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Dark Forest Pack #4
Loving Jake
Pack is family, family is everything…until it isn’t.
Max
I worried we’d ruin it all by crossing the line from friends to lovers, but kissing Jake feels as natural as breathing.
I thought we’d have forever.
I thought we could take our time.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
In this last instalment of the Dark Forest Pack series, Max and Jake need all the help they can get to break free from their alpha’s command. But there’s just one problem with that—they’re forbidden to talk about it. When breaking that rule could mean tearing their pack apart, is it a risk worth taking?
Loving Jake is an MM paranormal romance featuring best friends turned lovers with the odds stacked against them. Full of pining, suspense, and sizzling UST, with a guaranteed HEA.
For maximum enjoyment, books should be read in order.
Max
I worried we’d ruin it all by crossing the line from friends to lovers, but kissing Jake feels as natural as breathing.
I thought we’d have forever.
I thought we could take our time.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
In this last instalment of the Dark Forest Pack series, Max and Jake need all the help they can get to break free from their alpha’s command. But there’s just one problem with that—they’re forbidden to talk about it. When breaking that rule could mean tearing their pack apart, is it a risk worth taking?
Loving Jake is an MM paranormal romance featuring best friends turned lovers with the odds stacked against them. Full of pining, suspense, and sizzling UST, with a guaranteed HEA.
For maximum enjoyment, books should be read in order.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2023
35 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Jacobs
52 books405 followersAnnabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her three rowdy children, and two cats.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 9, 2024
I DUNNO ABOUT LOVING JAKE – I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THEM BOTH!
The pining, OMG the pining!
This book has the most delicious UST and pining I’ve read in a paranormal for ages.
Anabelle sets up the journey in the opening chapter, which sees our paranormal police detectives, pack and flatmates Max and Jake, realising that their long friendship has morphed into something else.
Desire is oozing off the page as they cautiously explore this attraction, fuelled not only by their human feelings, but by the wolves inside them too. Max wants to claim Jake, and vice versa, but both are worried it might be too soon and they’d ruin their friendship if they rush into a bonded relationship.
So they get down and dirty with some passionate snogging and a quick rutting mutual handjob before deciding to take things slowly as Max is still deep inside the case which has occupied the first three books in the series.
Of course, fate’s a fickle thing and likes to put people through the fire and here it comes with the news that Jake’s dad has been fingered for a murder at a shifter bar and reparation from the murdered beta’s pack is now due.
Annabelle then takes the reader through the mill as both Max and Jake have to deal with the consequences of this event, while being alpha ordered not to talk about it – or investigate.
Of course, you know neither of them are going to settle for that constriction and we get to follow along as they stretch the boundaries of their alpha’s demands as much as they can, all the while having to deal with the insane chemistry and all the feels that keep drawing them together.
I’ve loved every single book in this series, it’s probably my favourite from Annabelle among a whole load of fabulous shifter stories. She has such a way with writing wolf shifters that puts you right at the centre of their world, feeling what they feel, seeing what they see.
Here it’s no different and I was cheering alongside Max and Jake as they found ways to bend around their pack restrictions and start investigating the crime and their alpha’s involvement in it.
No spoilers here, let’s just say I loved the direction the plot went in, the determined ways Max and Jake were willing to fight for their relationship, the support of the rest of the gang we’ve got to know over the series and the epic takedown which comes at the end!
This is a brilliant conclusion to the Dark Forest Pack but I’m so happy to see Annabelle’s not finished with this world as there’s a kind of spin-off coming featuring my favourite paranormal police witch Wyn!
PS: As an aside, the covers that Garrett Leigh has done for this series have been absolutely bang on!
The pining, OMG the pining!
This book has the most delicious UST and pining I’ve read in a paranormal for ages.
Anabelle sets up the journey in the opening chapter, which sees our paranormal police detectives, pack and flatmates Max and Jake, realising that their long friendship has morphed into something else.
Desire is oozing off the page as they cautiously explore this attraction, fuelled not only by their human feelings, but by the wolves inside them too. Max wants to claim Jake, and vice versa, but both are worried it might be too soon and they’d ruin their friendship if they rush into a bonded relationship.
So they get down and dirty with some passionate snogging and a quick rutting mutual handjob before deciding to take things slowly as Max is still deep inside the case which has occupied the first three books in the series.
Of course, fate’s a fickle thing and likes to put people through the fire and here it comes with the news that Jake’s dad has been fingered for a murder at a shifter bar and reparation from the murdered beta’s pack is now due.
Annabelle then takes the reader through the mill as both Max and Jake have to deal with the consequences of this event, while being alpha ordered not to talk about it – or investigate.
Of course, you know neither of them are going to settle for that constriction and we get to follow along as they stretch the boundaries of their alpha’s demands as much as they can, all the while having to deal with the insane chemistry and all the feels that keep drawing them together.
I’ve loved every single book in this series, it’s probably my favourite from Annabelle among a whole load of fabulous shifter stories. She has such a way with writing wolf shifters that puts you right at the centre of their world, feeling what they feel, seeing what they see.
Here it’s no different and I was cheering alongside Max and Jake as they found ways to bend around their pack restrictions and start investigating the crime and their alpha’s involvement in it.
No spoilers here, let’s just say I loved the direction the plot went in, the determined ways Max and Jake were willing to fight for their relationship, the support of the rest of the gang we’ve got to know over the series and the epic takedown which comes at the end!
This is a brilliant conclusion to the Dark Forest Pack but I’m so happy to see Annabelle’s not finished with this world as there’s a kind of spin-off coming featuring my favourite paranormal police witch Wyn!
PS: As an aside, the covers that Garrett Leigh has done for this series have been absolutely bang on!
January 18, 2024
Book Binger.
Are you one? If so, you’re in luck! The Dark Forest Pack series is now complete. Loving Jake rounds out the series as the fourth and final book. Consequently, I am filled with joy tinged with sadness. I absolutely LOVED watching Max finally get his man, but in the same breath, I will miss this group fiercely. Jacobs truly has a gift when it comes to creating shifters. Paranormal romance has always been my favorite genre, but I’m finicky with shifters. My Kindle is organized with folders that include ‘shifters’ and ‘AJ’s shifters’. This is because they are not the same. If you’re new to shifter romance, take note of this…if you start with Jacobs everything else will seem subpar. And yes, I’ve read many of the big names before. I think it’s because I feel so much when I open one of her stories. I’m instantly connected to their frequency and plugged into a livewire of their emotions. This highly anticipated story was more than I could have hoped for…allow me to tell you why.
Max and Jake have been not-so-subtly circling each other for…let’s just say a while. Everyone around them knows something is up. A shifter’s nose doesn’t lie and they couldn’t hide their feelings if they wanted to. They’ve been packmates, roommates, and best friends for years. They basically live in each other’s pockets, but both are surprised when they discover their feelings have evolved into more. Though crossing this line isn’t one easily reversed. They must be certain before they start something with hefty repercussions. Surrendering to their newfound attraction is everything they dreamed it would be. Their first kiss had my toes curling and my heart pounding. Truth be told, I couldn’t believe how early they were getting hot and heavy in this book. I suppose they’ve had a few books of foreplay so it’s only fair. Ha! But then…then it was all ripped away. And that old saying, ‘it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all’ does not apply here. It was agonizing watching their fire smothered just as it was beginning to blaze. Thankfully, they are burning up the pages by the end.
In the first few books, we spend most of our time with Rys and his pack. Max is prominent and present throughout since he’s Rys’s cousin and Mason’s partner at the paranormal police department. Jake isn’t a stranger and shares ample page time, but we don’t know much about their pack. My skin prickled as soon as we met their alpha. Then Jake’s dad ends up in trouble and everything hits the fan. I went from ‘yes, yayyyy, thank the goddess!!’ to ‘noooo, it can’t be, how could you?!’ I was furious on their behalf and itched to unsheath imaginary claws to help them fight. Because it was on…and they needed all the help they could get. I knew better than to get excited because Jacobs sent them fresh back up and they already had a formidable force behind them. Rys, Gabriel, Nick, Dathal, Alex, and Talis will not stand by quietly. Yeah, you kinda have to know them to know why. And if you don’t, I’m ecstatic for you…you’re in for an amazing ride!
Shifter dynamics are fairly straightforward. The pack consists of an alpha, or leader, betas, next in command, and then packmates. It’s more than a brotherhood or sisterhood, their kinship runs on a molecular level. Smelling emotions and sharing feelings doesn’t allow for hiding secrets. The alpha is meant to care for and protect every shifter in their pack. Max and Jake have suspicions about their alpha, but loyalty curbs their thoughts. That is until they are forced into a situation that no shifter should ever be in. When their alpha forbids them from doing their jobs and exploring the brand-new turn in their relationship the fissures of unease become an earthquake. Change is happening…but neither will accept being torn from each other as an outcome. What happens when the dust settles? You’ll have to wait and see!
Beware of: Besties to boyfriends are the best…and even better when shifters. A first kiss meant to turn into a thousand…might become one and only. The Dark Forest Pack might be blended with wolves, fae, and witches but they are still family…and will fight to the death for one another.
This book is for: Calling all paranormal lovers!! If wolves get your heart racing (and even if they don’t!) you must meet Max and Jake. Seriously, I insist!! Start at the beginning and hold on tight for this unforgettable ride.
Book UNfunk
Are you one? If so, you’re in luck! The Dark Forest Pack series is now complete. Loving Jake rounds out the series as the fourth and final book. Consequently, I am filled with joy tinged with sadness. I absolutely LOVED watching Max finally get his man, but in the same breath, I will miss this group fiercely. Jacobs truly has a gift when it comes to creating shifters. Paranormal romance has always been my favorite genre, but I’m finicky with shifters. My Kindle is organized with folders that include ‘shifters’ and ‘AJ’s shifters’. This is because they are not the same. If you’re new to shifter romance, take note of this…if you start with Jacobs everything else will seem subpar. And yes, I’ve read many of the big names before. I think it’s because I feel so much when I open one of her stories. I’m instantly connected to their frequency and plugged into a livewire of their emotions. This highly anticipated story was more than I could have hoped for…allow me to tell you why.
Max and Jake have been not-so-subtly circling each other for…let’s just say a while. Everyone around them knows something is up. A shifter’s nose doesn’t lie and they couldn’t hide their feelings if they wanted to. They’ve been packmates, roommates, and best friends for years. They basically live in each other’s pockets, but both are surprised when they discover their feelings have evolved into more. Though crossing this line isn’t one easily reversed. They must be certain before they start something with hefty repercussions. Surrendering to their newfound attraction is everything they dreamed it would be. Their first kiss had my toes curling and my heart pounding. Truth be told, I couldn’t believe how early they were getting hot and heavy in this book. I suppose they’ve had a few books of foreplay so it’s only fair. Ha! But then…then it was all ripped away. And that old saying, ‘it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all’ does not apply here. It was agonizing watching their fire smothered just as it was beginning to blaze. Thankfully, they are burning up the pages by the end.
In the first few books, we spend most of our time with Rys and his pack. Max is prominent and present throughout since he’s Rys’s cousin and Mason’s partner at the paranormal police department. Jake isn’t a stranger and shares ample page time, but we don’t know much about their pack. My skin prickled as soon as we met their alpha. Then Jake’s dad ends up in trouble and everything hits the fan. I went from ‘yes, yayyyy, thank the goddess!!’ to ‘noooo, it can’t be, how could you?!’ I was furious on their behalf and itched to unsheath imaginary claws to help them fight. Because it was on…and they needed all the help they could get. I knew better than to get excited because Jacobs sent them fresh back up and they already had a formidable force behind them. Rys, Gabriel, Nick, Dathal, Alex, and Talis will not stand by quietly. Yeah, you kinda have to know them to know why. And if you don’t, I’m ecstatic for you…you’re in for an amazing ride!
Shifter dynamics are fairly straightforward. The pack consists of an alpha, or leader, betas, next in command, and then packmates. It’s more than a brotherhood or sisterhood, their kinship runs on a molecular level. Smelling emotions and sharing feelings doesn’t allow for hiding secrets. The alpha is meant to care for and protect every shifter in their pack. Max and Jake have suspicions about their alpha, but loyalty curbs their thoughts. That is until they are forced into a situation that no shifter should ever be in. When their alpha forbids them from doing their jobs and exploring the brand-new turn in their relationship the fissures of unease become an earthquake. Change is happening…but neither will accept being torn from each other as an outcome. What happens when the dust settles? You’ll have to wait and see!
Beware of: Besties to boyfriends are the best…and even better when shifters. A first kiss meant to turn into a thousand…might become one and only. The Dark Forest Pack might be blended with wolves, fae, and witches but they are still family…and will fight to the death for one another.
This book is for: Calling all paranormal lovers!! If wolves get your heart racing (and even if they don’t!) you must meet Max and Jake. Seriously, I insist!! Start at the beginning and hold on tight for this unforgettable ride.
Book UNfunk
October 8, 2023
Another great read
October 6, 2023
Really liked this one, no unnecessary drama, 2 MC's that talked and listened and no childish hissy fits. I didn't expect this book to go the way the author took it, but it so totally worked
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
August 16, 2023
Review to come closer to release, think this is my favourite in this series! 😍😍
September 23, 2023
It was genuinely good. I liked this way of tackling a friends to lovers prompt, it took this story to a really fun, novel place. Plus, I like this series as a whole. I'm glad it's getting a spin off.
My one bone to pick, talking isn't the only form of communication. It irked me that the characters didn't consider that.
My one bone to pick, talking isn't the only form of communication. It irked me that the characters didn't consider that.
August 17, 2025
4.5 🌟
another great shifter story. i loved this world and it was a nice closure.
another great shifter story. i loved this world and it was a nice closure.
September 21, 2023
4,5⭐️
I wasn’t expecting this book to be like this !!! I just loved it, it was really good, well written and I was so excited to finally know what was going on between Max and Jake !
I went through different stages 🤣 I was first happy and excited, then scandalised, then happy again !!
After finally realising that they might feel more for each other than friendship, something big happens in their pack and they're forbidden to talk about it. While trying to find a way out of this mess, will they be able to explore their feelings !!
Max and Jake are so made for each other, but this one is definitely a slow burn and an intense one 🔥 the chemistry and the sparks between them are just off the charts. I really loved that series and I’m always happy to see the other characters again, a little sad it came to an end but excited for anything coming next !
I received an ARC Copy of this book from the author, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
I wasn’t expecting this book to be like this !!! I just loved it, it was really good, well written and I was so excited to finally know what was going on between Max and Jake !
I went through different stages 🤣 I was first happy and excited, then scandalised, then happy again !!
After finally realising that they might feel more for each other than friendship, something big happens in their pack and they're forbidden to talk about it. While trying to find a way out of this mess, will they be able to explore their feelings !!
Max and Jake are so made for each other, but this one is definitely a slow burn and an intense one 🔥 the chemistry and the sparks between them are just off the charts. I really loved that series and I’m always happy to see the other characters again, a little sad it came to an end but excited for anything coming next !
I received an ARC Copy of this book from the author, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
October 1, 2023
complete
I’m gonna miss this group. It’s been such a joy to watch Max finally get his love. Max has always been the strong steady one of the group. Always willing to help. I’ve love Max since the first book so I’m exited he got his love. And what a way to go. Took them a while but it was worth it. I love a good best friend to more. It was also nice to get to know Jake. We’ve seen him in other books but it was nice to get to know him. The writing was great, this author rocks. The smexy was good. Wish this couple had more. I adore all the side characters. Shout out to a POC fea!!! Can’t wait to read that book. And while this is the end of this series I really hope we get to see Elliot get his HEA.
I’m gonna miss this group. It’s been such a joy to watch Max finally get his love. Max has always been the strong steady one of the group. Always willing to help. I’ve love Max since the first book so I’m exited he got his love. And what a way to go. Took them a while but it was worth it. I love a good best friend to more. It was also nice to get to know Jake. We’ve seen him in other books but it was nice to get to know him. The writing was great, this author rocks. The smexy was good. Wish this couple had more. I adore all the side characters. Shout out to a POC fea!!! Can’t wait to read that book. And while this is the end of this series I really hope we get to see Elliot get his HEA.
October 9, 2023
OMG, no words! What a fabulous ending to this series. This is by far my most favorite pairing of all of Annabelle books. And that pining, Jake and Max had to work so very hard to get their happy ending!
Both men are part of the paranormal police, they share a home and have secretly been in love with each other for a while now. They try to hide what they're feeling but one evening all explodes and they give in. Their happiness is short lived however when they are called to a shady bar by their alpha Xen to find Jake's father unconscius and a dead body from another pack. Xen orders them to keep everything silent, not to speak with anybody about it and suffer the consequences.
Needles to say neither Jake nor Max are happy with the situation and start a secret investigation on their own.
This was my absolute favorite of the series. I loved how Max and Jake did everything in their power to clear things up, to find a way so that they could be together. While everything was going on, their support and love for each other never wavered and it was great so see how they got help from their friends in a roundabout way.
I'm sad this series is ending, but thrilled to read that there'll be a spin-off which starts of with Wyn, a witch and collegue of Max and Jake.
Both men are part of the paranormal police, they share a home and have secretly been in love with each other for a while now. They try to hide what they're feeling but one evening all explodes and they give in. Their happiness is short lived however when they are called to a shady bar by their alpha Xen to find Jake's father unconscius and a dead body from another pack. Xen orders them to keep everything silent, not to speak with anybody about it and suffer the consequences.
Needles to say neither Jake nor Max are happy with the situation and start a secret investigation on their own.
This was my absolute favorite of the series. I loved how Max and Jake did everything in their power to clear things up, to find a way so that they could be together. While everything was going on, their support and love for each other never wavered and it was great so see how they got help from their friends in a roundabout way.
I'm sad this series is ending, but thrilled to read that there'll be a spin-off which starts of with Wyn, a witch and collegue of Max and Jake.
October 1, 2023
least fav of the series, characters seem flat as the plot
Rating: 3🌈
I’ve been following Annabelle Jacobs wolf shifter packs from the beginning and got really invested in the world the author created and cross series she created.
But now at the end of the Dark Forest Pack, I feel that the stories and multiple characters, as evidenced by the index at the book’s beginning, has gotten so stretched out that the depth of plots and personalities that once grabbed my attention is now less apparent. Or missing altogether.
For me, Loving Jake falls into the latter category. Which is too bad.
The entire concept can be summed up as “my Alpha says so , so even though it’s evil and I hate it , I’m gonna do it”. What’s worse is that the author sets up the drama with the main couple and secondary characters knowing the Alpha is “doing WRONG “ but hey let’s ignore it. Then everything plays out based on the fact they Can’t Do anything because the BAD Alpha says so.
Now the author warns the reader the book, a total lesson in readability/frustration imo, this is the way she’s plotting it, so there’s that. It’s pack rule, do whatever the Alpha says. Even though it doesn’t happen in her other novels.
But there no point, no dimension to this plot. Just a sledgehammer of dramatic narrative up to almost the end. No real details of a love affair between the main characters or verbal declarations of their own either. Just deep feelings to counteract the plotting against them.
Everyone knows who the villain is. The last battle is a mess, and the resolution doesn’t fully answer all the questions the mystery and murder raised.
I want to give this a two star but went ahead with a 3 out of fondness for its origins which are squandered here.
So for me, at the end of the series which had so much potential, Loving Jake gave us one dimensional characters, a forced sledgehammer of a frustrating plot, and a messy ending that doesn’t really resolve anything. Really, it’s like the series lost its energies here.
If that’s a story you want to read, or if you’re a reader who needs to complete a series, Loving Jake awaits you.
Dark Forest Pack:
- [x] Claiming Rhys #1
- [x] Redeeming Nick #2
- [x] Guarding Axel #3
- [x] Loving Jake #4 - series finale
Rating: 3🌈
I’ve been following Annabelle Jacobs wolf shifter packs from the beginning and got really invested in the world the author created and cross series she created.
But now at the end of the Dark Forest Pack, I feel that the stories and multiple characters, as evidenced by the index at the book’s beginning, has gotten so stretched out that the depth of plots and personalities that once grabbed my attention is now less apparent. Or missing altogether.
For me, Loving Jake falls into the latter category. Which is too bad.
The entire concept can be summed up as “my Alpha says so , so even though it’s evil and I hate it , I’m gonna do it”. What’s worse is that the author sets up the drama with the main couple and secondary characters knowing the Alpha is “doing WRONG “ but hey let’s ignore it. Then everything plays out based on the fact they Can’t Do anything because the BAD Alpha says so.
Now the author warns the reader the book, a total lesson in readability/frustration imo, this is the way she’s plotting it, so there’s that. It’s pack rule, do whatever the Alpha says. Even though it doesn’t happen in her other novels.
But there no point, no dimension to this plot. Just a sledgehammer of dramatic narrative up to almost the end. No real details of a love affair between the main characters or verbal declarations of their own either. Just deep feelings to counteract the plotting against them.
Everyone knows who the villain is. The last battle is a mess, and the resolution doesn’t fully answer all the questions the mystery and murder raised.
I want to give this a two star but went ahead with a 3 out of fondness for its origins which are squandered here.
So for me, at the end of the series which had so much potential, Loving Jake gave us one dimensional characters, a forced sledgehammer of a frustrating plot, and a messy ending that doesn’t really resolve anything. Really, it’s like the series lost its energies here.
If that’s a story you want to read, or if you’re a reader who needs to complete a series, Loving Jake awaits you.
Dark Forest Pack:
- [x] Claiming Rhys #1
- [x] Redeeming Nick #2
- [x] Guarding Axel #3
- [x] Loving Jake #4 - series finale
May 10, 2024
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good conclusion to the Dark Forest Pack Series. Jake and Max have just started to explore their new found feeling for each other, that’s a lot more than best friends when things turn to complete sh*t when their alpha forces Jake into marriage with a women from another pack as compensation for Jake’s father allegedly killing that pack’s beta. Both alphas evoke the old laws and an alpha pact is binding. Jake and Max are forced by their alpha to not investigate the m*rder, nor discuss the events with anyone and they’re also forced to not act on their feelings for each other since Jake is now essentially engaged. Man, you could feel both of their longing and hurt throughout this book.
How can they possibly get the help that they desperately need without being able to discuss anything? I’m really glad that Jake and Max finally got their chance at happiness, it wasn’t an easy journey that’s for sure but it was well worth the wait. We didn’t get much intimacy between these two mainly because of the alpha order but they at least found ways to work around said order. The tension between them is palpable and I thought they were great together. It would’ve been cool being able to read a bit more of them after they’d bonded but that’s just a minor issue. Even though this is the last book of the series, we’ll at least get to know more about Wyn, Chylath, and Syl while they continue working on the illegal potions investigation. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good conclusion to the Dark Forest Pack Series. Jake and Max have just started to explore their new found feeling for each other, that’s a lot more than best friends when things turn to complete sh*t when their alpha forces Jake into marriage with a women from another pack as compensation for Jake’s father allegedly killing that pack’s beta. Both alphas evoke the old laws and an alpha pact is binding. Jake and Max are forced by their alpha to not investigate the m*rder, nor discuss the events with anyone and they’re also forced to not act on their feelings for each other since Jake is now essentially engaged. Man, you could feel both of their longing and hurt throughout this book.
How can they possibly get the help that they desperately need without being able to discuss anything? I’m really glad that Jake and Max finally got their chance at happiness, it wasn’t an easy journey that’s for sure but it was well worth the wait. We didn’t get much intimacy between these two mainly because of the alpha order but they at least found ways to work around said order. The tension between them is palpable and I thought they were great together. It would’ve been cool being able to read a bit more of them after they’d bonded but that’s just a minor issue. Even though this is the last book of the series, we’ll at least get to know more about Wyn, Chylath, and Syl while they continue working on the illegal potions investigation. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
September 20, 2023
Forever Dark Forest Pack
I have been waiting for Max and Jake and they did not disappoint!!They didn’t just exceed my expectations, they surpassed them and are now the ultimate when it comes to best friends to lovers. I love it, like it makes me do a little happy dance, when two long-time best friends take the step to become more; combine that with explosive chemistry and two shifters who won’t let anything come between them, and it’s no wonder I devoured this book like it was my favorite meal.
“Everything about him screamed pack, family, home, like it always did when we shifted.
But underneath all that, something new and exciting thrummed through my body. Basic and raw, primal and bone deep.
One word filled my head.
Mine.”
I don’t know if you can see it but I am absolutely drooling over these two. The challenges Jake and Max faced had me howling on their behalf and I was ready to fight tooth and claw to make sure these two found their way together. I adore them, their bond, their drive to protect, and the way they love. I think I have permanent hearts floating above my head thanks to them and wish their book was twice as long as I didn’t want to say goodbye.
I have been waiting for Max and Jake and they did not disappoint!!They didn’t just exceed my expectations, they surpassed them and are now the ultimate when it comes to best friends to lovers. I love it, like it makes me do a little happy dance, when two long-time best friends take the step to become more; combine that with explosive chemistry and two shifters who won’t let anything come between them, and it’s no wonder I devoured this book like it was my favorite meal.
“Everything about him screamed pack, family, home, like it always did when we shifted.
But underneath all that, something new and exciting thrummed through my body. Basic and raw, primal and bone deep.
One word filled my head.
Mine.”
I don’t know if you can see it but I am absolutely drooling over these two. The challenges Jake and Max faced had me howling on their behalf and I was ready to fight tooth and claw to make sure these two found their way together. I adore them, their bond, their drive to protect, and the way they love. I think I have permanent hearts floating above my head thanks to them and wish their book was twice as long as I didn’t want to say goodbye.
September 18, 2023
Amazing friends-to-lovers shifter romance with a gripping whodunnit subplot. The intensity of the longing between Max and Jake is incredibly well written. I love these two together so much. For much of the story, they are not free to follow their heart and fully be together, but they still somehow grow stronger as a couple and grow to lean on and love each other even more deeply within those horrible restraints. Their relationship has such depth, their HEA as hard-earned as inevitable. The author has created a wonderfully rich world with a great cast of secondary characters. I loved that everyone rallied around Max and Jake this time. The murder-mystery, the way Max and Jake had to navigate the pack dynamics and old laws, and their race against time to seek justice and avoid heartbreak made this a suspenseful, thrilling read. I loved it. I only wish we could have had a bit more of Max and Jake being happy together, settling into their new life.
September 29, 2023
Good wrap up to the series
I have really enjoyed this series and I’m sorry it’s at an end. But some characters from this book will be featured in the first book in a new series coming next Spring.
This book wraps up with a couple that we’ve known through the first three books in a best friends to lovers scenario. Just as Max and Jake are realizing their feelings are more than friendship a tragic event makes thing spin out of control. As they try to navigate the situation the friendships we’ve seen n action in the first three books come into play as characters from the earlier books help our heroes deal with their situation.
This was an enjoyable series and I’m looking forward to the spin off coming next.
I have really enjoyed this series and I’m sorry it’s at an end. But some characters from this book will be featured in the first book in a new series coming next Spring.
This book wraps up with a couple that we’ve known through the first three books in a best friends to lovers scenario. Just as Max and Jake are realizing their feelings are more than friendship a tragic event makes thing spin out of control. As they try to navigate the situation the friendships we’ve seen n action in the first three books come into play as characters from the earlier books help our heroes deal with their situation.
This was an enjoyable series and I’m looking forward to the spin off coming next.
October 4, 2023
I couldn't remember where we left Max and Jake in the previous books. I spent too much time in my head while trying to read, trying to figure where this book started in relation to the others. I thought there was a lot of tension between them in previous books, but that's not how this book started. Then maybe this wasn't starting where we last left off. Then again, I could be thinking of a completely different couple. So yes, I was competely thrown off when they get together so quick, but it didn't take long for a big monkey wrench to get thrown into the mix. So much pining, so it was great to see Max and Jake finally get their HEA. I really enjoyed this last book as well as the rest of the series. Sad to see it come to an end but looking forward to the spin-off.
April 7, 2024
alpha magic
The m/m fates poke their busy noses into the lives of two best friends, flipping the switch between live-in packmate to live-in lover, just in time to drive an alpha-sized wedge between them due to pack BS.
Complex, and I wonder if they really would have stayed together as friends if the alpha pact took (pack pact?).
The main villain was a stubborn, prejudiced guy used to getting his way and using his power to avoid consequences, and that led to the whole series of events that drive the conflict.
Hopefully Myla and Izzie will thrive, wonder if Max and Jake could find a home in their pack, as like-minded pack mates who agree in the rule of law and not bad old pack ways of dominance and dueling.
The m/m fates poke their busy noses into the lives of two best friends, flipping the switch between live-in packmate to live-in lover, just in time to drive an alpha-sized wedge between them due to pack BS.
Complex, and I wonder if they really would have stayed together as friends if the alpha pact took (pack pact?).
The main villain was a stubborn, prejudiced guy used to getting his way and using his power to avoid consequences, and that led to the whole series of events that drive the conflict.
Hopefully Myla and Izzie will thrive, wonder if Max and Jake could find a home in their pack, as like-minded pack mates who agree in the rule of law and not bad old pack ways of dominance and dueling.
September 28, 2023
Wow, this book hits hard! Annabelle Jacobs quietly draws you in, lulls you into a false sense of security before - BAM! - ripping it all apart. I was so eager for Jake & Max’s connection that I should have known it could never be that simple.
Max & Jake are members of the Paranormal Police, the agency responsible for keeping the peace and solving paranormal crimes. More importantly they’re roommates, and if you’re like me, you’ve always maybe, kinda, sorta wondered if there could be *something* going on between them. The bad news: they’ve 100% just been roommates this whole time. The good news: that all changes now. Well, maybe…it’s complicated.
This co-workers/packmates/roommates-to-lovers story has everything I love about this series: plenty of action, intensity, drama, and intrigue alongside soul deep connections and heartfelt romance. No one’s finding their happily ever after without a metric ton of mystery, magic, and mayhem first. Not to mention the pining! It’s a wild, exciting ride full of interspecies and inter-pack conflict as this series goes out with a bang.
If you haven’t read the Dark Forest Pack series, I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading them in order. There are some overarching themes and overlapping events which may not be fully appreciated otherwise. Just in this book, the timeline overlaps the events of Book 3, and having a full understanding of what happened in that story leads to a deeper understanding of its impact in this one.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
Max & Jake are members of the Paranormal Police, the agency responsible for keeping the peace and solving paranormal crimes. More importantly they’re roommates, and if you’re like me, you’ve always maybe, kinda, sorta wondered if there could be *something* going on between them. The bad news: they’ve 100% just been roommates this whole time. The good news: that all changes now. Well, maybe…it’s complicated.
This co-workers/packmates/roommates-to-lovers story has everything I love about this series: plenty of action, intensity, drama, and intrigue alongside soul deep connections and heartfelt romance. No one’s finding their happily ever after without a metric ton of mystery, magic, and mayhem first. Not to mention the pining! It’s a wild, exciting ride full of interspecies and inter-pack conflict as this series goes out with a bang.
If you haven’t read the Dark Forest Pack series, I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading them in order. There are some overarching themes and overlapping events which may not be fully appreciated otherwise. Just in this book, the timeline overlaps the events of Book 3, and having a full understanding of what happened in that story leads to a deeper understanding of its impact in this one.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
August 23, 2025
Update: I almost cried from the bombshell shock at 17% in, but my eyes are now slowly leaking from the meeting between Rys, Axel, and Zane at 63%. I have a feeling I'm gonna be outright ugly sobbing before the end of this book...
Finished! 4.25 stars -- less sobbing but lots of eventually joy
It was SO good to finally understand what was going on in Max and Jake's pack. Holy crap, what a freaking cluster! I'm sure he was doing the best he could, but I'm still disappointed in Elliott. On the other side, Hayden was an utter asshole -- good luck to Myla to deal with the fallout in their pack.
Finished! 4.25 stars -- less sobbing but lots of eventually joy
It was SO good to finally understand what was going on in Max and Jake's pack. Holy crap, what a freaking cluster! I'm sure he was doing the best he could, but I'm still disappointed in Elliott. On the other side, Hayden was an utter asshole -- good luck to Myla to deal with the fallout in their pack.
September 29, 2023
I have been waiting for Max and Jake story and it did not disappoint! I love friends to lovers romance and Loving Jake is a great example of why.
The connection between these two and the history they share adds such depth to their love story.
Max and Jake are truly made for each other. They have much to get through before achieving their well earned HEA, but all is worth it in the end.
Add in a murder mystery and the action never stops.
I turned page after page and devoured this book in one sitting.
Great addition to the Dark Forest Pack Book series.
The connection between these two and the history they share adds such depth to their love story.
Max and Jake are truly made for each other. They have much to get through before achieving their well earned HEA, but all is worth it in the end.
Add in a murder mystery and the action never stops.
I turned page after page and devoured this book in one sitting.
Great addition to the Dark Forest Pack Book series.
January 29, 2024
Whew! My RDA of sweet, hot, and plot has been met! Loved the tension and excitement in this tale - edge-of-the-seat read! Now I really, really want more books for ALL the supporting cast that don't already have a story in this series (or one book to bind them all...)
IMO this series best read all in one gulp, and definitely in order.
4.5 starts rounded up; excellent storytelling throughout the entire series, but the mistakes from lack of literate proofreading still detract.
IMO this series best read all in one gulp, and definitely in order.
4.5 starts rounded up; excellent storytelling throughout the entire series, but the mistakes from lack of literate proofreading still detract.
July 6, 2024
This was great! At first I didn’t understand why people were saying there’s so much pining when they clearly love each other and fall into it easily BUT it’s those pesky external relationship barriers that are trying to keep these two apart!!! I love that they don’t give up even though they are so close to losing hope. They balance each other out and when one of them starts to feel despair, the other is their lifeline and vice versa ❤️
Update: did we ever find out what was in that package that Elliott gave Max???
Update: did we ever find out what was in that package that Elliott gave Max???
October 15, 2023
I’ve gotta say that I was disappointed by this book. The plot doesn’t make all that much sense and the level of unnecessary angst is through the roof. I did like both Jake and Max (I already did) and also the found family aspect of the series, apart from the paranormal-fantasy world built in the previous book, but was disappointed by the plot.
November 20, 2023
Great book!
I really enjoyed this book. I think it is possible that this was my favourite in the series. I liked both MCs, especially Max after his appearance in the other books, and their friendship as well as respect for eachother. The storyline was very interesting and kept me hooked til the end. Too bad it's the last book of the series but what a great way to end.
I really enjoyed this book. I think it is possible that this was my favourite in the series. I liked both MCs, especially Max after his appearance in the other books, and their friendship as well as respect for eachother. The storyline was very interesting and kept me hooked til the end. Too bad it's the last book of the series but what a great way to end.
January 17, 2025
The whole series is superb
I loved the characters and the relationships between them but the author did great job with thinking the plot through, making it interesting no matter what form of climax she choose. In each book the plot is solved differently. And when realistic it will not disappoint. Great light reading and everything I would expect from romance book.
I loved the characters and the relationships between them but the author did great job with thinking the plot through, making it interesting no matter what form of climax she choose. In each book the plot is solved differently. And when realistic it will not disappoint. Great light reading and everything I would expect from romance book.
October 7, 2023
Maybe the best book yet
We've watched Max from book one, and I've rooted for his HEA, wondering it'll be Jake.
Here it is. The book that puts us through the wringer.
Come read the final exciting book in the series.
We've watched Max from book one, and I've rooted for his HEA, wondering it'll be Jake.
Here it is. The book that puts us through the wringer.
Come read the final exciting book in the series.
July 9, 2024
Least fave in the series. I didn’t expect the direction the author took it but at the same time the solution to that problem was freaking obvious and I was hopping that I am wrong but nope it played out exactly like I thought.
January 16, 2025
A nice ending to the series
I know we plan to see more characters in this world in future series but this was a good ending. It didn't tie into the situation much from the other books but it was good to see Jake and Max get their story.
I know we plan to see more characters in this world in future series but this was a good ending. It didn't tie into the situation much from the other books but it was good to see Jake and Max get their story.
September 29, 2023
A great ending to the series. Very happy with how things turned out. This whole series is a comfort read for me and I look forward to revisiting the Dark Forest Pack many times in the future.
October 2, 2023
3.5 stars
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