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Granite Lake Wolves #6
Wolf Nip
Tessa Williams is looking to make her mark outside the family business, and the unusual landlocked paddle wheeler she spots in Haines, Alaska, strikes her as the perfect location. Only the owner is being difficult, refusing to sell. Still, she’s sure that replacing her written queries with a little in-person charm is all she’ll need to shortly have her Eco-tour B&B on the road to success.
Local wolf-slash-owner of said vessel, Mark Weaver, isn’t hanging on to the landmark building out of spite. There are more reasons for holding back the sale than are easily explained on paper. A face-to-face meeting to resolve the matter only confounds it—when Mark recognizes Tessa as his mate.
But she’s a cat... and cats don’t do insta-mates.
The sexual attraction between them isn’t in question, just everything else. He wants her. She wants twue wuv. His wolf can’t figure out what the holdup is. Her cat thinks the entire situation, and the pack, are rather amusing.
Somewhere in here is the beginning of a beautiful relationship—if they don’t drive each other mad.
One hyper cat, one laid-back wolf. Inappropriate use of permanent markers, and a heaping side dish of cat/dog jokes. Shenanigans ( nookie) in front of a roaring fire. Spiced liberally with sarcasm. Enjoy!
Local wolf-slash-owner of said vessel, Mark Weaver, isn’t hanging on to the landmark building out of spite. There are more reasons for holding back the sale than are easily explained on paper. A face-to-face meeting to resolve the matter only confounds it—when Mark recognizes Tessa as his mate.
But she’s a cat... and cats don’t do insta-mates.
The sexual attraction between them isn’t in question, just everything else. He wants her. She wants twue wuv. His wolf can’t figure out what the holdup is. Her cat thinks the entire situation, and the pack, are rather amusing.
Somewhere in here is the beginning of a beautiful relationship—if they don’t drive each other mad.
One hyper cat, one laid-back wolf. Inappropriate use of permanent markers, and a heaping side dish of cat/dog jokes. Shenanigans ( nookie) in front of a roaring fire. Spiced liberally with sarcasm. Enjoy!
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2013
157 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Arend
150 books2,620 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 21, 2013
3.5 ★'s
If you've read this series this far, you've come to know what to expect. H wolf meets h wolf, they recognize the mating bond and wham, bam, thank you ma'am, they're together. Well...throw all that to the wind with this book. Yes, the H is a wolf but hello... the h is a cat, a cougar to be exact and things don't go as planned...not at all.
Mark is our resident wolf and he lives in a landmark paddle wheeler that's been in his family for a while. Tessa is our cougar out to make something of herself. From the moment she saw the paddle wheeler, she knew she could make a successful B&B out of it.
The negotiations are a bit tricky so they meet face to face and of course, Mark is over the moon...or rather, his wolf is and Mark has no problem going along for the ride. Tessa knew there would be problems being accepted by the wolves but she was in no way ready to find her mate...she wants love first and doesn't hesitate to let Mark know.
Mark was amazing. 'Nuff said. He was patient, kind, loving and most of all accepting of all Tessa's little quirks. That doesn't mean he wasn't hanging on to his sanity by the threads. Lucky for him, Tessa's best friend, Keri, helps set her straight.
I got such a kick out of Tessa. I LOVED that she was a cat. All those stereotypical things that cats love....laying in the sun, sitting up on ledges and taking naps were incorporated in her human form and they just made me smile.
Mark and Tessa were just so sweet together. I really enjoyed the differences between the cat and wolf and was happy to see them work things out. Amazingly, there weren't enough sexy times but the book is short so I won't complain...too much.
Of course, there has to be some drama especially with a particular female wolf but luckily things worked out for the best even culminating in a great get together at the end. All the doggie treats and bowls were hilarious!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "Have I mentioned lately how much I like your cat?"
If you've read this series this far, you've come to know what to expect. H wolf meets h wolf, they recognize the mating bond and wham, bam, thank you ma'am, they're together. Well...throw all that to the wind with this book. Yes, the H is a wolf but hello... the h is a cat, a cougar to be exact and things don't go as planned...not at all.
Mark is our resident wolf and he lives in a landmark paddle wheeler that's been in his family for a while. Tessa is our cougar out to make something of herself. From the moment she saw the paddle wheeler, she knew she could make a successful B&B out of it.
The negotiations are a bit tricky so they meet face to face and of course, Mark is over the moon...or rather, his wolf is and Mark has no problem going along for the ride. Tessa knew there would be problems being accepted by the wolves but she was in no way ready to find her mate...she wants love first and doesn't hesitate to let Mark know.
Mark was amazing. 'Nuff said. He was patient, kind, loving and most of all accepting of all Tessa's little quirks. That doesn't mean he wasn't hanging on to his sanity by the threads. Lucky for him, Tessa's best friend, Keri, helps set her straight.
I got such a kick out of Tessa. I LOVED that she was a cat. All those stereotypical things that cats love....laying in the sun, sitting up on ledges and taking naps were incorporated in her human form and they just made me smile.
Mark and Tessa were just so sweet together. I really enjoyed the differences between the cat and wolf and was happy to see them work things out. Amazingly, there weren't enough sexy times but the book is short so I won't complain...too much.
Of course, there has to be some drama especially with a particular female wolf but luckily things worked out for the best even culminating in a great get together at the end. All the doggie treats and bowls were hilarious!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "Have I mentioned lately how much I like your cat?"
July 14, 2017
I've followed this series with great interest as the author has managed to successfully mix fun characters with romantic storylines. These wolves from the Granite Lake pack really know how to have a good time but this time the author has thrown something into their midst that's bound to stir things up because she's brought back a certain kitty from the previous book Wolf Line!
Tessa might not have very good sea legs but she knows a solid business idea when she sees it and the converted paddle steamer in Alaska is her ticket to success. All Tessa needs to do is convince owner Mark that he really should sell it to her. He's cute for a wolf with an unusual way of greeting strangers but maybe that amazing welcome is just local custom? Or maybe not because Mark and his inner wolf have just smelt their mate and it's not a fellow wolf it's a rather tasty cougar!
This is quite short but didn't suffer because of that as it's fast paced, likeable and fun to read. Tessa is without a doubt a live wire that keeps Mark on his toes but he's just so patient and determined to woo Tessa. Wolves know when they meet 'the one' but cat shifters are very different and Tessa needs to feel love so Mark is going to have his work cut out keeping control over his very keen wolf. In a side note I loved that Marks grandfather was introduced as it added a realistic dimension to everything that was going on.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and opinions are honest and I believe fair
Tessa might not have very good sea legs but she knows a solid business idea when she sees it and the converted paddle steamer in Alaska is her ticket to success. All Tessa needs to do is convince owner Mark that he really should sell it to her. He's cute for a wolf with an unusual way of greeting strangers but maybe that amazing welcome is just local custom? Or maybe not because Mark and his inner wolf have just smelt their mate and it's not a fellow wolf it's a rather tasty cougar!
This is quite short but didn't suffer because of that as it's fast paced, likeable and fun to read. Tessa is without a doubt a live wire that keeps Mark on his toes but he's just so patient and determined to woo Tessa. Wolves know when they meet 'the one' but cat shifters are very different and Tessa needs to feel love so Mark is going to have his work cut out keeping control over his very keen wolf. In a side note I loved that Marks grandfather was introduced as it added a realistic dimension to everything that was going on.
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and opinions are honest and I believe fair
February 16, 2013
Another original story in the Granite Lake world! First of all I love that this is a wolf/cat couple. The mixing of these two is always interesting, especially when their animals are so much a part of their personality.
Tessa Williams is Keri’s BFF (from WOLF LINE). She’s been wanting to do something for a while and now the perfect opportunity and idea comes into her hands. She can open up a B&B on the outskirts of the Granite Lake pack. She has this all mapped out with the perfect property and the plans for guests to go on all kinds of eco-adventures. Except she can’t buy the house she needs.
The house belongs to Mark. Mark is a wolf from the local pack, and one who has been looking for two things lately. One is a better way to make money than the odd jobs he’s been doing, and second…a mate. And luck is on his side when Tessa rolls up to his home bringing basically both things to his door.
Mark was a sweetheart, I just adored him. He was 100% on board with the mate thing and also on respecting her wishes and taking things slow. Tessa was fun as well, even though sometimes I was getting a headache trying to keep up with her speed! I love to see them working on the house together, but also interact with the pack and their family and friends. I am especially looking forward to Tessa’s brother story.
With the perfect amount of sexy and funny, these shifters are becoming a must read more and more everytime.
*ARC provided by publisher
December 13, 2012
Vivian Arend is a master at writing shifter stories, not to mention short shifter stories. This is so important to mention because I don't think that everyone has the unique ability to write a believable, fun and entertaining love story in such a tight word count. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and especially loved the way that Arend was able to infuse her characters with so much personality. It simply makes her characters shine in a way that makes them stand out and become memorable.
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
March 19, 2013
Wolf Nip is a sweet PNR. You won’t find any action or spine tingling suspense, nor will you find a lot of tension or complication between the H/h. What you will find is a really nice couple who do belong together despite Tessa writing off Mark as mate material right off the bat and let’s not forget about grandpa, he is so adorable and adds so much to the story.
With the blurb giving out so much I won’t go into anything else. As I read this book I found it an adorable, sexy and fun read.
Do you have to read in series order? NO, they are standalone.
May 11, 2025
The Truth About Cats and Dogs
Tessa Williams and Mark Weaver are funny in this over-the-top insta-connection. I love that she's not convinced that they're mates. I also love how he proves how he feels with his actions.
This was a quick story and a wonderful way to end the series. Mark and Tessa are one of my favorite couples in this pack. The ending is Rick rolling fun, too!
I listened to this as part of the 'Granite Lake Wolves' audio book collection. The narrator is Tanya Eby, who continues to do a fantastic job!
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
BTW - the movie that I attached as my review title is a recommended watch. There's no relationship between this and that, but I like the movie. 😍
February 14, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B+
Tessa is so lovable from the start. She’s a cat shifter and has some big plans for her life that include buying the PEFECT house to turn into a B&B. The house is currently owned by wolf shifter Mark and he’s not selling. But he does come up with an interesting alternative. He’s in need of a new career path and makes Tessa an offer she can’t refuse: partner with him on the B&B venture, he’ll provide the labor and be the handyman and she’ll run the B&B. Add into the mix that Mark knows right away Tessa is his mate and things start going crazy. At least they do for Mark, because while wolves know right away who their mate is and know without a doubt that love will come, cats don’t think like this. Tessa needs to be sure, she needs to be romanced and she holds off Mark’s wolf, much to his dismay.
I enjoyed this story so much. Tessa is adorable. She’s hyper, she’s described as almost vibrating with energy and moves with super crazy speed – the visual of this during a few of her speedy scenes had me laughing. But she seems to have two speeds, breakneck fast or dead to the world:
Her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes resting against her cheeks. Her mouth pulled into a slight pucker, and a tiny sound escaped her lips. She snuggled up to his chest, breathing rhythmically.
She’d already fallen asleep.
Mark carried her to his bed, depositing her on the mattress before stepping back to debate what came next.
…he pulled off her shoes, put them on the floor in the closet. She’d hung up a bunch of her things, and he smiled at the sight.
When he turned back to the bed, it was to discover she’d nestled into the covers, curled up and purring.
Seriously purring.
Mark is a bit more laid back, but when his mate claim is put on hold, he does his best to honor Tessa’s wishes and sets out to prove to her what she means to him. It takes Tessa a little bit of time as well as getting knocked upside the head by her best friend, but when she opens her eyes to Mark and sees what he has been doing for her, she falls fast and hard and so did I.
Vivian Arend always manages to pack so much fun into a short number of pages. Tessa and Mark have a sweet romance, a sexy romp once Tessa gives in to her feelings and they’re an easy couple to like on page. I also liked seeing them both find their places in life, with each other as mates, but also with how the B&B was the perfect fit for them both. They put their hearts into getting it ready and open and I’d love to revisit them in another story for a fun-filled update.
Blog rating: B+
Tessa is so lovable from the start. She’s a cat shifter and has some big plans for her life that include buying the PEFECT house to turn into a B&B. The house is currently owned by wolf shifter Mark and he’s not selling. But he does come up with an interesting alternative. He’s in need of a new career path and makes Tessa an offer she can’t refuse: partner with him on the B&B venture, he’ll provide the labor and be the handyman and she’ll run the B&B. Add into the mix that Mark knows right away Tessa is his mate and things start going crazy. At least they do for Mark, because while wolves know right away who their mate is and know without a doubt that love will come, cats don’t think like this. Tessa needs to be sure, she needs to be romanced and she holds off Mark’s wolf, much to his dismay.
I enjoyed this story so much. Tessa is adorable. She’s hyper, she’s described as almost vibrating with energy and moves with super crazy speed – the visual of this during a few of her speedy scenes had me laughing. But she seems to have two speeds, breakneck fast or dead to the world:
Her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes resting against her cheeks. Her mouth pulled into a slight pucker, and a tiny sound escaped her lips. She snuggled up to his chest, breathing rhythmically.
She’d already fallen asleep.
Mark carried her to his bed, depositing her on the mattress before stepping back to debate what came next.
…he pulled off her shoes, put them on the floor in the closet. She’d hung up a bunch of her things, and he smiled at the sight.
When he turned back to the bed, it was to discover she’d nestled into the covers, curled up and purring.
Seriously purring.
Mark is a bit more laid back, but when his mate claim is put on hold, he does his best to honor Tessa’s wishes and sets out to prove to her what she means to him. It takes Tessa a little bit of time as well as getting knocked upside the head by her best friend, but when she opens her eyes to Mark and sees what he has been doing for her, she falls fast and hard and so did I.
Vivian Arend always manages to pack so much fun into a short number of pages. Tessa and Mark have a sweet romance, a sexy romp once Tessa gives in to her feelings and they’re an easy couple to like on page. I also liked seeing them both find their places in life, with each other as mates, but also with how the B&B was the perfect fit for them both. They put their hearts into getting it ready and open and I’d love to revisit them in another story for a fun-filled update.
March 21, 2013
Tessa wants to break out of the family business and create something of her own, she doesn't have the sea legs to work on their cruise ships but she spotted the perfect location for the B&B she would love to open. She has her heart set on buying the property but the owner hasn't seemed very open to her plans so she has travelled to Alaska to try and convince him in person. Mark has his reasons for not selling his home but he's come around to the idea of having a business partner so a face to face meeting seems like the ideal way to sort things out. Matters are complicated when Mark recognises Tessa as his mate. All of his wolf instincts scream at him to claim her immediately but Tessa is a cat shifter who doesn't believe in true mates and she isn't going to accept him easily. She wants to be wooed and fall in love naturally but waiting isn't going to be easy for Mark.
Wolf Nip is the sixth book in the Granite Lake Wolves series and although each book focuses on a different couple and can be read as a stand alone I would still recommend reading the books in order so you can fully immerse yourself into the world Vivian Arend has created. This is such a fun series to read and this latest book was no exception. Anyone who is familiar with the earlier books will know to expect humour and sarcasm and this cat / wolf pairing definitely creates plenty of room for the pack to make cat & dog jokes!
We met Tessa in the previous book where she was in charge of the cruise ship where Keri and Jared met. She may be a cat shifter but as Keri's best friend Tessa is used to being around wolves and she saw the mating bond in action with Keri and Jared so she has an idea about the way Mark is feeling. Unfortunately she just doesn't have the same physical response to him, she's drawn to him and finds him attractive but she doesn't love him and she isn't willing to rush into anything when there is no emotion involved. Mark suffers physically because he can't claim Keri but he never tries to rush her decision. He is so caring towards her and he is determined to do whatever it takes to prove how good things could be between them if she'll give him the chance. I really liked the way he had to work to win her around and I enjoyed the build up of heat between them as they got to know each other.
If you're a fan of this series then you'll love Wolf Nip, it's a really sweet romance between a lovely couple that is full of humour and also gives us a chance to catch up with some of the pack members who we already know and love. I really hope we're going to see more instalments to the series in the future! If you're new to Vivian Arend then you're missing out so grab a copy of Wolf Signs today.
Wolf Nip is the sixth book in the Granite Lake Wolves series and although each book focuses on a different couple and can be read as a stand alone I would still recommend reading the books in order so you can fully immerse yourself into the world Vivian Arend has created. This is such a fun series to read and this latest book was no exception. Anyone who is familiar with the earlier books will know to expect humour and sarcasm and this cat / wolf pairing definitely creates plenty of room for the pack to make cat & dog jokes!
We met Tessa in the previous book where she was in charge of the cruise ship where Keri and Jared met. She may be a cat shifter but as Keri's best friend Tessa is used to being around wolves and she saw the mating bond in action with Keri and Jared so she has an idea about the way Mark is feeling. Unfortunately she just doesn't have the same physical response to him, she's drawn to him and finds him attractive but she doesn't love him and she isn't willing to rush into anything when there is no emotion involved. Mark suffers physically because he can't claim Keri but he never tries to rush her decision. He is so caring towards her and he is determined to do whatever it takes to prove how good things could be between them if she'll give him the chance. I really liked the way he had to work to win her around and I enjoyed the build up of heat between them as they got to know each other.
If you're a fan of this series then you'll love Wolf Nip, it's a really sweet romance between a lovely couple that is full of humour and also gives us a chance to catch up with some of the pack members who we already know and love. I really hope we're going to see more instalments to the series in the future! If you're new to Vivian Arend then you're missing out so grab a copy of Wolf Signs today.
April 11, 2013
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Even though this is the 6th installment in the Granite Lake Wolves series, this book was my first trip into Vivian Arend’s werewolf universe but, it most definitely will not be my last! I enjoyed the way that the main couple’s animal traits are worked into their personalities because it made for some incredibly quirky characters and also a few funny misunderstandings given that Tessa is a cat and Mark is a wolf. Great writing, a playful story and sizzling chemistry make Wolf Nip a must read for all paranormal romance lovers.
The evolution of Tessa and Mark’s relationship was surprisingly believable for the number of pages Arend used to accomplish the feat. I liked that Williams resisted Weaver’s crazy mating instincts in the early stages of their business partnership if only for the giggle worthy conversation that ensued as a result. Listening to a wolf trying to explain one of his baser instincts to a cat is like watching my fiancé attempting to order in French at the drive thru. No one is speaking the same language!
I thoroughly enjoyed Vivian’s writing style and I can’t help but feel a little foolish for not having picked up one of her books before now. I loved the corniness behind the cat/dog relationship and Arend’s sarcastic sense of humour fit this story’s tone perfectly. I didn’t make the connection between the title and the plot until after I finished the novel but even it contains a furry joke! The flirty verbal play between Tess and Mark was almost as sexy as their horizontal dances. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of either!
Wolf Nip is a light hearted tale that goes above and beyond the typical “opposites attract” rule by pairing the most unlikely of duos: cats and dogs!
Even though this is the 6th installment in the Granite Lake Wolves series, this book was my first trip into Vivian Arend’s werewolf universe but, it most definitely will not be my last! I enjoyed the way that the main couple’s animal traits are worked into their personalities because it made for some incredibly quirky characters and also a few funny misunderstandings given that Tessa is a cat and Mark is a wolf. Great writing, a playful story and sizzling chemistry make Wolf Nip a must read for all paranormal romance lovers.
The evolution of Tessa and Mark’s relationship was surprisingly believable for the number of pages Arend used to accomplish the feat. I liked that Williams resisted Weaver’s crazy mating instincts in the early stages of their business partnership if only for the giggle worthy conversation that ensued as a result. Listening to a wolf trying to explain one of his baser instincts to a cat is like watching my fiancé attempting to order in French at the drive thru. No one is speaking the same language!
I thoroughly enjoyed Vivian’s writing style and I can’t help but feel a little foolish for not having picked up one of her books before now. I loved the corniness behind the cat/dog relationship and Arend’s sarcastic sense of humour fit this story’s tone perfectly. I didn’t make the connection between the title and the plot until after I finished the novel but even it contains a furry joke! The flirty verbal play between Tess and Mark was almost as sexy as their horizontal dances. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of either!
Wolf Nip is a light hearted tale that goes above and beyond the typical “opposites attract” rule by pairing the most unlikely of duos: cats and dogs!
January 10, 2016
Tessa Williams is wanting to start a venture where she will be proud of her hard work and effort and she has the perfect plan, converting a landlocked paddle wheeler into a B&B. Taking her to Haines, Alaska Tessa only hopes the owner accepts her offer especially as a cat shifter in wolves territory.
Mark Weaver can’t sell the wheeler without losing it completely, he has a plan though partnering up with the person who came up with the idea of the B&B. Mark is surprised though when he meets a stunning feline who he knows is his mate, she also happens to be the one wanting to make the wheeler into the B&B and isn’t as easily accepting of their mate status, she wants to be romanced and fall in love the old fashion way, but Mark’s wolf is having a hard time resisting the mating urge.
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=11375
Mark Weaver can’t sell the wheeler without losing it completely, he has a plan though partnering up with the person who came up with the idea of the B&B. Mark is surprised though when he meets a stunning feline who he knows is his mate, she also happens to be the one wanting to make the wheeler into the B&B and isn’t as easily accepting of their mate status, she wants to be romanced and fall in love the old fashion way, but Mark’s wolf is having a hard time resisting the mating urge.
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=11375
August 16, 2020
Loved Mark and Tessa
Cougar shifter Tessa Williams wants to do her own thing, she steps down from the family business. Her big brother Tony helps her make her dream come true. Now she just had to buy the quaint paddle wheel house she saw in Haines near where her best friend Keri now lives.
Wolf shifter Mark Weaver can never seem to catch a break. Laid off again he needs to burn off some negative energy. A stop at the Pack House, and a gentle nudge from Maggie gives Mark an idea. He can't sell his unique home, but maybe his alternative proposal to he developer who wants to buy it will be an acceptable compromise.
When Mark meets Tessa, he knows they are mates. Tessa is a cat and they don't find their mates the same way. She can't deny how Mark makes her feel. She wants to be in love. Mark agrees to her terms. The start working on the house.
Tessa and Mark grow closer, but Tessa is no closer to wanting to mate.
A visit to the pack house. A challenge from a she wolf for Mark, and a come to Jesus talk from her best friend Keri has Tessa looking at Mark and what she wants differently.
A sweet and steamy shifter romance. A nice epilogue to wrap up their story.
Cougar shifter Tessa Williams wants to do her own thing, she steps down from the family business. Her big brother Tony helps her make her dream come true. Now she just had to buy the quaint paddle wheel house she saw in Haines near where her best friend Keri now lives.
Wolf shifter Mark Weaver can never seem to catch a break. Laid off again he needs to burn off some negative energy. A stop at the Pack House, and a gentle nudge from Maggie gives Mark an idea. He can't sell his unique home, but maybe his alternative proposal to he developer who wants to buy it will be an acceptable compromise.
When Mark meets Tessa, he knows they are mates. Tessa is a cat and they don't find their mates the same way. She can't deny how Mark makes her feel. She wants to be in love. Mark agrees to her terms. The start working on the house.
Tessa and Mark grow closer, but Tessa is no closer to wanting to mate.
A visit to the pack house. A challenge from a she wolf for Mark, and a come to Jesus talk from her best friend Keri has Tessa looking at Mark and what she wants differently.
A sweet and steamy shifter romance. A nice epilogue to wrap up their story.
February 12, 2013
Tessa Williams is a cat shifter searching for her niche in life. She thinks she will find it by starting a B&B in Granite Lake. The only thing holding that up is the owner of the house she wants. Since he will not sell, she tries to convince him in person. When she meets him, she is surprised not just that he is a wolf, but that he claims she is his mate, which does not follow her idea of romance and true love.
Mark Weaver is the wolf shifter trying to find his niche in life. He thinks he will, if he goes into business with the person trying to buy his house. This person turns out to be a not just a cat shifter, but mostly his mate, though she says she does not follow the mating wolves’ just-add-water type. Everything seems to fit–from their physical attraction, to their ideas to improve the B&B. He just has to convince her that his wolf is right.
Tessa is a firm believer in romance and love before mating. Mark is a firm believer in mating first, then love and getting to know your mate will follow. If they partner together to get the B&B running, the partnering of their relationship will have to take more work. Their ideas of romance are different. He just has to show her the simple and thoughtful things he does for her are the right ones.
This is a good read if you want a quick and sexy read that is funny and not too complicated. Mark’s patience, persistence and his insistence that his wolf has chosen right with Tessa makes up for her stubbornness and reluctance to mate. Seeing how a dog and cat work together, also in a relationship, adds humor to the story. This book can stand alone, but after reading about other characters and their world, I am curious to read the others in the series.
Llaph
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Mark Weaver is the wolf shifter trying to find his niche in life. He thinks he will, if he goes into business with the person trying to buy his house. This person turns out to be a not just a cat shifter, but mostly his mate, though she says she does not follow the mating wolves’ just-add-water type. Everything seems to fit–from their physical attraction, to their ideas to improve the B&B. He just has to convince her that his wolf is right.
Tessa is a firm believer in romance and love before mating. Mark is a firm believer in mating first, then love and getting to know your mate will follow. If they partner together to get the B&B running, the partnering of their relationship will have to take more work. Their ideas of romance are different. He just has to show her the simple and thoughtful things he does for her are the right ones.
This is a good read if you want a quick and sexy read that is funny and not too complicated. Mark’s patience, persistence and his insistence that his wolf has chosen right with Tessa makes up for her stubbornness and reluctance to mate. Seeing how a dog and cat work together, also in a relationship, adds humor to the story. This book can stand alone, but after reading about other characters and their world, I am curious to read the others in the series.
Llaph
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
September 6, 2015
I really am sorry to say this, but this series is starting to lose altitude in great reading. I really like this series but this particular book was not up to par with the others in this series.
I do NOT like putting Spoilers in my reviews and most would think this isn't one, but just in case:
***SPOILER ALERT BY DESCRIBING HOW THE BOOK GOES - But I'm not giving much away***
You have your male shifter that finds his mate. The female doesn't want to rush into being mates. She wants to "Fall in love" first. They go on living their lives without much going on. You have 1 foreplay sex scene. You have one actual sex scene. There is only "1" action-like/altercation scene. Then they get mated. Then there is a small part afterwards where you have the whole pack together and in that I laughed out loud TWICE. There is a story in between all of this, but that's it. Nothing else! The End. :( Unfortunately, that is all that is in this book.
***END OF SPOILER ALERT***
There are no highlights to this story. This is nothing like the other books in this series. Not really. Oh the jest of the story is somewhat the same, but it is really bland.
I really do like Vivian Arend's writing, but unfortunately, I can't really say I would recommend this book. I feel there isn't much in it to be interesting enough to be necessary to read before you would read her books to come in this series. However, if you don't have much else to read, give it a go.
I do NOT like putting Spoilers in my reviews and most would think this isn't one, but just in case:
***SPOILER ALERT BY DESCRIBING HOW THE BOOK GOES - But I'm not giving much away***
You have your male shifter that finds his mate. The female doesn't want to rush into being mates. She wants to "Fall in love" first. They go on living their lives without much going on. You have 1 foreplay sex scene. You have one actual sex scene. There is only "1" action-like/altercation scene. Then they get mated. Then there is a small part afterwards where you have the whole pack together and in that I laughed out loud TWICE. There is a story in between all of this, but that's it. Nothing else! The End. :( Unfortunately, that is all that is in this book.
***END OF SPOILER ALERT***
There are no highlights to this story. This is nothing like the other books in this series. Not really. Oh the jest of the story is somewhat the same, but it is really bland.
I really do like Vivian Arend's writing, but unfortunately, I can't really say I would recommend this book. I feel there isn't much in it to be interesting enough to be necessary to read before you would read her books to come in this series. However, if you don't have much else to read, give it a go.
February 13, 2013
3.5 stars
That was a really good story.
Tessa made her wolf work hard to get his kitty ;-)
The idea of a B&B in granite was a good idea. And always a great way of catching up with some of the pack.
The story was different, and made a nice change for the couple to get to know each other.
Love the granite pack, and wait to read the next one.
That was a really good story.
Tessa made her wolf work hard to get his kitty ;-)
The idea of a B&B in granite was a good idea. And always a great way of catching up with some of the pack.
The story was different, and made a nice change for the couple to get to know each other.
Love the granite pack, and wait to read the next one.
November 12, 2017
4.5 stars
*happy sigh* Aww, short but sah-weet. Loved it, it was funny, heartwarming and emotionally satisfying. Also grin-and-chuckle-inducing and a comfort read the first time around—which is rare. *warm fuzzies*
*happy sigh* Aww, short but sah-weet. Loved it, it was funny, heartwarming and emotionally satisfying. Also grin-and-chuckle-inducing and a comfort read the first time around—which is rare. *warm fuzzies*
July 29, 2023
We first met cat shifter Tessa Williams as Keri’s BFF in the previous book Wolf Lines. In this story she’s paired with Mark Weaver a wolf-shifter as his true mate. If the pack had some issues with accepting T.J.s human mate Pam into the pack how are they going to feel about allowing a cat-shifter to enter the pack? I think I’d consider this an opposites attract trope although since they’re true mates which is something neither has any real control over I’m not sure it fits. They are definitely opposites. As a cat shifter Tessa is a bundle of energy who can barely stand or sit still. She also comes from money. Mark is an introvert. A solid guy who is struggling to find work so he can provide for himself and his grandfather who is in the early stages of dementia. Tessa wants to purchase Mark’s family’s paddlewheel boat that is anchored in the harbor and turn it into a B&B. Mark won’t sell it to her because its his grandfather’s legacy and its been grandfathered into the towns zoning. If his family doesn’t own it, the ship must be moved or torn down. They quickly reach an agreement that will work well for everyone. But despite being attracted to Mark Tessa isn’t down with the whole fated mate thing because it’s a wolf thing, not a cat thing. She wants to be romanced like her heroines in her romance novels and that’s just not how Mark is built to show his feelings. I thought this was a pretty entertaining story although i found it a bit lacking as a final book in the series. Like the last three its more rom.-com. than the first three books in the series were. A bit of angst as Tessa and Mark fall in love and of course plenty of sex once they do.
August 30, 2017
Tessa is a cougar, Mark is a wolf. Tessa isn't convinced about the instant lust, mate thing going on with wolves so when Mark tells her she is his mate, she tells Mark that what she believes in is falling in love. Tess wants to buy Mark's property to start a new business, only problem is Mark wants to do the same thing, however, now that Tessa is his mate, Mark wants them to become partners. Good premise but these books, this series is about going from A to Z faster than the speed of light. So Tessa said no but next page she moved in with Mark because sex should be very good. Shifters have better mind blowing sex than anyone on the planet. You all know the rest, no real conflict, no drama, no depth, just quick fun read (albeit the same formula over and over again), happy ending. I do own a few more books written by this author. Hope to read something with a bit more depth.
September 3, 2017
*I was gifted this ARC and freely give my review of it*
A cat and a wolf.......the last book in this series and it was good as gold. Tessa and Mark are different but they fit together perfectly.
I think this was a fun, hot and awesome story. Well written characters and good storyline. No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and lots of dialogues.
After being a non reader of shifter stories I'm now officially hooked.
If you're not familiar with this genre I recommend this series as one of the great ones to start with.
*I was gifted this copy and freely give my review*
A cat and a wolf.......the last book in this series and it was good as gold. Tessa and Mark are different but they fit together perfectly.
I think this was a fun, hot and awesome story. Well written characters and good storyline. No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and lots of dialogues.
After being a non reader of shifter stories I'm now officially hooked.
If you're not familiar with this genre I recommend this series as one of the great ones to start with.
*I was gifted this copy and freely give my review*
February 18, 2024
Tessa is a cat shifter and wants to start her own business. Mark is a wolf shifter of Granite Lake and knows that Tessa is the one. At first, Tessa is resistant she wants to be in love before she has a mate. These two start renovating the old house Mark lives in to make a Bed and Breakfast together instead of dating. This was a good conclusion to the Granite Lake Series. There are other shifters introduced and other series related to this so there are more if I want to head that direction. These were quick and enjoyable with the right amount of spicy scenes.
April 29, 2025
Can a wolf and cougar shifters actually be true mates?
Mark is a wolf shifter who owns the house Tessa, a cougar shifter, wants to turn into a B&B. Mark can't sell his home but can they work together to renovate it to a B&B? Wolves know their mate as soon as they sniff them, but cat shifters are different. Tessa's human wants the TV romance of falling in love but in waiting for that she misses all the things Mark does for her. Will she be able to figure it out that love is not just the romantic stuff and words but the actions that count more?
Mark is a wolf shifter who owns the house Tessa, a cougar shifter, wants to turn into a B&B. Mark can't sell his home but can they work together to renovate it to a B&B? Wolves know their mate as soon as they sniff them, but cat shifters are different. Tessa's human wants the TV romance of falling in love but in waiting for that she misses all the things Mark does for her. Will she be able to figure it out that love is not just the romantic stuff and words but the actions that count more?
June 16, 2024
GraniteLake6
Well. That’s it on this pack of wolves. These stories have run the gamut from snow to summer, adding little paws along the way.
Tessa and Mark are the first cross-shifter pairing, though, it wasn’t as wacky as it could have gone.
All of these stories are super light and frothy, and great advertisement for the Yukon area of the continent. Would we really find wolf shifters on the northern territories? IDK. But, we can dream, right?
Well. That’s it on this pack of wolves. These stories have run the gamut from snow to summer, adding little paws along the way.
Tessa and Mark are the first cross-shifter pairing, though, it wasn’t as wacky as it could have gone.
All of these stories are super light and frothy, and great advertisement for the Yukon area of the continent. Would we really find wolf shifters on the northern territories? IDK. But, we can dream, right?
April 6, 2019
It's 2 short again!! It took her a while 2 really appreciate and understand that everything he was doing 4 her was his way of proving himself 2 her 4 their future 2gether. I was hoping that she would knock the bitch out 4 trying 2 go 4 her mate but she played it surprising well after all. I don't quite understand why her cat would make her sleep constantly by taking all those naps.
February 18, 2013
4.5 stars. Review originally published here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/02/13/...
Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Cat got your tongue?
Tessa Williams is looking to make her mark outside the family business, and the unusual landlocked paddle wheeler she spots in Haines, Alaska, strikes her as the perfect location. Only the owner is being difficult, refusing to sell. Still, she’s sure that replacing her written queries with a little in-person charm is all she’ll need to shortly have her Eco-tour B&B on the road to success.
Local wolf-slash-owner of said vessel, Mark Weaver, isn’t hanging on to the landmark building out of spite. There are more reasons for holding back the sale than are easily explained on paper. A face-to-face meeting to resolve the matter only confounds it—when Mark recognizes Tessa as his mate.
But she’s a cat…and cats don’t do insta-mates.
The sexual attraction between them isn’t in question, just everything else. He wants her. She wants twue wuv. His wolf can’t figure out what the holdup is. Her cat thinks the entire situation, and the pack, are rather amusing.
Somewhere in here is the beginning of a beautiful relationship—if they don’t drive each other mad.
Warning: One hyper cat, one laid-back wolf. Inappropriate use of permanent markers, and a heaping side dish of cat/dog jokes. Shenanigans (read: nookie) in front of a roaring fire. Spiced liberally with sarcasm. Enjoy!
This blurb came from the author’s website.
Wolfies! **grin** I have been a huge fan of Arend’s Granite Lake Wolves series since I first discovered them. One of the things I love about this series is that her characters aren’t exactly normal even with it comes to shapeshifters. At least one member of each couple has well what I would call a challenge to overcome above and beyond the usual intricacies of pack living. Wolf Nip is no exception to what appears to be a tradition of an unusual challenge. In this case it happens to be bringing a cat into a pack of wolves.
Tessa, a cougar – stop giggling – mountain lion, was first introduced in Wolf Line as the constantly seasick crew member which meant she could not find a career working on the family shifter only cruise line. While in Alaska before her trip on Wolf Line she noticed a landlocked paddle wheeler that she thought would be the perfect base for a bed and breakfast ecotourism company. All she needs is a loan from the bank and to purchase the old paddle wheeler. Tessa’s cat usually keeps her moving at full speed as she finds things that interest her. This means that she has some issues concentrating on normal cat stuff, like stalking, hiding, or managing her impulse control. But that is the old Tessa, the new mature Tessa determined to establish her ecotourism business in wolf territory will withstand all of her impulses and not cause any interspecies incidents. Then Tessa meets a wolf, who happens to be the current owner of the old paddle wheeler she wants to buy. Not only does the wolf refuse to sell it to her, during the first few minutes of their initial meeting he pulls her into a really passionate kiss and declares that they are mates. Anyone who has tried to tell or command a cat to do anything should have an idea of how well that declaration goes over.
Poor Mark, he just can’t manage to find and hold onto a job for longer than a few months. He works hard, gets along with people, but just can’t seem to find his place. Since he can’t keep a regular job, he doesn’t have money to move out of pack territory in Alaska. At least there he has free board, the paddle wheeler, but he can’t sell it because it is grandfathered in provided ownership stays in his family. So he is stuck with this paddle wheeler that he can’t do anything with nor can he afford to move away. After he was let go from his most recent paying job, he was moping in the Granite Lake pack house when the pack’s Omega cornered him for a conversation. As a result of that conversation Mark decided he would establish his own business, that of a handyman. His very first client will be the T. Williams (Tessa) who wants to buy the paddle wheeler but instead will have to settle for a partner/maintenance handyman. Then he discovers that T. Williams is Tesse, his mate, and a cat who refused to believe in mate at first sight.
I alternately giggled and laughed my way through Wolf Nip as I watched Mark try to convince Tessa that he loved her and Tessa start listening to her cat about what Mark really is to her. Mark and Tessa stayed in close proximity as they worked on renovating the inside of the paddle wheeler in preparation for opening the B&B. She was so oblivious of her impact on Mark, which, I thought was really cute. I also enjoyed Mark’s struggles to hold back the instincts of his wolf as he tried to work within Tessa’s rules. I found the banter between the two of them along with Tessa’s methods of dealing with his pack amusing and touching. Arend has again produced a fun installment in her Granite Lake Wolves series. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next for those poor wolves.
I give Wolf Nip a A-
Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Cat got your tongue?
Tessa Williams is looking to make her mark outside the family business, and the unusual landlocked paddle wheeler she spots in Haines, Alaska, strikes her as the perfect location. Only the owner is being difficult, refusing to sell. Still, she’s sure that replacing her written queries with a little in-person charm is all she’ll need to shortly have her Eco-tour B&B on the road to success.
Local wolf-slash-owner of said vessel, Mark Weaver, isn’t hanging on to the landmark building out of spite. There are more reasons for holding back the sale than are easily explained on paper. A face-to-face meeting to resolve the matter only confounds it—when Mark recognizes Tessa as his mate.
But she’s a cat…and cats don’t do insta-mates.
The sexual attraction between them isn’t in question, just everything else. He wants her. She wants twue wuv. His wolf can’t figure out what the holdup is. Her cat thinks the entire situation, and the pack, are rather amusing.
Somewhere in here is the beginning of a beautiful relationship—if they don’t drive each other mad.
Warning: One hyper cat, one laid-back wolf. Inappropriate use of permanent markers, and a heaping side dish of cat/dog jokes. Shenanigans (read: nookie) in front of a roaring fire. Spiced liberally with sarcasm. Enjoy!
This blurb came from the author’s website.
Wolfies! **grin** I have been a huge fan of Arend’s Granite Lake Wolves series since I first discovered them. One of the things I love about this series is that her characters aren’t exactly normal even with it comes to shapeshifters. At least one member of each couple has well what I would call a challenge to overcome above and beyond the usual intricacies of pack living. Wolf Nip is no exception to what appears to be a tradition of an unusual challenge. In this case it happens to be bringing a cat into a pack of wolves.
Tessa, a cougar – stop giggling – mountain lion, was first introduced in Wolf Line as the constantly seasick crew member which meant she could not find a career working on the family shifter only cruise line. While in Alaska before her trip on Wolf Line she noticed a landlocked paddle wheeler that she thought would be the perfect base for a bed and breakfast ecotourism company. All she needs is a loan from the bank and to purchase the old paddle wheeler. Tessa’s cat usually keeps her moving at full speed as she finds things that interest her. This means that she has some issues concentrating on normal cat stuff, like stalking, hiding, or managing her impulse control. But that is the old Tessa, the new mature Tessa determined to establish her ecotourism business in wolf territory will withstand all of her impulses and not cause any interspecies incidents. Then Tessa meets a wolf, who happens to be the current owner of the old paddle wheeler she wants to buy. Not only does the wolf refuse to sell it to her, during the first few minutes of their initial meeting he pulls her into a really passionate kiss and declares that they are mates. Anyone who has tried to tell or command a cat to do anything should have an idea of how well that declaration goes over.
Poor Mark, he just can’t manage to find and hold onto a job for longer than a few months. He works hard, gets along with people, but just can’t seem to find his place. Since he can’t keep a regular job, he doesn’t have money to move out of pack territory in Alaska. At least there he has free board, the paddle wheeler, but he can’t sell it because it is grandfathered in provided ownership stays in his family. So he is stuck with this paddle wheeler that he can’t do anything with nor can he afford to move away. After he was let go from his most recent paying job, he was moping in the Granite Lake pack house when the pack’s Omega cornered him for a conversation. As a result of that conversation Mark decided he would establish his own business, that of a handyman. His very first client will be the T. Williams (Tessa) who wants to buy the paddle wheeler but instead will have to settle for a partner/maintenance handyman. Then he discovers that T. Williams is Tesse, his mate, and a cat who refused to believe in mate at first sight.
I alternately giggled and laughed my way through Wolf Nip as I watched Mark try to convince Tessa that he loved her and Tessa start listening to her cat about what Mark really is to her. Mark and Tessa stayed in close proximity as they worked on renovating the inside of the paddle wheeler in preparation for opening the B&B. She was so oblivious of her impact on Mark, which, I thought was really cute. I also enjoyed Mark’s struggles to hold back the instincts of his wolf as he tried to work within Tessa’s rules. I found the banter between the two of them along with Tessa’s methods of dealing with his pack amusing and touching. Arend has again produced a fun installment in her Granite Lake Wolves series. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next for those poor wolves.
I give Wolf Nip a A-
September 4, 2019
Loved this story. It was fun, quick witted, and just an enjoyable read. Loved the flow and ease of this book. I do suggest reading this series in order. It just helps things for the overall storyline. I really enjoy a book that pulls me in, and I can get lost in it, and still grin at the ending.
November 12, 2023
Sweet story
A cat and a wolf, is it possible?. This story comes together beautifully, enticing the reader with possibilities. Perhaps not as indepth as previous sories in this set;but completely enjoyable. Relax and let the story unfold over you.
A cat and a wolf, is it possible?. This story comes together beautifully, enticing the reader with possibilities. Perhaps not as indepth as previous sories in this set;but completely enjoyable. Relax and let the story unfold over you.
February 7, 2024
What a great ending to this novella series! I loved the dynamic between Mark and Tessa; between wolf and cat shifter. Their joint feelings of wanting to be successful at something rather than just good really spoke to me.
-Partners in every sense
-Eager MMC
-Clever FMC
-Partners in every sense
-Eager MMC
-Clever FMC
January 10, 2018
Love this story - Tessa and Mark were a perfect match!!
January 28, 2018
Good story
Good ending to this series. The storyline follows a house, a woman, an old man with a failing memory and his grandson. It's a story that works its way into your heart.
Good ending to this series. The storyline follows a house, a woman, an old man with a failing memory and his grandson. It's a story that works its way into your heart.
June 21, 2018
NO! Tell me it is not over!! Enjoyed the series of Granite Lake Wolves #1 thru #6 and am hopeful a #7 might happen. Until then I am going to peruse other novels by Vivian Arend.
Cheers
Cheers
March 28, 2019
This was fun and cute and that’s all I needed it to be. Would recommend if you want shifter romance with mates, or have run out of soulmate aus on ao3 and need a fix.
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