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Holland Brothers #1
Unexpected Mate
Brian Townsend was having one hell of a week. Rejected by his parents, kicked out of his pack and now his car breaks down on his way south. What else could go wrong? He soon finds out when the police rock up, and the sexy cop turns out to be his mate. What he didn’t expect was his mate to walk away from him, without so much as a backward glance.
Marcus Holland was having one hell of a week. Breaking up with his girlfriend, and then copping an earful from his mother about settling down and having kids. All he wanted was to go home and relax. Little did he know one last call-out on his way home would change his life for ever.
Can Marcus come to terms with the fact his mate is a man or will he risk losing Brian forever. However, not everyone in the pack is entirely happy with this mating.
NOTE: UM has been re-edited, and expanded by over 17 K.
Marcus Holland was having one hell of a week. Breaking up with his girlfriend, and then copping an earful from his mother about settling down and having kids. All he wanted was to go home and relax. Little did he know one last call-out on his way home would change his life for ever.
Can Marcus come to terms with the fact his mate is a man or will he risk losing Brian forever. However, not everyone in the pack is entirely happy with this mating.
NOTE: UM has been re-edited, and expanded by over 17 K.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2011
53 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Toni Griffin
47 books511 followersToni Griffin lives in Darwin, the smallest of Australia’s capital cities. Born and raised in the state she’s a Territorian through and through. Growing up Toni hated English with a passion (as her editors can probably attest to) and found her strength lies with numbers.
Now, though, she loves escaping to the worlds she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. She’s a single mother of one and works full time. When she’s not writing you can just about guarantee that she will be reading one of the many MM authors she loves.
Feel free to drop her a line at info@tonigriffin.net anytime.
Now, though, she loves escaping to the worlds she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. She’s a single mother of one and works full time. When she’s not writing you can just about guarantee that she will be reading one of the many MM authors she loves.
Feel free to drop her a line at info@tonigriffin.net anytime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
March 29, 2013
This is the book for you if you want to read the mean of every wolf shifter MM novel out there, and you want to read it with a x8 speed multiplier on.
The story goes like this:
Straight wolf meets bent wolf and assorted boner situations but NO I AM NOT GAY NEVER NEVER NEVER. Stomp stomp stomp stomp later, an epiphany happens and oh my what's this? I'm gay after all! Meet up, sex sex sex sex sex. (It was great sex so I love you now.) Meet family, sex sex sex sex sex (oops, 2D villain roadblock) someone gets hurt, sex sex, the end.
Oh, and don't forget the requisite thrown-out-because-I-am-gay scenario, but that's right there on the blurb so you can't say you weren't warned. I'm not sure what America is really like, being neither male nor gay there, but if these MM books are to be trusted, approximately 80% of them are orphaned after puberty.
The story goes like this:
Straight wolf meets bent wolf and assorted boner situations but NO I AM NOT GAY NEVER NEVER NEVER. Stomp stomp stomp stomp later, an epiphany happens and oh my what's this? I'm gay after all! Meet up, sex sex sex sex sex. (It was great sex so I love you now.) Meet family, sex sex sex sex sex (oops, 2D villain roadblock) someone gets hurt, sex sex, the end.
Oh, and don't forget the requisite thrown-out-because-I-am-gay scenario, but that's right there on the blurb so you can't say you weren't warned. I'm not sure what America is really like, being neither male nor gay there, but if these MM books are to be trusted, approximately 80% of them are orphaned after puberty.
November 13, 2011
This novel was a study in cliches:
1] exhile & beating b/c of being gay
2] car breaking down on side of road
3] cop happens to be mate
4] cop happens to be straight
5] sudden physical reactions to being around mate [fangs/cock]
6] fear from cop [who happens to be straight], and denial
7] rock-hard cock
8] four gay brothers living together [or, 3 gay and 1 previously-straight]
9] sudden mind-changing of the straight cop, insta-gay
10] cop grovels for mate
11] mate falls into insta-lust and insta-love, trots off to live with cop
12] previously-straight man knows all about the logistics of gay sex without asking. makes NO mistakes.
13] everyone is gorgeous
14] mate and cop are insatiable [queue corny exchanges of 'so hot, need you, etc etc']
15] rock-hard cock
16] everyone is so sexy
17] parents of four brothers, other pack members, etc, is happy for previously-straight cop now turned gay for mate
18] spurned past-girlfriend
19] sex. more sex. even more sex. more insta-love.
20] surprise at finding out insta-love is returned
21] rock-hard cock
22] knotting
23] rock-hard cock
24] "I need ..." * "I know what you need, baby!"
25] desperation for mate
26] giggling
27] bitch fight
28] near-death injury
29] complete recovery
30] happily-ever-after
Oh, and did I mention the rock-hard cock? If not, let me tack that on as # 31: rock-hard cock.
1] exhile & beating b/c of being gay
2] car breaking down on side of road
3] cop happens to be mate
4] cop happens to be straight
5] sudden physical reactions to being around mate [fangs/cock]
6] fear from cop [who happens to be straight], and denial
7] rock-hard cock
8] four gay brothers living together [or, 3 gay and 1 previously-straight]
9] sudden mind-changing of the straight cop, insta-gay
10] cop grovels for mate
11] mate falls into insta-lust and insta-love, trots off to live with cop
12] previously-straight man knows all about the logistics of gay sex without asking. makes NO mistakes.
13] everyone is gorgeous
14] mate and cop are insatiable [queue corny exchanges of 'so hot, need you, etc etc']
15] rock-hard cock
16] everyone is so sexy
17] parents of four brothers, other pack members, etc, is happy for previously-straight cop now turned gay for mate
18] spurned past-girlfriend
19] sex. more sex. even more sex. more insta-love.
20] surprise at finding out insta-love is returned
21] rock-hard cock
22] knotting
23] rock-hard cock
24] "I need ..." * "I know what you need, baby!"
25] desperation for mate
26] giggling
27] bitch fight
28] near-death injury
29] complete recovery
30] happily-ever-after
Oh, and did I mention the rock-hard cock? If not, let me tack that on as # 31: rock-hard cock.
November 17, 2022
Marcus is one of the Holland brothers. Of the four, there are three gay brothers (what are the chances?) and Marcus who is the odd one out. That is until he meets Brian, his mate. Marcus is not a happy camper. Quote from book..."Why couldn't this man belong to one of his gay brothers? Hell, why couldn't this man be a woman?" But pack law is pack law and no wolf questions it ...at least not out loud. What follows is a cute story as Marcus turns away from Brian and then needs to try to win him back. Throw in a bit of drama with a bitchy ex-girlfriend and a nice accepting family and it turns into a fun, light read with a happy ending!
March 12, 2016
With an Unexptected Mate I gave the shifter genre another chance. I really want to find a shifter story I really like, but so far I just wasn't successful. I might keep chosing the wrong books, but I was really looking forward to this one. The blurb sounded interesting and a lot of my GR friends rated the book with around 4 stars.
Brian Townsend was having one hell of a week. Rejected by his parents, kicked out of his pack and now his car breaks down on his way south. What else could go wrong? He soon finds out when the police rock up, and the sexy cop turns out to be his mate. What he didn’t expect was his mate to walk away from him, without so much as a backward glance.
Sounds good right?
Unfortunately, it wasn't that good! I finished the book and I didn't think about DNF, but it still wasn't an entertaining read.
And I really wanted to like the story, but there were so many boring stereotypes, too much mating and not enough plot that I just never felt connected to Brian and Marcus.
The last two - three chapters managed to get me somewhat interested and I felt some kind of sympathie toward the characters, but I'm quite sure that I will have forgotten about them in just a few days.
This might be a clear case of It's not you - it's me!. But I really want to find a good shifter story before completely giving up the subgenre.
So if you like shifter stories, just let me know about your favorite books! I'm looking forward to some recommendations!
2 stars for this one!
Brian Townsend was having one hell of a week. Rejected by his parents, kicked out of his pack and now his car breaks down on his way south. What else could go wrong? He soon finds out when the police rock up, and the sexy cop turns out to be his mate. What he didn’t expect was his mate to walk away from him, without so much as a backward glance.
Sounds good right?
Unfortunately, it wasn't that good! I finished the book and I didn't think about DNF, but it still wasn't an entertaining read.
And I really wanted to like the story, but there were so many boring stereotypes, too much mating and not enough plot that I just never felt connected to Brian and Marcus.
The last two - three chapters managed to get me somewhat interested and I felt some kind of sympathie toward the characters, but I'm quite sure that I will have forgotten about them in just a few days.
This might be a clear case of It's not you - it's me!. But I really want to find a good shifter story before completely giving up the subgenre.
So if you like shifter stories, just let me know about your favorite books! I'm looking forward to some recommendations!
2 stars for this one!
December 7, 2012
I was curious about this series.
This is about shifters with instalove mating instinct. Little to no angst here and lots of screwing. It's all in the spin, I guess. These are set in Australia but I don't really get a feel for it being there, it wasn't overly distinctive for me. It could have been set anywhere really. Maybe later books in the series will come across as more Aussie.
There was a lot of usage of the word baby in this one. Too much. Way, way too much. I like that the series is about brothers' finding their mates but this is a saccharine tale. Too much for me to really enjoy it. I'm curious though so I may continue despite this not really being to my taste.
This is about shifters with instalove mating instinct. Little to no angst here and lots of screwing. It's all in the spin, I guess. These are set in Australia but I don't really get a feel for it being there, it wasn't overly distinctive for me. It could have been set anywhere really. Maybe later books in the series will come across as more Aussie.
There was a lot of usage of the word baby in this one. Too much. Way, way too much. I like that the series is about brothers' finding their mates but this is a saccharine tale. Too much for me to really enjoy it. I'm curious though so I may continue despite this not really being to my taste.
July 12, 2024
It makes me giggle when straight dudes become experts at gay sex for the first time. A little awkwardness thrown in would have been just fine.
Nothing stood out in this, but it was a cute start to the series. I'm interested in the side characters. I loved Marcus's parents and brothers, so I'll keep going. Marcus was a bit douchey, but his groveling was sweet. I just would have liked Brian to resist a little more, bc damn, I was hurt for him. I get it tho.. Marcus acted like he really wanted kids, so hopefully, I can see that later in the series.
Stacey was crazy.
Nothing stood out in this, but it was a cute start to the series. I'm interested in the side characters. I loved Marcus's parents and brothers, so I'll keep going. Marcus was a bit douchey, but his groveling was sweet. I just would have liked Brian to resist a little more, bc damn, I was hurt for him. I get it tho.. Marcus acted like he really wanted kids, so hopefully, I can see that later in the series.
Stacey was crazy.
October 23, 2015
3.5 stars
Holy cows, this was terrible! And I loved it anyway.
This has all the cliches. A young guy thrown out by his pack for being gay, a possessive mate (formerly straight), corny sex scenes and lots and lots of over the top fluffiness.
And it was just what I needed!
I knew what I was getting into when I started this book. I was craving for something cheesy, something so low angst it was ridiculous. And I loved it!
I have to admit, the writing in the first half was not as bad as I expected. There was somewhat of an introduction to both characters. Of course after Marcus got his head out of his ass he fully embraced the gay and it turned into one big sap fest. But I was okay with that. I expected no less.
So if you are in the mood for a lot of Mine Mine Mine Mine, hard cocks everywhere and at the most inappropriate moments, with a little hurt/comfort thrown in, this is the book for you!
Holy cows, this was terrible! And I loved it anyway.
This has all the cliches. A young guy thrown out by his pack for being gay, a possessive mate (formerly straight), corny sex scenes and lots and lots of over the top fluffiness.
And it was just what I needed!
I knew what I was getting into when I started this book. I was craving for something cheesy, something so low angst it was ridiculous. And I loved it!
I have to admit, the writing in the first half was not as bad as I expected. There was somewhat of an introduction to both characters. Of course after Marcus got his head out of his ass he fully embraced the gay and it turned into one big sap fest. But I was okay with that. I expected no less.
So if you are in the mood for a lot of Mine Mine Mine Mine, hard cocks everywhere and at the most inappropriate moments, with a little hurt/comfort thrown in, this is the book for you!
January 30, 2011
Reading the concept of mate in werewolves story can be personally tricky. It's very common that this concept ends up in instant-love, quick claiming, possessive Alphas .. and forgot the idea of courting. Finding that one story with just the right balance of courting, romance, while still carry the concept of mate is not easy. For me, at least.
I'm gambling with this one since Ms. Griffin is a new author. Unfortunately, this first story of her series of four gay werewolf brothers came out short and disappointing. Again, it's the instant-love, "I know you're my mate since the first time I saw you, let's get it on" type of story. There's no actual courting, everything happens pretty fast. Sure, there's one big challenge on Brian's position as Marcus's mate in the end, and it's probably the only scene I enjoy because at least it feels like a climax. There is not enough character building for me to get into either Marcus and Brian as individual.
AND the last reason is very subjective, okay, but ...
I HATE the use of "baby" as terms of endearment. I really, REALLY HATE IT. I will say that again and again -- I prefer the words like "hon" or "sweetheart". Even "babe" is okay. "Baby" is just irritating, because for me it reminds me of actual baby and I don't like to think of a man that way. Seeing few "baby" in conversation is acceptable, but Marcus calls Brian "baby" in almost EVERY conversation and it's grating on my nerves. It's like hearing nail screeching a glass, I'm so annoyed by it. I'm ready to ban that word forever from ALL of romance novels I read.
... however, I do hope that this is only because it's the first book. I'm still intrigued with the rest of the brothers. Hopefully, the next book will be a better experience.
I'm gambling with this one since Ms. Griffin is a new author. Unfortunately, this first story of her series of four gay werewolf brothers came out short and disappointing. Again, it's the instant-love, "I know you're my mate since the first time I saw you, let's get it on" type of story. There's no actual courting, everything happens pretty fast. Sure, there's one big challenge on Brian's position as Marcus's mate in the end, and it's probably the only scene I enjoy because at least it feels like a climax. There is not enough character building for me to get into either Marcus and Brian as individual.
AND the last reason is very subjective, okay, but ...
I HATE the use of "baby" as terms of endearment. I really, REALLY HATE IT. I will say that again and again -- I prefer the words like "hon" or "sweetheart". Even "babe" is okay. "Baby" is just irritating, because for me it reminds me of actual baby and I don't like to think of a man that way. Seeing few "baby" in conversation is acceptable, but Marcus calls Brian "baby" in almost EVERY conversation and it's grating on my nerves. It's like hearing nail screeching a glass, I'm so annoyed by it. I'm ready to ban that word forever from ALL of romance novels I read.
... however, I do hope that this is only because it's the first book. I'm still intrigued with the rest of the brothers. Hopefully, the next book will be a better experience.
March 27, 2024
DNF @ about 1 hr.
The storyline had promise, but the writing style is just not for me. I couldn't sit through the entire audiobook, knowing there would be no assbabies in this book of the series.
The storyline had promise, but the writing style is just not for me. I couldn't sit through the entire audiobook, knowing there would be no assbabies in this book of the series.
January 28, 2015
This is one of the worst books I have ever read, possibly one of the worst books ever written, and I feel so very honored to tell you why. Buckle in, kids, it's an extensive list.
1) This author does not understand how werewolves work. For ripping off nearly every werewolf cliche in the world, one would expect she would grasp a basic understanding of...well, anything about them at all. Please see subsets for examples of Did This Book Even See An Editor?
A. Wolves do not have cubs. They have pups. Werewolves have pups. No cubs. None. The fact that the author repeatedly uses this mistake made me want to smash my fucking face into my kindle. It took me three seconds of Googling to ensure that I was correct in my understanding of this fact. I can only imagine it would have been equally as easy for her.
B. As an outside werewolf from another town and another pack, there are certain universal rules, shall we say. One of these, which happens to also extend to every OTHER kind of werewolf, is you don't shit talk the Alpha. Everyone knows this. Everyone. It is beyond insane for Brian to have shown up, demanded to see the Alpha, then screamed at him, cursed him out, and left without being dismissed. He would be dead. More than dead. There would be only pieces left. Come on, Toni Griffin, you can't be serious with this crap.
2) This author does not understand how male reproductive organs work. Again, I can only assume this would be an easily solved problem with very little Googling.
3) This author does not understand how dirty talk works. I'm sure you're seeing the pattern.
4) This author uses the word "baby" in every single line from page 60 on. If you didn't hate her/this book/these characters/yourself for your poor choices, believe me, you will at that point.
Please don't waste your money on this book. There's SO MUCH werewolf erotica out there that you could literally just pick up a stone and throw it, then hand the random stranger you hit a piece of paper and a pen and tell them to write a gay werewolf sex scene. And I PROMISE YOU...even if they just bled all over the page, it would be better than this garbage.
1) This author does not understand how werewolves work. For ripping off nearly every werewolf cliche in the world, one would expect she would grasp a basic understanding of...well, anything about them at all. Please see subsets for examples of Did This Book Even See An Editor?
A. Wolves do not have cubs. They have pups. Werewolves have pups. No cubs. None. The fact that the author repeatedly uses this mistake made me want to smash my fucking face into my kindle. It took me three seconds of Googling to ensure that I was correct in my understanding of this fact. I can only imagine it would have been equally as easy for her.
B. As an outside werewolf from another town and another pack, there are certain universal rules, shall we say. One of these, which happens to also extend to every OTHER kind of werewolf, is you don't shit talk the Alpha. Everyone knows this. Everyone. It is beyond insane for Brian to have shown up, demanded to see the Alpha, then screamed at him, cursed him out, and left without being dismissed. He would be dead. More than dead. There would be only pieces left. Come on, Toni Griffin, you can't be serious with this crap.
2) This author does not understand how male reproductive organs work. Again, I can only assume this would be an easily solved problem with very little Googling.
3) This author does not understand how dirty talk works. I'm sure you're seeing the pattern.
4) This author uses the word "baby" in every single line from page 60 on. If you didn't hate her/this book/these characters/yourself for your poor choices, believe me, you will at that point.
Please don't waste your money on this book. There's SO MUCH werewolf erotica out there that you could literally just pick up a stone and throw it, then hand the random stranger you hit a piece of paper and a pen and tell them to write a gay werewolf sex scene. And I PROMISE YOU...even if they just bled all over the page, it would be better than this garbage.
April 27, 2016
Though it doesn't offer anything new to the shifter genre, and was in fact totally predictable, and even though Brian could have been a woman for all the masculine qualities he was given (hint: a penis is pretty much the only masculine quality he has), I still enjoyed it.
Sometimes predictable is good. It's comforting in it's own way. This was just what I needed, right when I needed it and by the time I finished listening I was smiling.
Bottom line? I enjoyed it enough to want to pick up the second book, which is Alex's story.
P.S.: Is anyone else convinced that narrator Dominic M. McCartney and Dave Gillies are the same person?
June 9, 2018
3.7 Stars
This was a lot better than I thought it would be; it hasn't been on my TBR for long but the whole series has been on my radar for a while...not sure why I waited so long to get to it!
I am a sucker for the GFY theme and I really liked that after the initial freak-out Marcus seemed to adapt well, taking the change in stride. Being the only "straight" brother, and having all of his mom's hopes for grandkids pinned on him, I can see why it would upset him more than just having to reconsider his orientation. LOL @ watching porn for tips on gay sex. It's funny but it's also a bit cringe-worthy...not as awkward as asking one of his other 3 brothers for advice, though.
I could have done without the jealous, mean, stupid female rival (a little over that trope at this point), but she did provide a bit of external drama. The story didn't mention whether unmated sex could result in kids, but I think that (instead of the staged challenge) could have worked as well.
Definitely gonna put the next one on the TBR...
This was a lot better than I thought it would be; it hasn't been on my TBR for long but the whole series has been on my radar for a while...not sure why I waited so long to get to it!
I am a sucker for the GFY theme and I really liked that after the initial freak-out Marcus seemed to adapt well, taking the change in stride. Being the only "straight" brother, and having all of his mom's hopes for grandkids pinned on him, I can see why it would upset him more than just having to reconsider his orientation. LOL @ watching porn for tips on gay sex. It's funny but it's also a bit cringe-worthy...not as awkward as asking one of his other 3 brothers for advice, though.
I could have done without the jealous, mean, stupid female rival (a little over that trope at this point), but she did provide a bit of external drama. The story didn't mention whether unmated sex could result in kids, but I think that (instead of the staged challenge) could have worked as well.
Definitely gonna put the next one on the TBR...
October 12, 2012
Pretty much every trope ever found in an m/m paranormal was in this one...except the baby, well since Marcus calls Brian that, maybe there even was a baby!
I might have forgotten something...so, I wanted something totally light and fluffy and where I didn't need to think and this was perfect for that!
I might have forgotten something...so, I wanted something totally light and fluffy and where I didn't need to think and this was perfect for that!
February 3, 2011
I liked this new book by a new author.
Yes it is a insta-love, but sometimes you're in the mood for one of them.
I have to agree with some others about the use to the word "baby", it really is kinda soon. Not that I mind the use of that endearment, it was just a little soon, but after that, it's a sweet, easy story.
The writing style was easier for me to handle than some others (some have their characters more barbaric, which can be annoying)
Over all it's a good start to a new series, and can't wait till the next brother's story.
Yes it is a insta-love, but sometimes you're in the mood for one of them.
I have to agree with some others about the use to the word "baby", it really is kinda soon. Not that I mind the use of that endearment, it was just a little soon, but after that, it's a sweet, easy story.
The writing style was easier for me to handle than some others (some have their characters more barbaric, which can be annoying)
Over all it's a good start to a new series, and can't wait till the next brother's story.
March 14, 2014
Well, this wasn't what I had been expecting. The blurb is a bit misleading because I thought there would be a huge issue with Marcus' parents. There wasn't. No, the only person who had an issue with the gay thing was Marcus. And the ex, Stacey. But that was to be expected.
Brian and Marcus ended up becoming a really nice couple. Not my favorite by any means, but they were really nice together and I did like watching them come together. It didn't feel as forced as it could have been. Actually, I had kinda expected to dislike how forced they felt as a couple. But it didn't happen. I was rooting for them, especially when Stacey got involved.
This is the first book in a series, and I like the idea of the other brothers being gay. It means I can freely like them without being annoyed about not getting their book. And I'm really excited to see what happens with this couple. It would be great to keep building them as a couple and to see how they end up having a child.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. But I think fans of shifters stories would probably like it more than those who don't like shifter books.
Brian and Marcus ended up becoming a really nice couple. Not my favorite by any means, but they were really nice together and I did like watching them come together. It didn't feel as forced as it could have been. Actually, I had kinda expected to dislike how forced they felt as a couple. But it didn't happen. I was rooting for them, especially when Stacey got involved.
This is the first book in a series, and I like the idea of the other brothers being gay. It means I can freely like them without being annoyed about not getting their book. And I'm really excited to see what happens with this couple. It would be great to keep building them as a couple and to see how they end up having a child.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. But I think fans of shifters stories would probably like it more than those who don't like shifter books.
May 8, 2011
This book has no original concepts whatsoever. The whole thing reads like excerpts from any one of half a dozen Stormy Glenn books. The characters aren't fully fleshed out, events happen too rapidly to be even remotely realistic and the conflict in the book is almost negligible.
But the biggest problem is that there's simply nothing original here. Every single idea and concept has already been done elsewhere by other authors.
But the biggest problem is that there's simply nothing original here. Every single idea and concept has already been done elsewhere by other authors.
August 11, 2011
Pretty good I liked it
August 27, 2016
The unexpected can hit people hard, and the more determined they were to do one thing, or to expect a certain outcome, the more shocked they will be when Fate decides something else is going to happen. Both men in this story have to face the unexpected, yet their reactions are completely different.
Brian is confronted with massive rejection. First his parents kick him out because he is gay, which he wouldn’t have thought possible. Then his pack banishes him and runs him off their land without so much as five minutes to pack his things. But when the man who is his mate rejects him as well for not having the “right” (read “expected”) gender, he is pretty sure Fate is out to get him. Not one to give up easily, or at all, he gets a job to earn the money to pay for the repairs his truck needs, and plans to leave town as soon as possible. But then something unexpected happens to him when Marcus has a change of mind, and Brian faces a new challenge: that of deciding whether he can forgive his mate for treating him like garbage.
Marcus is an idiot. Sort of a lovable one, but an idiot nevertheless. He has got it in his head that he needs to supply his parents with grandchildren, since he is the only straight one among their four children. He also has a girlfriend he doesn’t really like all that much, because, I suspect, he knows people expect him to have one. Thee is one thing he will not compromise on, and that is the fact he will only settle down with his fated mate. And the girlfriend, no matter how manipulative she is, is not her. When he meets Brian, he knows immediately the man is his mate – but he vehemently denies it. Until his older brother and alpha of the pack smacks him upside the head, figuratively speaking, and tells him to get his act together. By the time Marcus comes around he knows he’ll have to grovel –and that is what he does. He is surprisingly good at it!
If you like stories about men too stupid to see the truth in front of their faces, if you enjoy reading about fated mates who almost lose each other through sheer stupidity, and if you’re looking for a hot romance with significant groveling and a vindictive ex-girlfriend, then you will probably like this novella.
Brian is confronted with massive rejection. First his parents kick him out because he is gay, which he wouldn’t have thought possible. Then his pack banishes him and runs him off their land without so much as five minutes to pack his things. But when the man who is his mate rejects him as well for not having the “right” (read “expected”) gender, he is pretty sure Fate is out to get him. Not one to give up easily, or at all, he gets a job to earn the money to pay for the repairs his truck needs, and plans to leave town as soon as possible. But then something unexpected happens to him when Marcus has a change of mind, and Brian faces a new challenge: that of deciding whether he can forgive his mate for treating him like garbage.
Marcus is an idiot. Sort of a lovable one, but an idiot nevertheless. He has got it in his head that he needs to supply his parents with grandchildren, since he is the only straight one among their four children. He also has a girlfriend he doesn’t really like all that much, because, I suspect, he knows people expect him to have one. Thee is one thing he will not compromise on, and that is the fact he will only settle down with his fated mate. And the girlfriend, no matter how manipulative she is, is not her. When he meets Brian, he knows immediately the man is his mate – but he vehemently denies it. Until his older brother and alpha of the pack smacks him upside the head, figuratively speaking, and tells him to get his act together. By the time Marcus comes around he knows he’ll have to grovel –and that is what he does. He is surprisingly good at it!
If you like stories about men too stupid to see the truth in front of their faces, if you enjoy reading about fated mates who almost lose each other through sheer stupidity, and if you’re looking for a hot romance with significant groveling and a vindictive ex-girlfriend, then you will probably like this novella.
July 10, 2020
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed the start of this book. The emotions for Brian were really strong. He's had a particularly rough week and the moment that should have been the most joyous is just one more blow when Marcus walks away. Brian recognizes his mate, but apparently he's just one more person not interested in Brian.
The downside in this one really is just that it's so short that Marcus' redemption and the connection between them goes too fast. The reconnection relies almost entirely on the mate bond and the insta-love of this story. The little bit of a problem point with Marcus' ex girlfriend was also a little too predictable for me. But the end of the book did have me wanting to read more of the series and Marcus' brothers.
I really enjoyed the start of this book. The emotions for Brian were really strong. He's had a particularly rough week and the moment that should have been the most joyous is just one more blow when Marcus walks away. Brian recognizes his mate, but apparently he's just one more person not interested in Brian.
The downside in this one really is just that it's so short that Marcus' redemption and the connection between them goes too fast. The reconnection relies almost entirely on the mate bond and the insta-love of this story. The little bit of a problem point with Marcus' ex girlfriend was also a little too predictable for me. But the end of the book did have me wanting to read more of the series and Marcus' brothers.
October 31, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Brian Townsend è stato esiliato dal Branco dopo aver confessato di essere gay e quando la sua macchina si ferma al limite di una cittadina sperduta nel nulla, non sa cosa fare. Di sicuro, non pensa di poter incontrare il suo Compagno Predestinato.
Marcus Holland è il capo della polizia locale e quando soccorre Brian sul ciglio della strada, tutto si aspetta meno che trovare il suo Compagno, soprattutto perché è sempre stato convinto di essere eterosessuale.
Questo comporta che non accetti, in un primo momento, Brian come Compagno Predestinato, quindi le cose iniziano in un modo non proprio idilliaco…
Continua sul nostro blog!
Brian Townsend è stato esiliato dal Branco dopo aver confessato di essere gay e quando la sua macchina si ferma al limite di una cittadina sperduta nel nulla, non sa cosa fare. Di sicuro, non pensa di poter incontrare il suo Compagno Predestinato.
Marcus Holland è il capo della polizia locale e quando soccorre Brian sul ciglio della strada, tutto si aspetta meno che trovare il suo Compagno, soprattutto perché è sempre stato convinto di essere eterosessuale.
Questo comporta che non accetti, in un primo momento, Brian come Compagno Predestinato, quindi le cose iniziano in un modo non proprio idilliaco…
Continua sul nostro blog!
January 2, 2016
Brian Townsend, il nostro protagonista, è stanco di nascondere la propria omosessualità.
Quindi, una sera a cena, confessa il suo segreto agli amati genitori, aspettandosi un po’ di maretta e poi un abbraccio collettivo di riappacificazione.
Brian non è preparato al netto rifiuto che riceve e, in men che non si dica, viene rinnegato dalla famiglia e cacciato dal suo branco e da casa.
Ancora sconvolto e incredulo, il giovane vaga senza meta, con i soli vestiti che ha addosso e pochi soldi, fino a che il suo furgone non ha un guasto all’entrata della cittadina di Leyburn.
Il Fato gli dà il colpo finale nel momento in cui, a soccorrerlo, non arriva altri che il suo compagno predestinato. Brian lo riconosce all’istante; peccato che l’uomo rifiuti di ammettere la loro connessione e, trattandolo bruscamente, lo abbandona facendolo piombare nella disperazione più nera.
L’agente di polizia, Marcus Holland, sta vivendo un paio di giorni orribili.
Anzitutto, ha rotto con Stacey, la ragazza che frequenta, perché non è vero amore e lei sta tentando di incastrarlo, legandosi a lui con l’inganno.
Stacey, che è ossessionata da lui, non gli dà tregua e non vuole rassegnarsi.
In aggiunta a questo, anche la madre di Marcus lo tartassa, affinché si sistemi e le procuri dei bei nipotini, poiché è l’unico figlio etero.
Marcus sente fortemente la responsabilità di tramandare il nome degli Holland e vorrebbe anch’egli, in cuor suo, formare una famiglia felice e avere tanti cuccioli, ma non con una donna a caso. Marcus sta aspettando la sua vera compagna e non vuole accontentarsi con niente di meno.
Quando soccorre un vecchio furgone e il tizio alla guida lo dichiara suo compagno, Marcus entra in modalità di negazione completa. Non importa se il profumo che sente è sublime, non importa neppure che il suo corpo stia inequivocabilmente reagendo a quello dell’altro e che il suo lupo interiore stia scodinzolando… lui non è gay e quel tale non può essere il suo destino. Punto.
Affossando ogni remore, Marcus fugge via e, incurante del dolore che provoca a Brian, gli intima di andarsene dalla città al più presto.
Dopo aver perso la sua unica ragione di vita, Brian è davvero al capolinea. Ma, raccogliendo i cocci della sua esistenza, non si dà per vinto e decide che, se il suo compagno non lo vuole… allora forse non lo merita. Appena possibile, se ne andrà da quel posto disgraziato e non lo rivedrà mai più.
Anche Marcus è fermamente convinto che le loro esistenze dovrebbero scorrere su binari separati, quindi decide di rivedere Brian un’ultima volta e sincerarsi definitivamente che loro due non sono partner destinati.
Purtroppo per lui, Marcus non riceve alcuna conferma delle sue convinzioni e, anzi, ritrovarsi a contatto con Brian dà dei segnali inequivocabili, ma il giovane lo tratta freddamente, perché il suo rifiuto iniziale lo ha segnato nel profondo. Quando un compagno respinge la sua anima gemella crea una frattura dolorosissima e Marcus, dopo aver ceduto all’inevitabile accettazione, dovrà farsi perdonare e riconquistare la fiducia di Brian.
Nell’appianare il dissapore interviene il fratello di Marcus, Alexander, che è l’Alpha del branco a cui Brian è costretto a chiedere ospitalità.
Alex fa rinsavire Marcus, che finalmente dà il via al corteggiamento e all’amore che Brian non tarda a corrispondergli, regalandoci un sacco di scene hot e molto, molto zuccherose.
Tutta la famiglia Holland accoglie Brian come un nuovo figlio, consolandolo per la perdita della sua famiglia d’origine.
Quando, a metà del libro, i due protagonisti si marchiano vicendevolmente, si cede il passo a maratone di sesso e coccole e sembrerebbe che nulla possa turbare la loro meritata felicità.
Tuttavia, seppur tardiva, Stacey non si rassegna e sfida Brian per decidere chi sarà il vero compagno di Marcus. Per vincere, la donna è disposta a tutto. Brian riuscirà a riaffermare il proprio diritto sull’uomo che ama?
Devo dire che il libro, nella parte iniziale, è molto coinvolgente. Si percepisce benissimo ogni sentimento di Brian, la sua incredulità, il dolore, la disperazione.
Nella seconda parte, si dà il via ad un sacco di scene molto dolci, a volte un po’ stucchevoli e ripetitive, benché sia sempre gradevole vedere due maschioni mentre si rotolano fra le lenzuola.
L’intervento di Stacy, francamente, mi sembra un tentativo non particolarmente riuscito di movimentare la trama su un finale già evidente. Il suo personaggio avrebbe potuto avere un suo perché, ma la tempistica mi sembra sbagliata.
Non ci sono grandi drammi né scene adrenaliniche, ma rimane una storia discreta, che all’inizio farà sfuggire qualche lacrima e poi saprà coccolare il lettore come un buon intrattenimento.
Quindi, una sera a cena, confessa il suo segreto agli amati genitori, aspettandosi un po’ di maretta e poi un abbraccio collettivo di riappacificazione.
Brian non è preparato al netto rifiuto che riceve e, in men che non si dica, viene rinnegato dalla famiglia e cacciato dal suo branco e da casa.
Ancora sconvolto e incredulo, il giovane vaga senza meta, con i soli vestiti che ha addosso e pochi soldi, fino a che il suo furgone non ha un guasto all’entrata della cittadina di Leyburn.
Il Fato gli dà il colpo finale nel momento in cui, a soccorrerlo, non arriva altri che il suo compagno predestinato. Brian lo riconosce all’istante; peccato che l’uomo rifiuti di ammettere la loro connessione e, trattandolo bruscamente, lo abbandona facendolo piombare nella disperazione più nera.
L’agente di polizia, Marcus Holland, sta vivendo un paio di giorni orribili.
Anzitutto, ha rotto con Stacey, la ragazza che frequenta, perché non è vero amore e lei sta tentando di incastrarlo, legandosi a lui con l’inganno.
Stacey, che è ossessionata da lui, non gli dà tregua e non vuole rassegnarsi.
In aggiunta a questo, anche la madre di Marcus lo tartassa, affinché si sistemi e le procuri dei bei nipotini, poiché è l’unico figlio etero.
Marcus sente fortemente la responsabilità di tramandare il nome degli Holland e vorrebbe anch’egli, in cuor suo, formare una famiglia felice e avere tanti cuccioli, ma non con una donna a caso. Marcus sta aspettando la sua vera compagna e non vuole accontentarsi con niente di meno.
Quando soccorre un vecchio furgone e il tizio alla guida lo dichiara suo compagno, Marcus entra in modalità di negazione completa. Non importa se il profumo che sente è sublime, non importa neppure che il suo corpo stia inequivocabilmente reagendo a quello dell’altro e che il suo lupo interiore stia scodinzolando… lui non è gay e quel tale non può essere il suo destino. Punto.
Affossando ogni remore, Marcus fugge via e, incurante del dolore che provoca a Brian, gli intima di andarsene dalla città al più presto.
Dopo aver perso la sua unica ragione di vita, Brian è davvero al capolinea. Ma, raccogliendo i cocci della sua esistenza, non si dà per vinto e decide che, se il suo compagno non lo vuole… allora forse non lo merita. Appena possibile, se ne andrà da quel posto disgraziato e non lo rivedrà mai più.
Anche Marcus è fermamente convinto che le loro esistenze dovrebbero scorrere su binari separati, quindi decide di rivedere Brian un’ultima volta e sincerarsi definitivamente che loro due non sono partner destinati.
Purtroppo per lui, Marcus non riceve alcuna conferma delle sue convinzioni e, anzi, ritrovarsi a contatto con Brian dà dei segnali inequivocabili, ma il giovane lo tratta freddamente, perché il suo rifiuto iniziale lo ha segnato nel profondo. Quando un compagno respinge la sua anima gemella crea una frattura dolorosissima e Marcus, dopo aver ceduto all’inevitabile accettazione, dovrà farsi perdonare e riconquistare la fiducia di Brian.
Nell’appianare il dissapore interviene il fratello di Marcus, Alexander, che è l’Alpha del branco a cui Brian è costretto a chiedere ospitalità.
Alex fa rinsavire Marcus, che finalmente dà il via al corteggiamento e all’amore che Brian non tarda a corrispondergli, regalandoci un sacco di scene hot e molto, molto zuccherose.
Tutta la famiglia Holland accoglie Brian come un nuovo figlio, consolandolo per la perdita della sua famiglia d’origine.
Quando, a metà del libro, i due protagonisti si marchiano vicendevolmente, si cede il passo a maratone di sesso e coccole e sembrerebbe che nulla possa turbare la loro meritata felicità.
Tuttavia, seppur tardiva, Stacey non si rassegna e sfida Brian per decidere chi sarà il vero compagno di Marcus. Per vincere, la donna è disposta a tutto. Brian riuscirà a riaffermare il proprio diritto sull’uomo che ama?
Devo dire che il libro, nella parte iniziale, è molto coinvolgente. Si percepisce benissimo ogni sentimento di Brian, la sua incredulità, il dolore, la disperazione.
Nella seconda parte, si dà il via ad un sacco di scene molto dolci, a volte un po’ stucchevoli e ripetitive, benché sia sempre gradevole vedere due maschioni mentre si rotolano fra le lenzuola.
L’intervento di Stacy, francamente, mi sembra un tentativo non particolarmente riuscito di movimentare la trama su un finale già evidente. Il suo personaggio avrebbe potuto avere un suo perché, ma la tempistica mi sembra sbagliata.
Non ci sono grandi drammi né scene adrenaliniche, ma rimane una storia discreta, che all’inizio farà sfuggire qualche lacrima e poi saprà coccolare il lettore come un buon intrattenimento.
July 31, 2014
Review after second reading...
Despite my disdain, I'm reading the series again because I have been assured that book 4 Forbidden Mate is awesome ... to clarify, the following review still stands unfortunately with a little addendum ... Australia. Uses. The. Metric. System. ... if you want the book to read like an American book, then set the book in America ... otherwise OWN the differences between America & Australia & keep the yanks hopping with the odd Drop Bear tossed into the mix for fucks sake!
Original review...
This was a debut novel for this author so I gave it 2 stars even though it is really quite awful. This book is very formulaic ... nothing happened that I haven't read before & Griffin didn't have a new twist to make the old appear new. Some of the cliches in the book are...physically larger top paired with a diminutive, chick with dick bottom ... gay werewolf being banished from his pack ... insta-love due to 'mate' pairing ... psychic connection once the mate pairing is consummated.
Added to the plethora of cliches, is the rather monotonous and frankly uninspiring sex. The brevity of the book saved me from skimming the sex scenes ... but only just. I'll read the next book in the series to see if the author improves because the premise for the story could be good if developed.
Another little peeve for me was the Americanisation of the story. For a book purportedly set in Australia, I found it too American in setting and development. I read on the author's blog that she is from far north Queensland so that might have a bearing on why it doesn't ring true but I didn't recognise the Australia she described despite the fact that I AM Australian and have lived near where the book is set.
Despite my disdain, I'm reading the series again because I have been assured that book 4 Forbidden Mate is awesome ... to clarify, the following review still stands unfortunately with a little addendum ... Australia. Uses. The. Metric. System. ... if you want the book to read like an American book, then set the book in America ... otherwise OWN the differences between America & Australia & keep the yanks hopping with the odd Drop Bear tossed into the mix for fucks sake!
Original review...
This was a debut novel for this author so I gave it 2 stars even though it is really quite awful. This book is very formulaic ... nothing happened that I haven't read before & Griffin didn't have a new twist to make the old appear new. Some of the cliches in the book are...physically larger top paired with a diminutive, chick with dick bottom ... gay werewolf being banished from his pack ... insta-love due to 'mate' pairing ... psychic connection once the mate pairing is consummated.
Added to the plethora of cliches, is the rather monotonous and frankly uninspiring sex. The brevity of the book saved me from skimming the sex scenes ... but only just. I'll read the next book in the series to see if the author improves because the premise for the story could be good if developed.
Another little peeve for me was the Americanisation of the story. For a book purportedly set in Australia, I found it too American in setting and development. I read on the author's blog that she is from far north Queensland so that might have a bearing on why it doesn't ring true but I didn't recognise the Australia she described despite the fact that I AM Australian and have lived near where the book is set.
August 24, 2012
I ended up skimming most of this book. The storyline was bland, but if you're being generous, then I guess there's the conflict for the place as Marcus' mate to spice things up.
As for the writing itself, the conversation had an awkward flow. They were made even more unnatural by the frequency in which the characters talked via speech. Apart from brief details of characters' appearances, there were no real description of anything nor actions, so at times it was rather choppy.
Use of endearment can be sweet in a book. However, Marcus used "baby" since before forming a relationship with Brian, then continued to use it extensively till the end of the book. Overusing such terms just killed any affection it could contain.
There did not seem to be any real connection between the main protagonists. Yes, the werewolves can fast-forward their relationships by the "mate" route, but here it was as if that was the only reason the two of them were together. Marcus reminding the reader about how he may already be, or how half in love he felt, didn't help to show they really cared about each other.
As for the writing itself, the conversation had an awkward flow. They were made even more unnatural by the frequency in which the characters talked via speech. Apart from brief details of characters' appearances, there were no real description of anything nor actions, so at times it was rather choppy.
Use of endearment can be sweet in a book. However, Marcus used "baby" since before forming a relationship with Brian, then continued to use it extensively till the end of the book. Overusing such terms just killed any affection it could contain.
There did not seem to be any real connection between the main protagonists. Yes, the werewolves can fast-forward their relationships by the "mate" route, but here it was as if that was the only reason the two of them were together. Marcus reminding the reader about how he may already be, or how half in love he felt, didn't help to show they really cared about each other.
Read
January 24, 2023This was pure escapism! I don't read a lot of shifter romance but was really looking forward to this series. I wanted nice, easy reading and that was exactly what I got.
Marcus is one of the Holland brothers. Of the four, there are three gay brothers (what are the chances?) and Marcus who is the odd one out. That is until he meets Brian, his mate.
What follows is a cute story as Marcus turns away from Brian and then needs to try to win him back. Throw in a bit of drama with a bitchy ex-girlfriend and a nice accepting family - a fun, light read with a happy ending!
On a side note, the only thing I struggle with in this type of story are the weirder elements of sex - a knot at the end of someone's dick taking hold of his partner's prostate just seems freaky to me. I need to stop putting too much thought into just how that would work!
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Marcus is one of the Holland brothers. Of the four, there are three gay brothers (what are the chances?) and Marcus who is the odd one out. That is until he meets Brian, his mate.
"Why couldn't this man belong to one of his gay brothers? Hell, why couldn't this man be a women?"
What follows is a cute story as Marcus turns away from Brian and then needs to try to win him back. Throw in a bit of drama with a bitchy ex-girlfriend and a nice accepting family - a fun, light read with a happy ending!
On a side note, the only thing I struggle with in this type of story are the weirder elements of sex - a knot at the end of someone's dick taking hold of his partner's prostate just seems freaky to me. I need to stop putting too much thought into just how that would work!
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
October 3, 2015
These are just my notes because I have too many reviews to write.
The alpha lives with his brothers?
Not US! Australia.
A detective was sent to help a disabled motorist? He wears a uniform and drives a patrol car but he's the head of the place? That makes sense if he's the sheriff but he wouldn't be called detective then. Unless Australia is grossly different.
2/3 done and so far all women have names starting with S.
Smaller mate works with flowers and cooks and cleans. Other mate and brothers had their mom come over and do their cleaning; they didn't even hire someone! That's revolting and pathetic.
Trite and predictable, the conflict ended halfway through and everything perfect until final showdown which was short and silly. That doesn't stop me from wanting to read the next one right away. (Kind of ended with a cliffhanger unrelated to the plot.)
3.25 stars
The alpha lives with his brothers?
Not US! Australia.
A detective was sent to help a disabled motorist? He wears a uniform and drives a patrol car but he's the head of the place? That makes sense if he's the sheriff but he wouldn't be called detective then. Unless Australia is grossly different.
2/3 done and so far all women have names starting with S.
Smaller mate works with flowers and cooks and cleans. Other mate and brothers had their mom come over and do their cleaning; they didn't even hire someone! That's revolting and pathetic.
Trite and predictable, the conflict ended halfway through and everything perfect until final showdown which was short and silly. That doesn't stop me from wanting to read the next one right away. (Kind of ended with a cliffhanger unrelated to the plot.)
3.25 stars
February 4, 2011
This was a pretty good shifter story. Brian Townsend lost everything from his job to his pack when he came out to his family. With only a change of clothes and some cash he jumps into his truck and just starts driving. A flat tire leaves him stranded on the side of the road where Inspector Marcus Holland stops to tell Brian to move on. Brian knows instantly that Marcus is his mate but Marcus denies it claiming to be straight. Having lost everything else, can Brian survive without his mate? The characters are good, sensible people and the story flows well even if it does end in the bedroom more often than necessary. I would have liked to see Marcus' family fleshed out more. This is book one of the Holland Brothers series so hopefully the next book will tell more.
December 4, 2013
3.5 stars.
I love shifter m/m stories!
And for a short read, the author did a pretty good job with world building which is normally lacking in shorter length novels.
I would have liked Marcus to grovel a bit more but he was incredibly sweet and regretted his actions when he first met Brian. I also would have liked if there was a bit more about Brian's parents or if we got to see the scene between Brian, his parents, and their pack Alpha.
This book definitely gave me the feeeeeeels!
I cannot wait to see what has happened to Jason and definitely looking forward to reading about him and Alex, the Alpha of the pack.
I love shifter m/m stories!
And for a short read, the author did a pretty good job with world building which is normally lacking in shorter length novels.
I would have liked Marcus to grovel a bit more but he was incredibly sweet and regretted his actions when he first met Brian. I also would have liked if there was a bit more about Brian's parents or if we got to see the scene between Brian, his parents, and their pack Alpha.
This book definitely gave me the feeeeeeels!
I cannot wait to see what has happened to Jason and definitely looking forward to reading about him and Alex, the Alpha of the pack.
May 17, 2015
Too fluffy even for my taste of fluffiness.
Brian is too demanding and all snuggled to Marcus, and Marcus who's suddenly became gay (I need some more struggling with sexual identity details). Though I didn't mind of love at first sight, instant claiming, and all, it's werewolf word after all. You should put your common sense aside before reading.
And all that "I love you" and "I love you, too" is kinda too much.
But it was a fun read, though I have to flushed some sugar in my blood after this.
It was okay, I read it on my vacation, near swimming pool.So yeah,entertaining, but not special.
The sex were just ordinary. Nothing's new.
I hope Jason and Alex story's better.
February 24, 2011
I loved this book. I loved Marcus and Brian together. I didn't mind one bit that they fell fast and hard. Sometimes I like that it comes in the beginning and I don't have to wait until the last chapter for them to be loving. Enjoyed this first one and I'm about to go read the second in the series!!
January 29, 2011
Did Joyee Flynn start writing books under another pen name? I'm so sick of those "I'm not gay - You're my mate - Let's fuck" insta-love stories. I bought this as it was published by Silverpublishing despite the familiar sounding blurb as their stories usually are pretty good but this one unfortunately isn't.
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