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Guest Post & Giveaway: Kelly’s top 6 favorite shifters

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Joe Manganiello in Vanity Fair Italy

Any excuse to show Joe Manganiello looking all wolf-y. (Photo by Nino Munoz for Vanity Fair Italy)

Here’s the deal, readers: I like shifter books, too. I know. Shocking. But while I may be an expert on vampire books, my friend Kelly is the queen bee of shifter novels. Oh, she loves her heroes furry. It made sense to ask her to write up the favorite shifters for part of this week’s ongoing chats about favorite paranormal beasties. Other key things to know about Kelly: she runs the blog Reading the Paranormal, encourages me to bait BDB roleplaying accounts on Twitter (mostly @Rehvenge_BDB) and, most importantly, has excellent taste in books.

MY FAVORITE SHIFTERS
by Kelly from Reading the Paranormal

There are those that say that werewolves are the dogs of the paranormal world, but I have to respectfully disagree. Werewolves — hell, shapeshifters in general — are sexy, wild, protective and so full of grrr that I can hardly stand it. So what if they go a little furry every once in a while? A hairball might be nothing to laugh about but it’s a small price to pay in the long run. It doesn’t matter what animal they shift into, they all walk on the wild side when it comes to lovin’.

Here are my top 6 So-Good-You’ll-Want-To-Eat-Them-Up Shifters:

Jeremy, Clay & Karl (Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong): Oh, my. We have the strong, silent leader in Jeremy. The brash, often psychotic protector of the Alpha with Clay. The urbane, sophisticated thief in Karl. All of them are strong, proud, and fiercely protective of those that look to them. Plus, they have stamina. Mmm. Special mention goes to Derek from the YA Darkness Rising series. At 17, he already shows the qualities I find sexy in his older counterparts. (Bitten is the first Women of the Otherworld novel)

Alcide Herveaux (Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, True Blood): I’m going to amend this one by saying that I find his TV persona to be far, far superior to the book. I am in no way denying this could be entirely due to Joe Manganiello’s shirtlessness. In fact, True Blood Alcide trumps all other Alcides. Ever. In the history of the world. His hotness is so epic that I can’t even articulate the personality traits that make him one of my favorites. His shirtlessness drives all rational thoughts from my head. (Alcide may steal your heart in Club Dead)

Bitten by Kelley ArmstrongAdam Hauptman (Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs): Adam really came onto my radar after Mercy’s attack. I liked the guy before that, don’t get me wrong, but when he showed such gentleness with her and helped her regain her footing in the wake of the brutality done to her, I was a goner. Alpha strong, Adam is the epitome of the classic Leader of the Pack. (The first Mercy Thompson book is Moon Called)

The Changeling shifters (Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh): Every. Single. One. Of. Them. Their need for touch, their need for the comforts of their group bond… they’re as sexy as hell when they show that vulnerability. And when they go all feral lover on their ladies… *swoon* (The first Psy-Changeling novel is Slave to Sensation)

Alec, Derek & Andrew (Southern Arcana series by Moira Rogers): One natural born Alpha and two who were unwillingly inducted into the werewolf lifestyle. Alec is gruff, pissy, hot-headed and he refuses to back down from a fight. Derek and Andrew have had to learn the ropes of their unexpected werewolf-dom but they both adapted beautifully. The biggest draw with these three: Their unswerving dedication to the women in their lives. (The first Southern Arcana book is Crux)

Griffin, Logan & Max (That Old Black Magic series by Jodi Redford): A cat, a wolf and a shark. Yes, a shark. Trust me, you’ll never look at sharks the same way again after reading Max’s story. (The first That Old Black Magic novel is That Voodoo You Do)

GIVEAWAY: THE REAL WEREWIVES OF VAMPIRE COUNTY AND WOLF AT THE DOOR [CLOSED]

In celebration of shifters, we’re giving away copies of The Real Werewives of Vampire County anthology (stories by Alexandra Ivy, Angie Fox, Jess Haines and Tawny Taylor) and Wolf at the Door by MaryJanice Davidson. To enter, leave a comment naming your favorite shifter(s). The contest is open through Oct. 31. This one is U.S. and Canada addresses only.

CONTEST DETAILS AND RULES
1. To enter, you must leave a comment on this post answering the question above.
2. You do not need to follow Vampire Book Club to be entered, but we sure do like it.
3. This contest is open to U.S. and Canadian addresses only..
4. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. CST on Monday, Oct. 31, 2011.
5. The winner will be selected using Random.org. Then she will be contacted via email and given 48 hours to claim her prize. If we do not hear from the winner(s) within that time, a new winner will be selected.
6. Entrants must be at least 18 years old or have their parent’s permission to enter. Please review our privacy policy, if you have any questions as to how Vampire Book Club uses your information. (Short version: we’ll only use it to contact you for this contest.)
7. Though unlikely, Vampire Book Club has the right to change or cancel any giveaway at any time without prior notice.
8. Vampire Book Club is not responsible for prizes lost or damage in transit.

61 Responses to “Guest Post & Giveaway: Kelly’s top 6 favorite shifters”

  1. Some of my favorite shifters are the changeling shifters, the shifters from Cole’s IAD, and the shifters in Kenyon’s were-hunters series.
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

  2. Joy S says:

    Oh definatly the shifters from the were-hunters series by Kenyon.
    Alcide is a very very close second though!

  3. Barbara A. says:

    Adam, Adam, Adam, oh I love Adam! Lucky Kate, how I envy her!
    Yes, I like Alcide very much but he’s not that much of an Alpha….
    Adam forever!!!!

  4. Nita says:

    I voted for the Changlings from Nalini Singh’s awesome books. Ahhhh, sexy sexy Hawke and Lucas and Clay.

    But I would like to add Charles from Patricia Brigg’s Mercy and Alpha & Omega series. I absolutely love him.

  5. Sarah Huxley says:

    Alcide! I’m with ya on the whole shirtless thing. Someone needs to smack Snookie and tell her to forget the vamps and go for Alcide!

  6. I liked the top 3 you listed but was unfamiliar with the bottom three.. which are totally getting written down and snatched up soon because I adore adore shifter novels BUT I like Vampire novels too.. I’m an ADDICT for both! Yum! 😉 Haven’t read any of Nalini’s besides her Angel series, but I really enjoyed that one 🙂 I also agree that Adam is just something else! Compassionate and loving is yum! But, you did forget a completely awesome shifter which is Curran from the Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews… you like shifters? *fans self* that series is HOT! I really like the dragons in Katie MacAlister’s dragon series as well 🙂 They don’t have to be furry for you to like them right? Scaly is okay? 😉 Another series I really enjoy is Yasmine Galenorn “the otherworld series.” She’s really only got one shifter (one of three sisters) but there’s also a few lovers that come along that shift as well + a really sexy “god” who’s the Autumn Lord and has laid claim to one of the 3 sisters (the shifter) 🙂 Its an excellent series if you haven’t tried it yet 🙂

    paranormaladdicts at yahoo dot com also feel free to email me anytime if you need/want more book suggestions or even to offer your own 😀 I love finding new reads!

  7. Anya Sandoval says:

    I love two A’s Adam and Alcide.. But another favorite that I cannot stress how much I adore… And I do mean adore, is Curran. Good lord, that man is one sexy beast that I would love to… Well, you get my drift.. Definitely can’t say what I would do I ever met these three, since I don’t want to scare off or bring any trauma to any kiddies, lol!

  8. I love the shifters in the Mercy Thompson world (including the Alpha & Omega series) and the Kate Daniels series. I agree with Chelsea – Curran is a hottie! Rawr! rwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom

  9. Alaina says:

    i would LOVE to win Wolf at the Door by MaryJanice Davidson.. (i have the other one)..

    ohh some good choices already Up.. Ilona Andrews’ CUrran and Jim.. any by Nalini Singh.. patricia briggs’ sam, charles and adam.. thea harrisons dracos (welll really any of hers.. who can argue with a dragon, griffin and thunderbird?) oh man who else.. any of deborah cookes’ dragons..
    and i quit before i end up listing every one out there
    (and thanks i now have 2 new authors to try!!)

  10. Vicki says:

    Ooooh, I love me some shifter.

    I absolutely ADORE Adam. He is one hot Alpha.
    Every. Single. One. of Faythe Sanders pride from Rachel Vincents Shifters series.

    Sam from the Wolves of Mercy Falls.

  11. Missie says:

    Favorite Shifter? Ummm… I have to admit to not reading about many shifters. I guess I’d have to say Jacob Black? Does he count? LOL

    I have read about Alcide, but to be honest, he never really blew me away or anything, but he had his moments.

    Oh wait! I have it. My favorite shifter would have to be BARRONS! He’s a beast, literally. And it’s a role he totally owns.

  12. Barbara A. says:

    Oooooooh…ooops, I meant Mercy for Adam, Kate belongs to Curran. And by the way, it’s a big fault not to have Curran from Kate Daniels here in the pole *thumbs down*

  13. Kendra Edens says:

    Great post Kelly! And you represented for the Redford fans! Whee! I am not familiar with the top three shifter stories your mentioned, but adore the bottom three! Thanks for making my “to-read” list even longer. *sighs* But I WILL eventually dwindle that thing down – of course discovering new authors practically daily isn’t helping. 🙂

    Favorite shifter stories without a doubt are the That Old Black Magick series by Jodi Redford and although I wouldn’t quibble over any of those delectable males, my fave has to be Max! A shark … I never would have thought it … but after reading Maximum Witch, there was no turning back!
    kendraedens@gmail.com

  14. Viki S. says:

    I went with Kelley’s shifters but if you had Rachel Vincents I would have chosen them.
    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

  15. Karen U Eastman says:

    Curran is my current top fav shifter. second would be the not so pyscho shifters from the Anita Blake series. I haven’t heard about most of the ones you listed above so looks like i have some books to add to my list. Unfortunately haven’t read the sookie stackhouse series yet but i just might have to start. or even gotten past season 2 of True blood. Think im 3 episodes in lol.

  16. i love alcide and adam, that was a hard one. lol. thanks for an awesome giveaway and post!!

  17. Na S. says:

    Some of these shifters I still have to meet but I like like like Barrons from the Fever series. His kind is pretty fascinating as well such as Ryodan.

  18. Riva L. says:

    For just pure sexy – Alcide all the way, with the Southern Arcana guys a close second. But, to give the girls equal time, I LOVE Kitty Norville (Carrie Vaughn – first one is Kitty and the Midnight Hour). Sweet, snarky, not too full of herself, she’s turning into a great Alpha for her pack.

  19. Kristina Parmenter says:

    I have to say Alcide! Most definately! Woot Woot! There should totally be a team Alcide!!!

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

  20. Rebs says:

    I think my favorite shifter would be Mercy Thompson, I love that she’s a coyote! Or Saul from the Jill Kismet series.

  21. Shau'ri says:

    My favorite shifter is Curran, form Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews. 😉

  22. Donna S says:

    All great shifters but my favorites are Clay and Elena and Jeremy from the Otherworld series. There are many others I really like but those really hold the top spot for me.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

  23. Nicole says:

    I LOVE shifters too! And you named some of the very best: Adam, Clay, and Alcide!! Some other amazing shifters missing from your list? Faythe Sanders and the very sexy Marc Ramos, and sexy Jace Wayland from the “Shifters” series by Rachel Vincent. They are werecats and as fiercely loyal and tough as the rest of the shifters listed. And did I mention sexy?! Check them out!!

  24. Barbara Elness says:

    My favorite shifter is Keri Arthur’s Riley Jensen. A close second is Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock. Neither of these are on your list, and they’re both women. Hmmm, I can’t help it if I like kick ass women. 😀

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

  25. elaing8 says:

    I like the werewolves in Kelley Armstrong’s series.
    Also Faythe,Marc and Jace and the gang from Rachel Vincent’s series
    Although she’s half werewolf..Riley Jensen from Keri Arthur.

  26. jenn says:

    Nice post! I’m a big fan of most of the guys you mentioned but I have to add Jace and Marc from Rachel Vincent’s Shifters books to the list.

  27. Stephanie K. says:

    My favorite shifter is Charles Cornick from the Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs.

  28. Amber Hughes says:

    My favorite shifters are Clay, Adam, Marc & Jace from Rachel Vincent’s Shifter series & Curran from Kate Daniel’s series. LOVE the shifters! Oh wait…I need to add Dragos & Tiago from Thea Harrison’s Elder Races series too!!

    Great post! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

  29. Victoria Zumbrum says:

    I love werewolves. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

  30. Liz S says:

    I love Nalini Singh’s shifters, but for pure fun and laughs I enjoy Shelly Laurenston series as G. Aiken. These dragons are hilarious!

  31. Ok… so yes Alcide Herveaux but! I also love Clay Danvers from Kelley Armstrong’s books AND! I have a book I’m currently writing myself that has a pretty hot shifter in it named Ashler Morris… the pic I use for him or who comes to mind is Cam Gigandet… yeahhhhh so I have to say he’s my fave too. 😀 Awesome contest as always!

    Kitty Bullard
    greatmindsthinkaloud@gmail.com

  32. Heather says:

    I have yet to read any of the shifters books mentioned above. I will be adding the Psy-Changeling by Nalini Singh. I read Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series and it freaking rocks.

    One series I really enjoyed but isn’t up here is the Shifters series (first book is called Stray) by Rachel Vincent. Rachel Vincent’s shifters are a bit different from the listed ones above; they are werecats!

  33. I enjoy Quinn From the sookie series. <3 i love the tiger shifter. i havent read a whole lot of books with shifters though.

    Terri M
    oklahomamommy0306@gmail.com

  34. cindyg says:

    The Were that comes to mind is Caleb from J.A. Saare’s Crimson Moon series. He’s awesome…if you haven’t read this one; you’re missing out.

  35. I love, LOVE the Changeling shifters. They are sexy, capable (in every way), and take control when needed. I need to me tamed.

  36. Dude, I am SO bookmarking this post.. I come back from my post and there’s even MORE shifter series to add to my pile *cackles* I love love love finding new books so I can’t wait to try some of these out! 😀

  37. Lora1967 says:

    I am sorry I have really read any books about shifters. So this would be an experience for me. So i hope that i win. So I can experience it
    Thanks for the giveaways that you do all the time.
    Stop by my blog and enter the giveaways and say Hi 🙂

  38. Renée says:

    Alcide!

  39. Joani S says:

    Those were some really good choices, but I’m rooting for Adam. Super sexy and a gentleman, you can’t go wrong!!

  40. Pam B says:

    I chose Adam from the Mercy Thompson books, but I also love Jeremy from Kelley Armstrong’s books. I’m a sucker for strong and gentle!

  41. Vilmarys says:

    I love shapeshifters but my favorites include all were-hunters from Sherrilyn Kenyon but especially Vane, oh my that man just screams sexy, Jonas Wyatt from Lora Leigh, Adam from Mercy Thompson series and last but certainly not least is Bowen from the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. Great post Kelly and thanks for the giveaway! 🙂

  42. Mel Thomas says:

    I love me some shifters, especially the kitties. I chose Adam but he’s not my favorite shifter he’s just my favorite on your list. My favorite shifters are Micha from Anita Blake, Marc from Shifters, Tighe from Feral Warriors, Smoky from Yasmine Galenorn’s Otherworld, Anyan from Jane True, Quinn from Sookie and Samuel Cornick from Mercy Thompson.

  43. Kelly Mills says:

    My favorite shifter is Mercy Thompson from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.

  44. SharonS says:

    If we are talking any type of shifter….I got with Barrons! He does count, right? I chose Alcide from the list above though.

  45. Emily K. says:

    Alcide Herveaux is my choice…I’m normally a vampire kind of gal, but in southern vampire mysteries Alcide is my favorite character. From the moment that he picked up Sookie I fell hard for him!

  46. Damaris Sanchez says:

    For me, it has to be Adam. I just love everything about him.

  47. Julie Witt says:

    My favorite shifter is definitely Alcide! I love that big sexy beast:)

  48. Katie says:

    By far my favorite shifter has to be Alcide. Freakin smokin hot!

  49. Sherry says:

    I love shifters! My favorites to look at are Alcide and Jacob Black. My favorites to read are the Changeling shifters (Hawke and Lucas) and Vane and Wren from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters

  50. Smash Attack says:

    Hoooooooooooooowl! Adam and Alcide FTW!

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