Title: The Dryad’s Pawprint
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

As always when I find a random new series that I like, I actually read this series slightly out of order. I read The Bear’s Claws first, and then really wanted to go back in the series to find out more about Vic’s brother Kem. Lucky for me, the very first book in this series is actually about Kem, and so I didn’t have long to wait to learn his story. Plus, it’s a good introduction into the Paranormal Council. So far the shifters and the dryads have been introduced, and I can’t wait to read more and find more of the other paranormals throughout this series. And how the power plays are going to work.

Lia and Kem are a sweet couple, they kind of have the insta-love vibes, but it’s just managed to mature over the year of their separation. It gives plenty of sweet steam to the book, without feeling too contrived and forceful. For me, the perfect balance to reach in these shorter novels. Stories that give you a happily ever after and a whole lot of enjoyment. Plus, I love that, although there are barriers to their relationship, they are fairly simple ones. Which meant that this was a much more pleasant story.

I thought that Lia’s sister was going to be a much bigger problem than she ended up being. Although it is obvious that Lia adores her sister, there is a lot of jealousy in many of the actions. And, you know, the whole part where Kem is supposed to marry the wrong sister. Luckily, this had the kind of sister relationship that I always love – one that’s actually supportive and kind. They might bicker, but they ultimately adore each other and support one another.

I get the feeling that the activities and alliances formed in The Dryad’s Pawprint are leading into a bigger time of change within this world. I’m incredibly excited to see how this occurs, removing the stuffy old guard and replacing it with the new.

Image source: Amazon

Title: The Bear’s Claws
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

This is one of those novels that actually takes place partway through a series. But, it was in a collection of bear shifter novels, so I read it anyway. And I was not disappointed. I’ve recently started another Laura Greenwood series (Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries series), so it was nice to know that there are definitely two of her series that I enjoy. And now, I can’t wait to find out a little bit more about the Paranormal Council series.

I love that both Nita and Vic are kind of adrift and cast off from society. I mean, it’s sad for both of them, but it also makes them a great match for one another. Both Vic and Nita have experienced some horrifying loses. And they are both kind of outcast, partly because of it. In Nita’s case, it isn’t really a choice, but it does make her a whole lot more understanding of Vic’s decision to isolate himself. I’m fairly intrigued by how understanding his brother, Kem, is though. And I was really excited to find out that the first novel in this series is actually one that is based on Kem. So now I have to dive into that to find out more about the rest of this world.

Alright, so I’m not normally overly into the instalove trope – I think that although there is instalust, and even love at first sight, most sane people take a little time to come to terms with that whole love thing. Or, maybe, that’s just my own reaction. Yet, somehow Vic and Nita aren’t too painful with that whole trope. I mean, they are instantly attracted and fall into bed with one another. But, they are also a little reluctant to admit the intensity of their feelings straight off the bat. The fact that they start off convinced that they may be accidentally mated, and then come to accept it was a nice balance.

It was also nice reading about finding family. Not only is there the sense of found family in the connections that Nita manages to make. But there is also the fact that she is literally finding her family. The fact that she’s a bear shifter who is settling into a new life makes me like her all that much more. Honestly, this is a very simple and light read. One that I really enjoyed, and look forward to diving into this world again in the future.

Image source: Amazon