Member Reviews
Lone Wolf is an anthology containing three stories with a wolf connection by three different authors. All the stories stand alone and are enjoyable and easily read. I found this collection of stories tied into the “Lone Wolf” theme. Each story was filled with lots of attraction, chemistry, drama, emotion, and suspense. All stories were well written with a great pace. A grand collection from Diana Palmer, Kate Pearce, and Rebecca Zanetti. I love short stories and recommend this book.
Thanks Netgalley for providing this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Lone Wolf is an anthology containing stories from 3 different authors each with a wolf connection. Even though the stories by Diana Palmer and Kate Pearce tie back to a larger series (and I suspect Rebecca Zanetti's may as well or at least be the start of one) they all stand perfectly fine on their own.
The Morgan Ranch series by Kate Pearce is one of my all-time favorites so I loved revisiting the town and catching up on more of the secondary characters. It was certainly my favorite of the 3.
Rebecca Zanetti's story was the first I read by this author and it won't be the last. Great, fast-paced, engaging story.
As for the other story in the collection unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. While I enjoyed revisiting past characters, the heroine seemed unrealistically childlike and naive.
I’m going to be straight up harshly honest here. I didn’t read Diana Palmer’s contribution to this compilation. Kate Pearce and Rebecca Zanetti are two of my go-to favorite authors. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read their stories when I came across this title on NetGalley. But I have had absolutely no luck with Diana Palmer’s books in the past. I mentioned that in my review of Christmas Kisses with My Cowboy just last fall. I also reminded myself by re-reading that review that I do not want to continue to read her work. It’s not fair to me or her. I know I’m not going to have a good experience, why should I subject myself to that or her to the bad review I’m ultimately going to give. So, to follow is my review of only two of the three stories in this book. But those stories alone make this book worth picking up. I promise.
The Wolf on Her Doorstep
(Morgan Valley Novella)
by Kate Pearce
Kate Pearce really does a good job with short and sweet stories. Like the story she included in the Christmas Kisses with My Cowboy anthology, this story takes place in Morgantown and involves the sister of the hero of that previous story. Beth is years past an abusive relationship, living her life as a single mom to two late-teen boys. While they’re both college age, she still feels reluctant to let go because of their pasts with her ex. She’s also not interested in any type of new relationship. Connor is pretty reclusive and quite grumpy, but he has to interact with Beth on occasion. When this story starts, Connor isn’t doing so well and his savior happens to be Beth, the ray of sunshine he has been trying not to think about.
Beth and Connor have great chemistry. The way they end up coming together is really sweet and empowering. While I appreciate the story of Beth’s younger son and the turmoil he’s going through in regards to his dad, and I loved the way Connor handled the situation, I really wanted more of Beth and Connor one on one. I felt this story would have been really amazing if it could have been longer and not part of a novella collection. I still really enjoyed all of the characters and connections, I just felt it was a bit rushed for what the story was. ~4 stars
Rescue: Cowboy Style
by Rebecca Zanetti
As far as I can tell, this short story is not directly connected to any of this author’s other series. Which makes me hope that it will be an introductory novella for a new series. I love the concept and the cast of characters.
Things move quickly in this story, as is normal in a story of this length. There is definitely insta-love, but it was really sweet at the same time. Trent and Hallie have an instant connection. While Trent doesn’t seem to question that, Hallie does at least try to proceed with caution. And while she makes a bit of a boneheaded decision at one point in this story, I almost can’t blame her due to the speed in which she has let herself trust Trent and his brothers.
I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll keep this brief. I just know that Trent and the rest of the cattleman intrigue me and, knowing how Ms. Zanetti can spin a tale, I cannot wait to see what could be in store for this small town. ~4 stars
I had a tough time deciding how to review this book. I love the idea of a wolf connecting all 3 of the stories, however, I unfortunately did not love all 3 of the stories.
Individual Rating for Colorado Cowboy by Diana Palmer would be a 2. The story is about a younger woman that escapes a bad situation. (I don't like spoilers so I won't get deep into the details of the situation.) She finds herself meeting a man named Butch that has bad memories from war in Iraq. I didn't exactly hate the story, however, I found that it seems pretty juvenile to me. Esther is very immature and doesn't really make the best choices in my opinion. Butch needs to work a bit on how to communicate with her, although I do understand his worry about frightening her. I felt as if a lot of the story had internal dialogue that wasn't necessary because it kept repeating itself. The story was just 'eh' in my opinion. I feel it had a lot of potential and it really didn't live up to what could have been a great story. I've never read a story by this author so I can't compare it to her other work & I'm not sure that I will read another story by her, I just didn't like it.
Individual Rating for The Wolf on Her Doorstep by Kate Pearce would be a 3. This story was better than the first one. It's about a woman, Beth, that has 2 teenage boys (one is her biological son and the other is her son's half brother that she adopted). There is definitely a lot of triggers in this story with physical abuse from the boys biological dad that is in jail. I enjoyed the relationship that was built between Beth & a man named Conner. There was just a lot of growth & how to deal with past hurts and how the Mom, siblings, and her new boyfriend just dealt with life and moving along from past pain. It was interesting but didn't suck me in to the story and make me have to know what was going to happen next. I've never read a story by this author either. I might consider reading another story because this story wasn't horrible & I can see where the story could possibly go.
Individual Rating for Rescue: Cowboy Style by Rebecca Zanetti would be a 5+. I absolutely LOVED this story! Trent is a hot alpha male cowboy that knows what he wants and how to get things accomplished. I love his relationship with his 'brothers' and just everyone around him. The electricity between Trent and Hallie starts immediately and reading about their interactions was phenomenal. The connections that were made with all of the characters had me reading through the night when I should have put the book down and gotten some sleep!! I also absolutely LOVE the wolf 'Harley' in this story. This story was well written, draws you into what is going to happen, makes you WISH you had your very own Trent or even a wolf named Harley, and left me dying for more. I'm hoping we get to enjoy more books set in this amazing world that Rebecca created. I have read previous books written by Rebecca Zanetti and I admit, she has done it again, and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to learn more about these cowboys and their lives. If I'm remembering correctly there are 12 cowboys on the team and I would gladly buy 12 books without hesitation if they are written as phenomenally as this book was written!! Bravo again to Rebecca Zanetti for creating characters that pull at your heartstrings and make you want more!!
If I could rate this anthology based just on the 3rd story of the anthology by Rebecca Zanetti I would give it a 5, however, I feel I do need to take into consideration the other 2 stories. I am rating the anthology an overall 4 ONLY because of how amazing Rescue: Cowboy Style is.
A collection of three steamy cowboy read with loads of drama, suspense and steamy chemistry. Great characters, fast-paced entertaining novellas with lots of emotion. I liked it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I love this collection of stories from this wonderful group of authors. I adored each of the stories. I normally try to leave a review for each story but I wasn’t feeling well while I was reading so I didn’t leave myself any notes.
These three authors are my favorites. They write stories that you just get lost in. Even when sick, I really hated to stop reading! I become enchanted with each story.
I would highly recommend this book of 3 stories.
Three heroes help heroines in distress in this three-book offering under the title LONE WOLF. Authors Diana Palmer, Kate Pearce, and Rebecca Zanetti give readers action-packed, amazing reads that will leave you wanting more.
Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction.
Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=73699
Three Fabulous Cowboy Stories!!
******************************************************************
Colorado Cowboy – Diana Palmer
A wounded veteran and a young lady running for her life. She needs a protector and he need a light in his life. Wildlife rescue means there is also a resident wolf. Emotional and tender building of the relationship. Terrific characters and backstory. An all-around enchanting read!!
******************************************************************
The Wolf om Her Doorstep – Kate Pearce
A grumpy recluse whose companion is half wolf, and a single mom watching the ranch and associated rental cabins while the family is away. When our recluse does not pick up his weekly food stuffs she goes on a well check. His infection and high fever require immediate care.
Two folks who have no interest in a relationship, find themselves enjoying each other’s company.
Life intrudes, but you will enjoy the journey and the story found here!
******************************************************************
Rescue: Cowboy Style – Rebecca Zanetti
New author to me, and I am a big fan!! A dozen “brothers” make their home on the range, after surviving brutal circumstance they all adopt “cowboy” names and work together on the ranch. A young widowed city girl finds her way to them with the assistance of a wolf. She is on the run, but will not divulge her secrets to not put them in danger. She does not realize the hidden talents of these men.
She is equal parts sweet and sass, and she does not realize she has been claimed. Many layers here. A delightful mix of action and emotion.
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
There are three stories in this anthology so I will be doing a mini review for each one.
Colorado Cowboy by Diana Palmer
When Esther's mother is killed right in front of her by her mother's boyfriend, she knows that she has to escape before the boyfriend can come after her for money. When she ran, she hitchhiked somewhere safe, but her body gave out in the snow right in front of Butch's cabin. He lived there by himself but had a three legged wolf named Two-Toes.
Butch found her in the snow and brought her in his cabin. She told him that she saw her mother's boyfriend kill her and planned on getting a job and staying away from the boyfriend. He let her stay with him and after a little while they got close but she made the mistake of not telling him how rich she was especially after she inherits all of her mother's things. She should have gone to the police and told them what happened but she was scared that the boyfriend, Darrin would find her and he had connections that could find her. So while there was a bit of a hiccup when Butch found out that Esther was loaded, things worked out in the end. I really liked this story.
The Wolf On Her Doorstep by Kate Pearce
Beth checked in on Conner who hadn't picked up his groceries at the market for a couple of weeks and found he had an infected leg and a high fever. Beth stayed at his cabin overnight to take care of him after consulting with the town doctor. He's grumpy and she's got some baggage from her abusive ex but they got along really well. His wolf, Loki was a big sweetie and helped get help for Conner. There's some drama with her two teenage sons and her ex but this was a really sweet story.
Rescue: Cowboy Style by Zebecca Zanetti
Hallie and Trent met when her car broke down and she walked a couple of miles in a storm until she saw lights and ended up at a party on Trent's property. She tries to keep it a secret but Trent and his brother's are all trained killers so they know that she's keeping something from them. When she finally comes clean what she's on the run from, Trent enlists his brother's help to remedy the situation. There's a wolf that lives on or near his property but for the most part keeps his distance until Hallie starts staying there and then he wants to be around her all the time. When Hallie realizes that Trent might be dangerous she runs but Trent easily finds her and explains things to her. This was a great story. I liked the action, danger and interesting men Trent's brothers are. I will definitely be reading more of this series.
I requested this book from NetGalley because I love Diana Palmer's books but all of these stories were really good books.
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
A guy and his wolf....
That is, until these three bachelors and their wolf meets his lady match.
I do so enjoy when these ladies do a bundle like Lone Wolf. I especially liked the theme of each of the men having a wolf and how the addition of a female makes a pack.
Recommend.
4.5
A great addition to the Morgan Ranch/Millers of Morgan Valley world.
I requested a copy of this book for review because of Kate Pearce’s story, The Wolf on Her Doorstep. My review and rating is based solely on that book. However, I’ve read several books by the other two authors so I’m looking forward to reading their stories at a later time.
I’ve read all of the books in the Morgan Ranch/Millers of Morgan Valley series and I’ve enjoyed all of them very much. The Wolf on Her Doorstep is a short-ish novella and a very quick read so there’s not a lot of time for character development or romance.
Conner is retired military who survived a oil refinery blowing up. I was actually kind of pleased that this story didn’t dwell too much on Conner’s issues as a veteran as this was a change from the usual retired military trope. Beth and her young adult sons are survivors of domestic abuse. She has a few different jobs, one of which is looking after the cabin where Conner is spending the summer.
For such a short book, Kate Pearce really packs a lot into the story. Beth and Conner have a one-night encounter when she visits his cabin and finds him with a fever and an infected leg. After those things are taken care of, they share a night of uncomplicated sex. Later Conner helps Beth when one of her sons goes to visit his father in prison.
Things happen very quickly in this story, which is necessary due to its short length, but I love to read these because they can act as a palate cleanser in between reading much longer books.
I’m looking forward to reading more books set in the Morgan Valley world.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
Lone Wolf anthology by Diana Palmer, Kate Pearce and Rebecca Zanetti
Contemporary romantic suspense. Each story has a wolf as a pet and former soldiers as the hero. Heat level tame. HEA guaranteed.
Rescue: Cowboy Style by Rebecca Zanetti
Hallie is on the run, being implicated in a crime she uncovered but didn’t commit. Trent and his brothers are just the ones to help her. Especially since Trent has decided to make Hallie his permanently.
Riveting and intense, the former military brothers are ranchers and men of justice. They will protect and make it right. Sigh. Maybe a little less bossiness but good guys all around.
My favorite line: “Instinct of a pinecone.”
I really hope this group turns into a series.
5.0
The Wolf on Her Doorstep by Kate Pearce
Beth Baker finds former Navy SEAL Connor O’Neal in his small rented cabin with a fever from an injury. She cleans the wound and helps Connor with food and other nursing duties. An attraction blooms and they agree it’s just a one time thing and they will move on afterwards. As Con or spends more time with Beth, he finds he wants more.
An emotional story of a family moving into adulthood and a mother realizing she can support but also needs to let go, at the same time learning to love again.
4.0
Colorado Cowboy by Diana Palmer
Esther runs away after seeing her mother murdered. She finds refuge with a military veteran in a small town in Colorado. They fall in love and then must deal with the consequences she left behind.
A sweet and naive woman falls for the man that finds her in a snowy night and cares for her.
I have a lot of thoughts on this story, mostly negative. So suffice it to say: skip to the next.
2.5
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.
Lone Wolf by Diana Palmer, Kate Pearce and Rebecca Zanetti
Three Gentle Wolves (and one more)
Three Cowboys with character and military skills (and perhaps more)
Three Women, all so different but perfect for the men they meet
Three situations with complications to overcome before
Three happily ever after romances are complete.
COLORADO COWBOY by Diana Palmer
Esther Marist needs a safe place to land and finds it with Butch Matthews. Opposites attract, they say, and that is true in this sweet romance in which two people find what truly makes them happy.
THE WOLF ON HER DOORSTEP by Kate Pearce
I have enjoyed the visits to Morgantown that I have made with this author and found myself remembering past stories as I caught up with Beth and her sons. Beth definitely met a good man in Conner O’Neil and I enjoyed reading their story. Sure, it would have been nice to have this novella a novel but it hit all the high points and I was thrilled the two ended up together as they seemed perfect for one another.
RESCUE: Cowboy Style by Rebecca Zanetti
This should be the introduction to a series, and I hope it will be. With twelve “brothers” that have a friendship forged in fire coming together in Wyoming and all needing women of their own I can just see this spinning off into something wonderful. I loved Hallie and Trent! Their relationship played out so well that I felt I was there. Loved this one…truly did! The men are intriguing and I hope to hear more about each and every one of them.
The Wolves: Two-Toes was a quiet presence, Loki somewhat Lassie-like, and Harley almost a spirit-creature leading Hallie to safety. Nice tie-in for the collection of stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
This is an anthology of three short stories from three different authors . Each is set out west and contains a canine companion. While, good for being short stories there could be some more character development. The book contains 3 enjoyable stories which are written by vastly different authors. The stories are good for a fast read.
Received as an ARC from Netgalley
NOTE: My review covers RESCUE: COWBOY STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti
REVIEW: RESCUE: COWBOY STYLE by Rebecca Zanetti is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense novella found in the multi-authored Lone Wolf anthology. This is cowboy/rancher thirty-two year old Trent Logan, and twenty-four year old, accountant Hallie Rose’s story line.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Trent and Hallie) RESCUE: COWBOY STYLE follows twenty-four year old accountant Hallie Rose in the aftermath of an accident on her way through Wyoming cattle country but Hallie never expected to walk into a ranch house, meeting cowboy Trent Logan, a man who stirs something deep within our story line heroine.
Trent Logan suspects Hallie Rose is on the run but our heroine refuses to reveal the truth about her past. With his ‘brothers in arms’ Trent slowly begins to break down our heroine’s walls but Trent and his fellow co-op cowboys are keeping secrets of their own, secrets that are dark and dangerous. When Hallie’s past starts closing in , Trent and his ‘brothers’ begin an investigation of their own discovering the truth behind the threats against Hallie Rose. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Hallie and Trent, and the potential fall-out as Hallie’s past is determined to take down our story line heroine.
The relationship between Hallie and Trent is quick to develop. Trent believes Hallie is his very own happily ever after, the first of his ‘brothers’ to find some peace and happiness after years battling the demons from their past. There are no $ex scenes; the sexual attraction is palpable.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Trent’s ‘brothers in arms’ alluding to several more story lines and a potential new series.
RESCUE: COWBOY STYLE is a fast paced, intriguing and energetic story line. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is sweet and seductive; the characters are engaging, charismatic and numerous.
THE READING CAFE: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/lone-wolf-anthology-rescue-cowboy-style-by-rebecca-zanetti-review/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3956207243
AMAZON. COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2XTQHVLSL5YYT/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1666925963
B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted
iBooks (Sandy Sch) posted
GOOGLE PLAY (Sandy Sch) posted
I am not usually a fan of multi author books but this one was spot on. They all a a similar theme and were easy to read and left this reader wanting way more of the stories and characters. A really good book.
So if you like western's and cowboy stories-this collection of novella's from 3 great author's is definitely for you! These are connected in that they are western, cowboy type books but in no way are connected otherwise.
Book 1 is Colorado Cowboy by Diana Palmer. I have to say that I like some of Diana Palmer's books but this one is definitely my least favorite in this book. In this one, Esther is on the run after watching her mother be murdered. She has no money and no idea where to go, let alone what to do when Butch offer's her a safe place to stay. I didn't really like Esther, she seemed entirely too childish to me. And there is a big difference between innocent and sheltered and literally feeling like a child. So I definitely had a hard time with this one.
Book 2 is The Wolf on her Doorstep by Kate Pearce. I am not sure that I have ever read anything by this author before this novella. In this one we have a divorced mother who works for a local ranch. She goes to one of the cabin's the ranch rents out in order to check on the renter. And when she realizes that he is hurt, she helps him. I honestly felt like this story needs a full length book. There was so much left unsaid, and so much more that can be added to their story. But as an author I hadn't read before, I really liked it. It was compelling and sucked me in, and I definitely would read more of their story if this novella was lengthened into a full length book!
Book 3 is Rescue: Cowboy Style by Rebecca Zanetti, and this is the whole reason I wanted to read this book! I love everything that she writes, and this was no different although I wish it was longer! Trent and his brother's are trying to figure out how to be civilian's after being special forces for so long. And when Hallie's car breaks down near their club, Trent goes to help her. Trent is typical of this author's characters in that he is definitely the protective, alpha male. And, as usual, I absolutely loved how he comes across! Hallie is sweet even though she has secrets. And as usual I am left needing stories for all the side characters! I am hopeful that this was the way she is introducing a new series! Loved this one!
So overall, I would give it a 4-they are definitely worth the read even though I loved one more than the others. And I got to read a new to me author with a story that left me intrigued. Well worth it in my opinion!
This is a very entertaining collection. It is unique because each story has a wolf in it. The characters are also lone wolves in differing ways.
I enjoyed Kate Pearce's story very much. I had wondered what Beth's backstory was, and I loved reading about her. She is so brave and funny. As the mother of 5 teenaged sons, I thought her way of handling the stubborn men in her life was just perfect. Conner is a wonderful match for her because he sees Beth's true worth as a person.
I have not read anything by Rebecca Zanetti before. I enjoyed discovering someone new to read. This story seemed to be the beginning of a series. If it is, then I am hooked. I would love to know what happens next for this band of military brothers.
It's been a few years since I read one of Palmer's books, but this story reminded me of those books. If you like her books, you will definitely like this story. The animals that Butch was caring for were an interesting touch.
This book contains 3 short cowboy stories that are fabulous. I loved Kate Pearce’s The wolf on Her Doorstep. I brings the reader back to Morgan Valley with all it’s lovable characters. This story deals with some difficult realities and does a wonderful job with it. The characters are great and the pace was spot on. Can't wait for more Morgan Valley!!
what a wonderful group of stories and each with a wolf involved - it was a fun read and I truly enjoyed each authors move through the characters lives to their HEA! I read a netgalley version and freely leave my review!