Kawehi's Book Blog.: Blog Tour Stop!- The Howling Heart by April Bostic

Title: The Howling Heart
Author: April Bostic
Publication Date: August 8th 2013 by Eternal Press
Goodreads URL: HERE
Word Count: approx. 89,500
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Content Warning: Explicit Sexual Content
Restricted Age: 18+
Plot: Paige Donovan is an ambitious college graduate who aspires to reach the top of the corporate ladder. She’s climbing fast when given the promotion of a lifetime at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City. Her bright future comes to an unexpected halt after news of her father’s death. She inherits his old cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and just when she thinks her luck couldn’t get any worse, she has a car accident in the mountains and awakens in the small, remote community of Black River.

Soon, she’s engulfed in the mystical world of Varulv---wolves descended from 13th century Scandinavia and blessed by Norse gods with the ability to appear human. Paige is desperate to return home, but never expects to fall for her rescuer, Riley Gray, a charming young werewolf from England who offers her an alternate future with his pack.

Now, she must choose between the career she’s always wanted and the love she’s always dreamed.

EXCERPT:

“Have you ever made love to a human?” I asked timidly. My ears felt hot, and I looked at him through shy eyes. I hoped I wasn't overstepping the boundary of personal information.

He answered quietly. “No.”

His revelation came as a surprise, but I was still curious. “What about a wolf?” I don’t know why I asked. I knew there was no possible way this extremely attractive man was a virgin.

He hesitated this time. Seconds ticked by before he replied, “Pack law states we can only make love after we claim a mate and the leader recognizes our union.”

His indirect answer caught me off-guard, and I couldn't keep the sarcasm from my words. “You’re not one to follow the rules, so I’ll take that as a yes.”

I looked away and lifted my feet out of the water. With my legs bent, I pressed my knees against my chest and wrapped my arms around them. I thought the conversation was over, but Riley was determined to have my attention. His fingers grasped my chin to turn my head toward him.

“That’s probably the only law I haven’t broken.”

Our gazes locked, and he almost stole my breath, again. “Why? I know abstinence can’t be easy for you.”

His voice was almost a whisper. “Not anymore.”

I noticed his green irises had flecks of amber in them—the same color as his wolf eyes. That’s when I realized our heads had moved closer.

Riley’s warm breath caressed my face, and it smelled of hickory and clove. “I’m not interested in any she-wolves in the pack.”

•.¸. ♥★

MY REVIEW:

The good: A decent read. Cute story line and characters, okay pacing, and refreshing tale of wolves descended from the Varulv clan.

The bad: Nothing constructive to embellish on BUT I was hoping for more plot after Paige had made her decision whether to bond with Riley or not. I mean, there is, but I wanted more. Also, I was a tad interested and shocked at the mention of the possibility of bestiality. I don’t know how such a thing would have even been possible to portray since physically a werewolf male and a human? How is that even possible?

My thoughts: While this book didn’t “wow” me, I liked it very much. It’s actually one of my more favorite books from April Bostic aside from “A Rose to the Fallen.” “The Howling Heart” tells the story of Paige and Riley. Paige unbeknownst met Riley when they were children but moved away. Years later, she is climbing the ladder for a top magazine but it all comes to a halt when her father passes away.

(Paige Description: Wavy auburn hair, blue eyes.) Paige then returns to a cabin where she inherited from her dad only to meet up with Riley once again.

Enter Riley.

(Riley Description: Sandy blonde hair, suntanned, and has a mole on the upper left corner of his mouth.)

Riley had never forgotten Paige ever since their brief meeting as children. As the years gone by, he yearns for her to return to make and claim her as his mate. How will Paige take Riley’s secret? Will she embrace it/him or go back to her life in New York and leave everything behind?

My verdict: An interesting take on werewolves!! I recommend if you’re looking for a sweet romantic tale of first love within the paranormal world. I like these kinds of reads so it naturally appealed to me. Plus too, werewolves are known to be possessive characters and I love those traits in male heroines so my interest was definitely satisfied with the characterization of Riley. A lovely, lovely read!! I hope to read more from Ms. Bostic!

•.¸. ♥★

About the Author:
April Bostic is a New Jersey-based, Adult Romance author who enjoys unleashing her creativity and letting her imagination run wild. Her love of romance books inspired her to become not just a reader, but also a writer. In December 2008, she self-published her first novel, a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist entitled "A Rose to the Fallen".

Her first short story, "Right Here, Right Now", released in January 2012, is an erotic romance with a dash of S&M. The following year, she released two more short stories: a romantic urban fantasy inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche entitled "Eros, My Love", and a sexy romantic comedy entitled "Love Addiction".

After five years, she released her second novel, "The Howling Heart" in August 2013, a paranormal romance that delves into the mystical world of werewolves and Norse gods. To end her busiest year in publishing, April will release her fourth and final short story in December, a historical vampire romance entitled "A Dark Scandal".

Website. Goodreads. Amazon