Friday, September 27, 2019

Without Reservations by J.L. Langley


Sometimes love catches you by the tail.

Native American veterinarian—and werewolf—Chayton Wilson dreams of a fair-haired mate. However, he’s shocked to find his mate is a man. He’s not quite sure what to do with a male mate, but he’s more than willing to find out.

Keaton Reynolds wakes up in wolf form and finds himself with a mate. He’s instantly attracted, but not thrilled to find out the man is supposedly straight. A past relationship where his partner denied being gay left a bad taste in his mouth. Keaton wants to make a break for it and pretend he never set eyes on Chay—but Chay is not ready to let him go.

Together they work to battle prejudice and solidify their shaky relationship. When a power struggle in Keaton’s pack threatens Keaton’s life, the two men must quickly learn whether they can depend on each other.

Second Edition
First Edition published by Samhain Publishing, Ltd., October 2006.


Add to Goodreads –


Book 1
Buy Links

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Dreamspinner Press



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica☆☆☆☆☆
Without Reservations is the first installment of the With or Without series. When I signed up to review, I thought the title and author sounded familiar. While reading, I checked on my app, only to discover I already owned the entire series but never read it. Happy surprise, as I wanted to read more the instant I reached the last page.

The Native American culture woven in with the shifter paranormal elements captured me from the get-go. Read in two sittings, I couldn't get enough of the story, because it didn't feel as polished by the PC police, having been originally published a decade ago. The dialogue felt more realistic, flowing organically, and the monologues didn't come off as preachy or educational, but more authentically thought by the characters. Human nature dictates we think both good and bad thoughts in the privacy of our own minds, selfish and selfless, and have knee-jerk reactions, where we say things we don't necessarily mean. That's not a PSA over today's new releases, simply how easy the story flowed in a natural voice.

The short introduction, featuring a little boy Chay voicing how his mate would be a fair-haired, blue-eyed boy was so endearing, I couldn't get that out of my head the entire time I read the novel.

Chay is thirty, always hungering to find his mate. Caring and compassionate, he's a veterinarian... when a were is brought in still in wolf form, Chay instantly tends to the wolf, only to discover the fair-haired, blue-eyed male wolf is his mate.

There is only one time I can forgive insta-love and that is in fated mates storylines. With that being said, Langley does it right. While they are destined for one another from first scent, it's not insta-love in any way, shape, or form. Curiosity, lust, pheromones, but the love and friendship grows over time, which I appreciated immensely.

Keaton has relocated from his birth pack, after issues with him not only being an alpha with three forms, being stronger than his older brother, but also over his sexuality. He struggled yet strove to reach his potential. Heart shielded from an ex who treated him as a side piece. Keaton is strong, yet the strength is understated.

To the backdrop of family and friends upset that the Native American is mated to not only a white person, but a male, there are realistic emotions that crop up, but are dealt with compassion and understanding. I appreciated how Chay and Keaton develop firm boundaries with their friends, family, and packmates, refusing to give in and become doormats.

The romance and the thread of mystery are equal in importance, as several attempts on Keaton's life puts their longevity at risk. The delivery of the necessary information kept me intrigued as the pages flew by, wishing to know what happened next but getting bits and pieces doled out before I became disinterested.

Intrigued, I already have started the second in the series, curious to see how a thread that unfolded during this installment played out for Remi and Jake.

Highly recommend to fans of the author and MM paranormal romance.


Angie☆☆☆☆
This book was right up my alley. I enjoy insta-love and lots of sex and this book had both! If you want a book that is thin on plot and heavy on the sex this is the book for you. Sometimes I just need a book like this to reset me and get me out of a book funk. I will be keeping this book in my "so hot" pile and read again when I need an enjoyable book to get me out of a funk.



J.L. Langley said her first words at six months of age. By the time she was a year old, she was talking in complete sentences and, as most of her family and friends will tell you, she hasn’t shut up since. After becoming an accomplished motormouth, J.L. set out to master other avenues of self-expression, including art, and dance.

She attended the University of Texas, where she majored in art and worked as a dance instructor on the side. Her love of artistic expression in dance landed her a career in which she taught and performed for over twenty-five years. After marriage to her junior high school sweetheart and the birth of their children, J.L. decided to try her hand at writing. To date, she has several successful novels and a handful of novellas to her credit.

She lives in Texas, where she was born and raised, with her real-life hero, their rowdy two boys, two even rowdier German Shepherds, and ten goldfish, one of which is named Jaws. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book appreciating the communication skills of other writers.

Connect with J.L.

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Without Reservations (With or Without #1) by J.L. Langley to read and review.

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