Review: Great Read w/ a New Twist on Were's for PNR Fans!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 11, 2011
How could I not get sucked into a story with paranormal romance, nice shifter hotties -- and not-so-nice shifter hotties, action and suspense, and humor to boot? I really enjoyed this book and felt it was a great spin on Werewolf PNR that's not all mushy romance all the time. Hunting Human brings together romance and edginess from a different perspective: not all wolves play nice. However, most do, and it takes a special someone and his family to demonstrate what being part of a wolf family truly means, especially when a not-so-nice Were from the past comes back for vengeance.The title says it all: Hunting Human. Heroine Beth Williams is living in present day Portland, Oregon, with one hell of a horrible past. One that left her privy to  witnessing the death of her sister-like friend as well as leaving her with an additional outcome that can not be reversed. Jumping from city to city in hopes of avoiding her past and coming to terms with her 'new' self, Beth finds herself finally comfortable in her surroundings and in the attention of handsome Braden Edwards.  However, Beth stubbornly refuses to let down her guard, open her heart to, and trust Braden. But, when vicious Markko shows up to finally claim his vengeance, Beth will have to learn to trust someone -- either Braden (who has a secret of his own) or his family, who embodies everything Beth has ever wished for.Hunting Human gives readers a nice action-packed romance as well as  the intricate and hurtful backstory of heroine Beth. The plot of the story and the writing structure are approached from a different direction. Readers will only get to see Beth's horrible backstory experience at certain times throughout the present day story when it's necessary to reveal a little more information as to why she feels or acts the way she does, or why something is taking place. I really liked Ms. Alvarez's decision to take this approach because I felt like it helped in adding to the suspense of the story.Readers will see one side of Werewolves who take advantage of the power that their uniqueness gives them and how they use it for evil and harm. Ms. Alvarez then demonstrates the counter-balance to that side with compassion, true family values, and a pack that harnesses their gift and embraces the good in it. I appreciated that the author substantiated the fact that there are good and bad in all creatures, including those that abuse power. This added to the overall feeling that what you were reading could happen in real-life (if, of course, werewolves were real! *g*).Conflict isn't just saved for the plot in Hunting Human. Amanda Alvarez brings these characters to life through realistic human emotions, the good and the bad, and gives them personalities that you can believe. She establishes a fantastic balance of light and edginess through the different forms of interactions and dialogue, and even adds some fantastic humorous lines!The two main characters, Beth Williams and Braden Edwards, seem like they could be your neighbors. The shy waitress who keeps her life a secret and distances herself from others in fear of them seeing who and what she truly is, and the charming, older brother disposition found in business owner, Braden. Their attraction is instant, but especially cautious on Beth's part. While everyone once-in-awhile I wanted Beth to so badly let go of her past and trust Braden, it is also very clear  (especially as the book progresses) as to why she doesn't, so I couldn't fault her too much. Not to mention, Beth undergoes the most substantial character growth in the book. In order for the fabulous ending to take place, she has to be in that doubtful, untrusting, angry, and hurting disposition throughout a large part of the book. Because of the hardships that have littered Beth's past, this story is about growth, trust, and acceptance of one's self and others that are like those who destroyed her past.The romance is subtly fantastic!! Ms. Alvarez has the notion of show not tell down pat. I absolutely loved how Braden was always there for Beth, allowing her the space she needed to come to terms with what she had been 'turned' to become and how he assisted her throughout the process. Braden never pushed during the story, but still let Beth know just what she meant to him. *swoons*Heat graces the pages, but the sex is without graphic details and somewhat 'light'. Or maybe that's just because I read a lot of smut? LOL! There are more interrupted moments than anything.The secondary characters are fabulous! It doesn't take long for Beth to be introduced to Braden's family -- and not in a traditional way either. His family is so vibrant, well developed, and likable that I seriously wish I knew them all! Younger sister Lucy, is full of life, gives great advice, and is the doted-on sibling. The brother I most wish to have his book next is Chase! Wow! The brooding, alpha male caught my attention very early on, and the more page time he had, the more I wanted.. well, more!! :)Hunting Human is a great addition to the paranormal romance genre. Readers who delight in romance reads with dynamic and three-dimensional characters that face realistic challenges and feelings, who may also like a little edginess with their romance, and who thoroughly enjoy empowering and swoon-worthy endings are sure to enjoy this book! This is a keeper for me and I'm definitely looking forward to what Ms. Alvarez will give us next!!