This book was just so-so for me. I love Evangeline Anderson, but this one just didn't wow me. Definitely not as big a fan of her PNR as I am her SFR stuff.

I received an e-copy of this story for an honest review.
The reason I am giving this a 5 Star review is because Evangeline Anderson gives us a new idea for the Shifter legend, one I have never seen before. And it’s not just the legend that’s new. She also gives a different way of how the males and females change. Now I’m not going to spoil it for anyone, but I will say that the males shift earlier than the females, and the females begin their shifting in a different way than the males. So, if you want a whole new take on Shifters you need to read this story. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series.

This is a fun read, I enjoy any book that has to do with the supernatural, especially shifter/were stories. This author puts an interesting spin on the genre and can't wait to read more.

Ohhh my. Mathis is Uber hot even when he's being standoffish. You feel bad for him and hope he gets what he deserves. And Sadie.. Sadie's a well written female lead. She's trying to make a new home for herself at forty, but is in a place full of secrets. Together they make a fantastic couple. I even liked Keller. I can't say too much about that without giving the good stuff away. The storyline is interesting and we're able to learn things right along with Sadie. Very enjoyable.

The search for the fountain of youth is over! Well, at least for Sadie Becker. The best thing that could have happened to her is when her ex-husband divorces her for a younger woman. Hurt, she retreats to her mother's cabin and licks her wounds. Oddly enough, as she looks through some of her mother's things, she notices some discrepancies about her mother's past. Specifically, dates that don't match up and a marriage she never knew about. Then even stranger things happen to Sadie. Specifically, her neighbor is a surly jerk and she suddenly looks half her age. What is going on?

This story is hilarious. I enjoyed the constant misunderstandings because of Sadie's rejuvenation. It is amusing to see how so many people expect others to immediately understand their culture when it is so foreign. People judge others purely by physical attributes instead of by actions. It's a sad commentary of our society which Ms. Anderson illustrates in a lighthearted tongue in cheek manner.

A fan of shifter stories, this one hit all the right spots for me. The characters are well designed. The world building is decent and the plot is well done. This tightly written tale will easily bring a smile to most reader's face. There may also be a couple of spontaneous belly laughs that explode out of no where. I like this new series and hope to read more. It seems there are interesting things going on within Cougarville.

For those who are interested in the sexy parts, they are fine. It is a bit too tame for me since I'm a jaded erotic reader. The chemistry between Sadie and Mathis is... animalistic. I have to admit, Mathis's shifter shape keeps making me think of Bullwinkle.

This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who want a lighter side to shifter life.

A short but sexy and funny love story, Buck Naked will entertain and engage you with its unique take on shifter romances. Buck Naked has a female protagonist that gets really confused with all the happenings in the town of Cougarville not to mention she seems to be aging backward plus she has a gorgeous but surly next door neighbor. But once the full moon is about to appear all hell breaks lose and the whole male population seems to go out of its way to court her or worse! Mathis and Sadie and the whole town of Cougarville will definitely make you want more from this out of the box paranormal romance.

The first story in Evangeline Anderson’s new sexy shifter romance series is pretty much what I pictured it would be – a little bit of world building, some hot sex, some over the top plot ideas and just a fun read overall. Sadie is a divorced 40 year old woman with two grown children who has moved to the town of Cougarville to reclaim a cabin owned by her mother. Since she’s moved there, things have changed for her physically – she’s recapturing her youth. At the same time, she’s got the attention of everyone in town, the men and the women. The men can’t take their eyes off her, but the women are definitely not as friendly, viewing Sadie as a menace. Sadie’s neighbor Mathis is a large and somewhat intimidating though quiet men. His attraction to Sadie is just as strong as the other men in town, if not stronger, but it’s one he’s fighting. His mate died, and he doesn’t believe you get a second chance at love. Sadie doesn’t realize the danger she’s in though, and it’s up to Mathis to help her understand what is really happening to her in this strange town of Cougarville. Can he protect her without giving her his heart in the bargain?

I’ve read some of the author’s Kindred series (sexy sci –fi!) and really enjoyed them so it was an easy decision to pick this one up. The world building is pretty simple. Women who have a shifter gene start to show signs of rejuvenation (hence the name ‘Juvies’ given to them by the town) when they turn 40. It changes their body physically back to that of a twenty year old, and also gives the female an intense desire to complete a mating bond with an alpha male. Of course since Sadie is new to town, and her mother has long passed away, she finds what’s happening to her very confusing. She has a twin sister who lives elsewhere, and who isn’t exhibiting the same symptoms Sadie is. When Mathis explains to her about the shifter life by transforming in front of her eyes into an Irish Elk, it changes her whole world view. The town of Cougarville is full of shifters who have ancient genes and turn into prehistoric ice age creatures. Sadie is the newest unmated Juvie, so she’s wanted by everyone but she only has eyes for her sexy neighbor.

Mathis and Sadie aren’t able to resist their attraction to each other and there are some very sexy scenes between this couple. At first Mathis only wants to mark Sadie with his scent to prevent other men from getting too close to her but that only works for so long. The mayor of Cougarville, Liam, has his eye on Sadie for himself and Mathis will have to choose whether to back down or fight for the woman who could be his second chance at love. It’s a fun , enjoyable, low angst read, and I’m definitely coming back to Cougarville for more!

This review has been posted at Amazon, and has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews and Goodreads.

Buck Naked is a fun sexy romp that was just hard to put down. I am a big fan of paranormal romance and just about anything shifter/were related. I say just about because I came across a book with weremoles and it wasn't some cheesy horror mashup like ATTACK OF THE MOLE PEOPLE. What I am saying is that I love an author who can take an established genre and put an interesting spin on it . The author accomplishes this beautifully in the first installment of the Cougarville series.

The brooding hero (Mathis) and the rejuvenating heroine (Sadie) were well developed and worked well together. Though, I'm usually not a fan of insta-love it works with the time line of the story. Mind you, when I say insta-love (in this case) it took a little more than a moment to get there. in some cases, the hero is a little too stubborn but this characteristic suits his character well. Due to his stubbornness, the idea that hero loved his heroine left a question mark for awhile. Rest assured by the end of the story they both work it out and the author is busy getting the readers interested in the second installment of series.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars.

To be quite honest, I read this on a whim. I saw the title, cover, and synopsis, thought it was a bit cheesy, so I read it to satisfy my curiosity. A buck shifter? I feel rude saying that, but it's what grabbed my attention, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the novel.

Sadie is a 40-year-old divorcee, who moves to the small town of Cougarville after her mother leaves her a cabin in her will. Sadie just has to get away. Her grown twins just went away to separate colleges, her own twin is a busy trauma surgeon, and her disappointing ex left her for a younger replacement.

On her 40th birthday, Sadie celebrates by opening her own accounting firm on main street of Cougarville, except she notices her body is changing... getting younger, firmer. The events of the next few days would be hilarious for most readers. I did find it funny, cringe-worthy, but my empathy kicked in and I developed an emotional connection to Sadie, envisioning what it would be like to go through the confusion and frustration as the town seems to turn on her.

Whether it be the restaurants, or the grocery store, Cougarville seems to want to starve poor Sadie to death. Can't a girl get a meal not used as a gift? LOL.

It was funny and awkward as Sadie tries to figure out why the town is saying mean things and reacting to her presence strangely... which leads the reader to the gruff neighbor who saw too much on the morning of Sadie's birthday.

Mathis is a widower, who promised himself he would never mate another, let alone touch another woman. He's struggling with Sadie's intoxicating presence, more so than the rest of the town, especially with her in such close proximity.

A series of events, some natural and some no accidents, has poor Sadie having a crappy time of it, pushing her closer to Mathis. The two have a lot of tension and heat, many romantic yet connecting interactions, and angst where it comes to Mathis and his vow to himself.

Another alpha in town becomes a thorn in Sadie's side, not leaving her alone, in a calculating way that is as comical as it is frustrating, setting up what is no doubt the second book in the series.

The witchy pharmacist and doctor sister were a welcome addition to the novel, giving both comic relief and support to our confused heroine.

Reading a book on a whim paid off, because after I read the last page, if the second in the series had been in release, I would have bought it in a heartbeat. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, and look forward to reading more by this author in the future.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I have read a number of this author's books before and was delighted to get a chance to review this new release. I am glad that it is the start of a new series, as the world Ms. Anderson has created is full of fun as well as intrigue.

Sadie, a fraternal twin, escapes Florida where her ex is now with a younger model, and moves into a cabin she has recently discovered was left to her by her mother. A few days in and she finds she seems to be feeling and looking younger. She also seems to have a strange impact on the male population of her adopted town, Cougarville.

Any paranormal reader will of course catch on quite quickly to what is going on, the implications of Mathis having been bonded to his dead wife and so on – but experiencing it from Sadie's perspective is fun, and in a strange way ramps up the intrigue more. Watching these two people dealing with their chemistry, especially Mathis trying to restrain himself, is both sexy and entertaining.

The side characters are essential to the story, and for the setup of future installments. Fiona is a wonderful mix of quirky, hippie, and seer. And Sadie's twin, Sammie, has a pivotal role in this story and we get the hint that she may be in Cougarville for longer than she initially expected. Liam Keller is an interesting mix of smarmy, horrible, and clearly intelligent businessman. I am keen to see him redeem himself... if he can!

Good start to a new series; both a light and sexy paranormal romance.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Paranormal Shifter Romance

Mathis is a rugged man who lives out in the sticks of Cougarville. He has lost someone he loves and so he has been hiding – solitary since then. He believes that he will be alone the rest of his life.

Sadie is just getting away to lick her wounds. With her kids off to college, her ex-husband finding a "newer" model, and now she's living in Cougarville – trying to start a new business and get on with her life.

What she doesn't understand is what is happening to her body – she seems to be getting younger by the day. And when people in town react violently and negatively towards her, she believes that she's made a horrible mistake in coming to Cougarville.

To Mathis, it becomes apparent that Sadie is going through the Juvie change – with her scent so potent, there are people in town who are going to take advantage of her if Mathis doesn't do something to protect her.

In the end, who does Sadie choose? Mathis or the town Mayor, Keller. I really enjoyed this story about finding new love and figuring out what it is you truly want out of life. I really hope that Samantha gets a story too, because she is very interesting.

Post goes live 5 Jul

A great new series!

Sadie has just turned 40 and feels a bit...blah! She is newly divorced, her twins have gone off to college and she has moved to a tiny town to seek refuge in a cabin willed to her by her mother.
Sadie was always happy to be the housewife whilst her twin saved the world as a Surgeon but she is just lost and unsure what to do with the rest of her life.

But she has been treated like a leper by the townfolk and her body has a mind of its own, cos suddenly she looks and feels about 20 years younger!

Cougarville may not be the friendliest place at the moment but her handsome, if somewhat grumpy neighbour, Mathis is sure easy on the eyes, pity he's a bit younger than her.

Mathis made a vow when he lost his mate early in their relationship never to love again. But his hot neighbour is giving off pheromones that would fell a lesser man! When he realises that Sadie has no clue what she is and what she is doing to the menfolk in town, he protects her. But his inner animal wants to do more than help, he wants his mate!

Sadie and Mathis make a lovely couple. Both emotionally damaged and wary of new relationships, although for different reasons. Liam is a bit of a pompous idiot but get that he was trying to help Sadie. I can't wait to see what unfolds next in this crazy town!

I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book.

I really liked where this story tried to go. I thought it was funny, the premise was good and the main characters were so likable. The only problem was that it was slow and I got annoyed with how long it took for her to get an answer on what was going on.

Just when you thought that all the shifters were out of the forests, come down from the snow capped mountains and tundra, and ready to trade oceanic homes for life on land. Authoress Evangeline Anderson, turns the shifter-story in a fresh and very exciting direction with Buck Naked. The first offering in her Cougarville series.

Meet Sadie Becker...
An ex-wife, mother of two grown children, and the new owner of a cabin left to her by her mother; in the town of Cougarville, North Carolina. What Sadie doesn't know however, is far more intriguing.
Things like...
Why just after her 40th birthday her face and body are those of her 20 year old self?
Why all the men in Cougarville want her worse than a drowning man wants a life preserver.
Why the woman hate her.
And...
Why everybody keeps calling her "JUVIE"?

It seems that Sadie's sudden appearance in Cougarville is proving especially challenging for her neighbor, Mathis Blackwell.
A hardship that should, and probably would be of little or no consequence to Sadie. But for the fact that circumstance, and an undeniable urge to mate him, continues to drive the "alpha shifter" and Sadie ever closer.

Meanwhile...
The charming and enigmatic mayor of Cougarville, Liam Keller, has Sadie in his sights. But unlike Mathis, who is more than willing to let nature take its course in regards to his relationship with Sadie. Liam is willing to do anything he has to, to assure that Sadie and the rare breeding ability that she possesses will be his.

The question here is...
Who will Sadie choose?
Or...more to the point.
Is the choice hers to make at all?

Buck Naked is a shifter story very much out of the norm. Populated with neolithic bucks and cougars. This story gives a whole new strata of shifter potential to the reader. Sadie's story is one that will appeal to readers of every age group. A rarity in a genre for which a hallmark is its concentration on the lack of aging. At least outwardly.

As for leading man Mathis. The heartbreaking tragedy of his past, coupled with its lasting effect on his present and future with Sadie. Serves readers the perfect amount of romantic drama to counter the more comedic aspects of this rather light read.

The only thing standing between this book and 5 star glory is a very pronounced disconnect between Sadie and her past. Particularly when it applies to her shifter origins. Most of the important discoveries that she makes in this key area of her life and the story line, are made in her present. Leaving both Sadie and the reader very unsettled about the who's, why's, and wherefores of her predicament.

What Buck Naked does offer readers in spades however, is just the right amount of funny, sexy, romantic, super, and natural. A new and very eye opening take on a new and very eye opening shifter-verse.

Though I liked the beginning of this read, I eventually had to list it as a DNF. The story was okay and I liked the characters well enough, but some of the wording, such as "rut", kept getting in the way of my enjoyment. I know the characters were shifters and I'm not usually squeamish about word usage, but this one just didn't sit well with me. Also, some of the character actions seemed a bit immature for their age and some of the dialogue was off-putting. I ended up putting this one down more than once and forcing myself to come back to it, to try and finish it. I called it quits at 40%. This one just wasn't for me.

so.. i really enjoyed the rivalry between the two alphas.. the leading lady wasnt my favorite.. but only because i didnt feel like she was strong.. i felt like she let everyone and everything run her over.. i felt sad for her.. but she was sweet.. and eventually she became stronger.. it just took a while. overall it was enjoyable and im glad i got to review it

Buck Naked is a quirky, weird, and oddly delightful read! The concept is quite campy so you have to into it with an open mind. If you like your fiction realistic, you should probably skip this one. However, if you do skip this book, you are missing out on a purely enjoyable read!

Sadie is a recent divorcee who just turned 40. When she found out her husband was leaving her for a younger woman, she decided to pack up and move to a cabin her mother left her in a town known as Cougarville. Shortly after arrival, strange things begin happening. First, she notices some changes to her body. Even though she is 40, her body appears to be that of a 20 year old. The towns people are distant and sometimes out right rude to her and call her 'juvie'. She can't understand why the men are trying to force themselves on her and the women are cursing her and kicking her out of their stores! She finally learns the truth of her heritage and what will happen to her in the very near future!

Sadie is one of the more relatable characters I have read. Who wouldn't want to suddenly get 20 years of their life back? To look and feel like a 20 year old instead of a 40 year old? Her reactions to all the strange things felt authentic and believable although she stayed in town longer than I probably would have if all that stuff happened to me! Mathis is heartwarming. His wife/mate died 10 years ago and he swore he would never have another. Sadie is throwing his plans to hell because he can't resist her. He tries so hard to keep her away though because he feels it would be a betrayal of his dead wife. I could empathize with Mathis because he really wanted to do the right thing (well, what he thought was right).

The townspeople are quirky and strange; they bring a great deal of oddity to the story that has you wondering what kind of twist Anderson has put on traditional shifter lore. I am excited to get more of this town and its people! My biggest issue with the story was the overuse of the word 'rut'. It was like 'moist': one of those words that just sets your teeth on edge. I get it-the male equivalent of going into heat is 'rutting' but there has to be a different word to use, right? Why does this word bother me so much?

Priceless.....I want to go through the same thing as Sadie well only as far as the youthfulness. The author does a stellar job in Sadie's character as she walks the reader through Sadie getting younger looking and the very very strange things happening wherever she goes. Sadie's confusion over her changes and her upset with the men it understandable. I like that her confusion doesn't come across as her being simple minded.

Buck Naked has a well written plot including lots of drama and unforgettable scenes. It includes the gruff Mathis and the reader will come to love him as they read through the book to see how he became the recluse he is in this story. I love a gentle Alpha who can jump up to the plate when needed and Mathis is this sort of man. His character is like a prickly pear. Thorns on the outside and pure sweetness inside. His internal tug of war over Sadie and his needs and desires is portrayed in a believable manner.

For secondary characters.....

The cold but gorgeous villain, Keller, is delicious.... and I am sure the female readers will be hot for him. In fact, I am looking forward to his story because I really feel all villains deserve a happy ending. Well not all but this one does.

While Dr. Samantha, Sadie's twin, plays a prominent role in this book and her no-nonsense attitude will make a great second book to this series because she has so much attitude along with her smarts and beauty.

I give this book 4 STARS for being unpredictable.

Sadie is recently divorced and the newest resident of Cougarville. Since moving, she has discovered that her wrinkles are disappearing, her body is becoming more toned and her gray hair is a thing of the past - sign me up! Not only that but her next door neighbor, despite his moodiness, is very easy on the eyes. She definitely makes an impression when he catches her wearing nothing - although she's not sure what impression at first.

Sadie learns a lot about her new home when she travels into town - and also discovers that people are not as friendly to her as when she first arrived. I loved entering the world of Cougarville and finding out all of the rules involved in the shifter community. The things that Sadie discovers about herself kept me intrigued. When she and Mathis, the brooding neighbor, start to get involved things definitely heat up. I would be willing to have a neighbor like him living next door!

I did feel like the relationship between Mathis and Sadie developed very quickly. I guess considering her body snapped back to its 20s in the span of a week, maybe their relationship didn't seem so quick? Since Sadie is a twin, I can't wait to find out if the shifter gene makes itself known in her sister, Samantha. Great beginning to a great new series!

It was a great read. I really like the characters that have been created. It had some great twists and turns.