The first book of a new series, “Cowboy Wolf Trouble” unsurprisingly sets the tone for Kait Ballenger’s “Seven Range Shifters” where the paranormal meets the western genre.

A cowboy werewolf and his pack own thousands of acres of grazing land for both cows and horses. And if that combo does not make the hero, Wes Calhoun hot, the steamy scenes with his love interest, Naomi Evans would.

Then there is a bit of suspense as other supernatural join in. All the shifters have the vampires as a common enemy. And when one pack colludes with the vampires, the power shift is not only scary but very dangerous. Then there is the human organization group that just want to eliminate supernatural just for the principle – they add another angle in this ongoing enmity.

Evocative of the West Side Story with a paranormal element, “Cowboy Wolf Trouble” is a fast read. Adrenaline pumping, it is “The Fast and the Furious” western style, i.e. instead of cars, the horses provide the speed.

It’s a standalone novel, but I still can’t wait to read the next one. I want to know what happens to the other shifters and how Wes and Naomi cope their new status.

“Cowboy Wolf Trouble” is Rated M for Mature due to violence and sexual content.

This exciting new series is off to a great start with a story that is full of thrills and an emotionally gripping romance. Wes and Naomi are strong, captivating characters that pull readers into their story and refuse to let go. The romance is a roller coaster ride of turbulent emotions, magnetic attraction, scorching passion and a forbidden relationship which keeps the happily ever after of this story in question until the very end, especially since the hero is in serious need of care and affection but has tons of issues that have to be overcome. The bad boy turned good aspect of the story also adds tension and drama ensuring that the readers can’t get enough.

The plot is fast paced and full of thrilling suspense, adrenaline pumping danger and excitement which keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Mistaken identity, the no humans allowed factor and a group of malicious minded shifters keep the tension and expectations high throughout which makes this a hard to put down story. Readers may find it hard to get into the story at the beginning which is quite unexpected but they don’t regret sticking it with it as the story and the characters insists they continue. The author has created an intriguing world with some sexy, gritty cowboy shifters that captures readers imaginations and she portrays those characters and the setting in such a way that readers want to explore it from every angle. The series is connected to her Execution Underground series, but it can be read without having read it, however the EU does play a part in this story and readers may want to understand the workings of the EU better.

Seven shifter clans call the Montana mountains home.

But a new evil will stop at nothing to tear their world apart.

For centuries, the shifters that roam Big Sky country have honored a pact to keep the peace. Even bad-boy rancher Wes Calhoun, former leader of a renegade pack, has given up his violent ways and sworn loyalty to the Grey Wolves. But his dark past keeps catching up with him…

Human rancher Naomi Evans cares only about saving the ranch that was her father’s legacy. Until a clash with Wes opens up a whole new world—a supernatural world on the verge of war—and Naomi, her ranch, and the sexy cowboy wolf stealing her heart are smack dab in the middle of it.

Review:

I thought the Author did a great job of creating a new twist on shifters and their life, dynamics and mythos.

The story took off with action from page one and did not stop until the end. it was a very action packed book, but was also sexy and emotional. I was not sure what to make of Wes at first, but came to love him and I think Naomi is a perfect partner for him. A lot of the side characters really grabbed my attention too and cannot wait to see whose book comes next. It is hard building a new world and getting the readers invested in the characters and plot, but I think she did a good job of this. This is the first book in the series, so I think the books can only get better from here on out.

I will be waiting to see what comes next in this series.

4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

I picked up Cowboy Wolf Trouble by Kait Ballenger to review based not so much on the cover (which shows a fairly standard romance 'howdy pardner!' bare chested man) but the synopsis. It's a Western themed, paranormal romance with a wolf shifter (technically a werewolf) interacting with a human rancher, and some other supernatural groups making appearances. My overall opinion? Some positives, some negatives and an okay start to my reading year.

Naomi Evans is a biologist, but she's stuck with the ranch passed down to her from her father. She's part Apsaalooke and her heritage and schooling have imbued her with a healthy respect for nature, including the grey wolf she finds caught in a trap on her lands. But nothing in her training prepares her for his shifting into a naked man in front of her, then taking her hostage.

Wes Calhoun has led a less than examplary life but he's trying to do better. He used to be the leader of the Wild Eight renegade wolf pack formed by his great-great-grandather. It was an illegitmate pack, not part of Montana's Seven Range Pact comprised of seven different animal shifter packs and one constantly at war with the Grey Wolves. He'd surrendered to the Grey Wolves, and hoped for peace between the packs but recent news of the Wild Eight's possible alliance with vampires means his sacrifice may have been for naught. In chasing after the Wild Eights after an eventful night in which they'd tried to take revenge for his betrayal, he'd stumbled into the wolf trap on Naomi's land and had no choice but to reveal himself to her, or kill her. He'd chosed the former, but then had been forced to take her with him.

Despite their clear differences and the Grey Wolves prohibition of werewolf/human interactions, an attraction burns between Wes and Naomi. But there is danger all around. Something has been destroying Naomi's livestock and Wes's suspicions of the Wild Eight's involvement with vampires and why they've been going after her ranch make for an uneasy alliance, especially since once Naomi knows about the supernatural beings she can't go back to blissful ignorance. Can a romance blossom under these circumstances, or will the flame of desire be quickly extinguished?

The pluses and the minuses tend to go hand in hand in this story. There's a bit of an info dump at the beginning as far as the worldbuilding is concerned and to get the reader up to speed on the Seven Range Pact, the history of the Wild Eights and the Grey Wolves and so on. There's also a reference partway to the Execution Underground (who then play a more major role later on) which a bit of research reveals is a different series by the author, making this a spinoff series. So for me the start is a bit confusing, but I eventually caught on to who was whom and so on. The idea of seven mountain ranges containing seven different species of shifter packs is an interesting one though the second book in the Seven Range Shifters series appears to also be about a cowboy/wolf so I'm not sure what the author's plans are and whether other shifter species will play a more prominent role in the series. Also on the plus side, I appreciate that the author gives Naomi an authentic Native American heritage and clearly researched the local tribes of the area she set the book in. The Montana landscape is well described and it makes sense to use the natural wildlife of the area as the basis for the shifters.

The relationship between Wes and Naomi is complicated by a number of factors. First, and obviously, he's a werewolf and she isn't so their pairing is forbidden and this makes for some difficulty in making their romance acheivable. Secondly, there's a scene near the beginning of the story, part of the kidnapping section in which he flings her over his shoulder and spanks her like a recalictrant child. This is more reminiscent of an old school romance (you know the ones) versus one that's acceptable now and didn't leave me with much appreciation for our hero. Later on Naomi is able to use her petite size and defensive skills in taking down an alpha werewolf and showing why she's not to be trifled with, but sadly it's not against Wes, which I've have preferred to put him in his place for that scene. Despite Wes knowing the rules against human interaction, he and Naomi eventually succumb to their attraction in some steamy love scenes. Their emotional connection develops later and is complicated by Wes's personal self esteem problems (the 'I'm not good enough for her' syndrome that afflicts many heroes).

Plotwise, the story gets a little over complicated with assorted groups competing for dominance and plenty of characters along for the ride. There's a lot of action, some of it on the more violent side as the Grey Wolves clash with the Wild Eight. (At one point, the story veers into the underground MMA fighting scene which seems like an unnecessary twist). The showdown also leads to Wes and Naomi making choices that lead to their eventual happy ending. Unlike some stories that start a series I don't have a clear sense of where this one is going next but chances are good that I'll keep my eyes out for its release despite some of my issues with this one. If you like your romances on the grittier, sexier side and are a fan of shifters and cowboys, Cowboy Wolf Trouble might be just what you need to start your reading year too.

This review has been posted at All About Romance and feedback updated with the link. A link to the review has been posted at Goodreads.

A great start to the Seven Range Shifters series, Cowboy Wolf Trouble is engaging throughout. Secrets, betrayal and romance, I could not put it down, I look forward to reading many more in this series and will be recommending it to others

This was an exciting new take on shifters and I always enjoy authors' different takes on pack life. CWT was no different with conflicting alphas, acceptance, betrayals and at the center, great characters that you care about. A slow burn romance that builds on their relationship while also holding a solid plot full of mystery and suspense.

Trouble has been following Wes Calhoun for most of his life. After leaving his father's pack and joining the Grey Wolf Pack, it's been a constant battle to atone for his past. It's been years but he still feels the judgement and the distrust of his pack mates.

When his hunch proves his old pack is up to it's old tricks and stirring the possibility of war, Wes, an alpha in his own right, doesn't hesitate to take them down. But his rash actions lead to a chain of events even he didn't see coming.

Naomi is a human he definitely didn't plan on. She's smart, she's self sufficient and strong. And somehow involved with his old pack. When her life is endangered, Wes takes her under his protection. But with his old pack out for blood and the reluctant support of his new pack, Wes and Naomi find themselves cornered and with only themselves to turn to.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Interesting story of shifter, Wes, saving human, Naomi, from evil pack of sf shifters. While Wes is attracted to Naomi, he knows that shifters are not allowed human partners so she is off limits.

To make matters worse, he had to shift in front of Naomi which means he should then kill her to keep shifters a secret. The book is filled with action as the Frey Wolf pack tries to figure out the plans that the the Crazy Eight pack has in store for them.

After a previous betrayal by a woman, Wes has a hard time trusting Naomi and keeps having doubts then when an innocent photo shows Naomi with Donnie, so Wes doesn't even listen to an explanation.

Good HEA and resolution to Naomi's problems and resolution of Wes's issues!

“Cowboy Wolf Trouble” is the first story in the Seven Range Shifters series. There is a connection to The Execution Underground series, yet while EU is an enjoyable series it’s not necessary to have read that one to enjoy this new series… but it does add to your enjoyment if you know one faction’s background, in my opinion.

Naomi and Wes make an interesting couple, especially since pack rule is that humans and shifters do not ever mix… or mate. Wes had lived the bad boy life once, but he’s left his former troublemaking pack and his bad boy ways in the past. His new pack and new attitude are what saved him from what the Wild Eight pack is getting into now. He might be a bit redeemed, but he still has trouble following rules. Out to discover what the Wild Eight pack is up to, convinced it means trouble for his new pack, Wes finds himself trapped… and has to do the one thing forbidden above all else… shift in front of a human.

Naomi is struggling to keep her family ranch afloat. It doesn’t help matters any that something is killing off her livestock. Against her wishes, her brother has set out traps… and the wolf now firmly caught seems to tell the tale of what is after her stock. Faced with putting the animal out of its misery Naomi is about to come face to face with the impossible as the wolf in the trap transforms into a man. Naomi’s life will never be the same again.

I was caught up in “Cowboy Wolf Trouble”. There is world building to get through, but that’s to be expected in a new series with several paranormal creatures involved. I wish there had been more action and less time spent in character’s heads, but that’s a personal preference. Wes and Naomi are both stubborn, bull-headed and determined to do things their way. At times that quick to make judgment attitude got them in trouble and frustrated me. This story is full of interesting characters, some nasty villains and rules to be broken. If you enjoy a Paranormal Romance with mystery, suspense and humor then you’ll want to pick up the first book in this series and get ready for a roller coaster ride.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Hot cowboy? Check. (Did you see the cover? OMG! DROOL!)

Deliciously sexy shifters? Double check and hot dayummm.

Sassy and snarky heroine? Yep! A woman after my own heart.

This was my first experience with one of Kait Ballenger's books, and it definitely won't be the last. It has just about everything you could ask for in a solid paranormal romance.

Wes, the gorgeous and hunky cowboy hero (I'm fanning myself here) has some serious chemistry with Naomi, the strong-willed Montana rancher. (Can I just tell you how much I love that she's a woman running her own ranch?)

If you're looking for a fast-paced shifter read, you should check this one out!

Wes Calhoun is a shifter that’s a bad boy trying to turn good. He used to be the alpha of a renegade pack but is now an unwanted member of the Grey Wolves. While trying to find out what his former pack is up to, he gets caught by human rancher Naomi Evans. In order to save her and not repeat history, he introduces her to the supernatural world, even if it is breaking the rules.
I really enjoyed this story. I thought the author did an excellent job with Wes’s character. He was so torn and determined that he was a monster. Only Naomi sees what he truly is, honorable and committed to a fault. The way it was written, I thought maybe there had been a previous book showing Wes leading the rogue group, but none that I found. I am glad I found this author and look forward to reading more of her stories. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This is book 1 in the Seven Range Shifters series. It's about Wes Calhoun, a bad boy shifter who is trying to turn his life around and Naomi Evans, a human rancher that has neighboring property to the pack Wes is a part of. Wes used to be the leader of a renegade pack but gave up his leadership in order to bring peace and make a change in his life. He is trying to move away from the violence that has always been a part of his life and has sworn his loyalty to the Grey Wolves. Naomi is trying to save the ranch that she inherited from her father. But in trying to save her ranch, a run in with Wes shows her a whole different world that she never knew or even imagined was real. But now she is in the middle of the problems that are coming for Wes.

This story is definitely a different take in some aspects of shifters and the lives they lead. However I had a hard time getting into it. The story itself really isn't bad, I just couldn't find the connection to the main characters. I'm not sure what didn't resonate with me though. The writing was decent, and the story will keep you involved. I just had a hard time with it. That's not to say that some people won't love it but it wasn't for me, which surprised me since I am definitely a PNR junkie. Maybe the next in the series will suck me in more. I definitely do plan to read the next to find out!

Wes Calhoun, a cowboy and a wolf-shifter
Naomi Evans, biologist, rancher & human
guest appearance by Black Jack, a wild mustang with an attitude

There is history between Wes and the outlaw shifter-members of Wild Eight. He left the bad guys and joined the good guys of Wolf Pack Run. The members of Wild Eight are out for Wes’ blood. While chasing the bad wolves, Wes stumbles onto human Naomi’s land and into a wolf trap. Naomi sees him shift to human to escape the trap. He abducts her because humans knowing about shifters is a no-no. They go back to the headquarters of the good wolves and figure out that the excrement is about to hit the fan. The good guys bind together to take on the bad wolves and their vampire friends. Action, back-story and steamy times included.

3 Stars
The book was provided by NetGalley for an honest review

COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE is the first instalment in Kait Ballenger’s contemporary, adult SEVEN RANGE SHIFTERS erotic, romance series, a spin-off from the author’s EXECUTION UNDERGROUND series. This is wolf shifter and rancher Wes Calhoun, and human rancher / biologist Naomi Evans’ story line. You do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current release.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Naomi and Wes) COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE follows the building but forbidden relationship between wolf shifter and rancher Wes Calhoun, and human rancher Naomi Evans. Naomi Evans is at war with an unknown force when she suspects a pack of wolves is laying waste to her flock of sheep. A trap set to catch the thief netted Naomi the surprise of her life when she pointed her gun at a naked male. Once shifted, Wes Calhoun was caught between head and heart when his pack leader decided Naomi knew too much to remain alive. What ensues is the building but forbidden romance between Naomi and Wes, and the potential fall-out as Wes’s reputation as a killer comes into question when Naomi becomes the unknown entity in a potential, supernatural war.

Wes Calhoun knows betrayal and loss. Once the packmaster for the Wild Eight’s, a rogue pack of shifting wolves, Wes sought out solitude, and forfeited his leadership when he swore loyalty to the local Seven Range Pack. Unable to forgive himself for sins of the past, Wes’ history would continue to follow in the wake of threats against the woman he loved. Bad boy to the bone, Wes must battle to prove there is more to Naomi’s story than meets the eye. Naomi Evans’ family owned ranch is struggling to survive but an offer to buy her property becomes fodder for a potential war when Naomi’s appearance in Wes’ life, is questioned by the people in control. Strong-willed, feisty and driven, Naomi is willing to risk her life to save the man with whom she is falling in love. Unfortunately, Wes’ troubled history, continues to mar any semblance of peace and retribution for our leading hero.

The relationship between Naomi and Wes is a forbidden romance. The Grey Wolves are forbidden to enter into sexual relationships with humankind, preferring to keep their supernatural species pure and untainted but Wes suspects Naomi is his mate, and struggles to stay one step ahead of the people trying to destroy their growing love. A lack of trust complicated by lies and deceit, and the pull of the man in control force Wes to push Naomi out of his life. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including packmaster Maverick Grey , medic Austin, High Commander of the Grey Wolf armies Colt Cavanaugh, IT specialist Blaze,and shifter Malcolm. The requisite evil has many faces.

The world building follows the potential for war as the Wild Eights target Wes Calhoun and the Grey Wolf pack. The Wild Eights have drawn the proverbial line in the sand, and have merged with a more powerful species in their attempts to takedown their once mighty leader.

COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE is a story of secrets and lies; betrayal and deceit; family, forgiveness and love. The premise is engaging, dramatic and startling; the characters are impassioned and strong; the romance is heart breaking and intimate. COWBOY WOLF TROUBLE is a strong start to the Seven Range Shifters series.

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Cowboy Wolf Trouble is the first title in Kait Ballenger new paranormal series, Seven Range Shifters. This is also the first title by this author that I had the pleasure of reading. For a Paranormal, Western romance, it was pretty good. It took me a while to get into this story, once I did, I completely enjoyed the plot. The entertainment factor for me is the banter between the two main characters.

Cowboy Wolf Trouble a book you don't want to miss. An excellent start to the Seven Range Shifter series. I can’t wait to read Cowboy In Wolf’s Clothing which is due out June 25, 2019

I love that Wes is the take action sort of guy. Even if that seems to get him in trouble a lot. He doesn't always agree with the alpha and goes against what the alpha wants sometimes. He tries to be good but sometimes you have to do the wrong thing in order to do the right thing. I heard that once and it is the perfect description Wes. He ends up getting himself caught in a trap on a ranch.

The very trap that Naomi's brother set to catch a wolf. Well he did but Naomi ends up seeing more than she should. Like a wolf shifting into a man. Okay, that would freak me out! I also enjoyed how she showed Wes how to believe that he was a good man. She could see it, he just had problems with it.

Wes and Naomi are good characters and the play off of each other in an interesting way. This is book one in the Seven Range Shifters and while the world building and back story were good I kept feeling like I was missing something. I wonder if part of both were handled in a previous series. There was a lot of action and tension. The rules for the pack were written in stone and Wes just could not follow them. That was part of the tension. I did find that there was too much of the passive voice and not enough of the active for me. More dialog less internal thinking.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Cowboy Wolf Trouble is a tale of love and redemption. Bad-boy wolf shifter and horse wrangler Wes Calhoun has issues to overcome and human rancher Naomi Evans seems like she is going to be the catalyst for that change. Watching these two come together was a wonderfully cinematic western tale of adventure, feuds and love. This is the first in what looks to be a terrific new series.

Cowboy Wolf Trouble is part supernatural tale, part cowboy romance. The wilds of Montana seem like a perfect place for various groups of shifters/cowboys! In this world, humans are forbidden from knowing about shifters. Learning of their existence could lead to death. Naomi of course doesn't know this, and when she encounters a wolf in a trap, her world tilts. Then, this werewolf tells her its vampires draining her flock and she is shook. The story is a mix of humans set on 'defending the human race' with violence, a malicious wolf pack, and some freakish half vampires.

Wes was once a packmaster. He gave up his title and joined another pack. He hasn't quite felt like a real packmember since though. Now Wes has discovered his old pack is up to no good and Naomi might be right in the middle. The suspense is pretty high throughout the story. These shifters are brutal and none of them give a "warm fuzzy" vibe. It was a different feel to the shifter trope in subtle ways-killing humans, fighting each other. Wes had some annoying hero habits though-he pushed Naomi away, he constantly thought he wasn't worth anything, and he didn't trust her even though she had given him no reason to feel that way.

Naomi is an uncommon sight in the world of Montana cattle ranchers. A woman running a ranch is still not common, and add to it she is part Native American, and you have a recipe for discrimination. In addition to all that, she is a college educated Biologist. She knew she would one day inherit the family ranch, but she wasn't sure she really wanted the job. Her brother, on the other hand, did want the job and is NOT happy that the ranch passed to Naomi when their father died. As the story continues, you learn that Naomi is torn between her familial obligations to the ranch and her own desires.

The story is unique and the characters are likable enough, but I struggled to get into this one. I can't put my finger on why exactly, though. I think some of it was Wes. Some of it was it felt too long. However, there is lots of action and deception and danger, so there is plenty to keep you going. I liked the book overall and I am interested in checking out book 2 for sure. The world Ballenger has created is interesting and the other Grey Wolves sound like they might have some good stories to tell.

Cowboy Wolf Trouble is the first story of Kait Ballenger’s Seven Range Shifter series and will definitely be added to my “MUST READ” list. As with any PNR read, this story enables readers to escape the reality of everyday life and dwell in the supernatural world for a short time and bask in the wonders of the Alpha males and their over-protective tendencies (and lets not deny we would all like a super sexy shifter to sweep us off our feet) and the women that enter their lives; usually at the most inopportune times.

I loved Wes Calhoun, with his bad boy reputation and obvious need for some TLC, and Naomi Evan’s with her strong independent nature is easily recognisable as a huge challenge for this Alpha wolf. The story is well developed, with great world building and easy to follow dialogue; and Wes and Naomi’s chemistry is explosive, which only adds intensity to this intriguing story. I can’t wait for the next in this series!

I enjoyed it. I didn't love it, I liked the story enough to finish it. I will look at reading more from the author in the future, and continue with this new series. I love shifters, I wasn't at all expecting myself to struggle to get into the story. Once I did it was enjoyable. This has potential to be a great series for PNR lovers!