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Seven Range Shifters #1
Cowboy Wolf Trouble
Seven shifter clans call the Montana mountains home.
But a new evil will stop at nothing to tear their world apart.
For centuries, the shifters that roam Big Sky country have honored a pact to keep the peace. Even bad-boy rancher Wes Calhoun, former leader of a renegade pack, has given up his violent ways and sworn loyalty to the Grey Wolves. But his dark past keeps catching up with him...
Human rancher Naomi Evans cares only about saving the ranch that was her father's legacy. Until a clash with Wes opens up a whole new world ― a supernatural world on the verge of war ― and Naomi, her ranch, and the sexy cowboy wolf stealing her heart are smack dab in the middle of it.
But a new evil will stop at nothing to tear their world apart.
For centuries, the shifters that roam Big Sky country have honored a pact to keep the peace. Even bad-boy rancher Wes Calhoun, former leader of a renegade pack, has given up his violent ways and sworn loyalty to the Grey Wolves. But his dark past keeps catching up with him...
Human rancher Naomi Evans cares only about saving the ranch that was her father's legacy. Until a clash with Wes opens up a whole new world ― a supernatural world on the verge of war ― and Naomi, her ranch, and the sexy cowboy wolf stealing her heart are smack dab in the middle of it.
353 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2019
About the author
Kait Ballenger
19 books1,119 followersStay up to date on future releases! Join Kait Ballenger's Mailing List:
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Kait Ballenger is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Seven Range Shifter paranormal romance series, where she weaves captivating tales of dark, sexy heroes who are cowboys by day, wolf shifters by night.
When Kait’s not preoccupied writing “intense and riveting” paranormal plots or “high-voltage” love scenes that make even seasoned romance readers blush, she can usually be found spending time with her family or with her nose buried in a good book. She lives in Florida with her husband and two young sons.
https://bit.ly/3t7zXLA
Find Kait on TikTok, FB and Instagram:
https://www.tiktok.com/@kaitballenger
https://www.facebook.com/kaitballenger/
https://www.instagram.com/kait.ballen...
Kait Ballenger is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Seven Range Shifter paranormal romance series, where she weaves captivating tales of dark, sexy heroes who are cowboys by day, wolf shifters by night.
When Kait’s not preoccupied writing “intense and riveting” paranormal plots or “high-voltage” love scenes that make even seasoned romance readers blush, she can usually be found spending time with her family or with her nose buried in a good book. She lives in Florida with her husband and two young sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
January 2, 2020
Cowboy Wolf Trouble by Kait Ballenger
First book in the Seven Range Shifters paranormal romance series.
When Naomi finds a wolf caught in an old trap on her ranch she’s upset. When the wolf shifts into a naked man, her life takes an unexpected turn.
Wes is burdened by guilt of his past. He just can’t kill another innocent.
An intense and steamy story with action from start to finish. My main issue was the amount of time the couple spent sleeping (and other activities!) on the hard ground and out in woods. Ouch! Ok, maybe sexy but this city girl just kept thinking of a soft bed, a convenient bathroom, maybe covers and not worrying about insects? The lack of amenities didn’t bother the couple at all. True rancher and cowboy. I guess I should admire their fortitude. I’ll try harder with the next book. It was a good world setup that I will definitely continue reading.
First book in the Seven Range Shifters paranormal romance series.
When Naomi finds a wolf caught in an old trap on her ranch she’s upset. When the wolf shifts into a naked man, her life takes an unexpected turn.
Wes is burdened by guilt of his past. He just can’t kill another innocent.
An intense and steamy story with action from start to finish. My main issue was the amount of time the couple spent sleeping (and other activities!) on the hard ground and out in woods. Ouch! Ok, maybe sexy but this city girl just kept thinking of a soft bed, a convenient bathroom, maybe covers and not worrying about insects? The lack of amenities didn’t bother the couple at all. True rancher and cowboy. I guess I should admire their fortitude. I’ll try harder with the next book. It was a good world setup that I will definitely continue reading.
June 12, 2019
Cowboy Wolf Trouble is book one in the Seven Range Shifters series by Katie Ballenger.
This new series is off to a great start with a story full of thrills, suspense, action, betrayal, heartache, and an emotionally gripping romance. It’s well written and has a nice premises. I liked the cowboy and shifter aspects.
Wes and Naomi are strong, capable, and captivating. They fit each other and brought out new aspects of each other. Their romance is a roller coaster ride of charismatic attraction, turbulent emotions, red-hot passion and forbidden relationship, which keeps the HEA in suspense until the very end.
The plot is fast-paced and full of thrilling suspense with the no humans allowed, malicious shifters, and mistaken identity. It did take me a little while to get into the story, but the more I read the more I enjoyed and fell into the storyline. I will say it was nice to have the authors Executioner Underground, her other series, make an appearance. It’s ok if you haven’t read that series yet, but readers may want to understand the EU better. For fans it was fun to see the EU pop into the story.
The author has created an interesting world with sexy cowboy shifters and I can’t wait to read on.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
**Note: I did receive a complementary copy via NetGalley, but I picked up this book from my library instead of reading the ARC.
This new series is off to a great start with a story full of thrills, suspense, action, betrayal, heartache, and an emotionally gripping romance. It’s well written and has a nice premises. I liked the cowboy and shifter aspects.
Wes and Naomi are strong, capable, and captivating. They fit each other and brought out new aspects of each other. Their romance is a roller coaster ride of charismatic attraction, turbulent emotions, red-hot passion and forbidden relationship, which keeps the HEA in suspense until the very end.
The plot is fast-paced and full of thrilling suspense with the no humans allowed, malicious shifters, and mistaken identity. It did take me a little while to get into the story, but the more I read the more I enjoyed and fell into the storyline. I will say it was nice to have the authors Executioner Underground, her other series, make an appearance. It’s ok if you haven’t read that series yet, but readers may want to understand the EU better. For fans it was fun to see the EU pop into the story.
The author has created an interesting world with sexy cowboy shifters and I can’t wait to read on.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
**Note: I did receive a complementary copy via NetGalley, but I picked up this book from my library instead of reading the ARC.
November 24, 2019
Cowboy Wolf Trouble was a great start to a new paranormal romance series with an engaging plot and a wonderful romance.
For centuries, the seven shifter clans of Montana have kept the peace while keeping their world a secret from the general population. But when a new enemy emerges, it will take everything they have to stop this new threat from wreaking havoc on their world. Wes Calhoun, former leader of a rogue wolf pack, has sworn loyalty to the Grey Wolves and agreed to follow their rules. But Wes’s past has a habit of catching up to him. While tracking one of his former pack mates, Wes stumbles onto Naomi Evans’s ranch and is forced to reveal his true nature. But Naomi is more involved in the coming war than either of them realizes and soon it’s more than her land that’s on the line.
On Grey Wolves lands, Wes works with horses and has expanded the ranch’s horse program into the thousands. It’s clear Wes loves his work and I liked hearing him talk about it. Personally, Wes has a lot of issues stemming from his time as pack leader to rogue wolves due to the brutality of their way of life. Wes feels he is undeserving of any happiness as he believes he only brings death and destruction to those he cares about.
Naomi recently lost her father to cancer and is on the verge of losing the ranch he loved that was left to her. Naomi is clearly knowledgeable about her work but due to larger operations in the area, smaller ranches are struggling to survive. Naomi went to school to become a biologist, which helps her on the ranch, but due to her father’s illness she was unable to pursue that career further.
Wes and Naomi’s relationship doesn’t get off to the best start as after revealing his true nature, Wes kidnaps Naomi only for the two to end up in danger soon after. Despite their initial dislike of each other, they are attracted to one another, which is something they struggle with. Once the pair’s physical relationship does progress, it’s fantastically done with some amazing scenes. My only issue with their relationship was Wes’s distrust of Naomi and his quickness to blame her when something goes wrong. Thankfully they eventually work through their issues, but I wish they had been honest with each other sooner.
The threat the wolves are facing provided an interesting storyline that was fast paced with the perfect amount of action. I had several theories I was wrong about before it was eventually revealed what was going on, but I like the direction the author chose to go in. We get small introductions to the clans outside of the wolves and I’m definitely interested in learning more about them. Each clan has their own unique dynamics, both internally and in their interactions with the other clans. I’m hoping there will be future books in the series that center around characters in other clans as I think the author has set up an interesting world that I’d like to see more of.
Overall I really enjoyed Cowboy Wolf Trouble and I will be continuing on with the series. I definitely recommend this if you’re a fan of shifter romances.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
For centuries, the seven shifter clans of Montana have kept the peace while keeping their world a secret from the general population. But when a new enemy emerges, it will take everything they have to stop this new threat from wreaking havoc on their world. Wes Calhoun, former leader of a rogue wolf pack, has sworn loyalty to the Grey Wolves and agreed to follow their rules. But Wes’s past has a habit of catching up to him. While tracking one of his former pack mates, Wes stumbles onto Naomi Evans’s ranch and is forced to reveal his true nature. But Naomi is more involved in the coming war than either of them realizes and soon it’s more than her land that’s on the line.
On Grey Wolves lands, Wes works with horses and has expanded the ranch’s horse program into the thousands. It’s clear Wes loves his work and I liked hearing him talk about it. Personally, Wes has a lot of issues stemming from his time as pack leader to rogue wolves due to the brutality of their way of life. Wes feels he is undeserving of any happiness as he believes he only brings death and destruction to those he cares about.
Naomi recently lost her father to cancer and is on the verge of losing the ranch he loved that was left to her. Naomi is clearly knowledgeable about her work but due to larger operations in the area, smaller ranches are struggling to survive. Naomi went to school to become a biologist, which helps her on the ranch, but due to her father’s illness she was unable to pursue that career further.
Wes and Naomi’s relationship doesn’t get off to the best start as after revealing his true nature, Wes kidnaps Naomi only for the two to end up in danger soon after. Despite their initial dislike of each other, they are attracted to one another, which is something they struggle with. Once the pair’s physical relationship does progress, it’s fantastically done with some amazing scenes. My only issue with their relationship was Wes’s distrust of Naomi and his quickness to blame her when something goes wrong. Thankfully they eventually work through their issues, but I wish they had been honest with each other sooner.
The threat the wolves are facing provided an interesting storyline that was fast paced with the perfect amount of action. I had several theories I was wrong about before it was eventually revealed what was going on, but I like the direction the author chose to go in. We get small introductions to the clans outside of the wolves and I’m definitely interested in learning more about them. Each clan has their own unique dynamics, both internally and in their interactions with the other clans. I’m hoping there will be future books in the series that center around characters in other clans as I think the author has set up an interesting world that I’d like to see more of.
Overall I really enjoyed Cowboy Wolf Trouble and I will be continuing on with the series. I definitely recommend this if you’re a fan of shifter romances.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
August 21, 2021
Naomi is on her ranch when she hears a trap snap shut, hopefully catching the animal that has been killing her animals.
Wes is a wolf shifter and after a fight with another wolf, he stumbles into a trap. The human is about to kill him to put him out of his misery so he has no choice but to shift back to human and try and stop her.
But wolf pack law dictates that humans cannot know about shifters and therefore he's supposed to kill her after exposing his secret to her but he can't. He already has one innocent life on his conscience, he can't live with another. But when she tells him about how she has been finding her animals bled dry, Wes knows that vampires are behind it. He has to get her back to his packmaster and let him know that their enemies are working with the vampires. Naomi doesn't want to go with him and makes the trip back home, interesting.
The more he gets to know her though the more he likes her. He just hopes that his packmaster will understand. The Wild Eight are their enemies and Wes used to be their packmaster until he left them and now they are gunning for him and plan on killing him He came to the Grey Wolves and Maverick, the packmaster let him join them but he's never felt a real part of the pack. Plus he doesn't do what he's told which sets Maverick off all the time.
Naomi and Wes start getting really close even though humans and shifters aren't allowed to mate but they definitely have feelings for each other. But then a misunderstanding sets the romance back to the beginning and has Wes mad at Naomi because he thinks she betrayed him just like another human woman did years before.
This book has a lot of action, sexual tension and romance. I really like how it ended and how this first book in the series set up the world building for the upcoming books. I have a feeling that we haven't seen the last of the vampires and I look forward to it.
Wes is a wolf shifter and after a fight with another wolf, he stumbles into a trap. The human is about to kill him to put him out of his misery so he has no choice but to shift back to human and try and stop her.
But wolf pack law dictates that humans cannot know about shifters and therefore he's supposed to kill her after exposing his secret to her but he can't. He already has one innocent life on his conscience, he can't live with another. But when she tells him about how she has been finding her animals bled dry, Wes knows that vampires are behind it. He has to get her back to his packmaster and let him know that their enemies are working with the vampires. Naomi doesn't want to go with him and makes the trip back home, interesting.
The more he gets to know her though the more he likes her. He just hopes that his packmaster will understand. The Wild Eight are their enemies and Wes used to be their packmaster until he left them and now they are gunning for him and plan on killing him He came to the Grey Wolves and Maverick, the packmaster let him join them but he's never felt a real part of the pack. Plus he doesn't do what he's told which sets Maverick off all the time.
Naomi and Wes start getting really close even though humans and shifters aren't allowed to mate but they definitely have feelings for each other. But then a misunderstanding sets the romance back to the beginning and has Wes mad at Naomi because he thinks she betrayed him just like another human woman did years before.
This book has a lot of action, sexual tension and romance. I really like how it ended and how this first book in the series set up the world building for the upcoming books. I have a feeling that we haven't seen the last of the vampires and I look forward to it.
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January 6, 2019
Rating: 3.5 Stars
This was an exciting new take on shifters and I always enjoy authors' different takes on pack life. CWT was no different with conflicting alphas, acceptance, betrayals and at the center, great characters that you care about. A slow burn romance that builds on their relationship while also holding a solid plot full of mystery and suspense.
Trouble has been following Wes Calhoun for most of his life. After leaving his father's pack and joining the Grey Wolf Pack, it's been a constant battle to atone for his past. It's been years but he still feels the judgement and the distrust of his pack mates.
When his hunch proves his old pack is up to it's old tricks and stirring the possibility of war, Wes, an alpha in his own right, doesn't hesitate to take them down. But his rash actions lead to a chain of events even he didn't see coming.
Naomi is a human he definitely didn't plan on. She's smart, she's self sufficient and strong. And somehow involved with his old pack. When her life is endangered, Wes takes her under his protection. But with his old pack out for blood and the reluctant support of his new pack, Wes and Naomi find themselves cornered and with only themselves to turn to.
Seeing the Hero’s vulnerable side and getting his POV is always a plus.
Would I recommend? A more serious read then I’m used to but I still enjoyed it.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
This was an exciting new take on shifters and I always enjoy authors' different takes on pack life. CWT was no different with conflicting alphas, acceptance, betrayals and at the center, great characters that you care about. A slow burn romance that builds on their relationship while also holding a solid plot full of mystery and suspense.
Trouble has been following Wes Calhoun for most of his life. After leaving his father's pack and joining the Grey Wolf Pack, it's been a constant battle to atone for his past. It's been years but he still feels the judgement and the distrust of his pack mates.
When his hunch proves his old pack is up to it's old tricks and stirring the possibility of war, Wes, an alpha in his own right, doesn't hesitate to take them down. But his rash actions lead to a chain of events even he didn't see coming.
Naomi is a human he definitely didn't plan on. She's smart, she's self sufficient and strong. And somehow involved with his old pack. When her life is endangered, Wes takes her under his protection. But with his old pack out for blood and the reluctant support of his new pack, Wes and Naomi find themselves cornered and with only themselves to turn to.
He wanted to open himself to her, to cast aside his shame and take off the mask he’d worn for so long it felt as it were suffocating him. He longed for it in a way he was certain he’d never longed for anything in his life.
Seeing the Hero’s vulnerable side and getting his POV is always a plus.
Would I recommend? A more serious read then I’m used to but I still enjoyed it.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
November 15, 2018
Well Well Well.....
This is the first time I've picked up this author. I have to admit that I was immediately drawn to the cover and the blurb. I mean, helllllo....look at those abs!!!!!
Naomi runs a family ranch. Well, she's trying to save her father's ranch, but is obviously struggling a bit. Add in the fact that her brother's trap captures a wolf and her entire life is completely turned upside down. And now that she knows a secret that no human should, her life is in danger. But can she count on her new wolf to protect her?
Wes has a troubled past that he's trying to escape. So much so that he ends up getting trapped on a human's ranch, causing him to do the one thing he's forbidden to do...shift in front of a human. And now that she's seen him, he needs to protect her. But at what cost? And will his past come back to bite him?
Although this took me a while to get in to, once I did, I was completely engaged. The "bow chica bow wow" scenes are super hot and the drama is just enough to keep you wondering. I really liked that multiple packs had to come together, introducing us to more shifters (hopefully getting their own book). All in all, good start to a series that has serious potential.
This is the first time I've picked up this author. I have to admit that I was immediately drawn to the cover and the blurb. I mean, helllllo....look at those abs!!!!!
Naomi runs a family ranch. Well, she's trying to save her father's ranch, but is obviously struggling a bit. Add in the fact that her brother's trap captures a wolf and her entire life is completely turned upside down. And now that she knows a secret that no human should, her life is in danger. But can she count on her new wolf to protect her?
Wes has a troubled past that he's trying to escape. So much so that he ends up getting trapped on a human's ranch, causing him to do the one thing he's forbidden to do...shift in front of a human. And now that she's seen him, he needs to protect her. But at what cost? And will his past come back to bite him?
Although this took me a while to get in to, once I did, I was completely engaged. The "bow chica bow wow" scenes are super hot and the drama is just enough to keep you wondering. I really liked that multiple packs had to come together, introducing us to more shifters (hopefully getting their own book). All in all, good start to a series that has serious potential.
November 14, 2019
Wes Calhoun, was the former leader of a renegade pack, before he swore his loyalty to the Grey Wolves (even if he struggles to follow orders). Rancher Naomi Evans is trying to save the ranch that was her father’s legacy. The problem isn’t just financial, something is attacking their herd. Her brother set traps and when she hears one go off, she heads out to put down the poor creature and so our story begins.
Ballenger did a nice job of sharing the different breeds and governing bodies among the Seven Range Shifters. She brought the ranches and hillsides to life. I enjoyed the Grey Wolf ranch details and the wild horses. Wes’ horse was a hoot and made me snicker more than once.
I was a little surprised about the Wild Eight Pack shifters, and strange vampire population. There is also a secret human society known as the Underground Executioners. The story offered a little foreshadowing and has me curious to learn more about this world.
The romance had all the elements one would expect in a shifter romance, from sparks to fate. It felt genuine and we witnessed growth, healing and trust develop despite a few setbacks. Naomi has some spunk and I loved how she addressed some alphas and Wes!
The threat from the Wild Eight created intense moments. It was interesting seeing the struggle within the pack, the council, and how that impacted Wes. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Ballenger did a nice job of sharing the different breeds and governing bodies among the Seven Range Shifters. She brought the ranches and hillsides to life. I enjoyed the Grey Wolf ranch details and the wild horses. Wes’ horse was a hoot and made me snicker more than once.
I was a little surprised about the Wild Eight Pack shifters, and strange vampire population. There is also a secret human society known as the Underground Executioners. The story offered a little foreshadowing and has me curious to learn more about this world.
The romance had all the elements one would expect in a shifter romance, from sparks to fate. It felt genuine and we witnessed growth, healing and trust develop despite a few setbacks. Naomi has some spunk and I loved how she addressed some alphas and Wes!
The threat from the Wild Eight created intense moments. It was interesting seeing the struggle within the pack, the council, and how that impacted Wes. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 21, 2018
I didn’t think Naomi and Wes would mesh with their less then desirable first meeting. She seemed kind of shy, while Wes was just so...angry! So I was tickled pink when their chemistry blossomed and became something more! Naomi turned out to be a spitfire who gave as good as she got and then some. Wes had a damaged heart that hid a heart of gold under his rough exterior. And together, these two found more trouble then anyone else could imagine!
I’m hoping a few secondary characters get their story in the future...like Colt, Blaze, and even grouchy Malcolm...
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m hoping a few secondary characters get their story in the future...like Colt, Blaze, and even grouchy Malcolm...
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2019
Love the premises of the story.
Well written and kept me engaged.
Well written and kept me engaged.
November 30, 2018
A cowboy shifter story in the beautiful setting of Montana. How could I say no?
Team up an H cowboy shifter with an h American Native and you've created an interesting recipe for fast adventure. Wes is our sexy cowboy badboy. Right from the get-go he's disobeying orders, getting into trouble, and getting caught in Naomi's trap. Literally. Now he has to find away to keep Naomi alive from the packs, as well as himself.
Kait Ballenger brings to life a rancher's life in wonderful detail. The romance is steamy and the paranormal politics were well done.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.
December 23, 2018
I enjoyed it. I didn't love it, I liked the story enough to finish it. I will look at reading more from the author in the future, and continue with this new series. I love shifters, I wasn't at all expecting myself to struggle to get into the story. Once I did it was enjoyable. This has potential to be a great series for PNR lovers!
January 23, 2020
Cowboys (never my choice in a romance- hey, I'm a plant-based, pro-gun-control Aussie) as werewolves. Hmmm. Seriously? I guess if you like both those romance genres, you will enjoy this.
Some sweaty sex and a ton of violence, with many fight scenes that I ended up skim-reading because they were boring for me.
Not badly written at all , just not my thang.
Some sweaty sex and a ton of violence, with many fight scenes that I ended up skim-reading because they were boring for me.
Not badly written at all , just not my thang.
June 29, 2019
Wow. Just wow. Not at all what I expected. Dark and gritty and twisty and oh so hot. What a great first in series!
April 27, 2024
What can I say about this book! Wow, it was pretty raunchy and grotesque, but boy did it move me. I though the plot was developed to an extraordinary level. The way that the words made me feel that I was actually there as a cowboy, as a wolf. It was amazing.
January 27, 2019
“He was Wes Calhoun. Former packmaster of the Wild Eight, son of the nefarious Nolan Calhoun, and one of the deadliest wolves to walk these mountainsides. He apologized to no one.
Except, apparently, her...”
Cowboy Wolf Trouble by Kait Ballenger is an exciting cowboy paranormal shifter romance and the opening salvo in Kait’s new Seven Range Shifters’ series. The series is set to revolve around the seven shifter clans that call the Montana Mountains their home. I have to say that I’d have been drawn to this book regardless once I saw the awesome abs featured on the cover. Oh my!
I’ve been a fan of Kait’s since I first discovered her in After Dark, a release she shared with Gena Showalter. Her contribution to the anthology was Shadow Hunter which introduced her Execution Underground series – a fabulous series that I can’t wait to read more of! Therefore, you can imagine my excitement when I realized that this new series actually has ties to her Execution Underground series! That said, no worries if you’ve never read her Execution Underground series. It’s not necessary to be familiar with that series to fully enjoy Cowboy Wolf Trouble.
This is the story of wolf shifter Wes Calhoun and human, part Native American rancher/biologist Naomi Evans. Their story is related in the third person. When Naomi finds a wolf ensnared in a trap on her ranch, she reluctantly knew she was going to have to deal with it. She couldn’t let the wolf suffer nor could she afford to lose any more livestock. As she loads the barrel of her rifle, the wolf unbelievably shifts into a naked man. Naomi’s world tilts.
“That’s not humanly possible,” she breathed.
He smirked as if she amused him. “Good thing I’m not human.”
Wes had just done the one thing he’s forbidden to do – shift in front of a human. But, if he had not, he’d be dead. Now, his pack will probably do the deed and Naomi’s life is in danger too as humans cannot know about shifters. He vows to protect her. But, is this a vow he can keep?
I was drawn into this tale from the very beginning. Naomi and Wes are both easy to connect to. They have an explosive, steamy chemistry from the get-go. They both face discrimination and problems with acceptance by their peers. Naomi struggles to save her ranch. Naomi is an anomaly in the world of Montana cattle ranchers where women ranchers are still rare. Wes fights to save his very soul. He’s a former packmaster, but he gave that life up to join an opposition pack. He’s yet to find his place there as he struggles with authority and his own self-worth as his new pack wrestles with trusting him. Their story held my rapt attention throughout.
Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Cowboy Wolf Trouble:
“Our medic will want to dig your shotgun pellet out of my shoulder."
She grimaced. "Sorry about that."
He smirked. "Not the roughest kind of foreplay I've had."
That sexy grin scorched her from the inside out.
---
“While she wasn't looking, he subtly adjusted the erection straining against his jeans.
"How big is it?" She broke the momentary silence between them.
Wes froze. Apparently, he hadn't been as discreet as he'd thought, but he hadn't expected such a blunt ques...
"You do know the acreage of your own ranch, don't you?" she asked.”
---
“Toys are for men who don't know how to use their hands.”
Cowboy Wolf Trouble is an engrossing read that made me feel that I was in the story with the characters. I chuckled at Wes’ and Naomi’s banter, swooned with their steamy chemistry and was on the edge of my seat as trouble loomed from all directions. The freakish half-vampires gave me the chills. Expect plenty of fast-paced action, betrayals, deception, danger, surprising twists and humor. Kait’s word-building is first-rate and the story flows well. I can’t wait to see where Kait takes this series next in Cowboy in Wolf’s Clothing, set to be released in mid-2019.
Except, apparently, her...”
Cowboy Wolf Trouble by Kait Ballenger is an exciting cowboy paranormal shifter romance and the opening salvo in Kait’s new Seven Range Shifters’ series. The series is set to revolve around the seven shifter clans that call the Montana Mountains their home. I have to say that I’d have been drawn to this book regardless once I saw the awesome abs featured on the cover. Oh my!
I’ve been a fan of Kait’s since I first discovered her in After Dark, a release she shared with Gena Showalter. Her contribution to the anthology was Shadow Hunter which introduced her Execution Underground series – a fabulous series that I can’t wait to read more of! Therefore, you can imagine my excitement when I realized that this new series actually has ties to her Execution Underground series! That said, no worries if you’ve never read her Execution Underground series. It’s not necessary to be familiar with that series to fully enjoy Cowboy Wolf Trouble.
This is the story of wolf shifter Wes Calhoun and human, part Native American rancher/biologist Naomi Evans. Their story is related in the third person. When Naomi finds a wolf ensnared in a trap on her ranch, she reluctantly knew she was going to have to deal with it. She couldn’t let the wolf suffer nor could she afford to lose any more livestock. As she loads the barrel of her rifle, the wolf unbelievably shifts into a naked man. Naomi’s world tilts.
“That’s not humanly possible,” she breathed.
He smirked as if she amused him. “Good thing I’m not human.”
Wes had just done the one thing he’s forbidden to do – shift in front of a human. But, if he had not, he’d be dead. Now, his pack will probably do the deed and Naomi’s life is in danger too as humans cannot know about shifters. He vows to protect her. But, is this a vow he can keep?
I was drawn into this tale from the very beginning. Naomi and Wes are both easy to connect to. They have an explosive, steamy chemistry from the get-go. They both face discrimination and problems with acceptance by their peers. Naomi struggles to save her ranch. Naomi is an anomaly in the world of Montana cattle ranchers where women ranchers are still rare. Wes fights to save his very soul. He’s a former packmaster, but he gave that life up to join an opposition pack. He’s yet to find his place there as he struggles with authority and his own self-worth as his new pack wrestles with trusting him. Their story held my rapt attention throughout.
Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Cowboy Wolf Trouble:
“Our medic will want to dig your shotgun pellet out of my shoulder."
She grimaced. "Sorry about that."
He smirked. "Not the roughest kind of foreplay I've had."
That sexy grin scorched her from the inside out.
---
“While she wasn't looking, he subtly adjusted the erection straining against his jeans.
"How big is it?" She broke the momentary silence between them.
Wes froze. Apparently, he hadn't been as discreet as he'd thought, but he hadn't expected such a blunt ques...
"You do know the acreage of your own ranch, don't you?" she asked.”
---
“Toys are for men who don't know how to use their hands.”
Cowboy Wolf Trouble is an engrossing read that made me feel that I was in the story with the characters. I chuckled at Wes’ and Naomi’s banter, swooned with their steamy chemistry and was on the edge of my seat as trouble loomed from all directions. The freakish half-vampires gave me the chills. Expect plenty of fast-paced action, betrayals, deception, danger, surprising twists and humor. Kait’s word-building is first-rate and the story flows well. I can’t wait to see where Kait takes this series next in Cowboy in Wolf’s Clothing, set to be released in mid-2019.
January 1, 2019
This exciting new series is off to a great start with a story that is full of thrills and an emotionally gripping romance. Wes and Naomi are strong, captivating characters that pull readers into their story and refuse to let go. The romance is a roller coaster ride of turbulent emotions, magnetic attraction, scorching passion and a forbidden relationship which keeps the happily ever after of this story in question until the very end, especially since the hero is in serious need of care and affection but has tons of issues that have to be overcome. The bad boy turned good aspect of the story also adds tension and drama ensuring that the readers can’t get enough.
The plot is fast paced and full of thrilling suspense, adrenaline pumping danger and excitement which keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Mistaken identity, the no humans allowed factor and a group of malicious minded shifters keep the tension and expectations high throughout which makes this a hard to put down story. Readers may find it hard to get into the story at the beginning which is quite unexpected but they don’t regret sticking it with it as the story and the characters insists they continue. The author has created an intriguing world with some sexy, gritty cowboy shifters that captures readers imaginations and she portrays those characters and the setting in such a way that readers want to explore it from every angle. The series is connected to her Execution Underground series, but it can be read without having read it, however the EU does play a part in this story and readers may want to understand the workings of the EU better.
The plot is fast paced and full of thrilling suspense, adrenaline pumping danger and excitement which keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Mistaken identity, the no humans allowed factor and a group of malicious minded shifters keep the tension and expectations high throughout which makes this a hard to put down story. Readers may find it hard to get into the story at the beginning which is quite unexpected but they don’t regret sticking it with it as the story and the characters insists they continue. The author has created an intriguing world with some sexy, gritty cowboy shifters that captures readers imaginations and she portrays those characters and the setting in such a way that readers want to explore it from every angle. The series is connected to her Execution Underground series, but it can be read without having read it, however the EU does play a part in this story and readers may want to understand the workings of the EU better.
January 17, 2019
Review, Excerpt & Giveaway COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE by Kait Ballenger http://bit.ly/2QSEGe5
Publication Date: January 1, 2019
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I enjoyed the start to this new shifter series. There was plenty of action, suspense and sexy romance to keep me turning the pages. Wes was the quintessential bad-boy looking for redemption, and Naomi was the strong capable woman putting up with all that came with him. There were a few times when the shifter’s actions/reactions were not consistent with being apex predators, and one or two “too stupid to live” moments for Naomi…but I still enjoyed the story and look forward to the next installment.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/2HdOdNi
Publication Date: January 1, 2019
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I enjoyed the start to this new shifter series. There was plenty of action, suspense and sexy romance to keep me turning the pages. Wes was the quintessential bad-boy looking for redemption, and Naomi was the strong capable woman putting up with all that came with him. There were a few times when the shifter’s actions/reactions were not consistent with being apex predators, and one or two “too stupid to live” moments for Naomi…but I still enjoyed the story and look forward to the next installment.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/2HdOdNi
October 16, 2018
THIS WAS ALMOST A 5*! Great shifter romance with a hero that needs some TLC. Wes Calhoun reformed bad wolf only wants to protect Naomi Evans. Attraction of these two is forbidden so this is the force that drives the pages to a HEA. Some amazing secondary wolf characters! Should be a great series to add to MUST BE READ SHELF. "A copy of this book was supplied by SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." DON'T MISS Naomi's struggle to save her ranch and Wes' fight to save his Soul!
February 17, 2021
I read this book for What the Smut, a podcast my friends and I do about paranormal erotica/romance. Our discussion Barn, chicken, Barn Cow is full of spoilers but after you read the book check it out.
I so enjoyed this book and I think it made me realize how much I like a star-crossed lover's story. It was hot hot hot from the jump and I always love it when the heroine is badass. This one is badass, kind-hearted, and a POC. Seriously what more could you ask for?!?
I so enjoyed this book and I think it made me realize how much I like a star-crossed lover's story. It was hot hot hot from the jump and I always love it when the heroine is badass. This one is badass, kind-hearted, and a POC. Seriously what more could you ask for?!?
March 31, 2020
DNF. Can’t do no more. I found the relationship to be simplistic, the sex to be cringeworthy (at one point he was looking at her “pink lips” and thinking about what he’d like to do to her “other pink lips”), the thoughts of the characters to be repetitive. I got about 60% of the way through but I was struggling to pay attention to what was happening, mostly because I didn’t care about the characters or the story.
Shelved as 'arc-up-next'
November 24, 2018Copy kindly provided by SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, via NetGalley, for an honest review.
January 17, 2019
Good beginning of a new shifter series. I'm looking forward to reading A Cowboy In Wolf's Clothing, which is book#2 in the series.
September 27, 2018
This author was new to me but the cover and blurb captured my attention and I'm so glad I gave it a try.
Naomi and Wes were explosive together. Both of them are protective and quick to anger/action. Wes spends a good share of the book trying to do right but yet he can't change who he is. He is a man of action and sometimes that means defying the alpha in charge. He rationalized that it is for the greater good.
Naomi was a rancher who was just minding her own business when a trap her brother sets captures a wolf and she has to deal with it. Not knowing that this wolf was going to shake her world upside down.
I really liked how strong and independent Naomi was and how even though Wes didn't believe it, she knew he was a good man. He was very strong headed about it but she did what she thought was right in order to help him because that is what you do, when your partner is down you are the person to hold them up and make them believe.
I will be reading more from this author!
Naomi and Wes were explosive together. Both of them are protective and quick to anger/action. Wes spends a good share of the book trying to do right but yet he can't change who he is. He is a man of action and sometimes that means defying the alpha in charge. He rationalized that it is for the greater good.
Naomi was a rancher who was just minding her own business when a trap her brother sets captures a wolf and she has to deal with it. Not knowing that this wolf was going to shake her world upside down.
I really liked how strong and independent Naomi was and how even though Wes didn't believe it, she knew he was a good man. He was very strong headed about it but she did what she thought was right in order to help him because that is what you do, when your partner is down you are the person to hold them up and make them believe.
I will be reading more from this author!
January 24, 2021
I have started this book quite a few times and just wasn’t in the mood. This time was no different, but I eventually paused through. Overall, I enjoyed the story and character development.
Naomi and Wes have that spark that mates in the shifter world share. Wes has been betrayed in the past and pack law forbids wolf-human relations so of course there has to be a journey that leads them to being able to be together. That journey involves Wes facing trouble in his pack because he is constantly disobeying the alpha. Naomi has a back story that is interesting but doesn’t seem to factor in overall. I liked that Naomi was able to take care of herself a good deal and had a lot of backbone - just what Wes needs in a partner and Nate.
Naomi and Wes have that spark that mates in the shifter world share. Wes has been betrayed in the past and pack law forbids wolf-human relations so of course there has to be a journey that leads them to being able to be together. That journey involves Wes facing trouble in his pack because he is constantly disobeying the alpha. Naomi has a back story that is interesting but doesn’t seem to factor in overall. I liked that Naomi was able to take care of herself a good deal and had a lot of backbone - just what Wes needs in a partner and Nate.
April 4, 2019
II picked up Kait Ballenger’s Cowboy Wolf Trouble for review based not so much on the cover (which shows a fairly standard romance ‘howdy pardner!’ bare-chested man) but the synopsis. It’s a Western themed, paranormal romance with a wolf shifter (technically a werewolf) interacting with a human rancher, with some other supernatural groups making appearances. My overall opinion? Some positives, some negatives and an okay start to my reading year.
Naomi Evans is a biologist, but she’s stuck with the ranch passed down to her from her father. She’s part Apsaalooke and her heritage and schooling have imbued her with a healthy respect for nature, including the grey wolf she finds caught in a trap on her lands. But nothing in her training prepares her for his shifting into a naked man in front of her, then taking her hostage.
Wes Calhoun has led a less than examplary life but he’s trying to do better. He used to be the leader of the Wild Eight renegade wolf pack formed by his great-great-grandather. It was an illegitmate pack, not part of Montana’s Seven Range Pact comprised of seven different animal shifter packs, and was constantly at war with the Grey Wolves. He’d surrendered to the Grey Wolves, and hoped for peace between the packs but recent news of the Wild Eight’s possible alliance with vampires means his sacrifice may have been for naught. In chasing after the Wild Eights following an eventful night in which they’d tried to take revenge for his betrayal, he’d stumbled into the wolf trap on Naomi’s land and had no choice but to reveal himself to her – or kill her. He’d chosen the former, but then had been forced to take her with him.
Despite their clear differences and the Grey Wolves prohibition of werewolf/human interactions, an attraction burns between Wes and Naomi. But there is danger all around. Something has been destroying Naomi’s livestock and Wes’s suspicions of the Wild Eight’s involvement with vampires and why they’ve been going after her ranch make for an uneasy alliance, especially since once Naomi knows about the supernatural beings she can’t go back to blissful ignorance. Can a romance blossom under these circumstances, or will the flame of desire be quickly extinguished?
The pluses and the minuses tend to go hand in hand in this story. There’s a bit of an info dump at the beginning to get the reader up to speed on the Seven Range Pact, the history of the Wild Eights and the Grey Wolves and so on. There’s also a reference partway to the Execution Underground (who then play a more major role later on) which a bit of research reveals is a different series by this author, making this a spinoff series. But even though the beginning was confusing, I eventually caught on to who was whom and so on. The idea of seven mountain ranges containing seven different species of shifter packs is an interesting one, though the second book in the Seven Range Shifters series appears to also be about a cowboy/wolf so I’m not sure what the author’s plans are and whether other shifter species will play a more prominent role in the series. Also on the plus side, I appreciate that the author gives Naomi an authentic Native American heritage and clearly researched the local tribes of the area in which she’s set the book. The Montana landscape is well described and it makes sense to use the natural wildlife of the area as the basis for the shifters.
The relationship between Wes and Naomi is complicated by a number of factors. First, and obviously, he’s a werewolf and she isn’t, so their pairing is forbidden and this makes for some difficulty in making their romance achievable. Secondly, there’s a scene near the beginning of the story, part of the kidnapping section in which he flings her over his shoulder and spanks her like a recalcitrant child. This is more reminiscent of an old-school romance (you know the ones) versus one that’s acceptable now and didn’t leave me with much appreciation for our hero. Later on, Naomi is able to use her petite size and defensive skills in taking down an alpha werewolf and showing why she’s not to be trifled with, but sadly it’s not Wes, because I’d have liked to see her put him in his place! Despite Wes knowing the rules against human interaction, he and Naomi eventually succumb to their attraction in some steamy love scenes. Their emotional connection develops later and is complicated by Wes’s personal self-esteem problems (the ‘I’m not good enough for her’ syndrome that afflicts so many heroes).
In terms of the plot, the story gets a little over complicated with assorted groups competing for dominance and plenty of characters along for the ride. There’s a lot of action, some of it on the more violent side as the Grey Wolves clash with the Wild Eight. (At one point, the story veers into the underground MMA fighting scene which seems like an unnecessary twist). The showdown also leads to Wes and Naomi making choices that lead to their eventual happy ending. Unlike some stories that start a series I don’t have a clear sense of where this one is going next but chances are good that I’ll keep my eyes out for its release despite some of my issues with this one. If you like your romances on the grittier, sexier side and are a fan of shifters and cowboys, Cowboy Wolf Trouble might be just what you need to start your reading year.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Naomi Evans is a biologist, but she’s stuck with the ranch passed down to her from her father. She’s part Apsaalooke and her heritage and schooling have imbued her with a healthy respect for nature, including the grey wolf she finds caught in a trap on her lands. But nothing in her training prepares her for his shifting into a naked man in front of her, then taking her hostage.
Wes Calhoun has led a less than examplary life but he’s trying to do better. He used to be the leader of the Wild Eight renegade wolf pack formed by his great-great-grandather. It was an illegitmate pack, not part of Montana’s Seven Range Pact comprised of seven different animal shifter packs, and was constantly at war with the Grey Wolves. He’d surrendered to the Grey Wolves, and hoped for peace between the packs but recent news of the Wild Eight’s possible alliance with vampires means his sacrifice may have been for naught. In chasing after the Wild Eights following an eventful night in which they’d tried to take revenge for his betrayal, he’d stumbled into the wolf trap on Naomi’s land and had no choice but to reveal himself to her – or kill her. He’d chosen the former, but then had been forced to take her with him.
Despite their clear differences and the Grey Wolves prohibition of werewolf/human interactions, an attraction burns between Wes and Naomi. But there is danger all around. Something has been destroying Naomi’s livestock and Wes’s suspicions of the Wild Eight’s involvement with vampires and why they’ve been going after her ranch make for an uneasy alliance, especially since once Naomi knows about the supernatural beings she can’t go back to blissful ignorance. Can a romance blossom under these circumstances, or will the flame of desire be quickly extinguished?
The pluses and the minuses tend to go hand in hand in this story. There’s a bit of an info dump at the beginning to get the reader up to speed on the Seven Range Pact, the history of the Wild Eights and the Grey Wolves and so on. There’s also a reference partway to the Execution Underground (who then play a more major role later on) which a bit of research reveals is a different series by this author, making this a spinoff series. But even though the beginning was confusing, I eventually caught on to who was whom and so on. The idea of seven mountain ranges containing seven different species of shifter packs is an interesting one, though the second book in the Seven Range Shifters series appears to also be about a cowboy/wolf so I’m not sure what the author’s plans are and whether other shifter species will play a more prominent role in the series. Also on the plus side, I appreciate that the author gives Naomi an authentic Native American heritage and clearly researched the local tribes of the area in which she’s set the book. The Montana landscape is well described and it makes sense to use the natural wildlife of the area as the basis for the shifters.
The relationship between Wes and Naomi is complicated by a number of factors. First, and obviously, he’s a werewolf and she isn’t, so their pairing is forbidden and this makes for some difficulty in making their romance achievable. Secondly, there’s a scene near the beginning of the story, part of the kidnapping section in which he flings her over his shoulder and spanks her like a recalcitrant child. This is more reminiscent of an old-school romance (you know the ones) versus one that’s acceptable now and didn’t leave me with much appreciation for our hero. Later on, Naomi is able to use her petite size and defensive skills in taking down an alpha werewolf and showing why she’s not to be trifled with, but sadly it’s not Wes, because I’d have liked to see her put him in his place! Despite Wes knowing the rules against human interaction, he and Naomi eventually succumb to their attraction in some steamy love scenes. Their emotional connection develops later and is complicated by Wes’s personal self-esteem problems (the ‘I’m not good enough for her’ syndrome that afflicts so many heroes).
In terms of the plot, the story gets a little over complicated with assorted groups competing for dominance and plenty of characters along for the ride. There’s a lot of action, some of it on the more violent side as the Grey Wolves clash with the Wild Eight. (At one point, the story veers into the underground MMA fighting scene which seems like an unnecessary twist). The showdown also leads to Wes and Naomi making choices that lead to their eventual happy ending. Unlike some stories that start a series I don’t have a clear sense of where this one is going next but chances are good that I’ll keep my eyes out for its release despite some of my issues with this one. If you like your romances on the grittier, sexier side and are a fan of shifters and cowboys, Cowboy Wolf Trouble might be just what you need to start your reading year.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
August 8, 2021
Dark & action packed
This is a story about a shifter man who is looking for redemption. He doesn't value his own life because of his past and his upbringing. He has made many mistakes but still tries to do the right thing. He protects a woman that tried to kill him and defies his pack master at every turn. This is a dark action packed shifter story that won't leave you hanging. Well worth reading.
This is a story about a shifter man who is looking for redemption. He doesn't value his own life because of his past and his upbringing. He has made many mistakes but still tries to do the right thing. He protects a woman that tried to kill him and defies his pack master at every turn. This is a dark action packed shifter story that won't leave you hanging. Well worth reading.
February 22, 2019
Shifters, Vampires, and Humans, Oh My! I don’t do resolutions, I feel like it’s setting myself up for failure. But! This year I did decide to read more new-to-me authors. Last year I found myself really loving books from authors I’ve never read before. I’m happy to report, even though the beginning was touch and go, I’ve found another author that I’ll be glomming her backlist. If you love paranormal romance, please don’t pass up this great book. Awesome world building, insane cast of characters, some hot loving makes this first book in the Seven Range Shifters series hard to put down.
Wes Calhoun is a bad-ass wolf shifter. And while the pack master is away, this wolf decides to meet with his estranged renegade pack against orders. From this point on, things get pretty hairy. Wes was their pack master until he swore allegiance to the Gray Wolves. The Gray Wolves are the Alpha Pack amongst all the other shifters living in the mountains of Montana. They keep the peace and protect mankind from the baddies. While Wes is meeting up with his old pack mates, he’s double crossed. Wes shifts into his wolf form and chases after them, right into an animal trap located on Naomi Evans’ ranch.
Naomi Evans is trying to keep her father’s ranch working and it’s no easy task. She lost her father to cancer and used most of the surplus money on his treatments. This does not dissuade her one bit. With the help of her brother and looking for business partners, she has hope for a brighter tomorrow. Some kind of animal killed her lammie and she’s upset. Her brother decided to set a trap against her wishes. She grabs her grandfather’s shotgun and goes to check what just crashed outside her door. She sees a gorgeous gray wolf caught in the trap. She’s afraid to get near to release the animal and figures the best way to put the animal out of all that misery is to shoot it.
Wes shifts back into his human form and Naomi shoots him. He knocks her out and takes her with him back to the Gray Wolf ranch. He knows he’s breaking all sorts of rules, but he can’t leave her there for his old pack to kill her. He knows they’re roaming the forest surrounding her property. With his deep dark past, he won’t be responsible for another human woman dying because of him. Of course, when she comes to on the horse, sparks fly. She’s also traumatized because of what she witnessed, and she thinks Wes kidnapped her. Obviously she tries to escape and she soon finds out that she can’t outrun a wolf. Wes picks up the scent of the pack getting closer. He hides them in a hollowed-out tree and both of them are in really close quarters. It’s at this point that the sexual tension is ramping up. When he lays his mouth on hers? Holy crap, it was one of the hottest kisses I have ever read. I needed to turn on the AC and it’s the middle of winter.
They make it to the ranch, and this is when you’re introduced to the main players in the wolf pack. Dear readers, they’re just as intriguing as the main characters when it comes to how the pack works and the politics. Wes is in big trouble. It’s bad enough that they don’t trust him as far as they can spit. By this point in the book, you’ll figure out that Wes is just as Alpha as their pack master and he doesn’t do rules very well. During their time getting to the ranch, Naomi tells Wes what’s been happening on her ranch and about her dead animals. They’re not just dead, they’ve been drained of all their blood. Just when Naomi is trying to deal with the fact that there are shifters, she’s really thrown when she finds out about the vampires. Wes makes sure Naomi is safe on their ranch, until the Gray Wolves can figure out what’s going on. When they find out they’re on the precipice of war, things really heat up.
Naomi and Wes are very hot for each other. One of the pack rules is absolutely no relationship with humans. What the pack fails to realize is that Wes and Naomi are mates. It raises the stakes. Wes will not and cannot leave Naomi helpless. It takes him some time to come to terms with who his mate is and he’s a little thick headed to the point you want to slap him upside his head. Naomi is a little thick as well. It was touch and go for me with these two, but I put my trust in the author to get me there. And she did. What a great start to a wonderful series. Secrets revealed, dark pasts exposed, wars, vampires, renegade packs, deceitful allies, the human alliance, and the politics of this book are extraordinary. I am looking forward to Book 2 out in June. If you’re a fan of shifters, this book is for you. Sexy, action-packed, phenomenal cast of characters, and Montana, which plays a huge role in the books.
Originally Published on The Good, The Bad and The Unread
http://goodbadandunread.com/2019/01/1...
Wes Calhoun is a bad-ass wolf shifter. And while the pack master is away, this wolf decides to meet with his estranged renegade pack against orders. From this point on, things get pretty hairy. Wes was their pack master until he swore allegiance to the Gray Wolves. The Gray Wolves are the Alpha Pack amongst all the other shifters living in the mountains of Montana. They keep the peace and protect mankind from the baddies. While Wes is meeting up with his old pack mates, he’s double crossed. Wes shifts into his wolf form and chases after them, right into an animal trap located on Naomi Evans’ ranch.
Naomi Evans is trying to keep her father’s ranch working and it’s no easy task. She lost her father to cancer and used most of the surplus money on his treatments. This does not dissuade her one bit. With the help of her brother and looking for business partners, she has hope for a brighter tomorrow. Some kind of animal killed her lammie and she’s upset. Her brother decided to set a trap against her wishes. She grabs her grandfather’s shotgun and goes to check what just crashed outside her door. She sees a gorgeous gray wolf caught in the trap. She’s afraid to get near to release the animal and figures the best way to put the animal out of all that misery is to shoot it.
Wes shifts back into his human form and Naomi shoots him. He knocks her out and takes her with him back to the Gray Wolf ranch. He knows he’s breaking all sorts of rules, but he can’t leave her there for his old pack to kill her. He knows they’re roaming the forest surrounding her property. With his deep dark past, he won’t be responsible for another human woman dying because of him. Of course, when she comes to on the horse, sparks fly. She’s also traumatized because of what she witnessed, and she thinks Wes kidnapped her. Obviously she tries to escape and she soon finds out that she can’t outrun a wolf. Wes picks up the scent of the pack getting closer. He hides them in a hollowed-out tree and both of them are in really close quarters. It’s at this point that the sexual tension is ramping up. When he lays his mouth on hers? Holy crap, it was one of the hottest kisses I have ever read. I needed to turn on the AC and it’s the middle of winter.
They make it to the ranch, and this is when you’re introduced to the main players in the wolf pack. Dear readers, they’re just as intriguing as the main characters when it comes to how the pack works and the politics. Wes is in big trouble. It’s bad enough that they don’t trust him as far as they can spit. By this point in the book, you’ll figure out that Wes is just as Alpha as their pack master and he doesn’t do rules very well. During their time getting to the ranch, Naomi tells Wes what’s been happening on her ranch and about her dead animals. They’re not just dead, they’ve been drained of all their blood. Just when Naomi is trying to deal with the fact that there are shifters, she’s really thrown when she finds out about the vampires. Wes makes sure Naomi is safe on their ranch, until the Gray Wolves can figure out what’s going on. When they find out they’re on the precipice of war, things really heat up.
Naomi and Wes are very hot for each other. One of the pack rules is absolutely no relationship with humans. What the pack fails to realize is that Wes and Naomi are mates. It raises the stakes. Wes will not and cannot leave Naomi helpless. It takes him some time to come to terms with who his mate is and he’s a little thick headed to the point you want to slap him upside his head. Naomi is a little thick as well. It was touch and go for me with these two, but I put my trust in the author to get me there. And she did. What a great start to a wonderful series. Secrets revealed, dark pasts exposed, wars, vampires, renegade packs, deceitful allies, the human alliance, and the politics of this book are extraordinary. I am looking forward to Book 2 out in June. If you’re a fan of shifters, this book is for you. Sexy, action-packed, phenomenal cast of characters, and Montana, which plays a huge role in the books.
Originally Published on The Good, The Bad and The Unread
http://goodbadandunread.com/2019/01/1...
December 29, 2018
4 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 1, 2019
Seven shifter clans call the Montana mountains home.
But a new evil will stop at nothing to tear their world apart.
For centuries, the shifters that roam Big Sky country have honored a pact to keep the peace. Even bad-boy rancher Wes Calhoun, former leader of a renegade pack, has given up his violent ways and sworn loyalty to the Grey Wolves. But his dark past keeps catching up with him…
Human rancher Naomi Evans cares only about saving the ranch that was her father’s legacy. Until a clash with Wes opens up a whole new world—a supernatural world on the verge of war—and Naomi, her ranch, and the sexy cowboy wolf stealing her heart are smack dab in the middle of it.
••••••••••
REVIEW: COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE is the first instalment in Kait Ballenger’s contemporary, adult SEVEN RANGE SHIFTERS erotic, romance series, a spin-off from the author’s EXECUTION UNDERGROUND series. This is wolf shifter and rancher Wes Calhoun, and human rancher / biologist Naomi Evans’ story line. You do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current release.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Naomi and Wes) COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE follows the building but forbidden relationship between wolf shifter and rancher Wes Calhoun, and human rancher Naomi Evans. Naomi Evans is at war with an unknown force when she suspects a pack of wolves is laying waste to her flock of sheep. A trap set to catch the thief netted Naomi the surprise of her life when she pointed her gun at a naked male. Once shifted, Wes Calhoun was caught between head and heart when his pack leader decided Naomi knew too much to remain alive. What ensues is the building but forbidden romance between Naomi and Wes, and the potential fall-out as Wes’s reputation as a killer comes into question when Naomi becomes the unknown entity in a potential, supernatural war.
Wes Calhoun knows betrayal and loss. Once the packmaster for the Wild Eight’s, a rogue pack of shifting wolves, Wes sought out solitude, and forfeited his leadership when he swore loyalty to the local Seven Range Pack. Unable to forgive himself for sins of the past, Wes’ history would continue to follow in the wake of threats against the woman he loved. Bad boy to the bone, Wes must battle to prove there is more to Naomi’s story than meets the eye. Naomi Evans’ family owned ranch is struggling to survive but an offer to buy her property becomes fodder for a potential war when Naomi’s appearance in Wes’ life, is questioned by the people in control. Strong-willed, feisty and driven, Naomi is willing to risk her life to save the man with whom she is falling in love. Unfortunately, Wes’ troubled history, continues to mar any semblance of peace and retribution for our leading hero.
The relationship between Naomi and Wes is a forbidden romance. The Grey Wolves are forbidden to enter into sexual relationships with humankind, preferring to keep their supernatural species pure and untainted but Wes suspects Naomi is his mate, and struggles to stay one step ahead of the people trying to destroy their growing love. A lack of trust complicated by lies and deceit, and the pull of the man in control force Wes to push Naomi out of his life. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including packmaster Maverick Grey , medic Austin, High Commander of the Grey Wolf armies Colt Cavanaugh, IT specialist Blaze,and shifter Malcolm. The requisite evil has many faces.
The world building follows the potential for war as the Wild Eights target Wes Calhoun and the Grey Wolf pack. The Wild Eights have drawn the proverbial line in the sand, and have merged with a more powerful species in their attempts to takedown their once mighty leader.
COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and deceit; family, forgiveness and love. The premise is engaging, dramatic and startling; the characters are impassioned and strong; the romance is heart breaking and intimate. COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE is a strong start to the Seven Range Shifters series.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 1, 2019
Seven shifter clans call the Montana mountains home.
But a new evil will stop at nothing to tear their world apart.
For centuries, the shifters that roam Big Sky country have honored a pact to keep the peace. Even bad-boy rancher Wes Calhoun, former leader of a renegade pack, has given up his violent ways and sworn loyalty to the Grey Wolves. But his dark past keeps catching up with him…
Human rancher Naomi Evans cares only about saving the ranch that was her father’s legacy. Until a clash with Wes opens up a whole new world—a supernatural world on the verge of war—and Naomi, her ranch, and the sexy cowboy wolf stealing her heart are smack dab in the middle of it.
••••••••••
REVIEW: COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE is the first instalment in Kait Ballenger’s contemporary, adult SEVEN RANGE SHIFTERS erotic, romance series, a spin-off from the author’s EXECUTION UNDERGROUND series. This is wolf shifter and rancher Wes Calhoun, and human rancher / biologist Naomi Evans’ story line. You do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current release.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Naomi and Wes) COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE follows the building but forbidden relationship between wolf shifter and rancher Wes Calhoun, and human rancher Naomi Evans. Naomi Evans is at war with an unknown force when she suspects a pack of wolves is laying waste to her flock of sheep. A trap set to catch the thief netted Naomi the surprise of her life when she pointed her gun at a naked male. Once shifted, Wes Calhoun was caught between head and heart when his pack leader decided Naomi knew too much to remain alive. What ensues is the building but forbidden romance between Naomi and Wes, and the potential fall-out as Wes’s reputation as a killer comes into question when Naomi becomes the unknown entity in a potential, supernatural war.
Wes Calhoun knows betrayal and loss. Once the packmaster for the Wild Eight’s, a rogue pack of shifting wolves, Wes sought out solitude, and forfeited his leadership when he swore loyalty to the local Seven Range Pack. Unable to forgive himself for sins of the past, Wes’ history would continue to follow in the wake of threats against the woman he loved. Bad boy to the bone, Wes must battle to prove there is more to Naomi’s story than meets the eye. Naomi Evans’ family owned ranch is struggling to survive but an offer to buy her property becomes fodder for a potential war when Naomi’s appearance in Wes’ life, is questioned by the people in control. Strong-willed, feisty and driven, Naomi is willing to risk her life to save the man with whom she is falling in love. Unfortunately, Wes’ troubled history, continues to mar any semblance of peace and retribution for our leading hero.
The relationship between Naomi and Wes is a forbidden romance. The Grey Wolves are forbidden to enter into sexual relationships with humankind, preferring to keep their supernatural species pure and untainted but Wes suspects Naomi is his mate, and struggles to stay one step ahead of the people trying to destroy their growing love. A lack of trust complicated by lies and deceit, and the pull of the man in control force Wes to push Naomi out of his life. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including packmaster Maverick Grey , medic Austin, High Commander of the Grey Wolf armies Colt Cavanaugh, IT specialist Blaze,and shifter Malcolm. The requisite evil has many faces.
The world building follows the potential for war as the Wild Eights target Wes Calhoun and the Grey Wolf pack. The Wild Eights have drawn the proverbial line in the sand, and have merged with a more powerful species in their attempts to takedown their once mighty leader.
COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and deceit; family, forgiveness and love. The premise is engaging, dramatic and startling; the characters are impassioned and strong; the romance is heart breaking and intimate. COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE is a strong start to the Seven Range Shifters series.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 7, 2021
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 4
Story – 5
I really enjoyed listening to this.
Cowboy Wolf Trouble is the first book I’ve read by Kait Ballenger and the first audiobook I’ve listened to performed by Gabriel Thorne. I loved Gabriel’s voice, and would happily listen to more audiobooks performed by him. However, there was one thing that kept me from giving the performance 5 stars.
There was a very noticeable difference in the quality of the audio when pickup lines were inserted. These are words/lines that need to be re-recorded because of a problem the first time through. I don’t recall ever listening to a book where this was as noticeable as it was in this one. I don’t know if this is the performer’s fault or someone else in the production chain. It was a bit distracting and that is why I felt I needed to mention it in this review.
As for the story – it was different from other shifter books I’ve read. I thought the world building was very good. The various things happening between the wolves and humans kept me interested throughout the story. There was also a different take on vampires that was interesting. I’d like to listen to others in the series if they come out in audiobook format.
Overall – 5
Performance – 4
Story – 5
I really enjoyed listening to this.
Cowboy Wolf Trouble is the first book I’ve read by Kait Ballenger and the first audiobook I’ve listened to performed by Gabriel Thorne. I loved Gabriel’s voice, and would happily listen to more audiobooks performed by him. However, there was one thing that kept me from giving the performance 5 stars.
There was a very noticeable difference in the quality of the audio when pickup lines were inserted. These are words/lines that need to be re-recorded because of a problem the first time through. I don’t recall ever listening to a book where this was as noticeable as it was in this one. I don’t know if this is the performer’s fault or someone else in the production chain. It was a bit distracting and that is why I felt I needed to mention it in this review.
As for the story – it was different from other shifter books I’ve read. I thought the world building was very good. The various things happening between the wolves and humans kept me interested throughout the story. There was also a different take on vampires that was interesting. I’d like to listen to others in the series if they come out in audiobook format.
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