Note: I received a free copy of Embracing the Wolf by Stephanie Nelson. All opinions are my own.
Stephanie Nelson has the distinct honor of being the only author who can write a werewolf novel in a way that I can relate to it. Before her Taming the Wolf, it was a genre that I avoided like the plague. I can’t explain why. I like all sorts of other supernatural beings. Werewolves just never really did it for me. Last year, though, when I read the blurb for Taming the Wolf, it was a story that screamed “read me, give me a chance, you’ll like me!” So, in the words of those creepy Yo Gabba Gabba characters, I tried it…and I liked it!
For those who haven’t read Taming the Wolf (and I highly suggest you do, these books are best read in order), the story was about Anna Avery, an ordinary girl who was turned into a werewolf. She fought against her inner wolf, fell in love, was accused of murder, almost shipped off to a faraway compound for werewolves gone bad and, in the end, triumphed. That’s the basic rundown, I don’t want to give away all the details. If you haven’t read that book, I suggest checking out my review, reading it, then coming back here to read the review of Embracing the Wolf. I’ll try to keep the spoilers to a minimum, but you’ve been warned.
In Embracing the Wolf, the second book in the Anna Avery series, Anna is dealing with new love and the new role that love brings her. See, Anna couldn’t just pick any old wolf to fall in love with! No, she had to go and fall for the Alpha Male. That makes her the Alpha Female. Considering that Anna was changed just a short time ago and still hasn’t mastered her own wolf powers, that’s not exactly something that makes her life easier. Thankfully, she has an amazing pack willing to help her out.
On top of becoming Alpha Female, Anna is trying to come to terms with the fact that she may be a Seer, a wolf able to see the past. Her friend and pack-mate, Wade, is trying to help her learn how to control this new power. As if that isn’t enough for even the average werewolf to endure, Anna has to meet the future in-laws! They’re not exactly ready to accept her with open arms. Anna isn’t a pure-blood werewolf, which means she isn’t worthy in Adam’s parent’s eyes.
Now someone is bent on killing Anna to keep her from her new position. Basically, poor Anna is just not having a good year! She should be reveling in her newly discovered love, but instead she has to fight for her life and that of her soul-mate’s!
Stephanie Nelson once again makes werewolves incredibly interesting through her rich characters, approachable style and exciting plot line. I loved this book as much as I enjoyed the first one. Perhaps more, since I’m more invested in Anna’s story after reading Taming the Wolf. It’s a fun read, perfect for those long summer days on the beach!
Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble
About Stephanie Stephanie resides in the Midwest with her husband and furry children. When she’s not cooking up Gwen and Anna’s next adventures, she enjoys reading, traveling and watching movies.
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