PACK CHALLENGE
ISBN: 1-59998-122-X
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: 2006
Click here for information page, excerpt, & purchasing links
From Fallen Angel Reviews…
"FAR Recommended Read: Pack Challenge by Shelly Laurenston is a remarkably entertaining page-turner that I took great pleasure in reading. There were moments where I was bowing over with laughter and then in the very next, I was left breathless with luscious anticipation. I thought Ms. Laurenston did a fantastic job in quickly pulling me into the dynamics of this story and maintaining my interest until the very end. Each individual is well-developed and there is definitely potential for a continuation with some of the supporting characters. The sexual tension between Sara and Zach was extremely hot and just burned the pages. Their sexual encounters were tremendously passionate, shamelessly lustful and wickedly sinful. Besides the scrumptious sexual interactions, there was a constant, very entertaining battle of the wills between Sara and Zach. Sara refused to keenly fall for the attraction she felt towards Zach. And, on the other hand, Zach was very determined to tame the wild beast within Sara. Everything from the humorous moments to sensational passion in Pack Challenge will be forever etched in my mind. This is a must-read! - 5 Angels and Recommended Read!-5 Angels, Reviewer: Contessa, Fallen Angel Reviews
From Erotic-Escapades…
"An alpha bitch with a temper to match, Sara turns out to be the last woman you want to mess with. Unless of course you're an Alpha male due to become pack leader any day now and just as ornery as your new mate. Zach is the kind of man I love to see in stories, pure alpha but still able to allow his woman space and freedom to remain true to her own personality. Ms. Laurenston's Pack Challenge is the style of story I wish I came across more often. Action filled mayhem, with funny and loveable characters that make you want to choke them at times, but still sexually appealing. I always knew some of the best encounters happen when both partners can still smile and have fun while blowing each other's socks off. This story proves my theory on multiple occasions. If all that wasn't enough, the riveting plot kept me on the edge of my seat, excited the entire time about what could happen next and how great the next action scene would be."
"I don't know what Ms. Laurenston has in store for her readers next but I'm hoping this is only the beginning. I look forward to more stories with feisty heroines who can kick a little butt themselves and who always seem to leave you with a big grin when the story is over." - 5 Tattoos, Reviewer: Desiree Farrell, Erotic-Escapades
Pack Challenge - 4 stars from Romantic Times BookClub:
"Sara Morrighan knows she is dying. The pain from an old leg wound is growing steadily worse. She handles it the only way she knows how-by hitting the bottle. The tequila she indulges in every blue moon melts her inhibitions. After a pretty boy rescues her from an assailant, she tries jumping him on the spot. And when Zach Sheridan shows up at Sara's job the next day, she melts immediately.
"Zach's on her scent for one reason: he needs to turn her into what she truly is, a wolf. Sara's lineage is an old one and must be preserved. It is up to Zach to do it gently, and for his own sake, not mark her as his own. Male wolves are territorial when it comes to their mates, and crazy Sara is just not the woman, or she-wolf, for him.
"Debut author Laurenston proves herself a force to reckoned with. Hot as a Texas summer, the first of the Amethyst Inferno line sizzles with humor, seduces with words and will leave the reader screaming to read her second book. Go Fetch! - Faith V. Smith
From Mon Budoir...:
"This is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. It is chock-full of humor and out in out sex. I found myself laughing out loud many times with what the characters said and did. There is a lot of violence, though. Some of the scenes have a lot of bloodshed and brutality, but as the reader you get used to them and as the story progresses they do not seem as shocking. I am not one who enjoys a lot of bloodshed and violence in my reading but this book makes an exception. Sara is psychotic, yet has many endearing qualities that make her quite likable. Zach is an alpha male to the hilt yet easily makes your heart pitter-patter. He knows just how to "leash" (pun intended) Sara's predilection to violence and is able to show her that she's lovable and his soul-mate in every sense of the word. The erotic scenes throughout this book are "whoa baby", again there is more violence during these scenes than what I am used to, but they are scorchers. I highly recommend this book. In reading the other books in this series I highly encourage the reader to start with this one to better understand the successors and catch the little jokes that are interspersed throughout each book but has roots in Pack Challenge." - Rating 5.0 / Sensuality 5.0, Reviewer: Marina, Mon Boudoir
From A Romance Review...:
"Everyone in town knows that of the three she runs with, Sara is the rational one. She's never had anyone move out of state over her temper like her friend Angelina (aka Ice Queen), or she's not constantly flying into a snit like her friend Miki (aka Mouth). But lately, with the freedom her wicked grandmother's death has provided, and the pain from an injury as a child Sara's been in supreme bitch mode. In fact, it's in one of these non-rational moments that Sara has a straight tequila night, meets and pretty much attacks Zach. Not that she knows his name; her alcohol-fueled brain can't be bothered with too much information. No, she finds her "Pretty Man" and wants to take him home. Angelina and Miki aren`t having that, the wenches. Seriously, what kind of friend won't let you take home a man whom you just met while your buzzing out of your mind? Oh, well, ahem, fine. But Sara doesn't have to like it. There's more to Sara's growing aggression than even she knows. She's going to learn, and quick from the looks of it.
"Zach's Pack has come to help protect a murdered members long lost daughter. There is no way that Zach's going to be tied down to one woman. They are only animal part of the time. And he's never met a female in a relationship with pack that didn't want to breed. No way, uh uh. None for him thanks. But he can help the spunky beautiful Sara with the pain in her leg injury. He can help protect her from the old vendetta against her parents (thus her) by the Pride. He can help her learn her true heritage, the heritage denied to her by her psychotic grandmother; threatening death upon anyone Pack who approached her. He can help her turn. He knows he can do all this, what he's not sure of....Can he protect his heart?
"Pack Challenge is hilarious and sexy. That about sums up the majority of the characters. Sara's interaction with her two friends made me laugh out loud more than once. Don't read this book in a public place; you will get those funny `she needs committed` looks from strangers passing by. At least I did. Zach is such a yummy-licious strong Alpha male; you'll instantly fall in love. He needs to be strong because Sara is strong, stronger than most. She's tough and hardened by years of stares and rude comments about the scar on her face. It doesn't detract from who she is, it adds to her character. Angelina is a princess, everything perfect at all times. But she can get down and dirty with the best of `em, if she deems it a worthy cause; such as a rockin` rave, or Miki needing put in her place with few judiciously placed punches. Miki, oh jeez. Miki is one of those people who's mouth isn`t connected to their brain. She says EXACTLY what she thinks, no softening it, no tact, just fact. She works in the Internet/Bookstore/Coffee Shop so she has access to `just enough information to be dangerous`. Shelly Laurenston has created a wicked, wild cast of characters that will not be forgotten once acquainted with them. Pack Challenge is an excellent read, her smooth quick wit shines through all of her characters, but especially Sara, Miki and Angelina. I can't wait to see what witty, nefarious deeds Ms. Laurenston will come up with next." - 5 Roses, Reviewer: Jodi
"In her debut story, author Shelly Laurenston tells a wonderful story of love and loyalty. It is intriguing, entertaining, sexy and a little bit raunchy. PACK CHALLENGE grabs its readers from first page to last, and will leave you eagerly anticipating Miki and Angelina's stories. What a nice surprise to find a new author with such a fresh take on shapeshifter romance." - 5 Roses, Reviewer: Jodi, A Romance Review
From JERR...:
"Sara Morrighan is a headstrong woman. As a child Sara and her father were attacked by an animal. The animal left Sara with a scar across her face and an ever painful limp. On a night her pain is unbearable she gets drunk at her friends bar. On her way to the bathroom she is attacked and pulled into the alley behind the bar. Then her hero appears out of nowhere. There is something strange about his teeth is all Sara can think of. Well that and the fact that he is such a "pretty man" (keep in mind she is drunk). So Sara thanks her savior the best way she knows how, she lays a big fat kiss on him with tongue I might add. Sara thinks her problems are over but they are just beginning."
"Zach Sheridan, the hot sexy biker who is now Sara's bodyguard is not relishing the job. Sara represents everything he doesn't want, warmth, sensual appeal and a scent that just screams Fuck me. Hard. NOW!! Zach's first agenda isn't to get into Sara's pants, it's to keep her alive and out of danger. Well he does that until the rave, when he bleeds her. Suddenly things get real interesting between Zach and Sara. This little Pack Town will never be the same."
"Ms. Laurenston has an awesome sense of humor!!! Pack Challenge had me laughing hysterically at some parts and panting at others. I LOVED the characters in this book, Sara wasn't some damsel in distress and she could hold her own. I mean you have got to love a woman who packs a blade in her shoe for protection as standard in every outfit. Zach hell, what can I say about him? He is the quintessential Alpha Male, there are no doubts about it. He will do anything for his woman, including wearing a muzzle (sounds kinky? You will have to read the book). The thing that I liked most about this book is that the characters aren't mushy about how they feel or when they come together. They joke about it, even argue about it and of course fight it tooth and nail but they aren't mushy about it. I can't tell you about the sex because if I do I am going to need some "me" time, LOL. I will say this, you will not be disappointed with this book as the plot is well laid out and the flow is even better. I confess, it isn't that I couldn't put this book down it's that I didn't want to put the book down. The supporting characters of this book are perfect!! Sara's friends are terrific, a little out there and they also contain a lot of sass so they go perfectly with Sara's character. Coincidentally there is a part two, Go Fetch! I have no doubt who the heroine of that book is and I can't wait to read it. If you like your books with strong characters, action, scorching sex and hot men, then start typing and get this book. It is an absolute keeper." - 5 Stars, Heat Level: O, Reviewer: Faith Jacobs, Just Erotic Romance Reviews
From JERR:
"Pack Challenge is Shelly Laurenston debut novel for Triskelion Publishing's Amethyst Inferno Line and boy is it HOT! If you're looking for a new author, Ms. Laurenston will not disappoint you. She's a great storyteller, her characters are well written with an emotional depth that will touch your soul. Sara's personality is wonderful; she has ability to handle all that life throws at her. She is strong, smart, and beautiful. Zach is one sexy devil who knows how to take care of his lady. The sexual encounter in Pack Challenge is erotic, smoldering and powerful. You'll definitely need to turn up the a/c and look for your favorite toy or your significant other. I was impressed that Ms. Laurenston wrote such a thrilling, suspenseful and intriguing debut novel; it's a real winner. Check out Pack Challenge you won't be disappointed I know I wasn't." - 5 Stars, Heat Level: O, Reviewer: Susan Holly, Just Erotic Romance Reviews
From Coffeetimeromance.com...:
"Pack Challenge kept this reviewer riveted and turning the pages. In my opinion, this debut novel is a necessary read." - 4 Cups, Reviewer: Dianne, Coffee Time Reviews
Read the full review
From Enchanted in Romance:
"This book will leave you wanting more. It was a fantastic story, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Shelly Laurenston has a way of writing a story that makes you feel as if you were the heroine. The Sex was extremely hot between these two. I can't wait to read more from this author." - 5 Dragons, Reviewer: Kaleen, Enchanted in Romance
Read the full review
From The Romance Review Spot…
"What do three girlfriends, bikers, werewolves, and a death threats have in common? In author Shelley Laurenstons debut novel Pack Challenge they have a whole lot of fun in common. Pack challenge was a wonderful story with believable characters that drew me into their lives. I could almost believe werewolves existed side by side with humans. Move over Laurell K. Hamilton a new alternative universe has emerged and Shelley Laurenston has created it. I have no doubt that this series is just as good or better than Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake Series and that this series will develop a similar following.
"This was a magnificent debut novel for author Shelley Laurenston and after reading this novel I will read anything Shelley Laurenstons writes. She brings a new and fresh approach to the werewolf genre and I can't wait to read her next novel." - Reviewer: Jane, The Romance Review Spot
From Sizzling Romances…:
"When Zach arrives in town with his biker crew, Sara is immediately drawn to him. Initially he is there for one reason, to protect Sara, but after meeting Sara at her drunken best, things are not so cut and dry.
"If you have a thing for bikers and werewolves this is your kind of story. I love werewolves, but not so much bikers but after this story I'm thinking about trying my luck. This story was definitely a page turner (or better yet a finger scroller). Sara and Zack's chemistry crackled and sparked. I also like how the author incorporated Sara's friends into the mix. Sara wasn't the only one getting her groove on with the sexy bikers that entered town." - 5 Flames, Reviewer: Kelly, Sizzling Romances
From The Romance Studio…:
"This book is fabulous! The characters are great, very colorful in their roles. Sara and her two friends bickering and fighting between each other will have you laughing to tears. There is a strong bond of kinship between the three. The love story is so beautiful. Their passion is what love songs are made of. The secondary characters have just as strong a personality as our hero and heroin. I hope there will be a book for Miki, she's a little spitfire and I just loved her. This is Shelly Laurenston's debut book and she has done an outstanding job. I will be watching for more from her. I believe she has a wonderful future in store for her. This one goes on my keeper shelf so be sure to get your copy of Pack Challenge coming in April. It's a keeper. Enjoy!" - 5 Hearts, Reviewer: Diane T., The Romance Studio
Read the full review
From Romance Reviews Today…
"Ms. Laurenston balances the storyline, the passion, and the development of characters very well. The secondary characters add insight and keep readers interested.
"Shapeshifters, sex, and danger, oh my! That's exactly what author Shelly Laurenston gives readers in her debut novel. I highly recommend PACK CHALLENGE to all readers of romance." - Reviewer: Sinclair Reid, Romance Reviews Today
Read the full review
From Romance At Heart…
"Shelly Laurentson has written a winner of book where the only complaint I had was that it had to end. It is a wonderful story that grabs you from the first page and keeps you totally engrossed in Zach, Sara and the pack. The humor in this book was exceptional. I found myself laughing out loud at the friendship between Sara, Miki and Angelina along with Sara and Zach's attempts to accept each other as mates and Conall's attempts to get Miki to notice him. The second book of this series "Go Fetch" which is Miki and Conall's story is sure to be a winner like this one. - Reviewer: Melissa Nix, Romance At Heart
Read the full review
From eCataRomance…
"Not to sound cliché, but, there's a new sheriff in town - and Shelly Laurenston is IT!!
This book is phenomenal! I read it in one sitting. Sara and her best friends, Miki and Angelina, are so incredibly real! Their language is frank, honest, and very funny. While reading this story, I was amazed at the number of times I laughed at the interactions between these friends. Their words were the exact same thing I would've said in that same situation.
Sara isn't a cookie cutter heroine by any standards. She's got severe scars, both physical and emotional. She's a tough nut who, on the outside, doesn't take anyone's bull. However, she's left vulnerable to the world by her parent's early death, her grandmother's madness, and the strange changes going on in her body. Having been kept in the dark by her grandmother's hatred of shapeshifters, Sara has absolutely no idea what's going within her and especially when a new group of bikers moves into town.
Enter Zach Sheridan, the sexy wolf is there to guide Sara through these changes and protect her from her parent's enemies. He may be the Beta wolf in the new pack in town, but he's as Alpha as they come! Having thought his whole life he'd never find a mate, Zach is intrigued by his assignment, she's beautiful, honest, and takes no prisoners. His reluctance to fall in love with Sara is beautifully written. When desire turns to love it's a heck of a shock to both of them and I'm glad I was there to witness it.
This is a MUST-READ for this summer. Ms Laurenston is an incredibly talented writer who has opened up a whole new world with this book. A world that exists in our very midst. Sara and Zach's story is thrilling, magical, funny, and absolutely sexy! I look forward to reading many more of Shelly Laurenston's books. I highly recommend going straight to Triskelion Publishers and purchasing Pack Challenge by Shelly Laurenston. You won't regret it!" - 5 Stars, Reviewer: Diana Scott, eCataRomance
|
