Bait Wolf

m-m-romance pnr-magic-non-human-or-omegaverse

3.5 stars rounded up. I had mixed feelings about “Bait Wolf” but I enjoyed the author’s fluid writing style and the worldbuilding so much by the end that I rounded up. Some of my issues with character development were also addressed somewhat by the end.

First off, I was iffy about the character names. “Coal” and “Ember” were a bit too on the nose for a fighter finding his fated mate at a fight club, but that’s only a minor thing for me.

“Bait Wolf” is Omegaverse meets Pretty Woman set in the dark, gritty world of the Lunar City Fight Club, where alphas fight each other with an enslaved omega in the ring with them who serves as bait to trigger their wolf rage. Omegas are taken from the streets and kept in poor conditions, while alpha fighters can afford million dollar homes. The class stratification issues were intriguing.

Coal is an alpha trying to save his little sister, Asha, whom he raised like a daughter, from the clutches of the club’s underworld. He agrees to throw his last match to win her freedom, but complications ensue: the bait wolf that night, Ember, turns into Coal’s fated mate.

I am not a fan of Pretty Woman stories so I didn’t find that angle as charming as some people might. I really liked Coal’s possessiveness but I had issues with his unreasonable expectation that Ember, a street omega before he came to the club, would be a virgin before they met. He seemed incredibly naive about what lower-class folks had to do to survive (typical for a rich guy but would have expected more entitlement) and was unfairly judgmental when he learned Ember had traded his body to alphas for a bed for the night or food. He was so blind to conditions at the club that funded his blood money that it was almost unlikable.

Their unbalanced power dynamic was also not explored in depth. Coal didn’t really seem to appreciate Ember’s background and was mostly focused on showering him with food, gifts and sex. Ember, too, didn’t seem to be experiencing any trauma or mental health issues other than mild insecurity about his body image. I liked the steamy scenes and how the instalove played out - Ember thought he was going from one prison to a gilded cage and it turned out a mating bond gave him the freedom he never knew he wanted - but he didn’t wrestle with the culture shock of it all.

I also didn’t see the soulmate vibe with them other than they had sexual chemistry. They didn’t work together as partners or talk to each other about their lives; it was just lots of sex. I did think it was cute how Ember had resolved to not be one of those stereotypical sex-obsessed mated omegas and he was constantly turned on by Coal.

I liked how each turned out to fulfill a role neither of them expected in the other. Coal was a gentle, big-hearted alpha who protected his family at any cost (even if his reactions were over-dramatized) and Ember was the street-hardened omega who could rescue himself. So at least it didn’t fall completely into the gender stereotypes that I hated about Pretty Woman (poor girl can only rise to the top with the favor of a unicorn rich guy and only if it’s sexualized!).

These issues did get some satisfactory resolution in the end but if it didn’t have the subplot of Asha getting kidnapped and the color of the fight club world I probably would have gotten bored by their love story.

Thank you to Booksprout for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

...

2,093 reviews15 followers

dnf

January 15, 2024

DNF @71% ... I'm super bummed to be DNFing this one 🙁 I generally like this author quite a bit, and picked this one up after enjoying the series prequel in a multi-author anthology. And I was mostly enjoying this one, too......... right up until the cusp of a plot device that I can't stand: .

I closed my Kindle and let it sit for a few weeks, intending to power through. I mean, who knows if he even DOES that? I quit when I saw him intend to do it at the end of Chapter 18... but every time I see it sitting unfinished in my Kindle library, I'm completely uninterested in picking it back up. So far now at least, I'm officially calling it a DNF and moving on.

"It's not you; it's me."

DLB2572

3,272 reviews26 followers

September 9, 2023

Coal & Ember

Just like the two MCs names suggest, this story is hot. While it did take me just a bit to get to it, but by the end, I was hooked and I can't wait for more.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

Cara

152 reviews

June 19, 2024

Irk.

This was not enjoyable.
First off: Coal and Ember? Really? The names....yikes. Oh and Everest...right.
These characters were...so weak. The writing was very odd. I didn't feel anything but "irk" the entire book. It felt so yuk. Seemed rushed with no real love or attention put into it.

I admit, I usually find shifter alpha-omega stories are usually cringe. I went on, knowing that and it was still....irk. Huge nope.

I wanted to DNF around 25%. The characters were bad. The plot was dull and not even explained how things happened.

crap-dnr

Anne Harris

3,399 reviews28 followers

Brand-new author for me.

I’ve got to say I took a chance on this book because this is an author that I’ve not read before, but I’ve got to say I really enjoyed it. I think I went through nearly all emotions reading this book, the anger for Omega Ember who had been abused From such a young age having to sell himself just to get by. And then stolen/kidnapped to be a wolf bait in the fighting ring. And he knew that when he was called up to the ring it would be his last night on this earth.
Alpha Coal didn’t have the best start to life. He lost his mum and then his father is kind of a waste of space really, and when he found out hid father had got one of the local girls pregnant and the baby was left on their doorstep.Coal knew that he would take it on himself to bring up this beautiful baby girl because she had already stole his heart. So he started fighting in the ring to bring Money home to make sure she was fed and to give her a safe environment. Then one night he was told he would have to throw the fight because they had kidnapped his sister/daughter, and unless he lost this fight, he would not see her again. It goes against everything that he believes in, but the love that he has for Asha means it’s no contest. But everything changes when he gets in the ring and he notices the Omega.
And within a second he knows that he is looking at his fated mate and he loses all control and goes total alpha to not let the other fighter near him. The next thing he knows he’s waking up in the back room with the Omega sat aside him. He had won the fight. He was glad that his Omega was with him, but what did this mean for his sister/daughter?
I’ve got to say I enjoyed the story. I liked the connection between Ember and Coal. Without a doubt, the passion that they felt for one another was explosive, but what I really liked, was the fact that Coal didn’t see Ember as someone beneath him. He treated him as an equal. Coal has a really good group of friends/fighters who are ready to fight to get Asha.
Looking forward to book 2, because that one I think should be a great read.

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

Guardian.angel54

983 reviews40 followers

Decent storyline and characters but needs editing badly

I was really intrigued when I read the blurb for this book and, even though I'd never read anything by the author before, decided to take a chance. I have both pros and cons regarding this book and almost gave up on it, but ended up sticking with it.

Pro: I thought that the general storyline was an interesting idea. I liked the plot of the fight club and wolf shifters, and found many intriguing points throughout. The Alpha, Coal, was a decent enough character and I appreciated that he wasn't all ego and swagger, but that he actually had a heart. He showed empathy and compassion, even though his genetic disposition was more aggressive and brutal. Ember, the omega, was also not given stereotypical attributes - he was taller than average and definitely quite independent. Being imprisoned and used as a bait wolf to stoke the aggression in fighting Alphas should have broken him, but Ember had a tough spirit. I liked that about him!

Cons: First and foremost, this book needs a decent proofreader and editor. Far too many simple grammatical errors and I can't even count the number of times that the wrong name or character was referenced. I mean, how hard is it to remember who's talking from one sentence to the next. It actually got so bad that I almost DNF'd it but curiosity got me to keep plugging along. The world building was so-so, and I think a bit more time could have been spent revealing more about the backdrop of the story. In similar manner, the MC's could have used a bit more fleshing out and I would have loved to have a little more background on the secondary characters.

All-in-all, it wasn't entirely terrible but it wasn't exceptional either. I'm curious about the next book in the series and will probably give it a read when it comes out, but I really hope that the author does a better job with editing. I gave this 3* stars because I didn't think it warranted a 2* star rating but it certainly didn't warrant any higher. I was being generous as it was!

Dee

5,091 reviews58 followers

September 11, 2023

The start of the Lunar City Flight League this is my first by this author and it didn’t disappoint I will be waiting for book two each can be read as a standalone connecting via the fights their fighters but I will say get comfortable once you start you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Ember an omega makes you want to reach out giving him a huge hug he was been abused for so long that seems to be all he knows, selling himself to get by, then kidnapped to be wolf bait in the fights knowing that is a short life and knowing his next fight will be his last night alive so many dreams, hopes gone because his life was stolen from him. Coal is an alpha a beast in the ring but his life wasn’t or hasn’t been easy either after losing his mom, his dad is just there isn’t much of a father but makes matters worse when he gets a women pregnant she leaves the baby on their doorstep meaning he has to take responsibility simply because his father is just that a no good waste of space really and the baby girl is his responsibility meaning she is the reason he started fighting but now he is being told he has to lose at least once which of course doesn’t make him happy but the deal is sealed for him when they tell him they kidnapped his sister and he won’t be seeing her again so losing a fight means her life but he never counted on the omega they brought up MATE cause him to go crazy out of the need to protect. Waking up with his omega next to him winning the fight but what does that mean for his sister for the first time Ember felt safe, and Coal friends are willing to fight with him to get his sister back but will they be successful, will the kidnappers hurt his sister, will his mate be okay, will he finally be treated as an equal not beneath someone, and can their be happiness for them?

Ashley -Goldstarreads

1,087 reviews25 followers

I thoroughly enjoyed this shifter MM romance. Coal, a champion fight league champion, has been put in a horrible spot. Gangsters have kidnapped his little sister (who he is raising as his own daughter), and told him he has to lose his next fight to get her back. Fine, he’ll do it so he can get her back. His undefeated championship means nothing to him when compared to his little girl. Unfortunately for him, he has no choice except to win, when the bait wolf is released into the ring and he finds his father mate. His instincts won’t let him lose, they won’t let the other alpha go near his mate or anyone for that matter. The bait wolf, Ember, is so tired of his life in captivity, tired of being a bait wolf. And he doesn’t think he will survive anymore fights. He is so confused when things go down with Coal. And when it hits him that Coal is his fated, he is scared he is going as one captor to another. But goodness, Coal is the best. He is kind, patient, strong and so caring. And Ember is fierce and determined. The problem, they have to fight to get the little girl back. So much action is going on in this story. So much emotion and angst. The struggles and issues that crop up. The book is steamy, sensual and so sweet. Coal and Ember are perfect mates, made for one another. The side characters are interesting and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

shifter

Lisa

1,510 reviews5 followers

This wolf shifter omegaverse story is action-packed and intense. Coal is an undefeated alpha fighter in a somewhat underground league run by evil people, including those from organized crime. Coal used his size and skill as a fighter to make something of himself and arise from poverty. Now, he lives with his sister, a young child twenty years his junior.

Ember is a badly abused omega who was stolen off the streets months ago. Barely fed, cold, imprisoned, and mistreated, he knows he is near death. On some fight nights, he is used as a bait omega to spur more aggressive fighting between the alphas. Omegas are often also injured and abused during and after the fighting.

As Coal is approached prior to his next fight, he's informed that his sister has been kidnapped and he must throw the fight to ever see her again. He plans to comply, but as he enters the ring, he spots Ember and realizes that he is his fated mate. Does he win his fight to save Ember or lose the fight to save his sister? How can he accomplish both?

This book has drama, family and friends, danger, angst, passion, and a strong love.

Nina Diab

5,328 reviews51 followers

September 24, 2023

'I couldn’t let the other alpha near my omega.
That was the last conscious thought I had.'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I really loved both Coal and Ember. I liked the concept of the wolf fighting matches; interesting that they use omegas as bait. It was a fascinating angle. Coal's little sister, whom he raised since she was a baby, was being held for ransom by the mob unless he threw a fight. But when his fated mate is the omega thrown into the ring, he goes feral trying to protect him. Ember has lived a hard life. He was abducted from the streets, starved and abused. When he is chosen to be the bait wolf for a match, he knows he will die that night. He is shocked the alpha is protecting him instead. I liked the dual point of views for both characters to experience things from both Coal and Ember's perspectives. These two could have benefited from better communication and explanation. Overall a fast paced read that I very much enjoyed. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5 stars.

Belinda Zamora

2,781 reviews8 followers

Fated mates

Coal survives by being part of an underground fight ring.
He knows it's a horrible system but he's only interested in keeping himself and his baby sister/daughter out of trouble.
Trouble has now found them and he'll do whatever it takes to get her back from the people pulling the strings behind the scenes.
When he encounters his fated mates Ember, all bets are off.
Poor, sweet Ember has suffered horrific abuse and he'd rather not tie himself to an alpha but it's his only way to safety.
As they slowly get to know one another Ember discovers that Coal is not like any other alpha he's ever met.
He's kind, loving, considerate and fiercely protective of his people.
There's fast paced action, danger and drama as Coal races to keep everyone safe.
There was plenty of miscommunication on both sides and withholding of information which led to unnecessary situations.
I can't wait to see Coal's best friend Everett get his story.

Michelle

477 reviews

November 4, 2023

Love Coal and Ember

If your looking for a protective, adoring alpha who can't let another alpha near his omega, then this is the book.

Ember is an omega whose had a very rough life culminating in captivity and being used as bait in fights between wolf shifters. On the night he thinks will be his last in the fighting ring, he doesn't believe he will survive, fate suddenly brings him his fated mate.

Coal is a fighter. Focused on his matches and taking care of his little sister until the day he enters the fight ring and completely loses control of himself when he sees his fated mate.

These two have to learn to trust each other, navigate a new relationship together and deal with some very bad people. Great story!

P Leslie

3,211 reviews17 followers

Fantastic start to the series!

Ember and Coal’s journey to a HEA was full of hurdles. Poor Coal was pulled in two different directions but in the end his love for his daughter and mate remained as strong as ever. Coal was a pillar of strength for his loved ones; never giving up and fighting to the very end.

Next is Glen’s story and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that things work out for him.

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

arc-review m-m

K-Me

2,865 reviews

action alpha-omega fated-mates

Coal might have been a fighter by trade, but Ember was the real fighter in this story! Ember had survived the streets and was now finally found by his alpha Coal. Coal was quite the alpha too as he was seriously protective, and I quite enjoyed how feral he was when he first meets his Ember! Clever names for a bit a unique meeting of mates. Loved how hard committed to his Ember and his family Coal was. He was determined to take care of everyone.

Latecia Jennings

2,349 reviews10 followers

OMG...I absolutely loved this. It was violent...brutal even. Sad and disturbing reality to both Coal and Embers lives. Fate has a way of bringing good to good and decent people. Coal and Ember first meeting wasn't all that good but their connection was almost instant. Trust was built and love came closely afterwards. It was trial and error but things worked out so wonderfully, with a truly sweet HEA.

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

Jeniver Maria

612 reviews2 followers

I love how Coal is very protective to Amber even when he has a lot of problems, such as his little sister got kidnapped and how the boss of underground wanted money back from taken Amber from him. In the end the story was an happy ending minus his friend who helped him still in hospital and in coma.

Denise

2,362 reviews16 followers

This was the first book of a new series and the story was good, I really liked Coal, Ember and Asha and there was also some great side characters as well, so I’m looking forward to reading more from this series

Jennifer

868 reviews4 followers

Great start

This was a fast paced action packed story with heat and heart. The majority of the story takes place in two days time so maybe a little too fast paced and Insta love but overall the storyline was solid and the characters lovable for sure.

Anna

569 reviews

November 28, 2023

Teraz napiszę coś kontrowersyjnego, ale czasami się zastanawiam , czy autorzy czytają to co piszą i czy to rozumieją. Mam wrażenie, że nie. Tutaj było tyle niespójności i rzeczy , które się nie zgadzają , albo odbiegają od tego co było na początku, że aż mnie to rozbawiło , co nie powinno.

Josie

872 reviews2 followers

May 18, 2024

3 stars

Cute shifter story with a caring softie of an alpha and a beaten down but determined omega. The story was o. The short side so it felt a little rushed, but I still enjoyed these two finding their HEA together. I would have liked to read more.

779 reviews33 followers