The Enforcer's Gamble

Timberwolf Lodge #2

by Vivian Arend

There’s nothing more dangerous than a mama bear… Only days ago, Stacy Moraine and her three young boys’ arrival at Timberwolf Lodge involved a near disaster in a flooded river. This week’s agenda? Learn the ins and outs of the huge kitchen Stacy needs to run at the Lodge, deal with mouthy teenage pack members with control issues, and not drool over the deliciously dangerous Delaney Vezina, the local pack Enforcer, whose goal in life seems to be to strip naked and show off his perfect… everything anytime Stacy is near. Switching from Alpha to Enforcer for the Jasper pack was the right thing to do, and Del’s had a lifetime of experience in doing what’s right, even if it’s currently killing him. Like not pushing Stacy too fast, even though he knows they’re fated mates. Having her boys in the picture only makes him want to accelerate the timing even more. He wants her, and them, to be his. But first, he needs to eliminate the dangers from her past that threaten their future. Because something’s not right in the pack. There’s going to be a showdown between one very protective mama and anyone who thinks they can pull fast one on her. Del’s more than willing to hold her cape as long as they’re standing together in the end.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2023

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.

Reviews

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This series has lots of sweetness and light and this book specifically also stars a lovely human, single mom with an enforcer, wolf shifter romance. Big plus, there are adorable kid moments galore. The h's three children are their own stars in the story, rather than being shuttled to the side. The h and her kids were introduced in the first book and are newcomers to Timberwolf Lodge and the wolf shifter pack that resides in the area (one of the children is also a shifter). The H was an iffy character in book 1 because of drama, but he's genuinely so caring and wonderful and I appreciated how the author didn't linger on the past. He's also protective, but never stifling, he lets the h exercise her power frequently and respects that she can handle herself, even in new situations. The plot focuses on their fated mate romance, giving the son shifter lessons, and some sketchy things happening around the pack. Written in third person, dual POV and the last chapter is a side character POV lead in to the next book. No ow/om drama and neither are virgins (no history given for H and h had been focused on her kids post-divorce).

Romance-wise, this was an enjoyable book with a slow burn despite major attraction happening. The pacing of the romance (dates with and without kids, the steamy times - including dream ones, and the admitting of deeper feelings) was all well done. I also loved the continued side character relationships in each book. The lodge has a strong sense of community, along with the community that the pack offers. The relationship between this H, the H of the first book, and the H that'll be book 3 was also excellent in this installment after the negative feelings the other two had about this H in the last one. The h has positive female friendships and GAINS MORE, I can't express how awesome that is.

Some of the non-romance plot didn’t make sense to me though and I questioned some of the author’s choices because of that. I personally felt like there were plot holes that my brain could not let go after I closed the book. Maybe I didn't understand how it all tied together, but my enjoyment was lessened because of that feeling. Then a couple points were hanging and I'm not sure if they were red herrings never needing resolution, were genuinely left hanging, or will come back in the rest of the series.

Still this is a fun series to just read and soak up and I'm looking forward to the third book with a romance that's been building up since the first book. A fourth romance was hinted at in this one and I *think* I know who the lucky lady is, but I'm not 100% sure. I'm hopeful though because I think it would be a great pairing and super cute. The Enforcer's Gamble does end on a HFN, but they're mated and an adorable new family, plus will be in the remainder of the books as side characters.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This is too perfect. No angst. Everything works out. Consent is great. No OW/OM. Single mom and a dude that loves her and her kids.

Basically, if you're looking for a very low stress read with great characters, this is it.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was fun to read. With Stacy and her boys getting settled at the Lodge and everyone but Stacy knowing Del is her mate it was interesting to see how things came together. I loved that Del made it an effort to win Stacy over, along with the boys, that their first date was a group date and that he started to teach Cole how to be a wolf. Del with the boys lead to some funny times. It was also fun to see Stacy find her footing as the human among wolves and not knowing she was the mate of the enforcer. It seemed like Stacy had to keep letting out her "mama bear" to deal with things and it was the exact right step to do. It was especially right when the dinner party went to hell in a hand basket and Stacy took charge and took out the garbage. It made the ending all the sweeter when the boys realized they all had a new name for Del!

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an Interlude

A wonderful series addition. Delaney "Del" Vezina and Stacy Moraine are quite the pair. I do like the dance they do, and I appreciate Del's patience as Stacy settles into her new home and role. I also love that it's made clear that they are not a passing fancy or interlude.

There really is so much I like and love about this. Del taking on his new position in the pack. Marvin, well, being Marvin. Blue's Chakras going on the fritz. Stacy embracing the pack and standing her ground when necessary. And so much more.

He wanted forever with his mate, Stacy. Wanted to have a family with her by his side. He knew what had been missing from his life, and he was going to do whatever it took to make it real.
-- Del Vezina

I absolutely love how Del is with Stacy's kids, not only mentoring Colt, but also finding ways to include Ace and Blaze when appropriate. I like when he self-corrects and explains it to them, making them teachable moments. I also enjoyed the bad jokes and puns. They really are bad. 😄

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator, Tatiana Sokolov, is so easy to listen to. It's why I've done it a few dozen times. 😉 🎧🧡🎧

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Del and Stacey were great and despite not being a kid person they added a sweetness to the story. Loves their romance. Dying for the next one because Blue and Steph are gonna be crazy together

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back at the Timberwolf Lodge with the 2nd of the human women (and her rambunctious, adorable children) and the enforcer of the local pack. Our introduction to Del (in book 1) was a little rough, but he's settled into his new role as enforcer and it's a perfect fit for him.

As it turns out, Stacy is a perfect fit for him, too. She's fierce when she needs to be (especially when it comes to protecting those who need her the most), but she's also wise enough to know when fierceness isn't needed. She's finding her groove in the kitchen at the lodge and she's thrilled that her son is being taught how to interact with his wolfish side. She's also thrilled that Del is as smitten with her non-wolfy children as he is with her wolfy one.

To be fair, Del likes the whole package when it comes to Stacy. Her boys, her sass, her willingness to see where things could go between them, and everything else in between. While his new enforcer duties keep him away from her more than he'd want, he's also determined to make sure his (hopefully) soon-to-be family is safe from anyone or anything that could threaten them.

Strong pack bonds, boys with plenty of energy, kitchen dynamics, the mom-voice, a man who is more than happy to be the pack protector, and a lady who matches him in every way. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Loved it! Very cute!

I really enjoyed this one! I loved getting to see Del and Stacy get to know each other and figure things out. It was great getting to see the other side, the real side of Del, now that he was the Enforcer for the pack and not the Alpha fighting with Jace for the title. He knew right away that Stacy is his fated mate but he also realizes that it is a delicate situation with everything that she has been through and the fact that she has 3 boys. I love how he considers them his as well. It was soo cute watching Del figure out how to move forward with Stacey and the boys and working his way inside their trust and building relationships with them all. He didn't want to push too far too fast and to give Stacy the time she needed but he also couldn't not be around her and her kids. This story was sweet and I loved seeing the mama bear in Stacy and how that played out with the pack youths and overall with the pack. This was a well written and engaging story. I loved the antics of the boys and it was a fun read. It was cute and funny and just plain adorable at times. I loved getting to see the family at Timbercreek Lodge and how they are building it up and working to strengthen their ties. I can't wait for Stephanie and Blue's story and would love Marvin as well!
The narrator did a great job with the story and bringing it to life. She showcased emotion in her voice well and added that extra dynamic to make it come alive.

[Midniteandwolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really???? Cliff Hanger Ughhhhh

I don’t like cliffhangers esp when you can’t get the next book asap. I will say the love the story between Stacy, Del and the kids. You could not ask for a more loving family. This was funny, stubborn, some serious heat between the 2 adults and Stacy does not and will not take any crap.

[Nadell Gayou · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the wolf jokes!

Overall this was an enjoyable read. Not as complex as some books but really nice for a shorter story. I will try some of the other series.

[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Enforcers Gamble is book 2 in the Timberwolf Lodge series and follows former Alpha, now Enforcer, Delaney (Del) as he finds his mate.

Years ago, Del did the one thing he never expected to find himself doing. He challenged his Alpha, and father, for control of the pack and for the Alpha position. Knowing there was a better person to be Alpha of the pack, Del spent the next few years leading the pack as best as he could. But when Jace is forced to return home to tend to Timberwolf Lodge, Del and Jace will face off for Alpha.

Stacy is one of the three new owners of Timberwolf Lodge. She is also the sister to Stephanie and good friend to Cassie, the other two owners. She is a single mother to three young boys, the oldest, Colt, being a wolf shifter. Her first husband was also a shifter, but she never knew that about him. He served his country and was killed while serving. Her second husband was not who she thought he was, but without his she would not have her two youngest sons, Blaze and Ace.

We meet Stacy at the end of An Alpha Option (book 1) in a harrowing misadventure. Del had been sniffing around her sister, Stephanie, driving Blue crazy. But when he meets Stacy, he knows she is the one. Once he declares that, he and Blue are able to rebuild their relationship.

Stacy knows instantly when she meets Del that there is something there. She is not a wolf shifter, so she does not understand the fated mates concept. But with time and Del's help, she learns about pack, fated mates, and shifter tendencies. Del takes on the role of mentor to her son, Colt, since he is ten years old and has never been trained. In the process, he also works with her other two sons, as well as herself.

Del knows they are fated mates, but he has to go slowly in order to now scare Stacy off. Surprisingly, she does not scare off easily. Lucky for her, the Lodge has hired a woman to help her run the kitchen, who is also a wolf shifter. She is able to ask questions and she learns more than she ever wanted to know.

Slowly, Del makes headway with Stacy through family dates and activities, plus the training.They spend a lot of time together, talking and getting to know each other.But the dreams are the best. Wow. Talk about life like visions shared by two people.

But when a blast from Stacy's past makes an appearance, Del will shift into overdrive on the protection front. Both for the pack and for her and the kids. But is it a real threat? Or is it a smoke screen?

When a challenge is issued from an unlikely source, will the residents of Timberwolf Lodge stand strong or will the challenge be too much? Will this secure the pack leadership, as well as the Timberwolf Lodge status, or threaten it?

This pairing of mates will not come as a surprise, as the pairings of mates were made clear in book 1.

I love that Del takes on the role of mentor and male role model for Stacy's three sons. He treats them as if they are his own and protects them with everything he has. He includes them in activities he plans with Stacy so they do not feel left out. He even works with the younger two on tracking and protection, even though they are not shifters.

Although Stacy did not know about her first husband, she knows exactly what she is getting with Del. And she is all in with him.

The most precious moment in this story is when Del suggests the boys no longer call him Mr Del. He lets them choose what to call him, but it is Colt who takes the lead and suggests to Ace and Blaze the best choices for them. It is a moment that will forever be etched in Del's heart.

Tatiana Sokolov narrates yet another book by Vivian Arend. I find myself truly enjoying her child voice of Ace the absolute best. He is a master manipulator, but does it without anyone knowing what he is doing. As Colt, she brings out the big brother who takes charge of the younger boys. He is wise beyond his age. And let us not forget her Marvin character. God I love this moose and her version of him.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alpha shifter who get demoted to Enforcer falls for a human with three kids one of which is a shifte

Del relinquished his Alpha title and takes the job of pack Enforcer. The first time he meets Stacy, he knows she is his mate but needs to convince her of it and explain how a human would fit into a shifter world. He spends time training Colt as a shifter and spends more and more time with all three boys. Stacy needs time to comprehend everything but when push comes to shove and momma bear comes out, will she be able to take on an angry shifter who is holding her youngest captive in her arm? Will Del step in as Enforcer or let her handle it as she will be his mated partner and co-enforcer?

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy and Delaney

I enjoyed listening to this. The narrator did a great job.

I liked Stacy and Delaney's story more than the first one. There was a lot going on. Stacy is the last one to show up to the lodge, she's a single mom,she will be in charge of the kitchen. Delaney is a wolf shifter who went from Alpha to Enforcer they are mated. Stacy's oldest is a wolf shifter who the Delaney volunteers to train. Lots going on in this quick book. Someone is out to get Stacy, there are some shady people and things going on in the clan, someone wants to takeover. I love Stacy she isn't afraid to stand up to this shifters and I found some parts of this story funny her kids cute and funny, Blue, Stacy and her encounter with a teenager,these are just some of the story I found amusing. Look forward to her sister and Blue's story.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Del knew she was his mate he didn't push. She wanted time and he gave it 2 her. When things go sideways cause of finding drugs what will happen 2 the pack? There's 1 that is thinking bad things and trying 2 get others 2 do their bidding but will things happen the way they want it 2 or will the pack fall into place on keeping things as is at the moment? U decide, read the book and find out all the exciting things of the boys jokes and fun they all can do as a family and as a pack. It flowed really good.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5

So good!

OMG what an ending and now I need the next book STAT. 😍 Dell takes his time wooing Stacey but the smexy time between them while he does is smoking hot. Vivian Arend writes the best erotic romances! I loved listening to Tatiana Sokolov; she is the perfect voice for Vivian’s books.

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the ladies continue in their endeavor to open Timberwolf Lodge, Del discovers Stacy is his mate. As he teaches her sons the way of the clan, he and Stacy become closer. Who would have imagined that the new enforcer could be such a teddy bear to Stacy’s young sons who he comes to love as much as he does their mother.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different Fate

Del wasn't destined to be Alpha his role as enforcer fits but what fits more is single mom, Stacy, as his mate. First he has yo win her over and win over her boys, including one small wolf shifter he mentors in this sweet tale.

[Jean Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Feel Good Read

I love this series, love Del, Jace, Blue, Cassidy, Steph and Sophie. Love the Jasper pack and all the connections, to family, kids and each other. Very good series.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Howl You doing

Usually with authors I know really well that I've read books already Funny at times amazing Make your heart pump And you live in a different world for as long as you read ITIT's really great you need to try it

[Christine Redus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story!

I liked the story but it was slow. Really slow. What ever happened to fake ex husbands brother? They were investigating him n ex and nothing happened. There was no suspense.

[Emily Mims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silly fun

Cute story for those like me who enjoy a good shifter story. Sympathetic leads, cute kids and the Canadian forest. Lots of fun!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another engaging story in this series. Interesting premise and characters. A quick read so things are resolved apace.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This newly formed wolf pack have had a lot of challenges that really show the resilience of its members. A tough pack that has both shifters and humans. A brilliant performance.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good second instalment but I do suggest reading book one first.
A sweet and entertaining story with just a hint of trouble.
I loved how Stacy dealt with the young wolves with a strong, firm, but loving way. Some are acting out through outside forces, others are acting stupid due to being influenced by a trouble maker.
I loved the jokes that flew around.
Del’s interaction with Stacy’s three boys was lovely. Though the whole pack hierarchy are proving to be a good fit and balance.
Emma, the baddie from book one is a problem once again and other things are happening that feels like it will flow over to the next book. Then we end with a bang, literally, so book three is going to be a doozie.
I was kindly gifted this book.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these two and their approach to their attraction! He knows they’re fated mates, and while she knows about shifters, her eldest son is one after all, she doesn’t know she is his. Neither disputes the heat between them, and there are some rather explicit dreams that back that up. Loved that he took things at her pace, and fell in love with her sons right along with her. Loved that she didn’t fight it, but recognized she needed time, which he gave her, to adjust to her new life. He might be an enforcer for the pack, but he is all alpha with those he cares about. She is right there with him, letting others know, while they might be wolf, they are also human, and need to have some manners! Together, these two are the perfect pair, and blend to make the perfect family <3

[ReadKnitHoard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, compelling, plot-moppety, fun, feel-good.