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Category: Shifter Haven Discussion
Deciding Which Shifter Authors Really Tell The Tale You Want To Read
*huge sigh* There are so many authors who write paranormal romance, specifically shifter romance that it’s often hard to figure out where to start. There are some amazing writers that give us such detailed, intense even charming shifter stories — and then there are… the others. I’m certain you get my drift. Those who put pen to paper with no idea of how to draw me into a story that I will love and rave about – and beg for more.
But here’s the thing – not everyone’s reading enjoyment is the same. What gives me delicious thrills up my spine may bore you into snores. And that’s okay, really it is.
Some authors will grow and change, coming into their own unique niche in this field – others never will. Yet each has their audience of readers. Because we don’t all like the same things, and that is just freaking amazing and right for each individual.
For myself, I only have so much time to read and post reviews. Right now, because of knee replacement surgery and the rehab that comes with that surgery I’ve not been able to sit at my computer for great lengths of time. So I have 74 drafts in a lined notebook of books that I’ve read during the recuperation time these past weeks. I also have 44 books that I simply returned, half read because they did not appeal to my reading enjoyment. Yes, total that’s a lot of books, but I had a lot of time on my hands. Time is a precious commodity – one that I refuse to waste finishing books that simply do nothing for me at all. Here at Shifter Haven, all of these books I have made the choice to read and review (no NetGalley obligations unless I’ve brought over a review from Keeper Bookshelf because it’s a shifter romance), as a result you’ll only see stories that I’ve enjoyed and would recommend to others based on my likes and enjoyment of the author’s works.
The truth is, just like finding that perfect mate you’re gonna have to kiss a few frogs along the way… same goes with picking authors that speak to your enjoyment needs. But just because you didn’t like one book doesn’t mean that a later story won’t be a perfect fit, so give authors a second chance, time to grow – you might be surprised what two or three years can do to a writer’s delivery techniques.
One thing on this blog that I’m trying very hard to keep updated is my “Shifter Authors” section. There you will find the authors that I really enjoy and will always pick up their new (or older) stories. If you’re looking for recommendations that’s a good place to start.
Time is precious, we only have so much of it to spare – so don’t feel badly if an author doesn’t “speak” to you. Wish them well, don’t bad mouth them, and move along to another selection. Because everyone has an audience that reaches into the heart – you simply have to take the time to find the authors that do that for you. It is a lifelong journey, one that is actually very enjoyable. Read what moves you, and leave the rest to another group of readers who will love what you couldn’t.
Binge Reading Damon’s Mountains Books by T. S. Joyce
Sometimes a series can touch a reader so much that waiting patiently for the next story is nearly impossible. This time I got really lucky in that an epic group of connected series were available for download one after the other – and I was in shifter heaven. So I immersed myself in this world full of sexy shifters, strong mates and adorable babies – and danger, suspense and a group of love stories beyond compare.
The “umbrella” title of all these connected series is Damon’s Mountains – but you’ve probably seen then as Saw Bears – Fire Bears – Gray Back Bears – Boarlander Bears – and a couple stand alone books. All together they tell an amazing tale of shifters and their mates, yes of course – but this one is deeper. It tells the ongoing tale of shifters forced to come out to the human race, to come out to center stage amidst those who are pro-shifter and those who hate them and would wipe them from the face of the earth in a heartbeat. Government secret ops, mad men and women who want only the power and glory for themselves… and our group of shifters, friends, lovers who simply want to live in peace and no longer be hunted. And not once during this “umbrella” series do we leave past couples behind – no, this is a community and beloved characters will pop up often in the continuing stories.
This is everything that I love about Shifter Romance series at its best.
The reviews for these stories will start to show up tomorrow, and one or two a day until they are all here at Shifter Haven. Because today I downloaded the first story in the newest series of Harper’s Mountains which brings us right back to the children of Damon’s Mountain stories. I cannot recommend these series highly enough to any Shifter, Paranormal or Romance reader. They are sexy, funny, dangerous, suspenseful, and will draw you into a world that is full of love, sexy times and adventure. What is not to love about any of that?
If you have not had the pleasure of reading these, here is the reading order of the stories on T. S. Joyce’s website
I love any and all Shifter Romance stories – the diversity of worlds and lore draws me in every time. Yet this group of Shifters really captured my heart, and I believe, if you give them the chance, they’ll capture you as well.
Protection by Elle Thorne
Title: Protection
Series: Shifters Forever
Author: Elle Thorne
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: January 24, 2015
Publisher: Barbed Borders Press
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:
Grizzly bear shifter Grant Waters wants one woman—Curvy Chelsea O’Reilly. He’s wanted her since they met. Except he’s worried his secret may be too much for her. It may be what sets her running.
Curvaceous Chelsea works at a salon in Bear Canyon Valley. She gets butterflies when Grant’s around. But she’s got her own baggage. Plus, she thinks that Grant would be better off with the local, stunning, curvy, widowed-way-too-early Mae Forester.
Read on for my thoughts on Protection.
My First Shifter Experience
So I have this brand spanking new blog called Shifter Haven – which is dedicated specifically to the paranormal genre of shifters…and nothing but shifters. Because, well why not? I read a ton of shifter novellas and novels so it makes sense to me to put those reviews and tidbits of information in one spot.
It got me thinking, so I went back to my physical bookcases in search of the very first shifter novel that got me hooked on these hot, Alpha men and their fated mates. I wasn’t really surprised when it turned out to be:
Christine Feehan’s Fever which was a double book with both The Awakening and Wild Rain… this was the start of her long running Leopard People series.
Here’s the blurb from the back of the book:
In Wild Rain and the novella “The Awakening,” Christine Feehan created an exotic, sensual race-the Leopard People. Fever brings the two stories together for the first time in one volume, a one-way ticket to a dizzying new world of desire.
In “The Awakening,” a beautiful naturalist’s dream comes true-to live among the feral jungle creatures. But an untamed, irresistible beast of another sort inspires her to explore her own wild side.
Wild Rain’s Rachel Lospostros has escaped from a faceless assassin and found sanctuary thousands of miles from home, under the towering jungle canopy. In this world teeming with unusual creatures she encounters Rio, a native of the forest imbued with a fierce prowess, and possessed of secrets of his own. When Rio unleashes the secret animal instincts that course through his blood, Rachel must decide if he is something to be feared-or desired.
Yep, back in January of 2006. Back then it was difficult to find any good paranormal romances so I devoured Ms Feehan’s stories and Maggie Shayne’s Wings in the Night series (vampires). Slowly the genre grew to the outbreak we have today with more paranormal romances and shifter stories than we can possibly read (but I’m gonna try) 🙂
Do you remember how you got hooked on shifters?
Welcome To Shifter Haven
Hi there, welcome to Shifter Haven!
I have been fascinated by the Paranormal Romance Shifter world since I read my first Shifter romance many years ago.
I’ve always loved the Big Cats and wolves – and I’ve come to have a soft spot for the bears as well.
The idea of a genetic twist that can allow some people to have a dual life, one living as human and the other as their animal – two separate beings encased in one body – has been one that captured my imagination. And over time, that same idea has brought so many wonderful ( and some meh type ) Shifter stories to us all.
I run several genre specific book review blogs and one main hodgepodge review blog that covers most romance genres. The links to all of my review blogs are over there in the sidebar if you’d like to visit them. And now I’ve added a devoted shifters blog to that list.
I read a lot of Paranormal Romance, and perhaps half of that reading is about Shifters. And I will admit that I have my favorites – and some just honestly creep me out.. but I’ll still read them, after all they’re still Shifters. Give me a lion, tiger, panther, wolf or bear anyday over a snake. But that’s me. 🙂
There is one thing to be aware of. Most Shifter Romances are very erotic, very sensual and extremely sexual. So while there is really no way to keep someone off of this site – be aware that the reviews here will most often be for readers 18+ years of age.
I hope that you enjoy your time here and that i can recommend some fantastic Shifter Romance novels, novellas or series for your reading pleasure.
Enjoy.
*There may be times that I will repost a review that was originally posted on one of my other blogs – when that happens it will be clearly marked as being a dual posting. Rest assured that I originally wrote both posts and perhaps have added a bit more to make them unique to here.*