This is my first ever read by Shelly Laurenston and if this what I can expect from the other books in the Pride series, then count me in!Antonella “Toni” Jean-Louis Parker is the eldest of eleven kids (or would that be pups?) of the jackal shifter variety. As if that was not bad enough, all ten of her younger siblings are prodigies - in music, ballet, sculpture, art and math. Toni was resigned to being the average sibling and de facto manager slash wrangler of all things prodigy. Now she's got a chance to break away from her family and get a career of her own.When Ricky Lee Reed sees Toni he thinks, "Hmm, she’s cute, pretty hair, good for a few dates, maybe just a little fun". Unfortunately for him, Toni is having none of that. Well, he is a very patient wolf and knows all good things come to those who wait. They really do because he gets his chance when he is hired to protect Toni as she travels to Siberia. Away from the constant demands of her siblings, Toni cuts loose and indulges in lots of hot and dirty action between the sheets with Ricky Lee.This book was filled with fascinating characters, entertaining dialogue and the humor was the dry and sarcastic kind, my favorite! Even though I have not read the preceding seven books, there was enough information on the characters to let me get into the story. Ricky Lee is a laid-back, drawling southern guy, the kind that you don't see coming as he slides right under your defenses with his easy-going charm and I loved him! He totally complemented and grounded energizer Toni, who was always on the go. The interactions between the siblings were too funny, but the standout character for me was Kyle.Yes, in a romantic story my favorite character was an eleven-year old boy. I loved reading everything he said and wanted more!One of my favorites:It must be hard,” Kyle mused to the bobcat. “One of the superior cats. Revered and adored throughout history as far back as the ancient Egyptians. And yet here you sit. At a desk. A common drone. Taking orders from lowly canines and bears. Do your ancestors call to you from the great beyond, hissing their disappointment to you? Do they cry out in despair at where you’ve ended up despite such a lofty bloodline? Or does your hatred spring from the feline misery of always being alone? Skulking along, wishing you had a mate or a pack or pride to call your own? But all you have is you . . . and your pathetic job as a drone? Does it break your feline heart to be so . . . average? So common? So . . . human?Yeah, I’m pretty sure that if an eleven-year old told me that, I would be crying in my coffee, too.I know the book is billed as a romance, but the antics of the characters were so hilarious that the fact that the romance between Toni and Ricky Lee took a backseat was not very noticeable. Their relationship actually bloomed around the dysfunction that surrounded them! I've got to say that the females in this series are some serious badasses. I definitely recommend you check this and the rest of the series out. It's nice to see "One of those Reed Boys" get his own book. Something to make him stand out from the rest. And Toni was a great character for him. I really enjoyed their story. But what really makes this book stand out are the secondary characters. Toni's family is incredible and terrifying. The incredible being Freddy, and the terrifying being Kyle. Also it was great to see some favorites from the Magnus Pack series.Another great Pride book from Shelly. Looking forward to more!
What do You think about Wolf With Benefits (2013)?
Love love this author! Those Jean Louis Parker kiddos were hilarious.
—widdajane
Extremely entertaining I can't get enough!
—marsade16
