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Great Lakes Wolves #1
Accepting the Alpha
Can an Alpha wolf convince his straight mate to give love a chance, before an unexpected enemy tries to rob them of all they hold dear…even their own lives?
Eli Steele is a wolf without a pack. An invitation from his best friend, brings him to Grand Rapids, and a meeting with the local Alpha changes Eli’s life in ways he ever expected.
Kellan Reeves, Alpha of the Grand Rapids Pack, had lost hope of ever finding his mate until Eli came to him, looking for a pack. Realising Eli is his mate, he feels things couldn’t be more perfect…discounting the angry pack Eli left behind. There’s also the insignificant fact that Eli’s not gay. It’s nothing an Alpha wolf can’t handle.
While Eli struggles to understand his feelings for Kellan, an unexpected call for help has everyone on edge. As enemies move in and a horrifying plot is revealed, Kellan and Eli fight back, not only for themselves, but for the fate of all shifters.
Eli Steele is a wolf without a pack. An invitation from his best friend, brings him to Grand Rapids, and a meeting with the local Alpha changes Eli’s life in ways he ever expected.
Kellan Reeves, Alpha of the Grand Rapids Pack, had lost hope of ever finding his mate until Eli came to him, looking for a pack. Realising Eli is his mate, he feels things couldn’t be more perfect…discounting the angry pack Eli left behind. There’s also the insignificant fact that Eli’s not gay. It’s nothing an Alpha wolf can’t handle.
While Eli struggles to understand his feelings for Kellan, an unexpected call for help has everyone on edge. As enemies move in and a horrifying plot is revealed, Kellan and Eli fight back, not only for themselves, but for the fate of all shifters.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2014
25 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Black
8 books60 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Born and raised in Western Michigan, JJ Black’s love affair with books has only grown with age. Always a fan of supernatural fiction and romance, she stumbled across the M/M genre and has never looked back.
You can usually find JJ curled up with a book, attempting to teach her muse a little direction, or stressing over edits that still need to be done.
Born and raised in Western Michigan, JJ Black’s love affair with books has only grown with age. Always a fan of supernatural fiction and romance, she stumbled across the M/M genre and has never looked back.
You can usually find JJ curled up with a book, attempting to teach her muse a little direction, or stressing over edits that still need to be done.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 19, 2014
This is what I get for being such a sucker for sales. *hangs head in shame*
I love shifter stories, I love fated mates, I don't mind GFY.
What I don't like it washy washy behavior that's inconsistent, I don't like asshats and stupidity and well.i also don't like this book's MC Kellan.
So...we have the über evil alpha father, the deranged stalker, the other deranged twink stalker, a best friend and beta set up for the next story, and a brother and another lone wolf for another book oh and a horrible conspiracy and obviously lots of crazy shifters..
But, back to this one...Kellan sees Eli in the bar...they talk for one minute and Eli ( who was straight until he walks in to that bar) leaves to get a drink. Kellan sees him hit on and just has to intervene and grab his mate within seconds they are making out on the dance floor.
*cue screw-ish twinks entrance*
Then it's like I'm not gonna force you to be my mate but then he sort of does...
Then the alpha wants his mate, his lover, his parter, but he has this need to be the dominant partner and keeps playing the * I'm that alpha, you have to do as I say*. Um yeah you're the alpha, but really pulling rank like that in the bedroom, or rather the office? Not cool. ( I don't think they actually made it in to the bedroom.)
annoyed the beejeeze out of me Eli is a huge beta and Keelan treats him like a little woman ( hint, the reason I switched from m/f to m/m was to get away from that annoying stereotype) Now, Eli does stand up for himself, but gives in anyway, and Keelan says yes whatever my mate wants but doesn't see the point of conceding that issue...but of course leaves him alone when the danger IS RIGHT THERE..um..huh?
I'm not even going to start in on the sex and dirty talk..I skimmed it as much as possible.
And then there was one scene I could have sworn was a telephone convo but he kept saying things about the look in the other guys eyes and stuff, so I wasn't sure, even when he said he's in a car and needs to drive there, I was still confused as to where he was, there or not there?
But it wasn't worth rereading to try and figure it out.
So, well, yeah, not for me.
I love shifter stories, I love fated mates, I don't mind GFY.
What I don't like it washy washy behavior that's inconsistent, I don't like asshats and stupidity and well.i also don't like this book's MC Kellan.
So...we have the über evil alpha father, the deranged stalker, the other deranged twink stalker, a best friend and beta set up for the next story, and a brother and another lone wolf for another book oh and a horrible conspiracy and obviously lots of crazy shifters..
But, back to this one...Kellan sees Eli in the bar...they talk for one minute and Eli ( who was straight until he walks in to that bar) leaves to get a drink. Kellan sees him hit on and just has to intervene and grab his mate within seconds they are making out on the dance floor.
*cue screw-ish twinks entrance*
Then it's like I'm not gonna force you to be my mate but then he sort of does...
Then the alpha wants his mate, his lover, his parter, but he has this need to be the dominant partner and keeps playing the * I'm that alpha, you have to do as I say*. Um yeah you're the alpha, but really pulling rank like that in the bedroom, or rather the office? Not cool. ( I don't think they actually made it in to the bedroom.)
annoyed the beejeeze out of me Eli is a huge beta and Keelan treats him like a little woman ( hint, the reason I switched from m/f to m/m was to get away from that annoying stereotype) Now, Eli does stand up for himself, but gives in anyway, and Keelan says yes whatever my mate wants but doesn't see the point of conceding that issue...but of course leaves him alone when the danger IS RIGHT THERE..um..huh?
I'm not even going to start in on the sex and dirty talk..I skimmed it as much as possible.
And then there was one scene I could have sworn was a telephone convo but he kept saying things about the look in the other guys eyes and stuff, so I wasn't sure, even when he said he's in a car and needs to drive there, I was still confused as to where he was, there or not there?
But it wasn't worth rereading to try and figure it out.
So, well, yeah, not for me.
Want to read
February 16, 2014Only $0.99 for 1 week at the publisher, ARE, and Amazon :) 2/16/14
January 23, 2014
New series, typical "I'm your mate - doesn't matter your straight, we belong together" storyline, sex, possessiveness, sex, kidnapping, sex, getting mate back, sex. All is happy. Pretty much is how the book went. While this is the normal for these type books and I know that going in, I still read, always hoping for a different twist. Didn't happen on this one.
August 12, 2016
Too…TOO Everything!
I accept the shifter instant mating-heat-love, but the amount of crazies running around this story just makes me think they need a were-psychiatrist, who can not only discuss the mental issues, but also prescribe medications.
There's a twisted set up for the series that will extend, but I didn't find myself drawn in.
I accept the shifter instant mating-heat-love, but the amount of crazies running around this story just makes me think they need a were-psychiatrist, who can not only discuss the mental issues, but also prescribe medications.
There's a twisted set up for the series that will extend, but I didn't find myself drawn in.
February 20, 2014
What did I think? I thunk "it can't be that bad and it's only a dollar ". I was wrong. I want my dollar back.
March 6, 2014
Barely a 2-star read, for me.
1-the dreaded baby and babe
2-the beginning seemed to be about halfway into the story....did I miss the opening scene or something?!
3-
4-story seemed jumpy with plot holes galore and awkward dialogue
5-MCs rather flat and seemed to be more brawn than brain
6-
7-why, why why does one of the MCs always have to tear up at some point?!
1-the dreaded baby and babe
2-the beginning seemed to be about halfway into the story....did I miss the opening scene or something?!
3-
4-story seemed jumpy with plot holes galore and awkward dialogue
5-MCs rather flat and seemed to be more brawn than brain
6-
7-why, why why does one of the MCs always have to tear up at some point?!
June 2, 2019
Pretty much run of the mill for this type of book. The writing was good and the sex was hot. Not a cliffhanger, but some things were certainly left for the next book.
February 28, 2014
Saw this was on sale at All Romance ebooks (ARe). I liked the premise and got it. I understand the bad reviews and I should've looked at them before I bought this instead of being blinded by the sales price.
I didn't get why is was so badly reviewed until about page 20. With shapeshifter, you expect instalove, but this book took it to a whole other level. I love the gay-for-you trope (so prevalent in shifter books) but Eli adjusted too well to finding out his mate was a man. We see him checking out other men at the club, sure, but we don't know about his previous pack life to determine if he was really straight before going to the Great Lakes Pack. I really wanted more of a foundation built between Kellan and Eli and more of the power battles between them.
I really disliked the author's use of Tracy. He may have been a gay man, but he was still perpetuating the Jealous Bitch stereotype that other m/m writers utilize with women. Just because you changed the gender, doesn't make it any less stupid.
The story was a lot more telling than showing. And the characters were inconsistent. The villainy of Eli's father was incredibly ridiculous. Eli's supposed best friend was extremely judgmental considering the situation, though I will admit Kellan and Eli having sex while Noah missing was in really bad form.
Overall, my feelings on this is eh. This one seems eerily familiar to another shifter series I've read that I can't remember right now. I had a lot of deja vu when reading it. But I've also read a lot of shifter books to the point where they all blend together. There are better shift stories out there, but if you can't find one, this one will do.
2 Stars.
I didn't get why is was so badly reviewed until about page 20. With shapeshifter, you expect instalove, but this book took it to a whole other level. I love the gay-for-you trope (so prevalent in shifter books) but Eli adjusted too well to finding out his mate was a man. We see him checking out other men at the club, sure, but we don't know about his previous pack life to determine if he was really straight before going to the Great Lakes Pack. I really wanted more of a foundation built between Kellan and Eli and more of the power battles between them.
I really disliked the author's use of Tracy. He may have been a gay man, but he was still perpetuating the Jealous Bitch stereotype that other m/m writers utilize with women. Just because you changed the gender, doesn't make it any less stupid.
The story was a lot more telling than showing. And the characters were inconsistent. The villainy of Eli's father was incredibly ridiculous. Eli's supposed best friend was extremely judgmental considering the situation, though I will admit Kellan and Eli having sex while Noah missing was in really bad form.
Overall, my feelings on this is eh. This one seems eerily familiar to another shifter series I've read that I can't remember right now. I had a lot of deja vu when reading it. But I've also read a lot of shifter books to the point where they all blend together. There are better shift stories out there, but if you can't find one, this one will do.
2 Stars.
January 12, 2023
I would've read this book anyway, regardless of the fact that I've become friends with the author, because… Yes, people, you know it. It's a shifter book and gawd I love 'em! I don't know why that is, except maybe that I like animals way more than most people. Animals don't manipulate or lie, everything they do is based on instinct and I respect that. Granted, shifters are different in that they're both human and animal, but I still like to see the basic instincts at work. With that said, and another explanation of my love of shifters, this time for the benefit of JJ Black, since this is my first book of hers, let me just say that I can highly recommend 'Accepting the Alpha'.
Ahhhhh, Eli, I do love a man conflicted about his sexuality. Especially when he doesn't know he's conflicted, but he's checking out the hotties on the dance floor! *grins* I've got to admit, the author's physical descriptions of Eli and Kellan really brought a picture of these very gorgeous men into my mind. Since Eli's birth pack seriously frowned upon same sex unions, and Eli's best friend, Jai, was thrown out of their pack because he was gay, it's no wonder that the thought of being with another man has never occurred to Eli. At least until he meets Kellan, his fated mate. I really enjoy shifter stories that involve the concept of fated mates, so I guess there's a bit of a hopeless romantic inside me.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Ahhhhh, Eli, I do love a man conflicted about his sexuality. Especially when he doesn't know he's conflicted, but he's checking out the hotties on the dance floor! *grins* I've got to admit, the author's physical descriptions of Eli and Kellan really brought a picture of these very gorgeous men into my mind. Since Eli's birth pack seriously frowned upon same sex unions, and Eli's best friend, Jai, was thrown out of their pack because he was gay, it's no wonder that the thought of being with another man has never occurred to Eli. At least until he meets Kellan, his fated mate. I really enjoy shifter stories that involve the concept of fated mates, so I guess there's a bit of a hopeless romantic inside me.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
February 17, 2014
ACK! So Eli is straight. Walks into a gay bar that the Alpha of the Grand Rapids Pack owns and all of a sudden he's fawning over a man. He even says "okay, maybe not so straight" when he talks to himself. That's it. No major freak out for him getting hard over perusing a man. THEN the man who happens to be Kellan, the Alpha, sees him dancing with someone, butts in and kisses him right then and there. Again, no freak out. HELLO! Eli is straight! He's not even going to question why the hell he didn't protest kissing a man? Dumb. I am all over not looking at gender when falling in love, but this automatic acceptance was too much.
Next up, Kellan's dirty talk while having sex. YUCK! I felt disgusted while reading it. I had to skim. It wasn't hot at all. I wanted to take a shower to wash the filth off. I wanted Kellan taken down a notch or twelve.
Let's talk about the phone call where you can see people's eyes. Ummm...do phones have automatic video calls or something?
Jai. LOVED him. 1 Star for Jai telling off Eli and Kellan :) FAVORITE part ever!
Ryker? liked him too. 1 Star for Ryker being a total bad ass!
Did I like this book? In a word, no. Will I continue on with this series? Probably, because I thought the thing with Eli's old pack was interesting. I would like to see what's going to happen with that. Will I jump on it? No.
Next up, Kellan's dirty talk while having sex. YUCK! I felt disgusted while reading it. I had to skim. It wasn't hot at all. I wanted to take a shower to wash the filth off. I wanted Kellan taken down a notch or twelve.
Let's talk about the phone call where you can see people's eyes. Ummm...do phones have automatic video calls or something?
Jai. LOVED him. 1 Star for Jai telling off Eli and Kellan :) FAVORITE part ever!
Ryker? liked him too. 1 Star for Ryker being a total bad ass!
Did I like this book? In a word, no. Will I continue on with this series? Probably, because I thought the thing with Eli's old pack was interesting. I would like to see what's going to happen with that. Will I jump on it? No.
January 19, 2014
Gosh, this story is such a waste for a reader, it's a shame, really! I know it's my personally opinion, but truly, this is such a bland, boring, idiotic storyline, it's awful. And then this straight/gay theme in context with the mating heat, OMG, IDIOCY!
January 20, 2014
Great start for a new series.... I cannot wait for Jai´s story..... and Ryker´s
August 10, 2021
Accepting The Alpha
By J.J. Black
I did like this book. I loved both Eli and Kellan. Great chemistry. Great personalities. Especially loved Eli's BFF, Jai. Though I've seen this background story done before (and in much more detail) I didn’t really have a problem with that. What I had a problem with was that there was not enough of that part of the story developed and not nearly enough concern was given for the victims of Eli's father's evil intentions including Eli's brother, Noah.
It felt like the background story was just filler. Bits and pieces were thrown in for us like appetizers without getting even half a meal by the end of the book. So I hoped now that Eli's brother Noah was saved he would have info on the operations that would help that part of the story come to the front in the 2nd book, but nope.
The book is in both Kellan and Eli's POV. The angst level is medium.
Side Note: For those who are irritated when you find out a series is unfinished and unlikely to ever be finished after you've already read the first and second books... you are hereby forewarned this is one of those series.
By J.J. Black
I did like this book. I loved both Eli and Kellan. Great chemistry. Great personalities. Especially loved Eli's BFF, Jai. Though I've seen this background story done before (and in much more detail) I didn’t really have a problem with that. What I had a problem with was that there was not enough of that part of the story developed and not nearly enough concern was given for the victims of Eli's father's evil intentions including Eli's brother, Noah.
It felt like the background story was just filler. Bits and pieces were thrown in for us like appetizers without getting even half a meal by the end of the book. So I hoped now that Eli's brother Noah was saved he would have info on the operations that would help that part of the story come to the front in the 2nd book, but nope.
The book is in both Kellan and Eli's POV. The angst level is medium.
Side Note: For those who are irritated when you find out a series is unfinished and unlikely to ever be finished after you've already read the first and second books... you are hereby forewarned this is one of those series.
September 27, 2014
I really don't have much that I DIDN'T like about this. Ok so a bit cliche to overlook someone who is smaller and weaker as not a threat. But seriously.. hot, all man, with a mouth and not afraid to stand up or defend himself pitted against an alpha who puts his foot in mouth. Throw in a bit of kinky with the sex and a bit of rough but nothing out of my comfort zone. Oh, and being irritated for a short period of time over a certain mate bond that appeared to have a one way track for communication. That was explained a short time later and more or less washed away my disappointment in what seemed like an overlook in the storyline.
Looking forward to Dylan and Jai's story and to learn more about Ryker
Looking forward to Dylan and Jai's story and to learn more about Ryker
January 4, 2017
Bit of a convoluted story with the evil father and some whack-a-doodle plot and a quickie GFY which is rationalized by a quick mention of "maybe he looked at a guy once in a while". It just didn't grab me. I didn't hate it, didn't love it. The whole facial expressions on the phone stood out for me too. I thought they were in the same room. LOL Something happened there. Depends what floats your boat. This obviously worked well for lots of people so go with your own instincts here.
February 14, 2014
This was an OK start to a new series. I thought that things were just too easy at the beginning, some insta-love thrown in there, and then at the end it got a bit soap opera-y for me. I did, however, love Jai, and I do want to read his story.
May 19, 2014
There's a lot I can say about this, and none of it good, but since most of it's already been said, I'll say this was barely more than what you would expect from a first time SPA. No editing, rambling storyline and constant repetition.
January 28, 2014
2.5 stars.
February 2, 2014
That was typical, easy going with almost stupid story plot, shifter book.
March 6, 2015
Not too keen on the insta-love, nor the GFY aspect. Very similar to lots of other books, but not bad.
June 17, 2021
Interesting Series Opening
True mates finding each other isn't an instant HEA. Big former marine and co-owner of a secutity firm Eli is glad to be back with his best friend anda little nervous about meeting the Alpha of the pack he hopes to join. If only he'd known where that meeting would lead...
True mates finding each other isn't an instant HEA. Big former marine and co-owner of a secutity firm Eli is glad to be back with his best friend anda little nervous about meeting the Alpha of the pack he hopes to join. If only he'd known where that meeting would lead...
July 14, 2023
Interesting read. Fate has a sense of humor in the story. When mating heat throws you a curve ball there is nothing you can do about it. Eli didn't know what he was getting into when he decided to leave his sadistic father's pack to join another. He wanted to join the pack and keep his head down. Well, his plan derailed he became the Alpha's mate.
March 17, 2022
3.25 🌟's. I know that mates have the insta-love/lust, but you'd think it'd take a bit for a straight guy to become accustomed to the idea that fate says you are meant for a man not woman.
February 27, 2014
Accepting the Alpha was one of those books that I actually read just because it was recommended and I WANTED to. I'm a huge lover of shifter smut, and thanks to one of my favorite blogger bitches I have a serious addiction to M/M books. Enter shifter M/M smut for the WIN! Holy hotness and then some! If you enjoy paranormal romance and M/M books this is an excellent combination of the two. I will definitely be reading more JJ Black in the future.
Eli has been best friends with Jai since forever. Jai left their birth pack because being gay wasn't something they accepted and he wanted more for his life than hiding in the shadows. Eli was set to be the beta of his birth pack when his father stepped down, but after E learned his father was going to force a mating on him he decided it was time to leave. He moves to be closer to his best friend and hopes to join his pack, he just needs Alpha Kellan's approval.
Kellan has a pack of misfits. Wolves who don't really fit with the norm come to him for refuge. Acceptance and tolerance for differences make his pack different than most. Okay, so one thing that I LOVED about this story is that E, who considers himself straight, in that he never has found a male attractive, but he is completely open-minded. When E and Kellan realize they are fated mates... things heat up to scorching. Kellan is probably one of the dirtiest talking male MC's I've had the pleasure of reading.
OHMIGOD having two strong personalities in one relationship is sofa-king-hot! I mean two strong, growly males clashing together in primal heat. Whew.
I give this book 4 stars for storyline (despite my raving about the smut itself there is a really awesome story in there and mystery to be solved. I wish there had been a bit more detail and just more in general story wise, but it was something that kept my interest and I will for sure be reading book two to see what happens!) and I give this one FIVE drenched panties for some of the hottest freakin' shifter smut meets M/M smut EVER!
"Look at you," Kellan growled. "Ass wide open for me. Your hole twitching', just begging me to fill it up. You are such a slut for my cock, aren't you, E? Tell me what you want. Beg me for it."
That was my fave Kellan line... and this is my fave line from E...
"I think you may be confused about who I am, so just this once, I'm going to cut you some slack. However, the next time you decide to go all 'caveman' on me, I will kick you in the balls so hard, you'll need testicular retrieval surgery if you ever want to see them again."
Love those boys!
Eli has been best friends with Jai since forever. Jai left their birth pack because being gay wasn't something they accepted and he wanted more for his life than hiding in the shadows. Eli was set to be the beta of his birth pack when his father stepped down, but after E learned his father was going to force a mating on him he decided it was time to leave. He moves to be closer to his best friend and hopes to join his pack, he just needs Alpha Kellan's approval.
Kellan has a pack of misfits. Wolves who don't really fit with the norm come to him for refuge. Acceptance and tolerance for differences make his pack different than most. Okay, so one thing that I LOVED about this story is that E, who considers himself straight, in that he never has found a male attractive, but he is completely open-minded. When E and Kellan realize they are fated mates... things heat up to scorching. Kellan is probably one of the dirtiest talking male MC's I've had the pleasure of reading.
OHMIGOD having two strong personalities in one relationship is sofa-king-hot! I mean two strong, growly males clashing together in primal heat. Whew.
I give this book 4 stars for storyline (despite my raving about the smut itself there is a really awesome story in there and mystery to be solved. I wish there had been a bit more detail and just more in general story wise, but it was something that kept my interest and I will for sure be reading book two to see what happens!) and I give this one FIVE drenched panties for some of the hottest freakin' shifter smut meets M/M smut EVER!
"Look at you," Kellan growled. "Ass wide open for me. Your hole twitching', just begging me to fill it up. You are such a slut for my cock, aren't you, E? Tell me what you want. Beg me for it."
That was my fave Kellan line... and this is my fave line from E...
"I think you may be confused about who I am, so just this once, I'm going to cut you some slack. However, the next time you decide to go all 'caveman' on me, I will kick you in the balls so hard, you'll need testicular retrieval surgery if you ever want to see them again."
Love those boys!
March 12, 2014
My Review:
Wow, I should not have gone and looked at the reviews for this book before writing mine. The reviews are all over the place and some of them are really brutal. O.O I actually thought this book was pretty good and definitely enjoyed reading it. But I do have an admitted weakness for shifter stories.
This book is about Eli, who's searching for a home in a new pack... after his best friend, Jai, was driven out of their old pack, the one belonging to Eli's family, for being gay. When Jai takes Eli to their Alpha, Kellan, for introduction, Kellan feels the immediate mating pull to Eli. The problem...Eli is straight so he takes a bit more convincing. In the midst of all that is the pack issues, specifically pack issues from Eli's home about to cause a lot of problems.
Overall, like I said I enjoyed it. That's part of the reason I enjoy paranormal because I can suspend disbelief especially with shifters who have to deal instinctually. So things like mating turning a straight man works for me especially when that new mate is a super-tough, super-gorgeous Alpha male. I liked the two guys together. Eli is a beta, which in this world means that he's a protector, but he's also a soldier. This is no fainting Twink...no, he is almost as tough as Kellan. And they worked together in my eyes. This is an action-filled book as lots of pack politics and vengeful ex's come into play. I particularly enjoyed the scene between Eli and Ryker and the bond they forged together. I'm crossing my fingers that we'll see more of Ryker to come.
This appeared to be a set-up for a new series and I will definitely be looking forward to more from this author.
Wow, I should not have gone and looked at the reviews for this book before writing mine. The reviews are all over the place and some of them are really brutal. O.O I actually thought this book was pretty good and definitely enjoyed reading it. But I do have an admitted weakness for shifter stories.
This book is about Eli, who's searching for a home in a new pack... after his best friend, Jai, was driven out of their old pack, the one belonging to Eli's family, for being gay. When Jai takes Eli to their Alpha, Kellan, for introduction, Kellan feels the immediate mating pull to Eli. The problem...Eli is straight so he takes a bit more convincing. In the midst of all that is the pack issues, specifically pack issues from Eli's home about to cause a lot of problems.
Overall, like I said I enjoyed it. That's part of the reason I enjoy paranormal because I can suspend disbelief especially with shifters who have to deal instinctually. So things like mating turning a straight man works for me especially when that new mate is a super-tough, super-gorgeous Alpha male. I liked the two guys together. Eli is a beta, which in this world means that he's a protector, but he's also a soldier. This is no fainting Twink...no, he is almost as tough as Kellan. And they worked together in my eyes. This is an action-filled book as lots of pack politics and vengeful ex's come into play. I particularly enjoyed the scene between Eli and Ryker and the bond they forged together. I'm crossing my fingers that we'll see more of Ryker to come.
This appeared to be a set-up for a new series and I will definitely be looking forward to more from this author.
October 3, 2015
He was nearly dead and a short time layer can have violent sex?
He was near death but then can walk and talk and protect someone?
Legally, rape is defined by penetration. A woman who has oral sex performed on her without her will is not considered raped. If a man rubs off on her and smears his semen all over her, she is not raped. If he sucks her breasts and bites them, that's not rape either. A man forced to have sex with a woman hasn't technically been raped. He's been raped when something is shoved inside him--his mouth or his anus, ear, whatever, by anything from a penis to a banana. So these men are being molested and mistreated horribly but not raped. It's still horrific. But I hate that none of the men are willing and have to be forced, but all the women are really excited about this slave sex thing. Add in that any effeminate man is awful and or evil and all the women are sluts and you get some serious gender issues. How misogynistic can you get?
Peril was excellent.
I wanted to see the moment when Eli first tried to get his brother to talk. Is he comatose, glaring, trying to communicate another way?
This would rate much higher if it weren't for the bigotry. I love twinks and so do the vast majority of people who read these typical shifter stories.
3.5 stars minus a star because it was so offensive=2.5 stars I really, really hate that I can't use half stars. I really, really don't get how allowing half stars would hurt the people who don't want them. They don't have to use them.
He was near death but then can walk and talk and protect someone?
Legally, rape is defined by penetration. A woman who has oral sex performed on her without her will is not considered raped. If a man rubs off on her and smears his semen all over her, she is not raped. If he sucks her breasts and bites them, that's not rape either. A man forced to have sex with a woman hasn't technically been raped. He's been raped when something is shoved inside him--his mouth or his anus, ear, whatever, by anything from a penis to a banana. So these men are being molested and mistreated horribly but not raped. It's still horrific. But I hate that none of the men are willing and have to be forced, but all the women are really excited about this slave sex thing. Add in that any effeminate man is awful and or evil and all the women are sluts and you get some serious gender issues. How misogynistic can you get?
Peril was excellent.
I wanted to see the moment when Eli first tried to get his brother to talk. Is he comatose, glaring, trying to communicate another way?
This would rate much higher if it weren't for the bigotry. I love twinks and so do the vast majority of people who read these typical shifter stories.
3.5 stars minus a star because it was so offensive=2.5 stars I really, really hate that I can't use half stars. I really, really don't get how allowing half stars would hurt the people who don't want them. They don't have to use them.
July 16, 2016
I found this book by total fluke and I can say that I’m so glad that I did!! I was going through Amazon and saw that it was a new release and on sale so I had to pick it up because I’m that type of person.
I can say with this being the first book I have read by this author, it was amazing to me. I loved the shifter aspect of the story. The sex scenes that happened were done extremely well in my opinion. I did like how there was enough drama and action happening in the book that it kept me turning the pages.
I was really shocked at how much I liked the main characters of this book, mainly because it’s rare that I enjoy them both. But throughout this book, I just couldn’t get enough of them. I was really left wanting for more, but not in a bad way in any means. The secondary characters were done insanely well. Each had their own personality and added to the story in their own ways.
One huge thing that I liked about this story was even though the sex scenes were done very well, there was more to the story than just that. There is action, drama, suspense and intrigue that will keep you going as you progress further into the story. Even with everything that was happening and going on during the course of the book, I didn’t feel as though we were overloaded with information.
I can say that I cannot wait for the next book in the series because I want to see what the author has in store for us next.
Reviewed by Crystal for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
I can say with this being the first book I have read by this author, it was amazing to me. I loved the shifter aspect of the story. The sex scenes that happened were done extremely well in my opinion. I did like how there was enough drama and action happening in the book that it kept me turning the pages.
I was really shocked at how much I liked the main characters of this book, mainly because it’s rare that I enjoy them both. But throughout this book, I just couldn’t get enough of them. I was really left wanting for more, but not in a bad way in any means. The secondary characters were done insanely well. Each had their own personality and added to the story in their own ways.
One huge thing that I liked about this story was even though the sex scenes were done very well, there was more to the story than just that. There is action, drama, suspense and intrigue that will keep you going as you progress further into the story. Even with everything that was happening and going on during the course of the book, I didn’t feel as though we were overloaded with information.
I can say that I cannot wait for the next book in the series because I want to see what the author has in store for us next.
Reviewed by Crystal for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
September 5, 2016
Eli Steele left his home pack after an argument with his father and alpha. Now packless, he is unsure what to do until his best friend invites him to visit Grand Rapids. When he meets the Alpha of the Grand Rapids pack, he knows his life is changed forever. Alpha Kellan Reeves never thought he would find his mate until Eli walked in. He knows Eli is his mate and he knows Eli thinks he is straight and that Eli’s pack could come after him but Kellan is an Alpha and he is sure he can overcome all those somewhat minor obstacles.
Kellan does have his hands full with his new mate. Not only is Eli straight but he comes with issues. Eli for his part struggles with everything he feels for Eli. He had never wanted a man before and is not sure he can handle that wanting now. But as everything unfolds and a horrifying plot is revealed, Eli and Kellan will need each other if they are to survive.
What an incredible start to a new series for JJ Black. The excitement never ends as each page is turned. There are betrayals by more than one person and all the packs will need to unite if they are to survive the coming horror. This promises to be an amazing series and I plan to be there for every book. I have the second book and am ready to read that one now.
Kellan does have his hands full with his new mate. Not only is Eli straight but he comes with issues. Eli for his part struggles with everything he feels for Eli. He had never wanted a man before and is not sure he can handle that wanting now. But as everything unfolds and a horrifying plot is revealed, Eli and Kellan will need each other if they are to survive.
What an incredible start to a new series for JJ Black. The excitement never ends as each page is turned. There are betrayals by more than one person and all the packs will need to unite if they are to survive the coming horror. This promises to be an amazing series and I plan to be there for every book. I have the second book and am ready to read that one now.
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