The Mane Squeeze

Family drama dominates this pugilistic paranormal romance, the fourth in Laurenston's Pride series (after 2008's The Mane Attraction ). Lock MacRyrie, a part-time grizzly bear, and Gwen O'Neill, a lion/tiger hybrid shifter, meet during a brawl. The fists never stop flying as they face down hate crimes, interfering relatives and the challenges of starting a furniture business. Despite being billed as a tough, streetwise Jersey girl, Gwen is a surprisingly and frustratingly passive heroine who has a hard time standing up to her dismissive family. In true cat fashion, she's plagued by jealousy yet leery of commitment, making her romance with Lock a struggle for both of them. With a sharp eye for detail, Laurenston manages to combine Animal Planet and The Sopranos with bonus life-altering roller derby. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest addition. (Nov.)