Pack and Coven is Light and Entertaining

PACK AND COVEN
by Jody Wallace
Carina Feb 20, 2012
81,000 words, approx. 257 pages


Synopsis

Harry Smith is a lone wolf, and he likes it that way. When he's targeted to be co-alpha of the local pack, there is only one thing he can do to maintain his freedom: flee. But it'll take a miracle to stay a step ahead of shifters in their own territory.
June Travis has been in love with Harry for years, but he doesn't know her real identity. He sees her as the sweet owner of the local tearoom?the facade June presents to humans and werewolves to keep them from finding out she's a witch. She may not be able to offer Harry a miracle, but she can help him escape.
Harry is drawn to this new side of June, and not just because he's grateful for her help. With her magic temporarily hiding Harry from his pursuers, the witch and the wolf explore their mutual attraction. But there are consequences for witches who bed down with wolves...
http://www.jodywallace.com/books/packandcoven.htm

This story is told in a voice similar to Molly Harper or Mindy Klasky.  But since it involves the male perspective, as well as the female, it isn't just chick-lit.  While I think it is a book that will be read by many more women than men it is more a Jack-and-Jill PNR than anything else. It's kind of Nice Girls Don't... mixed with the Dresden Files.  The parallel is even stronger as the male protagonist is also a Harry.

p. 77

What does it mean?  Well, Mindy and Molly both write lighter-toned and often funny books. That isn't to say they don't delve into serious tropes.  It's just approached from the funny bone instead of the broken bone.

The author is handy with a turn of phrase and gives the characters different voices as she switches a third person narrative point of view back and forth between the two main characters Harry and June.  Some of the characters are drawn a bit too crudely.  I think when writing a crude male, writers have a tendency to go too far.

The same funny turn of phrase can sometimes feel odd, for example, hen Harry plunges his tongue into June's mouth while kissing it sets,...

Off a chain reaction of desire from her lips to her privates. (p. 76)

I haven't read the word privates in a piece of erotic fiction ever!

The world is our with a shadow society of supes unknown to us.  Some supes are even unknown to each other. The writer's world is unique; and I found it interesting.  It is not too tightly woven, nor is the plot.  There's a lot of sloppy action. The sex is well written and sounds fun. I wasn't sure if I felt June a bit manipulated into bed, but afterward she isn't too upset.Once again, better communication skills for sexual partners could avoid serious consequences.

This book gets a "recommend" for being light, active and entertaining despite a dose of violence.

Take the A-Train to my A-Store!

Tweet