Member Reviews
...So, what did I like about it?
I am a fan of Ms Anderson’s writing style; I find her stories very easy to read and her plots intricate enough to keep me interested without losing me. Stone Cold Fox was no exception. This book is told from our main characters’ point of view but I never felt confused as to who’s POV we were experiencing.
As with the previous book in this series, I loved our main characters. Jocasta Ferrell (Jo) has been through many tough experiences that would have broken many women but she survived. We met Reese Cooper (Coop) in the previous book; he is a wonderful kind hearted male who bends over backwards to help Jo feel safe and I’ve loved getting to know him better in this book.
I enjoyed their romantic (and sexual) journey; it had a nice pace. The plot had not completely unexpected twists & turns but it was still very much enjoyable. I loved the cameos from existing series characters and enjoyed meeting some new ones (hoping a certain dire wolf alpha gets his book next *hint*hint* Ms Anderson).
...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
What I find hard to come to terms with this whole series is the "need to breed" aspect that every female is forced to endure. My modern sensibilities & mindset stumble every time it's mentioned.
...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really did enjoy this book; it was good. It ticked lots of my boxes; our heroine was an independent and intelligent woman, our hero was an alpha male with a big heart and the plot itself had a mystery/thriller element as well as action in the form of great fight scenes, passionate sex scenes and, of course, oodles of romance.
I'd recommend the book to older readers (if it was a film it would be rated 15 or 18 due to the sex and violence) who are fans of darker paranormal romances of a more erotic nature where the romantic couple’s journey to a happy ever after ending is fraught with obstacles, danger and personal growth.
How to begin? Well, lets start with the fact that I really like the series and the angle which the author presents the shifter world. The author incorporates a little myth and other elements that help to separate this story from the others that are out right now. To me, the difference is a big PLUS considering most shifter tales can get a little too predictable. In the case of the Cougarville series there are enough little twists and turns that will have the reader coming back to see what happens next.
The male leads ... the alphas of the series are great. All three leads in this series have been compassionate, patient and understanding. Reese Cooper the fox shifter is the most patient of them all. His character had no choice but to be patient because his counterpart (rejuvenating Jo Farrell) is very, VERY irritating. While reading, I tried to keep in mind that her character was coming from a place of hurt and fear. Jo was just so ... I don't know ... distrustful and selfish. Jo made the second heroine in this series that I didn't really care for. Secondary characters like Fiona (the apothecary) more than make up the difference and I am really excited to see more of this character and find out more of her secrets. There are other secondary characters being introduced that could possibly have their own story soon and it will be interesting to see what the author does with them.
~ARC was given by the publisher via NetGalley.~
This is the 3rd book of the series. The story actually starts at the end of Cougar Bait.
The transition of each book is really good. Smooth and you do not have to look at the previous books for guidance.
I must say, I love Reese , he may be a big man, but his heart is pure and I love the way he treats Jo.
I can't fault Jo with her reasons. After all, what happened to her was beyond and it truly hurts a person. Her personality is great too. However, gaining trust is never easy. Yet, as the book goes from chapter to chapter you can't help but feel to trust a man like Reese.
As for Reese, how can one not fall in love with his kind of kindness, and patience? I half wished that my man was like him, even for a bit. He was this gentle charm, deadly, but sweet...in his tiny form.
The mystery and the action of the book is also quite good. The problem is slowly being introduce in the series. Which is actually pretty nice. Readers needs to kept on their seat as the read this series. Which alpha will have his mate? And who are the people behind the massive killings?
The series it self is good, from the lore to the way it end, up to the opening of the next book. There is a continuity that is actually good for those who reads series.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
**Received ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review**
Stone Cold Fox is the third book in the Cougarville series, it can be read as a standalone, but you would get more from it, if read in order. Jocasta "Jo" Ferrell is a third degree Wiccan living at Avalon for over 20 years when she's accused of practicing dark magic and is cast out. Once out on her own, she has to brave the elements and is chased by a demon into someones shed. Reese Cooper goes into his shed while home for lunch and what does he find but a young girl in the corner and she's not too thrilled to see him to say the least.
So this book is pretty dark, there are strong theme's that may not be for all readers. If you are sensitive you may want to pass this book. I really enjoyed Reese's character, but I struggled with Jo's character. Since the author tells you her backstory, and you know she's been through the ringer, I thought it might help, but it was still a struggle. The majority of the book is Jo's struggle with the past which is why I rated the book at 4 stars. If they would have toned down that struggle somewhat I would have loved the book. The story line is interesting, I enjoy seeing the characters from the past books and hearing how they are doing, and unlike some books, the book doesn't just end and leave you hanging. You get some closure at the end, the reason I phrase it like that is there will be another book.... Look forward to reading the next book in the series. Hope this helps! Happy reading!!!
Reese Cooper finds a petrified woman in his shed one night and has to turn into his small fox form in order to get her to come onto his porch and eat some food. It still takes him another few hours to get her inside. His fox self immediately knows that she is his mate but, Jo Ferrel, who has been a witch for decades has just been thrown out of Avalon, her sanctuary, because they suddenly believe she has been using dark magic. She is petrified of men because of a horrific incident that occurred 20 years ago and, does not trust this man.. = But she does trust his fox. The shifters who live in Cougarville know all about Juvies, women with the shifter gene who will experience their first shift under the next full moon but, only if they are bred and shift on that same night. The problem is that most of these Juvies have no idea what they are and why all of these men are suddenly hot after their bodies!!! Jo is even more special because, she is not just a shifter, but a witch. Something that has only happened once before! The heat and passion between these two is off the charts and, the pain they both have to deal with, both emotional and physical, is heartrending!
I pray that this series NEVER ends! It is THAT GOOD!!!
I wish I could give this series a better endorsement but the female leads do not live up to my expectations . I did not feel much of a connection with her and , although the shifter's animal wanted its mate , I could not understand how such an alpha male would put up with his mate's attitude to both him and her situation . He, as the previous Alphas also did, has to downplay his intelligence and puts up with what might be termed childish behaviour from his mate .
In this return to Cougarville Fox Alpha Shifter , Reese Cooper , finds a terrified woman hiding in his shed ......she is his mate !
However Jo , having been driven from her witch community without explanation, does not know about shifters and is unaware that she carries the rejuvenation gene . She is convinced that something evil is following her , wants her .... but what for ?
She is terrified of men , having been attacked twenty years ago , but agrees to accept Reese's offer of sanctuary as a temporary measure until she figure out what is happening to her and why .
Jo must overcome her fear of men and Reese must convince her that their attraction is not the result of a spell if their relationship is to develop into something more ..
Working together , finally , they must overcome the evil that has been following her and solve the riddle of her expulsion from her witch community .
I will continue to read the Author's works , but, I hope she can create a more intelligent , empathetic female lead .
Did not post review. Rated less than 3 Stars.Please see note to publisher about storyline and repetitive language.
As a reader who is unashamedly addicted to shifter romance, Stone Cold Fox should have been a story that I devoured. I didn’t. I know why I didn’t, but I have to admit to wanting to hold out until the next story to decide if I’ll continue with this series. Stone Cold Fox will get an official 3.5 rating which I’ll round up to 4 since no where has those half points. It’s a good story basically, so as a good story it deserves the 3, I’ll give it the .5 because I love anything shifter. The reason it didn’t go higher for me was the heroine, or maybe I should say all the heroines, especially the last two. I cannot find it possible to root for, be engaged with or even care about a happy ending for characters who simply refuse to see what is right in front of their eyes – even when they’re being chased through the woods, feeling the shift come over them, believing that somehow a really bad person has turned a leaf and are now wanting to help… No. Just No. I need my heroines to be smart, street smart and at least not lie to themselves.
I get that Jo had a horrific event happen to her, something that no woman should ever have to face. Yet it wasn’t her fear of Reece, at first, that made Jo a character I couldn’t get behind – it was her absolute denial of what was right in front of her to see. She’s attracted to Reece? Must be the spell. She’s stronger than ever before? Must be the spell. She’s being given information by several sources, but especially a woman she seems to trust and admire, but she will not even for a moment consider their words. No, it must be the spell that’s causing her to want to jump Reece twenty times a day. There comes a point where I simply cannot even try to understand a character’s reasons and I simply stop, I’ll continue the story for the other characters’ sake and call it done. I don’t like reacting to characters this way, I want to love them all and enjoy their journey. Unfortunately, Jo made that difficult for me to do.
Having said all that, I still believe it’s a basically good story. And no one should tell you what you should or shouldn’t be reading. So, you’ll need to pick up Stone Cold Fox for yourself and discover Reece and Jo’s journey for yourself. This is my opinion, you make up your own mind.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I really enjoyed this latest story in the Cougarville series. The world Evangeline has created, is inspired and definitely worth a read! She has a knack for writing great paranormal romance. I recommend reading the series in order. You will enjoy it!
'Stone Cold Fox' by Evangeline Anderson is Book Three in the "Cougarville" series.
I have read the other books in this series bu feel this is easily a standalone book.
This is the story of Jo Ferrel and Reese Cooper.
Jo is a witch that her and her fellow witches only practice White Magic. Unknown to Jo and the other, Jo has started a rejuvenation process which some women when they reach a certain age go through. The process set in motion the women looking and feeling way younger than her actual age..with a few other side effects. Since her fellow witches didn't know anything about this process they accused Jo of doing black magic and kicked her out of the groups. So Jo has been on her own with something that seems to be following her that she feels in threatening her. While running she comes to be in Reese shed feeling at a lost.
Reese was sort of expecting someone in his shed because of the local pharmacist / future teller who told him to go home that there would be someone there for him to meet. At first Reese's Fox was showing an emotional upset that the Jo was upset Once Reese calmed her down some and cleaned up the weeks of running from her shadow... he himself is lost. Reese only want's to keep her safe and to claim her.
Hot Paranormal story that I enjoyed.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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A big Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC for my honest review. I have read Evangeline Anderson before and always enjoyed her books. I had not read the first 2 books in this series. I enjoyed the book alot. I would give it a 3.5. It should be a 4 or more but I needed more background on her. I felt like I came in on the middle (why is she running, homeless, etc.) I would also have liked more info on the shifter culture since she used words I hadn't heard before. Maybe these were all explained earlier. This is a complete story no cliff hanger and I would possibly recommend reading them in order for best results. I think that almost all paranormal romance readers would enjoy this one!! I did like that he was a fox and not a wolf. Nice change of pace. I do recommend the book. Let me know if you agree.
This is book 3 in the Cougarville series. Jo is a Third Level Wiccan and has been kicked out of Avalon, her home for the last 20 years. Now she’s being chased by something. She manages to get to a shed owned by Reese, who happens to change into a fox. There are a lot of strange things happening here. The first is Jo looks 20 years younger than she should. Then there’s the strange creature that chased her and the men who changed into wolves and tried to attack her. What’s going on, you ask? Read it so you’ll find out about the strange shadow creature and what he wants from Jo. This was a really good book that will keep your attention until the end. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book that I received from Netgalley.
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
This was the first book that I have read in the Cougarville series so I was happy to find out that even though there are prior characters involved, the book can be read as a stand alone. It is frustrating sometimes to start mid series and be totally lost when the blurb on a book sounds so intriguing but this was NOT the case and it was easy to read and I did not feel lost in who the characters were.
I really liked Reese, even though he knew that Jo was his mate, and really attracted to her, he kept control of himself and let Jo set the pace. He was so cute when he was hesitant to explain to her what was happening - rejuvenation or she was becoming a juvie.
That concept is fun for a reader of my age to dream about losing the gray hair, and getting younger! It was also a fun read because along with the romance, there was some mystery as to why Jo felt like she was being followed and even "directed" to Reese's house.
There was only one time that I really was frustrated with Jo that she totally trusted someone that was sending up red flags of danger!
There was a nice HEA and lots of romance with intrigue and mystery so that I kept reading until I had finished the book! Now, I want to check out the other books in the series!
A very intense story that may have some triggers for some people. The main female character was raped in her past and there is some violent scenes. Definitely meant for mature readers as there is also some steamy scenes.
Cougarville just seems to pull in all the females that are going through a rejuvenation process due to latent shifter genes. This time Coop is the male to find a female. With her past he will definitely have a battle on his hands to prove his worth and what she means to him. He has way more patience for her than most people and never seems to give up.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.
In this book we meet Cougarville's resident Alpha fox Reece and he's no ordinary shifter as he's blessed with the ability to change his size which meant yep this big guy could do sweet and cuddly! Good thing he can because he finds a traumatised witch in his shed who is afraid of men and definitely in need of help.
Jo has no knowledge of shifters and even less of the rejuvenation that she's experienced. Cast out and suspected of dark magic she's convinced something dangerous is following her. It is and she might feel safe with Reece but is it real or all part of a spell gone awry?
I feel the first half of this book suffered a little due to Jo's manner and behaviour. Her dialogue felt stilted and well frankly juvenile ( pardon the pun). I did like that she's a hearth witch and thought crossing the two species of witch and shifter added greatly to the story.
Reece was a sweetie and no mistake. Technically a grease monkey as he's a mechanic but he wasn't an imbecile and had hidden depths. He is the second Alpha to play down his brains and accomplishments and it makes a real change from the arrogant heroes some authors throw at us.
There's a mystery to solve that is partially explained but there's definitely scope for more in this series. Sexy times don't dominate and thankfully it's not as sticky and messy as the last book. Plus if you are a lover of wolves I'm pretty sure you will enjoy meeting a certain Dire wolf!
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I liked the story, but it wasn’t my favourite of the series.
What I struggled with most was Jo’s character. Maybe it was her dialogue, which painted her as an emotionally inept individual, or maybe it was just my interpretation of her persona. Either way, she just didn’t gel with me.
I hope the next story provides stronger characters and a much better adjusted female lead.
overall, a good shifter/witch romance story. Jo is running for her life, and ends up hiding in the shed of Reese, a fox shifter. Turns out she is one too, although she doesn't know it. Lots of twists and turns, and for the most part kept my interest throughout. There were a few times though that I hear the writer's voice instead of the character. For some reason that distracts me, and her anger over his actions of revenge surprised me too. If more on her views/values would have been stressed that would have made more sense. Otherwise, a good and quick read that is perfect to read at the beach. Would recommend this book and author. First I've read in this series, but will not be my last.
I’m loving this series more and more!!!
Reese Cooper is taking his lunch to-go because Fiona the town’s pharmacist/wise-woman said there was someone crying in his garden shed. Jocasta is a Wiccan who was accused of dark magic, thrown out of the only home she has known, and is being followed by a shadowy menace. She does not trust the giant man who approaches her, though his aura displays many positive aspects.
Fortunately “Coop” can shift into a fox of variable size – and chooses the adorable Chihuahua-size to win her over. He even agrees to allow her to cast a spell on him to ensure he does not overstep any boundaries. Very quickly we are off to the races…. Jo has much from her past to overcome, and struggles to reconcile the affects by the town’s unique properties of turning back the clock for latent shifters.
A new take, on an already very unique series. This story will keep you entertained, amused, in suspense, and swooning as our fox-shifter battles to save Jo.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***