with humor and is a genius at pacing a book so that it is a fast paced whirlwind. You find that night is gone before you realize it and are putting the book down to the sun coming over the horizon. Her characters are charming, funny, and you can readily become emotionally involved with their stories. Thanks for another great read Kerrelyn!
Solid 4 stars and nudge to all those who have not yet discovered the 'Love at Stake' series you are missing out on one of the best PNR series out there. Can't wait for the next book!
May 19, 2015
Howard the cute cuddly Kodiak Bear shifter meets his curse, heart first. Finally, the series's Pooh bear finds some happiness.
Howard's HS sweetheart was killed, a werewolf was missing presumed dead, and he was blamed and banned from his people. He has worked for the vampires as their day guard for years and when they hear of his interest in a certain home improvement celebrity they hook them up in secret. When a hot burning curse wakes up old tales and old fears Howard brings out the picnic basket. (Yes, a picnic basket) He works his romance, he runs from Aunts and falls hard but when a previously dead were-bad-guy shows up alive and even more wicked everything changes.
Fun, funny, sweet, and very interesting with the addition of yet another para-something special to add to the family. Howard will leave you with a smile.
Howard's HS sweetheart was killed, a werewolf was missing presumed dead, and he was blamed and banned from his people. He has worked for the vampires as their day guard for years and when they hear of his interest in a certain home improvement celebrity they hook them up in secret. When a hot burning curse wakes up old tales and old fears Howard brings out the picnic basket. (Yes, a picnic basket) He works his romance, he runs from Aunts and falls hard but when a previously dead were-bad-guy shows up alive and even more wicked everything changes.
Fun, funny, sweet, and very interesting with the addition of yet another para-something special to add to the family. Howard will leave you with a smile.
July 3, 2013
Love... Love... Loved it!!!
Awww.... Such a wonderful story... Having waited so long for Howard's story, getting to know him a little in each book, and falling in love with his character... It was worth the wait.
Having so much pain and heart ache in his life, it was wonderful to take this journey with him... Watching a side of Howard that I haven't previously seen, watching him fall in love with a girl who was part of a curse that was placed on his family a long time ago... The struggle to get through her fear and uncertainty, in the end was all worth it...
Kerrelyn does not disappoint! As always she has created a story full of love, heartache, suspense loyalty and dreams come true...
Awww.... Such a wonderful story... Having waited so long for Howard's story, getting to know him a little in each book, and falling in love with his character... It was worth the wait.
Having so much pain and heart ache in his life, it was wonderful to take this journey with him... Watching a side of Howard that I haven't previously seen, watching him fall in love with a girl who was part of a curse that was placed on his family a long time ago... The struggle to get through her fear and uncertainty, in the end was all worth it...
Kerrelyn does not disappoint! As always she has created a story full of love, heartache, suspense loyalty and dreams come true...
October 31, 2012
Kitty's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 Stars
Ahhh, classic Kerrelyn Sparks! Fun, fast, sexy and romantic with a little bit of mystery. “Home Improvement” meets “Yogi The Bear” is the best way to describe it. And, if that description put’s a smile on your face, then be prepared to have sore cheek-bones for a few hours.
The 13th installment of the Draganesti series is wonderful! We have all met and fell in love with Howard our were-bear. He’s fierce, protective and just an all-around wonderful person, loves his donuts and will do anything for someone he feels is family. Now we get to meet his mate, Elsa Bjornberg, aka Amazon Ellie, and watch the two of them fall in love. Well, after some trials and tribulations, that is. But, would we expect anything else from this series?
Elsa is one of the stars of International Home Wreckers, on HGRS (Home and Garden Renovation Station) and Howard is madly in love with her. Shanna, unbeknownst to Howard, has found his stash of DVD’s of the the television show when she returns to her home in White Plains, NY to get it ready to sell. And, the match-making begins! Howard is in Port Mishenka, Alaska after 20 years of being banished and is plotting to take down Rhett Bleddyn. We met Rhett in “Wanted: Undead or Alive” when he tried to force Phil’s sister, Brynley into marriage, kill his family and steal their lands. It is because of Rhett that Howard was banished all those years ago. Who better to have at his side to carry-out his plans than Phil and Dougal? But, at what cost? His family and his friends are all now in danger and he has some major decisions to make. And then there is the curse that his grandfather has been going on about for years. How will that play into his plans for revenge on Rhett?
While he is in Alaska, Shanna puts her plans into action and contacts HGRS to renovate her new home near Dragon Nest Academy. Of course, she will not be able to meet with the builders during the day since she “turned” so who better than Howard to represent her? Time to bring him home where he is needed. And, when he does return, what a surprise awaits him – his dream girl is standing right in front of him! What’s even more of a surprise is that she is part of the “curse” and the key to breaking it. Elsa is a “guardian”. Not only a guardian, but the Guardian of the Forest and it was her direct ancestors who put the curse on the “berserkers” for killing the guardian that made them. Now, Howard needs to get her to trust him and what they feel for each other while keeping her Aunts and Rhett from killing him.
I had a great time reading this book. Kerrelyn Sparks always made me smile and this was no exception. She brought new characters into the book in Aunt Greta and Aunt Ula. And, what a hoot they were! They just added another dimension to a story that already had so many layers to it. We get to know Howard better, we meet Elsa, Rhett is a story in itself and then there are the twins, Jesse and Jimmy – Howard’s cousins. Shanna is still dealing with being turned and Tino and Sofia are as adorable as ever. I can’t wait to see what is in store for them as they grow up (yea, I’m hoping for this series to be going on that long).
I had so many favorite parts in this book but I think seeing Howard as the soft, lovable bear was my favorite. Watching him woo Elsa was so sweet (teaser ahead):
“It was Howard. She groaned. How was she going to tell him she never wanted to see him again? Just the thought brought a pang to her chest. It was going to hurt him. It was already hurting her. And it was too cruel to reject him in a text message. But if she saw him, she didn’t know if she could resist him. Huge, handsome Howard.
She read the message.
Look out the window.
She peered out the kitchen window, and her heart swelled. There he was, standing near the woods. How long had he waited there to catch a glimpse of her through the window?
He concentrated on the phone in his hands, and soon her phone dinged again.
I have a picnic basket.
She glanced out the window, and he was lifting a large basket for her to see. A bear with a picnic basket. Her mouth twitched, and she texted back. Did you get that at Jellystone Park?
Don’t turn me in to Ranger Smith.
She smiled and texted back. Is it full of donuts?
Come and see what’s inside.
He pocketed his phone, then reached into the basket to pull out a checkered blanket. He stretched it out onto the ground under the canopy of trees.”
Aw, sweet, sweet Howard! And, that’s just a glimpse of some of the romantic things he does to win the woman he’s in love with. You’ll be wishing you were Elsa and had a “honey-bear” chasing after you!
Kerrelyn Sparks again brings her characters to life, making them real and has you cheering for them to get their HEA. Her writing leaves you breathless and she always keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen next. But, most of all, her stories are heartfelt and brilliantly written. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. I know we have a request for Dougal to get his HEA, but, I will be happy with whoever she decides is next. Enjoy!
5 Stars
Ahhh, classic Kerrelyn Sparks! Fun, fast, sexy and romantic with a little bit of mystery. “Home Improvement” meets “Yogi The Bear” is the best way to describe it. And, if that description put’s a smile on your face, then be prepared to have sore cheek-bones for a few hours.
The 13th installment of the Draganesti series is wonderful! We have all met and fell in love with Howard our were-bear. He’s fierce, protective and just an all-around wonderful person, loves his donuts and will do anything for someone he feels is family. Now we get to meet his mate, Elsa Bjornberg, aka Amazon Ellie, and watch the two of them fall in love. Well, after some trials and tribulations, that is. But, would we expect anything else from this series?
Elsa is one of the stars of International Home Wreckers, on HGRS (Home and Garden Renovation Station) and Howard is madly in love with her. Shanna, unbeknownst to Howard, has found his stash of DVD’s of the the television show when she returns to her home in White Plains, NY to get it ready to sell. And, the match-making begins! Howard is in Port Mishenka, Alaska after 20 years of being banished and is plotting to take down Rhett Bleddyn. We met Rhett in “Wanted: Undead or Alive” when he tried to force Phil’s sister, Brynley into marriage, kill his family and steal their lands. It is because of Rhett that Howard was banished all those years ago. Who better to have at his side to carry-out his plans than Phil and Dougal? But, at what cost? His family and his friends are all now in danger and he has some major decisions to make. And then there is the curse that his grandfather has been going on about for years. How will that play into his plans for revenge on Rhett?
While he is in Alaska, Shanna puts her plans into action and contacts HGRS to renovate her new home near Dragon Nest Academy. Of course, she will not be able to meet with the builders during the day since she “turned” so who better than Howard to represent her? Time to bring him home where he is needed. And, when he does return, what a surprise awaits him – his dream girl is standing right in front of him! What’s even more of a surprise is that she is part of the “curse” and the key to breaking it. Elsa is a “guardian”. Not only a guardian, but the Guardian of the Forest and it was her direct ancestors who put the curse on the “berserkers” for killing the guardian that made them. Now, Howard needs to get her to trust him and what they feel for each other while keeping her Aunts and Rhett from killing him.
I had a great time reading this book. Kerrelyn Sparks always made me smile and this was no exception. She brought new characters into the book in Aunt Greta and Aunt Ula. And, what a hoot they were! They just added another dimension to a story that already had so many layers to it. We get to know Howard better, we meet Elsa, Rhett is a story in itself and then there are the twins, Jesse and Jimmy – Howard’s cousins. Shanna is still dealing with being turned and Tino and Sofia are as adorable as ever. I can’t wait to see what is in store for them as they grow up (yea, I’m hoping for this series to be going on that long).
I had so many favorite parts in this book but I think seeing Howard as the soft, lovable bear was my favorite. Watching him woo Elsa was so sweet (teaser ahead):
“It was Howard. She groaned. How was she going to tell him she never wanted to see him again? Just the thought brought a pang to her chest. It was going to hurt him. It was already hurting her. And it was too cruel to reject him in a text message. But if she saw him, she didn’t know if she could resist him. Huge, handsome Howard.
She read the message.
Look out the window.
She peered out the kitchen window, and her heart swelled. There he was, standing near the woods. How long had he waited there to catch a glimpse of her through the window?
He concentrated on the phone in his hands, and soon her phone dinged again.
I have a picnic basket.
She glanced out the window, and he was lifting a large basket for her to see. A bear with a picnic basket. Her mouth twitched, and she texted back. Did you get that at Jellystone Park?
Don’t turn me in to Ranger Smith.
She smiled and texted back. Is it full of donuts?
Come and see what’s inside.
He pocketed his phone, then reached into the basket to pull out a checkered blanket. He stretched it out onto the ground under the canopy of trees.”
Aw, sweet, sweet Howard! And, that’s just a glimpse of some of the romantic things he does to win the woman he’s in love with. You’ll be wishing you were Elsa and had a “honey-bear” chasing after you!
Kerrelyn Sparks again brings her characters to life, making them real and has you cheering for them to get their HEA. Her writing leaves you breathless and she always keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen next. But, most of all, her stories are heartfelt and brilliantly written. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. I know we have a request for Dougal to get his HEA, but, I will be happy with whoever she decides is next. Enjoy!
December 4, 2012
loving howard and his bear claws!!
May 23, 2015
This took me so long to read. It was interesting but not as good as the vamps and were Panther . I still enjoy her books though.
September 10, 2012
ORIGINAL POST: WILD ABOUT YOU Isn't Too Hard or Too Soft
Wickedly Early Review
WILD ABOUT YOU
Book 13 in the Love at Stake series
by Kerrelyn Sparks
Avon/Harper Collins Books 11/27/2012
Paperback (384 pages) and E-book
Book provided by publisher via NetGalley.com. No Remuneration exchanged and all opinions herein are my own unless otherwise noted.
Description:
The were-bear here is a care bear, a gentle giant.
The story follows the standard for most of the prior twelve entries in this series: supernatural meets girl or guy, attraction, danger, relationship, danger, resolution. But, the surety offered by the formula allows me to relax and enjoy the ride offered by the very sexy bear meeting his very own Goldilocks and boy, do they fit each other just right.
Elsa a large woman in the field of TV remodeling programs. Now, this is an issue for me. I am strong and short with a medium frame. She is 6' 2" with a large frame, very strong weighing between 160 and 170. While in the world of TV this is probably terrible but in the real world this is the lower side of the healthy standard for women (The chart I found at http://www.healthchecksystems.com/hei... doesn't go past 6 feet so healthy weights would be even higher! ).
For me, this issue makes Elsa a very sympathetic character. Plus her mom died when she was a baby so she was raised by her aunts. Her aunts failed to enlighten her on a rather important issue in her life and then when it comes to pass are nearly hysterical and perhaps go a bit overboard. She also has a wry sense of humor that will leave you laughing. That wryness was an important defense for a big girl growing up with the small minded children with whom she went to school.
We've met Howard in several of these stories. He's always been the nice, serious, super professional hero/bodyguard. Here he gets to come into his own. He is so easy going, and a big gooey guy in the way he feels for a certain celebrity. The whole LOVE AT STAKE series brings us an extended, created family where blood ties people together but not because of their DNA.
Sparks provides ample foreshadowing for what's going to happen. I would love to know when you read this how much you saw coming and if it bugged you to know or if you liked it. In certain types of genre fiction I like it. As I say above, it allows me to just enjoy the book in particular the relationship development and the sexy scenes with an almost certain idea about what's coming down the line. There are a few surprises that allow the fulfillment of those expectations, and that's good too.
The "sexy time," as another blogger I know calls it, is lovely really. It's not too explicit but it did leave me feeling warm inside. I was happy for the couple having finally hooked up. Sparks doesn't carry the Goldilocks paralleling too far, it's just right!
Sparks' style is quite conversational, funny, and enjoyable. Her writing is in the vein of Evanovich, Lynsay Sands, Molly Harper and Mary Janice Davidson. While there are often deadly and dangerous situations in these books, I know the bad guys will get theirs and the good guys will get sexy. I read these for fun, relaxation and entertainment. They are feel good novels and that's what I want sometimes. That's not to say there aren't deeper images beneath the surface but they're just organic to the story.
The rest of the book is just right too; with the series' expectations, the writer's lively style, and the characters all complementing each other. If you like the writers I mention above, tI highly recommend this story and series for you. WILD ABOUT YOU could stand on its own, but the series is so much fun you would get more pleasure reading the whole thing.
I love the cover with the male character in black and white and the woman in color. It's symbolic of his life becoming complete when she comes into the picture.
Wickedly Early Review
WILD ABOUT YOU
Book 13 in the Love at Stake series
by Kerrelyn Sparks
Avon/Harper Collins Books 11/27/2012
Paperback (384 pages) and E-book
Book provided by publisher via NetGalley.com. No Remuneration exchanged and all opinions herein are my own unless otherwise noted.
Description:
The thirteenth book in the Love at Stake series features Howard Barr, the were-bear!
Handsome Howard…Hunky Howard… Hot Howard…
It’s not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels fragile, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she was a pot of honey he’d like to lick…
Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he’s a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on the TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive. Kerrelyn Sparks' Website http://www.kerrelynsparks.com/books_u...
The were-bear here is a care bear, a gentle giant.
The story follows the standard for most of the prior twelve entries in this series: supernatural meets girl or guy, attraction, danger, relationship, danger, resolution. But, the surety offered by the formula allows me to relax and enjoy the ride offered by the very sexy bear meeting his very own Goldilocks and boy, do they fit each other just right.
Elsa a large woman in the field of TV remodeling programs. Now, this is an issue for me. I am strong and short with a medium frame. She is 6' 2" with a large frame, very strong weighing between 160 and 170. While in the world of TV this is probably terrible but in the real world this is the lower side of the healthy standard for women (The chart I found at http://www.healthchecksystems.com/hei... doesn't go past 6 feet so healthy weights would be even higher! ).
For me, this issue makes Elsa a very sympathetic character. Plus her mom died when she was a baby so she was raised by her aunts. Her aunts failed to enlighten her on a rather important issue in her life and then when it comes to pass are nearly hysterical and perhaps go a bit overboard. She also has a wry sense of humor that will leave you laughing. That wryness was an important defense for a big girl growing up with the small minded children with whom she went to school.
We've met Howard in several of these stories. He's always been the nice, serious, super professional hero/bodyguard. Here he gets to come into his own. He is so easy going, and a big gooey guy in the way he feels for a certain celebrity. The whole LOVE AT STAKE series brings us an extended, created family where blood ties people together but not because of their DNA.
Sparks provides ample foreshadowing for what's going to happen. I would love to know when you read this how much you saw coming and if it bugged you to know or if you liked it. In certain types of genre fiction I like it. As I say above, it allows me to just enjoy the book in particular the relationship development and the sexy scenes with an almost certain idea about what's coming down the line. There are a few surprises that allow the fulfillment of those expectations, and that's good too.
The "sexy time," as another blogger I know calls it, is lovely really. It's not too explicit but it did leave me feeling warm inside. I was happy for the couple having finally hooked up. Sparks doesn't carry the Goldilocks paralleling too far, it's just right!
Sparks' style is quite conversational, funny, and enjoyable. Her writing is in the vein of Evanovich, Lynsay Sands, Molly Harper and Mary Janice Davidson. While there are often deadly and dangerous situations in these books, I know the bad guys will get theirs and the good guys will get sexy. I read these for fun, relaxation and entertainment. They are feel good novels and that's what I want sometimes. That's not to say there aren't deeper images beneath the surface but they're just organic to the story.
The rest of the book is just right too; with the series' expectations, the writer's lively style, and the characters all complementing each other. If you like the writers I mention above, tI highly recommend this story and series for you. WILD ABOUT YOU could stand on its own, but the series is so much fun you would get more pleasure reading the whole thing.
I love the cover with the male character in black and white and the woman in color. It's symbolic of his life becoming complete when she comes into the picture.
November 22, 2017
Howard tan dulce, romántico, tímido !! Él hombre perfecto para Elsa, forman una pareja estupenda!
Ahora solo falta los 3 últimos libros que no leí nunca ...
Ahora solo falta los 3 últimos libros que no leí nunca ...
June 2, 2019
Guardian and curses, this series just keeps getting better
June 7, 2019
The females in this book tended to make my eyes roll at times, they so often jumped to the worst or oddest conclusions over nothing, Howard is a sweetie though
November 20, 2012
In the Wanted: Undead or Alive, we last saw Howard chasing after werewolf packmaster of Alaska, Rhett Bleddyn, who disappeared with some vampire help. We find our why in Wild About You. Rhett Bleddyn like Howard is from Alaska. We learn right away that twenty years ago, on the night of the senior prom, Rhett was responsible for the death of Howard’s first love and during the ensuing fight it was believed that Howard killed Rhett. Howard was then banished from Alaska. Now Howard knows that Rhett didn’t die that night and Howard wants Rhett to pay for what he has done.
While Howard is away, Tino Draganesti lets out a secret to his mother which involves Howard’s dream girl. After a little snooping, Shanna learns that Howard’s dream girl is Elsa Bjornberg a/k/a Amazon Ellie from International Home Wreckers. Shanna has been unhappy about having to leave her White Plains home and move to the Dragon Nest Academy. So she decides to kill two birds with one stone and she invites Elsa and her team to renovate the carriage house on the grounds of the Academy.
When Howard returns from Alaska, he is not happy with Shanna’s meddling, but he won’t turn down the opportunity to get to know Elsa in person and see if she is the same person he has fallen for in his dreams.
Elsa has never felt dainty and feminine until she meets Hot, Hunky, Handsome Howard Barr. She realizes why Howard is so big when she sees him change into a grizzly bear. Howard will have his work cut out for him trying to convince Elsa that he is really a teddy bear at heart.
Elsa is very excited to work with Howard until she begins having dreams right after meeting Howard that are too like the stories that her aunts used to tell her about a family curse. What is worse is that soon Howard realizes that the curse sounds too much like the curse his grandfather tells stories about and both legends end the same—with the beast killing his lover.
Do they have to toss away the greatest love either has known? Neither want to believe that a curse can tear them apart, but should Elsa and Howard resist their feelings for Elsa’s safety or fight together against the dangers facing them?
THOUGHTS:
Kerrelyn Sparks works her magic again. This time for sweet and cuddly Howard Barr. Howard has been around since the first books, always in the background, always as someone the group can depend on and we start to see Howard emerge from the background in Sexiest Vampire Alive when Howard goes with Gregori and Abby on their mission.
I would have liked to see a little more romance between Elsa and Howard since she did spend a lot of time being afraid of the family curse and coming to terms with Howard being a were-bear. This mixed in with the side story of Rhett Bleddyn and Elsa coming to terms with her family issues, we had a lot of ground to cover in the 236 pages we were given and the romance was only squeezed in between all the happenings.
Received an ARC from abovethetreeline.com courtesy of the publisher.
See more at http://ebookobsessed.com
While Howard is away, Tino Draganesti lets out a secret to his mother which involves Howard’s dream girl. After a little snooping, Shanna learns that Howard’s dream girl is Elsa Bjornberg a/k/a Amazon Ellie from International Home Wreckers. Shanna has been unhappy about having to leave her White Plains home and move to the Dragon Nest Academy. So she decides to kill two birds with one stone and she invites Elsa and her team to renovate the carriage house on the grounds of the Academy.
When Howard returns from Alaska, he is not happy with Shanna’s meddling, but he won’t turn down the opportunity to get to know Elsa in person and see if she is the same person he has fallen for in his dreams.
Elsa has never felt dainty and feminine until she meets Hot, Hunky, Handsome Howard Barr. She realizes why Howard is so big when she sees him change into a grizzly bear. Howard will have his work cut out for him trying to convince Elsa that he is really a teddy bear at heart.
Elsa is very excited to work with Howard until she begins having dreams right after meeting Howard that are too like the stories that her aunts used to tell her about a family curse. What is worse is that soon Howard realizes that the curse sounds too much like the curse his grandfather tells stories about and both legends end the same—with the beast killing his lover.
Do they have to toss away the greatest love either has known? Neither want to believe that a curse can tear them apart, but should Elsa and Howard resist their feelings for Elsa’s safety or fight together against the dangers facing them?
THOUGHTS:
Kerrelyn Sparks works her magic again. This time for sweet and cuddly Howard Barr. Howard has been around since the first books, always in the background, always as someone the group can depend on and we start to see Howard emerge from the background in Sexiest Vampire Alive when Howard goes with Gregori and Abby on their mission.
I would have liked to see a little more romance between Elsa and Howard since she did spend a lot of time being afraid of the family curse and coming to terms with Howard being a were-bear. This mixed in with the side story of Rhett Bleddyn and Elsa coming to terms with her family issues, we had a lot of ground to cover in the 236 pages we were given and the romance was only squeezed in between all the happenings.
Received an ARC from abovethetreeline.com courtesy of the publisher.
See more at http://ebookobsessed.com
November 28, 2012
Wild About You is Kerrelyn's 13th Love At Stake book. Book 11 disappointed me a little, but book 12 made up it for it, so I wasn't sure how to approach 13. All I knew was this series is one of my must read as soon as released. I wasn't disappointed.
But I also wasn't super impressed. I enjoyed the story like I have the rest of the series, but it lacked a little Spark (haha, that's the author's name.) It seemed to bounce between Howard getting revenge on Rhett and the love story of Elsa and Howard. They didn't seem to mesh as well as other books. Books can have subplots along with the main plot, but the plots need to flow together. This jumped from one to the other and then there would be no mention of the other. It wasn't until the end when the two meshed together.
The sex scenes were also over fairly quickly. If I remember, the last few books were like that too. That's kind of a disappointment because part of the reason for reading a romance is steamy love scenes. But it also gave more time to plot. My one big issue with the love story is when the characters finally hook up. They're arguing a little over and Elsa says she finally decides to trust and love Howard. Next thing they're getting it on in the pool. It felt disjointed.
Don't worry though, there was plenty I enjoyed. I loved getting to know Howard. He was a cuddly teddy bear who was also fiercely loyal as expected. His pursuit of Elsa was passionate, but he was a complete gentleman too. It was fun meeting other were-bears. Especially Howard's two younger cousins. Their antics were funny and cute. The legend of the curse gave interesting insight to the were-bears' past. I loved having more of Shanna's son too. He is adorable!
I also enjoyed the fact that Howard didn't try to hide being a were-bear from Elsa. All along, he knew he would have to tell her so when the time came there wasn't the usual girl runs away from monster screaming. Elsa was afraid, but it was fear of the curse.
And with every Kerrelyn Sparks novel, she has at least one scene that has me busting out laughing. This one had Shanna's son, Tino, turkey basters and pregnancy.
But I also wasn't super impressed. I enjoyed the story like I have the rest of the series, but it lacked a little Spark (haha, that's the author's name.) It seemed to bounce between Howard getting revenge on Rhett and the love story of Elsa and Howard. They didn't seem to mesh as well as other books. Books can have subplots along with the main plot, but the plots need to flow together. This jumped from one to the other and then there would be no mention of the other. It wasn't until the end when the two meshed together.
The sex scenes were also over fairly quickly. If I remember, the last few books were like that too. That's kind of a disappointment because part of the reason for reading a romance is steamy love scenes. But it also gave more time to plot. My one big issue with the love story is when the characters finally hook up. They're arguing a little over and Elsa says she finally decides to trust and love Howard. Next thing they're getting it on in the pool. It felt disjointed.
Don't worry though, there was plenty I enjoyed. I loved getting to know Howard. He was a cuddly teddy bear who was also fiercely loyal as expected. His pursuit of Elsa was passionate, but he was a complete gentleman too. It was fun meeting other were-bears. Especially Howard's two younger cousins. Their antics were funny and cute. The legend of the curse gave interesting insight to the were-bears' past. I loved having more of Shanna's son too. He is adorable!
I also enjoyed the fact that Howard didn't try to hide being a were-bear from Elsa. All along, he knew he would have to tell her so when the time came there wasn't the usual girl runs away from monster screaming. Elsa was afraid, but it was fear of the curse.
And with every Kerrelyn Sparks novel, she has at least one scene that has me busting out laughing. This one had Shanna's son, Tino, turkey basters and pregnancy.
January 3, 2013
Real talk- a were bear is just weird for me. And it's not like it's a turn off, it's just really hard to picture in my head. So in my head, I envisioned him to being like Alcide in the Sookie Stackhouse. Wrong? Maybe. Also when Elsa is first introduced in the book, she felt like (an God help me but I can't help it), a special needs/carnival showpiece. You know, that person that has something wrong with them but yet that's what makes them a star quality? Because picturing a gorgeous, very tall woman swinging a sledgehammer is what that felt like for me.
But all of that aside? Loved the book. Sure, it took me a bit to get to used to, but once I did, I wasn't disappointed. I just wish I had known this was in a series because I would have done some homework and maybe read some of the earlier ones because I believe this is book 13. Not that you have to read the series, this is definitely a stand alone book, but I felt like I would have loved it even more had I know the back story to how Howard got here, and learned a little more information about the vampires he essentially works for.
This book is everything you want a romance novel to be- it obviously has romance between Elsa and Howard but it also has mystery, it has suspense, and it has relationships that you know would matter in real life. I actually flew through this book one evening before bed and it was worth it. I'm actually really excited to read some of the previous stories and then bookmark her future books. Kerrelyn is a really great writer that is believable. Sure, we're talking shifters and vampires but she writes it as this is just common stuff and no big deal. Very interesting her take on vampires too- not really like what most writers are doing with vampires in their books but still very traditional, if that makes sense? Maybe it feels weird because everyone else seems to have daylight tolerating vampires and Kerrelyn doesn't go that route and that's another reason I appreciated this book. No need to be different, just do the traditional but do it well.
http://strandupdate.blogspot.com
But all of that aside? Loved the book. Sure, it took me a bit to get to used to, but once I did, I wasn't disappointed. I just wish I had known this was in a series because I would have done some homework and maybe read some of the earlier ones because I believe this is book 13. Not that you have to read the series, this is definitely a stand alone book, but I felt like I would have loved it even more had I know the back story to how Howard got here, and learned a little more information about the vampires he essentially works for.
This book is everything you want a romance novel to be- it obviously has romance between Elsa and Howard but it also has mystery, it has suspense, and it has relationships that you know would matter in real life. I actually flew through this book one evening before bed and it was worth it. I'm actually really excited to read some of the previous stories and then bookmark her future books. Kerrelyn is a really great writer that is believable. Sure, we're talking shifters and vampires but she writes it as this is just common stuff and no big deal. Very interesting her take on vampires too- not really like what most writers are doing with vampires in their books but still very traditional, if that makes sense? Maybe it feels weird because everyone else seems to have daylight tolerating vampires and Kerrelyn doesn't go that route and that's another reason I appreciated this book. No need to be different, just do the traditional but do it well.
http://strandupdate.blogspot.com
November 24, 2012
Wild About You
by
Kerrelyn Sparks
My "in a nutshell" summary...
Howard loves Elsa. Howard is a man who can change into a bear. Howard s a protector. Elsa...might be a guardian. Their paths cross!
My thoughts after reading this book...
Hmmm...this book is not a genre that I normally read and at first I really wanted to stop reading it. But it slowly captured my interest. Howard is sort of a protector who can turn into a huge bear...he has secrets but almost everyone in this book has secrets. He yearns for this sort of Amazonian woman who has a tattoo that burns when she is near Howard...could she possibly have her own set of special powers... like Howard?
Only reading this wildly fascinating book will give you this answer!
There are other creatures in this novel...vampires and werewolves to name a few...and everyone appears to be hiding something.
What I loved about this book...
Ok...the sexy juicy bits took me by surprise! The picnic scenes with Howard and Elsa? Very very sensual...the way Howard fed Elsa bits of fruit and bites of chocolate...OMG...plus Howard was funny...a sweet hysterical sense of humor ran through his conversations with Elsa. I also loved Elsa's aunts...they came to guard and protect her from Howard when all she wants is Howard. And the deer...standing in the forest around Elsa to guard her...so sweet.
What I didn't love about this book...
After my rocky start with this book...I really enjoyed it!
Final thoughts...
This was my first book ever by this author but I think I might want to read more!
by
Kerrelyn Sparks
My "in a nutshell" summary...
Howard loves Elsa. Howard is a man who can change into a bear. Howard s a protector. Elsa...might be a guardian. Their paths cross!
My thoughts after reading this book...
Hmmm...this book is not a genre that I normally read and at first I really wanted to stop reading it. But it slowly captured my interest. Howard is sort of a protector who can turn into a huge bear...he has secrets but almost everyone in this book has secrets. He yearns for this sort of Amazonian woman who has a tattoo that burns when she is near Howard...could she possibly have her own set of special powers... like Howard?
Only reading this wildly fascinating book will give you this answer!
There are other creatures in this novel...vampires and werewolves to name a few...and everyone appears to be hiding something.
What I loved about this book...
Ok...the sexy juicy bits took me by surprise! The picnic scenes with Howard and Elsa? Very very sensual...the way Howard fed Elsa bits of fruit and bites of chocolate...OMG...plus Howard was funny...a sweet hysterical sense of humor ran through his conversations with Elsa. I also loved Elsa's aunts...they came to guard and protect her from Howard when all she wants is Howard. And the deer...standing in the forest around Elsa to guard her...so sweet.
What I didn't love about this book...
After my rocky start with this book...I really enjoyed it!
Final thoughts...
This was my first book ever by this author but I think I might want to read more!
March 3, 2013
Im a big fan of this series. I look forward to reading simply because I know that it is a light hearted series that never fails to make me laugh. But for whatever reason this one didn't live up to that. I barely laughed and then there wasn't as much action as usual. But I did love Howard. I have been dying for his book. Howard was sweet and kind. Patient and understanding. Possessive and yet at times shy. Now Elsa at times just got on my nerves.Yes she was built just for him. 6'2 and 170 pounds. But she was wishy washy and that became annoying. Just when she decided to send him away, Howard leaves to Alaska because of a family emergency. When he comes back his heart is hurting and he has all kinds of doubts about himself and decided to set Elsa free. Oh wait now that hes not chasing Elsa she gets mad that he gave up. That was really irritating. If he wasn't panting after her she was all hurt. Oh please whatever, get over yourself.
There was little between the sheets action. In fact it didn't happen until around page 330. But I did love Howard's cousins Jesse and Jimmy. They were funny and then there were the moments between Howard and little Tino. I love those moments. Reading about this big bear interacting with this sweet little five year old was really endearing. I just wanted to snuggle up with him. Overall not my favorite of the series but thats ok. Look forward to the next book. I have no clue where this will go next.
There was little between the sheets action. In fact it didn't happen until around page 330. But I did love Howard's cousins Jesse and Jimmy. They were funny and then there were the moments between Howard and little Tino. I love those moments. Reading about this big bear interacting with this sweet little five year old was really endearing. I just wanted to snuggle up with him. Overall not my favorite of the series but thats ok. Look forward to the next book. I have no clue where this will go next.
November 29, 2012
Wild About You by Kerrelyn SparksMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
First of all this is the Love at Stake series, it is not meant to be Masterpiece Theater, it is simple and fun, plots that while many times intricate they are always enjoyable and keep moving along a consistent timeline that makes the series easy to follow but does assume you read most if not all of the preceding books. Reading this series in order makes it a lot more fun. This book is the story of Howard the were-bear that has been in every novel in this series and finally will get a chance at his own HEA although there are several roadblocks in the way, not the least of these are some Aunts of his intended that are not happy about Howard in the least. The story vacillated between serious situations, a bit of tragedy and a few bursts of humor. All in all a great reading and a worthy addition to this series. Highly recommended and 4+ Star reading.
View all my reviews
September 9, 2012
Kerrelyn Sparks is always a pleasure to read. With her ability to create such relatable and endearing characters, it's so easy to fall in love with every one of them. Howard turned out to be more than I expected. A darkly seductive side of him is revealed as he becomes possessive of Elsa. This is new for Elsa because as a tall and built woman, she doesn't feel dainty or helpless often. But under the intense gaze of Howard, excitement and anxiety lace through her.
WILD ABOUT YOU is a book with bite! Kerrelyn Sparks weaves together witty dialogue, endearing characters and a dash of something forbidden in a package that reader's will see as a gift. You'll want nothing more than to tear into it and devour.
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
WILD ABOUT YOU is a book with bite! Kerrelyn Sparks weaves together witty dialogue, endearing characters and a dash of something forbidden in a package that reader's will see as a gift. You'll want nothing more than to tear into it and devour.
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
September 12, 2015
Wild About You es la historia de Howard, un cambiaformas y personaje secundario y Elsa, un personaje que conocemos en este libro.
Si soy sincera la historia de Howard empieza un poco lenta pero luego se convirtio en uno de los mejores libros de la saga : entretenido, interesante, con mucha accion y una trama tan atrapante que no podia parar de leer.
Para nada me esperaba que el personaje de Howard fuera tan dulce y divertido, tenia la impresion de que seria el tipico protagonista torturado y soso pero me equivoque totalmente.
Lo malo de leer este libro?? que ahora no se cuando podre leer el siguiente libro, que narrara la historia de Dougal.
3.25 Estrellas!
April 15, 2018
I really wanted to love this book, but I couldn't.
I didn't like Elsa.
Not because she's described as an Amazon...no because this Amazon has no backbone. Can someone please hand her a backbone?
If you like someone and if he's behaving like a perfect gentlemen how could you listen to your aunt and great-aunt going on about a curse telling you to hide because the guy will kill you? They didn't even know him. Haven't met him, but tell you he's bad...
And all the while she's thinking and telling them she doesn't believe in the family curse! Ha, if you don't believe in it, go your own way and tell your aunts to get lost. I can't stand women without backbones.
I also thought it was strange to have two old Ladies standing guard with weapons at a home improvement site...
I'm sad to see Howard ending up with Elsa. He was a great character. Strong in all regards...his mind, belief, love and body.
I didn't like Elsa.
Not because she's described as an Amazon...no because this Amazon has no backbone. Can someone please hand her a backbone?
If you like someone and if he's behaving like a perfect gentlemen how could you listen to your aunt and great-aunt going on about a curse telling you to hide because the guy will kill you? They didn't even know him. Haven't met him, but tell you he's bad...
And all the while she's thinking and telling them she doesn't believe in the family curse! Ha, if you don't believe in it, go your own way and tell your aunts to get lost. I can't stand women without backbones.
I also thought it was strange to have two old Ladies standing guard with weapons at a home improvement site...
I'm sad to see Howard ending up with Elsa. He was a great character. Strong in all regards...his mind, belief, love and body.
August 4, 2018
Ugh. Elsa was the most annoying heroine in this series BY FAR. Her fucking whining and shit was just ridiculous. Come on you're like 7 feet tall, bust open walls and work in construction. You scream and run away from fucking HOWARD? The sweetest and most adorable and gentle hero in this god damn series? Jesus. Not only was she dramatic AF she was a bitch too. She acted like an 8 year old and ignored him for half the book because her aunt told her to. She's like thirty god damn years old for crying out loud. GOD.
If you're a writer and you're reading this: STOP WRITING WOMEN LIKE WERE FUCKING STUPID. WOMEN ARE NOT THIS DUMB.
Anyway. I really liked the whole guardian thing but I think it was a bit lazy that she didn't have Conner's fallen angel in this book. I'd have loved them to compare notes. I mean she was there from the beginning if time, surely she'd have been able to explain how the guardians etc were made and why? Again this is just laziness. KS had spent so much time making Elsa an idiot that she didn't have time to get into any details we would have actually liked.
Slow burn (because the heroine was slow!) mild boring sex scene and blah blah glad that's over. Please let Dougal, Zultan and Russel's heroines not suck.
If you're a writer and you're reading this: STOP WRITING WOMEN LIKE WERE FUCKING STUPID. WOMEN ARE NOT THIS DUMB.
Anyway. I really liked the whole guardian thing but I think it was a bit lazy that she didn't have Conner's fallen angel in this book. I'd have loved them to compare notes. I mean she was there from the beginning if time, surely she'd have been able to explain how the guardians etc were made and why? Again this is just laziness. KS had spent so much time making Elsa an idiot that she didn't have time to get into any details we would have actually liked.
Slow burn (because the heroine was slow!) mild boring sex scene and blah blah glad that's over. Please let Dougal, Zultan and Russel's heroines not suck.
November 9, 2022
Cast out from his family after he tried to exact revenge on the werewolf alphas son for the death of his girlfriend the hero has never forgiven to burn inside of him for retribution. So he plans out his moves before putting them into action. He breaks into his enemy's house, steals his passwords and then proceeds to destroy him financially and publically. Feeling quite pleased with himself, the hero then returns to work as security for a gifted children school. The heroine has also felt horribly gangly and unpretty. Very tall and stalky for a woman, she's always referred to as amazon ellie. Working as a carpenter for a popular home renovation show the heroine is hired to spruce up the home of a very odd family. There she meets the hero and instantly sees him as the perfect man. He large, larger than her. He tall, taller than her. And he makes her feel beautiful and feminine and fragile. But she's devastated to find out hers also her mortal enemy. The hero had been half in love with the amazon from the tv show for a few months and now that he's actually met her he knows she's his dream girl-made perfect for him. But she's instantly skittish and shy and though he can see plainly how attracted she is to him, he's confused and hurt when she repeatedly turns down his attempts to get closer to her. The heroine has never believed much in the curse of her family but when the hansom hero activates her birthmark, she's forced to take it very seriously as it's stated that when her mark burns, she's in the presence of a berserker; a beast who will stop at nothing to see her dead. But even though she listens to her aunts who warn her away from him, inside she's constantly fighting doubts about the hero's true motives. How can someone so nice, so perfect in everyway be a danger to her? She finds out when he shifts into a bear in front of her that she may have more to fear from him than she first imagined. The whole book is shown the heroine in a back and forth battle between her head and her heart but when the old enemy threatens every the hero has, it's she who must take up her position as guardian and fight to protect the man she loves. I loved this book because it was so much more than just a sexual attraction. In fact, I could go as far as to say the sex scenes were rather boring. I had hoped for some hotter action after all the sexual build up but I didn't mind in the end because I just loved the hero and heroine so much. The hero was such a fantastic mixture of strength, nervousness, possessiveness and humor. He fought tooth and nail for his woman and refused to give up on her even when she begs him to. I loved his devotion and loyalty. I loved the heroine because she didn't stop feeling love for the hero despite the fact that she thinks he's her enemy. She desperately looks for the good in him just as much as she looks for the bad. I think this was because she didn't truly understand his attraction for her and as such the new emotions she was feeling made her run but hansom, hunky, hot Howard got his dream girl in the end.
October 3, 2012
I have been anticipating this book ever since Howard walked onto the scene with his big box of bear claws. Who can resist a guy who loves a good donut?
Seems that Howard has a secret love, home remodeling and Elsa. Elsa is the Amazon-ish host of Howard's favorite show. He keeps copies of the show under his bed and Shanna mistakes them for porn. Too funny. When she finds out the truth she sets things in motion to get them together. Elsa and Howard are a good match. Howard needs someone who won't crack under pressure. There's a pesky curse looming over them and with interfering aunts and the return of Rhett they find it difficult to find peace. They read into the curse the wrong way. Once they figure out what it really means they have to hurry after Rhett before the past repeats itself.
I like Howard in this book. He has always been just the cuddly bodyguard but there is more to him and I like it. You learn about his past, his family and how he ended up working for Angus. It takes the forefront and you get to see him in a new light. He is sad that everyone around him is happy and moving on but he seems to be stuck in a rut and he wants to be happy.
Elsa appears to be a strong independent type. As you read more about her she comes accross as more sensitive but defensive due to the reactions of most people. Elsa is not built like a petite flower, she is statuesque. I like her escpecially the fact that she doesn't scare too easily.
Rhett appears again to try and settle and old score with Howard. I wasn't a big fan of the storyline with him. In most books the villian is very promodant but with Rhett he appears breifly at the beginning and then breifly at the end. I wanted the showdown between him and Howard to be more explosive. I am happy that the saga with Rhett is over but I wanted more to that storyline.
Shanna and Roman have a small side storyline in this book. It seems that Shanna has yet to come to terms with her new life. She is able to find closuer and acceptance in this installment. I am happy that their drama is finally settled.
Sparks writes another winner with this book. All of her fans will enjoy this story. I love her writing because she has that way of combining comedy and drama together to make a fantastic read. The cover threw me off a little because Howard is gray. That is all explained in the book whay he is gray and then the cover makes sense.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It lives up to the series standards even though I wasn't happy with some parts. I can't wait to read the next book and I wonder who will be the star. Maybe Dougal. This is a recommened read.
I received this copy coutesy of Edelwiess and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Seems that Howard has a secret love, home remodeling and Elsa. Elsa is the Amazon-ish host of Howard's favorite show. He keeps copies of the show under his bed and Shanna mistakes them for porn. Too funny. When she finds out the truth she sets things in motion to get them together. Elsa and Howard are a good match. Howard needs someone who won't crack under pressure. There's a pesky curse looming over them and with interfering aunts and the return of Rhett they find it difficult to find peace. They read into the curse the wrong way. Once they figure out what it really means they have to hurry after Rhett before the past repeats itself.
I like Howard in this book. He has always been just the cuddly bodyguard but there is more to him and I like it. You learn about his past, his family and how he ended up working for Angus. It takes the forefront and you get to see him in a new light. He is sad that everyone around him is happy and moving on but he seems to be stuck in a rut and he wants to be happy.
Elsa appears to be a strong independent type. As you read more about her she comes accross as more sensitive but defensive due to the reactions of most people. Elsa is not built like a petite flower, she is statuesque. I like her escpecially the fact that she doesn't scare too easily.
Rhett appears again to try and settle and old score with Howard. I wasn't a big fan of the storyline with him. In most books the villian is very promodant but with Rhett he appears breifly at the beginning and then breifly at the end. I wanted the showdown between him and Howard to be more explosive. I am happy that the saga with Rhett is over but I wanted more to that storyline.
Shanna and Roman have a small side storyline in this book. It seems that Shanna has yet to come to terms with her new life. She is able to find closuer and acceptance in this installment. I am happy that their drama is finally settled.
Sparks writes another winner with this book. All of her fans will enjoy this story. I love her writing because she has that way of combining comedy and drama together to make a fantastic read. The cover threw me off a little because Howard is gray. That is all explained in the book whay he is gray and then the cover makes sense.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It lives up to the series standards even though I wasn't happy with some parts. I can't wait to read the next book and I wonder who will be the star. Maybe Dougal. This is a recommened read.
I received this copy coutesy of Edelwiess and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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