Sandy M’s review of Haunted Wolves (Green Pines, Book 2) by Moira Rogers
Paranormal Romance published by Samhain 9 Jul 13
I’m really into this new Green Pines series by Moira Rogers. Though all of her books have evil to fight, tortured characters who need healing, who need help finding their way, this series takes all of that and more to a new level.
Haunted Wolves picks up some weeks after Haunted Sanctuary. Terrified and nearly without hope, these wolves who have escaped the evils of Memphis and its scumbag of an alpha are trying to get their lives back on track. But it’s going to be one long, hard road. Lorelei is the wolf who sacrificed the most to keep others out of harm’s way. She’s the one everyone turns to now when needed, as they get used to a new alpha and his mate. As much as it would be nice to have her burden lifted, that’s just out of the question right now.
Then there’s Colin. An alpha wolf who’s always been a loner, the enforcer who’s got a lot on his conscience, but he’s promised to stick around to help do what he can to keep this sanctuary open for those in need. He’s also promised not to push, not to get too close and personal with the female wolves. And there’s one who he’d like to get to close to. He’s not used to being part of a pack, and now having to resist those primal urges makes every day a challenge. But what I like about Colin is his willingness to try. He soothes with his magic and his touch, drawing Lorelei closer to him, though neither realize that until much later.
Unexplained things begin to happen, which puts more fear into those who are emotionally injured, pushing the alphas to dig deeper to find a solution. It’s Colin and Lorelei who head to Memphis to find out if that past has anything to do with what’s going on. Lorelei is one of those strong heroines who does what has to be done, despite what it will cost her, and this trip may cost her plenty. They discover what they need to know, along with a few things that push her to her limits, and the admiration for her goes up tremendously. Ms. Rogers has written a heroine I won’t forget for a very long time.
Once home things begin to move very quickly, danger and magic intertwining to force both Colin and Lorelei to keep working together to bring out their power and put a stop to the evil worming its way through the pack. Those are terrific action-packed scenes where trust is built and a future begins to look bright for not only these two but also the pack itself. I enjoyed Colin and Lorelei a lot. They have so much to overcome and need each other desperately, and working their way to love is definitely worth it in the end.
It’s nice to see Jay and Eden again, the alphas who offer sanctuary in Green Pines. There’s so many who need the help, including Zach, the alpha who’s barely holding together after all they’ve been through. I find him an intriguing character and am anxious to get to his story to find out who the heroine will be to make him whole again. Along with those who are emotionally needy, there are also others like Colin who are strong physically but who, too, need a soft touch to make their lives better with a love to get them through. I anticipate their stories just as much.
And for me the shifting scenes are well done. I always ask for more of those scenes because that’s why I read shapeshifter books. Ms. Rogers delivers on that score in this story, especially near the end when Colin is needed the most. There can always be more, but I’m happy with what’s given here, mostly because of the emotional impact these characters have. I’m already wishing I have the next book in hand.
Grade: A
Summary:
Lorelei Adams has lost many things–her humanity, her life, even her son. She’s always fought through her exhaustion, always stayed strong for her pack, but now there are new alphas to take care of the others. Unfortunately, time to rest means time to think about her own pain.
Colin Knox knows about exhaustion. He’s acted as judge, jury and executioner to rogue wolves for over a decade, but never lingered long enough to help the survivors pick up the pieces–until now. Lorelei rouses his instincts, both protective and carnal. She’s willing, but only to indulge in physical distraction. Colin wants more, to be the hero who slays her monsters.
Especially when it becomes clear that malicious magic is loose in their sanctuary. The danger draws them together until it’s impossible to separate lust from affection, good intentions from rationalizations. Darkness is stirring at Green Pines. If they can’t fight it together, they could lose everything they have left.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
