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The Lone Wolves Trilogy #1
The Good Wolf
Ten years ago, Mason fell for his best friend while at university. Little did he know just two years later, that same friend would turn his world upside down in a way Mason could never have imagined. Now, he lives a cursed life.
Living in solitude, Mason does everything he can to keep people away, not only for his safety, but for theirs, too.
The night of the full moon. Niall has no idea he's a werewolf, but fate brings him and Mason together.
A trick of the moon or something deeper, the men are drawn to each other. Together they must find a way to deal with what has happened to them both. But first Mason must learn to trust Niall and realize being alone is not always for the best.
Living in solitude, Mason does everything he can to keep people away, not only for his safety, but for theirs, too.
The night of the full moon. Niall has no idea he's a werewolf, but fate brings him and Mason together.
A trick of the moon or something deeper, the men are drawn to each other. Together they must find a way to deal with what has happened to them both. But first Mason must learn to trust Niall and realize being alone is not always for the best.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2013
About the author
Meredith Russell
53 books68 followersMeredith Russell lives in the heart of England. An avid fan of many story genres, she enjoys nothing less than a happy ending. She believes in heroes and romance and strives to reflect this in her writing. Sharing her imagination and passion for stories and characters is a dream Meredith is excited to turn into reality.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 27, 2013
Wow. Werewolves that act like wolves. What a refreshing change. I really enjoyed this book and was surprised that an author I think of as a hopeless romantic, did such a good job with a bit of gory suspense. Very well done. Highly recommended.
August 18, 2013
For the most part, I could say that I liked it. This felt different than the usual MM shifters I read. For one, Mason clearly hated the fact that he was forced to be turned into a werewolf by Kaine. He tried so hard to find the stop himself from changing into a werewolf for three days each month.
This story also didn't shy away from the vicious side of being a werewolf. The prologue, for example, when Mason realized that he had entered his nightmare, it was pretty horrific scene. Mason also stated that he have killed humans and eaten their flesh before (part of the reason why he hated being a werewolf). Kaine was also a worthy villain.
HOWEVER, I also felt the story felt a bit 'off'. The pacing or the 'bridge' into the relationship between Mason and Niall didn't flow as smoothly as I wished it to be. I was also a bit confused with Saskia, as character -- I felt that her role here was sometimes more important than Niall.
So as an intense werewolf thriller, I liked it. But as a romance, it didn't convince me enough.
This story also didn't shy away from the vicious side of being a werewolf. The prologue, for example, when Mason realized that he had entered his nightmare, it was pretty horrific scene. Mason also stated that he have killed humans and eaten their flesh before (part of the reason why he hated being a werewolf). Kaine was also a worthy villain.
HOWEVER, I also felt the story felt a bit 'off'. The pacing or the 'bridge' into the relationship between Mason and Niall didn't flow as smoothly as I wished it to be. I was also a bit confused with Saskia, as character -- I felt that her role here was sometimes more important than Niall.
So as an intense werewolf thriller, I liked it. But as a romance, it didn't convince me enough.
August 23, 2013
4 1/2 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Mason has had to live with in fear with a terrible secret since the night that his best friend turned it into a nightmare that he could never have imagined. Living a life in solitude he does all he can to keep the monster at bay. Mason stumbles across a newly turned werewolf who has no clue what he is, Mason tries to help but Niall doesn't believe a word he is told.... until the next time he wakes up naked in a strange place with no memories. Both Mason and Niall are drawn together but Mason knows what a monster he really is, and with his vile enemy closing in again Mason just wants to run. Niall wants to find a solution to both their problems and Mason has to learn to master his wolf and realize that being alone doesn't have to be the only solution.
This is a brilliant story that takes us back to the horror of werewolves, where they are near mindless monsters that revel in murder and terror. Mason is a man that is desperate to silence his monster, he has done terrible things which haunt him and he resorts to desperate measures each month. Niall is a man who went to bed with the wrong person, now he is drawn into a world that he wants out of, and Mason is his only hope. The two men are drawn together, but Mason doesn't want his burden falling on someone else and after the final confrontation Niall has to convince him that the two are meant to be together.
I loved this story for the visceral feel to it, the unapologetic way it shows the werewolves as nasty and the darker haunting way that Mason has dealt with it. The opening scenes to this story strike to the heart of the plot, men reveling in their wolves and enjoying the destruction and terror that they unleash. Mason is the good wolf though, he never sinks to the darkest levels that others have and tries to change his path but he is always tracked by the one who made him. Niall falls victim to the deranged wolf and finally turns to Mason when he accepts the truth of what has happened. Their attraction is mutual but it is a very difficult rocky path, Mason has a huge amount of guilt that eats at him and Niall has a fight on his hands to convince Mason that they should be together.
The storyline is pretty easy to follow and I loved the solution to the werewolf problem, delving into myths for answers. It isn't an easy solution and is one that could confuse... kill the creator and revert to human unless you have given in to the urge to hunt and murder a human.
I recommend this gem to those who love base werewolves, fighting instinct and urges, a battle for life, destroying the evil and finding a happiness that was never expected.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Mason has had to live with in fear with a terrible secret since the night that his best friend turned it into a nightmare that he could never have imagined. Living a life in solitude he does all he can to keep the monster at bay. Mason stumbles across a newly turned werewolf who has no clue what he is, Mason tries to help but Niall doesn't believe a word he is told.... until the next time he wakes up naked in a strange place with no memories. Both Mason and Niall are drawn together but Mason knows what a monster he really is, and with his vile enemy closing in again Mason just wants to run. Niall wants to find a solution to both their problems and Mason has to learn to master his wolf and realize that being alone doesn't have to be the only solution.
This is a brilliant story that takes us back to the horror of werewolves, where they are near mindless monsters that revel in murder and terror. Mason is a man that is desperate to silence his monster, he has done terrible things which haunt him and he resorts to desperate measures each month. Niall is a man who went to bed with the wrong person, now he is drawn into a world that he wants out of, and Mason is his only hope. The two men are drawn together, but Mason doesn't want his burden falling on someone else and after the final confrontation Niall has to convince him that the two are meant to be together.
I loved this story for the visceral feel to it, the unapologetic way it shows the werewolves as nasty and the darker haunting way that Mason has dealt with it. The opening scenes to this story strike to the heart of the plot, men reveling in their wolves and enjoying the destruction and terror that they unleash. Mason is the good wolf though, he never sinks to the darkest levels that others have and tries to change his path but he is always tracked by the one who made him. Niall falls victim to the deranged wolf and finally turns to Mason when he accepts the truth of what has happened. Their attraction is mutual but it is a very difficult rocky path, Mason has a huge amount of guilt that eats at him and Niall has a fight on his hands to convince Mason that they should be together.
The storyline is pretty easy to follow and I loved the solution to the werewolf problem, delving into myths for answers. It isn't an easy solution and is one that could confuse... kill the creator and revert to human unless you have given in to the urge to hunt and murder a human.
I recommend this gem to those who love base werewolves, fighting instinct and urges, a battle for life, destroying the evil and finding a happiness that was never expected.
March 30, 2014
The Good Wolf was surprisingly unique. Definitely not the standard shifter story. I don't read a huge amount of paranormal stories, so maybe there are more out there, but I haven't read a story that provides such a brutal look at the world of werewolves.
This story isn't about gorgeous alphas with their band of devoted followers. It isn't about insta-love and werewolf bonding. It shows the horror and violence of the wolf.
Mason hates every moment of being a werewolf and has spent years trying to find a 'cure'. He is alone, living in isolation, hiding from the man who created him and despising what he has become.
I didn't feel this was a romance in the traditional sense but Niall and Mason develop a relationship as they deal with the horrific three days each month when the wolf takes over.
I am now looking forward to reading about the Bad Wolf.
3.5 stars
Visit my blog if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place! Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
This story isn't about gorgeous alphas with their band of devoted followers. It isn't about insta-love and werewolf bonding. It shows the horror and violence of the wolf.
Mason hates every moment of being a werewolf and has spent years trying to find a 'cure'. He is alone, living in isolation, hiding from the man who created him and despising what he has become.
I didn't feel this was a romance in the traditional sense but Niall and Mason develop a relationship as they deal with the horrific three days each month when the wolf takes over.
I am now looking forward to reading about the Bad Wolf.
3.5 stars
Visit my blog if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place! Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
August 19, 2013
Meredith Russell is fairly new on the scene as an author and was ballsy enough to tackle a shifter book. The plot was easy to follow though I felt it was kind of loose. I liked the new twist on the werewolf cure but was confused as to why Mason stayed a werewolf. The romance was sweet and Niall was definitely persistent. Ms Russell is an author to keep your eye on as she can only get better with time.
August 26, 2013
Wow okay when I picked this one up I was unaware that it portrayed the dark side of werewolf lore. Usually I don't read those much because they tend to be too much horror story type for me. BUT this one was fantastic!
The book kept my interest the whole time and had a very satisfying conclusion. Definitely one of my favorites. I can even overlook the fact that the real romance-y type stuff only happened at the end. Dare I hope it won't be a long wait for book two?
The book kept my interest the whole time and had a very satisfying conclusion. Definitely one of my favorites. I can even overlook the fact that the real romance-y type stuff only happened at the end. Dare I hope it won't be a long wait for book two?
August 18, 2013
I really like this story. The POV were a little difficult to follow at times and it was too short otherwise can not wait for the next story.
October 8, 2013
Please leave comments on Becky's 5 sweet pea review of The Good Wolf at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
“You can’t trust this thing inside me. It’s violent and angry and…” Slowly, he turned to meet Niall’s gaze. “It would rip your throat out without a second thought.”
Gruesome. Brutal. Fierce. These are werewolves that, when in wolf form, behave like bloodthirsty wolves. They are nasty and as unpleasant as creatures can be. When Mason is surprised by the true nature of his college friend and bitten, he is determined not to be *that* kind of werewolf. So he lives a reclusive life, avoiding the company of others in order not to spread his cursed existence.
He also is in hiding from the wolf who turned him. He’s not the only one. Niall has had a similar experience and the smell of Kaine is on both Mason and Niall, which makes them easier to track if they go out.
Niall figures out a way to end the bane but can he and Mason make it happen without it costing them their lives. Niall and Mason are drawn to each other and are in lust and love so now each is protective of more than just themselves.
Meredith Russell has built a paranormal world unlike most other romanticized werewolf cultures. This is a horror story at its most… well, horrid. When I started the book I was a bit put off by what happened a the initial party. No, more than just a bit. It shocked me and I was in the same boat as Mason, not believing what was happening. But, I stuck with it and was rewarded with a wonderful story. This is as good a horror/romance blend as it is possible to be.
“You can’t trust this thing inside me. It’s violent and angry and…” Slowly, he turned to meet Niall’s gaze. “It would rip your throat out without a second thought.”
Gruesome. Brutal. Fierce. These are werewolves that, when in wolf form, behave like bloodthirsty wolves. They are nasty and as unpleasant as creatures can be. When Mason is surprised by the true nature of his college friend and bitten, he is determined not to be *that* kind of werewolf. So he lives a reclusive life, avoiding the company of others in order not to spread his cursed existence.
He also is in hiding from the wolf who turned him. He’s not the only one. Niall has had a similar experience and the smell of Kaine is on both Mason and Niall, which makes them easier to track if they go out.
Niall figures out a way to end the bane but can he and Mason make it happen without it costing them their lives. Niall and Mason are drawn to each other and are in lust and love so now each is protective of more than just themselves.
Meredith Russell has built a paranormal world unlike most other romanticized werewolf cultures. This is a horror story at its most… well, horrid. When I started the book I was a bit put off by what happened a the initial party. No, more than just a bit. It shocked me and I was in the same boat as Mason, not believing what was happening. But, I stuck with it and was rewarded with a wonderful story. This is as good a horror/romance blend as it is possible to be.
August 21, 2013
2.5 stars. Not bad but lacked a lot of depth in character development, which is disappointing considering this is the first book in a triology (the one that draws you in and keeps you reading).
August 18, 2013
Action packed and raw, this take on being changed into a werewolf is so good. Very visual, and I can't wait to read book 2... The Bad Wolf...
August 23, 2013
The story did not flow as smoothly as I would have liked but it was interesting nonetheless. I wish to read more about the characters to know them better. Can't wait for the next installment.
April 9, 2014
Mason was quite happy and lusting after his college best friend Kaine, until he is betrayed. By Kaine. Brutally. He then spends the next eight years trying to survive, not even living. He drugs himself, and hides, making no connections to people. He comes across Niall, who is in the same situation, only he’s clueless, and doesn’t really believe Mason. Until he spends a night with Mason and sees for himself. What follows is a slightly disjointed story about Mason and Niall trying to find a way to cure their werewolf affliction.
I love paranormal romance novels, and I’m very fond of werewolves, this one is a bit different. Usually being a werewolf is a positive thing, but for Mason and Niall it is not. They have both been turned against their will, neither knew what was going on at the time. This was a little hard for me to adapt to at first, I do like my werewolves happy! Especially after just reading a book with pack oriented, happy werewolves. But I am willing to accept any story if an author convinces me enough. I can accept the bad side of werewolves, and we certainly see that in this story. So Kaine is a nasty piece of work, he has it in for Mason stalking him until he finds him again after a break, and brings his followers/pack mates with him to help torment Mason.
This time Mason has not only Niall to worry about, but Saskia, a girl that he’s befriended that lives in his building. She has learned about his affliction when Mason rescues her from a couple of guys in a park one night. Saskia has been helping and pestering Mason, then along comes Niall, forcing his way in to Mason’s life as well. He now has people who care about him, that he also feels he needs to protect. He tries a couple of times to get away, but can’t seem to do it. Then some bad stuff happens, there’s a big drama confrontation and it’s all over.
I had a few issues with this book. I’m not sure why Kaine had it in for Mason all these years, it seemed like a lot of effort for no reason. He was certainly the “bad guy” of the story, but I couldn’t get his motivation. The solution didn’t work for me, I understood what they expected to do from the drawing Mason found, but that isn’t what happened. I didn’t get why it kinda worked but not really (trying to avoid spoilers here!) I saw no emotional connection between Mason and Niall until the very end of the story. It felt like Mason didn’t have any interest in Niall, and Niall just wanted a cure. There was no romance, no words of love, no passion, and very little sex. Until after all of the drama was over, then there was a bit of sex and a happy ending. Then I could see the connection, but I wish it had been clearer earlier. I didn’t really care if they got together or not, until the very end.
So I guess I liked the book, but didn’t love it. I never connected with the characters, Mason was too cold, and we never got much background with Niall so I didn’t care much about him. Saskia was odd and annoying at times. The plot was hit and miss for me, it had potential but never really got my full interest. Kaine had the potential to be a decent bad guy, if I had understood his motivation I may have appreciated him more, and the story all together. I also prefer more of an emotional connection, more romance, and more sex in my books. But it did have a happy ending!
A copy of this book was provided for reviewing. The original review posted at www.sidlove.com!
I love paranormal romance novels, and I’m very fond of werewolves, this one is a bit different. Usually being a werewolf is a positive thing, but for Mason and Niall it is not. They have both been turned against their will, neither knew what was going on at the time. This was a little hard for me to adapt to at first, I do like my werewolves happy! Especially after just reading a book with pack oriented, happy werewolves. But I am willing to accept any story if an author convinces me enough. I can accept the bad side of werewolves, and we certainly see that in this story. So Kaine is a nasty piece of work, he has it in for Mason stalking him until he finds him again after a break, and brings his followers/pack mates with him to help torment Mason.
This time Mason has not only Niall to worry about, but Saskia, a girl that he’s befriended that lives in his building. She has learned about his affliction when Mason rescues her from a couple of guys in a park one night. Saskia has been helping and pestering Mason, then along comes Niall, forcing his way in to Mason’s life as well. He now has people who care about him, that he also feels he needs to protect. He tries a couple of times to get away, but can’t seem to do it. Then some bad stuff happens, there’s a big drama confrontation and it’s all over.
I had a few issues with this book. I’m not sure why Kaine had it in for Mason all these years, it seemed like a lot of effort for no reason. He was certainly the “bad guy” of the story, but I couldn’t get his motivation. The solution didn’t work for me, I understood what they expected to do from the drawing Mason found, but that isn’t what happened. I didn’t get why it kinda worked but not really (trying to avoid spoilers here!) I saw no emotional connection between Mason and Niall until the very end of the story. It felt like Mason didn’t have any interest in Niall, and Niall just wanted a cure. There was no romance, no words of love, no passion, and very little sex. Until after all of the drama was over, then there was a bit of sex and a happy ending. Then I could see the connection, but I wish it had been clearer earlier. I didn’t really care if they got together or not, until the very end.
So I guess I liked the book, but didn’t love it. I never connected with the characters, Mason was too cold, and we never got much background with Niall so I didn’t care much about him. Saskia was odd and annoying at times. The plot was hit and miss for me, it had potential but never really got my full interest. Kaine had the potential to be a decent bad guy, if I had understood his motivation I may have appreciated him more, and the story all together. I also prefer more of an emotional connection, more romance, and more sex in my books. But it did have a happy ending!
A copy of this book was provided for reviewing. The original review posted at www.sidlove.com!
February 7, 2018
This isn't your typical m/m shifter story. There's no insta-love or born/natural wolf shifters. This book follows the standard horror movie idea of werewolves. You’re turned into a werewolf by getting bit and you become a monster during the full moon.
Mason was targeted by a psychotic man who enjoys the power and blood that being a werewolf brings. He bites Mason, expecting him to join his pack of crazies but instead Mason runs away and tries to find a way to cure himself.
A few years later, Niall is pretty much tossed in Mason's path. A freshly bitten young man who has no idea of the ways his life is about to change. Mason tries not to get involved but he can't turn a blind eye either. They end up being drawn together, not just by their similar situation, but by an unusual attraction.
The story is written well, there's a solid plot, and the characters are engaging and interesting. Definitely a good read as long as you’re not looking for any insta-love, mate situation or "good" wolves.
Mason was targeted by a psychotic man who enjoys the power and blood that being a werewolf brings. He bites Mason, expecting him to join his pack of crazies but instead Mason runs away and tries to find a way to cure himself.
A few years later, Niall is pretty much tossed in Mason's path. A freshly bitten young man who has no idea of the ways his life is about to change. Mason tries not to get involved but he can't turn a blind eye either. They end up being drawn together, not just by their similar situation, but by an unusual attraction.
The story is written well, there's a solid plot, and the characters are engaging and interesting. Definitely a good read as long as you’re not looking for any insta-love, mate situation or "good" wolves.
December 20, 2013
I read m/m romance novels for the love story. I have purposely avoided paranormal and shifter stories fearing a horror story which is a genre I most definitely avoid. However after a couple of Kendall's shifter novels I thought that I may be wrong. This book showed me that I definitely need to be choosie when I select a shifter book to read.
Did Not Finish
September 16, 2013DNF - 20%
October 5, 2013
3 stars
I am looking forward to reading the next one.
I am looking forward to reading the next one.
November 30, 2013
loved the werewolf side of the book, not so much the romance - I thought I'd accidentally missed a chapter but no, I hadn't.
May 18, 2014
This one just didn't work for me. I think a lack of character development didn't help either.
April 19, 2014
review to come
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews