ARC Review: Silver Mine by Vivian Arend

Silver Mine

by Vivian Arend

(Takhini Wolves # 2)

It's always amazing how much I enjoy Vivian Arend's writing.  It flows so smoothly and it's just so enjoyable I can't help but find her stories entertaining.  Add in some sexy shifters and I'm in heaven.  SILVER MINE follows the same Arend formula but it's not your typical story.  The few twists she put to this story are refreshing!

First of all there's the hero Chase, who is a crossbreed and can actually shift into a cougar AND a wolf.  How cool is that?  Maybe this is just me but after all the shifter books I've read, this was a first.  Then there's the heroine, Shelley, who can't shift at all even though she is a wolf.  The dynamics of their relationship had to work with these obstacles and finding a mate had to have its own set of complications and rules for them.  I liked that the author didn't throw in a magical fix it all pill at the end of the story.  Their relationship was real in spite of and because of the differences.

But it wasn't all differences because personality wise these two were perfect for each other.  A bit of loners both, passionate and funny.  Chase was just alpha enough without being too much to handle or too rough around the edges.

Then there's the side story with Evan and Caroline.  I just need to know what's going to happen there because where I liked them together in the first book, I am a bit worried about their relationship after this one.  I don't think I want to wait more than one book to see what happens with them.  Could it be they get a book next?  Or if they are not meant to be together, maybe one of them can just find a mate already?

This story was light on the action and plotting but there was some fighting and some drama.  Just the right amount to make the story interesting without overwhelming the romance.  I can't wait to read more!

*ARC provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Black Gold by Vivian Arend

Black Gold

by Vivian Arend

(Takhini Wolves # 1)

I am under the impression that this is a spin-off series of the Granite Lake Wolves series, however it felt like a continuation.  Which is a great thing because I do love the feel of this series and the personalities and characters are always entertaining.  But now we are dealing with a different pack.

Shaun was feeling a bit down, what with everyone finding their mates and being happy, that he gets plastered at the bar and his Alpha, Evan, has to take him to the local motel he owns to sleep it off.  At the same time, Gem happens to stroll into town because she is going on a wildlife expedition for her research.  Who she happens to find?  Shaun.  Who might he be?  Yep.  Her Mate.  He is also the pilot taking her on her expedition which puts them in close proximity for a few days.

This was a very cute story.  Shaun was sexy and funny, laid back but possessive at the same time.  Smart enough to give her space when she needed it.  She's from Georgia, where werewolves are pretty much shot on sight, has lived a sheltered and pampered life, and ohhh she's an heiress.  The dynamics of their relationship worked well because she is still a very down to earth girl, low maintenance and would fit in with the pack life of the Takhini wolves.

Even though they jump quickly in bed, as I've come to expect with these books when they find their mates, the relationship building was slow and progressed well throughout the book, as they went through obstacles and some danger together.

The side story with Caroline, a human, and the Alpha, Evan, was very interesting and I'm dying to read more about them as well.

Purchase Links: Amazon