Holly‘s review of the Cascadia Wolves series by Lauren Dane
I went on a total Lauren Dane binge last month. I gobbled up this entire series, along with two others, in a matter of days. Rather than writing a separate review for each book I’m just going to review them all in one post.
Reviewer: Holly Reluctant Mate by Lauren Dane
Series: Cascadia Wolves #0.5
Publisher: Ellora's Cave, Carina Press
Publication Date: 2006, December 12, 2016
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Point-of-View: Alternating Third
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 59
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Previously published under the title 'Reluctant'
"I can't touch you yet. Once I do, it's over."
As daughter of the ruling Pack family, Layla Warden is under pressure to settle down. Find a nice wolf mate from a nice wolf family and have nice wolf babies. Layla has other plans, but when you're a werewolf, biology trumps plans. And when Layla meets Sid, the sex is so intense, so hot, so consuming, it's more than just a connection. It's a mating bond.
Sid Rosario wasn't expecting to find his mate so soon—some wolves never find theirs. Now that he's found Layla, he's never letting her go. But lust and desire alone aren't enough to secure their bond. If they want this incredible happiness to last, there's one more thing they'll have to do…
This book is approximately 13,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you're looking for with an HEA/HFN. It's a promise! Find out more at CarinaPress.com/RomancePromise
I didn’t read this book. I feel like I got the salient points from the other books. I doubt I’ll pick it up in the future.
Rating: DNR
Reviewer: Holly Pack Enforcer by Lauren Dane
Series: Cascadia Wolves #1
Publisher: Ellora's Cave, Carina Press
Publication Date: April 18, 2006, December 19, 2016
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 198
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Previously published under the title 'Enforcer'
This wolf mates for life…
Nina Reyes knows trouble when she sees it, and Lex Warden, Enforcer for the local werewolf pack, is nothing but. When her brother gets in too deep with some dangerous wolves and comes to Nina for help—dragging super alpha protector Lex into her life—she can handle it. She might have put her grifter past behind her, but she's still got what it takes. If only she didn't find Lex—his body, his scent, even his domineering nature—so intoxicating.
As Enforcer, it's Lex's job to protect his people. Nina might be more capable of handling herself than he initially thought, but that doesn't mean she's safe from their enemies. His need to protect her is more than just pack business—Nina, a human, is his mate. Bedding her once is not even close to enough; to satisfy his wolf, he needs a true bond.
The heat between them scares Nina, but sometimes the reward is worth the risk, and the thought of living without Lex terrifies her more than any threat the werewolf mafia can pose. Lex will do anything to keep her safe. And when the Rogues catch up to them, he'll get a chance to prove it…
This book is approximately 67,000 words
This was pretty good. Many times in PNR I’m left feeling dissatisfied over the reaction of the non-paranormals. Dane really took the time to explore that aspect of it. On the one hand it worked. It was good to see that a woman who has nothing but bad feelings toward weres didn’t just fall at their feet. On the other hand, I think she may have taken the reality of it a little too far. Nina started getting on my nerves about halfway through the story. Then I felt awful for her and thought she gave in way too easily when it came to Lex. I did get frustrated with Lex for not being upfront with Nina right from the beginning. He meant to change her entire life, but didn’t discuss it with her first? Big no-no. So..I guess I’m torn.
Despite that, I enjoyed the story. The pack dynamics were interesting and so was the romance. I generally shy away from the “fated mates” trope, except in shifter books. Then I can accept it.
Overall I found this to be a fast, interesting read.
Rating: 3.25 out of 5
Wolves' Triad by Lauren Dane Series: Cascadia Wolves #2
Publisher: Ellora's Cave, Carina Press
Publication Date: 2006, January 30, 2017
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 181
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Previously published under the title 'Tri Mates'
The tri-mate bond is a myth
That's what Tracy Warden has believed all her life. Werewolves have one true mate, someone their wolf bonds to physically, mentally, emotionally. She didn't expect to find her mate so soon, but Nick, second to the Pacific pack's Alpha, is undeniably hers. The scent of him, the irrefutable way their bodies call to each other—it's the beginning of a new life for them both.
Until Tracy meets Gabe, and everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.
None of them expected this. It shouldn't be possible. But the bond they share can't be denied—and before long, they don't want to deny it. The triad makes them whole, and two alpha wolves in her bed—in her life—make Tracy wonder how she ever lived without the tri-bond.
But there's tension in Pacific, tension that goes much deeper than mere pack politics. Gabe, Nick and Tracy will do anything to protect each other, and their new bond is about to be put to the test…
This book is approximately 65,000 words
As I read some of these earlier Cascadia novels, I really struggle with some of the plot devices Dane uses. Specifically the fated mates trope and how that automatically means love. I can deal with the fated mates thing as long as there’s sufficient time to develop the relationship outside what’s been fated. I think here, though, the feelings come too quickly. I realize they’re tied to the mating bond, but when the “I Love You’s” are thrown out 5 minutes after meeting it rings false.
Once I move past that, I can’t deny these are compelling reads. I especially enjoyed the way the tri-mate worked in this case. Having 3 people join together for a permanent relationship has always been interesting to me. I give it more leeway because in this world it’s more accepted, but the internal workings of the relationship were fun to read about.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Wolf Unbound by Lauren Dane Series: Cascadia Wolves #3
Publisher: Ellora's Cave, Carina Press
Publication Date: January 1, 2008, February 13, 2017
Pages: 248
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Previously published with a different publisher
The Cascadia Wolves will do anything to protect their own. Tegan Warden knows that better than anyone. The Pack closed ranks around her years ago when her mate died, and much as she appreciates their support, it's time to move on. That means dating—and for Tegan, it also means finding someone who understands her needs in the bedroom.
Finding Ben.
The dominant human may not be a wolf, but he makes Tegan shiver from their first encounter. He knows what she needs and doesn't hesitate to give it to her. What's more, they share a bond beyond sex. It's been years since any man has made her feel so alive, so beautiful and desired.
But there's an enemy working against the Cascadia Wolves, an enemy gathering forces to strike. The looming war is a threat to wolves and humans alike, and if they can't stop it, the love that Tegan and Ben have worked so hard to find may not be enough to protect them from what's coming.
This book is approximately 73,000 words
This book has BDSM themes. Something I’m not always comfortable with. I like the way Dane writes it. It never seems humiliating or degrading, like it does in other cases.
I really liked the progression of the overall story arc here. There’s a theme based around bio-terrorism that’s been ongoing for the last few books. I think that aspect is very interesting. As the violence escalates we see more of a united front from the pack.
The main romance is also a good one. I enjoyed the progression of the relationship and the way the story arc played into helping them decide their future. Ben is human, so he doesn’t really understand the mating bond. Tegan was mated once and isn’t necessarily interested in anything permanent. But when the mate bond happens she’s thrilled. Ben, not so much. I like that it wasn’t all hearts and roses, but that they were able to work through it.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5
Alpha's Challenge by Lauren Dane Series: Cascadia Wolves #4
Publisher: Ellora's Cave, Carina Press
Publication Date: March 4, 2008, March 20, 2017
Point-of-View: Alternating Third
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 186
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Previously published by another publisher under the title 'Standoff'
"Mark me and make me yours."
As an unmated alpha, Cade was beginning to believe his entire life would be dedicated to the pack. He'd do anything for his pack family, but his life isn't complete without someone to share it with. He didn't expect to finally find his reason for being in the heart and soul of his greatest enemy's sister.
Dr. Grace Pellini has never felt so isolated and afraid. Ever since her rogue brother threatened the existence of wolf and human alike with a viral weapon, she had no choice but to cut all ties with her pack. But now Grace has something new: Cade Warden, whose body and exhilarating scent make her come undone. In him, she's not only found her destined mate, she's also rediscovered herself, and her place in a world at war.
But the Cascadia wolves are not so unquestioning as Cade is of Grace's loyalty, and their suspicions are posing a dangerous threat. Now, to defeat a madman and end the war, Cade and Grace have only each other to trust—by finding their ultimate strength in the power of desire…
I think this is one of my favorite books in the series. I love that Cade respected Grace and pushed her to be herself, as well as a part of him. Too often these alpha-males come across as asshats. Cade was in some ways, but he also understood Grace enough that he let her be who she needed to be. That’s a pretty important thing in any relationship. And come on, how cute is it that he bakes when he’s upset?
I was glad to see Grace put Nina in her place. As the series has progressed, I’ve found myself liking Nina less and less. Her overall attitude has seemed to get worse, and her actions toward Grace were completely out of line.
I enjoyed the continued progression of the overall story arc. Things finally come to a head here. I won’t spoil it, but I was happy with the way things turned out (though I was a bit disappointed at how easy it seemed..relatively speaking).
Rating 4.25 out of 5
Bonded Pair by Lauren Dane Series: Cascadia Wolves #5
Publisher: Ellora's Cave, Carina Press
Publication Date: 2008, April 24, 2017
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 120
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Previously published under the title 'Fated'.
A Cascadia Wolves novella
Megan Warden, Seattle's devoted Enforcer of the Cascadia pack, knows that she has a mate. Somewhere. She's just never found him. Then there he is at her cousin's wedding. Megan isn't just drawn to the werewolf's masculine, head-spinning scent—she's consumed by it. He seems so perfect, there has to be a catch…
With a successful practice in Las Vegas, Dr. Shane Rosario has lived outside the pack since he was born. Raised to hide his wolf in shame, he always assumed he'd marry a human.
Until Megan. Shane thrills to the ease with which she wears her wolf, and he craves every inch of her. But the idea of forever could be impossible. He's not willing to abandon his human life—even for a mate.
Something's got to give. Because this time, even destiny may not be enough to bind them.
This book is approximately 44,000 words
This was actually the first book of the series I read. I didn’t realize it was the 6th book until I’d already finished it. The pack has settled down and there hasn’t been the same threats from outside forces. Megan is pretty lonely and doesn’t look forward to going to go a family wedding, but you gotta do what your mama says, right? She’s pleasantly surprised when she meets a sexy man in an airport..until she realizes he’s her sister’s anchor.
An anchor is basically like a best friend. In this world, if a mated female doesn’t have an anchor bond with another male, she’ll go insane. To form the anchor bond, they have to sleep together. Which means the hot guy at the airport isn’t just her sister’s best friend, but they got naked together. That makes him off limits in Megan’s book. Except it turns out they’re mates…
Shane is thrilled that he’s finally found his mate..except not. He was raised to think the wolf part of himself is dirty and wrong, and Megan is loud and proud about being one. He wants her to leave home and live as a human with him. Something she isn’t willing to do. Add into it jealously over his anchor bond with her sister and things go from bad to worse.
Dane explored the true mates thing in depth, which I appreciated. Yes they were mated, but it wasn’t easy for them. Both Megan and Shane had some hard decisions to make. He expected her to give up her entire life for him and she just couldn’t do that. It was also interesting to see that Shane didn’t except the wolf part of himself.
It was an emotional read. I even teared up toward the end.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Twice Bitten by Lauren Dane Series: Cascadia Wolves #6
Publisher: Ellora's Cave, Carina Press
Publication Date: August 6, 2013, August 21, 2017
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 272
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Previously published under the title 'Unconditional'
“You need to know this thing between us isn't over."
Michelle Slattery is no stranger to human cruelty. She's a cop, after all, never mind a witch herself. But when her best friend disappears and all signs point to the same mages who have been killing witches across the country, she's in over her head. There's only one place to turn for the kind of tracking help she needs…
The werewolves.
Josh Neelan didn't expect to ever see a witch at Pacific Pack headquarters. She's no ordinary witch in need, either—Michelle was his first love. The one he left behind when he turned a decade ago. That their attraction flares instantly after all this time can mean only one impossible thing: she's his mate.
As danger looms and the case intensifies, Josh's need to follow the fates and claim Michelle as his mate grows…his man battling his wolf to keep them safe. And Michelle must decide just how far she'll go to find her forever.
This book is approximately 64,000 words
I didn’t read this one.
Rating: DNR
Overall I enjoyed the series very much. It’s flawed, but still compelling and very readable.
Cascadia Wolves
Reviewer’s Note: The reviews are for the original Ellora’s Cave releases. The titles and covers are from the Carina Press re-releases.