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Hidden Wolves #3
Unwanted Appeal
This version is no longer available. Rereleased 03-16-21 with a new cover and light edit.
Do strangers want to join Aaron's pack, or wipe it from the face of the earth?
Aaron, Alpha of Minneapolis West, is tired of other werewolves threatening his pack for harboring a gay wolf and his mate. Werewolves have more important things to worry about, with humans closing in on discovering them. But the arrival of two strange wolves on his doorstep, asking for sanctuary, pits compassion against safety. Can he let these two in and still keep his pack and his mate Zach safe? Or is that a risk he can't afford to take?
Do strangers want to join Aaron's pack, or wipe it from the face of the earth?
Aaron, Alpha of Minneapolis West, is tired of other werewolves threatening his pack for harboring a gay wolf and his mate. Werewolves have more important things to worry about, with humans closing in on discovering them. But the arrival of two strange wolves on his doorstep, asking for sanctuary, pits compassion against safety. Can he let these two in and still keep his pack and his mate Zach safe? Or is that a risk he can't afford to take?
63 pages, ebook
First published April 24, 2013
265 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
91 books2,730 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
April 27, 2013
In my review for Unexpected Demands, I said how 1st person perspective made Aaron lost his edge a bit; and how I was more curious with Zach (his love interest) and desperately wanted to "hear" Zach's voice.
So I was extremely HAPPY that this novella used 3rd person style, and had BOTH Aaron and Zach's perspectives. It made the story more appealing. Aaron got his edge again, and Zach was still adorable. Not in cute-twink kind of way -- though he was indeed younger than Aaron -- but in that more optimistic and slight innocence way to deal (or flirt) with Aaron, his Alpha and the man he loved.
I wasn't surprised about but Cord, well, Cord intrigued me :). Here was a guy who was described as "took “pretty” and “male model” and made them both look like road kill" (hmmm, Matt Bomer -- though without the blue eyes) and he seemed to be a new character that would be part of the pack from now on.
I enjoyed the werewolf hierarchy that Kaje Harper presented here, even if it frustrated me also on how uhm, barbaric(?) outdated (?), urgh, I couldn't remember the English term!!! -- the way of the pack was. Which made Paul challenging Aaron's orders and werewolf tendency to resort to violence interesting.
I do have one expectation though --- with other shifters series, it tend to make ALL shifters as gay. Well, with Cord coming in (edited to add: is he gay, is he NOT gay ... well, Kaje has spoken ), I truly hope that Aaron's pack will not be the all-gay-wolf pack. Where everybody became gay for everybody else. It was one of the theme in MM shifter series that bored the hell out of me.
By the way, I am SO HAPPY that Paul finally got his kittens. And awwwww, for him and Simon calling the kittens their babies (yes, this is where "baby" is actually okay!)
So I was extremely HAPPY that this novella used 3rd person style, and had BOTH Aaron and Zach's perspectives. It made the story more appealing. Aaron got his edge again, and Zach was still adorable. Not in cute-twink kind of way -- though he was indeed younger than Aaron -- but in that more optimistic and slight innocence way to deal (or flirt) with Aaron, his Alpha and the man he loved.
I wasn't surprised about but Cord, well, Cord intrigued me :). Here was a guy who was described as "took “pretty” and “male model” and made them both look like road kill" (hmmm, Matt Bomer -- though without the blue eyes) and he seemed to be a new character that would be part of the pack from now on.
I enjoyed the werewolf hierarchy that Kaje Harper presented here, even if it frustrated me also on how uhm, barbaric(?) outdated (?), urgh, I couldn't remember the English term!!! -- the way of the pack was. Which made Paul challenging Aaron's orders and werewolf tendency to resort to violence interesting.
I do have one expectation though --- with other shifters series, it tend to make ALL shifters as gay. Well, with Cord coming in (edited to add: is he gay, is he NOT gay ... well, Kaje has spoken ), I truly hope that Aaron's pack will not be the all-gay-wolf pack. Where everybody became gay for everybody else. It was one of the theme in MM shifter series that bored the hell out of me.
By the way, I am SO HAPPY that Paul finally got his kittens. And awwwww, for him and Simon calling the kittens their babies (yes, this is where "baby" is actually okay!)
December 1, 2014
4.5 That's What I'm Talking About Stars
Who would have guessed that my favorite book in the series so far would be a free novella? It's a known fact that novellas disappoint most of the times but not this one. This one had everything the previous book lacked and then some. I'm not gonna say that this was a "must-read" or anything but I'm very glad I didn't skip it(I thought of it for a while).
Unlike the previous book we have a third-person, dual POV narration in this one, for which I'm glad. I wanted to be in Zach's head for a while and see how he thinks. This was one of the things I liked so much in this novella.
Zach's and Aaron's relationship are still a little hard for me to understand but they grew on me here. I liked how the relationship didn't seem one sided as it kind of did in the previous book. I really couldn't understand why Aaron liked Zach so much before. He was a kid, a little sullen and very messed up but Aaron was a grown man who should need more than a pretty, submissive guy in his life. In this book we see how Zach allows Aaron to be himself, how he helps him relax. And Zach is a nice, dependable guy who has a lot of compassion and trusts other people despite everything he's been through, something that isn't true about most werewolves.
I also liked the story. It was very well structured and complete for a novella. Nothing was overly rushed or swept under the rag in an attempt to tie up the book in the prefered pages. If there's one thing the author does well in her books, it's the writing. Compelling, interesting, without too many inner monologues or lengthy descriptions.
PS. I loved Cord(new character introduced in the novella). Especially the scene when he tried to explain how "everyone wants a second look of his abs if they're gay" without coming off as a conceited, vain idiot was hilarious!
PPS. Much love for Simon's and Paul's kitten babies.
PPPS. I love that more people learn about Zach and Aaron. I'm looking forward for the inevitable moment they come out of the closet.
Who would have guessed that my favorite book in the series so far would be a free novella? It's a known fact that novellas disappoint most of the times but not this one. This one had everything the previous book lacked and then some. I'm not gonna say that this was a "must-read" or anything but I'm very glad I didn't skip it(I thought of it for a while).
Unlike the previous book we have a third-person, dual POV narration in this one, for which I'm glad. I wanted to be in Zach's head for a while and see how he thinks. This was one of the things I liked so much in this novella.
Zach's and Aaron's relationship are still a little hard for me to understand but they grew on me here. I liked how the relationship didn't seem one sided as it kind of did in the previous book. I really couldn't understand why Aaron liked Zach so much before. He was a kid, a little sullen and very messed up but Aaron was a grown man who should need more than a pretty, submissive guy in his life. In this book we see how Zach allows Aaron to be himself, how he helps him relax. And Zach is a nice, dependable guy who has a lot of compassion and trusts other people despite everything he's been through, something that isn't true about most werewolves.
I also liked the story. It was very well structured and complete for a novella. Nothing was overly rushed or swept under the rag in an attempt to tie up the book in the prefered pages. If there's one thing the author does well in her books, it's the writing. Compelling, interesting, without too many inner monologues or lengthy descriptions.
PS. I loved Cord(new character introduced in the novella). Especially the scene when he tried to explain how "everyone wants a second look of his abs if they're gay" without coming off as a conceited, vain idiot was hilarious!
PPS. Much love for Simon's and Paul's kitten babies.
PPPS. I love that more people learn about Zach and Aaron. I'm looking forward for the inevitable moment they come out of the closet.
May 28, 2013
4.65 stars
An awesome follow up to Unexpected Demands where I nearly cried in disappointment because yummy Aaron was missing. I am giddy with delight, Aaron is back, bigger and better and I am drooling over him once again. I adored Zach and was happy to have his POV finally, fun and insightful. Jason and Cord are fabulous secondary characters, my curiosity was well and truly piqued, very intriguing, I hope there is more of them to come. Lastly Paul's family is complete, Nimby and Frack are here to stay, so cute. Happily satisfied, Kaje has delivered a wonderful freebie, thank you.
An awesome follow up to Unexpected Demands where I nearly cried in disappointment because yummy Aaron was missing. I am giddy with delight, Aaron is back, bigger and better and I am drooling over him once again. I adored Zach and was happy to have his POV finally, fun and insightful. Jason and Cord are fabulous secondary characters, my curiosity was well and truly piqued, very intriguing, I hope there is more of them to come. Lastly Paul's family is complete, Nimby and Frack are here to stay, so cute. Happily satisfied, Kaje has delivered a wonderful freebie, thank you.
February 10, 2025
In my re-read of the entire Hidden Wolves series, I realized that I somehow never read Unwanted Appeal, which is now numbered as book 3 in the series, though it used to be 2.5 as it's an established couple novella. I was SHOCKED. I adore this series and recommend it all the time, so the fact that I had missed a book was surprising but kind of exciting. New Aaron and Zach content?? I'm all in.
Maybe this book would be closer to 4-stars for other readers, but I seriously have a thing for this series, so it was as good as it gets for a novella to me. This is a series that MUST be read in order, FYI, as this book picks up pretty much where the previous book left off.
It was magical for me to get more content from these men, and I enjoyed seeing the relationship progression here as well as some plot advancement with the pack structure.
This is also another Hidden Wolves book that I have in paperback, so it's totes coming with me to a con to get signed by the lovely Kaje Harper. Just a lovely read, and a great memento of this series for me to keep on my shelf.
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Maybe this book would be closer to 4-stars for other readers, but I seriously have a thing for this series, so it was as good as it gets for a novella to me. This is a series that MUST be read in order, FYI, as this book picks up pretty much where the previous book left off.
It was magical for me to get more content from these men, and I enjoyed seeing the relationship progression here as well as some plot advancement with the pack structure.
This is also another Hidden Wolves book that I have in paperback, so it's totes coming with me to a con to get signed by the lovely Kaje Harper. Just a lovely read, and a great memento of this series for me to keep on my shelf.
*~*Follow me on instagram for more reviews, book talk, and deals posts*~*
Read
March 7, 2021The new edition of
Unwanted Appeal
(now numbered book 3 to get it into Amazon for the first time) will rerelease March 16 2021 - preorders are now up on Amazon.
This one is also lightly edited but not significantly changed or expanded.
This one is also lightly edited but not significantly changed or expanded.
December 8, 2025
What I appreciate the most about the short stories in this series is that they’re not just a little bit of fluff and the occasion to spend more time with the MCs from the various books, they add something more substantial, both in terms of plot and character development. This one gets the full 5 stars for a few reasons: it’s about my favorite couple in the series, it has a pretty decent plot all by itself despite the short length, and it has Zach’s POV.
April 29, 2013
Very good sequel novella to Hidden Wolves 2 Unexpected Demands (and has the extra bonus of being free.)
Heads-up that this is not a stand-alone story, and if you’re new to the series, I highly recommend you start at the beginning with Hidden Wolves 1 Unacceptable Risk. There’s a lot of characters and story that play out over the books and to better understand what’s going on, it’s better to start from there.
This novella continues Aaron and Zach’s story that started with book 2. They’ve been secretly together for three months, and care very strongly for each other, but at times the secrecy and stress of being found out takes its toll. Adding to that are two new wolves petitioning for entrance to their pack. Both Aaron and Zach feel some insecurity, and worry internally about whether the other will find a better “mate” with someone else, one that is closer in age, hotter, or would bring less danger. Fortunately for these two, their own protective love for one another gets them through.
The novella is mostly plot, and I liked that this it isn’t a throw-away side story. Things happen in it that you can tell will have impact or will be relevant later. For Simon and Paul fans (who were the MCs in book 1 and 1.5), they’re here too, with Paul and Aaron clashing some more over pack policies, but coming somewhat to an understanding.
Although their feelings for each other flow through the entire story, especially as we bounce back from both Aaron’s and Zach’s POV, the plot has a little less romance and sexy times, but like in book 2, ends the two on a strong HFN. (Aaron’s position as alpha and the continued threats to gay wolves who are out make it more difficult for these guys to sail off to an island and have that forever HEA.)
That being said, I hope somehow we can return to these two in the future and see how their relationship evolves. The one bad thing about having different couples as a series continues is that I miss reading from the perspectives of the earlier couples. (I dig both Simon&Paul and Aaron&Zach.) Harper is always really good at highlighting characters and how they change and grow, even when they’re not the focus of the story, so I feel confident that we’ll see more of these guys. (And who knows, maybe there will be another short story in the future!)
Anyways, very enjoyable read, and a nice return to the Hidden Wolves world. If you like the series, you will probably dig it. (And if/when book 3 comes out, it would be good to read this before then since my guess is the actions in this one will have some impact there.) I'm still fully on board the Hidden Wolves train and very much looking forward to seeing what happens next.
This novella is available free on both GR and Smashwords for download.
Heads-up that this is not a stand-alone story, and if you’re new to the series, I highly recommend you start at the beginning with Hidden Wolves 1 Unacceptable Risk. There’s a lot of characters and story that play out over the books and to better understand what’s going on, it’s better to start from there.
This novella continues Aaron and Zach’s story that started with book 2. They’ve been secretly together for three months, and care very strongly for each other, but at times the secrecy and stress of being found out takes its toll. Adding to that are two new wolves petitioning for entrance to their pack. Both Aaron and Zach feel some insecurity, and worry internally about whether the other will find a better “mate” with someone else, one that is closer in age, hotter, or would bring less danger. Fortunately for these two, their own protective love for one another gets them through.
The novella is mostly plot, and I liked that this it isn’t a throw-away side story. Things happen in it that you can tell will have impact or will be relevant later. For Simon and Paul fans (who were the MCs in book 1 and 1.5), they’re here too, with Paul and Aaron clashing some more over pack policies, but coming somewhat to an understanding.
Although their feelings for each other flow through the entire story, especially as we bounce back from both Aaron’s and Zach’s POV, the plot has a little less romance and sexy times, but like in book 2, ends the two on a strong HFN. (Aaron’s position as alpha and the continued threats to gay wolves who are out make it more difficult for these guys to sail off to an island and have that forever HEA.)
That being said, I hope somehow we can return to these two in the future and see how their relationship evolves. The one bad thing about having different couples as a series continues is that I miss reading from the perspectives of the earlier couples. (I dig both Simon&Paul and Aaron&Zach.) Harper is always really good at highlighting characters and how they change and grow, even when they’re not the focus of the story, so I feel confident that we’ll see more of these guys. (And who knows, maybe there will be another short story in the future!)
Anyways, very enjoyable read, and a nice return to the Hidden Wolves world. If you like the series, you will probably dig it. (And if/when book 3 comes out, it would be good to read this before then since my guess is the actions in this one will have some impact there.) I'm still fully on board the Hidden Wolves train and very much looking forward to seeing what happens next.
This novella is available free on both GR and Smashwords for download.
July 26, 2024
-------original review April 2015------
3.5 Stars.
Aaron and Zach are getting closer to an HEA, but still not really there. I get where Aaron is coming from with him not wanting to mate bond to Zach. He's concerned that with both the Alpha bond and the mate bond, Zach would lose too much of himself. He also isn't yet out to most of his pack, and he doesn't want to make things even more difficult for them with outside packs. Still, I do hope that he at least gets to the point of being open about his relationship with Zach.
The new pack, however, is coming along nicely and even gaining a member here and there. Wolf culture is slow to change, but, thanks to Aaron and the Alpha's of a couple other packs, things are looking up - especially in the area of gay wolves.
I don't really have time to write a proper review, but I'm enjoying this series a lot and will be starting the third major book shortly.
August 20, 2021
Despite being short, I like how much this book adds to the story. I liked the new addition to the pack, I hope he is going to be a good asset, and we even got kittens. What more could we ask for?
May 29, 2013
It was great to be able to follow up ‘Unexpected Demands’ with this second free short from the Hidden Wolf series. These freebies really are a decent length considering they’re only meant to be an interlude between novels and what I’ve enjoyed about them is the fact that they aren’t just there to give you a little peek into how life is treating the characters you’ve just got involved with, they actually contain a story that is in keeping with the whole series and the conflicts that have arisen from the strict pack politics of the Werewolf communities. Aaron is trying to bring them into the 21st century because he knows that their discovery is probably going to happen sooner than later because of modern technology but at the same time he is still well aware that he is first and foremost a Were with a pack to protect until that happens.
“The packs are changing. For many Alphas, who tend to be men in their sixties, or perhaps eighties, or even nineties, the modern world is accelerating too fast for their tastes. Even women’s rights are a difficult stretch for some of them.”
In a speech he makes to Paul, who as a human bonded to his mate, questions some of the violence that they practice to stay hidden, he says:
” I’m not one of your tame kittens. Don’t think it for a minute. I believe that to survive, we will have to adapt further to human society. And if … When we are outed, that change will be even more necessary. But we are werewolves. Not men. Not wolves. We are pack, and if one of my pack pushes me too far, I will take him down as hard as necessary.”
Aaron is still keeping his relationship secret with Zach, Simon and Paul are recovering from the trauma of the last book, the pack are still adjusting to Aaron’s leadership and we’re introduced to some really interesting new characters who no doubt will feature more prominently in the next full novel. One of them - Cole – is a character who even now has me wondering about the direction she’s going to take him because straight away you expect him to be one thing ( read it and you’ll see what I mean ) but then she takes him in a different direction. Saying that it could all change in the next one, so I’m really intrigued by how his story is going to pan out! Obviously there’s a lot more than that going on but I really wouldn’t want to give too much away! Oh go on then, just one little taster. There’s another new character called Jason, a werewolf from another pack who turns up on them badly beaten up and … No! Sorry, changed my mind. You’ll have to read it! LOL...... Please read rest of review at https://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/05...
“The packs are changing. For many Alphas, who tend to be men in their sixties, or perhaps eighties, or even nineties, the modern world is accelerating too fast for their tastes. Even women’s rights are a difficult stretch for some of them.”
In a speech he makes to Paul, who as a human bonded to his mate, questions some of the violence that they practice to stay hidden, he says:
” I’m not one of your tame kittens. Don’t think it for a minute. I believe that to survive, we will have to adapt further to human society. And if … When we are outed, that change will be even more necessary. But we are werewolves. Not men. Not wolves. We are pack, and if one of my pack pushes me too far, I will take him down as hard as necessary.”
Aaron is still keeping his relationship secret with Zach, Simon and Paul are recovering from the trauma of the last book, the pack are still adjusting to Aaron’s leadership and we’re introduced to some really interesting new characters who no doubt will feature more prominently in the next full novel. One of them - Cole – is a character who even now has me wondering about the direction she’s going to take him because straight away you expect him to be one thing ( read it and you’ll see what I mean ) but then she takes him in a different direction. Saying that it could all change in the next one, so I’m really intrigued by how his story is going to pan out! Obviously there’s a lot more than that going on but I really wouldn’t want to give too much away! Oh go on then, just one little taster. There’s another new character called Jason, a werewolf from another pack who turns up on them badly beaten up and … No! Sorry, changed my mind. You’ll have to read it! LOL...... Please read rest of review at https://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/05...
August 9, 2021
3.5 What a teaser but glad to read more of this series but I need more! 😸
August 19, 2021
3.5
I make it easy on myself with that one because Ami said everything about this book I would say if I could write reviews as good as she did on HW#3 (which was #2.5 when she read it).
I make it easy on myself with that one because Ami said everything about this book I would say if I could write reviews as good as she did on HW#3 (which was #2.5 when she read it).
July 3, 2021
This is an interesting, yet slightly unexpected, plot idea to follow. We see more of Zack and Aaron and their pack relationship, more than their own interpersonal relationship, but that adds more richness to the overall story. Plus, giving us more knowledge of the straight pack members who might never see protagonic status.
I do feel the blurb spoils some of the intrgue, though. It was also shorter than the others. I found that curious for sure
I do feel the blurb spoils some of the intrgue, though. It was also shorter than the others. I found that curious for sure
February 2, 2015
Yaaaaaay!!! I’m soooooo happy this little novella was written! We finally get both Aaron and Zach’s POVs and closer to their HEA!!
I was even really into the plot, although it was kinda obvious what was going on.
Also had some great scenes with Simon and Paul.
I was even really into the plot, although it was kinda obvious what was going on.
Also had some great scenes with Simon and Paul.
July 26, 2021
This novella is a meaty, darned good treat and is FREE! More Simon and Paul. We get's Zach's POV (YAY!), loved seeing Aaron through his eyes. And speaking of Aaron, intense, bad-ass Aaron is back. Aaron is BACK!!! I'm officially in love with the series again and couldn't be happier. Thank you, Kaje! :D
January 31, 2014
Another hit in this series for me! Ok I traditionally don’t like short stories, why? Well because they feel abrupt and rushed and don’t give me enough story, and for the most part leave me feeling unsatisfied. Maybe because of my overwhelming love for book 2, but i absolutely enjoyed this book!
Paul and Simon and the rest of the pack are still recovering from Simon’s kidnapping. Aaron is still keeping his relationship with Zach a secret, and now more problems land on their doorstep. Is Aaron’s pack becoming the dumping ground for the rejected? Are they still being targeted? New characters are introduced in this short story and I was quite intrigued. This didn’t feel like a short story to me, for it’s short length I was immediately and again pulled into this world and smiling from ear to ear.
In book 2 I felt Aaron and Zach didn’t get a HEA, but a HFN ending. Which is fine, not everyone’s love story is meant to walk hand in hand into the sunset. I actually liked the fact that their reality didn’t make that possible, and the author stuck to that and didn’t tie it up into a tidy bow. Here I felt Aaron and Zach got closer to their HEA. My romantic heart was definitely happy in this one.
I loved everything about this story and please please someone tell me there will be more books in this series! This series must continue!!!
Paul and Simon and the rest of the pack are still recovering from Simon’s kidnapping. Aaron is still keeping his relationship with Zach a secret, and now more problems land on their doorstep. Is Aaron’s pack becoming the dumping ground for the rejected? Are they still being targeted? New characters are introduced in this short story and I was quite intrigued. This didn’t feel like a short story to me, for it’s short length I was immediately and again pulled into this world and smiling from ear to ear.
In book 2 I felt Aaron and Zach didn’t get a HEA, but a HFN ending. Which is fine, not everyone’s love story is meant to walk hand in hand into the sunset. I actually liked the fact that their reality didn’t make that possible, and the author stuck to that and didn’t tie it up into a tidy bow. Here I felt Aaron and Zach got closer to their HEA. My romantic heart was definitely happy in this one.
I loved everything about this story and please please someone tell me there will be more books in this series! This series must continue!!!
April 26, 2013
Everything was working itself up to a 5 star. What dropped me to a 4 star was the ending.
July 28, 2015
First read April 2013
re-reading July 2015
4.5 rounded up
Fab addition to the Hidden Wolves series showing Aaron and Zach's growing relationship and introducing a new wolf to the pack.
And much more important.... as I may have pestered Kaje about it for long enough... Paul finally got his kittens! I am sure Simon's going to love it when they get big enough to climb out their box and into bed with them in the middle of the night :)
re-reading July 2015
4.5 rounded up
Fab addition to the Hidden Wolves series showing Aaron and Zach's growing relationship and introducing a new wolf to the pack.
And much more important.... as I may have pestered Kaje about it for long enough... Paul finally got his kittens! I am sure Simon's going to love it when they get big enough to climb out their box and into bed with them in the middle of the night :)
March 31, 2021
Where is this going? I must know. I’m all in.
July 9, 2021
Unwanted Appeal
By Kaje Harper
We got more of a bit of romance for Aaron and Zach this time, but not much. The action was so so compared to the overabundanceof it in book 2. Disappointing overall.
By Kaje Harper
We got more of a bit of romance for Aaron and Zach this time, but not much. The action was so so compared to the overabundanceof it in book 2. Disappointing overall.
November 25, 2021
Yay this gave me what I was missing from the last one 🥰
September 25, 2013
Well, this story had a punch to it. Very tightly wound and nicely done.
I liked that Zach had a voice in this short story. I liked his character and his inner thoughts. Especially the moments where he struggled with his craving for alcohol but resisted the temptation. Or the moments when he was unsure of himself and wondered why Aaron would want him. I found it sweet that Aaron had to keep reminding him of the relationship they shared and comfort him with the knowledge that he was invaluable to both pack and Alpha.
I liked Aaron more in this short story as he came close to what I had envisioned him to be. Not as strong and pushy an Alpha as he could have been but better in his role.
There were moments in the story that were pretty predictable. Like Jason being a spy sent to infiltrate the pack (especially after all the hinting about their top computer guy) or that Jason was going to live. And yet I was caught up in the story and pack politics and tension of the group that I hardly noticed the events unfolding didn't surprise me.
What I didn't like was Paul butting in. I had not noticed this trait of his in the first volume and found it a bit annoying in this installment (perhaps because it was more pronounced than in volume 2). He really had no business storming up the pack meeting and practically demanding Aaron to stop the killing. I understand he was driven by his kind nature and desire to do no harm but it encroached on Aaron's position as Alpha. Things seemed to have escalated somewhat towards the end of the book and the author kind of downplayed everything whereas I wanted a more strict reprimand for Paul.
With that said, the addition of Cord to the pack, the spy debacle on top of internet security risk and disclosure threats made a packed reading. Quite enjoyed it! Not sure I would have closed off with Aaron declaring his love for Zach moments after he had promised himself to put a lid on his emotions. Yet, it left an impression. I hope the next volume focuses on Cord and the Chicago Alpha, Rick Brown. Either or both being gay would be interesting to read.
I liked that Zach had a voice in this short story. I liked his character and his inner thoughts. Especially the moments where he struggled with his craving for alcohol but resisted the temptation. Or the moments when he was unsure of himself and wondered why Aaron would want him. I found it sweet that Aaron had to keep reminding him of the relationship they shared and comfort him with the knowledge that he was invaluable to both pack and Alpha.
I liked Aaron more in this short story as he came close to what I had envisioned him to be. Not as strong and pushy an Alpha as he could have been but better in his role.
There were moments in the story that were pretty predictable. Like Jason being a spy sent to infiltrate the pack (especially after all the hinting about their top computer guy) or that Jason was going to live. And yet I was caught up in the story and pack politics and tension of the group that I hardly noticed the events unfolding didn't surprise me.
What I didn't like was Paul butting in. I had not noticed this trait of his in the first volume and found it a bit annoying in this installment (perhaps because it was more pronounced than in volume 2). He really had no business storming up the pack meeting and practically demanding Aaron to stop the killing. I understand he was driven by his kind nature and desire to do no harm but it encroached on Aaron's position as Alpha. Things seemed to have escalated somewhat towards the end of the book and the author kind of downplayed everything whereas I wanted a more strict reprimand for Paul.
With that said, the addition of Cord to the pack, the spy debacle on top of internet security risk and disclosure threats made a packed reading. Quite enjoyed it! Not sure I would have closed off with Aaron declaring his love for Zach moments after he had promised himself to put a lid on his emotions. Yet, it left an impression. I hope the next volume focuses on Cord and the Chicago Alpha, Rick Brown. Either or both being gay would be interesting to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2013
I'm soooo glad we got to see Zach's perspective! <3 Although I would have liked it in Unexpected Demands, I was OK with just Aaron's. But especially since I like Zack so much it was great to see his side and hear a different 'voice.'
This was a good short that continues to follow the pack and another (or two) bump(s) in the road they experience. I like that they're not all necessarily BFF, but like Simon said, it's like family. You don't get to chose them, but they're still your family.
I'm so sad this is the last story out so far in this series. I sincerely hope we get more, although I'm not sure who's story it would be. Aaron is right that they can't simply take in every gay stray that crosses their path, maybe we could move on to the Chicago pack or something! If there are going to be changes then other packs need to start accepting their gay members too and not just shipping them all to the West Pack!
This was a good short that continues to follow the pack and another (or two) bump(s) in the road they experience. I like that they're not all necessarily BFF, but like Simon said, it's like family. You don't get to chose them, but they're still your family.
I'm so sad this is the last story out so far in this series. I sincerely hope we get more, although I'm not sure who's story it would be. Aaron is right that they can't simply take in every gay stray that crosses their path, maybe we could move on to the Chicago pack or something! If there are going to be changes then other packs need to start accepting their gay members too and not just shipping them all to the West Pack!
April 30, 2013
4.25 stars
It's not a horribly long story but it manages to pack quite a punch and set the stage for the next book in the series. Issues continue to simmer in the shifter world and many are very, very unhappy about the inevitable changes.
When I first read Unacceptable Risk, I wasn't an instant fan. While the wolf shifter stories were starting to wear on me for their sameness, it was what I was used to. Unacceptable Risk changed that expectation and I enjoyed it (and the series!) more following a 2nd or 3rd reading.
It's not a horribly long story but it manages to pack quite a punch and set the stage for the next book in the series. Issues continue to simmer in the shifter world and many are very, very unhappy about the inevitable changes.
When I first read Unacceptable Risk, I wasn't an instant fan. While the wolf shifter stories were starting to wear on me for their sameness, it was what I was used to. Unacceptable Risk changed that expectation and I enjoyed it (and the series!) more following a 2nd or 3rd reading.
May 7, 2021
Wow! My favorite in the series so far! This one kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing. Two prospective members run to Aaron's new pack, but there may be more to them than meets the eye.
Who was the good guy, who was the bad guy? Were they both good? Both bad? In the gray area of this shifter universe, "bad" and "good" are open to interpretation.
I'm loving this series, how each new pack member brings their own skills, and problems, to the group. Personalities clash, opposites attract, and everything is usually not as it seems. Shifter politics. Who'd have thought?
I am seriously hooked on this series, and Aaron is standing out as possibly the best alpha werewolf I've read about. On to the next installment!
Who was the good guy, who was the bad guy? Were they both good? Both bad? In the gray area of this shifter universe, "bad" and "good" are open to interpretation.
I'm loving this series, how each new pack member brings their own skills, and problems, to the group. Personalities clash, opposites attract, and everything is usually not as it seems. Shifter politics. Who'd have thought?
I am seriously hooked on this series, and Aaron is standing out as possibly the best alpha werewolf I've read about. On to the next installment!
May 2, 2013
That was a nice long appetizer for the long waited Book 3. It feels like some further explosive episodes are in the offing. New characters are showing up to add to the interesting mix. Really feels like hard boiled "pack" mentality, mixed with humans trying to force changes, add in some, well a lot, of gay thinking and put the premie kittens on top of this sundae. What a feast book 3 will be.
May 27, 2019
I've had books 3 & 4 for a while, but bought them blindly (because Kaje Harper) - so when I finished this I immediately read the precis for both...OMG WHERE IS CORD'S BOOK!?? Neither summary mentions him. Anyone know if the 4th book is the last one of the series?
August 31, 2021
Unwanted Appeal is the third book in the Hidden Wolves series, just like the second book it's about Zach and Aaron. Where book 2 only had Aaron's point of view, this book switched to third person perspective again and showed us both their point of views. I really liked being able to get Zach's point of view as well in this book as it helped get to know him better and understand him.
I really am enjoying this series and this book was another great read. I enjoyed Unwanted Appeal. It's shorter than the first two books, but it works well as book 3 and feels like an essential part of the story. In Unwanted Appeal two different wolves come to Aaron's pack in two different ways, for each wolf Aaron has to decide whether to trust them and let them join the pack or not. It was interesting to learn more about these two new wolves and see how Aaron handled the situation. He also has to struggle again with his urge to change the pack and to hold on to their past ways of doing things. He is still hiding his sexual orientation as well as his romance with Zach. I had wondered if that would change in this book and I have to say I liked how that was handled, it felt appropriate and realistic.
While I wasn't fully sold on Aaron and Zach's romance at the start of book 2, it grew on me then and in this book I have to say I felt their romance more. This book actually is mostly focused on the story, but I felt like seeing how they still handle being a couple and the way they interact made me see how well they were doing together. Having Zach's point of view also helped. The worries and struggles they face as a couple that are there at the end of book 2 are still there, but I feel like they can deal with it better now.
Unwanted Appeal also felt like a sort of set up for future books. It continues the story of Aaron and Zach and shows how the pack is doing and introduces some new wolves and shows the problems the pack is still facing. I feel that the rest of the series will continue to build upon this.
I also liked how we still continue to see a lot about Simon and Paul and how they fit into the pack. The way Paul still struggles with the way the pack handles things, makes for some interesting scenes. I also like he doesn't just keep his mouth shut, instead he stay true to himself and keeps asking the hard questions. There is a fun scene where Zach visits Simon and Paul and it was fun to see more of them now from another point of view.
To summarize: This continues to be an awesome shifter romance series. The plot is solid and I like reading about the challenges the pack has to deal with. In this book there are tow new wolves who want to join the pack and Aaron, the alpha, has to decide how to handle it. I liked the switch back to third person perspective and how we got Zach's point of view as well in this book. I liked getting to know Zach more and I liked the romance between him and Aaron even more now that they've been together a bit longer. It's fun to still see more of the couple from book 1 as well. And I liked how this book feels like it sets up some plot points for future books and shows what the pack is still struggling with. All in all another great read and I look forward to the next book.
I really am enjoying this series and this book was another great read. I enjoyed Unwanted Appeal. It's shorter than the first two books, but it works well as book 3 and feels like an essential part of the story. In Unwanted Appeal two different wolves come to Aaron's pack in two different ways, for each wolf Aaron has to decide whether to trust them and let them join the pack or not. It was interesting to learn more about these two new wolves and see how Aaron handled the situation. He also has to struggle again with his urge to change the pack and to hold on to their past ways of doing things. He is still hiding his sexual orientation as well as his romance with Zach. I had wondered if that would change in this book and I have to say I liked how that was handled, it felt appropriate and realistic.
While I wasn't fully sold on Aaron and Zach's romance at the start of book 2, it grew on me then and in this book I have to say I felt their romance more. This book actually is mostly focused on the story, but I felt like seeing how they still handle being a couple and the way they interact made me see how well they were doing together. Having Zach's point of view also helped. The worries and struggles they face as a couple that are there at the end of book 2 are still there, but I feel like they can deal with it better now.
Unwanted Appeal also felt like a sort of set up for future books. It continues the story of Aaron and Zach and shows how the pack is doing and introduces some new wolves and shows the problems the pack is still facing. I feel that the rest of the series will continue to build upon this.
I also liked how we still continue to see a lot about Simon and Paul and how they fit into the pack. The way Paul still struggles with the way the pack handles things, makes for some interesting scenes. I also like he doesn't just keep his mouth shut, instead he stay true to himself and keeps asking the hard questions. There is a fun scene where Zach visits Simon and Paul and it was fun to see more of them now from another point of view.
To summarize: This continues to be an awesome shifter romance series. The plot is solid and I like reading about the challenges the pack has to deal with. In this book there are tow new wolves who want to join the pack and Aaron, the alpha, has to decide how to handle it. I liked the switch back to third person perspective and how we got Zach's point of view as well in this book. I liked getting to know Zach more and I liked the romance between him and Aaron even more now that they've been together a bit longer. It's fun to still see more of the couple from book 1 as well. And I liked how this book feels like it sets up some plot points for future books and shows what the pack is still struggling with. All in all another great read and I look forward to the next book.
May 3, 2021
Series keeps getting better.
This series keeps getting better. Another reason why Lane Harper is an amazing author and an automatic but for me.
THIS SERIES MUST BE READ IN ORDER.
This series keeps getting better. Another reason why Lane Harper is an amazing author and an automatic but for me.
THIS SERIES MUST BE READ IN ORDER.
April 26, 2013
A fantastic read and a really great addition to the series. I was very happily surprised to find that there was a decent amount of plot in this short, as opposed to the "extended scenes" that most shorts provide. Definite props to Kaje Harper for making this exciting (and free!).
It was nice to see Zach's point of view this go round, along with more Paul and Simon. Aaron started getting on my nerves with how he interacted with Paul, but in the end he seemed to be moderating his views a little (though sometimes I wish there was a snarky feminist with combat training to call Aaron out when he starts getting too "Alpha" with the mates). Cord and Jason were excellent new characters, and I'm eager to see how their actions will affect the plot of the next book.
Overall, this short was an excellent read and it left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
It was nice to see Zach's point of view this go round, along with more Paul and Simon. Aaron started getting on my nerves with how he interacted with Paul, but in the end he seemed to be moderating his views a little (though sometimes I wish there was a snarky feminist with combat training to call Aaron out when he starts getting too "Alpha" with the mates). Cord and Jason were excellent new characters, and I'm eager to see how their actions will affect the plot of the next book.
Overall, this short was an excellent read and it left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
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