Animal Dreams by Jeanne Laws is the first book in the Gateway Trilogy.

Mandy is having a rough day. She has to tell her mother she is going away and she knows that the outcome will not be good. Mandy tries to enlist the help of her dog, but he chickens out. Did I mention that Mandy can talk to animals? Mandy has a dream that centers around a beautiful stallion and she is determined to follow where her dream leads her. She travels to Lyndell Falls, her mother’s home town and immediately she meets Jacob Morgan, a drop dead gorgeous man, who seems to know her, but she has no idea who he is. Mandy’s Uncle Angus asked Jacob to look in on her and fate takes a hand in reacquainting them. Mandy tells Jacob about her quest for a special black stallion and Jacob knows which horse she is looking for, but he is afraid that if he tells her Mandy won’t believe him. Strange things happen that night that are beyond Mandy’s understanding. Mandy with the help of Jacob, her dog, and others find a way to deal with forces that can only be labeled as supernatural. Jacob and Mandy both have secrets that can change the complexity of any relationship that they form. Will Mandy and Jacob find a way to overcome fate to forge a love that will be beyond anything that they could imagine?

Ms. Laws has written a paranormal story that is different than any I have read before, the use of shapeshifting and magic work well together to create a unique plot line. The characters of Mandy and Jacob were so clear that the reader could see both sides of the story which added depth that held the readers' interest from the very beginning. The erotic scenes were beautiful to read and very hot!!! I loved watching how Jacob and Mandy interacted, whether they were fighting, talking, or making passionate love. The twists and turns in this book held me spellbound and wanting to see what would happen next. I look forward to the next book in the Gateway Trilogy.

Reviewed by: Teresa