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Pack of Her Own
Natalie Donovan jumps at a friend’s offer to stay in the family cabin for a month—she desperately needs the chance to get away from, and get over, her messy breakup. She doesn’t count on the owner of the local diner making her heart pound and her body desperate to be touched.
Wren Carne is a lone wolf. As an Alpha shifter, she has no pack and maintains her territory without causing drama, just the way she likes it. When she checks on the girl staying in a local cabin, she’s not expecting her wolf to identify the human as her One True Mate.
As fallout from their pasts encroaches upon the sleepy town of Terabend, Wren must decide if she wants a pack of her own, while Natalie worries that her secret—she’s transgender—might be too much for Wren.
Wren Carne is a lone wolf. As an Alpha shifter, she has no pack and maintains her territory without causing drama, just the way she likes it. When she checks on the girl staying in a local cabin, she’s not expecting her wolf to identify the human as her One True Mate.
As fallout from their pasts encroaches upon the sleepy town of Terabend, Wren must decide if she wants a pack of her own, while Natalie worries that her secret—she’s transgender—might be too much for Wren.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2023
28 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 8, 2023
Natalie Donovan needs a break from her life, all of her life. Couch surfing after her ex threw her out of their shared home, Natalie could not turn down the offer to stay at a cottage for a month. For free.
Lone werewolf Wren Carne knew Natalie was struggling with personal issues the first time they met at Wren’s diner. Yet her wolf was attracted to Natalie from the very beginning and this Wren could not allow to get out of control. Wren did not want a pack or a mate.
Pack of Her Own is a well written paranormal romance. Abbott creates a world where vampires, werewolves, witches and ghouls walk unknowingly amongst humans. She has built an engaging and diverse cadre of characters surrounding Natalie and Wren and a story you want to stay up late into the night to finish.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lone werewolf Wren Carne knew Natalie was struggling with personal issues the first time they met at Wren’s diner. Yet her wolf was attracted to Natalie from the very beginning and this Wren could not allow to get out of control. Wren did not want a pack or a mate.
Pack of Her Own is a well written paranormal romance. Abbott creates a world where vampires, werewolves, witches and ghouls walk unknowingly amongst humans. She has built an engaging and diverse cadre of characters surrounding Natalie and Wren and a story you want to stay up late into the night to finish.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2023
3.75 stars. I’m a big fan of shifter books and this book is a very nice addition to the genre. I enjoyed it and if you like shifter books, there is a high chance that you’ll also enjoy this as it has many of the themes generally found in the genre. It’s a little bit different from other f/f shifter books out there though as one of the MCs is a trans woman, I would also like to put this in the NA genre, more about that later.
Natalie and Wren are both trying to find themselves, they are cast-outs for different reasons. Natalie has just been dumped by her girlfriend with who she was in a very toxic relationship, and she lost her spot in college. She sees her whole future going down the drain, and she struggles with being accepted as a trans woman, therefore never fully trusting that someone would want her.
Wren is an Alpha wolf and therefore doesn’t adhere to the standard of a submissive female wolf shifter and she is pushed out of her pack for it. She has built a new life for herself, but swears to never want to be dominant over anybody else. No matter how lonely she is, she won’t start a pack and dating humans is far too complicated.
We’re talking about a shifter book so there is instant attraction and the romance quickly moves into more, which is something of a given in this genre. It’s the only genre that gets away with this, where I actually like it, because of the whole fated mate thing. As mentioned earlier I would also put the label NA on this as the mains are both in their twenties, but perhaps more because of their behavior and that was the only thing I didn’t particularly enjoy about this book. I often struggle with NA books, as I tend to find the MCs very irresponsible and self-centered. That is what happened here too to some extent. The characters in this book felt immature at times by running away from their responsibilities and they seemed to wallow in self-pity, there was also some lack of communication. Obviously, there is a lot of angst which I generally like, but here it irked me at some points. While I did not like these things, it didn’t ruin the story for me.
I love a good action storyline and there is quite a bit of action which involves other shifters, I won’t say more because of spoilers. The story is set in a small town where also other paranormal beings live, like vampires and ghouls and I liked how magic is also interwoven in this world. I found some of the other characters very interesting and would like to read more about them in the future, it felt to me that this book is a perfect start for a series.
All in all, this was a good entertaining shifter book. It perhaps doesn’t stand out too much from other shifter books, but it’s entertaining and fans of the genre will likely enjoy it, and if this will become a series, I’ll read it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie and Wren are both trying to find themselves, they are cast-outs for different reasons. Natalie has just been dumped by her girlfriend with who she was in a very toxic relationship, and she lost her spot in college. She sees her whole future going down the drain, and she struggles with being accepted as a trans woman, therefore never fully trusting that someone would want her.
Wren is an Alpha wolf and therefore doesn’t adhere to the standard of a submissive female wolf shifter and she is pushed out of her pack for it. She has built a new life for herself, but swears to never want to be dominant over anybody else. No matter how lonely she is, she won’t start a pack and dating humans is far too complicated.
We’re talking about a shifter book so there is instant attraction and the romance quickly moves into more, which is something of a given in this genre. It’s the only genre that gets away with this, where I actually like it, because of the whole fated mate thing. As mentioned earlier I would also put the label NA on this as the mains are both in their twenties, but perhaps more because of their behavior and that was the only thing I didn’t particularly enjoy about this book. I often struggle with NA books, as I tend to find the MCs very irresponsible and self-centered. That is what happened here too to some extent. The characters in this book felt immature at times by running away from their responsibilities and they seemed to wallow in self-pity, there was also some lack of communication. Obviously, there is a lot of angst which I generally like, but here it irked me at some points. While I did not like these things, it didn’t ruin the story for me.
I love a good action storyline and there is quite a bit of action which involves other shifters, I won’t say more because of spoilers. The story is set in a small town where also other paranormal beings live, like vampires and ghouls and I liked how magic is also interwoven in this world. I found some of the other characters very interesting and would like to read more about them in the future, it felt to me that this book is a perfect start for a series.
All in all, this was a good entertaining shifter book. It perhaps doesn’t stand out too much from other shifter books, but it’s entertaining and fans of the genre will likely enjoy it, and if this will become a series, I’ll read it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2023
This was an excellent sapphic shifter romance with a trans main character.
Natalie is struggling with the end of a long-term relationship that was very toxic and controlling and where she was made to feel bad about herself and her identity. Hearing her backstory made you really sympathize with her and want her to find happiness. I was so angered about her treatment by her ex! So I was very invested!
Enter Wren, a wolf shifter who escaped a pack and has her own history of toxic control she is trying to distance herself from. The two are immediately attracted to one another, and have a lot of similarities which makes them a perfect match, and maybe even fated mates.
I liked the lore of the town of supernaturals to discover, and hope to learn more about the host of side-characters, perhaps in future installments!? I like the world building that has started here, and can easily see many intertwined stories for this location and other characters.
I did struggle a tiny bit with the push and pull effect that went on, that whole "I'm pushing you away to protect you" black moment thing. It did spiral into a slight bit of melodrama by the end, evil vindictive ex showing up and all - which I did find a bit cliche and cringe - all straight from the lesfic playbook - but overall it's a really solid story, with likable characters you really root for, and a world with other characters we can discover more from, later.
I would recommend it if you're into shifter stories, supernatural stories and stories about a trans-woman and her alpha finding their happiness together, and moving on from past traumas.
Natalie is struggling with the end of a long-term relationship that was very toxic and controlling and where she was made to feel bad about herself and her identity. Hearing her backstory made you really sympathize with her and want her to find happiness. I was so angered about her treatment by her ex! So I was very invested!
Enter Wren, a wolf shifter who escaped a pack and has her own history of toxic control she is trying to distance herself from. The two are immediately attracted to one another, and have a lot of similarities which makes them a perfect match, and maybe even fated mates.
I liked the lore of the town of supernaturals to discover, and hope to learn more about the host of side-characters, perhaps in future installments!? I like the world building that has started here, and can easily see many intertwined stories for this location and other characters.
I did struggle a tiny bit with the push and pull effect that went on, that whole "I'm pushing you away to protect you" black moment thing. It did spiral into a slight bit of melodrama by the end, evil vindictive ex showing up and all - which I did find a bit cliche and cringe - all straight from the lesfic playbook - but overall it's a really solid story, with likable characters you really root for, and a world with other characters we can discover more from, later.
I would recommend it if you're into shifter stories, supernatural stories and stories about a trans-woman and her alpha finding their happiness together, and moving on from past traumas.
March 2, 2023
4.5 Stars - Really good paranormal wolf shifter romance.
Natalie recently dumped by her long-term girlfriend, Misty, who was extremely controlling and mentally abusive, is not in great shape. She has low self-esteem and intrusive thoughts. Natalie has moved in with her best friend, Rory, who is also her boss. Rory suggests that she take a leave of absence to heal and lets her stay at her cabin in Terabend. That’s where she meets Wren the local diner owner, and lone alpha wolf.
Wren is just looking to lead a peaceful life outside of the repressive and abusive hierarchy of her old pack, where submissive wolves were at the mercy of dominant wolves.
I really enjoyed this story. It just kept getting better and better as it went along. Natalie has an impressive growth arc. Turning from being beat down and insecure into a woman who understands her worth and strength. Her one weakness is believing people will not except her for all that she is because she is trans. I love how the author draws a parallel between being a werewolf and being trans. There is a secondary character in the story whose wolf has been trapped inside of her by a curse, and so she can’t shift. Not being able to shift has locked an entire side of her self away from the world. And Natalie really felt a connection to her predicament.
I also loved to see Wren coming to terms with what it means to be an alpha, accepting that responsibility and that she could run her pack any way she wanted.
There is plenty of action and supernatural beings beside shifters. There is also all the yummy fated mate stuff we all love from good shifter romances. The MCs come together pretty fast because of this which I know a lot of people don't like but it never bothers me with paranormal time romances.
The ending was very exciting and while it does wrap up with an HEA, the author definitely left room for more books, if she so chooses. I would definitely be able to read more about the characters in this world.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Shelved: sapphic-romance, arc, butch-femme, intense-connection, magic, paranormal-romance, paranormal-shapeshifters, read, soul-mates, trans-character, vet-tech
Natalie recently dumped by her long-term girlfriend, Misty, who was extremely controlling and mentally abusive, is not in great shape. She has low self-esteem and intrusive thoughts. Natalie has moved in with her best friend, Rory, who is also her boss. Rory suggests that she take a leave of absence to heal and lets her stay at her cabin in Terabend. That’s where she meets Wren the local diner owner, and lone alpha wolf.
Wren is just looking to lead a peaceful life outside of the repressive and abusive hierarchy of her old pack, where submissive wolves were at the mercy of dominant wolves.
I really enjoyed this story. It just kept getting better and better as it went along. Natalie has an impressive growth arc. Turning from being beat down and insecure into a woman who understands her worth and strength. Her one weakness is believing people will not except her for all that she is because she is trans. I love how the author draws a parallel between being a werewolf and being trans. There is a secondary character in the story whose wolf has been trapped inside of her by a curse, and so she can’t shift. Not being able to shift has locked an entire side of her self away from the world. And Natalie really felt a connection to her predicament.
I also loved to see Wren coming to terms with what it means to be an alpha, accepting that responsibility and that she could run her pack any way she wanted.
There is plenty of action and supernatural beings beside shifters. There is also all the yummy fated mate stuff we all love from good shifter romances. The MCs come together pretty fast because of this which I know a lot of people don't like but it never bothers me with paranormal time romances.
The ending was very exciting and while it does wrap up with an HEA, the author definitely left room for more books, if she so chooses. I would definitely be able to read more about the characters in this world.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Shelved: sapphic-romance, arc, butch-femme, intense-connection, magic, paranormal-romance, paranormal-shapeshifters, read, soul-mates, trans-character, vet-tech
March 11, 2023
This is a story about Natalie, a transgender woman, who has had a very difficult life as a teenager and young adult. She recently broke up with her girlfriend of 8 years. She feels alone and rejected by everyone she knows. Wren is a werewolf who owns a diner in a small town.
The town is populated by a bunch of paranormal people who all work together when they are threatened by outsiders. Lots of fun and interesting characters.
Wren and Natalie have instant attraction even though they both keep their true selves a secret for the first half of the book. I liked the action scenes and Wren’s wolf was very powerful and she learns to be leader as the story progresses.
The sex scenes were unique for me and definitely hot. Abbott did a great job on developing the emotions and intimacy between Wren and Natalie.
The town doctor is a vampire and friend to Wren. She enhanced the story and was a steady and calm person who healed the MCs when they were injured and gave good advice when needed.
Throughout the book Wren constantly is worried about endangering Natalie and resists her growing love for her true mate because of it.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.
The town is populated by a bunch of paranormal people who all work together when they are threatened by outsiders. Lots of fun and interesting characters.
Wren and Natalie have instant attraction even though they both keep their true selves a secret for the first half of the book. I liked the action scenes and Wren’s wolf was very powerful and she learns to be leader as the story progresses.
The sex scenes were unique for me and definitely hot. Abbott did a great job on developing the emotions and intimacy between Wren and Natalie.
The town doctor is a vampire and friend to Wren. She enhanced the story and was a steady and calm person who healed the MCs when they were injured and gave good advice when needed.
Throughout the book Wren constantly is worried about endangering Natalie and resists her growing love for her true mate because of it.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.
March 27, 2023
Wow!
Natalie desperately needs a change to get over her messy breakup. Wren is a lone wolf. She is an Alpha and has no pack to run with. With so many things at stake, will their affair end in disaster or have they found what they’ve been looking for?
I loved this fresh take on shifters with the variety of shapeshifters, the dangerous hunt and the great romance. It made this story a fantastic read and an emotional rollercoaster.
Natalie desperately needs a change to get over her messy breakup. Wren is a lone wolf. She is an Alpha and has no pack to run with. With so many things at stake, will their affair end in disaster or have they found what they’ve been looking for?
I loved this fresh take on shifters with the variety of shapeshifters, the dangerous hunt and the great romance. It made this story a fantastic read and an emotional rollercoaster.
March 14, 2023
A very bad breakup and emotional turmoil has Natalie Donovan with her back to the wall. Then she is offered one month's free use of a cabin by a friend. The nearby small town of Terabend has a lovely diner and Wren Carne is the owner. She is an alpha wolf shifter who keeps an eye on things and wants her town to remain nice and quiet. When they meet, Natalie and Wren are perfect together. Both have had toxic relationships but the attraction is evident from the start.
The MC's of a trans woman and a wolf shifter, vampires and other side characters are well written. The sex is hot and established norms in shifterdom are bucked in this up and down romance. There are fights with trespassing wolves and some drawn out angst but all in all I think we have a good start to a possible paranormal series.
I rec'd a copy through Netgalley/Bold Strokes Books. My review is voluntary.
The MC's of a trans woman and a wolf shifter, vampires and other side characters are well written. The sex is hot and established norms in shifterdom are bucked in this up and down romance. There are fights with trespassing wolves and some drawn out angst but all in all I think we have a good start to a possible paranormal series.
I rec'd a copy through Netgalley/Bold Strokes Books. My review is voluntary.
May 7, 2023
3,25 stars
I wasn't all too impressed by the writing style. A bit more telling than showing, which I'm not a fan of. Just like 1st person POV. Not my preferred style. All in all, it felt a bit like a fanfic. With a bit more polishing it would've been really good.
The story itself wasn't bad either, I'd say slightly above average. It had a lot of potential and delivered about seventy percent of it. And, well, predictability and formulaic plots are common issues with werewolf novels...
I wasn't all too impressed by the writing style. A bit more telling than showing, which I'm not a fan of. Just like 1st person POV. Not my preferred style. All in all, it felt a bit like a fanfic. With a bit more polishing it would've been really good.
The story itself wasn't bad either, I'd say slightly above average. It had a lot of potential and delivered about seventy percent of it. And, well, predictability and formulaic plots are common issues with werewolf novels...
February 26, 2023
Not-so-urban fantasy with transgender mc
3.5 rounded up.
Many years ago lesbian characters started to conquer step by step the many genres of fiction, now we see the same happen with transgender women who love women. Elena Abbott (own voice) gives us an urban fantasy focusing on the Alpha wolf-shifter Wren Carne who meets Natalie, a human and transgender women. Natalie desperately needs time to find her footing and herself after very trying times with her family and her toxic ex. Wren has her own issues with accepting that she is an Alpha supposed to lead a pack. Add to that that they are true mates and Wren‘s former pack comes after her and off goes a werewolf story set in a rural area where supernaturals abound.
I liked the interesting take of an Alpha who despises the patriarchal hierarchy of traditional werewolves and there was an interesting cast of secondary characters. The start with all the self-recrimination of Natalie was a tad to long and got a bit tedious, as did the longish miscommunication at the end (I am not a fan of this trope). All in all it was an entertaining read which shed light on the special struggles of transpeople. There is at the end an opening for more since the pack just started.
3.5 rounded up.
Many years ago lesbian characters started to conquer step by step the many genres of fiction, now we see the same happen with transgender women who love women. Elena Abbott (own voice) gives us an urban fantasy focusing on the Alpha wolf-shifter Wren Carne who meets Natalie, a human and transgender women. Natalie desperately needs time to find her footing and herself after very trying times with her family and her toxic ex. Wren has her own issues with accepting that she is an Alpha supposed to lead a pack. Add to that that they are true mates and Wren‘s former pack comes after her and off goes a werewolf story set in a rural area where supernaturals abound.
I liked the interesting take of an Alpha who despises the patriarchal hierarchy of traditional werewolves and there was an interesting cast of secondary characters. The start with all the self-recrimination of Natalie was a tad to long and got a bit tedious, as did the longish miscommunication at the end (I am not a fan of this trope). All in all it was an entertaining read which shed light on the special struggles of transpeople. There is at the end an opening for more since the pack just started.
June 17, 2023
unconditional love and miscommunication
Two women from vastly different backgrounds but equally toxic meet in instant connection. One is an alpha that doesn’t really know anything about being an alpha. The other is a trans woman that is struggling with confidence.
This story is engaging from beginning to end. Well written and the connection and story are very satisfying! The love and acceptance freely given (although often misperceived) is beautiful.
Two women from vastly different backgrounds but equally toxic meet in instant connection. One is an alpha that doesn’t really know anything about being an alpha. The other is a trans woman that is struggling with confidence.
This story is engaging from beginning to end. Well written and the connection and story are very satisfying! The love and acceptance freely given (although often misperceived) is beautiful.
May 26, 2024
DNF: 20%
November 15, 2025
3/5
It was enjoyable when it wasn't cringe.
I genuinely had a hard time getting over some moments sometimes (not in a good way).
This was the first trans book I've read ,so I can't say anything about if the representation was either good or bad beacause I have no idea.I enjoyed it but I don't know if it was well showed.
It was enjoyable when it wasn't cringe.
I genuinely had a hard time getting over some moments sometimes (not in a good way).
This was the first trans book I've read ,so I can't say anything about if the representation was either good or bad beacause I have no idea.I enjoyed it but I don't know if it was well showed.
January 22, 2025
This checked a number of my boxes. I hate the unnecessary miscommunication, but what to do.
Content Warning for Transphobia.
Content Warning for Transphobia.
July 17, 2023
I am giving an extra star because i could feel from reading that the Author invested into providing a story with some volume.
This is one a very few that we have a Trans at the forefront of a story. A trans woman needing a rejuvenating time goes to an outskirt and lands herself in the midst of paranormals. The backdrop has potentials for this story to be a series and i hope the Author does.
This is one a very few that we have a Trans at the forefront of a story. A trans woman needing a rejuvenating time goes to an outskirt and lands herself in the midst of paranormals. The backdrop has potentials for this story to be a series and i hope the Author does.
March 13, 2023
Natalie needs to get away from her life in the city, because she needs to get away from her toxic ex-girlfriend and because she wants to find herself. When she arrives in Terabend, she meets Wren. Wren is an Alpha without a pack. She tries to protect her territory without causing any drama. What happens when Wren discovers that Natalie is her One True Mate and on top of that, that her mate is a human?
I really enjoy the fated mates trope and I really love werewolf stories. In addition this book has lesbian and transgender rep! So I was really excited to start reading this book!
Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed after I finished the book. The book wasn’t necessarily awful, but I didn’t enjoy it. It felt like the author had a few scenes really well thought out and the rest of the book felt like filler scenes.
Besides that, the conversations between the characters didn’t feel natural (I know it is a supernatural book hahaha) to me. I can’t put my finger on the reason why, but it just didn’t flow right sometimes.
And I had one little ick throughout the book. In most books that I read with werewolves, the mate of the Alpha is a Luna(/Luno), but in this book they were called Lupa/Lupo. That is just a personal ick.
Pack of Her Own is written by Elena Abbott and will be published on March 14 2023.
Thank you to the publisher Bold Strokes Books for providing this book through @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy the fated mates trope and I really love werewolf stories. In addition this book has lesbian and transgender rep! So I was really excited to start reading this book!
Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed after I finished the book. The book wasn’t necessarily awful, but I didn’t enjoy it. It felt like the author had a few scenes really well thought out and the rest of the book felt like filler scenes.
Besides that, the conversations between the characters didn’t feel natural (I know it is a supernatural book hahaha) to me. I can’t put my finger on the reason why, but it just didn’t flow right sometimes.
And I had one little ick throughout the book. In most books that I read with werewolves, the mate of the Alpha is a Luna(/Luno), but in this book they were called Lupa/Lupo. That is just a personal ick.
Pack of Her Own is written by Elena Abbott and will be published on March 14 2023.
Thank you to the publisher Bold Strokes Books for providing this book through @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ I love sapphic shifter adventure / romance stories and this one had some really cool aspects that I eagerly sunk my teeth into! (sorry, couldn’t resist the cringe-worthy pun!) Beyond the basics of decent plot, characters, etc I also liked the authenticity and straightforward way in which having one of the FMC be a trans woman was handled! Very well done.
Some highlights for me:
- believable (in a shifter sense) FMC relationship dynamics
- love the sanctuary from traditional concept
- community drawn together via diversity; chosen family
- decent action and pretty good storyline
- everyone has different yet meaningful strengths and value
- hot and steamy, but not smutty
But there were a few misses too:
- where was the twist? I don’t want to suggest a spoiler but there were a few reeeeally good candidates for twists, but the plot chose predictable instead
- the “submissive” one of the FMC was too much so. She seriously is flustered by choosing a sandwich for herself?
- the whole book was leading up to an “event” … building and building. I was so ready for it!!! And then … it was never described but added as almost an afterthought mention sentence.
So overall, I would recommend reading it and I did enjoy it. There are a lot of things to like and I will probably be picking up the follow up book to read as well. It’s worth the time! … I just wished that it would have capitalized on a few missed opportunities.
🏳️🌈
Some highlights for me:
- believable (in a shifter sense) FMC relationship dynamics
- love the sanctuary from traditional concept
- community drawn together via diversity; chosen family
- decent action and pretty good storyline
- everyone has different yet meaningful strengths and value
- hot and steamy, but not smutty
But there were a few misses too:
- where was the twist? I don’t want to suggest a spoiler but there were a few reeeeally good candidates for twists, but the plot chose predictable instead
- the “submissive” one of the FMC was too much so. She seriously is flustered by choosing a sandwich for herself?
- the whole book was leading up to an “event” … building and building. I was so ready for it!!! And then … it was never described but added as almost an afterthought mention sentence.
So overall, I would recommend reading it and I did enjoy it. There are a lot of things to like and I will probably be picking up the follow up book to read as well. It’s worth the time! … I just wished that it would have capitalized on a few missed opportunities.
🏳️🌈
October 29, 2024
There aren't enough good wlw shifter books. This one has the bonus of having a trans woman as an MC. Not only is she trans, but this is one of the few stories about a no-op trans person I've found. There definitely aren't enough stories about characters like that in any genre. And the way Wren handled and supported Nat being trans was amazing. I wish it was more of a nonissue for people and characters elsewhere as well. This book also included plenty of other supernatural characters other than the wolf shifters, which is always a bonus.
The romance between Wren and Nat is great. It is instalove, because fated mates, but at least in this genre I enjoy the trope. There are still plenty of ups and downs between them as they try to navigate not only being fated mates but Wren being surprisingly uninformed about being a werewolf, let alone an alpha werewolf. Wren fights against her nature and their fated mate status a lot more than Natalie does, which does lead to lots of drama and unnecessary pining.
There is a third act breakup. Wren pushes Nat away out of fear. It takes more than a little bit of pushing, but she eventually does drive Nat away. They aren't apart very long book-wise, but chronologically over a month. I was a little disappointed in what happened to Nat at the end. I feel like having a human mated to the alpha would have come with some interesting twists for future stories that just won't be available now.
The romance between Wren and Nat is great. It is instalove, because fated mates, but at least in this genre I enjoy the trope. There are still plenty of ups and downs between them as they try to navigate not only being fated mates but Wren being surprisingly uninformed about being a werewolf, let alone an alpha werewolf. Wren fights against her nature and their fated mate status a lot more than Natalie does, which does lead to lots of drama and unnecessary pining.
There is a third act breakup. Wren pushes Nat away out of fear. It takes more than a little bit of pushing, but she eventually does drive Nat away. They aren't apart very long book-wise, but chronologically over a month. I was a little disappointed in what happened to Nat at the end. I feel like having a human mated to the alpha would have come with some interesting twists for future stories that just won't be available now.
April 13, 2023
3.7
Curioso y ligero, tocando brevemente temas como la ansiedad, inseguridad en uno mismo, relaciones narcisistas y tóxicas, con lo sobrenatural de los seres sobrenaturales (Shifters, vampiros, ghouls, etc).
La historia es simple en su mundo, un pueblo donde viven seres sobrenaturales y de este hay un alfa lobo dueño de un restaurante. Ella es el interés amoroso de nuestra protagonista, una chica trans que llega para descomprimir, buscar paz mental después de salir de una relación larga y controladora. Ambos personajes muestran atracción y los capítulos posteriores se va volviendo más fuerte, sin caer en instan-Love.
Fuera de la relación y los problemas psicológicos de las dos protagonistas, tenemos una historia de fondo que se inmiscuye en la relación en creces, pasados problemáticos que aparecen, los cuales nos traen su dosis de tensión, aún así sin dejar el foco al romance.
🐺Lo que no me gusto 🐺
- Los antagonistas no tienen apariciones fuertes y el final de su historia queda en Cliffhanger.
- Las escenas de acción (rescates) son breves, en especial el final sucede en un parpadeo.
- El cliché de la falta de comunicación para generar drama (por suerte solo se usó una vez).
Esperando que no sea un “Autoconclusivo” contrario a lo que dice en este año, porque esto es un Cliffhanger en los puntos que no son el romancé.
Curioso y ligero, tocando brevemente temas como la ansiedad, inseguridad en uno mismo, relaciones narcisistas y tóxicas, con lo sobrenatural de los seres sobrenaturales (Shifters, vampiros, ghouls, etc).
La historia es simple en su mundo, un pueblo donde viven seres sobrenaturales y de este hay un alfa lobo dueño de un restaurante. Ella es el interés amoroso de nuestra protagonista, una chica trans que llega para descomprimir, buscar paz mental después de salir de una relación larga y controladora. Ambos personajes muestran atracción y los capítulos posteriores se va volviendo más fuerte, sin caer en instan-Love.
Fuera de la relación y los problemas psicológicos de las dos protagonistas, tenemos una historia de fondo que se inmiscuye en la relación en creces, pasados problemáticos que aparecen, los cuales nos traen su dosis de tensión, aún así sin dejar el foco al romance.
🐺Lo que no me gusto 🐺
- Los antagonistas no tienen apariciones fuertes y el final de su historia queda en Cliffhanger.
- Las escenas de acción (rescates) son breves, en especial el final sucede en un parpadeo.
- El cliché de la falta de comunicación para generar drama (por suerte solo se usó una vez).
Esperando que no sea un “Autoconclusivo” contrario a lo que dice en este año, porque esto es un Cliffhanger en los puntos que no son el romancé.
March 13, 2023
rounded up to four stars.
this has all the staples you would expect from a paranormal romance. The town Natalie runs away to is full of interesting, quirky characters. The romance that develops between her and Wren is sweet and later on gets angsty as well. The shifter lore is very cool; I loved how nothing was treated as completely known or solved and how Wren was rebelling against the established rules.
I feel the weakest part was act 3 and how that all unraveled in the end.
I received an advanced reading copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
this has all the staples you would expect from a paranormal romance. The town Natalie runs away to is full of interesting, quirky characters. The romance that develops between her and Wren is sweet and later on gets angsty as well. The shifter lore is very cool; I loved how nothing was treated as completely known or solved and how Wren was rebelling against the established rules.
I feel the weakest part was act 3 and how that all unraveled in the end.
I received an advanced reading copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2024
"I knew how to fight and defend myself, thanks to my parents. And now I was going to use those skills for someone more important to me than they ever were."
This was such a cute saphic shifter romance! The lore about the magical creatures we got explained was interrsting to read. I really loked the characters and thair dynamics (found family is always a welcomed bonus 🥹)
This was such a cute saphic shifter romance! The lore about the magical creatures we got explained was interrsting to read. I really loked the characters and thair dynamics (found family is always a welcomed bonus 🥹)
May 11, 2023
Oh shit, this book's kind of a mess, dude.
Natalie is probably pretty middle of the road as a trans protagonist, hardly a Maria (Lifetime Between Us) or a Trisha (The Weight of Living) and the wolf stuff is... fine I guess, the shifting shenanigans didn't exactly go as badly as I expected, but the romance is mostly just "these are hot people, they each think the other is hot" and that's about it.
It's like, generic werewolves and vampires (and ghouls, and fucking panther shifters?) and all, with only a few baffling minor twists on the formula: werewolves can smell the trans on people, yes really, and vampire blood makes trans women produce estrogen as a primary sex hormone instead. Dude, what the fuck.
There are tiny bright spots, like the book has the opportunity for Natalie and Wren to connect on the basis of being similarly pushed out from society, but there's not enough detail to make it happen. Plus, there's transphobic family bullshit, and transphobic ex girlfriend drama, and really as a Trans Novel it just isn't that good. The book tanks for real and never recovers during its dumb 70% conflict; Wren thinks that humans cannot survive the mating bite, the thing that binds a person as part of their shifter pack, and so she is hesitant every time Natalie asks to be bitten (she asks to be bitten a lot). Instead of like, discussing this though, she lets Natalie believe that she's being a transphobe ("You're not like me!") and run away from her instead, like an idiot. Run away into the surprise-transphobic-ex-appearance, boy. One of the worse 70% conflicts I've seen.
So it didn't go that badly I guess, but this one isn't gonna be topping my list of Trans® Fiction™ anytime, I guess. Kinda lame for the newest entry so far.
Natalie is probably pretty middle of the road as a trans protagonist, hardly a Maria (Lifetime Between Us) or a Trisha (The Weight of Living) and the wolf stuff is... fine I guess, the shifting shenanigans didn't exactly go as badly as I expected, but the romance is mostly just "these are hot people, they each think the other is hot" and that's about it.
It's like, generic werewolves and vampires (and ghouls, and fucking panther shifters?) and all, with only a few baffling minor twists on the formula: werewolves can smell the trans on people, yes really, and vampire blood makes trans women produce estrogen as a primary sex hormone instead. Dude, what the fuck.
There are tiny bright spots, like the book has the opportunity for Natalie and Wren to connect on the basis of being similarly pushed out from society, but there's not enough detail to make it happen. Plus, there's transphobic family bullshit, and transphobic ex girlfriend drama, and really as a Trans Novel it just isn't that good. The book tanks for real and never recovers during its dumb 70% conflict; Wren thinks that humans cannot survive the mating bite, the thing that binds a person as part of their shifter pack, and so she is hesitant every time Natalie asks to be bitten (she asks to be bitten a lot). Instead of like, discussing this though, she lets Natalie believe that she's being a transphobe ("You're not like me!") and run away from her instead, like an idiot. Run away into the surprise-transphobic-ex-appearance, boy. One of the worse 70% conflicts I've seen.
So it didn't go that badly I guess, but this one isn't gonna be topping my list of Trans® Fiction™ anytime, I guess. Kinda lame for the newest entry so far.
May 13, 2025
Stars: 5 Stars
Format: Digital
Series: Book 1 (looks like there are three books to this series but I can’t find a series name)
Steam Level: Steamy
I read this for the 2025 Sapphic Book Bingo reading challenge for the prompt Shape-Shifter Novel.
CW: violence, death, threatened SA
There are simply not enough trans romances out in the world. I want there to be a million more, whether it’s sapphic or straight or poly or platonic, I just want to read more trans books with HEAs.
Quick Thoughts:
- The world building in this had me wanting to learn more about it even after the book ended
- Natalie’s internal monologue of putting herself down really hit home. I think dang near everyone who’s gotten out of a toxic relationship has gone through this
- The meals sounded so delicious and it kept making me hungry while I read
- This town being a sanctuary for paranormal creatures is something that I loved and would be a great setting for even more stories HINT HINT
- I am a fan of fated mates stories done right and I definitely bought into this one
- The intimate scenes were so good and there was even a strap scene
- Loved how Wren kept doing these things without fully understanding how and it showed how much she doesn’t know about her nature because of how her old pack was run
- My heart shattered for Hikaru
- I seriously wanted to shake Wren in the last third of the book. Dang hard headed Alphas
- The ending was cute but I wanted a thousand more pages of these characters. I really ended up loving each of them
- There were a few typos but nothing that pulled me out of the story, I only really noticed because there were very few and it surprised me
- I did peek at the synopsis for the next two books and I’m gonna cross my fingers we get more books in this series for some of the other ladies who deserve all the happiness in the world
- Also in the next two books, I hope we get more about the whole twisted humans and mating bite lore
Overall I was pleasantly surprised with how much I really enjoyed this. I have such high expectations for paranormal romance book and trans romance books, also I was cautious with trying a new author who was writing both of these together. My fears were unfounded and I have already picked up the next book.
Format: Digital
Series: Book 1 (looks like there are three books to this series but I can’t find a series name)
Steam Level: Steamy
I read this for the 2025 Sapphic Book Bingo reading challenge for the prompt Shape-Shifter Novel.
CW: violence, death, threatened SA
There are simply not enough trans romances out in the world. I want there to be a million more, whether it’s sapphic or straight or poly or platonic, I just want to read more trans books with HEAs.
Quick Thoughts:
- The world building in this had me wanting to learn more about it even after the book ended
- Natalie’s internal monologue of putting herself down really hit home. I think dang near everyone who’s gotten out of a toxic relationship has gone through this
- The meals sounded so delicious and it kept making me hungry while I read
- This town being a sanctuary for paranormal creatures is something that I loved and would be a great setting for even more stories HINT HINT
- I am a fan of fated mates stories done right and I definitely bought into this one
- The intimate scenes were so good and there was even a strap scene
- Loved how Wren kept doing these things without fully understanding how and it showed how much she doesn’t know about her nature because of how her old pack was run
- My heart shattered for Hikaru
- I seriously wanted to shake Wren in the last third of the book. Dang hard headed Alphas
- The ending was cute but I wanted a thousand more pages of these characters. I really ended up loving each of them
- There were a few typos but nothing that pulled me out of the story, I only really noticed because there were very few and it surprised me
- I did peek at the synopsis for the next two books and I’m gonna cross my fingers we get more books in this series for some of the other ladies who deserve all the happiness in the world
- Also in the next two books, I hope we get more about the whole twisted humans and mating bite lore
Overall I was pleasantly surprised with how much I really enjoyed this. I have such high expectations for paranormal romance book and trans romance books, also I was cautious with trying a new author who was writing both of these together. My fears were unfounded and I have already picked up the next book.
March 15, 2023
When life falls apart, perhaps taking a break is just what is needed. But when Natalie (said trans woman) and Wren (loner alpha wolf) first see each other, it seems that perhaps that there might be something between them, but that just makes everything a lot more complicated. After all, a bond between a human and a wolf isn't a thing, is it?
This was a wonderful read and I absolutely loved this story. Yes, while I may have a strong like of shifter stories, that also means that I also have expectations, and this story most definitely exceeded them.
The trans representation was great. Natalie's struggles for acceptance, both internal and external resonating, and the difficulties that she's been through definitely resonate and are far too common of trans people. She's not a strong confident lead, but a woman who has issues and who does need the help and strength of others. She leans on others for better or for worse, but that makes her more real, and seeing her grow and become more confident as the story progresses is heart warming and wonderful. And the development of the bond - very nice!
Wren is just as much a flawed character, with what's she's been through, and the knowing of the knowledge that she lacks. She starts off strong, as one would expect from a werewolf, but she also grows, becoming more than what she was in the beginning as well.
For all of the angst and mistakes that are made, this is a story of growth and acceptance, of being able to gain what you actually desire, and to be able to embrace the support of others, knowing that you aren't alone in the world.
It is a tale of finding love, of having a bond form, and being able to take it to the next level.
This really is a wonderful sapphic shifter story, and one that I would highly recommend.
This was a wonderful read and I absolutely loved this story. Yes, while I may have a strong like of shifter stories, that also means that I also have expectations, and this story most definitely exceeded them.
The trans representation was great. Natalie's struggles for acceptance, both internal and external resonating, and the difficulties that she's been through definitely resonate and are far too common of trans people. She's not a strong confident lead, but a woman who has issues and who does need the help and strength of others. She leans on others for better or for worse, but that makes her more real, and seeing her grow and become more confident as the story progresses is heart warming and wonderful. And the development of the bond - very nice!
Wren is just as much a flawed character, with what's she's been through, and the knowing of the knowledge that she lacks. She starts off strong, as one would expect from a werewolf, but she also grows, becoming more than what she was in the beginning as well.
For all of the angst and mistakes that are made, this is a story of growth and acceptance, of being able to gain what you actually desire, and to be able to embrace the support of others, knowing that you aren't alone in the world.
It is a tale of finding love, of having a bond form, and being able to take it to the next level.
This really is a wonderful sapphic shifter story, and one that I would highly recommend.
Read
March 7, 2023A pack of her own tells the story of Natalie Donovan a woman who needs a break to get over the break up of long term relationship and takes up her boss on her offer to take a break at their cabin in a small town. The last thing she wants is a new romance but she is instantly captivated when she runs into Wren the local diner owner. The only problem is that now she is up to her ears in shape shifter conflict, and she is not sure what effect coming out to her new girl friend will have on their budding relationship.
Elena abbot’s latest work seems to have been designed for me, strong female lead (check), supernatural drama and action (check) and a honest depiction of issues that transgender people deal with (check). She tells the story from alternating points of view in each chapter letting us see the plot develop from both Natalie and Wren’s side. It is a nice touch and lets the reader connect with the characters. There are points in the story especially the beginning where there are moments that feel like just a big exposition drop without much context that threw me off a little bit. But at the end of the I was there for love story between Wren and Natalie and that part I loved. The pair had both experienced trauma and it was dealt with in a honest but still hopeful manner.
If you like your paranormal with a big helping of romance and action this is one you need to check out.
The book will be released on March 16, 2023 and you can get a copy at https://www.bellabooks.com/product/97...
Elena abbot’s latest work seems to have been designed for me, strong female lead (check), supernatural drama and action (check) and a honest depiction of issues that transgender people deal with (check). She tells the story from alternating points of view in each chapter letting us see the plot develop from both Natalie and Wren’s side. It is a nice touch and lets the reader connect with the characters. There are points in the story especially the beginning where there are moments that feel like just a big exposition drop without much context that threw me off a little bit. But at the end of the I was there for love story between Wren and Natalie and that part I loved. The pair had both experienced trauma and it was dealt with in a honest but still hopeful manner.
If you like your paranormal with a big helping of romance and action this is one you need to check out.
The book will be released on March 16, 2023 and you can get a copy at https://www.bellabooks.com/product/97...
June 11, 2024
What starts as a fun, slightly cozy lesbian werewolf story with a trans MC turns into a fun, slightly cozy lesbian werewolf story with a trans MC sharing her trauma about her toxic, controlling, transphobic ex GF!
Oh, and there are vampires, were-panthers, ghouls, witches...all in a sleepy small town outside the big city.
Come to this story with a light and open heart and you will be pleased. It's a lot of fun, and quite funny as well. The main relationship between the city girl and the country girl is sweet and affirming, and the werewolf Alpha stuff is done well--dominance is shown as mostly a negative, with the Alpha role being more of a protector, and consent in finding roles is clear throughout. Forget found family--this book is about a found pack.
Some readers might find the idea of a small town teaming with a variety of supernatural creatures to be silly, but this book isn't for them. It's for those of us who want to read a fun, exciting, sometimes touching romance with a little supernatural spice, just enough trauma, and lots of good old-fashioned healing (occasionally assisted by supernatural creatures).
Oh, and there are vampires, were-panthers, ghouls, witches...all in a sleepy small town outside the big city.
Come to this story with a light and open heart and you will be pleased. It's a lot of fun, and quite funny as well. The main relationship between the city girl and the country girl is sweet and affirming, and the werewolf Alpha stuff is done well--dominance is shown as mostly a negative, with the Alpha role being more of a protector, and consent in finding roles is clear throughout. Forget found family--this book is about a found pack.
Some readers might find the idea of a small town teaming with a variety of supernatural creatures to be silly, but this book isn't for them. It's for those of us who want to read a fun, exciting, sometimes touching romance with a little supernatural spice, just enough trauma, and lots of good old-fashioned healing (occasionally assisted by supernatural creatures).
February 25, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded up - This was a welcome change from stereotypical (straight) werewolf romances. I appreciated the gender and sexuality representation in the book, and also the characters themselves were well-written and interesting. However, I didn't feel the plot was strong enough to carry the book, and there were aspects that seemed forced in for seemingly no reason (the visit from the toxic ex, the werepanther, to name a few). I also personally dislike the forced miscommunication trope in romance novels (how hard would it have been to name the problem as "you are human and i don't want to risk hurting you', instead of dancing around it and allowing for misinterpretation?), so that impacted my enjoyment of the story.
I still stayed up until 2:30 reading this book, though, so it clearly didn't impact my enjoyment that much :)
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I still stayed up until 2:30 reading this book, though, so it clearly didn't impact my enjoyment that much :)
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2023
An entertaining, enjoyable read! The book was very fast paced and kept me turning on pages for hours. And I was very happy to see the trans representation here, which is not something I often find. I also quite liked the main characters (even though they could've been better developed, in my opinion).
There were a few issues with the book, which is why this is not a five star rating. Namely, the were a few plot points that felt quite forced, such as the visit from Misty, the miscommunication and the panther-shifter thing. I had a bit of trouble connecting with the romance, too, and sometimes the writing felt somewhat fanfic-ish.
Still, overall it was a fun, fast, engaging read and I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a light, diverse read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There were a few issues with the book, which is why this is not a five star rating. Namely, the were a few plot points that felt quite forced, such as the visit from Misty, the miscommunication and the panther-shifter thing. I had a bit of trouble connecting with the romance, too, and sometimes the writing felt somewhat fanfic-ish.
Still, overall it was a fun, fast, engaging read and I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a light, diverse read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2023
This was OK, but not for me. Natalie’s youth initially confused me – she’s been in a relationship with her girlfriend for 8 years but she’s only 23. This kind of gets explained much later and makes sense, but when it was first mentioned, it was enough to throw me out of the story and need to reread to see what I missed.
My other complaint has to do with the stereotypes. The women are all such “girly girls”. No matter how butch or tough they may be, they're all super feminine. They’re not even referred to as women. They might be old, they’re all still “girls." OK, so these are my pet peeves and other readers probably won’t be offended by these.
The actual story line was good. I like paranormal fantasy and shifters. I enjoyed how Abbott slowly peeled back the layers to reveal everything. Some revelations were surprising which made the book more interesting.
My other complaint has to do with the stereotypes. The women are all such “girly girls”. No matter how butch or tough they may be, they're all super feminine. They’re not even referred to as women. They might be old, they’re all still “girls." OK, so these are my pet peeves and other readers probably won’t be offended by these.
The actual story line was good. I like paranormal fantasy and shifters. I enjoyed how Abbott slowly peeled back the layers to reveal everything. Some revelations were surprising which made the book more interesting.
October 3, 2023
Okay so one of the main characters is a trans woman (human), the other is a lesbian werewolf who is a an alpha but doesn’t want to take charge of anything, have a pack, or a mate, or responsibilities. The story has a lot of transphobia in it as backstory, but also the trans character jumps immediately to the conclusion that everyone else could also not accept her because she is trans.
There should be a little warning for the backstory on the cis lesbian main character who was “given to a male pack member when she was 13” ewww. He also tries to capture her, and wants her back as his mate.
A lot happens in this book, but it feels quite rushed and underdeveloped. Maybe it is a debut novel? I haven’t read anything by this author before so I don’t know. I’m assuming there will be a sequel, as it’s left hanging a bit, but I don’t think I will buy it to read.
There should be a little warning for the backstory on the cis lesbian main character who was “given to a male pack member when she was 13” ewww. He also tries to capture her, and wants her back as his mate.
A lot happens in this book, but it feels quite rushed and underdeveloped. Maybe it is a debut novel? I haven’t read anything by this author before so I don’t know. I’m assuming there will be a sequel, as it’s left hanging a bit, but I don’t think I will buy it to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2025
this was my FIRST omegaverse book... and what an introduction! if i had known there was trans and sapphic options out there, i definitely would have dipped my toe in sooner despite being an extreme vampire romance lover.
i loved the lore, and i loved the inclusion of so many other supernatural beings. i found myself deeply invested in the whole town and am going to miss it now that i've finished the book. even with my limited knowledge of the trends, i know it's quite a stereotypical story, but the thing is that when characters are written well you usually just end up not caring. sometimes people come for the tropes and stereotypes. i know that i did!
i also really loved being able to read a genuinely honest trans sex scene without any fetishisation or generally leaning on cis expectations on what it's like. i wish there was more of this out there in the world.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️
i loved the lore, and i loved the inclusion of so many other supernatural beings. i found myself deeply invested in the whole town and am going to miss it now that i've finished the book. even with my limited knowledge of the trends, i know it's quite a stereotypical story, but the thing is that when characters are written well you usually just end up not caring. sometimes people come for the tropes and stereotypes. i know that i did!
i also really loved being able to read a genuinely honest trans sex scene without any fetishisation or generally leaning on cis expectations on what it's like. i wish there was more of this out there in the world.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️
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