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Dark Hollow Wolf Pack #6
Breaking Up With The Alpha
Nicky’s living his happily ever after with his handsome mate Marco. He thinks he’s finally getting his life together now that the Hunters are gone, and he and Marco have the relationship he always wanted.
When Marco falls desperately ill, Nicky sees his world crashing around him. Nicky’s prayers are answered when Marco awakes, but he’s horrified to discover that the illness attacked the bloodmatch, and Marco has no memories of Nicky and their life together. Even worse, Marco has reverted back to the overbearing, dominant alpha Nicky first met.
Desperate to regain what they had, Nicky agrees to the D/s relationship he never really wanted, but unable to be submissive, he asks Marco for a separation, only to discover that Marco can’t let him move on. In despair, Nicky runs away. Can Marco find him and regain what they had? Or will they lose each other forever?
Word count: 35432
When Marco falls desperately ill, Nicky sees his world crashing around him. Nicky’s prayers are answered when Marco awakes, but he’s horrified to discover that the illness attacked the bloodmatch, and Marco has no memories of Nicky and their life together. Even worse, Marco has reverted back to the overbearing, dominant alpha Nicky first met.
Desperate to regain what they had, Nicky agrees to the D/s relationship he never really wanted, but unable to be submissive, he asks Marco for a separation, only to discover that Marco can’t let him move on. In despair, Nicky runs away. Can Marco find him and regain what they had? Or will they lose each other forever?
Word count: 35432
102 pages, ebook
First published December 20, 2012
5 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 31, 2012
This story did nothing but make me mad at the antics of Marco and Nicky. I usually like those two but I did not see the point of this book. The book added no growth or significant details to the series as a whole, no new characters or beginnings of new storylines. I was disappointed.
October 2, 2015
This was a tough book for me to read. I loved that it focused on Nicky and Marco, from book 1, but the blurb made me dread it at the same time. What do you mean – they break up? But – they love each other, why in the world would they break up? And let me tell you, this story is as heartbreaking as it sounds.
Marco is acting weird. I mean, weirder than normal. It was pretty clear what happened, but it takes the pack a while to figure out what caused his changed behavior, and it leaves little room for hope. The Marco in the fist book, traditional and a domineering bastard is back in full force, but this time, he isn’t even sorry for what his demands do to Nicky. I'd have had a far more difficult time being understanding for so long than Nicky!
Nicky has no idea what to do. He loves Marco deeply, but he isn’t submissive (except for in the bedroom, and even there it is more play than a serious behavior for him). I thought it was heartbreaking how hard he tries, because he thinks he wants Marco at any price, but it just doesn't work and he has to leave.
This is the most emotional book in the series yet. Probably because Nicky and Marco have been there since the beginning, and kept appearing in all the books. But also because the problem is very real: what if you cannot like what your partner needs? What if you try to be the person your partner wants but it makes you truly unhappy? "Love at any price" is proven to be unworkable and the fallout is painful. If you like stories with tons of emotion and heartbreak, if you enjoy the drama of two lovers becoming truly incompatible, then figure out how to deal with it, and if you're looking for another story dedicated to Nicky and Marco, then you will probably like this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Secret Cravings Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Marco is acting weird. I mean, weirder than normal. It was pretty clear what happened, but it takes the pack a while to figure out what caused his changed behavior, and it leaves little room for hope. The Marco in the fist book, traditional and a domineering bastard is back in full force, but this time, he isn’t even sorry for what his demands do to Nicky. I'd have had a far more difficult time being understanding for so long than Nicky!
Nicky has no idea what to do. He loves Marco deeply, but he isn’t submissive (except for in the bedroom, and even there it is more play than a serious behavior for him). I thought it was heartbreaking how hard he tries, because he thinks he wants Marco at any price, but it just doesn't work and he has to leave.
This is the most emotional book in the series yet. Probably because Nicky and Marco have been there since the beginning, and kept appearing in all the books. But also because the problem is very real: what if you cannot like what your partner needs? What if you try to be the person your partner wants but it makes you truly unhappy? "Love at any price" is proven to be unworkable and the fallout is painful. If you like stories with tons of emotion and heartbreak, if you enjoy the drama of two lovers becoming truly incompatible, then figure out how to deal with it, and if you're looking for another story dedicated to Nicky and Marco, then you will probably like this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Secret Cravings Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 22, 2013
This is what I think.
And... it is so going straight into my "I-hate-chu" category.
Cos this is what I wanted to tell the book...
for making an ass out of me and for ruining two of my somewhat fav characters. They were nothing but total airheads here and thinks only with their 'small heads'. Plus, sex is total cure for every fuq-up situations.
July 12, 2013
As always I love the Dark Hollow Wolf Pack series, but I must say that I expected a little more of 'Breaking Up With The Alpha'. The end felt really rushed, it felt as if I jumped a chapter and there the 'The End' sign stood smiling at me. The end wasn't really an end at all, I'm praying to whatever God there is for a continuing book of what happened between Nicky & Marco. I really love these characters and to see them happy together is on my Christmas list from now on.
I felt that the story had more of a HFN(Happy For Now) ending than a HEA(Happily Ever After), so I'm gonna bet my all on a new book that picks up where this one ended. (hint, hint)
The story itself was awesome. I lost count over how many times tears were streaming down my face. I wanted to castrate Marco at times and beat him black and blue with them. At times I wish that Nicky would just and just rub it in Marco's face. But then again when they were out on the patio I was like "NOOOOOO!!!" and felt like "we" were
The first chapter of this book had me all jelly in my knees and warm in my heart. I even blushed a little at times. It was just the perfect Nicky and Marco image.
I wish that we got to know a little more about Nicky's thoughts and feelings while he was away from Gabe. Did he just camp out in the mountains? Just took a swift visit by the I felt like I had a lot of questions at the end of this book, but as I said; I really hope the next book in this series will pick up where this book ended so that we can get our questions answered and see Nicky & Marco's happily ever after.
It's always a blast to see Gabe and Zack again though, love them both so much.
Absolutely a book I would recommend everyone to read! Especially if you love Nicky & Marco ;-)
I felt that the story had more of a HFN(Happy For Now) ending than a HEA(Happily Ever After), so I'm gonna bet my all on a new book that picks up where this one ended. (hint, hint)
The story itself was awesome. I lost count over how many times tears were streaming down my face. I wanted to castrate Marco at times and beat him black and blue with them. At times I wish that Nicky would just and just rub it in Marco's face. But then again when they were out on the patio I was like "NOOOOOO!!!" and felt like "we" were
The first chapter of this book had me all jelly in my knees and warm in my heart. I even blushed a little at times. It was just the perfect Nicky and Marco image.
I wish that we got to know a little more about Nicky's thoughts and feelings while he was away from Gabe. Did he just camp out in the mountains? Just took a swift visit by the I felt like I had a lot of questions at the end of this book, but as I said; I really hope the next book in this series will pick up where this book ended so that we can get our questions answered and see Nicky & Marco's happily ever after.
It's always a blast to see Gabe and Zack again though, love them both so much.
Absolutely a book I would recommend everyone to read! Especially if you love Nicky & Marco ;-)
December 21, 2012
I was really looking forward to revisiting Marco and Nicky. Primarily because I've seen Marco change over the past 5 books and I was looking for a little Nicky-evolution here. Sadly it doesn't really happen. It could have, should have, and Nicky does grow but he still retains enough of the brat characteristics to be irritating at times. If you like that trope (bratty sub) then this is right up your alley. I will say Nicky has done a lot for Marco - but the constant challenges and little picky things he does continue to turn me off. Being contrary to be contrary for me is not a turn on. If that gets your waters flowing you will be in heaven here.
The beginning was quite dramatic - I mean vvveerryyy dramatic. It seemed overplayed to me. It was emotional. That's not to say I didn't feel for Nicky - I did. What happened was heartbreaking -- and I cut him a lot of slack because of it. I also thought Marco's friends should have provided a lot more in the way of support. It felt weird to me that all the sudden the interactions didn't seem as integrated as in past stories. I wanted to read about the other alpha's giving blood and such -- not just be told they were there.
There were some very serious moments but much of the drama surrounding it happens off screen. I was really bummed about that. I don't give anything away as the blurb says Nicky runs away but I was hoping to be in his head when he ran and with the time he was away. I think there could have been a lot of growth there but instead . Nicky is consistently selfish even when giving in to things - somehow he never really comes across as totally sympathetic (which would help his cause with me let me tell you!). Marco was as described and I thought he was trying. A miss on the communication (which is a standard for this series so expect it).
Also this one felt just too short for what was packed into it. A little too much ping pong action going back and forth. I felt like I was running to catch up at times. I still thought it was o.k. but, IMHO, the weakest of the series.
* Review copy provided for an honest review *
The beginning was quite dramatic - I mean vvveerryyy dramatic. It seemed overplayed to me. It was emotional. That's not to say I didn't feel for Nicky - I did. What happened was heartbreaking -- and I cut him a lot of slack because of it. I also thought Marco's friends should have provided a lot more in the way of support. It felt weird to me that all the sudden the interactions didn't seem as integrated as in past stories. I wanted to read about the other alpha's giving blood and such -- not just be told they were there.
There were some very serious moments but much of the drama surrounding it happens off screen. I was really bummed about that. I don't give anything away as the blurb says Nicky runs away but I was hoping to be in his head when he ran and with the time he was away. I think there could have been a lot of growth there but instead . Nicky is consistently selfish even when giving in to things - somehow he never really comes across as totally sympathetic (which would help his cause with me let me tell you!). Marco was as described and I thought he was trying. A miss on the communication (which is a standard for this series so expect it).
Also this one felt just too short for what was packed into it. A little too much ping pong action going back and forth. I felt like I was running to catch up at times. I still thought it was o.k. but, IMHO, the weakest of the series.
* Review copy provided for an honest review *
February 12, 2015
It's amazing how books from the same series and the same author can give me such different feelings. This one I really liked. When Nicky and Marco first meet, they have the mating instinct to help them along and it was really interesting to see what happens when you take that advantage away and wipe the slate clean. Nicky remembers it, even if he doesn't feel it anymore, but Marco completely forgets who Nicky is. Everything about him. This one had me tearing up and rooting for true love to conquer all.
June 4, 2018
I have all 15 books in this series and I enjoyed it. I read the first 7 several years ago and decided to re-read them again since the entire series is out now. There is some redundancy in that each book heavily features the "mating" between the wolf and less dominant partner; however, the individual stories intertwine with a larger story that kept it overall very entertaining.
Book 15 is called "The Final Chapter" but it appears it's just the final chapter for the wolves being the main story as the author now has a new series out called "The Darker Hollow" using one of the minor characters (Mason, a Jax's little brother) and vampires/wolves but still taking place partly or mostly in the same area The Dark Hollow - 2 books are out in that series so far. I'm a little burned out so I haven't bought them and I'll wait to see how many more show up in that one, I don't like cliff hangers and I worry that this will be another long series and the overall story will be left open.
One note of caution, if you are a picky reader (and I admit that I am not but it is the reason for 4 stars), be prepared to get over quite a few inconsistencies in the stories, especially as the series grows. Some are small like the time Zack gets out of the river and "puts his clothes on" but then it's noted he was seen going into the lodge naked; in Connor/Jeremy's story they actually refer to them backwards; in one book Marco says he first saw Nicky in a restaurant but in the original and every other reference it was in a park; in one book Landry says he was not jealous being born a pet but in another it says he was... And there are some bigger inconsistencies you'll have to just get over, like Logan's Mom - in his book it says she raised him until he was 10 but that is not the story given in later books for him or for her.
Book 15 is called "The Final Chapter" but it appears it's just the final chapter for the wolves being the main story as the author now has a new series out called "The Darker Hollow" using one of the minor characters (Mason, a Jax's little brother) and vampires/wolves but still taking place partly or mostly in the same area The Dark Hollow - 2 books are out in that series so far. I'm a little burned out so I haven't bought them and I'll wait to see how many more show up in that one, I don't like cliff hangers and I worry that this will be another long series and the overall story will be left open.
One note of caution, if you are a picky reader (and I admit that I am not but it is the reason for 4 stars), be prepared to get over quite a few inconsistencies in the stories, especially as the series grows. Some are small like the time Zack gets out of the river and "puts his clothes on" but then it's noted he was seen going into the lodge naked; in Connor/Jeremy's story they actually refer to them backwards; in one book Marco says he first saw Nicky in a restaurant but in the original and every other reference it was in a park; in one book Landry says he was not jealous being born a pet but in another it says he was... And there are some bigger inconsistencies you'll have to just get over, like Logan's Mom - in his book it says she raised him until he was 10 but that is not the story given in later books for him or for her.
February 23, 2024
I came across this book via Google, landing on https://bit.ly/49oDNmV, and to my relief, I realized by the end that I had dodged a bullet by not having paid for it.
Having not read the preceding books in the series, I found Marco and Nicky to be rather one-dimensional characters. Marco's declaration of love, "Please come back home to me, darling. I promise you I'll change," felt far too simplistic to me.
July 29, 2017
El libro es entretenido, pero innecesario. La relación de Nicky y Marco era tan... linda y la autora por alguna extraña razón pensó que sería buena idea arruinarla. Amo a Nicky! Es una lástima, pero espero que pueda resolverse de alguna manera en futuros libros.
December 10, 2019
The love between Marco and Nicky has always been undeniable, no matter what hardship they may face. But I have to say that it didn't completely break my heart, it tore at some strings. I was at the edge of my seat, until the end, just hoping and praying. They really are so beautiful.
May 10, 2019
It ended abruptly. But that's me. Others might like how it ended.
September 20, 2014
Wow! I was really nervous about reading this one but I absolutely loved it! I adore a good angsty cry and this book delivered. I bawled my eyes out. The final paragraph of this book was a pure gold bonus. Loving this series more with every book.
One of the other reviewers said that they didn't see the point of this book and that it added nothing new. I agreed with them at first but the I realised that Marco was giving into Nicky's needs to keep his mate happy rather than because he truly understood the issues. In fact they'd developed an imbalance of power that was as unhealthy as when Marco was in control. Without the cushion of being blood mates, I think Marco would have found it as difficult as Nicky did to cope with the situation. Now that the foundations of their relationship gave been torn down, it's a chance to rebuild a more balanced, healthier relationship.
One of the other reviewers said that they didn't see the point of this book and that it added nothing new. I agreed with them at first but the I realised that Marco was giving into Nicky's needs to keep his mate happy rather than because he truly understood the issues. In fact they'd developed an imbalance of power that was as unhealthy as when Marco was in control. Without the cushion of being blood mates, I think Marco would have found it as difficult as Nicky did to cope with the situation. Now that the foundations of their relationship gave been torn down, it's a chance to rebuild a more balanced, healthier relationship.
August 20, 2013
I was really reluctant to read this book since i hated their original story but i figured with a title like this it won't be that bad.
Ok here we go....Marco is still overbearing bully and i didn't like him anymore than i did at the beginning, especially when he tells nicky to turn off the tv snd go to sleep and won't let him finish his show *rolling eyes* seriously dude you are not his father and he is not a kid anymore . There were some good parts like when nicky decides that marco is a jerk and starts hating him(too bad the hatred vanished so quickly) and nacky's kiss with Jeremy was possibly the best scene of the story and seriously why did marco and nicky had to get back together????
Ok here we go....Marco is still overbearing bully and i didn't like him anymore than i did at the beginning, especially when he tells nicky to turn off the tv snd go to sleep and won't let him finish his show *rolling eyes* seriously dude you are not his father and he is not a kid anymore . There were some good parts like when nicky decides that marco is a jerk and starts hating him(too bad the hatred vanished so quickly) and nacky's kiss with Jeremy was possibly the best scene of the story and seriously why did marco and nicky had to get back together????
January 7, 2013
Another installment in the Dark Hallow series. I have truly enjoyed this one and this book doesn't disappoint. I was shedding a tear or two getting through this one. It seems something is wrong with Marco and no matter how much Nicky loves him he doesn't see how he can work things out. Marco knows he's trying and decides its better to let him go without fully understanding what his happening within himself. This decision has such painful consequences. I struggled right along with them as they tried to get it all back together.
January 4, 2013
Good to revisit Marco and Nicky but I found the end was too abrupt. Nicky is angry and hates Marco yet it takes barely any time for him to forgive Marco. While Marco does seem to have seen the error of his ways from what we have seen of Nicky in the past I don't believe Marco should be so easily forgiven. He put Nicky through hell and dissolved their mating and refuses to admit that he loves him. Yet the moment he says it to Nicky even though Nicky is still suffering the effects of alcohol and drugs and from being feral it's as if all is forgiven which makes no sense to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2013
We revisit Nicky and Marco in this story and its not the happy times we've seen in previous stories. Something has happened to Marco and his return to his old ways breaks Nicky's heart. Can Nicky become more submissive to keep Marco or will this break them?
This was a shorter book than most and didn't develop the characters much at all. While still enjoyable it wasn't my favourite book in this series. I'm hoping the next book will bring more character development.
This was a shorter book than most and didn't develop the characters much at all. While still enjoyable it wasn't my favourite book in this series. I'm hoping the next book will bring more character development.
September 16, 2014
My opinion on this whole series can be found in the first book's review. That opinion applies to this book and I saw no point in saying the same thing over and over for the next 6 books.
Summary: Enjoyable story but disturbing themes that is potentially offensive to some readers.
Nicky and Marco again. Meh. Oh, but my heartstrings were definitely tugged at some parts of the story. Good story, still not my favorite couple.
Summary: Enjoyable story but disturbing themes that is potentially offensive to some readers.
Nicky and Marco again. Meh. Oh, but my heartstrings were definitely tugged at some parts of the story. Good story, still not my favorite couple.
April 18, 2013
Uhmm...not sure how to rate this one so I'll give it ((2.5)) stars because I saw no point to it at all and was disappointed that Nicky and Marco were no longer bloodmates. The ending was just, yeah just.......:-(
July 6, 2013
It was alright. ..
The one big plus was that I don't care for sequels and this one wasnt too bad. But destroying their blood match was a bit harsh to me. I think perhaps the amnesia alone could have worked.
The one big plus was that I don't care for sequels and this one wasnt too bad. But destroying their blood match was a bit harsh to me. I think perhaps the amnesia alone could have worked.
August 5, 2014
What an awesome and unexpected twist to the series. I love that we revisited previous characters. In fact, one of my favorite things about this whole series is that it keeps all of the past characters involved.
August 6, 2014
The events in this bk with Nicky and Marco were horrible. I felt so bad for Nicky and wanted to hurt Marco. But I fckin guess. I was so glad when Nicky decided to leave. It was just too hard for him to continue there. Have Marco something to be miserable about.
January 4, 2013
Удивительно, насколько все же часто люди авторы могут путать любовь и стокгольмский синдром.
July 5, 2013
what can i say? Poor Nicky...Poor Marco
Amazing angst in this book
I loved the possession, the primitive responses, the emotion, the overlay of so many other characters.
Brilliant.
Amazing angst in this book
I loved the possession, the primitive responses, the emotion, the overlay of so many other characters.
Brilliant.
May 29, 2014
Originally read in 2012
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews