Review: Steamy and Sweet novella
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 14, 2011
Surrounded by Woods is a quick, fun, hot read.  Newly single Mikaela is sent on business to the remote estate of a wealthy client.  The client specified that only "taken" women were allowed on his property, and thinking she was still engaged, Mikaela's boss sent her on the trip.  From the minute Mikaela arrived on the property, Josh was enamored and his inner mountain lion longed to take Mikaela as his mate.  After numerous heated encounters, both Mikaela and Josh have to reveal their secrets, but it might be too late.I really did enjoy this book, it is a very quick read, full of heat and shifters.  I understood why Mikaela was not upfront about her single status.  After breaking off her engagement, she felt embarrassed and did not want everyone making a fuss.  When she was sent to the Wood's estate, she had no idea what the consequences would be.  Mr. Woods is the patriarch of the family and his sons live on the estate with him.  His sons are all very handsome, and very polite, but Josh stands out.  Mikaela and Josh have definite chemistry, and Mikaela does not act like a "taken" woman.  As the story continues, their attraction builds.I had only minor issues with this book.  I think it is a bit odd how fast Josh and Mikaela fall "in love."  They hardly see or talk to each other, and all of a sudden, they are in love.  I realize that the book is short, but that aspect seemed a bit off to me.  Aside from that, I still enjoyed the romance of the story.  Josh and his brothers are all dominant males.  Their animal instincts tend to rule them and they overpower their human natures around available females.  I understood that, and it worked for the story.  Mikaela takes to the supernatural shifters pretty well, and I have to say that I was very pleased with the outcome of the book.With instinct driven shifters and an unsuspecting heroine, the result is a steamy, sweet short story.  Paranormal readers, if you are looking for a fun, quick, sexy read I recommend giving Surrounded by Woods a try.  I enjoyed Surrounded by Woods, and I will read more from Mandy Harbin in the future.