Made the Grade: Takhini Wolves Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 382 KB | Expected Release Date: September 2011 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Vivian Arend

"Black Gold" [Takhini Wolves Series, Book 1] by Vivian Arend

My Book Summary : Gemmita (Gem) has lived a sheltered life within her father's pack in Georgia. Therefore, as a way to spread her wings she decides to take a trip to Alaska so she can complete some research for her major by herself. However, her gold of taking control of her life becomes more difficult when she finds her mate...

Even though Shaun is apart of the Takhini Pack he makes a point to play by his own rules. Yet when he finds that Gem is his mate he's elated and finds he wants to become a better man for her. In doing so while they go on an adventure into the Alaskan wilderness for Gem's research, they'll also find what it really means to be mated to someone else. Will these two opposites be able to handle each other? Or will they find the true meaning of working together...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars!! This is a fun and charming novel that keeps you on your toes!! For the main characters in this novel, Gem & Shaun, I find them very cute together and I loved how enthusiastic Gem was when finding out about everything that came new for her. Gem is a stubborn and tough "princess" who is used to getting her way. Shaun is a "lone wolf" who is used to breaking the rules but is very protective for those he considers friends, family, and apart of his pack. I liked them together. Yet I wasn't a fan of Gem's "independence routine." Because even though I could understand her freaking out at the beginning of Shaun and her relationship I feel that Gem used that line as her fall back for everything. After awhile of her saying that more then three times I kinda got sick of it. =0P

Anyway ...

When I first picked up this novel, I was hoping for it to be like Vivian's Granite Lake Wolves Series, which I am a big fan of, but after reading "Black Gold," I find this series to be more dramatic and deals with more of the pack per book then the Granite Lake Wolves Series. It wasn't good or bad just different and took some time in getting used to.

With that being said, I did enjoy the fact that it gives the reader a broader idea as to how the Takhini pack works. In addition, I'm very curious as to where Evan and Caroline's relationship will go since I hope that they'll somehow find out that they are meant-to-be together but I have a feeling they aren't. =0/

I have high hope for this series!! I recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of Vivian's Granite Lake Wolves Series or for those who like paranormal romances!!

- On a side note -
TJ, from "Wolf Tracks," makes an appearance in this novel!!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tidal Wave | Wolf Games | Whirlpool | Wolf Tracks | Wolf Signs

Book Teaser(s) :

Oh my goodness. This couldn't be...could it?
She cleared her throat. Maybe she was overtired from the trip. But that shouldn't be enough to make her react as if she was in the midst of a sexual encounter.
Was Evan her mate?
The notion terrified her. Not because she didn't expect a life partner to appear some day, but finding her mate right now would cause a lot of trouble. One more issue to deal with while she fought for independence. And an Alpha whose territory was a fifteen-hour flight away from home? Oh boy. Daddy would have kittens. ~ within Chapter 2

Life had alternated between incredible and stinky, based on whether he'd remembered to shut the hell up and let her have some control, or if he'd flipped back into his usual do as he pleased mode.
It was a lot more difficult than he had thought it would be, to make a radical change in his life and attitude. At times it seemed he had made progress. Others? He was scared there was no freaking was this relationship would work. It was like tossing his wolf into the kitchen and demanding the beast make a gourmet meal. The result wouldn't look pretty even if he tried his damnedest. ~ within Chapter 9

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Vivian, then please check out her website.