Nocturne Romance Reads

The Wolven–Deborah Leblanc

The Keepers Trilogy #3

December 2010

Harlequin

Paranormal

Summary-

Someone—or something—is systematically murdering the members of Danyon Stone's werewolf pack. As Alpha, he knows that finding and punishing the murderous entity is his responsibility, and he's not about to rest until he sees justice done. But to stop the slayings he has to accept help from the most unlikely source—a wickedly sensual mortal woman.

Mystic-shop owner Shauna MacDonald has a special interest in the recent string of otherworldly deaths. As the Keeper of the werewolves, it's her duty to guard and protect the packs. Working by Danyon's side to stop an unknown killer—and trying to deny the potency of their illicit attraction—poses a threat to her heart unlike any she's ever known, ;and if she becomes the killer's next target, it could be the death of her…(Goodreads)

Review-

“The Wolven” book 3 in “The Keepers” series by Deborah Leblanc is a sizzling paranormal romantic suspense steeping with unexplained murders and steamy sexual encounters that is sure to leave its readers wishing for more.

The novel begins with a palm reading scene between Shauna MacDonald and Lurnell Franklin, a fellow proprietor of a semi-mystic shop that is just downright hilarious. As the scenes dialog unfolds, there are clear indications that the introduction of Lurnell is no coincidence and that her presents will be felt as the novel progress.

Ms. LeBlanc makes point of providing a brief summary of past events in the series that really helps to establish a connection with the previous installments and adds credibility to the New Orleans paranormal community. One of the things that I really enjoyed about the series is how although each installment centers on a particular sister/ keeper, the others are always present in the story-line providing moral and physical support to the main characters. I love how Ms. LeBlanc stretches the boundaries of the French Quarter’s community to encompass neighboring factions that could potentially be featured in future installments of the series.

Shauna is the youngest of three MacDonald sisters charge with the responsibilities of acting as “The Keepers” to the paranormal races of the vampires, shifters and werewolves. Although she is “The Keeper” of the werewolf community, Shauna has yet to really prove herself worthy of the title. As sibling rivalries and feelings of inadequacy go, Shauna has her share of issues; a fact that she is determined to overcome. I loved how when faced with this new threat to the communities, Shauna holds her ground concerning her involvement in the investigation and refuses to shuck her responsibilities. Her brazen displays of foolhardiness were comical in their delivery and her subsequent acquiesce of said foolishness made me fall in love with her.

Danyon Stone is the ultimate alpha male; I love although he is used to doing things in his own way, he is able to put aside his pride during the investigation of the murders. His gentle administrations of the less powerful of his pack, his need to protect and his overwhelming desire for justice for his people really personifies his alpha status.

Shauna and Danyon’s chemistry is immediately evident and extreme in its display. The sexual tension and desire that the two shares for each other is a constant beast prowling just below the surface. Every time they came together I kept expecting Shauna to turn into a beast to match Danyon’s feral sexual desire. Theirs is definitely a viscerally primitive courtship.

“The Wolven” is a well rounded addition to the “The Keepers” series that traverse the political structure of the New Orleans’s paranormal community, exposes some ingenious plots and twist and delivers a steamy romance in a nice package. I highly recommend it.

5 HOOTS!

Reviewed by~Victoria