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Wolfbane #3
Wolfborn
Gigi
I have no problem with secrets. It’s keeping my temper in check that’s turned out to be challenging…
How many people can say they made the biggest mistake of their life at twelve years old?
I can.
I killed my wolf before I even had a chance to shift for the first time, let alone meet my fated mate.
To get her back, I’ll do anything, including the one thing that’s forbidden to werewolves. I’m not proud of it, but my pack doesn’t need to know.
Not unless that jerk opens his mouth...
Tyce
I just wanted a wish granted. Let’s leave it at that.
As an alpha, I never expected to be accused of getting dirty with chipmunks and having my manhood called into question. But I guess that’s where we’re at.
Gigi is equal parts gorgeous and infuriating.
I already have enough problems on my plate, and resisting her is going to be the biggest one...
Wolfborn is the third book in a series and it is highly recommended you read the first two books before starting this one, for context and to avoid spoilers.
Content warning: This is a paranormal romance novel with dark themes containing mature adult content, offensive language, and graphic violence, and may not be suitable for young readers.
I have no problem with secrets. It’s keeping my temper in check that’s turned out to be challenging…
How many people can say they made the biggest mistake of their life at twelve years old?
I can.
I killed my wolf before I even had a chance to shift for the first time, let alone meet my fated mate.
To get her back, I’ll do anything, including the one thing that’s forbidden to werewolves. I’m not proud of it, but my pack doesn’t need to know.
Not unless that jerk opens his mouth...
Tyce
I just wanted a wish granted. Let’s leave it at that.
As an alpha, I never expected to be accused of getting dirty with chipmunks and having my manhood called into question. But I guess that’s where we’re at.
Gigi is equal parts gorgeous and infuriating.
I already have enough problems on my plate, and resisting her is going to be the biggest one...
Wolfborn is the third book in a series and it is highly recommended you read the first two books before starting this one, for context and to avoid spoilers.
Content warning: This is a paranormal romance novel with dark themes containing mature adult content, offensive language, and graphic violence, and may not be suitable for young readers.
- GenresFantasy
628 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2023
4 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Celia Hart
5 books12 followersCelia Hart lives just outside Boston, MA with her two miniature schnauzers. When she's not working her boring day job, she writes paranormal romance. Follow her on Instagram for updates on new releases: @celiahartauthor
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 18, 2023
Wolfborn by Celia Hart
I’m going to start this review by stating I have never read a book by this author, including the previous books in this series. I was approved for the ARC on NetGalley very randomly and decided to go for it.
TLDR I enjoyed it, and I’d recommend it, but with some warnings.
I read the summary and dove in. Immediately upon opening the book, I was met with a detailed content warning, as well as an invitation to email the author for any clarity. While content warnings are becoming more common, they’re still not always so detailed as Hart has made for Wolfborn. I’m now an instant fan. (Note: there is a religion discussed in this book, and they actively go to their temple for services throughout the book. This religion has a purity culture. That isn’t included in the content warning, although slut shaming is included. I emailed the author, and she responded quickly that she’ll update this in her future books. I love an author that listens!)
We start off with Ginger (Gigi) - a plus size werewolf who has lost her wolf somehow - and Tyson - sexy alpha werewolf who is also a douchey fuckboy. They have their little meet not so cute at a fortune teller’s shop in Salem and instantly despise each other. I love these types of relationships. I love the barbs and tension.
So Gigi is taking some “medicine” from this witch doctor to help bring her wolf back. She takes the medicine on the night of the full moon, and it doesn’t go well. Thankfully Tyson is there to rescue her (while ogling her naked body nonstop). And so the chase begins.
The book has a lot of chapters with POV of characters from previous books and plot lines from previous books so while this can be a standalone, it is better to read the other books so you’re not super confused. The first real spice in this book is through a side character’s POV.
Let’s talk about the religion. Apparently they worship Artemis, which makes sense bc Goddess of the Moon, and also women are meant to be virgins. They go to temple services twice weekly and chant and sing. This is a religion of purity and abstinence for women, and women are shamed if they have sex before marriage, as well as their families. There is no discussion of abstinence for men, other than Tyson being shamed by his family members for being a fuckboy purely bc he wasn’t doing his duties. Once you find your fated mate, marriage is rushed to avoid sex beforehand bc women go into “heat” and the sex and “marking” is instinctual. This is also obviously a patriarchal society, which is weird for a society that worships a goddess. Sex is not discussed by older members of the pack at all, and queer relationships are not ok in this religion, even if their fated mate is of the same sex, they’re supposed to ignore that and choose a different one. This chosen mate thing is otherwise majorly frowned upon in this society bc it’s not what their goddess intended for them. There is a lot of pregnancy discussion due to the pregnancy of a side character as well as eventual labor/delivery (main character in a previous book) and there is nonstop reminder that the entire pack is hoping for a boy to be an heir, whereas a girl would not be an heir. They also go on to discuss the future of their daughter and how she’ll be protected from anyone who’d wish to hurt her, without caring to mention the future of their son. The deep misogyny is not going to keep me from reading this author in future, but it’s something that I would prefer as a reader knowing about beforehand.
Another thing that isn’t included in the CW page: the weird unexplained outright bigotry toward witches that werewolves have. It comes up a lot due to Gigi going to the witches in order to get her wolf back, and it gets weirder and worse every time the witches are brought up by anyone that isn’t Gigi or Tyce. (Example: Gigi’s dad calls witches “those conniving things” when learning the witches helped Gigi achieve her goal.)
Because of the side character POV chapters, this book is LOOOOONG. Out of 84 chapters, 21 are devoted to the POV of a couple from a previous book in the series, Jasmine and Blake. Through Wolfborn, we follow through their pregnancy and labor/delivery of twins. This book is nearly 700 pages, and it really could have shortened a lot.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the writing and it was definitely a fun sexy story. This is a series I’ll continue, and I’ll continue with the author, I just know that I’d recommend it with warnings.
I’m going to start this review by stating I have never read a book by this author, including the previous books in this series. I was approved for the ARC on NetGalley very randomly and decided to go for it.
TLDR I enjoyed it, and I’d recommend it, but with some warnings.
I read the summary and dove in. Immediately upon opening the book, I was met with a detailed content warning, as well as an invitation to email the author for any clarity. While content warnings are becoming more common, they’re still not always so detailed as Hart has made for Wolfborn. I’m now an instant fan. (Note: there is a religion discussed in this book, and they actively go to their temple for services throughout the book. This religion has a purity culture. That isn’t included in the content warning, although slut shaming is included. I emailed the author, and she responded quickly that she’ll update this in her future books. I love an author that listens!)
We start off with Ginger (Gigi) - a plus size werewolf who has lost her wolf somehow - and Tyson - sexy alpha werewolf who is also a douchey fuckboy. They have their little meet not so cute at a fortune teller’s shop in Salem and instantly despise each other. I love these types of relationships. I love the barbs and tension.
So Gigi is taking some “medicine” from this witch doctor to help bring her wolf back. She takes the medicine on the night of the full moon, and it doesn’t go well. Thankfully Tyson is there to rescue her (while ogling her naked body nonstop). And so the chase begins.
The book has a lot of chapters with POV of characters from previous books and plot lines from previous books so while this can be a standalone, it is better to read the other books so you’re not super confused. The first real spice in this book is through a side character’s POV.
Let’s talk about the religion. Apparently they worship Artemis, which makes sense bc Goddess of the Moon, and also women are meant to be virgins. They go to temple services twice weekly and chant and sing. This is a religion of purity and abstinence for women, and women are shamed if they have sex before marriage, as well as their families. There is no discussion of abstinence for men, other than Tyson being shamed by his family members for being a fuckboy purely bc he wasn’t doing his duties. Once you find your fated mate, marriage is rushed to avoid sex beforehand bc women go into “heat” and the sex and “marking” is instinctual. This is also obviously a patriarchal society, which is weird for a society that worships a goddess. Sex is not discussed by older members of the pack at all, and queer relationships are not ok in this religion, even if their fated mate is of the same sex, they’re supposed to ignore that and choose a different one. This chosen mate thing is otherwise majorly frowned upon in this society bc it’s not what their goddess intended for them. There is a lot of pregnancy discussion due to the pregnancy of a side character as well as eventual labor/delivery (main character in a previous book) and there is nonstop reminder that the entire pack is hoping for a boy to be an heir, whereas a girl would not be an heir. They also go on to discuss the future of their daughter and how she’ll be protected from anyone who’d wish to hurt her, without caring to mention the future of their son. The deep misogyny is not going to keep me from reading this author in future, but it’s something that I would prefer as a reader knowing about beforehand.
Another thing that isn’t included in the CW page: the weird unexplained outright bigotry toward witches that werewolves have. It comes up a lot due to Gigi going to the witches in order to get her wolf back, and it gets weirder and worse every time the witches are brought up by anyone that isn’t Gigi or Tyce. (Example: Gigi’s dad calls witches “those conniving things” when learning the witches helped Gigi achieve her goal.)
Because of the side character POV chapters, this book is LOOOOONG. Out of 84 chapters, 21 are devoted to the POV of a couple from a previous book in the series, Jasmine and Blake. Through Wolfborn, we follow through their pregnancy and labor/delivery of twins. This book is nearly 700 pages, and it really could have shortened a lot.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the writing and it was definitely a fun sexy story. This is a series I’ll continue, and I’ll continue with the author, I just know that I’d recommend it with warnings.
May 27, 2023
Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this book. I was so excited for this book because I really enjoyed the first book in this series. Unfortunately I didn’t like it as much as I was expecting. As much as I liked Jasmine and Blake from the first book I really didn’t understand putting their POV in this book. I really liked Gigi and Tysons love story but I felt like the drama at the end was an afterthought and I wasn’t very invested in that part. I wish the issues with the side characters like Heidi and Lucy would have been worked out a little more but I assume the next book with cover those topics. I have read the 1st and 3rd books in this series and they are just so much fun to read so I will continue with the series! These types of books remind me of the books on Wattpad which first got me into reading and for that reason they hold a special place for me.
April 13, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Celia Hart for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After not liking the second book in the series all that much I was a little worried about reading this book, but I really liked reading it! I enjoyed reading about Tyce and Gigi and seeing how their relationship progressed. The first moment that Gigi and Tyce meet they both feel like they have to defend themselves and verbally attack each other. Of course, Gigi cannot tell that Tyce is an Alpha since she killed her wolf and Tyce cannot believe that she spoke to an Alpha the way she did since he doesn't know about her wolf. I did wish that the story about how Gigi lost her wolf was told sooner than it was because Gigi was trying to get her wolf back throughout the book. I love how Gigi and Tyce could verbally spar with each other and then still be sweet toward each other.
I enjoyed reading more about Jasmine and Blake's relationship. I did wish that there was more of Talia and Alex in this book. I even enjoyed reading about Lucy (who I do not like) and Luke's relationship only because Luke stood up for himself finally and Lucy got what she deserved for stealing Jasmine's fated mate. Luke finally realized that Lucy just wanted to go out and party instead of being a mother to Libby and a wife/beta's mate to Luke. It seemed like Luke started to realize that even though he loves Lucy that relationships need more than that to work. Though I cannot see Jasmine and Luke working out long-term because she and Blake are perfect for each other.
There were a few conversations between Tyce and Gigi that I thought was awkward and unrealistic. I cannot see a real couple saying that to each other and it was as if the author did not know what to make them say to each other. The epilogue was a waste of opportunity because it was not about Tyce and Gigi's relationship, but instead was an unnecessarily violent and gory torture scene which I skipped. I understand that it is a werewolf/shifter book, but violent and gory scenes are not always necessary though there was less in this book than in the second book which is probably why I like it.
After not liking the second book in the series all that much I was a little worried about reading this book, but I really liked reading it! I enjoyed reading about Tyce and Gigi and seeing how their relationship progressed. The first moment that Gigi and Tyce meet they both feel like they have to defend themselves and verbally attack each other. Of course, Gigi cannot tell that Tyce is an Alpha since she killed her wolf and Tyce cannot believe that she spoke to an Alpha the way she did since he doesn't know about her wolf. I did wish that the story about how Gigi lost her wolf was told sooner than it was because Gigi was trying to get her wolf back throughout the book. I love how Gigi and Tyce could verbally spar with each other and then still be sweet toward each other.
I enjoyed reading more about Jasmine and Blake's relationship. I did wish that there was more of Talia and Alex in this book. I even enjoyed reading about Lucy (who I do not like) and Luke's relationship only because Luke stood up for himself finally and Lucy got what she deserved for stealing Jasmine's fated mate. Luke finally realized that Lucy just wanted to go out and party instead of being a mother to Libby and a wife/beta's mate to Luke. It seemed like Luke started to realize that even though he loves Lucy that relationships need more than that to work. Though I cannot see Jasmine and Luke working out long-term because she and Blake are perfect for each other.
There were a few conversations between Tyce and Gigi that I thought was awkward and unrealistic. I cannot see a real couple saying that to each other and it was as if the author did not know what to make them say to each other. The epilogue was a waste of opportunity because it was not about Tyce and Gigi's relationship, but instead was an unnecessarily violent and gory torture scene which I skipped. I understand that it is a werewolf/shifter book, but violent and gory scenes are not always necessary though there was less in this book than in the second book which is probably why I like it.
May 2, 2023
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.75
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to Netgalley and the author/publisher.
General Thoughts: I did not realize that this one was 668 pages when I picked it up! So yes, this is a long novel, especially considering it's the first book I've read by Celia Hart. I likely wouldn't have chosen 668 pages to test out an unknown author with. However, I really enjoyed the book, so I'm glad I did.
There were some moments that were laugh-out-loud funny, the main characters were intriguing, and so was the full cast. This is the first I've read by her and so first in the series. I could kind of guess who prior characters in novels had probably been, and like the author says, it likely makes sense to read the series in order. But I didn't feel too lost. The author did a great job of not info-dumping but also not throwing you headlong into the world.
Two prior main characters (couple) are heavily featured in this one and occupy probably a quarter of the novel, but I found them intriguing, so I was okay with it.
Read the trigger warnings on this one. There are a lot, but it was also tamer than I expected based on them. The society the characters reside in is very obsessed with purity culture and sl-- shaming and patriarchal. It's not viewed positively per se, but it's a large element of the book.
My one criticism is that 668 pages is a LONG book. I thought it could have a been bit tighter, but I enjoyed it.
Steam Meter:. ❤️🔥❤️🔥.5 It was pretty steamy and definitely for 18+, but the steam wasn't as detailed or as frequent as many others. It definitely didn't drive the plot.
Romantic Tropes
-paranormal
-age gap
-enemies to lovers
-shifter romance
You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to Netgalley and the author/publisher.
General Thoughts: I did not realize that this one was 668 pages when I picked it up! So yes, this is a long novel, especially considering it's the first book I've read by Celia Hart. I likely wouldn't have chosen 668 pages to test out an unknown author with. However, I really enjoyed the book, so I'm glad I did.
There were some moments that were laugh-out-loud funny, the main characters were intriguing, and so was the full cast. This is the first I've read by her and so first in the series. I could kind of guess who prior characters in novels had probably been, and like the author says, it likely makes sense to read the series in order. But I didn't feel too lost. The author did a great job of not info-dumping but also not throwing you headlong into the world.
Two prior main characters (couple) are heavily featured in this one and occupy probably a quarter of the novel, but I found them intriguing, so I was okay with it.
Read the trigger warnings on this one. There are a lot, but it was also tamer than I expected based on them. The society the characters reside in is very obsessed with purity culture and sl-- shaming and patriarchal. It's not viewed positively per se, but it's a large element of the book.
My one criticism is that 668 pages is a LONG book. I thought it could have a been bit tighter, but I enjoyed it.
Steam Meter:. ❤️🔥❤️🔥.5 It was pretty steamy and definitely for 18+, but the steam wasn't as detailed or as frequent as many others. It definitely didn't drive the plot.
Romantic Tropes
-paranormal
-age gap
-enemies to lovers
-shifter romance
You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
April 6, 2023
Celia Hart has instantly become one of my favourite authors.
I didn’t realise that Wolfborn was the 3rd part of the Wolfbane series as I was reading it, but it stood well on its own. Apart from from some conversations between the characters that allude to the backstory, the story reads just as well as a standalone.
The story of Gigi and Tyce had me gripped from the beginning, I couldn’t put it down, literally, I called in sick from work to finish the whole story and it was well worth it.
My heart broke for Gigi and the consequences she faced from one adolescent choice, I found myself rooting for her every full moon!
The characters are well written, funny and witty and it really does add a whole new dimension into their world.
I have read a lot of shifter books in the past and sometimes the stories can feel a little same-old, same-old...but not this one and I can't wait to see what Celia Hart comes up with next!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I NEED to go back and read books 1 and 2 so I can read book 3 again!
#Wolfborn #NetGalley
I didn’t realise that Wolfborn was the 3rd part of the Wolfbane series as I was reading it, but it stood well on its own. Apart from from some conversations between the characters that allude to the backstory, the story reads just as well as a standalone.
The story of Gigi and Tyce had me gripped from the beginning, I couldn’t put it down, literally, I called in sick from work to finish the whole story and it was well worth it.
My heart broke for Gigi and the consequences she faced from one adolescent choice, I found myself rooting for her every full moon!
The characters are well written, funny and witty and it really does add a whole new dimension into their world.
I have read a lot of shifter books in the past and sometimes the stories can feel a little same-old, same-old...but not this one and I can't wait to see what Celia Hart comes up with next!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I NEED to go back and read books 1 and 2 so I can read book 3 again!
#Wolfborn #NetGalley
April 16, 2023
WolfBorn
I received a free ARC, but this review is my honest opinion of the book
Rating: 3.5 stars
Note: I read this without reading any of the previous books in the series. Though there were a couple of references to previous events, I wasn’t confused and I could easily understand the story.
I actually really liked the premise of Gigi’s wolf being dead and the whole story behind that. It was really unique and I felt a lot of empathy for GiGi and her struggle. I also liked the inclusion of her family in the story and the twists involved with them. Tyce was also an interesting character, and I liked learning about his backstory.
I wish there was a little more depth to some of the dialogue. It felt a bit juvenile at times. For instance, Gigi’s rude words to Tyce felt really ridiculous and they came out of nowhere. Gigi and some of the other characters seemed a bit immature at times. Overall, it was somewhat entertaining, but I'm not sure I would continue with the series.
I received a free ARC, but this review is my honest opinion of the book
Rating: 3.5 stars
Note: I read this without reading any of the previous books in the series. Though there were a couple of references to previous events, I wasn’t confused and I could easily understand the story.
I actually really liked the premise of Gigi’s wolf being dead and the whole story behind that. It was really unique and I felt a lot of empathy for GiGi and her struggle. I also liked the inclusion of her family in the story and the twists involved with them. Tyce was also an interesting character, and I liked learning about his backstory.
I wish there was a little more depth to some of the dialogue. It felt a bit juvenile at times. For instance, Gigi’s rude words to Tyce felt really ridiculous and they came out of nowhere. Gigi and some of the other characters seemed a bit immature at times. Overall, it was somewhat entertaining, but I'm not sure I would continue with the series.
April 13, 2023
Loved This Storyline!
When Gigi and Tyce first met, sparks flew and not in the romantic sense. The storyline had me laughing from the start, I love the way Gigi put Tyce in his place and how they interacted with each other.
Ooh what a fun, very hot, erotic steamy read. Although there was a lot going on in this amazing storyline, the pages burned with passion and not just with Gigi and Tyce.
There were highs and lows and I felt for Gigi and what she was going through but Tyce was one sexy shifter who understood her and was very supportive. It was no wonder they both fell in love not knowing if they were fated mates or not.
I know it recommends reading the other two stories within the series first and yes they need to be read but please don’t let it put you off reading this storyline, you really would be missing out!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Gigi and Tyce first met, sparks flew and not in the romantic sense. The storyline had me laughing from the start, I love the way Gigi put Tyce in his place and how they interacted with each other.
Ooh what a fun, very hot, erotic steamy read. Although there was a lot going on in this amazing storyline, the pages burned with passion and not just with Gigi and Tyce.
There were highs and lows and I felt for Gigi and what she was going through but Tyce was one sexy shifter who understood her and was very supportive. It was no wonder they both fell in love not knowing if they were fated mates or not.
I know it recommends reading the other two stories within the series first and yes they need to be read but please don’t let it put you off reading this storyline, you really would be missing out!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2023
Wow this was awesome! I loved the way their story was told I loved how it wasn’t cookie cutter cute, definitely a little dark thrown in, which just made me addicted without turning me away. I absolutely am intrigued by the series and where the author takes it. I’m in!
August 11, 2023
Wolfbane is a werewolf/shifter romance.
Fated mates and second chances.
This is a fantastic story and well written, vivid and detailed. Great dialogue throughout. It’s an easy read and quiet the page turner.
I absolutely loved this dark and spicy romance. The character development is fantastic as well as the plot line.
Emotional turmoil with a satisfying outcome.
I’m so happy it is tbc…
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I just reviewed Wolfborn by Celia Hart. #Wolfborn #NetGalley
Fated mates and second chances.
This is a fantastic story and well written, vivid and detailed. Great dialogue throughout. It’s an easy read and quiet the page turner.
I absolutely loved this dark and spicy romance. The character development is fantastic as well as the plot line.
Emotional turmoil with a satisfying outcome.
I’m so happy it is tbc…
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I just reviewed Wolfborn by Celia Hart. #Wolfborn #NetGalley
April 18, 2023
I loved this and I read it over the course of a day, I will admit I love a shifter book so much and if it’s got some spice even better. I loved that there was a HEA , this is so very entertaining,full of humour and intrigue , highly recommend this read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2023
Entertaining and complex shifter adventure. Multiple packs and storyline all intertwine around romance, murder, pack politics, fami,y drama, and fated mates trying to make it work. Great storyline and pace - a definite winner!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews