Gahhh! This book was great. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started reading but this book had everything that I love in a shifter paranormal romance novel. Reese was an alpha fox who knew what he wanted but he didn’t go after it with a vengeance. He took his time knowing that Jo was damaged and I loved that about him. He was a fox, I haven’t read many of those but he was very cute!

Jo was very skittish from the start of the book until about 3/4 of the way through but when she really came out of her shell it was beautiful to picture. While she may have been scared, that didn’t stop her from speaking her mind.

It had some mystery to it, but you could tell that it was a book based on Jo coming out of the shell and dropping her wall and learning who she was and accepting it. I loved the magic aspect. I haven’t read too many witch books so it was a nice change of pace.

The third point of view that this story was told from really wasn’t that bad, I was really able to connect with the characters, and really like the secondary characters and I can’t wait to read the first two books in the series.

The writing was beautiful, the characters very likable, the plot moved in a very good pace, and I felt the other did the story as a whole justice. I can’t wait to go back and read the first two books in the series. Not only can this author do syfi with aliens but this books shows that she can do shifter and make them unique.

I’m giving it 4 stars because I felt some scenes could have been expanded to get a better sense in what was going on. #2OCCJD

I liked this book alot and ended up reading it twice!! It's a fast pased book that is fun and interesting. It pulls you in and keeps you breathless until the end. I can't wait for for this authors next book to come out. 😀😀

STONE COLD FOX is the third book in Evangeline Anderson's Cougarville series. Reese Cooper is a fox shifter but, despite what this book's title might suggest, he is anything but cold. Jocasta "Jo" Ferrell is a woman who knows a lot about being left out in the cold. After a traumatic attack in her early twenties, Jo found peace in a community of women, until she recently got the boot. When Reese finds her at his shed, Jo is at a pretty low point in her life. Luckily for her, Reese is exactly the warm, compassionate, and supportive person she needs. Reese might be my favorite hero in this series because I love a strong and sexy hero with a sweet side.

There are a few sources of danger in STONE COLD FOX, including creepy Skin Walkers, and a thing Jo refers to as a shadow creature. Magic, in this story, is used for both good and evil. Even with all these things lurking in dark corners, one of the biggest obstacles to Jo and Reese getting together is Jo's emotional baggage when it comes to men and her trust issues. Evangeline Anderson makes Jo a flawed and greatly sympathetic character. She holds up her vow of chastity as the main reason she tries to resist Reese's charms, but it's evident that Jo's other issues are the biggest reason for her caution.

Reese is intelligent and tries to give Jo the time and space he understands that she needs before pressing his attention on her. He respects Jo's comfort levels as he gently woos her and gets to know her. Having a gaggle of sisters makes him attuned to women in a way that some of his friends are not, and he attempts a sensitive courtship until biological demands make this couple surrender to their desires. Evangeline Anderson weaves an erotic spell over her characters and builds the tension until things get down and dirty.

STONE COLD FOX is a story of sexual healing, magic, and one fine fox shifter. After being a fan for so long of Evangeline Anderson's Bride of the Kindred series, I'm happy to discover a fab new series to enjoy. I enjoyed learning more about recurring character Fiona in this story, and hope to see more of her in future books. I was glad that Jo had Fiona to look to as a female supporter, to take the place of her beloved mentor Miranda. I look forward to the next installment in Evangeline Anderson's Cougarville series.

Paranormal books are my first love, and I had read the previous books in this series so I couldn't wait to start this book.

Right off the bat, one of the things that I loved most about this book was how different it is. Most paranormal books stick to only one "branch" of paranormal, yet this book had the shifter, as well as the witches. Which I thought was a great addition because it added something more to the story.

Jo's story is one that was full of heartbreak, but even with that, it made this story so much better. Getting to follow along as she grew strong, and was willing and able to take risks, it showed how much strength she had hidden and didn't even know she had.

Reese was a great male character - I had liked him in the previous books but this one, wow it just amazed me at how great of a guy he is. How he was willing to walk away from Jo, even knowing that she was his mate just to keep her safe. Wowzer, if I ever met a guy like him in real life...

Anywho - the story was one that drew me in and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.

Overall I'd say if your looking for a great story that could be read as a standalone. However it is still a great read if you do read the series.

When a person is abused, sometimes they turn inwards and shy away from the world. Not everyone is a survivor able to take the world back on. Jo Ferrell is a woman who was accosted as a young girl. She never got over it and used various ways to make herself forget. She finally finds a place to stay that helps her heal to some degree, she lives with witches in a coven. Happy for years, she felt she finally is in a safe place, only to be kicked out for practicing black magic. The kicker? She didn't have anything to do with black magic. She has no idea why she is suddenly looking so young.

Is this the end of the series? Because if so, I feel like Ms. Anderson has left me hanging in a world that could spin off more stories. In this third one, which can be read as a standalone, Jo is another woman clueless about being a juvie. She is caught up in a nefarious plot to bring more potential female mates into the world of the shifters. Lucky for Jo, her knowledge of magic plus her innate power has saved her several times. But when it comes time to find an alpha male, Jo is stubbornly refusing, due to her unresolved trauma from her past.

Jo is a character I am not sure I like. This is because I can not relate to her. Her victim mentality doesn't work for me. Yes, I get that she was sexually abused when she was young. Some of us who have similar experiences, have moved on and not let that one moment in time define who we are for the rest of our lives. Jo let it define her entire life for decades. It isn't that I look down upon her. It is more that I can't understand letting someone else screw up my life and letting the "bad guy" win. Perhaps I am too much of a stick it to them type of person. I understand there are people like Jo in the world. I'm just not too enamoured of them. Regardless, Reese is very much attracted to Jo. He is a guy who has the utmost patience. He gently woos Jo. He doesn't press her. He is in a word - unrealistic. Seriously, is there any guy in the real world like Reese who would take on so much of Jo's baggage? A hot guy who has it together? Probably not. But this is what makes the story a fairy tale. A desperate modest unknowing powerful female needs a white knight to save her from… well, everything. If I come across a bit sarcastic, it is probably because this type of trope doesn't work for me.

Regardless of my lack of love for Jo and disbelief in Reese, I did enjoy the story. The plot moved along a thread that showed up in the second book. It also revealed a bit more into the history of one of the secondary characters I really liked. My favourite part is Reese's shifter fox. I loved his little baby like fox and also his ferocious one. Jo's issue with all of Reese was another negative about her for me. Still, this is a lovely shifter world with potential to grow into more. The story is well written and transports a reader into a lovely fantasy. Recommended for paranormal readers who enjoy white knights saving their damsel in distress.

I just love this author’s writing style and the amazing world’s she thinks up for her PNR readers. This is the third book in the Cougarville series. In my personal opinion, I felt this series just kept getting better as the series grows. Though these last two books in the series were slightly darker than the first, I felt that added to the action, suspense, and the drama. The heroine in this book is a strong, smart woman with a vulnerable side. But with a past like hers it’s to be expected; not everyone has the ability to overcome certain traumatic moments of their past, everyone has different coping skills; hers was hide in a place called Avalon. I just loved Reese Cooper; he’s the town’s mechanic and the only alpha fox shifter in town. He’s patient, gentle, giving, protective, and sexy as all get out. I do have to disclose that there are memories of abuse and rape for those who have issues with those types of triggers. The author does a great job at giving these memories to the readers without making it too graphic. I have read many stories from this author and have enjoyed her work. This was no different. The story was full of action and as with all Evangeline books, hot sexy scenes you should totally check this series out. I give this book 4.5 stars.

***I voluntarily reviewed this ARC for an honest review via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, this is my honest opinion and has not been influenced by the author, Publishers or NetGalley in anyway.***

Another great installment in this series! Totally a unique take on a shifter romance with a paranormal element as well.

Loved how kind and restrained the Hero was in this book to make the Heroine comfortable based on her past experiences. But then it was hot as well once she got to know him and was at ease around him.

Can't wait for more from this series!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley.

Jo Ferrell is a woman on the run and the one thing she knows is that she can never trust a man. Reese Cooper finds Jo hiding on his property and offers to assist her but knows he is going to slowly have to build her trust. Jo is a witch though and does not know about shifters and when Reese changes to his fox, he sees a different side to Jo and knows that he wants her. Someone is after Jo though and Reese will do what he can to protect, can Jo let go of what her fears are to have a chance with Reese and build any type of future?

I like this shifter series, has a different twist and each character is uniquely different. I liked Jo's story had several twists that get revealed as the story goes on. Reese I loved, he was rock solid where Jo was concerned. Anxious to see what is next in this clever series.

It was a great read. I really like the characters and plot.

Rating 3.5/5
This book is the third in the paranormal romance series based in the shifter town of Cougarville. Here a plethora of different shifters and other paranormals live in relative harmony and it is here that women undergoing the rejuvenation process seem to find their way to. This story is definitely of a more adult nature than the previous two as it contains involves historic physical and sexual abuse warned!

Cougarville’s resident mechanic is also their only fox shifter, Reese Cooper. Whilst out in town he’s told to go home by Fiona, the town’s wise woman/apothecary/seer, and to look after the woman he’ll find hiding in his garden shed. Everyone respects Fiona and usually follow her advice. When Reese does so he discovers Jo Ferrell, a witch on the run, hiding just as Fiona had said. Reese is an alpha shifter but he's also a defender of those he loves, the kindest, patient, understanding and compassionate of them all - and he needs to be! When he realises Jo doesn't trust men he goes round a corner to shift, then attempts to let fox win her over - so sweet, but will it work? Jo has been hurt and abused in the past and is running from danger now so it won't be easy to get her to trust a man, let alone a shifter! 

Reese is a character to win your heart but Jo is so traumatised she’s somewhat irritating at times. Their journey to their HEA is a real roller coaster, and it is great to catch up on some of the characters from earlier books in the series, too. This story introduced some additional secondary characters and I’ll be intrigued to discover which, if any, of these will have their own story told in later books in the series. 

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

Since being kicked out of her coven and home for being accused of using black magic, Jo’s been on the run and being chased by something sinister in the woods. Finding shelter in a shed, she finds herself rescued by a sexy man who happens to be a fox shifter. Although she’s attracted to him, she’s not sure if she can trust him. While Reese knows he must take it slow, his Fox has already claimed Jo as its mate. The only thing he has to do is wait until Jo finally accepts the truth about what she really is.

I’m a bit on the fence about this one. Okay, so more than a bit. I liked the premise of the story. I liked the paranormal world and lore that Anderson created. The shifters in the book come from the Paleolithic Era, so they’re not your standard shifters and I found that really intriguing. And I really liked Reese—he’s an alpha Fox shifter who will stop at nothing to protect his mate.

While I found some things intriguing, I struggled with a lot of the story.

Jo wasn’t really a heroine I could get behind. She’s forty-one but she’s overly naïve and incompetent. Yes, she’s lived in a man-free Yoga-witchy commune type of place for twenty years, but before that she lived twenty years in the real world and even went to college, so she should know how to act around people.

And it’s not just her nativity that bothers me. She was assaulted in college so now she considers all men evil creatures out to get her so when she realizes that she’s attracted to Reese, she attempts to cast an anti-love spell on him which goes awry. So now every time she get lusty towards him or vice versa, she blames the spell even though they had the feelings before the spell.

Then there’s her denial about being a ‘Juvie’ or Rejuvenated female—a woman born with the shifter gene that remains dormant until she reaches her forties or fifties. For someone born with magical powers, she spent so much time being in denial it was ridiculous.

Finally, the last straw with her was the fact she was TSTL. I mean, seriously, some creature in the woods was chasing her, but she willingly went back into the woods at night to find a flower she needed for a spell. Then she decides to give the people that accused her of using dark magic and cast her out a second chance. I spent so much time rolling my eyes and calling her an idiot, eventually, I started rooting for the thing in the woods.

Also, it irked me that no one, Reese, Jo, or any of the secondary characters, attempted to figure out what was roaming the woods. They were like, ‘oh, yeah, there’s something creepy and possibly deadly in the woods, but let’s just mention it and then do nothing about’.

The insta-lust/love didn’t bother me. It’s common in shifter books especially if it’s the fated-mate type. What did bother me was how much time Jo spent complaining about the ach between her legs, the first few time was okay but considering she went on and on about it like a broken record, it just became annoying.

Overall, this one had potential but a TSTL heroine that was also naïve and incompetent was its downfall. I’ve heard that the first two books in the series are stronger, but I’m not so sure if they’ll be on my TBR list anytime soon.

Rated this book a 2 only because I, like the female lead in this book, am too stupid to live (because I kept reading this drivel)! This author seems to show potential in some of her books for a tad bit of storyline/character development...then reverts back to this type of book...really disliked "Jo" so much I almost stopped reading....yet somehow I didn't and will probably read the next one hoping for something better.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Shifter Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Hmmm, where to start with this review? This was the third installment in this series and I had a much more difficult time connecting with these characters than I did in the previous books.

Jo is running. What she's running from, she's not sure – she just knows that someone or something is after her and until she can figure out what, she just has to keep moving. She is also a Juvie but doesn't know about this process, so when she's cast out of her community of women, she has nobody to turn to. She has had a rough past – being a survivor of rape, she has shut herself off from men in general. So, when she's confronted by Reese, a hulking man, she's not only scared, but wary.

Reese is a good guy. He's a fox shifter who wants to protect Jo, but given her skittish behavior, knows that he has to tread lightly. He is a mechanic by trade, but also has a broad knowledge of a lot of different topics, which just makes his more intriguing.

I think where I take issue with this story is that despite her age, being 40 years old, Jo is so naive and sheltered that she doesn't seem 40. In the previous books, the women had life experience, but used their life knowledge to learn from and grow. Jo is stagnant and isn't really capable of growth – she's stunted. The dialogue between her and Reese is also not very developed. They have very youthful interactions and it seems like a YA story rather than an adult one.

While the mystery is solved and the resolution is okay, I think that I just didn't really connect with these characters like I did with the previous books. I do hope that the next one is more developed and has more mature characters.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series – and I would recommend that you start at the beginning of the series to fully enjoy this story. We catch up with the sisters and their mates, as well as get the foxy story of Reese and his destiny with exiled Wiccan witch, Jocasta (Jo).

Running through this series is the question of who and why there is an increased level of juvies coming into Cougarville, and this one has another twist in the tale too – which may be revisited in future books I am guessing. Whilst Sadie and Sam weren't keen on the idea of being shifters, they did not have the fear that Jo has of being intimate with the men they fell for in Cougarville. Jo has, however, promised to remain chaste after a terrible incident in her past – and terrible it truly was, as we learn. Therefore, the attention of any man is unwelcome and even frightening, so her reaction to Reese is confounding her.

Reese is the most incredibly patient man, helped by the confidence instilled in him by resident sage, Fiona. Keller is not so certain, and is worried for his friend – anyone who has read the previous books will enjoy this happily reformed character!

If you like your shifters both super hot and slyly cute, then Reese should press your buttons – he certainly pressed Jo's!


Erica – ☆☆☆
When Jo began the rejuvenation process, her fellow witches noticed, and thought her to be practicing 'black magic.' She was excommunicated from the coven, and set adrift. Being herded through the woods, Jo makes her way to Reese's property.

Reese is Cougarville's resident mechanic and one and only Fox shifter. He's a sweet, caring man, willing to literally give the shirt off his back to help anyone.

This is the recipe of a hot and steamy, yummy read, right?

I'm truly struggling with this story, and I adore both this series and author. It isn't so much the story itself, but Jo. While her tragic background, witchcraft, and the shadowy thing in the woods were the perfect vehicle to propel her into Reese's orbit, her actual characterization is a struggle to get through.

This is my issue in a nutshell, and I need to be completely blunt. At 40+ years of living experience, 20+ in a normal home life, even with higher education, and then 20 years in a 'yoga' community, where they visited the real world weekly, Jo sounds mentally and emotionally incompetent. It goes beyond naivety, being sheltered, or dealing with traumatic experiences. Her wooden, short sentences of inner monologue have her sounding childlike (not childish, but in actuality the mental capacity of a child).

"Get back you... you man!" (This makes Jo sound like she was raised in the woods for 40 years of her life and never around civilization.) This evens out after a few chapters, but it made the first few chapters feel choppy. Then, come to realize, while Jo may have been in an all-female yoga community, she ventured into town and no doubt didn't go around pointing at every male on the street, "You man!"

At first, Jo sounded as if she wouldn't be able to hold a conversation, go out into public, or speak anything but monosyllables. With her stilted speech and inner monologue, it was difficult for me to enjoy the erotic and romantic aspects of the novel, as if she was physically unable to consent. So reading Reese coax Jo made it feel as if he was a predator doing anything he could to get 'inside' her, added on top of that the 'mating,' the spell, and the magic of it all.

As a witch, who must believe in otherworldly things, she was so blankly in denial about anything dealing with herself, it was beyond frustrating to read. While I realize this was to slow the pacing of the storyline, so that there was a reason for it being more than a short story, it made Jo seem unable to consent to anything.

*"It must be the spell" but she felt that way prior to finding Reese.

*"I'm not a Juvie" yet she was excommunicated for looking younger, and she herself never once contemplated 'why' she looked 20 years younger. (Who in their right mind wouldn't wonder HOW/WHY they look 20 years younger, and when told why, would completely disregard it but not offer a viable reason?) She conducts witchcraft, never questions why she looks younger, yet doesn't believe the logical explanation as to the why of it.

*What rational 40+ year old woman would waste her last few dollars to buy coffee/tea when her companion tells her expressly not to enter the coffee shop. She's scared, has no money and no job, is living off the generosity of others, and just had breakfast, but she needs tea NOW. She does it anyway, of course... pandemonium ensues.

*When Jo ventured into the woods, I was literally done but forced myself to keep reading.

*Jo and Reese never once were curious as to who the man was in the woods, didn't even discuss his physical features. Instead of protecting themselves and figuring out what was wrong, they did a sex 'ritual.' As I said, Jo bought that, sex with the trappings of it being a ritual, because she is not mentally competent enough to consent.

*"I won't break my vow" but she kept having no issue with Reese touching her (any sexual contact would be the breaking of a vow, not just penetrative sex).

While I enjoyed the premise, Reese, the cast of characters, and the world-building, the childlike way Jo was written, compounded with the forced feeling to her ignorance, made it impossible for me to enjoy the story.

Another issue was how quickly I love yous were said. I realize this is a mating story, which I do find as a guilty pleasure, but Reese's Fox was thinking I love you within 'seconds' of meeting Jo. There is attraction, lust, infatuation, but love takes familiarity to build. I do this in my writing, and I implore others to do so – writers, ask your character why they are saying they love the other character. WHY do they love them? If the answer is physical, it's not love. Reese knew nothing of Jo to love yet. Reese wanted Jo, needed Jo, but he didn't love her.

I enjoyed this story. The hero Reese is thoughtfully gentle yet strong when needed. His being able to shift into a fox was different and was useful in difficult and dangerous situations. The heroine Jo is unsure and resistant to changes in her life, and is very lucky to have Reese looking out for her. I thought the author gave Jo and Reese time to develop their bond for a strong physical and emotional relationship.

I was extremely eager to get my hands on this book, and thankfully, it lived up to my eager anticipation of it!

I found Jo to be an extremely unique heroine! I loved that she was both potential shifter and witch, and loved that her uniqueness was used to explain Fiona. I also liked how Jo's past was handled, especially with the trauma in it. It was a far cry from the author's Brides of the Kindred series that I had objected to so strongly in the past.

I enjoyed Reese's dichotomy, how he was the educated grease monkey mechanic. I also enjoyed his shifter abilities and what he could do with them, and the legends surrounding them. Reese was a very caring and protective hero, and I found it extremely easy to connect with him!

The plot had several twists and turns in it, and was definitely a continuation of the events of book 2 of this series. It left things unresolved enough that there can be another book in this series, as there are many unanswered questions, as well as a teaser of the new hero. I have to say that this book and series has really turned me around on this author, and I eagerly await any further installments in the series!

A beautifully executed story where Jo has a past history of abuse and Reese an alpha fox shifter who is caring, thoughtful and patient. The authors' sensitive handling of Jo's past will bring tears to your eyes. This book is impactful to anyone who has had abuse. It made me cry, pray she would have the courage to step into a new life and that she would allow love to consume her.

Reese was so sensitive and the perfect mate for Jo. How he handles what he finds out about her is done with tender and loving care. Don't get me wrong. This is not a weak man. In fact, the strength it took for him to not go crazy and try to take care of everything for her was amazing.

This story does have some very hot, hot scenes that will cause the reader to want to fan themselves. But of course, let's not forget the dark magic that is pure evil and gives the reader just the right amount of intrigue to keep them on the edge of their sets. Combine all the ingredients and you have a great memorable read.

I give this book 5 STARS for the outstanding execution of a difficult subject while portraying hope and love.

Another good Cougarville romance! Stone Cold Fox took a bit for me to warm up to Jo and Reese, but once I did, I was all in for their story, their romance. Loved the magic element to their story too!

I'm happy to say that this series keeps getting better and better with each book that I read from it. I really enjoyed the first two books, they did a wonderful job of setting up the series, but I loved Stone Cold Fox!

I think it had to do with Reese. From book one I really liked him. He is one of those characters that keeps you thinking about them even when you're done with the book. From Naked Buck where he is introduced you want more of his story.

He just has that....you know, that it factor. I think of him and I sigh....

He is a all-around great guy. You won't be able to help yourself, you'll be sighing too! I think we just love nice, sexy caring guys that would stand for you no matter what! Of course we also like sexy bad boys that also stick up for us too. I think it's the sexy part that we are attracted to! ha!

Now lets not forget about Jo. I did like her too. But at times I wanted to shake her a bit. Some of her moves was pretty dumb! I found myself more then once thinking, really? Of course her dumb moves added to the story but still...

Together they are perfect with each other. Jo really needs someone like Reese in her life and Reese needs someone so he's not so alone. It just worked out perfect for the two of them that they were each others, everything.

If you haven't yet read this series and your a fan of paranormal, or would love to find that one author to try, I think you'll really enjoy this series. I've already read the first three books and all I can think about is when there will be more.

Stone Cold Fox would be my second title that I read by Evangeline Anderson and also the second title in this series. Out of the two titles, this one is my favorite. The characters weren’t overly dramatic and Reese was the type of man that any girl will be glad to call her own.
Well, except for Jo Ferrell. She has several run-ins with bad men, especially the Skin Walker variety. However, she never met the type like Reese. He tries to make her safe and to teach her that not all shifters are alike. Everything was going fine until danger comes calling. And Reese must use all his strength to protect the woman he has come to love.
Stone Cold Fox was a sexy and fun read, with excitement found around every corner. This is one series that readers of all genre will get behind.

Jo is on the run from her former coven. Thrown out by a jealous Elder and accused of practising dark magic, she finds herself being chased by monstrous figures through the forest. When she is almost dead on her feet, she stumbles into a shed and hides. When she is later found by the owner of the house, she lashes out with her sacred knife and has a hard time believing this huge, manly man doesn't want to harm her.

Reece is kind of unflappable and unassuming. But when Fiona tells him to get home as there is a female in trouble hiding in his shed, he thinks she has finally flipped! But sure enough she is in there and comes out fighting. Realising that she has been harmed by men in her past, he walks off and returns in his miniature fox size. Jo warms up to his lil critter and she soon calms down enough to accept help from the fox's "human" self, even though she is unaware that fox and man are one and the same!

When Reece realises that Jo is a "Juvie" he fends off the males suddenly taking interest in her and when a spell backfires and he and Jo don't repel but attract each other more, he is on shaky ground. He won't hurt Jo but can't allow her to leave either!

I understood Jo's hesitancy around men but felt that she kind of retreated to an almost childlike state around them. She had been a 40yr old woman and had a lifetime of experiences even if men were not included in that life and just felt that a grown adult would not have been quite so...naive. I loved Reece, his gentle acceptance of Jo's witch and her past just made him uber hot! His hidden intellect and his aw shucks demeanour really drew me to him.

I'm distraught that this is the end of the series. I wanted more from Cougarville but maybe we will see more of the Dire Wolves from Asheville soon!!