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The Byrne Boys #1
Escaping Expectations
Wolves and humans don’t mix. Declan Byrne almost has it his own business, a loving family, and a strong pack. But what he needs is a wife to fulfill his duty to ensure the future of his pack. He knows what he needs to do, but his heart isn’t it in. Raven Woods had it her gallery, clients who adored her paintings, and the life she always imagined for herself. But one moment takes all of that away from her. Time heals most things, but now she wants her inspiration back. For one anonymous night, a wolf and a human find passion, comfort, and escape from their lives in each other’s arms. But Raven’s unexpected arrival in Cedar Harbor months later sends Declan on a downward spiral of possibilities and worry. Consumed by everything about her, he struggles with his pack's expectations and his heart's desires. Will the wolf give up everything for the human he loves? Escaping Expectations is a paranormal romance with a contemporary twist. It is filled with sweet moments and heavy emotions, steamy romance and small-town shenanigans, unique wolf pack dynamics and a dash of unexpected suspense. It’s a standalone novel with a guaranteed HEA in a growing universe. The content is meant for readers 18+ so please read responsibly.
672 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
64 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
A. Winchester
31 books205 followersWord Nerd, Connoisseur of adventures of a literary nature, Would die first in a Supernatural episode.
I’m an author, reader, and most importantly, a nerd. I love all things superheroes, demon hunters, and long-running movies and tv shows. I enjoy diving deep into characters and their stories, journeying with them while figuring out who they are. It’s the goal I have for all the characters I create and hope you find a way to connect with them.
I’m an author, reader, and most importantly, a nerd. I love all things superheroes, demon hunters, and long-running movies and tv shows. I enjoy diving deep into characters and their stories, journeying with them while figuring out who they are. It’s the goal I have for all the characters I create and hope you find a way to connect with them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
February 19, 2024
OMG this book has it all- small town romance, mysterious happenings, shifters, and an Alpha built like a lumberjack with a plaid. Add in three elderly men who push to play matchmaker and a shifter community that hides in plain sight. I laughed and cried wtf'd a few times.
New to town and looking to start over Rae finds this small town. Declan is the total package strong, good looking, and everything a woman could want. They meet in the local small bar and everything starts the next morning with a note on a coffee mug the next morning.
She's undeniable a human yet everything about her calls to him. But there's mysterious things happening around town and its Declan's responsible to protect his pack as well as the humans who are unaware of what walks among them.
This book had me in my feels from the very beginning. This author has a way with words that had me hooked within the first pages. There's twists and turns, heart ache and healing, and a mystery that is life altering. The characters and world building is incredible and made this an easy ready for me to be able to see the story play out in my mind.
I can't wait to read more about the Byrne Brothers in future books. A definite must read!
New to town and looking to start over Rae finds this small town. Declan is the total package strong, good looking, and everything a woman could want. They meet in the local small bar and everything starts the next morning with a note on a coffee mug the next morning.
She's undeniable a human yet everything about her calls to him. But there's mysterious things happening around town and its Declan's responsible to protect his pack as well as the humans who are unaware of what walks among them.
This book had me in my feels from the very beginning. This author has a way with words that had me hooked within the first pages. There's twists and turns, heart ache and healing, and a mystery that is life altering. The characters and world building is incredible and made this an easy ready for me to be able to see the story play out in my mind.
I can't wait to read more about the Byrne Brothers in future books. A definite must read!
August 18, 2023
I received an arc and this is my honest review!
Escaping Expectations is currently live on KU. 😊 I’m a little late with this review as it launched on the 15th but I spoke to the author about this before hand. Can I just say, she’s so damn sweet!
But that was the funny thing about life. It often didn’t give a shit about what you thought you wanted. No, it took those things and chucked them out the nearest window only to then hand you exactly what you needed, even if you didn’t know what the fuck to do with it.
This books is Declan and Ravens story.
EE is a contemporary romance with a PN twist, it’s beautifully written. It’s full of spice for all the spicy readers and it certainly is hot 🥵. Now, don’t get me wrong, they have their fair share of drama. There’s a whole lot going on in Raven’s (31) life, she’s not exactly had it easy. Declan is a small town boy (I say boy, he’s 34) and always puts everyone before himself. These two blend together so well. She’s a chaotic painter and Dec, he’s a straight laced, well organised kinda guy. Though, they’re both selfless. So many times you see moments from both of them that just made me smile. We have no morally grey here, my dears. This is cosy. It’s sweet and wholesome.
It’s working on your past and learning how to live in the present. It’s working on looking after themselves and learning that sometimes, it’s ok to put yourself and your life first.
It was only supposed to be a one-night stand
Now I just want to say, EE isn’t a small read. It’s 983 pages. I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a little daunting. The story itself though? It’s consuming. So easy to fall into and I really could have kept going! I wanna move to Cedar Harbor! I was actually sad when it ended because I wanted more of them both.
It really does chokehold your feels in the best possible way. And it’s not just the MC’s either. I live for the relationship Dec and his brothers have. Ginny is super sweet, I wish she was in it more at the end. Also a special shout out for Vera and Esther because I’m ngl Raven, I also want to be them when I’m older. Honestly, when I really like a book I just really struggle with words because I fail to explain how happy it made me when I read it. I want people to read this book and I absolutely do not want to ruin it.
Add it to your tbr. I hope you love it just as much as I did.
Loving you is as easy as breathing. Being without you is as painful as not being able to catch my breath.
Escaping Expectations is currently live on KU. 😊 I’m a little late with this review as it launched on the 15th but I spoke to the author about this before hand. Can I just say, she’s so damn sweet!
But that was the funny thing about life. It often didn’t give a shit about what you thought you wanted. No, it took those things and chucked them out the nearest window only to then hand you exactly what you needed, even if you didn’t know what the fuck to do with it.
This books is Declan and Ravens story.
EE is a contemporary romance with a PN twist, it’s beautifully written. It’s full of spice for all the spicy readers and it certainly is hot 🥵. Now, don’t get me wrong, they have their fair share of drama. There’s a whole lot going on in Raven’s (31) life, she’s not exactly had it easy. Declan is a small town boy (I say boy, he’s 34) and always puts everyone before himself. These two blend together so well. She’s a chaotic painter and Dec, he’s a straight laced, well organised kinda guy. Though, they’re both selfless. So many times you see moments from both of them that just made me smile. We have no morally grey here, my dears. This is cosy. It’s sweet and wholesome.
It’s working on your past and learning how to live in the present. It’s working on looking after themselves and learning that sometimes, it’s ok to put yourself and your life first.
It was only supposed to be a one-night stand
Now I just want to say, EE isn’t a small read. It’s 983 pages. I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a little daunting. The story itself though? It’s consuming. So easy to fall into and I really could have kept going! I wanna move to Cedar Harbor! I was actually sad when it ended because I wanted more of them both.
It really does chokehold your feels in the best possible way. And it’s not just the MC’s either. I live for the relationship Dec and his brothers have. Ginny is super sweet, I wish she was in it more at the end. Also a special shout out for Vera and Esther because I’m ngl Raven, I also want to be them when I’m older. Honestly, when I really like a book I just really struggle with words because I fail to explain how happy it made me when I read it. I want people to read this book and I absolutely do not want to ruin it.
Add it to your tbr. I hope you love it just as much as I did.
Loving you is as easy as breathing. Being without you is as painful as not being able to catch my breath.
July 11, 2023
Declan Byrne has a fantastic one night stand with a beautiful and strange woman. He leaves and still months later thinks about her. He gets a text as a handyman to help a woman named Raven fix up her new house. When he goes to see her it’s the same woman he had the one night with and thinks about all the time. Raven is just as shocked. Declan starts working for her and the attraction is high. They both have secrets, and don’t know how they will work. The more time they spend together the harder It gets. Can they find a way to be together? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. I absolutely love Declan and Raven Great supporting characters. Love all the Byrne boys and this small town makes you want to live there. This book has everything sarcasm, emotion, twists and turns, and literally you don’t want to put the book down. This is the one of the best books I read this year. I can’t wait to see more from this world.
May 7, 2024
Reread- i still absolutely love the crap out of this book, Raven, Declan and the entire Byrne family
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
This book is a MUST READ. Its definitely going to be one of my top books of the year. Im so sad i finished reading it😭😭
Im seriously struggling to write this review just bc I cant find the right words to describe how much I loved the books and how perfect I found it. From the beginning the author caught my attention and did not let go.
I feel like one of the best ways to describe this book is that it was filled with love. You can't help but feel how much Raven and Declan love each other and not just them but the love the family has for each other. The way every single person in this book supported each other had me crying a little.
Raven was such a sweetheart 😭 she went through so much and didn't give up and I definitely admire her a lot. Declan had me blushing THE ENTIRE BOOK. Omg was this man everything. He was sweet, he was attentive and protective. I would leave my family rn for that man.
“Take your time, honey. We have all night.” I turned into a puddle every time he called her honey.
This book was a bit long but it was not enough. I fr need a couple of extra chapters on them
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
This book is a MUST READ. Its definitely going to be one of my top books of the year. Im so sad i finished reading it😭😭
Im seriously struggling to write this review just bc I cant find the right words to describe how much I loved the books and how perfect I found it. From the beginning the author caught my attention and did not let go.
I feel like one of the best ways to describe this book is that it was filled with love. You can't help but feel how much Raven and Declan love each other and not just them but the love the family has for each other. The way every single person in this book supported each other had me crying a little.
Raven was such a sweetheart 😭 she went through so much and didn't give up and I definitely admire her a lot. Declan had me blushing THE ENTIRE BOOK. Omg was this man everything. He was sweet, he was attentive and protective. I would leave my family rn for that man.
“Take your time, honey. We have all night.” I turned into a puddle every time he called her honey.
This book was a bit long but it was not enough. I fr need a couple of extra chapters on them
August 13, 2023
I honestly don’t know how to put into words how much I loved this book. Hands down, it will be my favorite book of the year!
This book is THICK! But I still didn’t want it to end! Declan and Raven’s story may have altered the chemistry of my brain, I loved this book so much! The way A. Winchester writes this story will pull you into the world completely and make you feel like a part of the pack. The side characters will make you laugh so hard you cry and the mysteries that pop up will keep you on edge of your seat and unable to think about anything else in real life.
Declan and his family are wolf shifters and the head of their pack. Dec is as selfless as they come, always putting the pack and the town above his own needs.
Raven is a widow whose husband set her up for life when he died. She has traveled the world and is ready for a fresh start in a small town instead of a big city. She’s also a sleepwalker who tends to wake up naked in backyards.
This book starts out as a one night stand but when Raven shows up in Cedar Harbor for her fresh start, Declan can’t stay away from her. There are several twists and turns throughout this book and I’m not exaggerating when I say the plot twist towards the end made my jaw and my kindle drop!
I am so happy this is the first book in a series and I don’t have to leave this world just yet! We just have to wait patiently for the next installment while A works her magic again!
This book is THICK! But I still didn’t want it to end! Declan and Raven’s story may have altered the chemistry of my brain, I loved this book so much! The way A. Winchester writes this story will pull you into the world completely and make you feel like a part of the pack. The side characters will make you laugh so hard you cry and the mysteries that pop up will keep you on edge of your seat and unable to think about anything else in real life.
Declan and his family are wolf shifters and the head of their pack. Dec is as selfless as they come, always putting the pack and the town above his own needs.
Raven is a widow whose husband set her up for life when he died. She has traveled the world and is ready for a fresh start in a small town instead of a big city. She’s also a sleepwalker who tends to wake up naked in backyards.
This book starts out as a one night stand but when Raven shows up in Cedar Harbor for her fresh start, Declan can’t stay away from her. There are several twists and turns throughout this book and I’m not exaggerating when I say the plot twist towards the end made my jaw and my kindle drop!
I am so happy this is the first book in a series and I don’t have to leave this world just yet! We just have to wait patiently for the next installment while A works her magic again!
August 15, 2023
Wolves and humans don’t mix. Declan Byrne almost has it his own business, a loving family, and a strong pack. But what he needs is a wife to fulfill his duty to ensure the future of his pack. He knows what he needs to do, but his heart isn’t it in. Raven Woods had it her gallery, clients who adored her paintings, and the life she always imagined for herself. But one moment takes all of that away from her. Time heals most things, but now she wants her inspiration back. For one anonymous night, a wolf and a human find passion, comfort, and escape from their lives in each other’s arms. But Raven’s unexpected arrival in Cedar Harbor months later sends Declan on a downward spiral of possibilities and worry. Consumed by everything about her, he struggles with his pack's expectations and his heart's desires. Will the wolf give up everything for the human he loves? Escaping Expectations is a paranormal romance with a contemporary twist. It is filled with sweet moments and heavy emotions, steamy romance and small-town shenanigans, unique wolf pack dynamics and a dash of unexpected suspense. It’s a standalone novel with a guaranteed HEA in a growing universe. The content is meant for readers 18+ so please read responsibly.
This book was awesome!!!
The character development
was engaging and went perfectly with the storyline.
Speaking of, this story isn't just about Declan & Raven! I enjoyed learning about
Dec's brothers,
about their responsibility to
their pack and what it means
to lead them.
As the story progresses, we are introduced to the other packs. I really hope we will get
books on the lronwood's, Stone's, Baker's daughters, and the Loughlan's!!
The SMUT and SPICE in this
book was incredible. It is pretty much
immediate
in chapter 2 and the slow burn
that follows is so worth every
minute of reading.
Declan and Raven's love is hard-won, and fierce.
I really enjoyed the dual POV.
This book deals with healing & moving on with your life when everything you had is suddenly gone.
It was a fantastic story, with plot twists
and smexy SMUT.
I really want to know if they end up with kids!
Does Declan takes his place in the pack?
I guess we have to wait until the next book ;)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was awesome!!!
The character development
was engaging and went perfectly with the storyline.
Speaking of this amazing story isn't just about Declan & Raven! I enjoyed learning about Dec's brothers, and their responsibility to their pack.
As the story progresses, we are introduced to the other wolf packs. I really hope we will get books on the lronwoods, Stones, Baker's daughters, and the Loughlans!!
The SMUT and SPICE in this book was incredible. It is pretty much immediately! Then the slow burn that followed is so worth every minute of reading. Their chemistry is off the charts.
Declan and Raven's love is hard-won and fierce.
I really enjoyed the dual POV.
This book deals with healing & moving on with your life when everything you had is suddenly gone.
It was a fantastic story, with several plot twists and lots of smexy SMUT.
There is an HEA, but there's so much more I really want to know!!
Do they end up with kids ? Does Declan take his place in the pack? I guess we have you wait for the next book !
This book was awesome!!!
The character development
was engaging and went perfectly with the storyline.
Speaking of, this story isn't just about Declan & Raven! I enjoyed learning about
Dec's brothers,
about their responsibility to
their pack and what it means
to lead them.
As the story progresses, we are introduced to the other packs. I really hope we will get
books on the lronwood's, Stone's, Baker's daughters, and the Loughlan's!!
The SMUT and SPICE in this
book was incredible. It is pretty much
immediate
in chapter 2 and the slow burn
that follows is so worth every
minute of reading.
Declan and Raven's love is hard-won, and fierce.
I really enjoyed the dual POV.
This book deals with healing & moving on with your life when everything you had is suddenly gone.
It was a fantastic story, with plot twists
and smexy SMUT.
I really want to know if they end up with kids!
Does Declan takes his place in the pack?
I guess we have to wait until the next book ;)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was awesome!!!
The character development
was engaging and went perfectly with the storyline.
Speaking of this amazing story isn't just about Declan & Raven! I enjoyed learning about Dec's brothers, and their responsibility to their pack.
As the story progresses, we are introduced to the other wolf packs. I really hope we will get books on the lronwoods, Stones, Baker's daughters, and the Loughlans!!
The SMUT and SPICE in this book was incredible. It is pretty much immediately! Then the slow burn that followed is so worth every minute of reading. Their chemistry is off the charts.
Declan and Raven's love is hard-won and fierce.
I really enjoyed the dual POV.
This book deals with healing & moving on with your life when everything you had is suddenly gone.
It was a fantastic story, with several plot twists and lots of smexy SMUT.
There is an HEA, but there's so much more I really want to know!!
Do they end up with kids ? Does Declan take his place in the pack? I guess we have you wait for the next book !
October 21, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶 🌶 🌶🌶.5 /5
This book is written so well it does not feel as big as it is. I was hooked QUICK and I couldn’t put it down once it sucked me in. It is a paranormal romance with a contemporary feel.
The two main characters fit together so perfectly. Declan Byrne is 🥵 and the mouth on him.. lets just say you don’t want to miss it. He is a wolf shifter, along with his entire family. Raven is a widow who moved to the small town of Cedar Harbor to find herself again after traveling the world. There were twists and turns, moments of suspense and tears. I loved learning more about the other Byrne brothers and getting an introduction to the other packs. Even if paranormal romance isn’t your thing, give it a shot and READ THIS! I can’t not wait for Killian’s story.
🌶 🌶 🌶🌶.5 /5
This book is written so well it does not feel as big as it is. I was hooked QUICK and I couldn’t put it down once it sucked me in. It is a paranormal romance with a contemporary feel.
The two main characters fit together so perfectly. Declan Byrne is 🥵 and the mouth on him.. lets just say you don’t want to miss it. He is a wolf shifter, along with his entire family. Raven is a widow who moved to the small town of Cedar Harbor to find herself again after traveling the world. There were twists and turns, moments of suspense and tears. I loved learning more about the other Byrne brothers and getting an introduction to the other packs. Even if paranormal romance isn’t your thing, give it a shot and READ THIS! I can’t not wait for Killian’s story.
August 10, 2023
I sat and read this whole book in a day I just couldn't put it down.
Raven and Declan are amazing characters and throughout the book I laughed with them, cried with them. Felt joy in parts and sad in parts
This book was super spicy and loved every minute reading it.
The Bryne family are an amazing group and in the end I loved every character!
I can wait for book 2
Raven and Declan are amazing characters and throughout the book I laughed with them, cried with them. Felt joy in parts and sad in parts
This book was super spicy and loved every minute reading it.
The Bryne family are an amazing group and in the end I loved every character!
I can wait for book 2
September 7, 2023
Wow… Declan and Raven are the calm to each others storms. I was horny, happy, sad, in love and frustrated reading their story… The mouth on Declan is something I will never forget! It was my first time reading anything involving wolf shifting, so I wasn’t sure where she was going to go with it. A Winchester incorporated it absolutely phenomenal! It wasn’t over bearing but it was a big part of the book! SO SO SO happy my sister recommended this book to me! Absolutely loved it I didn’t want it to end.
August 22, 2023
I’ve been in a book slump all year. I haven’t loved anything I’ve read. This book changed it all!! I could not put it down! It is so good! I was expecting a great romance with a fun fantasy edge. It is that on steroids!!! The romance is incredible. I love the shifter aspect of it, and the twist!!!! Did not see that coming. Character depth, character growth, backstories, spicy scenes - it was so well written!! Perfect level of spice and story! I cannot say enough good things about this book. You need to read it! I cannot wait for more books about the other Byrne boys.
August 17, 2023
Wow.
I’m not going to lie and say that I wasn’t initially intimidated by the sheer size of this book but I was so immersed into the Declan and Raven’s story and all the shenanigans of Cedar Harbor I was dreading finishing the book.
This beast of a book is everything I want and need from shifter romances. There is a palpable connection between the main characters but also the side characters who I really hope we get to see again soon!
There’s humor, banter, suspense, angst, PLOT, and, last but certain not least, SPICE! That Declan has a filthy mouth 😳
Highly recommend!
I’m not going to lie and say that I wasn’t initially intimidated by the sheer size of this book but I was so immersed into the Declan and Raven’s story and all the shenanigans of Cedar Harbor I was dreading finishing the book.
This beast of a book is everything I want and need from shifter romances. There is a palpable connection between the main characters but also the side characters who I really hope we get to see again soon!
There’s humor, banter, suspense, angst, PLOT, and, last but certain not least, SPICE! That Declan has a filthy mouth 😳
Highly recommend!
September 15, 2023
This is a must read! Add this to your TBR right now.
Pretty sure I read the last 40% of the book today, I couldn't put the damn book down.
I loved the dynamics of the Byrne brothers.
Couldn't get enough of the Raven/Declan chapters.
Pretty sure I read the last 40% of the book today, I couldn't put the damn book down.
I loved the dynamics of the Byrne brothers.
Couldn't get enough of the Raven/Declan chapters.
August 7, 2023
This was a journey of a read. A long novel with many emotions throughout the book. It was written well and different than other shifter romance novels. I really enjoyed that aspect. Now onto the book itself.
Raven, an artist lost in the world trying to find herself after the unexpected death of her husband. Walking into a bar and a one night stand brings her some sense of knowing she’ll be ok.
Declan, a man who doesn’t say no, always does what he is needed of him, escapes to a bar two hours away. Needing space and peace from life, a woman walks into a bar and catches his attention. The next day he leaves her a coffee cup with a note and walks out.
Raven had many secrets and doesn’t like to share them all at once. She slowly gives you pieces of herself until you have all of it. The emotional journey she goes through is so realistic and heartbreaking. The up and downs she goes through was rough. It was a necessary part of her journey.
Declan is a man who does everything for everyone and never takes time for himself. His way of giving to others and never taking what he needs until Raven makes him take what he needs. So much responsibility and he doesn’t know when to say enough is enough. When he finally breaks it was so powerful. Finally knowing what he wants and needs.
Raven and Declan are imperfectly perfect for each other. They balance each other out. Declan is so filthy with his words. It’s incredible how he is with Raven. Raven is able to make him see what he needs and demands it from him. The journey they have is epic, has many ups and downs, twists and turns, surprises, but it is worth it in the end.
Their emotional journey was worth everything. I loved how intertwined the other characters are in the story. It brought more depth and gives you glimpse into what may come with other storylines.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
smutbookhussler_cami Instagram/TikTok
Raven, an artist lost in the world trying to find herself after the unexpected death of her husband. Walking into a bar and a one night stand brings her some sense of knowing she’ll be ok.
Declan, a man who doesn’t say no, always does what he is needed of him, escapes to a bar two hours away. Needing space and peace from life, a woman walks into a bar and catches his attention. The next day he leaves her a coffee cup with a note and walks out.
Raven had many secrets and doesn’t like to share them all at once. She slowly gives you pieces of herself until you have all of it. The emotional journey she goes through is so realistic and heartbreaking. The up and downs she goes through was rough. It was a necessary part of her journey.
Declan is a man who does everything for everyone and never takes time for himself. His way of giving to others and never taking what he needs until Raven makes him take what he needs. So much responsibility and he doesn’t know when to say enough is enough. When he finally breaks it was so powerful. Finally knowing what he wants and needs.
Raven and Declan are imperfectly perfect for each other. They balance each other out. Declan is so filthy with his words. It’s incredible how he is with Raven. Raven is able to make him see what he needs and demands it from him. The journey they have is epic, has many ups and downs, twists and turns, surprises, but it is worth it in the end.
Their emotional journey was worth everything. I loved how intertwined the other characters are in the story. It brought more depth and gives you glimpse into what may come with other storylines.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
smutbookhussler_cami Instagram/TikTok
September 9, 2023
This book is THICC. I've had it for a while to read but just haven't been in the right head space for such a large book and didn't want to read it and do it a disservice by not giving it the attention it deserves.. and boy am I glad I waited because it was amazing. This is the first book in a planned to be pretty large universe/series and Addison has done an amazing job with the world building and setting up for future stories. It's just the right mix of contemporary with a dash of paranormal.
Raven and Declan are the perfect clash of chaos and calm. Ravens chaos is just the reprieve Declan needs from carrying the weight of the world (his world-Cedar Harbor) on his shoulder and feeling like he always needs to be the best of everything for the town.
I'm half tempted to move to a small town in Washington in hopes of finding myself a lumberjack, handyman, wolf shifter with the DIRTIEST mouth ever.. seriously I was not expecting that dirty talk from such a sweet guy but I was here for it.
Even though this book was hella long I still wanted more. I know we'll get to see more of Raven & Declan in future books as side characters but I'm just so in love with their story and the two of them I don't think I'll ever get enough.
"For one brief moment, her gaze honed in on mine. Time slowed, and my chest tightened with heavy emotion. Everything about her softened when I smiled back. I would’ve killed to know what she was thinking that had her looking at me like that. It was the kind of look to make the whole world disappear. For just a fraction of a moment, it was just me and her. That look told me everything I needed to know. I still had shit to figure out, but I would. I’d do whatever it took to have her looking at me like that. And then it hit me. I loved this woman. I loved her more than I thought I could ever love another person."
Raven and Declan are the perfect clash of chaos and calm. Ravens chaos is just the reprieve Declan needs from carrying the weight of the world (his world-Cedar Harbor) on his shoulder and feeling like he always needs to be the best of everything for the town.
I'm half tempted to move to a small town in Washington in hopes of finding myself a lumberjack, handyman, wolf shifter with the DIRTIEST mouth ever.. seriously I was not expecting that dirty talk from such a sweet guy but I was here for it.
Even though this book was hella long I still wanted more. I know we'll get to see more of Raven & Declan in future books as side characters but I'm just so in love with their story and the two of them I don't think I'll ever get enough.
"For one brief moment, her gaze honed in on mine. Time slowed, and my chest tightened with heavy emotion. Everything about her softened when I smiled back. I would’ve killed to know what she was thinking that had her looking at me like that. It was the kind of look to make the whole world disappear. For just a fraction of a moment, it was just me and her. That look told me everything I needed to know. I still had shit to figure out, but I would. I’d do whatever it took to have her looking at me like that. And then it hit me. I loved this woman. I loved her more than I thought I could ever love another person."
July 27, 2023
Prepare to be captivated by an enchanting tale of love, loss, and transformation in this mesmerizing book!
The characters, Declan and Raven, are brilliantly crafted, each carrying their burdens. As fate intertwines their paths, their blossoming friendship becomes the catalyst for a love story that defies all odds. Their connection is profound, and you'll find yourself rooting for their happiness with every turn of the page.
A. Winchester prose is simply spellbinding, pulling you into a world where love knows no boundaries, and hope springs eternal. You'll find yourself immersed in a beautiful blend of romance, friendship, and supernatural intrigue, making 'Escaping Expectations' an absolute page-turner.
Get ready to laugh, cry, and cheer for Declan and Raven as they navigate the intricacies of life and love, discovering the strength to heal their hearts and embrace a new beginning. This book is a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a tale of love's resilience.
FMC: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MMC:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
HEAT FACTOR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The characters, Declan and Raven, are brilliantly crafted, each carrying their burdens. As fate intertwines their paths, their blossoming friendship becomes the catalyst for a love story that defies all odds. Their connection is profound, and you'll find yourself rooting for their happiness with every turn of the page.
A. Winchester prose is simply spellbinding, pulling you into a world where love knows no boundaries, and hope springs eternal. You'll find yourself immersed in a beautiful blend of romance, friendship, and supernatural intrigue, making 'Escaping Expectations' an absolute page-turner.
Get ready to laugh, cry, and cheer for Declan and Raven as they navigate the intricacies of life and love, discovering the strength to heal their hearts and embrace a new beginning. This book is a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a tale of love's resilience.
FMC: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MMC:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
HEAT FACTOR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 6, 2023
This book stole my heart! Declan's and Raven's story will make you crave for love, family, friends and connections! Declan - he is such a gentleman with a dirty mouth. As Raven says he is a lumbersnack and an adorable handyman that will make you swoon over him nonstop. God the things the man can do with his dirty mouth! He is never stop worshipping and loving his girl. Who doesn't want a man like Declan?. And Raven girl -she is adorable, witty, sexy and lovely. She has gone through a lot but I have to say she is strong and stubborn! Her love for Declan is never-ending. The way she adore her man every second of her life is something I absolutely love. Their intimate moments are absolutely hot and beautiful.
Momma Maeve is the sweetest and supportive mom I can ever imagine. The way she handle the situations, the way she love and care for her boys , her family everything about her makes me smile and feel warm. Haha everytime she yell at her boys to mind their language- its so funny and cute.
Of course the Byrne brothers have my heart. Sam, Finn, Nolan, Lucas,Killian I love them all they are such a funny bunch and very supportive and protective of their brother and family. You will never stop smiling at the interactions of the Byrne boys. There are unexpected events and secrets that will leave you speechless.
So if you love a small town wolf-shifter romance with lot of fun, emotional roller-coaster and secret identities then this is the book for you. You are going to love it.
Momma Maeve is the sweetest and supportive mom I can ever imagine. The way she handle the situations, the way she love and care for her boys , her family everything about her makes me smile and feel warm. Haha everytime she yell at her boys to mind their language- its so funny and cute.
Of course the Byrne brothers have my heart. Sam, Finn, Nolan, Lucas,Killian I love them all they are such a funny bunch and very supportive and protective of their brother and family. You will never stop smiling at the interactions of the Byrne boys. There are unexpected events and secrets that will leave you speechless.
So if you love a small town wolf-shifter romance with lot of fun, emotional roller-coaster and secret identities then this is the book for you. You are going to love it.
April 20, 2024
I’m honestly a little surprised to say how much of a solid read this was. The lore was different from the typical wolf-shifter norm and there were plot twists and unexpected writing choices that really made it interesting.
I appreciated the length because we got a serious deep-dive into the characters and I truly got to know them in the way I always want to know characters, but because it was so long, the last quarter dragged a bit. Maybe it was because there were quite a few plots occurring all at once, but after some time, there was a pattern that arose.
There was also a ton of smut that wound up reading the same. I mean, they had sex constantly. After a while, it felt like I was reading a variation of the same thing over and over again. I think it was because of the length, the author was trying to add in a lot of relationship moments between the two, but I would have loved to see them go out on another date instead of a sex scene, or find something to do that doesn’t involve ripping clothes off all day every day.
Otherwise, the fresh idea and plot was fun to read.
I appreciated the length because we got a serious deep-dive into the characters and I truly got to know them in the way I always want to know characters, but because it was so long, the last quarter dragged a bit. Maybe it was because there were quite a few plots occurring all at once, but after some time, there was a pattern that arose.
There was also a ton of smut that wound up reading the same. I mean, they had sex constantly. After a while, it felt like I was reading a variation of the same thing over and over again. I think it was because of the length, the author was trying to add in a lot of relationship moments between the two, but I would have loved to see them go out on another date instead of a sex scene, or find something to do that doesn’t involve ripping clothes off all day every day.
Otherwise, the fresh idea and plot was fun to read.
July 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🐺 Shifter
🐺 Small Town
🐺 Biting Kink
🐺 Dirty Talk
🐺 Exhibitionist
Absolutely the BEST shifter book I have read to date. This book is THICC and while most will stray from that, there is no need. This story flows beautifully. Not once was I bored or thought that something could be left out. Declan is the ultimate book boyfriend. So loving and caring with the right amount of bad boy and his dirty mouth. Did I mention he is lumbersnack? Raven is trying to find herself and she is so full of independence despite her battles. Their connection is out of this world. They make you swoon and want to fall in love for the first time again. But there are so many secrets and twist. Things you don’t see coming. Emotions get high and hearts may get broken. All the characters in this book are fantastic, witty and fun. You will want to move to Cedar Harbor! She captivates you from beginning to end with this one! I am so read for book 2!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🐺 Shifter
🐺 Small Town
🐺 Biting Kink
🐺 Dirty Talk
🐺 Exhibitionist
Absolutely the BEST shifter book I have read to date. This book is THICC and while most will stray from that, there is no need. This story flows beautifully. Not once was I bored or thought that something could be left out. Declan is the ultimate book boyfriend. So loving and caring with the right amount of bad boy and his dirty mouth. Did I mention he is lumbersnack? Raven is trying to find herself and she is so full of independence despite her battles. Their connection is out of this world. They make you swoon and want to fall in love for the first time again. But there are so many secrets and twist. Things you don’t see coming. Emotions get high and hearts may get broken. All the characters in this book are fantastic, witty and fun. You will want to move to Cedar Harbor! She captivates you from beginning to end with this one! I am so read for book 2!
August 5, 2023
I loved this book! I was lucky enough to be chosen for the ARC, and I am so glad I got to read this already!
Not giving away too much, this story follows Raven a woman who has been dealing with traumatic issues her whole life, and Declan a shifter who is dedicated to fixing everything and helping everyone. The story has different twists and turns and builds around the navigation of new relationships. It is an amazing story, I definitely recommend reading it. I can't wait to see the rest of the Bryne Boys' stories.
If you love:
🔹Stranger-to-Lovers
🔹Secret Identity
🔹Family Traditions
🔹Small Town Romance
Physical/eBook: eBook
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Dual POV
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 in Series
Tropes or Themes: Wolf-Shifter, Found-Family, Secret Identity, Emotional Scars, ONS, Strangers-to-Lovers, Small Town
Mentions: Death of Partner, Death of Parents
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
💕TikTok - CantankerousBae
**Review template is by sienasummerrreads**
Not giving away too much, this story follows Raven a woman who has been dealing with traumatic issues her whole life, and Declan a shifter who is dedicated to fixing everything and helping everyone. The story has different twists and turns and builds around the navigation of new relationships. It is an amazing story, I definitely recommend reading it. I can't wait to see the rest of the Bryne Boys' stories.
If you love:
🔹Stranger-to-Lovers
🔹Secret Identity
🔹Family Traditions
🔹Small Town Romance
Physical/eBook: eBook
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Dual POV
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 in Series
Tropes or Themes: Wolf-Shifter, Found-Family, Secret Identity, Emotional Scars, ONS, Strangers-to-Lovers, Small Town
Mentions: Death of Partner, Death of Parents
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
💕TikTok - CantankerousBae
**Review template is by sienasummerrreads**
July 28, 2023
This book was a fabulous read that that had me hooked from the first chapter! With lots of twists and turns to keep you engaged, a storyline like no other and added spice this book was a great read that I am disappointed to have finished. I truly cannot wait for the next book.
Raven and Declan both have their own stories to tell and when their paths cross you can delight in the journey of them. While Raven is hardly a damsel in distress she needs help and struggles to ask for it.
Declan is the epitome of every romance novel good guy with a hint of bad guy in the body of a lumberjack crossed with a god. His words and personality will leave you begging for more and wishing you were Raven.
The story covers an epic love with a little heartbreak, sadness, spice and happiness. If you enjoy shifter novels or fantasy romance then this book is a must read. I throughly enjoyed this book and do recommend it if you enjoy these genres.
Raven and Declan both have their own stories to tell and when their paths cross you can delight in the journey of them. While Raven is hardly a damsel in distress she needs help and struggles to ask for it.
Declan is the epitome of every romance novel good guy with a hint of bad guy in the body of a lumberjack crossed with a god. His words and personality will leave you begging for more and wishing you were Raven.
The story covers an epic love with a little heartbreak, sadness, spice and happiness. If you enjoy shifter novels or fantasy romance then this book is a must read. I throughly enjoyed this book and do recommend it if you enjoy these genres.
July 21, 2023
Escaping Expectations hit all the feels. Seriously every emotion, my heart broke at times other times I was doing a happy dance. You're going to want to move to Cedar Harbor and not just because of the way the hot locals are described but because the world building makes it so easy to picture this small town filled with characters that everyone is bound to fall in love with....even bone head Sam.
There's romance, mystery, himor and plenty of spice (there's a lumberjack with a dirrrtty mouth)....it is the total package and I can't recommend it enough. Can't wait for the next book!
There's romance, mystery, himor and plenty of spice (there's a lumberjack with a dirrrtty mouth)....it is the total package and I can't recommend it enough. Can't wait for the next book!
July 31, 2023
Fantastic quick read. Declan and Ravens chemistry lifts from the page and keeps you on your toes to see how their relationship will develop. The banter between characters added a sense of humor that had me laughing out loud.
My only negative would be the timeliness on which events happened. In what I thought were a couple of months was only a matter of weeks. It threw me off a little. However, it did not take away from the plot of the novel.
Oh, and momma Maeve, she can cook a million pancakes for me any day.
My only negative would be the timeliness on which events happened. In what I thought were a couple of months was only a matter of weeks. It threw me off a little. However, it did not take away from the plot of the novel.
Oh, and momma Maeve, she can cook a million pancakes for me any day.
August 5, 2023
This book was really pretty good! I loved the chemistry between Declan and Raven. This book is definitely longer since there's so much world building. I absolutely adored the relationship between the brothers and the mother. It was hilarious reading the commentary and fights. There was a bit of redundancy reading the exact same scenes from Raven's and then Declan's point of view. I skipped through a lot of the dialogue since it was a lot of repetition and didn't really add to the plot, but this is a personal preference. I love getting both points of view, but perhaps not the exact same scenes. Overall, this was a really good book, and I can't wait to read more!
Spicy content: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 Soooooo good!
Spicy content: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 Soooooo good!
September 11, 2023
4/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
This book was a long one, but even though it was slow moving in some places, it was incredibly descriptive and just an overall great story. I loved the emotional twists at the end, the super sweet romance (their first date was the cutest fucking thing ever), and Declan’s 👏 Filthy 👏 Mouth! 👏 🥵 🔥
This book definitely wasn’t perfect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless and the author did a great job at developing her side characters so that she can set up for the next whirlwind romance in the next installment of this series.
This book was a long one, but even though it was slow moving in some places, it was incredibly descriptive and just an overall great story. I loved the emotional twists at the end, the super sweet romance (their first date was the cutest fucking thing ever), and Declan’s 👏 Filthy 👏 Mouth! 👏 🥵 🔥
This book definitely wasn’t perfect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless and the author did a great job at developing her side characters so that she can set up for the next whirlwind romance in the next installment of this series.
July 30, 2023
Holy shit what a book! She was soooooo long but sooooo WORTH the length! I absolutely loved this book! It was everything and then some! There were twist, there were turns and you never seen any of them coming! Declan is an amazing and loving man through and through! Raven is a strong and brave beautiful woman! Declan’s quiet and strong but not the mouth on that man is sinful and dirty! I loved it and may have been turned on myself just from his words 🤣😏 . Declan and raven are a beautiful couple and They compliment each other very very well. This was a work of art that I 100% recommend!!
July 31, 2023
I loved so much about this book!! Spice you don’t have to wait for!! Yes, please! The detail the author put into every aspect of this book was amazing! Declan is the hardest working, most caring, selfless lumber snack there is! He deserves all the happiness in the world, so when he finds it with the beautiful, sleepwalking widow my heart exploded! The whole Byrne crew is a dream and momma Byrne raised those rowdy boys right!! I want to live in that wonderfully charming town Cedar Harbor!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
This shifter romance has Everything! It has spice, mystery, found family, your next book boyfriend/husband, and a mother character who fills in the gap perfectly! It will have you in all your feels, from majorly swooning to crying for various reasons, to laughing (it had me cackling)! I'm still very new to annotating/tabbing, and even though I got an e-arc, I'm getting a physical copy to tab. It is a Thicc boi but oh so worth it!
August 5, 2023
Okay! Okay! I had to take a shower before I wrote this one🥵🚿this book makes me want a truck REAL BAD! 🛻
Not only is this book THICCCK! But so is Declan Byrne 🥵 who’s a SEXY LUMBERJACK 🥵🔥 who says all the right words.🤤 Raven woods is an artist 🎨 who kept me laughing throughout the whole book 😂. This book is filled with all the right things, Small-town Romance💘, naked wolf shifters 🐺🥵, pack drama, small-town shenanigans🙃, but most of all secrets🤫. So grab your favorite flannel blanket and snacks 🍿because this book will sink it’s teeth 🦷 into you and won’t release you til the very end, leaving you and your body needing more than just a glass of water🥛.
Not only is this book THICCCK! But so is Declan Byrne 🥵 who’s a SEXY LUMBERJACK 🥵🔥 who says all the right words.🤤 Raven woods is an artist 🎨 who kept me laughing throughout the whole book 😂. This book is filled with all the right things, Small-town Romance💘, naked wolf shifters 🐺🥵, pack drama, small-town shenanigans🙃, but most of all secrets🤫. So grab your favorite flannel blanket and snacks 🍿because this book will sink it’s teeth 🦷 into you and won’t release you til the very end, leaving you and your body needing more than just a glass of water🥛.
August 2, 2023
Where to start. My lord. This book has my entire soul wrapped up in a nice warm wolf blanket. You will fill in love with each and every character is this story that by the way opens a door to an entire world of stories and adventures ❤️. This story will have you guessing, swooning and potentially screaming in frustration at having to avoid your real life in order to find out what's next. I will say my biggest gripe about this story was jn fact the ending, I was expecting something totally different.
The story line itself was beautifully written an the author does love each character, you can clearly see that with the level of details given to give readers the clearest picture of what she has created. I recommend with the upmost promise that you too will fall in love. I cannot wait for more, literally I need it now.
The story line itself was beautifully written an the author does love each character, you can clearly see that with the level of details given to give readers the clearest picture of what she has created. I recommend with the upmost promise that you too will fall in love. I cannot wait for more, literally I need it now.
August 7, 2023
What a book! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Did not disappoint on the spice and was a perfect combination of spice and plot!
More on the contemporary side with fantasy thrown in. I’m not normally one for contemporary but I really really enjoyed this!
700+ pages! I was hooked from the first. I just wish there were maybe a few more as I felt the last few chapters felt rushed.
I can’t wait for more Byrne Boys! ❤️
More on the contemporary side with fantasy thrown in. I’m not normally one for contemporary but I really really enjoyed this!
700+ pages! I was hooked from the first. I just wish there were maybe a few more as I felt the last few chapters felt rushed.
I can’t wait for more Byrne Boys! ❤️
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