One with the Wolf

Sterling Moon: Lycans of NYC #1

by Vee R. Paxton

Heat. It’s a challenge to all women of Lycan blood. It creates an urge to breed or allow yourself to be claimed as a mate. The fact is, I have zero desire to be tied down. I have hopes, dreams, and goals that certainly don’t include having some random guy’s pup all because of biology. So when it hits me I hop on the subway and head to my favorite place, the museum. Surely I’ll be safe there. I needed a break. As CEO of Kincaid Corporation and Alpha of my pack, I rarely have time for myself. So I did what any other upstanding boss would do, donned a disguise, downed a few drinks, and hopped on the subway for some carefree fun. Then the intoxicating scent of a she-wolf in heat hits me. Convincing her I won’t leave her with an unwanted pup is one thing—the lingering effect she has on me is another. But after narrowly escaping binding myself to her, I find out my struggles aren’t over. She’s the newest software designer coming to work for me.

One with the Wolf is an adult paranormal romance. It contains open door, explicit, sometimes crude, romantic encounters, and some graphic violence (not related to the romantic element) as well as profanity. It is book one of a series but can be read as a standalone novel.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Ebooks, Romance

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

About the author

I've lived a diverse life, and I have no regrets.
From working in NYC theater doing wardrobe and dressing a variety of celebrities to working in a medical laboratory in Portland Oregon it's all been part of my journey.
Originally from Missouri, my Midwestern roots have also been an influence but for the past decade-plus five, the Pacific NW has been my home and I love it.
I began my publication journey with fantasy romance in The Ring of Souls and also have found a passion for paranormal romance in Unchained and my Sterling Chains series which combines my love of contemporary romance with my infatuation with all things magical.

Reviews

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an Great book. This is book 1, of the "Sterling Moon: Lycans of NYC series. I kept turning the pages and before I know it it was the end. 💓 Gina and Jenson.
If you looking for strong person ( who stand up for things, that is right), Paranormal, wolf romance, wonderful characters, chemistry is strong, hold my attention, little spicy, wolf packs, romantic, entering, issues, crazy read, fate, HEA, page turner, unpredictable, funny, fate, arrange marriage, well written some action, drama, and so on. This was an Great Book.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This workplace, secret billionaire, and shifter romance had a lot going on! At first, I wasn't a fan. But the more I got into the story, it worked out in the end. Gia is stubborn and brave. It may not be a good combo, but it works in her favor. Jenson is burdened by his responsibilities and the pressure of everything, but he still finds time to pretend to be a vagrant and ride the subway. They have some questionable events (museum voyeurism, his fiancé, her manchild alpha, etc), but their relationship seems pretty solid. He's a big fan of protecting his family, and that includes Gia. This story grew on me in the end.

[Amy Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vee's strongest book yet.
Id say its more contemporary with a paranormal shifter twist and not omegaverse. You can read it and enjoy the possessiveness but consent is a big factor in this book, and the relationship is far from toxic like your normal omegaverse book. But it still has intricate pack dynamics and I really enjoyed it.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Vee R. Paxton and it is definitely not going to be my last. This story starts off with Gia and her need to get out of the house for a couple of days due to certain circumstances. We meet Jenson in a very unique way. We see him as a bit arrogant and self absorbed. Gia is this sweet but sassy lady who I instantly like. The chemistry between the two of them is strong. The story has a lot of drama and some action. It draws you in and once I started it I couldn’t put it down. It definitely pulled me in. The story is extremely well written and developed. I enjoyed the side characters and their input throughout the story. We see a lot of Jenson’s brother Nate who is his beta. He definitely comes to Jenson aid when he needs it. This story was a bit of a quick read but yet it doesn’t feel like you are missing out. A must read that doesn’t disappoint.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book read it through in one sitting, looking forward to next one.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gia, the female wolf shifter lead, is determined not to be forced into choices by her biology, leaving her home space whenever she’s in heat so the local alphas can’t trap her and force her to be an at home female, when she’s just secured a designer job at a well respected firm. Jenson, the male wolf shifter lead, is the alpha of his pack but a functioning alcoholic struggling with his history. When he scents Gia on the train as she leaves home, he follows her, drawn to her scent and her determination to reject him. Persuading her to give him time in her heat after promising not to impregnate her, he’s shocked when he feels the need to mate her and leaves her with a note.

When Gia next sees him as her boss at work, she’s not thrilled, and is more determined to remain separate from him because she doesn’t want accusations of favouritism. But Jenson has enemies who want to take him down and Gia is looking like a weakness…

This story is dual POV, well written, and an interesting shifter story. I enjoyed the world the author constructed. I enjoyed Gina’s self-determination and her career focus. I enjoyed Jenson’s character development and the fact that he started to drag himself out of the addiction he was mired in. I enjoyed the push for improvement. I struggled with the arrogance of Jenson through the story. I didn’t appreciate the way he didn’t communicate clearly with Gia and the way he treated both Gia and other characters in the story. I enjoyed many of the secondary characters. This story ends with a satisfactory HFN, though the author indicates there will be a sequel with the same characters.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gia Jordan makes herself scarce whenever she enters her heat cycle to avoid being claimed by one of the pack males who would end her career by stopping her from working. She usually hangs out at a museum during the day and a motel room at night. This particular snowy day she is followed to the museum by a man she noticed on the subway who is apparently homeless, and drunk. She is surprised when she sees him and he isn't wearing the numerous coats and actually looks clean and, well, not as drunk. Turns out, he is also an alpha wolf shifter - and he knows she is in heat.

Pack Alpha and CEO, Jensen Kincaid, is hiding from his responsibilities, which involves dressing in a homeless guy disguise and dousing himself in cheap liquor. When the sexy she-wolf gets on the train and it was immediately obvious she was in heat, the game was on. Following her to a museum, which was almost deserted due to the raging snow storm, he gets a chance to make his move. Once in the suddenly dark museum is not enough and he convinces her to spend the night with him in his fancy hotel room. The next morning he sneaks out and leaves her with only a note. Imagine his surprise when he finds out she is his newest employee...

There is, of course, much, much more to this story. I really liked it and you might like it, too. I got a free coy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary.

[AndreasBookFinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

One with the Wolf by Vee R. Paxton is book 1 in a series in a steamy wolf shifter romance.

I accidentally started with book 2, Wound of the Wolf which was amazing so I decided to read book 1.

Billionaire, company CEO and wolf shifter alpha Jenson Kincaid finds himself drawn to she wolf Gia at a chance meeting during her heat cycle. He works his way into her pants once hoping to get his fix and move on only to find he can’t get enough. He finds another shifter is trying to claim her as a breeding mate slave and his wolf wants to claim her as her mate without her consent but he’s fighting it. On top of that, another clan alpha has challenged his authority and is now threatening to take his pack as well as Gia’s 14 year old sister as a mate. Will Jensen win the battle and her heart or will she reject him?

Another great read by Vee R. Paxton. So many love hate moments with Jenson… the bad decisions and secrets which were all too confusing for Gia. In the end tho, I found myself wanting more and can’t wait for the third book in this series.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I requested this book from BookSirens because it has the tropes that I liked, werewolves and mates. As I read on though, I found myself skipping lines quite a lot because of the writing. It was straightforward but it was lacking. I also didn’t really connect with the characters. At first I really did like Gia’s initiative on how she wants to be independent, work on her career and how she didn’t want to be tied down with a mate. I love a strong character but as the story went, she somehow lost that little by little. I was also a bit disappointed with how much smut was in this. Don’t get me wrong, I like smut but I wish there were more story and development with Jenson and Gia’s relationship so I could connect and empathize with them more. Overall, this book had potential and I liked the idea of it. Just needs a little more substance with the story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Jenson love to disguise himself and go out alone for some fun until the day he scented her, a she-wolf, he always made sure he kept away from them as an Alpha he was sought after but for some reason he could not keep away from her. Followed her and couldn’t stop himself from having mad sex with her.

Gia had to get away, she was in heat and didn’t want to be bred but after giving in to Jenson who promised not to breed her, she had one full on steamy night with him.

Finding out she was his newest software designer was a bit of a problem, he wanted her, he couldn’t resist her but there were too many hidden secrets he didn’t want her to find out!
A great series starter!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting and entertaining read. This contemporary paranormal romance is a little naughty in the beginning as Gia and Jensen hookup during her heat. Their intense connection triggers Jensen’s mating fever.

These two reconnect a few weeks later when Gia begins her new job at Kincaid Corporation as a software designer, the company where Jensen Kincaid is CEO.

I enjoyed the plot twists and getting to know the characters. Gia is a strong and opinionated young woman who doesn’t want to have to give up her career goals and dreams for taking a mate. She stands up to Jensen and he enjoys her sass and attitude.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining book for the most part. One with the Wolf is an interesting take on the whole werewolf pack dynamic. Shapeshifter books are a hard sell for me for some reason, but Paxton's book kept my attention, and I enjoyed the characters. Gia and Jenson seemed like they would make a cute couple. That is actually one of my knocks against this story. We got to see them hooking up and going on a date, but we didn't seem to get much one-on-one time being with each other. I guess there was too much going on with the packs of New York fighting to give more room to their relationship. But I would have really liked to see them as a new couple who learn to run their pack and be awesome leaders.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 4 out of 5]

One With The Wolf is book one of the Sterling Moon: Lycans of NYC Series.

Gia is a strong person who stands up for what she thinks is right. She is protective of those she loves. She doesn't want to be controlled by one person and forced into a life she doesn't want. She goes into her heat cycle and knows this can be used against her, so she decides to hide from others during this time. But, she doesn't take into account an alpha who can't resist her scent and charm.

Jenson is a bit complex for me. He wants Gia, but then goes and makes arrangements for a marriage behind her back with someone else. I get he needed to be mated, but he needed to show a bit of patience. He was great at standing up for things that were wrong and defending those who could not easily do it themselves.

[A.R. Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for free and a voluntarily leaving a review.

It was a pretty good wolf romance. Had some aspects of OV (knotting) but wasn’t focused on that.

It was decently spicy but more focused on the relationship and the story. It focused on the growth on the characters and the issues from outside the packs. I enjoyed the angst and felt some feels when they discussed his ‘Problem’. I liked that they touched on that aspect of human nature and that it’s not just humans that are affected.

Good amount of angst. A little bit of “do I want this?” From both characters.

Overall good read but the story did feel a little rushed and that’s the only reason I gave 4 stars.

[books5474 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book I loved Jenson and Gia and their dynamic. Normally I struggle to read books about main characters with drinking problems but it was very well done. I loved the consent I think it was my favourite thing about the book that was also very well done, I also loved how they interacted with each other I love how they both have very strong personalities but still managed to make it work I didn’t like how Jenson acted sometimes but he definitely improved as a character by the end I also love how he put so much importance on consent. I’m normally hesitant over omegaverse books but I loved this one. Overall a fantastic read and would recommend this author! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Shalene Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun mix of tropes! We have a wolf shifter theme and workplace romance. It also felt like the atmosphere of a millionaire, although I don’t recall any specific mention of an amount of wealth. And add in a little forced promximity to boot.
Jenson is the alpha of his pack. A swoon-worthy leader, not only of wolves, but of humans, as the CEO of a corporation.
Gia is a wolf shifter in heat, desperate to remain unclaimed and in charge of her life.
The chemistry between these two quickly combusts and persists throughout, making for a spicy and page-turning ride. This was my first read by this author, but it
definitely wont be my last. Do I recommend? Absolutely!

[Mich Jane P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book to give an honest review.

I find that halfway of the book and still nothing much is happening besides them hooking up. There are some repetitive comments too like “I don’t know what she’s doing to me”. I guess since this is book one of the series, its pretty much building up the main characters and shows the reader how they felt for each other. It’s a good read but I find it slow for me. If you’re looking for slow romance get to know type of thing with lots of spice then this is for you.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

At first, I didn't think I was going to like this book. The main male character, Jensen, is such as ass. I stuck with it and I'm happy I did. The characters all become more likeable as the story progresses and the reader is given reasons for some of Jensen's bad behavior. If you enjoy this type of supernatural romance (with some pretty strong language), give it a try. I liked it enough to want to read the next one.

[EVELYN ANN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good/Fun Story

Gia is as independent as they come, but when Jensen gets a whiff of her, everything is thrown out the window. He's never been in love and is a major Player, while Gia is not looking for anything at all and trying to make something with herself and wants to strive out and make it big. Only fate has brought these two together and it's fun to see how they try desperately not to fall for one another, and oh, yeah, he's an Alpha and she's also an Alpha/Queen. Love it! On to the next! #HappyReading 💖

[Anet Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good 👍

Paranormal romance 😍. I really enjoyed this story. A one night stand that turns out to be the boss of her new dream job. It's kinda played out, I know, but once you pass that first part, there's unexpected twists. There's action there's betrayal 🎬 and there's a touch of magic 🎩 ✨️. There's a traditional HEA for the couple, but as i understand, the conflicts for them as pack leader and Luna continue in the second book 📖 which will come out shortly. Also, this is pretty spicy 👌 🌶🌶🌶 which is a plus.

[Kat Valentine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick fun spicy wolf romance. Gia and Jensen are both Lycans that have been avoiding mating at all costs, but when their paths cross they have trouble avoiding the attraction. Outside forces also seek to make trouble.

This works ok as a stand alone but it seems like there are references and characters from other books by the author. There are also a few threads left to set up for a sequel. The last third of the book felt a bit rushed.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

One With the Wolf. This title says it all for Jensen. It’s time for him to settle down, set up, and become one with his wolf. Life has never been easy for him, but into his life walks Gia. She’s beautiful, she’s smart, and she rocks his world upside down.

Wolf power dynamics, finding if it’s love or lust, and what’s true and what’s not. This book has it all. Love alpha wolves with strong alpha mates? This one is for you.

[Joni (livebythemoon7) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. The level of detail was good, and I really enjoyed the storyline. I really liked Gia's character a lot. She knew what she did not want and is a strong female character overall. The authors' approach to lycans and witches was mostly traditional but with some unique aspects that caught my interest.

My heat rating is based on the amount of occurrence, length of scenes, and how explicit/filthy/unconventional the scenes are. This book rates about a 3/5.

[DesN2004 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story with a happy for now ending....
I did enjoy this book, it dragged in a few places where I caught myself skimming, but it was a short duration. Thr storyline holds your attention and you want to see what happens. Not sure if I will read the next book in the series. It continues after this one with some unanswered items and drama from the blurb I read. So overall good read, and I would recommend reading it!

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story if you don't want to read anything heavy and wish to relax. There is a sequel, but the book does not end on a cliffhanger, and it can be read as a stand-alone. I am new to this author but will look for more books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! What a great start to a series, this book was so good! I loved the chemistry between Gia and Jenson. She is strong and independent and he is a persistent player. If you love chance meetings, fate, alphas, a little suspense and fighting for what’s right you will love this book like I did. I can’t wait for the next one to come out!!!

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. The dirty talk was great and the chemistry felt real. I thought the sex was pretty vanilla aside from the alpha dominance but that was ok for the insecurities expressed as part of the characters. All in all I liked the plot and the strong FL, but may or may not read any more from this series.

[Gemma Osment · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Gia and jensons story.
I am a big fan of shifter romance books and i loved this
These 2 are absolutely perfect for each other
Gia wants to be more than just what her designation says and when in heat,she hides but jenson follows.
Later he realises she will be working for him and things go from there.
Theres twists and turns.

[Jet Boston · Rating 4 out of 5]

One With the Wolf is an easy read that keeps you turning the pages. You'll fall in love and lust with Gia and Jensen. The book is centered mostly on them with very little background story but enough to keep it interesting. I look forward to book two.

[Terri Handschumacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was an OK read for me. I'm go outside my comfort zone, and this one was me dipping my toes in. It had a mix of parts of other genres that's I'm use to reading and that's one of the reasons that it was able to hold my attention.