Finding out that you're a werewolf is nothing like the movies...
All Eve ever wanted was to belong. She’s living with her best friend while in college, with a nice boyfriend. Things are finally good. But when she wakes up to a handsome stranger in the park who tells her she’s a hybrid werewolf, life as she knows it implodes.
Terrified of hurting her friends, Eve agrees to stay with her boyfriend’s werewolf pack. It should be a new start, but between their hatred of hybrids and his track record for lying, she’s lonelier than ever. When she stumbles upon a secret the pack leader wanted kept buried, Eve realises she may have walked right into the lion’s den.
With few allies and struggling to come to terms with her wolf abilities, she must uncover what the alpha is hiding, because it’s not just her life on the line.
Can Eve figure out who to trust and expose the alpha’s lies in time?
Wolf Bait is the first book in The hybrid Wolf Series, a Dublin-based urban fantasy. If The Vampire Diaries and Teen Wolf had an Irish baby, it would be this. If you like shifters, engaging urban fantasy, enemies to lovers, and a heavy sprinkle of sarcasm, then you need to pick up Wolf Bait to discover this exciting new series today!
Ciara writes paranormal romance with dark twists, spice, and a heavy dose of sarcasm. Her books feature strong women, morally grey love interests, suspense, and found family. She lives in the Irish countryside with her boyfriend and their two cats. When she doesn’t have her head stuck in a book, you will find Ciara walking in the parklands nearby, in the gym, passed out on her yoga mat, or screaming at a rugby match.
A book-dragon from birth, her love of reading bled into writing when she was a teenager, and the rest is history. Ciara can’t write without music and loves nothing more than to be curled up with her laptop and a mocha in her favourite coffee shop, writing to her heart’s content.
I received this as an ARC and after finishing it, I will DEFINITELY be purchasing it as another beautiful trophy on my book shelf!!
We start out, in the first paragraph, like a torpedo into the paranormal world and never slow down. Our protagonist learns that she is a hybrid. One parent is human, one is a werewolf. Quickly finding out that not all werewolves accept hybrids. Some look down their furry Draco Malfoy snouts at the “mudbloods.”
She unravels secrets and betrayals along the way. The momentum never slowing. Even when Delahunt rips your heart out.
This is an easy 10/10 recommendation from me. My werewolf loving heart can’t wait for this series to continue!!
I absolutely adored this book! Urban fantasy usually isn’t my thing but Ciara’s writing hooked me right from the start.
Following Eve on this journey has been so much fun. Despite being a hybrid she’s so undeniably human and relatable with her mistakes, emotions and experiences and I found her to be so relatable and comforting.
I love the found family trope, and the dynamics between the characters. I would definitely recommend this book, even if you’ve not tried urban fantasy before!! It’s a great introduction to the genre and it’s beautifully written.
When I heard about an urban fantasy shifter novel I was instantly intrigued, when I heard it was set in Dublin/Ireland I knew it was going to be a must read! Having been lucky enough to get an ARC copy I was highly impressed with Wolf Bait. This was such a pleasant read, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the storyline. I felt like the pacing was very well layed out and while a slow burn (as advertised) after the halfway point I couldn't put it down and just had to get to the end to see what happens! I will definitely be pre-ordering book 2 and eagerly await it's release for to continue this story! My favourite part of the book (other than the cosy feeling of my home city that is felt thoughout) is how well written the characters are, Eve was definitely a relatable character and it made me feel all the more connected to and investited in the story! There is definitely a great foundation being laid down for a secret magic Dublin and would love to see this also open up some spinoffs into the larger magical community that are mentioned within. As I've said I'll be eagerly awaiting book two in this series but if you enjoy shifters/romances/fantasy/found-family/tense/emotianal reads then I would highly suggest giving this book a read!
“Even in the darkest of times, we must find a reason to smile.”
This book is the first in Ciara’s The Hybrid Wolf Series, set in South Dublin around Eve as she learns to live with being a hybrid among wolves. As she is thrown into another world she has to learn to deal with her wolf side while keeping an eye out for enemies that surround her.
This book started off straight into the action and introduced us to mysterious and good looking Luke, a wolf from her boyfriend Ryan’s pack. Of course he instantly became my favourite, even though he is blonde! Ryan just gave me the suss vibe, he just wasn’t as he seemed. The vast differences between the Faolchúnna pack and Crescent pack made this so gripping, it made it seem like we know that the grass is greener on the other side before she does.
Loved the characters in this as well, Kate the best friend was epic. Jonas from The Dark Knight club was intriguing, I hope we see more of him in the next book. Also loved Luke’s parents, they are couple goals. This book was so well written, setting the world up for us whilst depicting a great love story but that ending will keep me wanting until the next book. Thank you Ciara for this book, I can’t wait for more 🧡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this, I'm actually a little annoyed that I didn't read it sooner. There's mystery and suspense, and a lot of anger at a certain idiot. Yes, there is a love triangle. It's not normally my favourite trope either, but don't worry, one of the guys is a complete asshat, so you'll know who to root for.
Paranormal romance Werewolves and shifters Love triangle Slow burn romance Mild enemies to lovers Betrayal Hidden truths
* There isn't any spice in this book, but there will be as the series progresses.
4.5 ⭐️s An amazing debut that pulled me out of a reading slump, and into an amazing urban fantasy.
The twists and turns of the book kept me on my toes, and I had fun trying to predict the motives of the antagonists as the book went on.
This is my first real forray into urban fantasy as a book, though it gave me the same vibes and Bitten and Vampire Diaries TV shows - if they were set in Ireland. It was a great introduction to the genre, and I'd not be doing the paperback justice if I didn't mention how incredibly beautiful the interior formatting is!
The story ends on a classic *dun dun dun* moment though, so if you need me, I'll be crying in the corner until the sequel is released.
My only critique is that I needed MORE. I'd have liked to see more of Eves life before it changed, and I'd have loved for certain scenes to be extended - though that is just personal preference as I'm a huge detail lover!
A great start to a new urban fantasy series! We jump straight into the action with Eve waking up in the middle of a park with no idea how she got there… or where her clothes are. With all the classic dynamics we love from a good werewolf/pack scenario, and hints at a much bigger world of other beings, there’s plenty of scope for this series to expand. Eve felt a bit naive at times, but she’s young and we’ve all been there - hoping to see her settle into her identity and power! Many thanks to Ciara for an advanced copy of this book to review
The book being an urban fantasy shifter novel set in Ireland really peaked my interest! So many of these books seem to be set in America so it was nice to get my paws on one set much closer to home!
Really well written, great pacing and hard to put down 🖤 I throughly enjoyed this book!
The book follows our main female character, Eve, as she discovers that she’s a hybrid (half human half werewolf). She ends up in a semi-love triangle with two werewolves from separate packs and uncovers some shady things going on in her boyfriend’s pack 🐺
The action is great and the characters are lovable (or hatable in some cases) - I really found myself rooting for Eve and very invested in her story.
If you like werewolf books with a hint of romance (though no spice but it didn’t feel like anything was missing), this is the book for you! Can’t wait to get into book two 😍
From the get-go, you are thrown into this world with no idea what is happening. Very much like the FMC. I really enjoyed the Irish setting and some of the twang that was used. There was lots of suspense and drama throughout which I really enjoyed.
I loved the world-building and the character development. I normally don't enjoy love triangles but this one was done well and it didn't grate on my nerves too badly! All the way through I was rooting for Eve and I wanted to hold her hand all the way through. I wanted it to hit the spice mark a bit more but it didn't take away from the story and what was being revealed.
Well I'll start by saying Ryan can go suck a dinosaur ****!
This book made me feel somethings, mostly good but man I was getting so mad at certain Wolves *cough ryan cough*
The main character Eve is just trying to make sense of this new life she has been chucked into and then she has to deal with being bullied and attacked. But not for long when a hot blonde wolf helps train her.
LUKE to the rescue! What a Man 😍😍 with his own tragic backstory he is still open to helping Eve find her place.
This book was such a page turner, with twists and turns that left me hanging and wanting more more more!!!
I got an arc for this book, and when I started it I was expecting a typical shifter romance but it ended up being so much more than that. There are two quite compelling love interests, but the pack politics and mysteries surrounding the histories of the packs and characters really stole the show. The main character grows a lot during this book and really finds out who she is and what she wants. I can’t wait to see what she does with her newfound confidence in the next book!
"Not to be dramatic, but I felt like I'd been hit by a bus. This isn't how finding out you're a werewolf goes in movies."
Wolf Bait is the first novel in the New Adult Urban Paranormal series, The Hybrid Wolf, which follows the character Eve after a rather rude awaking to her supernatural status as a hybrid werewolf. Yet as she further navigates this world she is drawn to two ways, her boyfriend who's secrets are starting to pile up, and a handsome stranger who helped her in her time of need. With her status as a hybrid making her the social outcast, she knows she must make a decision between accepting her boyfriend's pack or seeking a new unfamiliar world. Now, if only she could figure out what her boyfriend's pack leader is hiding to help her make her decision...
This was an incredibly enjoyable and quick read that is perfect for readers looking for an effortless and smooth experience. Eve is a fun character who adds a sense of reality to the world of the supernatural - I thoroughly enjoyed her inner dialogue as she confronts each new truth. I will say her taste in boyfriends is poor but she grows during the book and I loved her bravery by the end.
Now this is a kind-of love triangle but not really. Think Twilight situation. You know from the beginning who she's going to actually pick but it just takes some time to get there - though why she took so long baffles me. Ryan, her current boyfriend, shows glimpses of sweetness but he is very much a static character who embraces the persona of bad boyfriend. Luke, on the other hand, is the sweet male character who just wants to help Eve. I liked seeing him introducing her to the world away from her controlling boyfriend. If you always rooted for Jacob then this romance is perfect for you!
As for spice, there is no spice at this time but the author does say it will grow into the next book. I actually was happy with the low spice because I didn't like her boyfriend XD I look forward to her and Luke developing their relationship further down the line.
"'You may be my boyfriend but I'm no Bella. I'm not joining anything.'"
There is not a whole lot of world building happening in this book but the focus is the plot and character. I found the plot took a turn I really wasn't expected and I enjoyed it. It starts off as a typical paranormal romance but evolved to show a much larger series is in the works. The final 25% ramped up the action and the twist was shocking, yet made sense. It fit with the themes I uncovered in this book as Eve is forced to embrace a new world and life.
Overall, I thought this was an excellent book to introduce this new series and I am excited to see what comes next! The tension, character development, and smooth pacing of this plot was the perfect thing I need between two giant high fantasies sapping my energy. Now, I need to see Eve and Luke together ASAP and will eagerly await book 2!
I devoured this book! I read this for 2 whole days, everything in my life became secondary to this book. This was intriguing from the start. I can't put into words how much I loved this book! All I can say is BUY IT!
Truly the best YA Fantasy novel I've read since L J Smith's Nightworld. And that was a long time ago.
I had truly given up on the YA fantasy genre until Delahunt hit me with this. I still haven't got much trust in the genre but Delahunt reminded me so much of why the genre used to be amazing that I fell for this book hard.
Where do I begin? First of all, Eve. Eveeee. Salty, badass Eve - believable Eve. Too often YA fantasy has this chick who can magically fire a gun and hit a target, or is BAM! amazing in hand-to-hand combat. But not Eve. No Eve had to work like a normal person. She had to train and practice and get knocked down and even then she's not magically fantastic. But what she is is smart, she's inspirational, she's funny and the type of person you could imagine being friends with - having a drink with in the bar where she works!
Secondly, Ryan. Blegh. What an asshole and Delahunt makes no illusion that he isn't a massive asshole. Which, as a person who loathes enemies to lovers, makes me very happy. And Luke? Yes. Just the right amount of angst (and can you blame him? Read the prequel!!!) and all the right amount of cuteness, smartness, smirkyness - those aren't words I know. But he had me from the moment he said hello.
But what I really want to praise Delahunt on is her writing and her world-building. I've never been to Dublin but having read this book, I feel like I have. She captured this city and seemed to twirl it around her finger to make it dance for her. And the underground urban Other Worldy club - I was like damn gurrrrl, I will read every single book you ever write now. It was just chapter after chapter of hooks and curves and I fell for each one.
I will reiterate that fantasy is not much genre and I was dubious when I first read it but my god - my eyes. It lives with me now, haunts me. I can close my eyes and see the wolves running through the dark forest with nothing but the full moon illuminating their coats. I can see Luke and Eve fighting, practicing, each pound of the fist. I can see sly Ryan and want to punch him all over again. I can see that grand manor in the rolling Irish countryside, smell the mountains. Suffice it to say, it was hook, line, and sinker for me.
If you're a Vampire Diaries, Night World, Teen Wolf, frigging True Blood fan even - Twilight for god's sake - this book will spear you through the chest and make you addicted. I am in awe of Delahunt and this magnificent book - five stars aren't enough. Ten stars! A thousand!
Praise for Wolf Bait and the return of a genre that was slowly dying a long death. Delahunt has brought it back to life again - I cannot wait to read the next one.
I've been really excited to read this since October when I met the author at AATA 25.
Paranormal is my fave genre and this was a great read, pacing was fantastic, plot and world building very good and easy enough to follow, this book is setting up for so much for with the questions and possibilities of what they are up to. I also like the magic system and I'm excited to learn more about it .
I love the mix of species in here aswell showing it's not just wolves but there are others about too. Surprisingly didn't miss the spice and was really invested in what was happening.
When I met the author she mentioned that she kills someone off in this book and fans were outraged, well I can see why 🤣 I mean great for Eve's character growth but damn I was hoping for a big reveal and they would travel this world together, Kate getting a nice wolf bf like Dylan or Josh, that dream died and I was gutted for her 🤣
I like to be honest in my reviews (not that I could do better) and explain why not 5, there was some grammatical stuff throughout where possible wrong names were used or something she didn't have she suddenly did, tiny little things but I get frustrated when the image flow is disturbed by having to piece together what it's actually meant to be, it's so minor and picky and I'm sorry, the other thing is the wolves, I'm used to them being a separate entity inside the shifter with their own spirit and names, it's a good thing this is different, it's refreshing but NGL I was a tiny bit sad about it, that's a me problem and I should just enjoy something fresh that isn't the same as everything else, damn tism in me struggles to accept change 🤣🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
this book was kindly sent to me as an arc by the author in exchange for an honest review!
Wolf Bait is a paranormal/urban fantasy novel to start off a series.
We follow Eve throughout her discovery of the paranormal world and her new life. We then have Ryan and Luke, the two other main characters.
What was fun about this book was that we started right into the thick of it. We also get to meet the two mmcs at the same time. It gives us a good feel for the existing relations and tensions.
I would not consider this book a romance, nor does it have a true romance trope. So if you're looking for that, this book isn't for you. I do think a true romance might spark later in the series, a slow-burn type of feel, but not in this first book.
There is quite a bit of toxicity, manipulation, and gaslighting. I was so frustrated throughout the book with our main character's lack of reaction, or more so, a spark of emotion, and then back to bland. She had a spark but it always fell really quickly in most situations. She felt in danger, but then she was chill, she felt betrayed, but then she was chill.
I really liked Luke tho, can't complain. I would have loved to see more of him outside of the training, as well as his pack.
I think this is a decent debut novel in the paranormal/urban fantasy world! I think the writing style is enjoyable and the story will develop and get better, just like the characters!
This book was freaking amazing!!! The plot was so incredibly written and I absolutely adored the lore behind it all! I’ve always loved shifter books but this was beyond exceptional! It was full of action and mystery behind Eve and her upbringing, as well as what Ryan’s pack is really up to. Eve has just found out she’s a hybrid and suddenly has to learn to control her shifting and heightened senses. Ryan said he would help her but answers in half truths and mystery. Luke is from an enemy pack of Ryan’s and has promised to train her. All Eve knows is that she’s surrounded by lies and nothing is as it seems. I literally cannot wait for book 2! This got me out of the biggest reading slump I have ever had in my life.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🐺Wolf Bait is an Irish urban fantasy and is so refreshing. The setting is superb and the writing is great. This story was fast paced and entertaining with lots of twists, turns, love, and betrayal. It has slow burn romance, found family, and lots of wit. Also, there’s something nostalgic about it. Classic urban fantasy with a twist. If you’re looking for a good werewolf story be sure to check out this indie author!
🎧Also a reminder that text to speech technology is an excellent way to listen ARCS and books that don’t have audio versions. It’s great if you’re busy, in pain, and/or injured like myself. Keep reading friends.
This book captivated me from moment one. I read a lot of paranormal fiction and LOVED this book. Ciara was kind enough to gift me and advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review for her debut novel.
This book was engaging and I connected to the characters almost immediately. This will be a series following the story of Eve, turning for the first time without knowing her supernatural past. While navigating a world she was thrown into and trying to be true to herself.
I know the book's descriptiton compares this to a Teen Wolf - Vampire Diaries hybrid...BUT...While I can't speak to Teen Wolf (Never Seen/Read), I can speak to Vampire Diaries...Comparing to to the books is ridiculous becasue in my opinion they were awful and not to mention partially written by a ghost writer when the auther refused to write the ending the way the publisher wanted...but if you are comparing to the show...ABSOLUTLEY...absoltely on par with such a great TV Series!
I can't wait for the next book to come out and can only hope there will be another advanced reader copy in my furture.
After being found naked in a park, Eve learns that she is a hybrid, a wolf shifter. Her boyfriend tries to convince her to join his pack, but they dont seem to want her. Hybrids are looked down on. His father threatens her and her only solace is Luke, a werewolf from another pack. Trying to bide her time as she learns control, Eve discovers several secrets the alpha has been keeping. Through sheer will and magic, she sets Luke and his pack down a path that might help them regain someone who was lost.
A very interesting story with lots of world building and characters. Very action packed!
What an exciting adventure this turned out to be! Starting out right away with mystery and uncertainty about how the MFC got into the situation she did. Found by a rival clan, while her boyfriend is out looking for her. Secrets are spilled, choices need to be made, and they need to be made fast.
The characters are well written and believable, the plot was easy to follow and engaging, and overall, this was a great book! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Please note: I have read the ARC copy. However, all the opinions and views are my own as any other review I make.
Rating 4.5 🌟 Plot twists: 4.5 🌟
A werewolve romance with not one, but two love interests?! Yes please 🥵
I liked the storyline, even though it is a slow burn, it is well worth it. The story grabbed me from the beginning, not many werewolves books start with a werewolf not aware of being one lol.
It had mystery, romance, drama, suspense... everything to make it the perfect paranormal romance book 📖
Would definitely recommend reading if you love paranormal romance books 🐺 🖤
Because good god, this girl was an idiot day 1. She knew she was making shitty choices and kept keeping on. I GET leaving an abusive relationship is hard, but for the most part the only thing I saw from the beginning was he lied about cheating on her, like LEAVE! No reason to stay after that. But then she just like tumbled along with him. Idk hated it. And like no spice to even make up for that cluster F I just read.
The beginning of this book is very slow and there were times where I contemplated on a DNF. I understand why this was done because the plot needed to the paved out and the stage at, but I would’ve wished for a slightly speedier execution. Once we got to the 60% mark though, things started happening and moving and I found myself enjoying the storyline.
Ciara wrote such a captivating first book! She reinvigorated my love for paranormal romance books!
Her book was an easy read. It kept me hooked from the first page! The setting being in Ireland was amazing and as an Irish American, it was so great to read a book set in Ireland by an Irish native!
Eve was relatable, Luke was amazing! I can’t wait for book 2!
Absolutely loved following Eve on her journey and can't wait to see where it goes next! This book was so well written, easy to follow and engaging I just couldn't devour it quick enough. 100% you MUST read this!! Definitely a top read for me this year!
I got the ARC of this wonderful book and I just want to say WOW. I was so impressed but his and just love love love the characters and world so much! Go check it out. A shifter romance, COME ON! ♥️♥️