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The only thing that frightens shapeshifter Selene Rhodes more than the full moon is the idea of falling in love.
Selene Rhodes has lived her whole life with a terrible not only can she take the form of any animal at will, but once a month the full moon transforms her into a fierce wolf-creature without a human conscience. Managing her condition means living by a strict routine, and more importantly, abstaining from intimate relationships with human beings. Selene is convinced that love and friendship can only bring her pain.
Forensic pathologist Eve Thomas is well-acquainted with the pain of romantic love. Swearing off relationships after having her heart broken by a cheating ex, Eve throws herself into her catching murderers. When Selene comes to her aid after an attack by a masked man in Golden Gate Park, Eve is shocked by how powerfully she is drawn to her mysterious savior.
Shaken by her own feelings for Eve, Selene is even more terrified to realize she isn’t even close to being the scariest monster stalking San Francisco. There is someone out in the city who is killing for pleasure, and his next target is the one woman he thinks might be able to stop Eve
Selene Rhodes has lived her whole life with a terrible not only can she take the form of any animal at will, but once a month the full moon transforms her into a fierce wolf-creature without a human conscience. Managing her condition means living by a strict routine, and more importantly, abstaining from intimate relationships with human beings. Selene is convinced that love and friendship can only bring her pain.
Forensic pathologist Eve Thomas is well-acquainted with the pain of romantic love. Swearing off relationships after having her heart broken by a cheating ex, Eve throws herself into her catching murderers. When Selene comes to her aid after an attack by a masked man in Golden Gate Park, Eve is shocked by how powerfully she is drawn to her mysterious savior.
Shaken by her own feelings for Eve, Selene is even more terrified to realize she isn’t even close to being the scariest monster stalking San Francisco. There is someone out in the city who is killing for pleasure, and his next target is the one woman he thinks might be able to stop Eve
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2011
About the author
Meghan O'Brien
34 books1,064 followersBorn in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Meghan O’Brien relocated to Northern California in 2005. As a transplant, she enjoys the moderate weather and gorgeous scenery of the Bay Area. Meghan lives with her wife, their son, three cats, three dogs, two snakes and several tarantulas. Yes, it can be just as chaotic as it sounds.
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
March 8, 2017
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 STARS for a re-read, this time for the audio book.
Excellent narrator (Alexandria Wilde) that added to the experience and a star. Each voice was distinctive, though I'm not sure if Selene's accent is necessarily Italian. It was mentioned in the book as "European" when Jac could not place her accent so I guess it fits.
I believe this is O'Brien's only paranormal book (unless you count "The Muse")? I wouldn't mind if wrote another or even revisit this couple. Unlike many paranormal books, there wasn't much world building which didn't bother me. Selene was alone in the world, not knowing anyone like herself. We ride along with her as she stretches her powers to protect Eve.
Excellent narrator (Alexandria Wilde) that added to the experience and a star. Each voice was distinctive, though I'm not sure if Selene's accent is necessarily Italian. It was mentioned in the book as "European" when Jac could not place her accent so I guess it fits.
I believe this is O'Brien's only paranormal book (unless you count "The Muse")? I wouldn't mind if wrote another or even revisit this couple. Unlike many paranormal books, there wasn't much world building which didn't bother me. Selene was alone in the world, not knowing anyone like herself. We ride along with her as she stretches her powers to protect Eve.
September 11, 2024
I believe this was one of my first strolls into erotic lesbian romance. Makes me kick myself, considering that it took so long to start. Her characters are so vivid I can practically picture them. Or, visuals I find the most attractive suit Eve and Selene. Either way, it's a pleasure, really.
The paranormal angle is a delightful twist. Enough of it to add zest and intrigue to the story, but not so much that my eyes glazed over walls of description text. At the very heart of this, it's a steamy, gratifying romance. Meghan O'Brien's sex scenes are some the absolute best and I never feel like I'm reading the same acts over and over again. Imaginative and hot.
The paranormal angle is a delightful twist. Enough of it to add zest and intrigue to the story, but not so much that my eyes glazed over walls of description text. At the very heart of this, it's a steamy, gratifying romance. Meghan O'Brien's sex scenes are some the absolute best and I never feel like I'm reading the same acts over and over again. Imaginative and hot.
July 7, 2019
I chose O’Brien’s ‘Wild’ continuing with my new year resolution to read more lesbian books out of my comfort zone. Thanks, Tere for the recommendation! I’m so glad I decided to finally take the plunge and read it. It’s true that it deals with a vicious serial killer and there are violence and some disturbing content which normally are triggers for me, but the author handles them with finesse.
Selene Rhodes is a reclusive designer who hides a secret, not only she can shift to any other animal shape but also every full moon she transforms into a werewolf without a human conscience. So, for her, any romantic involvement is ruled out. Forensic pathologist Eve Thomas is brilliant at her profession but unlucky in love. When she meets Selene, who helps her after an attack, they cannot help but feel strongly drawn to each other. But Selene keeps secrets and Eve cannot trust her. Can Selene open up to Eve and help her catch a dangerous serial killer?
Even though the obvious label for this book is fantasy/crime and there is a good portion of the plot that revolves around catching a serial killer, the romance is at the forefront of the plot. The love story isn’t just a bit of emotion thrown at the side, it’s a full-on, filled with tension and angst, hot-as-hell romance. Ms. O’Brien is well known for her erotica novels so it’s not unexpected that she can turn the heat up on any type of genre. What caught me unawares is the level of feelings and depth of emotions involved.
‘Wild’ is written in third person from the point of view of Selene, Eve and the serial killer so the reader gets to know his intentions before the characters. This doesn’t take the thrill and some parts keep the reader at the edge of their seat. All the characters are well-written and the reader can really empathise with their feelings and at times feel their heartbreak. This book will leave satisfied not only the fantasy / crime fans but also those who are looking for a beautiful romance.
Overall, a great fantasy / crime book with a beautiful romance at the forefront. 5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Selene Rhodes is a reclusive designer who hides a secret, not only she can shift to any other animal shape but also every full moon she transforms into a werewolf without a human conscience. So, for her, any romantic involvement is ruled out. Forensic pathologist Eve Thomas is brilliant at her profession but unlucky in love. When she meets Selene, who helps her after an attack, they cannot help but feel strongly drawn to each other. But Selene keeps secrets and Eve cannot trust her. Can Selene open up to Eve and help her catch a dangerous serial killer?
Even though the obvious label for this book is fantasy/crime and there is a good portion of the plot that revolves around catching a serial killer, the romance is at the forefront of the plot. The love story isn’t just a bit of emotion thrown at the side, it’s a full-on, filled with tension and angst, hot-as-hell romance. Ms. O’Brien is well known for her erotica novels so it’s not unexpected that she can turn the heat up on any type of genre. What caught me unawares is the level of feelings and depth of emotions involved.
‘Wild’ is written in third person from the point of view of Selene, Eve and the serial killer so the reader gets to know his intentions before the characters. This doesn’t take the thrill and some parts keep the reader at the edge of their seat. All the characters are well-written and the reader can really empathise with their feelings and at times feel their heartbreak. This book will leave satisfied not only the fantasy / crime fans but also those who are looking for a beautiful romance.
Overall, a great fantasy / crime book with a beautiful romance at the forefront. 5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
June 19, 2021
I loved this paperback when I read it many moons ago. Friends kept suggesting I try the audio version and I'm glad I did! Narrated by Abby Craden's alter ego Alexandria Wilde, it's just as hot as I remembered. It was my first foray into paranormal shapeshifting books and while I don't necessarily seek those out, this was a well written, frightening and entertaining erotic romance. The focus is more on interpersonal relationships than Seline's ability to shift. The resolution was a little neat, but you know what? Didn't bother me. It did leave the door wide open for a sequel, which she hasn't written so far. I hope her muse comes back and O'Brien decides to give it a go!
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November 4, 2021Dnf at 43%. Their whole connection seems to be a supernatural connection and I haven’t seen anything other than that? It all seems superficial and I’m just not enjoying their relationship at all right now. I may come back at some point.
February 14, 2017
I really liked this book.
I'm usually not a fan of werewolves with heightened sexual frenzy, but, in this case, there was a great stress on feelings, and the result was rather delicate. Erotic parts were harmoniously melted with inner emotions of the characters and they are really nice. There's much consideration and attention between them, even an ideal sincerity. I appreciated it.
Also, reading is compelling and there is an intriguing thriller subplot, even if the end is a bit predictable.
But what I liked most about this story are Selene's contrasts. She could be the most perfect supernatural hunter, with physical and psichic superpowers, and yet she's the most lovingly insecure sweetheart. Stunning and frail: my heart was conquered.
4.5 stars
I'm usually not a fan of werewolves with heightened sexual frenzy, but, in this case, there was a great stress on feelings, and the result was rather delicate. Erotic parts were harmoniously melted with inner emotions of the characters and they are really nice. There's much consideration and attention between them, even an ideal sincerity. I appreciated it.
Also, reading is compelling and there is an intriguing thriller subplot, even if the end is a bit predictable.
But what I liked most about this story are Selene's contrasts. She could be the most perfect supernatural hunter, with physical and psichic superpowers, and yet she's the most lovingly insecure sweetheart. Stunning and frail: my heart was conquered.
4.5 stars
July 21, 2022
I read this a couple years ago but just listened to the Audible version of it. The sultry yummy voice of the narrator turned this 4 star book into a 5 star audio book experience.
March 21, 2023
Super spicy 🔥, an interesting take on shape-shifters, and an enjoyable serial killer side plot? Sign me up!
This was my first Meghan O'Brien book and most definitely won't be my last because holy crap those sex scenes! Paired with Alexandria Wilde (hint: that means Abby Craden is reading something racy), it made for a very fun listen.
This was my first Meghan O'Brien book and most definitely won't be my last because holy crap those sex scenes! Paired with Alexandria Wilde (hint: that means Abby Craden is reading something racy), it made for a very fun listen.
February 20, 2017
I'd rate this book around 3.75 stars.
I found myself really pulled in and entertained...ie, couldn't stop reading so the writing style and premise were compelling. There is an insta-love, animal-like connection between the leads, Selene and Eve, which I forgive more in this paranormal genre than if it was a straight romance. The story arc, dialogue, characters, intimacy scenes, etc all work and, overall, this is a better than average read.
What dinged it is Selene, the shape-shifter's, character and the fact that there's no backstory/world building to the whole paranormal element. It just exists and does so only with Selene so it feels oddly out of place at times. The ending also feels a little abrupt.
Regarding Selene, interestingly, we start the book out with her and I felt she had a really strong presence. However, that shifts and she recedes in the book as a focus is placed on Eve, the forensic pathologist. Eve is interesting and well-defined so it's not a travesty but a weird dynamic gets set where Selene almost becomes juvenile in nature, in an arrested development type manner. Maybe it's just me that feels that way. Anyway, Selene starts feeling somewhat like a teenager while Eve is this mature woman so...I don't know. I think I would've liked it more if Selene continued to embody the strength and maturity we were initially introduced to.
I did like that Meghan O'Brien went in a completely different direction from her other books in topic and genre.
Worth the read.
I found myself really pulled in and entertained...ie, couldn't stop reading so the writing style and premise were compelling. There is an insta-love, animal-like connection between the leads, Selene and Eve, which I forgive more in this paranormal genre than if it was a straight romance. The story arc, dialogue, characters, intimacy scenes, etc all work and, overall, this is a better than average read.
What dinged it is Selene, the shape-shifter's, character and the fact that there's no backstory/world building to the whole paranormal element. It just exists and does so only with Selene so it feels oddly out of place at times. The ending also feels a little abrupt.
Regarding Selene, interestingly, we start the book out with her and I felt she had a really strong presence. However, that shifts and she recedes in the book as a focus is placed on Eve, the forensic pathologist. Eve is interesting and well-defined so it's not a travesty but a weird dynamic gets set where Selene almost becomes juvenile in nature, in an arrested development type manner. Maybe it's just me that feels that way. Anyway, Selene starts feeling somewhat like a teenager while Eve is this mature woman so...I don't know. I think I would've liked it more if Selene continued to embody the strength and maturity we were initially introduced to.
I did like that Meghan O'Brien went in a completely different direction from her other books in topic and genre.
Worth the read.
October 1, 2020
I absolutely loved this book so much!! I just wish it didn’t end so abruptly. We got our happy ending but I feel that we could’ve read a bit more about Eve telling Selene how cute a wolf she was after what happened in the end and the situation with Jac and a possible job offer 😂 and just more scenes between Selene and Eve 😍 I love those two so much! Especially Selene. This last transformation scene when Eve hid her in the room was just so cute and sweet 🥺 Her Wolf is such a soft kind puppy! Awn!
I love shapeshifter/werewolf stories, but I gotta say I loved this one even more because it was different from all the other available stories out there. It wasn’t as predictable so to speak. I wouldn’t mind a sequel where we could see more about Selene and Eve figuring out about more about Selena’s abilities and maybe trying to find Selena’s birth parents to see how she came to her powers and stuff. That would be pretty cool. Anyways, 100% recommend this 🤩
I love shapeshifter/werewolf stories, but I gotta say I loved this one even more because it was different from all the other available stories out there. It wasn’t as predictable so to speak. I wouldn’t mind a sequel where we could see more about Selene and Eve figuring out about more about Selena’s abilities and maybe trying to find Selena’s birth parents to see how she came to her powers and stuff. That would be pretty cool. Anyways, 100% recommend this 🤩
October 28, 2017
I loved to listen to this audiobook. What more can a girl want? A thrilling crime case, a shape-shifter, telepathy, romance ... a great narrator. It's been a treat.
I love how O'Brien can create characters I REALLY like and identify with (well apart from Kev).
However, I've decided from now on to review the cover as well. Even though I do not judge a book by its cover (mostly), I'm really sad, when the cover does not show how truly great the book is.
So, what is it that I don't like about the cover. First, the moon and the bird on the face look like horns or bumps in the thumbnail. Second, and this may be a matter of taste, I just don't like how the title sits on the cover. Anyway as I really, really liked this book I've created an illustration, just so I'll be able to look at that when I want to read it again.
I love how O'Brien can create characters I REALLY like and identify with (well apart from Kev).
However, I've decided from now on to review the cover as well. Even though I do not judge a book by its cover (mostly), I'm really sad, when the cover does not show how truly great the book is.
So, what is it that I don't like about the cover. First, the moon and the bird on the face look like horns or bumps in the thumbnail. Second, and this may be a matter of taste, I just don't like how the title sits on the cover. Anyway as I really, really liked this book I've created an illustration, just so I'll be able to look at that when I want to read it again.
April 27, 2022
Intense crazy book with big time paranormal and erotic tropes. This is not for everyone and I found it hard to put down. My first O’Brien book and I think she did a great job making a supernatural character believable as well as the romance between the two MCs.
June 30, 2020
4/5 stars
WOW this book really turned up the heat. This is my first book from O'Brien but I can already tell she has mastered the art of erotic romance. The chemistry between our characters was completely off the charts and sizzled right from the beginning. The pure fire that was the relationship made this such an addictive story to read. While I do admit that this had a very strong insta-attraction/ insta-love feel (which I would often criticise), the paranormal nature of the story (soul-mate kind of territory) and just how convincingly the relationship was portrayed really made me forgive this.
In addition to this fiery romance, the crime/mystery storyline was really good. While this is a paranormal as Selena is a shapeshifter, the crime plotline was much more developed. In terms of paranormal aspects, Selena was the only paranormal being in this book with no history/other paranormal aspects being explored at all. If you are going into this book expecting a well-rounded paranormal story then this is probably not the book for you. However, the crime aspect of the book was so well-developed and interesting, that I honestly didn't mind at all that this felt less like a paranormal romance and more like a mystery/crime romance. Much of the story was focused on trying to track this serial killer and it was interesting, entertaining and blended well with the romance/paranormal parts of the story. As someone who is often not super into crime and mystery especially in romance stories, I was really pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed this part of the book.
Considering how much I liked this book, I'm really excited to read more from O'Brien!
WOW this book really turned up the heat. This is my first book from O'Brien but I can already tell she has mastered the art of erotic romance. The chemistry between our characters was completely off the charts and sizzled right from the beginning. The pure fire that was the relationship made this such an addictive story to read. While I do admit that this had a very strong insta-attraction/ insta-love feel (which I would often criticise), the paranormal nature of the story (soul-mate kind of territory) and just how convincingly the relationship was portrayed really made me forgive this.
In addition to this fiery romance, the crime/mystery storyline was really good. While this is a paranormal as Selena is a shapeshifter, the crime plotline was much more developed. In terms of paranormal aspects, Selena was the only paranormal being in this book with no history/other paranormal aspects being explored at all. If you are going into this book expecting a well-rounded paranormal story then this is probably not the book for you. However, the crime aspect of the book was so well-developed and interesting, that I honestly didn't mind at all that this felt less like a paranormal romance and more like a mystery/crime romance. Much of the story was focused on trying to track this serial killer and it was interesting, entertaining and blended well with the romance/paranormal parts of the story. As someone who is often not super into crime and mystery especially in romance stories, I was really pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed this part of the book.
Considering how much I liked this book, I'm really excited to read more from O'Brien!
April 30, 2015
What an entertaining story!
It sounds like the typical "supernatural girl falls for the human" and vice versa story, but it really is different from anything I've read before. Selene might be a shape shifter, but she's spent half her life hiding and suppressing her true self, which makes her every bit as vulnerable as any human being (if not more). Her story is incredibly touching: she's been alone and lonely for years, and doesn't expect her life to change, ever. Of course, once Eve, brave, sweet, geeky intelligent Eve enters the picture, everything changes for both of them. Eve and Selene are both afraid to get attached (Eve because her ex cheated on her, and Selene because she thinks she'll never be able to share her whole self with somebody). But the connection is there from the start and undeniable. A supernatural bond that neither can really understand, and the strength of it defies all reason: Selene and Eve can't help but fall into each other's arms, mere days after they first meet. It may sound corny and unrealistic, but it really works.
I like the fact that we get to read about how their relationship evolves, and how Selene struggles to hide her secret when she is obviously head over heels in love with Eve. There's a great deal of angst, but not the kind of angst that depresses you, the kind that excites you, that makes you want to keep reading, because you KNOW it's going to end well.
The story has everything: a great balance of supernatural and human emotions, of hot arousing sex and tender love, of romance and thriller, of humor and seriousness. I was hooked from the first chapter that I started at 10pm, took a few bathroom breaks here and there and didn't stop until sunrise (really.). It was, quite simply, a delight to read.
We get to read the story from both women's POV so it was really easy to understand their motives and behaviors. Admittedly, I sometimes found it hard to relate to some of the things the women were feelings, since those things were induced by their supernatural bond, but I still believed every word of the story.
I really recommend it!
And I advise you NOT to read it at work. Or on the street. Or at a café. Or any place where there are people around. I knew O'Brien mastered the art of erotica but damn. I was surprised by how well those sex scenes were integrated within a really sweet romantic story. Great, great read indeed!
It sounds like the typical "supernatural girl falls for the human" and vice versa story, but it really is different from anything I've read before. Selene might be a shape shifter, but she's spent half her life hiding and suppressing her true self, which makes her every bit as vulnerable as any human being (if not more). Her story is incredibly touching: she's been alone and lonely for years, and doesn't expect her life to change, ever. Of course, once Eve, brave, sweet, geeky intelligent Eve enters the picture, everything changes for both of them. Eve and Selene are both afraid to get attached (Eve because her ex cheated on her, and Selene because she thinks she'll never be able to share her whole self with somebody). But the connection is there from the start and undeniable. A supernatural bond that neither can really understand, and the strength of it defies all reason: Selene and Eve can't help but fall into each other's arms, mere days after they first meet. It may sound corny and unrealistic, but it really works.
I like the fact that we get to read about how their relationship evolves, and how Selene struggles to hide her secret when she is obviously head over heels in love with Eve. There's a great deal of angst, but not the kind of angst that depresses you, the kind that excites you, that makes you want to keep reading, because you KNOW it's going to end well.
The story has everything: a great balance of supernatural and human emotions, of hot arousing sex and tender love, of romance and thriller, of humor and seriousness. I was hooked from the first chapter that I started at 10pm, took a few bathroom breaks here and there and didn't stop until sunrise (really.). It was, quite simply, a delight to read.
We get to read the story from both women's POV so it was really easy to understand their motives and behaviors. Admittedly, I sometimes found it hard to relate to some of the things the women were feelings, since those things were induced by their supernatural bond, but I still believed every word of the story.
I really recommend it!
And I advise you NOT to read it at work. Or on the street. Or at a café. Or any place where there are people around. I knew O'Brien mastered the art of erotica but damn. I was surprised by how well those sex scenes were integrated within a really sweet romantic story. Great, great read indeed!
January 26, 2022
i really enjoyed this. i picked it up because i realized that alexandra wilde is abby craden, reading (best guess) more erotica-like stories, and i love her narration, and also WEREWOLVES. i love werewolves. they are my favorite horror/fantasy/creature probably and there aren't enough stories that hit them the way i enjoy them, especially not sapphic ones. this is sllllightly less werewolf and more shifter with werewolf elements, but it's close enough that i had a good time.
this did have more erotica sex scenes than maybe your average romance novel, but it is def very heavy on plot and character stuff. i sort of expected more, tbh but only because i don't read a lot of erotica and don't know what to expect, i guess. i don't know if this even qualifies?? the plot has to do with a serial killer and (possible, though never happens on page, only is threatened as something that might happen) rape. so, beforewarned, you do get a few short chapters in the killer's pov and this is largely a story about stalking, a serial killer case, AND set in between, a love story between a lonely shapeshifter and a forensic pathologist with trust baggage issues.
i really liked both selene and eve as characters, and their dynamic (though very fast) was really fun to delve into. i found jack, eve's cheating ex and a cop, to be really fucking irritating, but she made sense, character-wise. i adoooored the voices alexandra/abby gave to eve and selene. i have no idea if selene's voice is actually kinda italian sounding, but what it does sound is hot and dreamy and lovely. to my ear, at least. overall, i enjoyed this and i'd rec it. i'd like to see a sequel, honestly. i think there is setup where we could see selene and eve learning more about selene's powers and their relationship develop further, but it doesn't leave the reader feeling unsatisfied.
this did have more erotica sex scenes than maybe your average romance novel, but it is def very heavy on plot and character stuff. i sort of expected more, tbh but only because i don't read a lot of erotica and don't know what to expect, i guess. i don't know if this even qualifies?? the plot has to do with a serial killer and (possible, though never happens on page, only is threatened as something that might happen) rape. so, beforewarned, you do get a few short chapters in the killer's pov and this is largely a story about stalking, a serial killer case, AND set in between, a love story between a lonely shapeshifter and a forensic pathologist with trust baggage issues.
i really liked both selene and eve as characters, and their dynamic (though very fast) was really fun to delve into. i found jack, eve's cheating ex and a cop, to be really fucking irritating, but she made sense, character-wise. i adoooored the voices alexandra/abby gave to eve and selene. i have no idea if selene's voice is actually kinda italian sounding, but what it does sound is hot and dreamy and lovely. to my ear, at least. overall, i enjoyed this and i'd rec it. i'd like to see a sequel, honestly. i think there is setup where we could see selene and eve learning more about selene's powers and their relationship develop further, but it doesn't leave the reader feeling unsatisfied.
January 5, 2020
I really enjoy Meghan O'Brien's books, and this was my only other experience with a story about a shape-shifter other than the Twilight series. O'Brien brings her usual great writing and hot sex to this one - and I was really pleased that the focus was on the strong, swift and deep romantic connection between the two MCs. It seemed at the end like this was set up well for a sequel so I am disappointed to find that there isn't a follow-up to it, beyond a short story compilation later. Very cool story - liked it a lot!
September 5, 2017
It was a fun ride. I liked both characters. I wish there hadn't been a serial killer, but you can't have everything. ;)
August 22, 2022
In Wild, Dr. Eve Thomas is a forensic pathologist who falls in love with Selene, a woman who can shapeshift into animals. A serial killer is on the hunt for Eve and Selene must use her abilities to protect Eve from him. In other words- pure escapism!
I had heard through the grapevine about shifter romances and had to try one out for myself. I found this one quite entertaining and enjoyed the effort O'Brien put into fleshing out the shifting plotline, for ex. how Selene's senses would be filtered through whatever capabilities the animal had. I enjoyed both leading women and love seeing women in STEM front and center. Since Selene does shift into a large beast during the full moon there were some werewolf qualities to the story, such as her protectiveness of Eve and the women sharing an "empathy link" with which they were connected to each other's emotions. Selene and Eve's relationship progressed rather fast, I would even categorize it as insta-love, but because of said empathy link and this idea that they were fated mates it made sense contextually and didn't ick me out.
One thing I did not enjoy was Eve's cheating ex Jac being being such a prominent part of the book. I found her to be brash and not respectful of Eve's boundaries and new relationship, there was even a scene where she pushed physical intimacy onto Eve in a way that made me uncomfortable. That being said, the book still worked for me more than it didn't. Oh and I thought the sex scenes were well done! Very ahem...wild.
I had heard through the grapevine about shifter romances and had to try one out for myself. I found this one quite entertaining and enjoyed the effort O'Brien put into fleshing out the shifting plotline, for ex. how Selene's senses would be filtered through whatever capabilities the animal had. I enjoyed both leading women and love seeing women in STEM front and center. Since Selene does shift into a large beast during the full moon there were some werewolf qualities to the story, such as her protectiveness of Eve and the women sharing an "empathy link" with which they were connected to each other's emotions. Selene and Eve's relationship progressed rather fast, I would even categorize it as insta-love, but because of said empathy link and this idea that they were fated mates it made sense contextually and didn't ick me out.
One thing I did not enjoy was Eve's cheating ex Jac being being such a prominent part of the book. I found her to be brash and not respectful of Eve's boundaries and new relationship, there was even a scene where she pushed physical intimacy onto Eve in a way that made me uncomfortable. That being said, the book still worked for me more than it didn't. Oh and I thought the sex scenes were well done! Very ahem...wild.
February 4, 2017
5 stars. Exciting, sexy, fun, and one hell of an adventure. Please oh please let there be a sequel. If you get the audio version it will blow you away. The narrator brought the characters to life. Very sexy.
April 14, 2017
Wild by Meghan O’Brien is a paranormal romance with a heavy emphasis on the romance. It’s got the sexiness we all expect from this author, but with a shifter and a wannabe serial killer thrown in the mix, it’s totally different from anything else she’s published.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/wild-...
Podcast episode here: https://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.co...
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/wild-...
Podcast episode here: https://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.co...
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April 22, 2023I really liked Meghan O'Brien's Endgame and Battle Scars, but while Wild isn't badly written per se, I didn't like it as much. It didn't have enough world building to work as paranormal fiction. Selene is the only shape-shifter/werewolf around, and she doesn't even seem to wonder if there are others like her.
It's more of a romance than a paranormal novel, but even the romance didn't fully convince me. For someone who avoided emotional attachments for many years, she let herself enter into a relationship a bit too quickly.
If you are looking for a good paranormal fiction novel, you'll probably be disappointed.
It's more of a romance than a paranormal novel, but even the romance didn't fully convince me. For someone who avoided emotional attachments for many years, she let herself enter into a relationship a bit too quickly.
If you are looking for a good paranormal fiction novel, you'll probably be disappointed.
February 20, 2020
Recommend this book and the Audible.
A great shifter story. O’Brien has written some great characters. An Italian shifter lives in San Francisco where she meets a forensic pathologist who has recently caught her partner, a police detective, cheating on her. The doctor is viciously attacked by a serial killer in Golden Gate Park but is saved by a wolf - wolves in San Francisco? The shifter and doctor have a unusual emotional connection, well unusual for a human, and fall in love. The story goes from there as they hunt for the serial killer. Mild sex and HEA.
I listened to the Audible and followed along in the ebook. The narrator, Alexandra Wild, did a great job.
A great shifter story. O’Brien has written some great characters. An Italian shifter lives in San Francisco where she meets a forensic pathologist who has recently caught her partner, a police detective, cheating on her. The doctor is viciously attacked by a serial killer in Golden Gate Park but is saved by a wolf - wolves in San Francisco? The shifter and doctor have a unusual emotional connection, well unusual for a human, and fall in love. The story goes from there as they hunt for the serial killer. Mild sex and HEA.
I listened to the Audible and followed along in the ebook. The narrator, Alexandra Wild, did a great job.
January 8, 2017
Meghan O'Brien continues to surprise me. I had a certain idea what her books were like: good stories with lots of sex. This one has its fair share of sex too but I LOVED the story that went with it. Courage, unconditional love, and sacrifice are all in this one and I just found it to be heartwarming. I simply must say thank you to Radclyffe for writing the Midnight Hunt series. Had I not read that I never would have read this novel in the first place and I'm so glad I did.
February 20, 2023
More than 5 stars. I usually don’t like unnatural books, but this one...... Wauw!! It even had me crying because I felt The love and panic and the urge and the connection. And the book was also hot because..well its a Meghan O’ Brien. This is number 5 in my top 10.
July 2019 Listened to the audio version on audible. It was my first one. I’m more a reading person, it gives me more fantasy. But it was well done.
July 2019 Listened to the audio version on audible. It was my first one. I’m more a reading person, it gives me more fantasy. But it was well done.
July 21, 2022
For the most part this was an okay read for me. Likely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️
But when the dog commands started that killed it for me.
Selene took a running leap jumping on the bed which creaked at her weight. Compelling Eve forward snapping her fingers and pointing to the floor “OFF!”.
obeying immediately Selene crossed the room to sit attentively on the rug at her feet.
🤔 no.
1.5 stars only because I enjoyed the crime element
But when the dog commands started that killed it for me.
Selene took a running leap jumping on the bed which creaked at her weight. Compelling Eve forward snapping her fingers and pointing to the floor “OFF!”.
obeying immediately Selene crossed the room to sit attentively on the rug at her feet.
🤔 no.
1.5 stars only because I enjoyed the crime element
March 5, 2022
“Well, I am a scientist.” Pushing aside any lingering doubt, Eve closed the distance between them, pausing when her lips were mere inches from Selene’s. “Testing theories is sort of my thing.”
3.5 stars. Though this had a healthy number of my nit-picks and narrative dislikes, I really liked this paranormal romance! It's my first full length book from O'Brien, and definitely my favourite so far. Selene is a shapeshifter who knows very little about her nature/the paranormal world, and Eve is a forensic pathologist who's got a serial killer on stalking her. They meet after a traumatic event, and immediately click. The term "fated mates" isn't used, but that's clearly what they are; they have an empathic bond that goes beyond description. Their first meeting and the events that follow are so good; I actually felt the spark of attraction between them, and it so so swoony from the very beginning. Not all books do that convincingly enough, and it laid such a good, stable foundation that I didn't mind that the relationship moved faster than my slow-burn-loving heart usually prefers.
As mentioned, there's a bunch of things that'll just never work for me. We get periodic snippets from the villain's POV, which will just never appeal to me, especially if the book is going to retain any kind of suspense. Some sources of conflict included lack of communication and ex-girlfriend drama, both of which I hate. Though I'll admit, the ex-gf stuff wasn't as annoying as it could have been, since Jac is a stable presence in Eve's life, and has a reason to be around. She doesn't just show up. But her attitude and the jealousy plot with her and just the way she was written got almost caricaturish, and just not enjoyable. And while I understood Selene's reasons for keeping secrets, this one was just kept too long, and I wish a way had been found to bring her into the know sooner.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Alexandria Wilde, who was as impressive, immersive, and enjoyable as always. O'Brien's books are always really hot, and this was no exception. Even though the paranormal world wasn't really developed well, I still liked what we got. And even though I had my nitpicks with the romance, they were just so great together. Really glad I picked this up!
Content warnings:
August 6, 2017
A sexy super natural thriller!
I really enjoyed this psycological thriller, supernatural mash-up. It is took me a while to read, but only because I tend to read at night and some of the content got the darker, more morbid part of my imagination too riled up to sleep comfortably...I know I'm a wimp, thats why my usual style are sexy romances, for sweet dreams of course!
So, this is different from any other M B books I've read, but still superbly written with plenty of steamy bits entwined in the story to help balance out the more intense bits. Really enjoyed it and certainly worth the read. I'm sure now I know the plot I'll be able to re-read, even at bedtime!
I really enjoyed this psycological thriller, supernatural mash-up. It is took me a while to read, but only because I tend to read at night and some of the content got the darker, more morbid part of my imagination too riled up to sleep comfortably...I know I'm a wimp, thats why my usual style are sexy romances, for sweet dreams of course!
So, this is different from any other M B books I've read, but still superbly written with plenty of steamy bits entwined in the story to help balance out the more intense bits. Really enjoyed it and certainly worth the read. I'm sure now I know the plot I'll be able to re-read, even at bedtime!
July 14, 2011
Riveting, hot, and fun! Gripping story and great characters.
July 19, 2016
3.5 stars
Selene Rhodes is a shapeshifter, and to keep her secret, she's closeted herself off from life. At the mercy of the full moon once a month, she works from home, is friendless, and definitely doesn't have a social or dating life. That is, until she finds a wounded woman in a nearby park, and there is an inexplicable attraction between the two of them.
Dr. Eve Thomas is used to studying corpses, but she almost becomes one herself on a simple early morning walk - until she's saved by a wolf. But the man who attacked her gets away, and Eve has to find him before he finds her.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record in my reviews, I really wanted to like this book more than I did. It's an okay read, and it's hard to find quality paranormal lesbian fiction, and there are some really great parts to the story. The problem with the book, however, is that it feels rather uneven to me; sometimes the action is at a great pace, and sometimes the book drags so badly that I had to put the book down and read something else for a while. The last half of the book really picked up, but it felt like a chore at times getting there.
Selene is an okay character, but she comes off as rather "too good" to me. She's virtually perfect (save for the shifting against her will thing once a month into a presumed ferocious wolf, I guess). Eve, meanwhile, is more fleshed out in the book, and so I could empathize with her more. In spite of it all, though, the two characters did have blistering chemistry, and the sex scenes were amazingly written and scorching hot. Heck, I'll read more from this author just for those alone!
There were a lot of loose ends that really felt like they should have been expounded on in the story.
I did like the book, and I will definitely read more from the author. I just wish that the execution had been a little tighter.
Selene Rhodes is a shapeshifter, and to keep her secret, she's closeted herself off from life. At the mercy of the full moon once a month, she works from home, is friendless, and definitely doesn't have a social or dating life. That is, until she finds a wounded woman in a nearby park, and there is an inexplicable attraction between the two of them.
Dr. Eve Thomas is used to studying corpses, but she almost becomes one herself on a simple early morning walk - until she's saved by a wolf. But the man who attacked her gets away, and Eve has to find him before he finds her.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record in my reviews, I really wanted to like this book more than I did. It's an okay read, and it's hard to find quality paranormal lesbian fiction, and there are some really great parts to the story. The problem with the book, however, is that it feels rather uneven to me; sometimes the action is at a great pace, and sometimes the book drags so badly that I had to put the book down and read something else for a while. The last half of the book really picked up, but it felt like a chore at times getting there.
Selene is an okay character, but she comes off as rather "too good" to me. She's virtually perfect (save for the shifting against her will thing once a month into a presumed ferocious wolf, I guess). Eve, meanwhile, is more fleshed out in the book, and so I could empathize with her more. In spite of it all, though, the two characters did have blistering chemistry, and the sex scenes were amazingly written and scorching hot. Heck, I'll read more from this author just for those alone!
There were a lot of loose ends that really felt like they should have been expounded on in the story.
I did like the book, and I will definitely read more from the author. I just wish that the execution had been a little tighter.
June 23, 2022
Another wonderful read by this author. A graphic designer werewolf saves a damsel in distress forensic investigator in epic fashion. Don’t overthink this one. Crazy hot sex scenes that make you look over your shoulder to make sure no one overheard which alone makes the book worth reading. I also enjoyed the peculiar choices in shapeshifting and the humor in the story which broke up the tension of a serial killer investigation. Another plus, Abby Craden, aka Wilde, gives the book a scorching narration so listen if you can.
4.5 stars rounded up.
4.5 stars rounded up.
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