Ascension
Ellora’s Cave
Format: eBook
ISBN: 9781419910061
Genre: Paranormal, Werewolf, Romantic Suspense
Length: Plus Novel
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Kari’s simple life is tossed upside down and Andreas Phinney is the reason.
She’s put in the hospital after a dog attacks her, kidnapped by her doctor and now a very handsome but totally crazy man is telling her that not only is he a werewolf but so is she. And not just any werewolf but the queen!
But she soon finds out Andreas is telling the truth and being a werewolf isn’t so bad when your husband stands well over six feet, is hotter than a movie star and richer than one too. It doesn’t hurt that he adores and spoils her and the wicked-hot sex is icing on the cake. And what girl doesn’t like cake?
But a slight problem develops when someone in the Cherchez Pack keeps trying to kill her. Kari is happy and belongs to a big family for the first time in her life and she’s not going to let one wolf with an axe to grind ruin her life.
Andreas, Kari and the wolves in the Inner Circle unite to end the threat and find the killer. It’s kill or be killed and Kari intends to do the killing.
Kari awoke, feeling like she was wrapped in cotton. Her eyes opened to find she wasn’t in the hospital. Confused, she looked around and saw that she was in a large room with wood-paneled walls. Light shafted over the blankets on the bed. A real bed, not a hospital bed. Flowers burst from vases on every conceivable surface, filling her view with a riot of color. Beneath the sweet scent of the wildflowers there was the clean smell of beeswax on the furniture. More distant, fresh air and the crisp scent of pine trees and verdant moss. Faintly, she heard water lapping against a shoreline of some sort.
She continued to study the room until her eyes focused on Dr. Kennedy, who sat on a nearby chair reading a mystery novel.
“Dr. Kennedy? What’s going on? Where am I?”
Looking up, Dr. Kennedy placed her book aside and stood with a smile. “Kari, you’re awake. Good.” Getting up, she quickly checked Kari over and stepped back, apparently satisfied with the results.
“Where am I?” Kari repeated.
Dr. Kennedy smiled and took a deep breath. “Well, Alice, you just fell down the proverbial rabbit hole. I’ll start simple. You’re at Star Lake Lodge. It’s up in the Northern Cascades about an hour north of Leavenworth. You’ll be here for a while.”
“What? Why?” Alarm began to creep through her system.
“Well, the why is pretty complicated and I’m not the one to tell you everything. Your life changed that night in the alley, Kari. It wasn’t a dog that attacked you. It was a wolf. A werewolf.”
“A what?” Kari laughed. “Am I on drugs? My head injury is worse than I thought because I swear I heard you say I was attacked by a werewolf.”
“No, you aren’t on drugs and your head is fine. And yes, you heard correctly. You were attacked by a werewolf.”
She sat up and winced, a bit dizzy. “So you’re the one on drugs then? There are no such things as werewolves.”
“Ah, but there are, beautiful.”
Kari turned in the direction of that deep voice and found herself looking up into the face of the most breathtakingly handsome and masculine man she’d ever laid eyes on. He was easily six-and-a-half feet tall, broad-shouldered. Thick, muscular arms and thighs and a long lean stomach were obvious markers of his strength. He had large hands with beautifully long fingers. Wheat-blond hair brushed his shoulders, loose, holding a slight wave through the thick silk that made her fingers clench with the desire to touch it. Eyes the gold-brown of whiskey took her in. Lips, full and ripe for kissing, held a natural smile. His voice flowed over her like water over a river stone, smooth and deep. The man was a complete package of devastating attractiveness. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Kari felt her body respond to him.
“Kari, I’m Andreas Phinney. Welcome to my home.” Reaching out, he took her hand in his and electricity flowed back and forth between them, bringing a gasp from her lips. Smiling in a cocky, self-assured way, he planted a kiss on her palm.
“Why am I here and when can I go home?” A bit breathless, Kari pulled her hand out of his grasp.
Andreas sat down on the bed next to her. The heat rising from his skin in waves enveloped her, dizzying her. “Kari, the next few days are going to be hard for you but please believe that I will do everything I can to make them easier. Not just me but everyone here. Before we get to any long explanations, let’s get some food into you. Are you hungry?”
Annoyed, she waved her hand at him. “What? No, I’m not hungry. I want to know what the hell is going on here!” Well, she was hungry actually, but fear was overtaking hunger pretty well right then.
Andreas sighed and looked at Dr. Kennedy. “Elaine, can you please go and ask Anna to prepare a tray for Kari and bring it up? She and I are going to talk a bit.”
As Dr. Kennedy left, Kari backed up against the headboard, scanning the room, looking for something to use as a weapon.
“You don’t have to fear me, Kari. Not ever. I would never hurt you.” Andreas’ voice was soothing.
“Yeah, well, forgive me for not believing that. I don’t know you. I’m in your house. And no one seems to want to tell me anything other than some farcical nonsense about werewolves.”
“All right. From the beginning, the unabridged version. I’m a werewolf. The leader of the Cherchez Clan. My father and grandfather before him held the position I hold now. You were marked by a werewolf in that alley on Saturday. Michael—the wolf who changed you—got a bit excited and lost control. He’s very sorry and will continue to be until you are well enough to decide on his punishment. You weren’t supposed to be marked for another few months so that we could ease your transition.”
Mouth open in shock, Kari sat there speechless. He seemed so normal. Hell, Dr. Kennedy seemed normal too. Just went to show how people could be totally lucid and yet completely batshit crazy at the same time.
Donna has given 4 1/2 stars to ASCENSION in the January 2008 issue of Romantic Times Magazine!: Dane introduces the Cherchez Pack in a vibrant novel that pulsates with love and danger. The characters jump off the page, and the plot twists, turns and entertains. The sex gets hotter with light bondage and a menage a trois. Readers should note that there is an intense scene between two males.
Judy at Erotic Escapades gives ASCENSION five tattoos and the crystal tattoo award! She says in part: Ascension is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is full of delicious, drop dead gorgeous men who’ll make your mouth water. Humor and sexuality that just pours off them in waves. I have read many of Lauren Dane’s stories and she always brings her characters to life, making you feel like you’re part of their lives, and this story is no exception
Lori Ann at RRT Erotic says in part of ASCENSION: ASCENSION is a fascinating introduction into the lives, loves, and loyalties of the Cherchez Clan. (…) Oh there are so many interesting characters I’d like to tell you about, plot points I’m tempted to reveal, but, I can’t, so, go on already, get a copy of ASCENSION! :-) It’s a fabulous choice for your summer reading.
Chrissy at Romance Junkies gives ASCENSION five ribbons and says in part: Lauren Dane never fails to thrill me with each new story she has published and ASCENSION is no exception. This book introduces readers to the Cherchez Clan which is full of characters readers are going to fall in love with – and a few you’ll love to hate. Kari and Andreas make an awesome couple.
Angel at Romance Junkies gives ASCENSION four ribbons and says in part: ASCENSION is a tale that traps you in its web. There is so much going on your mind is constantly whirling with all the possibilities. Kari is our overwhelmed and confused heroine, but her bravery never fails to amaze me. (…) Lauren Dane is an amazing author and this book is sure to bring her many more fans and have readers looking for more of her work.
Danny at Loveromances gives ASCENSION five hearts and says in part: Ascension is the brilliant start of a terrific new werewolf series by Ms. Dane. The book is full of intrigue and sensual tension. The story is so well written that the reader is absolutely drawn into it.
Nicole at PNR says of ASCENSION:I have to say that I love anything Lauren Dane writes in the first place, but oh my gosh, this book “Rocks Big Time”. I loved this world and story line. I fell in love with this family of werewolves and want more from the pack. I sure hope Ms. Dane plans to write more from this loving and hot Pack of Wolves. The author did a great job with this storyline, and the building of their relationship, well to me that was the icing on the cake. I can’t wait for Lauren’s new book, I will be first in line.
Contessa at The Romance Studio gives ASCENSION five hearts and says in part:Ascension is one mega-hot, sexually charged read! This magnificent book will take you on a wild, emotional roller coaster of a ride and will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat with its thrilling suspense and toe curling passionate sexual encounters.
Kerin at Two Lips Reviews gives ASCENSION five lips and says in part: I kept on trying to become uncomfortable with how Andreas completely takes control of Kari’s life but Lauren Dane puts enough fire and resistance into Kari’s character that I found myself appreciative of her efforts and Andreas’ remorse. Kari’s easy capitulation is understandable as well given her childhood and desire to belong somewhere and be cared about by someone. I absolutely loved Kari and couldn’t wait to hear what would come out of her mouth next –definitely my kind of gal! And oh la la, the naughty things that came out of Andreas’ mouth are enough to make any woman’s toes curl. Their insatiable desire for each other is erotic to the nth degree! Ascension is a fantastic start to what is bound to be another riveting series by Lauren Dane.
Rachelle at FAR gives ASCENSION five angels and says in part: Lauren Dane brings adventure, fun and rip roaring antics to this family full of raging males and the few females who’re able to bare them. Just like any large family with more secrets than they’re able to control in a locked closet, Kari and her alpha mate Andreas find themselves fighting to stay together as life comes at them fast, furious and deadly. Adding suspense in with a smorgasbord of sensual treats I, as a reader, found this to be a really fast flowing read that had me awestruck until the very end. Something that really made this story stand out was how easily the supporting characters became as necessary as breathing to the ability for this tale to remain impressive.
Trang at Ecataromance gives ASCENSION five stars and says in part: Once again Ms. Dane has created a wonderfully sexy story that you won’t want to miss (…) The secondary characters make this story! From Anna, the housekeeper to the various gorgeous pack members who protect Kari from an unseen danger, they bring a depth to this story that is wonderful to read. Read Ascension for a story that is memorable, sexy and satisfying!
Talia at Joyfully Reviewed has made ASCENSION a June Recommended Read and says in part: Ascension was steamy, full of intrigue, and very much anticipated. I perused Lauren Dane’s coming soon pages almost weekly and having had my eye on Ascension for months, I was desperately waiting for it to be released. It was worth my wait and then some. Total werewolf nirvana in one magnificently written novel that I have to joyfully recommend! I can’t wait for more stories about this pack of wolves!
Pam at My Book Cravings gives ASCENSION five roses and says in part: I love shapeshifter stories and this one had me hooked from the very first page. The story is fast paced, nicely plotted and all the characters are well developed. Miss Dane has written a well crafted paranormal romance filled with uncertainty, suspense, sexual tension and passion, and left me wanting to know more about the characters and what happens next.
Lori at I Just Finished Reading has this to say in part about Ascension:What sets this one apart for me? Simple. Lauren Dane. Her voice, her characters. These aren’t “others” who speak in anachronistic voices and live in strange faraway countries – her werewolves sound like regular folks, hold jobs like regular folks, live in the real world like regular folks.
(…)
Lauren sent me this book with the hope of guiding me into the paranormal world – the “dark side” as she put it. Well, I like her version of it, and I wouldn’t call it the dark side at all. But, I think I can honestly say it’s because I just love her books. And I’m truly glad that I read it. I will be reading the next in this series for sure.