Survival

by Maria Mercurio

In a much-regretted fit of rage, Chloe lost her dream job. Still needing to pay the bills, she resorts to tending bar. Embarrassment about the mishap forces her to take a job twenty-four miles from her home in a dive bar located in small town nowhere. Into this disreputable bar, walks Raff and his intimidating crew.

Chloe’s role in relationships has been the queen. She’s worshipped and adored, while maintaining tight control over what happens. Eventually she loses interest and moves on to the next conquest. Raff is everything she stays away from. He’s cocky about the effects he has on her, arrogant about his own importance, and calls her out on any of her bull. Despite all the warning bells, Chloe cannot help the unexplainable lust she feels around him.

After being drugged, abducted from her home, and dragged to the middle of nowhere, she realizes Raff and his crew are living two stops past crazy town. They are convinced she isn’t human and have a plan to prove it.

Genres: Novella

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2023

Reviews

[Hannnah_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and entertaining shifter romance! I was immediately drawn in and wanted to know what happens. I think a few things could’ve been expanded upon but there are 2 more books!

[Kaydee Wojciechowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to start! This had me hooked in the first few pages and there was no going back! I went into the book blind because I don’t like books to ruined or too much given away. When I say I wasn’t expecting the turns in this took and how it kept me on my toes. I loved the humor and romance and spice that is offered. I cannot wait to read more!! If you like wolfs and humor and spice. I highly recommend reading this!

[Kierstyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, can I just say Survival by Maria Mercurio was phenomenal. I absolutely loved the story line, it was both a slow and fast paced book for me. I found all the characters so well rounded and the banter and passion between Raff and Chloe excellent. I laughed out loud several times at Chloe’s' internal thoughts, since everything she went through I would be thinking the same things. I also loved how strong willed and stubborn Chloe was as the FMC, she just never backed down from a fight especially with Raff: but still felt the mated connection to Raff as well. Raff, was described as the greatest alpha to me, he could come in and protect me anyday. I loved that Chloe had all the mixed feeling s of right and wrong and she was always questioning herself and always asking “what if" but yet following her heart and trusting her gut with Raff and her new pack/family. I was shocked to find out that Raff knew Chloe’s parents and their, that was a surprise that I didn't expect. Overall, Survival was an excellent book that I will highly recommend to everyone I can. I can't wait to read the rest of the series along with putting Survival on my re-read list.

[Lia Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea where this book was going from the beginning. As an avid reader I feel I often can predict what will happen in books. It’s as if you read a book and can pick about three other ones with the same plot you’ve read before. I’m telling you not this book. From the beginning I was hooked from the prologue. I was wondering how Chloe got herself into the situation to begin with. Then when she was kidnapped I never thought it would be for the reason she was. I never could have imagine this story unfolding the way it did. I laid in bed after I devoured this book wondering “where did this author come up with this idea?” I enjoyed the book so much I read it all in one sitting. I felt like I was watching a movie in my mind and this is only because it was so well written. I’m off the buy the next two in the series. I have to know what happens to Chloe and where this story will take me!

[Danielle Guest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this shifter romance without prior knowledge proved to be the right choice for me.

Despite it not being my usual genre, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the book.

I loved the character development & calmness of Raff & his boys around Chloe. Reading blind I was shocked when the book began to twist. I couldn't read it fast enough as I wanted to find out what happened next. I am gripped & excited for book 2.

Maria's vivid and descriptive writing made the book a page-turner, allowing me to escape into a world where realities blend.

I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about shifter reads or seeking something different within the romance genre.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit I totally forgot what the synopsis of this book was about and then the title threw me into another direction. So of course the whole thrill of reading this story became a bigger mystery for me, but in the finality of the whole experience I was so totally pleased with the outcome.

Loved the characters, especially of Raff, the Alpha male and his so calm and collected sense about him. I felt for Chloe and her whole sense of being and feeling 'lost' which also explained her sense of confusion after her incident.

The story was nicely created giving the reader a good balance of romance, mystery, a sense of betrayal only because of the whole idea of what Raff and his crew were explaining to Chloe. If you enjoy the genre of shifters, fated mates and family connections this just might be a read you'd be interested in.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jordan Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC read for an honest review
Quick short and easy read.I started it today and finished in 2-3 hours, so it is a quick read.
I want to continue with the series because I need to see more of the story. I hope more development happens in the next couple of books because I think it lacked a lot of background. Chloe is our FMC and she recently lost her dream job and picked up and moved away to some remote town to bartend while applying for jobs. She is a loner even though she has family it never speaks to their relationships much. Very quickly we get introduced to the MMC who is Raff. He is the alpha of his group that he hangs out with and is the only one whoever engages in conversation with Chloe while bartending.
After Raff and Chloe have a date it a couple of days later she is drugged and abducted from her home. They leave a note for her sister to find (but her sister is never mentioned throughout the book of her visiting or let alone having a relationship) As the story continues Chloe is fighting between knowing everything that is happening is wrong but has a pull towards safety and home with the group of men. They are shifters, who turn into wolves and had to chemically inject her for her to fully shift. The shifting process isn’t even talked about other than a couple of one-word descriptives. I didn’t like that because the book is based on her turning, and we didn’t even get anything from it. I feel like with more story and background this could have made for a really good story but it fell flat so I am going to give it a 3 because I see potential in it!

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whilst the story was nicely written and I thought the FMC was great , realistic reactions and emotions , I just didn’t like the MMC Raff, there was no likeable features for me , no chemistry between them. I also didn’t like the fact at all they stripped her of her freedom, her life and took away all her choices, I have enough of men doing this to women in real life so I don’t want to read it in books, so yes the mating bond, the pack bond is Stockholm syndrome and it’s only I liked the FMC that it’s not 1 star. I read a lot of Dark Romance and Alpha romance, but this was clearly he was always going to be in charge and she would always have no choices no rights and be submissive despite his words, nope not for me at all, dominance for kink, but not for the whole life and no I don’t get beyond the it’s saving our species, you always have a choice and get to say no ! So can’t recommend and just no !

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! The beginning drew me from the first sentence. Loved how Chloe never gave up or back down. Also we love a morally gray man!! Seriously go read this book! It has everything found family, destined mates, love, hate, and everything in between!

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the fresh take on the shifter romance. The author did an amazing job creating the world with vivid detail, an original storyline and page turning drama.

The characters were complex and had crazy chemistry. I absolutely thought this was exciting and steamy. I loved the banter and push and pull of both main characters. Chloe was a strong and independent woman. She was a tough as nails woman that was a spitfire. Raff was mysterious, intense and determined. I thought he was like the strong silent type. Their chemistry was steamy and filled with a push and pull. I couldn’t put this book down and was sad when it was over!!! I need more of these characters!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another Bookstagram Lie

The best thing about this was it was short. That's why I finished instead of the DNF I should have done to it.

Chloe is written as strong willed, she even says time to stop being a simp. She's pathetic. She simps the whole dam time, even when she's "challenging" Raf. Do I believe she felt a pull towards Raf, No. Nothing in the writing makes me feel that they're feeling a pull towards each other. I absolutely ended up hating her, and I especially hate Raf.

Raf literally says at one point, I'm a selfish bastard, I took what wasn't offered...aka rape. If you can include copyright warnings and a generic "this is a work of fiction..." Then you can put some trigger warnings.

Here's the synopsis-

Chloe is a bartender at a shitty dive bar. Raf and his pack walk in one night. She really only communicates with Raf. One night she dresses up a bit, she wanted Raf to notice her cause he wasn't doing an oh so great job except at being an arrogant prick. Raf insults Chloe, then tells her he's going to pick her up after her shift. Chloe finds him on her car and he asks her to take him to his jobsite for a surprise.

The next day he shows up at her apartment and has another surprise. She completely ignores all the red flags of him knowing where she lives and goes and meets his crew/pack. They have a great day.

He ghosts her for a week. When he shows back up, he's with one of his crew. She knows somethings up but doesn't put up much of argument until it's too late. They drug her and kidnap her.

They inject her with a serum that will force her to change into a wolf. She's obviously begging them not too and "they look remorseful" they don't act it though and never do. She changes into a wolf, she doesn't remember, and she's still telling all of them they're crazy, she wants to go home, she doesn't want them to touch her. But they do anyway. When they have to hike back to kidnap HQ, Raf basically tells them without telling them he wants her alone, they comply. She tried to shower with Raf, but he stopped her. He bathed her. Then he raped her.

The entire time they're saying they'll prove to her that they can take care of her and say all sorts of pleasentries, but they purposely evade her questions and manipulate her into just giving it Eventually.

[kymagirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I start my review, I want to note that I read a lot, often with strong, dominant alphas and most of the time I find something redeeming in them, but sadly I just didn’t find that with the alpha in this story. Chloe (h) is a hardworking bartender when Rafe (MMC – I can’t use an H to refer to him as a hero) and his friends come in. She’s seemingly drawn in under his cockiness and arrogance, and even though her gut is telling her no she engages in a sexual relationship with him. Chloe ends up drugged, abducted from her entire life with communication sent to her family not to look for her, secured with duct tape in a remote location, provided food at Rafe’s hands, etc. Supposedly he’s doing this because she’s a rare female red wolf shifter like Rafe and his pack, and they just need to drug her until they can chemically force her to change, because she’s Rafe’s mate whether or not she wants to be. The end justifies the means. Chloe is like the heroine in a horror movie that keeps making bad choice and all I could do was feel badly for her plight – I didn’t feel like this was a situation where she would ever be Rafe’s equal as a mate but would just be subjugated by him (and not in a fun kink way). I will rate this as three – I could follow the storyline, grammatically it was fine, but not something I would recommend.

[ltfrom bc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything by this author before The description of this book intrigued me. It was quite a unique take on a shifter book. I don't know that I would call it a romance even though it did have an HEA. Chloe is leading a life that really has no purpose. She is considered a hot head and in her words, was born without a filter in her mouth. She is coasting and working as a bartender to make ends meet. Raff is on a mission and does not care whether Chloe is on board or not. It was a suspenseful read with a lot of intrigue built into it. And the author did a good enough job with the intrigue and mystery that when all was revealed it caught me off guard. As a reader you can make predictions and assumptions when you read a book, but this one? I did not expect. If there is one downfall in this story it is that it did not give enough of a backstory to certain areas that may have been beneficial to the story line. But in the end, I did enjoy this book even though it was not a traditional paranormal romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Troubleinfl (Dee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick read tells the story about a woman kidnapped by 5 men. This isn't a group sex or RH book, though. The group are pack, wolf shifters led by the group's alpha. They've recognized that the feisty bartender is an alpha female who has no knowledge of her lupine side, and the alpha male recognizes her as mate. He just has to convince her of that!

I felt the story well written, but too short. There was so much potential here that could be explored. The importance of the first full moon shift was simply a dozen 1- or 2-word statements. I recognize that when in wolf form the brain is not the same and the format of thoughts was effective in emphasizing that. Once returned to human form, though, couldn't the idea be expounded upon?

The ending also seemed a bit rushed, but it could be my feeling just because I wanted to keep reading!

I enjoyed the story and do recommend it for a unique perspective from the female viewpoint. Most shifter stories tend toward a third person voice. Once again, be aware it is a quick book but be assured of a HEA. This is a standalone title.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I signed up to read and review this book due to the synopsis. It intrigued me. Although this is a quick read, it was written well and didn't seem rushed. I enjoyed the story a lot.

Chloe is working at a bar as a bartender while she is in between jobs. When Raff and his crew walk in, she is immediately drawn to him, but he and his crew are not what they seem. Soon she is drugged and kidnapped by them. Their reason is bizarre, and she either has to come to terms with what they are saying or fight to escape.

I really loved the storyline. My only complaint is that I wish there was more spice hehe. That was the only thing lacking for me. Seeing the cover, I would have thought there'd be more. 4/5 stars for me.

[Raecharmed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chloe recently moves to town for a bartender job this is how she meets Rafe. After a date with Rafe Chloe had no clue how much her life will change. She ends up drugged and kidnapped. Rafe tells her that a note was sent to her family to not go looking for her and that he planned to chemically get her to shift. He plans this because she is supposed to e a rare female red wolf shifter and his mate. Chloe is upset by what is happening but has no idea how to get away. Soon she starts to feel drawn to Rafe. Will she shift like he is wanting? Will she accept a life with him?

This is a somewhat good story I hoping the next installment to this series has a better developed plot. This is a well written story.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Olivia Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I highly enjoyed this book! The suppressed gene is such a different and interesting twist in a shifter romance. The characters all have very distinct and endearing personalities. Our FMC is strong and very logical.

My only complaint is how short the story was. It was like part 1 of a book. I wanted to see her meet the parents and brothers. I wanted more. It felt like an episode of a show instead of a movie, if that makes sense.

I definitely will be reading more if another installment is written. I would love to see the other men find their mates as well!

Definitely a must read if you like shifter romances. It’s written so well. It’s a really enjoyable read!

No cheating. No OW/OM drama.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Survival: The Survival Series 1
Maria Mercurio

‼️Check Trigger Warnings‼️
⚠️⚠️⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

***Abduction***
***Drugging***

As a first-time reader of this author, I must say, 'wow, great job.' I loved this book, which was just over 100 pages. Although it was short, the book had great world-building, plot, spice, and bewilderment by the FMC.

Raff, the MMC, raises every red flag, yet Chloe can't explain her attraction to him or the sense of security and familial ties she feels for him and his friends, despite being drugged and abducted.

I was hooked from the beginning, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book, and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I Liked:
The plot is compelling. It was refreshing to have Chloe be so resistant and skeptical when Raff tells her she isn’t human and belongs with him.

What I Didn’t Really Like:
Occasionally, I thought we got a little too caught up in Chloe’s head and I would have rather learned about her feelings and thoughts through her actions.

Overall:
This is a super-quick paranormal romance read that is obviously just the beginning of Chloe’s story. Here’s hoping that she finally finds a sense of belonging with Raff and his crew.

*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***

[Roxie's Reviews]

"A Super Exciting Shifter Romance"

This story is so exciting ,and you will love the characters.!
Chloe is a spunky young woman. She had messed up and lost her dream job. Now she works at a sleezy dive bar as a bartender. Most of the time it is not very exciting. Till a group of young men start coming in. She finds herself attracted to one called Raff. He is not like the men she usually goes for. She starts dating him. Then the next thing she knows they are kidnapping her! Raff says there is something special about her, and the group needs her!

You will love this super exciting, funny , thrilling, and scorching hot story!

[Happyscribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read! Great writing and filled with forced-proximity tension - this is an interesting read but not for the feint hearted when it comes to 'forced-proximity." There's a comfort line that was crossed for me - in that the MMC had to force the FMC to become something she didn't want to be - and that's not cool in my mind. I mean other tropes are the same - but this story highlighted a lot of Chloe's struggles and less on the growing relationship between Raff and her. Maybe the next book will take up where this left off and deliver the answers I am now excited to discover?.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly - Kelly's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Werewolf romance, forced proximity)

This is book 1 and it took me for a ride! It's a quick read that I devoured in a hours. It was captivating and I really enjoyed seeing through Chloe’s eyes, the FMC.

Chloe is having a rough life. She lost her job and ends up working in a dive bar to make ends meet. When an interesting group of very different guys come into the bar, she is intrigued especially by the mysterious leader, Raff. Things seem to be heating up with Raff but turn quickly when she is kidnapped.

Drugged, tied to a bed and told she is "special"...could things get worse!? How about adding in werewolves!?

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting premise for werewolves in the modern world. Chloe had absolutely no idea of her heritage. I thought the development of her connection with the others was believable. I thought Raff’s “process” for getting her up to speed was pretty counterproductive. I realize that he occasionally tried to explain her situation and coming changes to her, but he did a really poor job of it. I would’ve liked a longer, fuller finish.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K’s bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and characters although at times the constant push and pull of the FMC although warranted was frustrating at times. The only thing I really wished we had more of was the continuation of their story a bit after she made her choice. I hope the next book will continue on where this one left off with more of their story. I do recommend this as it is a good read and on the shorter side if you’re drawn to quick reads. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lirio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, completely unexpected and definitely conflicting! I was a bit disturbed with the content, my advice Keep reading. I am only giving four stars because it ended..I mean if there is a second book then I’ll give it five stars, but for now I super frustrated that it ended. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, so no worries I just feel like there is enough unfinished business that could warrant several more chapters or an epilogue or even another book which is my hope! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lena Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing good, quick read that grabs you and never, and let's you go. You never know what circumstances are going to happen, who you're to meet and how it's going to change your life. That's exactly how this book is get ready for an exciting ride. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Thank you for sharing your talent with me, I'm hooked.

Thank you booksirens for allowing me to read this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie Bolay · Rating 5 out of 5]

❣️♥️❣️ Raff and Chloe ❣️♥️❣️ Chloe is bartending, Raff stops in to that bar. And she notices him immediately. From there strange things happened. Great quick read. Maria Mercurio is a new author for me but this was a new and different type book that I have read before but it's an awesome book. It is a great paranormal story.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ “I’m playing house with a bunch of crazies.” ★

—>>> Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars - Raff and his pack had to pull out all the stops to reveal a few truths to Chloe, and it all had to come to light before the full-moon deadline. “No matter what you decide, tonight you stop pretending you’re human.” sounds ominous, but it may be just what she needs to hear. Good first installment to the series, hoping for more details to come about this world.

[Ty -Ty's Teatime Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Mercurio takes for a quick and entertaining ride….. with a wolf?!

Meet Chloe dive barmaid expert who falls hard for walk in tough guy Raff.

From there, Chloe ignores all the red flags for this man. But what she gets in return….betrayal or family/loyalty and love?

A must read for a quick and spicy bite. Perfect ending…. Cannot wait to read book 2!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christina Tomkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I wasn’t sure what this would be like because I’ve never read any of Maria Mercurio’s books before - but I loved it! Read it in one day - the story line was original, the writing was great and took me to a different world. Main character was relatable and I enjoyed the evolution of her thoughts and feelings, and there was that bit of spice too. Will be reading the second one asap. Would recommend.