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Westwood Pack #1

Rise of the Phoenix

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On “The Best Wolf Shifters of Romance” list on Goodreads!

He promised me forever. But when he shows his true colors, I have no choice but to run…

Alaric

I found my mate. It should be the happiest day of my life, right?
Wrong.
The problem?
She’s human and already has a family.
When her husband turns out to be a dangerous race once thought extinct, it becomes even more complicated…

Phoebe

I’m living the A big house, a good job, a good-looking husband, and two beautiful kids.
I start to question everything when my husband shows his true colors.
Who is this man I’m married to?
As if it’s fate, I meet a stranger who sets my body ablaze and offers me protection.
But my husband won’t let me go that easily…

And now Alaric is risking everything to get me free.

Rise of the Phoenix is Book One of the hot and steamy werewolf shifter series, The Westwood Pack , and is a fated mate, rescued by the alpha romance.

294 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2023

217 people are currently reading
290 people want to read

About the author

F.D. Fair

18 books63 followers
F.D. Fair writes fierce, heart-stealing paranormal romance full of the strange, the magical, and the beautifully unexplained. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, she’s a devoted wife and proud mom of three wild, wonderful boys who constantly remind her that real life can be just as unpredictable as her books.

A lifelong fan of all things supernatural, F.D. fell in love with paranormal romance as a reader first — until the stories in her head grew too vivid to ignore. She turned her daydreams into words, and the Westwood Pack Series was born: a world of shifters, prophecies, true mates, and bonds strong enough to burn down any cage.

When she’s not writing about loyal Alphas, headstrong heroines, or the secrets that lurk in the shadows, you’ll find her curled up with a good book, coffee in hand, plotting her next adventure into the unknown.

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5 stars
262 (61%)
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106 (24%)
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54 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for S.A. Krishnan.
Author 31 books232 followers
March 11, 2022
Romance shifters and a dangerous psychopath

The story starts with Alaric, a wolf shifter who goes to get beer and on the way meets his mate. What surprises him is that not only is his mate married, she has two sons as well.

Not wanting to admit defeat, Alaric tries to find out about Phoebe's married life and that is where the villain of the piece comes in.

The author has done a good job of creating Tanner, Phoebe's husband. Even as a human, the man was despicable. But in the world of supernaturals, his acts were worse. So were his group of Joe and the others.

The story goes back to Phoebe who then slowly begins to find herself and the story moves on to whether she is able to find herself.

As the first of the supernatural series that I have read, it seemed like a very good introduction to the world of wolf shifters, witches, mages and finally the phoenix shifters, as the title suggests. 

It was very heartening to read about how Phoebe had managed to find herself, after ten years of a very bad marriage. Alaric was very sweet both with the kids, his own coven and with his romance with Pheobe was also very sweet and the backbone of the story.

Gran and Skylart week very interesting sub characters in the book and ur seems like they have a story for themselves too.

Interesting world of matrimony, magic and shifters.
Profile Image for Shivani.
175 reviews42 followers
November 13, 2021
As I started this book, I got the feeling it was going to be the expected sort-The male protagonist (Alaric) has found his mate (Phoebe), however, she is unavailable due to circumstances (married with kids, though her husband is quite controlling and abusive), now Alaric will try to woo her away aaannd there's their happy ending.

I'm glad the author wasn't having that. About one-fifth in, look out, oh yeah-there's the first twist.😁 It got pretty interesting pretty fast from thereon.

There were so many places where I got all the warm, mushy feelings, especially reading each of the Alaric-and-kids' interactions. One of the moments which shines brightly in my mind even now is when Phoebe hits her lowest point. She is desperate for an escape and is completely surprised that despite her husband's best efforts to keep her isolated from everyone, they all rush out to help. Turns out they were just waiting for her to ask. That just reinforced my belief-Help can really be found in the most unexpected of places, and one just needs to make the effort to ask.😇

While Rise of the Phoenix is the first of the Westwood Pack series, it felt to me like a finished piece in its own right.
The epilogue did a good job of inciting interest in the sequel. I am planning to carry on but not because Alaric & Phoebe's story was wanting, but because the author delivered the bomb of Skarlyt (Alaric's friend here)'s secret, and now I have to know more.

**I received an advance copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
234 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2021
Such an amazing first book for F.D Fair .
With the first book of the Westwood Pack we meet dates mates Alaric and Phoebe. Alaric is the Alpha of his pack and has been longingly waiting to meet his mate with no luck. A chance encounter while attending a mating ceremony for friends at another pack brings him face to face with his mate
Phoebe is unaware of the supernatural world and is married to her abusive husband Tanner and is the mother of two amazing sons. Yet she can't deny her attraction and sparks that seem to light up her body upon meeting Alaric.
Unknown to Alaric or Phoebe but he'd husband is actually supernatural and has tethered himself to Phoebe and had children to drain her power. After the last abusive encounter with her husband Phoebe decides to leave with the help of an old friend who just happens to be a shifter and friend of Alaric. Twists build with Alaric attempting to protect his mate and learn the mystery of who she is. This book will have an ending but leave you with a tease for the next book and who it will be about
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,616 reviews92 followers
February 13, 2022
Alaric should be thrilled because he’s finally found his mate, but there are so many complications. Phoebe is married and has a family, and so he doesn’t know how to feel. When Alaric realizes that she is being abused at home, he’s willing to do anything to get her out. But when it is revealed that her husband is supernatural as well, things get even more complicated.

Okay, so I was pleasantly surprised by this book!!! Alaric and Phoebe were a lovely couple, and I really believed their love story. I really hated Phoebe’s husband Tanner; I wanted to slap him multiple times. Phoebe’s kids, Riley and Ryker, were absolutely adorable!!! I especially loved watching Phoebe grow into her own and find her inner strength and courage. All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good shifter romance!
Profile Image for M.D. Butler.
Author 11 books17 followers
September 12, 2021
I absolutely love Phoebe and Alaric! The wit within this story makes you laugh and pulls at your heartstrings at the same time. I can't wait to read the next books in this series, and I highly recommend you follow this author for updates!
Profile Image for Nikki.
734 reviews7 followers
June 24, 2023
Rise of the Phoenix (The Westwood Pack book 1) by F.D Fair is a 4 ⭐️ read.
Alaric is the Alpha of the Westwood pack he’s visiting another pack for the mating of one of his enforcers, he’s feeling a little sad since he’s been waiting so long for his own mate but a trip the the store changes things for him and he sees his mate for the first time but she’s not as free as he’d hoped she was.
Phoebe has been married to her husband for 10 years, she’s the mother to two young boys but her life is so far from being happy. After her husband hits her and then her son she decides it’s time to leave but she never expected to find Alaric and finally be free to be who she is.
I really enjoyed this story, the author has built a world that I know I will keep getting lost in.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this book.
Profile Image for Stephenson Holt.
Author 57 books42 followers
October 15, 2021
A love story with a fantasy twist. Phoebe's a battered, mentally tortured wife with two children, Alaric's a wolf shifter that wants her as his mate, but doesn't know it until they meet, coincidentally, in a store. Eyes across the aisle, instant love but too many obstacles, or are there?

What follows is heart breaking and also a soul soaring story as solutions are sought. Full fantasy, shifters and mages mainly but the love interest holds it all together. Characters are well drawn and evolve throughout, especially Phoebe. The ending is gratifying with a hint of what may come in book 2 but still readable as a stand-alone.

Very much not a YA novel, explicit in its actual happenings and Phoebe's fantasy happenings. Thoroughly enjoyed this first novel of a trilogy and can't wait to start Book 2 - Mate Magic.
876 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2023
This was a gripping page turner. Phoebe is such a great character. I can't wait to find out easy happens with Skar and of corse Sophia. Excellent read that ended to soon!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for S.A.McClelland S.A.McClelland.
Author 7 books9 followers
October 19, 2021
Phoenix

Absolutely loved this read. Ypu really tale a roller-coaster ride with emotions with this book, and it has you captivated until the end.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 16 books80 followers
October 25, 2021
The first in the series, or the prequel to Mate Magic, if like me you’ve read the two out of order. This was not a problem, as matters are well-explained in the second book and I never had a problem who was who and who did what in terms of shape-shifting and other magical skills.

So here we have Alaric, alpha of his pack and visiting another pack for a friend’s party, recognising his mate whilst buying beer in the supermarket. There’s just one problem; Phoebe is already married and has two sons by Tanner, an abusive and violent person who doesn’t have a lot of time for Phoebe and has only married her for darker reasons of which she is not aware but which are about to become apparent.

A cracking good read of both love and war as Alaric fights to secure his destined life-mate and Phoebe makes a startling discovery about herself and her sons. Recommended.
Profile Image for Debbie Hyde.
Author 31 books94 followers
October 16, 2021
wow

This story was awesome! I instantly connected to the main characters. I read it in a day because I had to know what happened to them! I was captivated. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for C.J. Lopez.
Author 23 books94 followers
October 4, 2021
I felt so many parts of this book. I don't know if I ever wanted someone to be together more than when I was reading this book. I connected so much with the female main character of this book and Felt so much of her emotions that I literally bonded with her. I went through so much of what she went through earlier in my life that I found myself in tears at moments and also angry and so many emotions. I loved the character development along with the plot and how it played out. I could see so many side character stories from this book that I literally wanted to hear about every single character's backstory in their own book LOL, but there was just enough in this one that I didn't feel like anything was left out. FD did a great job of telling the story and bringing you into this world. The HOT scenes WERE HOT and I had to swallow my saliva a couple of times before I got caught with my mouth open and went out looking for a man exactly like the male main character. Golly wolly I need a wolf in my bed LOL. Great job for the author and I am looking forward to book #2, which just came out last month so I better get to it.
Profile Image for Cara Silver.
Author 2 books79 followers
October 26, 2021
Second chance at Love

Phoebe is married to a jerk who is only using her for her powers until she meets her true mate. She has no idea what kind of power she has but with Alaric by her side, she is finally able to become her true self and have the love she deserves for her and her sons.
This novel is an amazing story about having a second chance at love.
Alaric may just be the sweetest guy/wolf ever.
I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Amanda Steel.
Author 8 books34 followers
October 26, 2021
AMAZING!

All I can say about this book is that it's AMAZING! I was gripping on every chapter in the story as I read it how wonderful it was written. The author did an amazing job with the characters and the flow of the story was so smooth. This is truly a unique story, so much different from most I've read so far and I really enjoyed it. I will most definitely continue reading this author's books and this series for sure.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
655 reviews16 followers
October 22, 2021
So many shifter books nowadays all seem so similar. This one has similarities but yet differences that made it so I did not want to put the book down.
The FMC is a A mother of two starts out with her in an abusive relationship with her husband. When the abuse goes from verbal to physical I feel she has no other alternative but to stay because her husband has ostracized her from anybody and everybody that she thought would help. When the abuse goes to the point her sons are involved she decides enough is enough. With help from friends that she thought she no longer had and her fated mate she runs. Now her husband is the head of an evil mage coven and she was never aware of what he was doing to her and her boys. While hiding she not only discovers what he is but what she truly is.
Profile Image for L.A. Day.
Author 38 books56 followers
October 6, 2021
This is an amazing book. The author did a fantastic job with the world-building and characters. Phoebe's evolves into a powerful character and Alaric is a hot alpha male. Together, they are hot and fiery! I can't wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Chey.
1,494 reviews50 followers
September 15, 2021
Rise of the Pheonix

Alaric finds his mate, but unfortunately she is human and married. But appearances can be deceiving. Phoebe doesn't know about the supernatural world, and when her husband shows his true colors and she meets an intriguing man, her world is changed.

This was a unique take on shifter romance. I haven't read one when one mate is already married or has kids, so this was different from the start. But the author came up with a plot that immediately has your attention and doesn't let it go until the end. I can't wait to see what book two has to offer, since this one leaves me needing more!
Profile Image for A. Drachenstein.
Author 3 books17 followers
October 4, 2021
Awesome shifter romance

I have read plenty of various shifter romances the years but never one with a Phoenix. I had a difficult time putting it down as I worried alongside Phoebe, Alarick and the boys. Well written and highly recommended
Profile Image for D. Dickens.
Author 2 books8 followers
September 19, 2021
This was my very first shifter romance and omg it was great. Just the right amount of steam and action. I was not disappointed at all. I really wish I could give it more than 5 stars. I can tell there was a great amount of love and care went in to this story. This book held my attention from beginning to the very end. Not a dull or boring moment in any part. Phoebe and Alaric are such strong and well built characters. Great character building ✔
Great word building ✔
The book flowed easily ✔
Great plot ✔
10/10 ⭐ would read again.
P.S. I call dibs on Alaric
Profile Image for Ashlee M..
Author 8 books307 followers
August 23, 2021
I loved this story! This was my first shifter read and it made me want to read more. FD describes mates and the way they instantly feel towards each other perfectly. The love and protectiveness he instantly feels for her and her kids is amazing. I can’t wait to read more from this world she is creating!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
14 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2021
I love the second chance at love the main character gets after getting out of her marriage to someone she should not be married to. She meets the other main character and starts over her life. It was such a well written book and I would recommend others to read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
21 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2021
I'll get the next books right away
I love it when a book almost owns you. Like when you can't stop thinking about it, all you want to know is what happens next.
This book consumed be over the holidays, that's why I got the next ones right away. Can really recommend!!
Profile Image for Heather Adams.
Author 22 books106 followers
March 15, 2022
Great read!

A wolfy second chance romance! Alaric is sexy and a luring and just what Phoebe needed. Love a good twist and turn and this book delivered!
48 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2021
Beautiful, Action Packed Romance

Alaric is wondering if he will ever find his true mate, he is past ready to find and claim her. A chance encounter at the grocery store is where he meets her, but she is married, human and has children. Alaric will keep an eye on her from a distance to make sure she is happy. Phoebe is in a complicated marriage and believes she has to stay out of a sense of duty. Her husband, Tanner, shows his true colours and Phoebe must make a choice.
Her childhood best friend, Charleigh, comes to her rescue with the sexy stranger she met in the grocery store. Now she must find herself again. She discovers not all things are as they seem, there are werewolves, mages and witches in the world.

Alaric is a sexy Alpha werewolf. He is gentle and caring but strong and authoritative when he needs to be. He shows Phoebe and her two sons Ryker and Riley what a real man acts like. Alaric treats people with respect and kindness. Phoebe is loving and caring but has no self worth or self confidence. As the story continues Phoebe and her boys become more confident and self assured, they relax and start to really live. She becomes stronger as she learns more about herself and her children. Charleigh, Phoebe's childhood best friend, is an angel in disguise, she is there for her through thick and thin. Even though the two friends have had no contact in ten years it is like no time has passed when they are back together again. Skarlyt is Alaric's best friend, she is supportive, understanding and a strong witch who will back her new and old friends in the fight to come. The characters in this book are very relatable, each one is special in there own way and bring more depth to the story.

This was a fantastic book which I thourghly enjoyed. Can't wait to read the second in this series. F.D Fair's writing style pulls you in from the first pages. A beautiful romance with plenty of twists and action to keep you enthralled right throughout. I am now a fan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Iesha (In east shade house at...).
214 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2022
After reading Rise of a Phoenix, I found that I liked the story enough to want to read the others in the series. As first of the series, we are introduced to a mate story between Alaric and Phoebe. However we quickly learn that Phoebe is already married with children and Alaric, well as a werewolf alpha, he sort of either have to deal with it or go in and take her. Right away, this story centers around Phoebe more so then Alaric as he made the decision to stick around to see if she was happy or not. When he found out she isn't, well the story takes off from there. The story has some good twists between werewolves, beings with magic, and phoenix, but right away, I can tell how it was going to have end. Phoenix seem to be powerful in this world as toward the end, it's clear that other supernatural beings/creatures will willingly stop at one's command. Personally, I wasn't a fan of the godlike creature giving a last warning before the bad men ran away like ants part. I understood why, don't get me wrong, but they had power and were groomed to be evil. It seemed a little too easy for them to give up like that. Anyway, this story was entertaining in the way that reading about the characters interaction is what kept me reading. It's one of those stories that has a few good twists, but with a ordinary plot. The plot is a good one to explore, but I felt it could be strengthened further. If you're looking for something a bit different in lore, then try this story.
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews26 followers
June 1, 2023
Alaric is the alpha of the Westwood pack but he isn't your typical alpha. He believes that all wolves should be treated equally and allowed to reach a position their talents entitle them too. Alaric has been searching for his mate a long time since most wolves find their mates in their late teens and early twenties. When he goes to another pack to celebrate the mating of one of his enforcers and his fated mate, Alaric is a little lonely. He volunteers to go on a beer resupply run to the only grocery store in town. He is very surprised to discover the scent of his fated mate in the store. He becomes even more shocked to discover that she is human, married and has two kids. His human side wants to leave her alone but his wolf side wants to discover if she is happily married. Alaric quickly learns that her husband is verbally abusive and is even getting physically abusive. Now Alaric will do whatever it takes to rescue his mate and the two kids his wolf has claimed as his own.

Phoebe was adopted as a baby by loving parents. She lost her parents as a teen and she married the boyfriend she had been dating. He started out very caring and considerate but he became more verbally abusive and isolated her from her friends. Recently he has even started hitting her. She knows she should leave him but she feels like she has nowhere to go and no one to help. Then one night she meets a sexy man in the grocery store who treats her they way she always dreamed of being treated. A week later her husband finally goes too far and hits one of her kids and Phoebe calls her old best friend for help. To her shock Alaric comes with her to her rescue. Maybe she isn't so alone after all.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for 'Kota.
23 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2021
4.5 stars 🌠

“All supernatural beings have what we call a true mate or a soul mate, the one person who holds the other half of your soul that was created just f or you; they just need to find each other.”

Shapeshifters. Magic. Love. Secrets. Spice. I felt this book literally hit every point to a “T”. Phoebe, the protagonist, is a mother of two trapped in an abusive relationship. For ten years she has endured to ensure her boys have the necessities they need. However, once Phoebe reaches her breaking point there is no going back. She steps into a world of supernatural’s, magic, and infinite love.

There were so many aspects of this story I enjoyed. Firstly, I loved the spin on modern day meets fantasy. I was a bit wary when it mentioned Ontario as the setting, but it actually played in wonderfully. Secondly, I felt the characters were well developed and the plot flowed smoothly, which in turn made the story that much more believable. Thirdly, I definitely consider this book an emotional rollercoaster! There were several times I was in tears throughout the chapters, and where I swooned right along with Phoebe.

In conclusion the book was a quick and compelling read, which left me anticipating book two. I loved the characters, the plot, and the overall writing. I would absolutely recommend this book to readers who enjoy paranormal romances!
334 reviews16 followers
May 16, 2022
Exhilarating supernatural tale

Alaric is the Alpha of his werewolf pack. He has everything, apart from a mate. He’s looking for his soul mate and up to now he has been unsuccessful. That is until he meets Phoebe in a grocery store. From the very moment he sets eyes on her he knows there is a connection and that she is his soul mate. Only problem is she’s human and she’s married with two kids. However Alaric quickly discovers it’s not a happy marriage and her husband is abusive to her and the kids. Trying to rescue her from this horrible nightmare they quickly discover that Phoebe is not as human as they first thought and her abusive husband is so much more dangerous than previously thought. As Alaric and Phoebe get closer it all ends in a dramatic showdown between them and her husband and his buddies. This is beautifully written and is fast paced. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Samantha McQuade.
70 reviews
November 4, 2021
I have to say this book surprised me! I know this is the authors first book so I wasn’t expecting the moon but I was actually really impressed. The writing was a bit wonky in some places but that can be fixed with a bit of extra editing, it doesn’t take away from how interesting the storyline is.

I loved the dynamic between Phoebe and Alaric. The progression of their relationship seemed a little fast paced to me at times…I really did love their story though, they were so cute together and I would love to find an Alaric of my own!! And his relationship that grows with Phoebes boys??? So cute and heart warming, love love love. I do wish we could have read a bit more from Tanners perspective for more insight but I also hated him immensely so I’m not too heartbroken over it haha.

I also loved the supernatural world in this book, I’m hoping we get to learn more and see more of Phoebe in future books. I would love to see her progression mentioned as she was such an interesting MC to read about.

Well, on to book 2!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews

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