Book Review: The Mane Squeeze by Shelly Laurenston

Title: The Mane Squeeze
Series: Pride, Book 4
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Sensuality Rating: Steamy
Source: library
Published: November 1, 2009 by Brava

Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O'Neill has learned how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice, suburban Jersey boy in the form of a massive Grizzly shifter? Especially one with a rather unhealthy fetish for honey, moose, and…uh…well, her. Yet despite his menacing ursine growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan "Lock" MacRyrie cute and really sweet. He actually watches out for her, protects her, and unlike the rest of her out-of-control family manages not to morbidly embarrass her. Too bad cats don't believe in forever.

At nearly seven feet tall, Lock is used to people responding to him in two ways: screaming and running away. Gwen-half lioness, half tigress, all kick-ass-does neither. She's sexy beyond belief and smart as hell, but she's a born protector. Watching out for the family and friends closest to her but missing the fact that she's being stalked by a murderous enemy who doesn't like hybrids…and absolutely hates Gwen. Lock probably shouldn't get involved, but he will. Why? Because this is Gwen-and no matter what the hissing, roaring, drape destroying feline says about not being ready to settle down, Lock knows he can't simply walk away. Not when she's come to mean absolutely everything to him.

Reviewed By: Babs

In a Nutshell: I enjoyed reading The Mane Squeeze. The humor along with family dynamics and friends made this a fun read for me.

The Set Up: Lock is a grizzly shifter interested in Gwen. Gwen is a tigon (tiger/lion) shifter just getting out from under her mother’s influence.

Why I Read This Book: I was in the mood for a funny read. Plus I have read books in both the Magnus Pack and Pride series. I’m trying to get caught up on the Pride series and for some reason skipped this book.

What I Liked: I liked Lock and Gwen for different reasons. Lock was a pretty steady Eddie but had his playful side. Gwen can be high strung (hello—cat shifter!) but has what’s a fairly mundane job. I found Gwen’s paranoia about organ harvesting endearing.

I enjoyed the family dynamic. Both have kind of crazy families. Gwen’s is way out there crazy with the extended family. Lock’s family is more grounded but still has the eccentric relatives.

I love how Gwen’s friend Blayne put together a pretty epic scheme to get Lock and Gwen together. She was able to pull everyone in whether they wanted to help or not.

Gwen’s mom was pretty feisty and I liked Lock’s family. I also enjoyed his dad’s insatiable curiosity that kept getting him into trouble.

I like how Gwen made a tough decision about her life and future early on then pushed Lock to pursue his dream job and supported him through that. I enjoyed how their relationship meant they were backing each other up a lot—in addition to the chemistry.

What I Also Liked: I like reading about characters from other Pride books. Brendon and Ronnie Lee from The Mane Event (book 1), Jessica and Smitty and their wild pack of dogs from The Beast in Him (book 2), Mitch and Sissy Mae from The Mane Attraction (book 3) all made appearances in The Mane Squeeze. I always enjoy it when past heroes and heroines get back in the mix.

Gwen’s best friend Blayne gets her book and hero in book 5, Beast Behaving Badly. That’s another book in the series I haven’t read and look forward to.

Lock’s friends Ric and Dee-Ann’s story is book 6 in the series, Big Bad Beast. A possible re-read for later. It’s been a few years since I read this one and reading The Mane Squeeze is making me want to re-read.

What I Didn’t Like: Gwen was out there just a little bit too far for me with some of the cat-like shenanigans while still in human form. The ending was also pretty crazy. I’m not sure I buy Gwen falling back into some of the activities that made her leave Philadelphia and her mom’s shadow.

Overall Impression: I liked The Mane Squeeze. Several laugh-out-loud moments for me and I do like funny books. I recommend this to readers who like funny books and can handle some farfetched shifter antics. Another author to try if you like this one and have read all the Shelly Laurenston craziness is Dana Marie Bell. She’s a new-to-me author and also writes about shifters with some silliness thrown in but I don’t think the silliness rises to Shelly Laurenston levels.

Bab’s Rating:

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