Showing posts with label Shifters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shifters. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Her Special Alpha by Paige Tyler ~ Review


Title: Her Special Alpha (X-Ops #3.5)
Author: Paige Tyler
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 103 pages
Publisher: Kindle Worlds
Release Date: August, 2, 2015
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Former Army Special Forces soldier Travis Dalton finds himself thrust into the mysterious world of the Department of Covert Operations, one where sometimes bad guys do more than shoot you—sometimes they tear you to shreds.

Feline shifter and covert agent Eden Bristow can’t help noticing how good Travis is at guarding her back—and turning her on. She hasn’t had much luck with guys, not once they get a look at her fangs and claws.

Travis doesn’t seem to have a problem with her being a shifter, and Eden is ready to make up for lost time. But one little thing is getting in the way of their romance—a gang of bad guys, and the vicious wolf shifter leading them.

This was a cute and exciting story, but I really disliked getting pulled out of the main storyline. I missed the old friends I've met along the way, and I really really wanted to know more about the whole hybrid mystery - and I didn't get that.

What I did get was a great stand-alone novel with some really fun characters. Eden was great - if a little too invincible at times. And Travis took finding out about shifters a little too well - but hey, it's a novella so we don't have a lot of time for people to really soak in new things.

While we get to see a few of our friends from previous books, they make very brief appearances - so no need to know what has happened up until now to really get into this one. This is more of a mobster vs cops type of story as well. A nice change from the super-secret-government-agency out to save the world type of story to mix things up a bit.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Review: Saved by the Spell By: Casey Keen


 Title: Saved by the Spell


 Author: Casey Keen

 Source: Review Request
 Genre: Paranormal with a bit of Romance 

 Reviewer: Emi


Rating: 5
Sexual Rating: 2

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Two worlds in danger. A Grand Witch behind bars. A stunning Werewolf and a devilishly handsome Warlock’s pursuit for her affections. You think you have it bad? Grand Witch Anna Wolfe awakens to find herself imprisoned by Micah, the Prince of Darkness. Micah’s on a quest for world domination—and it’s not just the Netherworld that’s in danger. The human world is threatened as well. Now, it’s up to Anna to escape from Micah's clutches so she can locate The Scholars and an ancient book before both fall into the wrong hands. With a fiercely loyal Werewolf and immensely powerful Warlock by her side, what can go wrong? A lot apparently. If fighting off the Prince of Darkness wasn't enough, Anna’s emotions are a whirlwind, as she battles between what fate demands and what she actually wants.
Saved by the Spell is the second book in the Anna Wolfe Series, and is an excellent second installment in the series. It picks up exactly where we left off and is full of action with a pinch of spice. I love all of the characters in this series, even the villain! I will admit that I am torn between  Roman & Valen, i'm hoping that she'll be with both, lol! Who could possibly decide between a sexy wolf or hot warlock?! While trying to save the world from becoming a playground for the Dark Prince & the Underworld, Anna is also trying to perfect her magical skills, and find the scholars who can help prevent Micah from taking over the world. 
If you are looking for a fun action packed paranormal read, The Anna Wolf Series, I'll be Damned &  Saved by the Spell is definitely the way to go. I absolutely loved both of them, and highly recommend them! 

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Review: Forbidden Call By: Martha Bourke

Title: Forbidden Call
Author: Martha Bourke
Genre: Paranormal
Source: Review Request
Reviewer: Emi

Rating: 1

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Shapeshifter civil war has spilled out onto the streets of Boston, Massachusetts and it’s
up to the Order to keep the peace. The New Breeds, eight of the most powerful shifter warriors in existence, must prevent the renegade Toltec from overthrowing the human race. Soaring Eagle has received the call to join the Order. The only problem is he doesn't remember anything but his name. Injured while on the way to join his new brothers, he meets Ana, a mysterious female he's immediately drawn to. Unable to fight the mating call, their souls bond. Just when it seem nothing can go wrong, he discovers that he's fallen for the very enemy he's meant to defeat. Memories flood back, and he's torn between the ghost of his dead mate and an endless desire for a forbidden female. No matter how he chooses, there will be betrayal. But who will face the consequences - his new mate or his brothers in the Order?

I actually could not finish this book. If you have read any of my reviews you that I like action & hotness, which this book had some of it, but to me It was almost like reading a B rated replica of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I tried multiple times to read it, have read other books and gone back to it. At more than halfway through,  I just couldn't get over the fact that is was just too much like BDB. I usually read books even if I don't like them, but I cannot get over something like that. Maybe its just me, because this book has received many great reviews so I hope I don't deter you from reading it, check out what the other reviews say or maybe even read a sample before you buy it. 

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Review: Windswept (Kismet Cove 2) By: Susan Hayes

Title: Windswept (Kismet Cove 2) 
Author: Susan Hayes 
Source: Review Request 
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance M/F/M
Reviewer: Emi 


**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**


When Vivian arrives in the small town of Tofino for her best friend’s wedding, her own love life is the last thing on her mind. The winds of fate are changing, and soon she finds herself falling for the sinfully sexy owners of Breakers, the local bar. Tucker and Byron are selkies, seal shapeshifters from the colony of Kismet Cove. Bound together by blood, the two of them are destined to share a mate. They’ve just about given up hope of finding her when Vivian turns their world and their hearts upside down. Before long dark secrets, old wounds, and new enemies conspire against the three lovers. They’ll have to fight to stay together, defying family and tradition along the way. When trust is broken and forces conspire against them, can their love weather the storm?


 I have read many of Susan Hayes's books, and they are always a great read. Windswept, the second book in the Kismet Cover series, is another great addition in the world of Susan Hayes. I always enjoy books that have a little bit of everything, action, drama, and hotness. I was totally looking forward to Byron & Tucker's story and it did not disappoint. As we continue into the world of Selkie shifters on Kismet Cove, we get to know Vivian, Tucker,  & Byron a little better, who all made appearances Riptide. While Vivian is on vacation trying to get away from her everyday stress and see her BFF,  she was not expecting to fall in love, especially with two gorgeous men. Tucker & Byron are two selkies who follow their own rules, they still haven't found their mate, and they definitely were not expecting to find one anytime soon, until Vivian.

I thought Windswept was a great read, I definitely recommend this series. And honestly,  I totally recommend all of Susan Hayes books.    


Connect with  Susan 

Links to buy Windswept 
  
 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Review: Seven Years (A Seven Years Novel) By; Dannika Dark

Title: Seven Years (A Seven Years Novel)
Author: Dannika Dark
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 329 pages Paperback
Reviewer: Emi

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**



Seven years ago, my world ended.
Seven years later, my new life began.

It's been seven years since Lexi Knight lost her brother in a tragic accident. On the anniversary of his death, her brother's best friend shows up unexpectedly - a man she hasn't seen since the funeral. He is no longer the boy Lexi once knew, but a dangerous-looking man with tattoos and dark secrets. He broke her trust and abandoned her family, yet what he reveals makes it impossible to stay angry. Lexi has been secretly infatuated with Austin since childhood, so finding out he's a Shifter just makes him sexier. Dammit.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Review: Winter Eve #.5 & A Tiger's Claim #1 in the Ashwood Falls Series By: Lia Davis

Title: Winter Eve (Ashwood Falls #.5)
Author: Lia Davis 
Source: Review Request 
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Emi 

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

  There comes a time when setting your differences aside isn't just necessary, it’s a means of survival. After losing over half of their dens to a group rogue shifters, the wolves and leopards merged as one Pack, but living together is much more of a challenge then they expected.

Danica Welsh was born to be the leopard pack healer. An accident involving a drug induced youth left her badly burned and scared—emotionally and physically. Without the ability to heal by touch, she secludes herself to the edge of town, away from Ashwood Falls’ overly concerned citizens. All hope of mating and family become a distant dream. When she finally starts to accepts the long, lonely existence ahead of her, a stranger crashes into her life, and her heart. 

After Nevan Mathews’ fiancé died three ago, he submerged himself into his work, cutting off all reminders of a life he dreamed of with the woman he loved. He lets his step-mother talk him into taking the first vacation in five years to visit for the holidays. But an accident delays his travel plans, sending him to Danica’s doorstep and raises a need he thought he would never feel again. 
Can they tear down the walls around their hearts and submit to the passion before another claims Dani for his own? 

Warning: Contains a shifter who's scars run deeper than skin, a human who has the heart of a shifter, and a snow storm that's sure to have them both reaching for warmth.



Winter Eve is a great introduction to the series. It gives us a bit of background about the pack and also a love story between a leopard shifter and a human. Dani lives on the outskirts of where the pack resides in Ashwood Falls. She was tired of all of the pity she received from everyone because of her scars, so she moved to live in peace and quiet. Though she was still close enough o the pack. While she is out for a run, she runs in front of car and causes the driver veer off road and crash. Luckily he's ok but now the storm is coming and he needs a place to stay. 
Nevan is on his way to visit his family but when he crashes his car,  his original plans are put on hold. But it turns out he's quite ok with that since he can spend some time with the sexy woman who owns the cabin. 

Very cool and sexy story! 



Title: A Tiger's Claim (Ashwood Falls #1)
Author: Lia Davis



As the Alpha’s only daughter Shayna Andrews has always been treated like a rare gem, protected like royalty, and she’s suffocating. Her longing to be independent has driven her to sneak out one evening after dinner. After relishing in being able to run free without an escort, she finds herself face-to-face with the enemy, miles from home, and nearly loses her life until a lone wolf comes to her aid.

Travis Hunter’s main objective is to destroy the Onyx Pack—a group of drug using, murdering rogue shifters. His seek-and-destroy plans are put on hold when he rescues a female from a brutal attack. The beautifully exotic tiger shifter, Shayna, stirs a passion he thought died with his long-lost mate.

When Shay’s first heat cycle slams into her, Travis has no choice but to submit to her needs—and his own. But there is always a price to sleeping with the Pack princess. Not only will he have to face her Pack, Shay and Travis will now have to deal with that fact that their mating is beyond a simple night and could have consequences more than either of them had thought. And when Travis finds out Shay wears the enemy’s brand, things will go from bad to worse.

Warning: One alpha female who doesn't take no for an answer, a wolf with more on the line than just his heart, and a combustible attraction that's sure to cause more than one sweaty night.




Great story! Lots of action, some hot shifter sex, and a little deceit, definitely makes for an enjoyable read! 
Shayna runs off to blow off some steam after she argues, once again, with her over protective father. She doesn't realize how far out she is until she feels danger lurking and she has no way of linking with her family. While she is fighting to free herself from the crazy half man/ half wolf mutants, Travis arrives to give a helping hand/ paw, lol. 
After the attack she starts to also realize that her family is over protective for good reason. The Onyx pack is looking for her, and she is still in danger every additional second she is away from her pack. 
Back at Travis's cabin as they are both healing, her first heat cycle kicks in, and  the sexy wolf who rescued her is more than happy to help her out. 
I absolutely love Alphas!! Vampire, Wolf, jaguar, or even bear, it doesn't matter, lol. There is just something so freaking sexy about them. And there are plenty of Alphas in the Ashwood Falls series. I'm so looking forward to reading the next one. 









Saturday, July 20, 2013

Review: Cruz by Moira Rogers

Title: Crux (Southern Arcana #1)
Author: Moira Rogers
Source: Self Purchased
Length: Novel
Release Date: March 3, 2009
Reviewer: Jasmyn

Jackson Holt makes a decent living as a private investigator in New Orleans, home of one of the largest underground supernatural populations in the United States.  He and his partners have never met a case they couldn't crack...until a local bar owner asks him to do a little digging on her newest hire.

New Orleans is the fourth destination in as many months for Mackenzie Brooks, a woman on the run from a deranged stalker.  After all, any man who shows up on her doorstep claiming to be her destined lover has more than a few screws loose.  But crazy doesn't explain why he always finds her no matter how far she runs.

When her well-meaning boss puts a PI on her case, Mackenzie comes face to face with the incredible truth: magic is real, and whatever spell has kept her hidden and separate from the paranormal world is rapidly deteriorating.

With time running out, she has no choice but to trust Jackson as he struggles to uncover the truth of her past - and her destiny.

This book contains devious schemes, epic battles, forbidden love between a shapeshifter and a spellcaster, nosy secondary characters, furniture-endangering sex and a woman fighting to choose her own destiny.




This book was such a fun book to read!  I loved all the characters - even the bad guys (but in a bad way).  Moira is full of spunk and determination to live her own life away from the crazy man claiming to be her destiny.  Unfortunately, he may just be telling the truth (or at least one version of it).  Her boss and the PI's in New Orleans know that she's not human - she's something else, but she doesn't have a clue herself.

When Mackenzie finds out the paranormal world is all too real, she decides she has to trust Jackson to help her figure out what is going on (she's a very confused lady).  But what the uncover is far from pretty - it's an ugly horrible scheme that rocks the entire paranormal world, and Mackenzie is in the center of it all.

The only thing I disliked about this story was just a little pet peeve of mine that kept coming up, otherwise it would have received 5 stars.  Also, the sexual rating was a little tough on this one.  While there isn't a lot of it or anything really unusual - there is some broken furniture or it would have received a 1 sexual rating.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Review: Night Demon by Lisa Kessler


Title: Night Demon (Night Series #2)
Author: Lisa Kessler
Source: Publicist Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Shifter
Length: Novel
Release Date: March 18, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Deep within the Yucatan jungle a demon has awakened...

Gretchen Finch's job would be much easier if she weren't alone in the jungle with a brilliant recluse whose every glance sets her on fire.  But the more she focuses on her work, the closer she gets to unlocking the mysteries of a terrible creature - the Night Demon - that threatens the world as she knows it.  Though her scientific mind tells her it's impossible, she's beginning to believe the ancient Mayan tales as the sinister jungle comes alive around her.

Lukas Smith has spend hundreds of years searching for answers to his immortal Night Walker nature.  As a series of ancient glyphs become clear, he's about to find out  more than he'd ever hoped, but the more he learns, the more his fate intertwines with the Night Demon, and the harder it becomes to hide his immortal secret from the beautiful, intelligent Gretchen.

Together, they must find a way to stop the inexplicable violence and mass destruction surging across the earth before the Night Demon destroys mankind.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Review Cat's Eyes by Melissa Jolley

Title: Cat's Eyes
Author: Melissa Jolley
Publisher: Breathless Press
Length: novella
Reviewed by: Twigs

Cat's Eyes (Feral #2)
For Sarah, being a shape-shifter means having a wild side that craves variety. Can one human man tame her animal instinct?

Sarah Cole is a shape-shifter who is always in control that is until she meets sexy Kiwi vet, Travis Hunter. He has a way of rattling her cool exterior and seeing the real her like no lover ever has. But, in Sarah's experience, relationships between shifters and humans just don't work.

If that wasn't enough to deal with Sarah decides to rescue a cursed Amur leopard who needs her help to become human again. Can Sarah save the shifter and her heart, or will her cat's eyes only see the damage that magic wreaks on the unsuspecting.


Monday, October 8, 2012

Review Surrounded by Temptation by Mandy Harbin



Title: Surrounded by Temptation (Woods Family # 3)  
Source: Author request
Genre: Paranormal romance- shifters
Length: Novella
Reviewed by Laurie 

When Krista needs Ariel’s biochemical expertise because her new boyfriend can turn into a mountain lion, Ariel thinks her sister has lost her mind. But the possibility of a major discovery like this is too much of a temptation to ignore. Create a drug to stop a shifter from forcing a mating? Only if she got to test his sexual limits herself.

Rob thinks Ariel is an angel in disguise, and he immediately knows she’s the one for him. But is he strong enough to resist his animal’s need to claim her once the temptation begins?

Monday, October 1, 2012

The Fire Inside by Virginia Cavanaugh


Title:The Fire Inside 
Source: Author and publisher request
Genre: Erotic paranormal romance 
Length: Novella
Reviewed by Laurie 

Werewolves be damned. Tyra Smith chose to leave behind her nature to protect her heart after the wrenching loss of her own pack. She wants nothing to do with another wolf. Never again wants to feel the deep pain of loss. At least until a sexy-as-sin wolf named Konrad shows up, saving her from the roaming paws of another wolf.

The sparks of lust ignite a desire that burns with hellish intensity inside her, making her crave something she’d dared to forsake. The ability to resist wanes. Is it a true mate bond that pulls her to him or just the heat cycle she’s entering? Something only time can tell.

When a real threat from another pack presents itself, Tyra must move into Konrad’s den for her physical protection. But as things continue to heat up between the two of them, will he also be able to protect her heart?





Saturday, September 8, 2012

Review Impulse (Southern Arcana, #5) by Moira Rogers

Title: Impulse (Southern Arcana, #5)
Author: Moira Rogers
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifters, Magic
Length: 226 pages
Reviewer: Twigs

Impulse (Southern Arcana, #5)Her submission can heal him. His dominance can free her.

Southern Arcana, Book 5

Sera Sinclaire is a New Orleans rarity: a submissive coyote trapped in a town overrun by dominant shapeshifters. Worse, she lacks the willpower to deny the alphas-in-shining-armor who need her soothing presence, even when their protectiveness threatens to crush her hard-won self-reliance.

The only shifter she doesn’t want to push away is Julio Mendoza, a wolf so dominant he’s earned a place on the Southeast council.

Julio doesn’t have the luxury of indulging in the vacation his psychic shrink insists he needs. He can't turn his back on responsibilities he’s beginning to wish he’d never shouldered. When an obsessive ex endangers Sera, though, instinct drives him to get her out of town. Watching her come to life outside the city makes him feel like he's finally done something right, and her touch ignites desire he doesn’t want to ignore.

But soon, lighthearted flirting becomes a dangerous game of seduction, where every day spent falling into each other is another day avoiding the truth. Sera's ex isn't the only one who’d disapprove of their relationship. There are wolves who would kill to get Sera out of Julio's life—starting with his own blood kin.

Product Warnings
Contains endless summer road trips, family drama, redneck werewolves, sexual power games and a taboo love affair between a submissive coyote who’s among the last of her kind and a dominant wolf who loves his heroine’s ass. Literally.


Sunday, September 2, 2012

Review Transforming Love by Debra Smith

Title: Transforming Love (A Koning Clan Novel, #1)
Author: Debra Smith
Source:Request
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance
Length: Novella (approx 80pgs) 
 
Jenny never expected her thirst for freedom to lead to her capture. Family secrets prevent her from running from the only man tempting enough to make her submit to her body's desires.

Gryph is dark, sexy, and determined to win Jenny in the Slag, a contest revered by his kind. As the leader of his Clan he's used to getting his way, until her. Can he give Jenny her freedom while winning her heart?









Monday, August 13, 2012

Review Ravaged Anthology

Title: Ravaged : Vol 1 
Source: Request
Genre: Paranormal Erotica (Shifters)
Length: approx 260 pgs
Published by Breathless Press




Join ten authors as they reveal that things are not always as they seem. 
Don't worry, they guarantee the sexy shifters in their stories will bite...
And that you'll like it. 
From lions to bears, dolphins to gargoyles; we're sure you'll find a juicy story to sink your teeth into.





Sunday, August 5, 2012

Review Shadow's Edge by J.T. Geissinger

Title: Shadow's Edge (Night Prowler, #1)
Author: J.T. Geissinger
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date : June 12th 2012
Reviewer: Carin

Deep within the primeval forests of southern England, a race of beautiful, savage shape-shifters lives hidden from the everyday world. Bound together by ancient bloodlines and a ruthless code of secrecy that punishes traitors with death, the Ikatisend their leader Leander on a mission to capture one raised outside the tribe before she can expose their secret. When Leander tracks the unsuspecting outsider to Southern California, the hardened warrior is prepared for a fight—but not for the effect the sensual young beauty has on his heart.

Jenna spent her childhood in hiding, on the run from someone—or something—her parents refused to discuss. She trusts no one, not since her father’s mysterious disappearance, not since her mother’s sudden death, and definitely not since she began exhibiting strange, superhuman abilities. When handsome, enigmatic Leander appears, promising answers to the mysteries that shroud her past, she knows she shouldn’t trust him either. But their connection is undeniable, and as powerful as the enemy hell-bent on destroying every one of their kind…

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Review: Soul Whisperer by Jenna Kernan

Title: Soul Whisperer
Author: Jenna Kernan
Source: Self Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date : November 15, 2011 
Reviewer: Jasmyn


Her father's death has long haunted shape-shifter Bess Suncatcher, leading her deep into the Northern California forests in search of healing…and peace. But that peace is threatened when she discovers a dead human body—and is detained by a dangerously sexy stranger.


As a Soul Whisperer, Cesar Garza is fated to use his gifts to track demonic predators. But he can't crack this case alone. He needs the talents of the mysterious woman who peaks his suspicion…and his desire. Cesar is determined to fight his attraction to Bess and focus on the investigation. For theirs is a potentially deadly—and forbidden—alliance.




Friday, August 3, 2012

Moonglow (Darkest London #2)


Title: Moonglow (Darkest London #2)
Author: Kristen Callihan
Source: Self purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance (Shifter/Vampire)

Moonglow (Darkest London #2)


Summary:
Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .
Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .


Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul. What would he sacrifice to protect her?

Moonglow is a passionate paranormal mystery/romance for adult readers.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Review Wolf's Heart by Melissa Jolley

Title: Wolf's Heart (Feral #1)
Source: Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella (43pgs on Kindle)
Publisher: Breathless Press 


Gypsy myths and legends are something Larissa put behind her a long time ago. 
Unfortunately, they never forgot her.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

ARC Review Wolf Line by Vivian Arend





Title: Wolf Line
Series: Granite Wolves #5
Author: Vivian Arend
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Novella
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Reviewer: WildAboutBones

Wolf Line Book Cover

Into the best-laid plans a little chaos must fall…

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

ARC Review Wanted: Undead or Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks

Title: Wanted: Undead or Alive (Love at Stake #12)
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks
Source: ARC provided by Edelweiss
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (ebook 384 pgs)
Release : March 27, 2012




He's a vampire from the big city . . .
Phineas McKinney thought New York City was tough, until he was attacked by Malcontents—evil vampires who consider mortals to be snacks. Saved by the good vampires, Phin swore to devote his now undead life to stopping the Malcontents. He's got his job cut out for him when word comes that their enemy may be hiding in Wyoming. What does a city boy like him know about horses and campfires? Good thing he's got Brynley Jones with him . . . if only she didn't hate every vampire on earth.
She's a werewolf princess . . .
Bryn believes vampires are seductive and charming, and that makes them dangerous. So she's more than a little annoyed about teaming up with Phin, even if he is the only bloodsucker able to make her inner wolf purr. But as they hunt down the new leader of the Malcontents, danger threatens . . . and Phineas and Brynley discover a passion that will rock the foundation of their supernatural world.