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Exiled Omegas #1
Lone Wolf
No good deed goes unpunished.
After being exiled by my pack at seventeen, I've spent the last four years constantly on the move trying to avoid all ties to the shifter world.
Unfortunately, I can’t outrun fate.
When I step in to break up a fight, the shifters involved realize I’m a rare male omega. Not only does that revelation put me in the crosshairs of competing packs that would do anything to control me, it also leads me to cross paths with an Alpha who claims to be my fated mate.
Past experiences have left scars—both literal and figurative—and, fated mate or not, I’d rather be kidnapped (again), than tie myself to any Alpha.
But bonding with Julien might be exactly what I need.
As the secrets of my past come to light, chaos reigns and new threats emerge. I quickly realize this Alpha is different and placing my trust in him could finally allow me to have the one thing I always wanted.
A home.
Lone Wolf is a fast-paced MM fated mates shifter romance set in an A/B/O world with mpreg. It features a cynical omega who’s a little skeptical of this whole fated mates thing and the cinnamon roll Alpha who refuses to let him go.
NOTE: Lone Wolf started its life on Kindle Vella. This version has been edited and expanded, but it still has the lightning fast pacing and sometimes crazy, soap opera level of drama characteristic of a serial story.
Seriously, poor Keir *cannot* catch a break. He is very tired by the end (especially of being kidnapped), but he gets his hard won HEA.
After being exiled by my pack at seventeen, I've spent the last four years constantly on the move trying to avoid all ties to the shifter world.
Unfortunately, I can’t outrun fate.
When I step in to break up a fight, the shifters involved realize I’m a rare male omega. Not only does that revelation put me in the crosshairs of competing packs that would do anything to control me, it also leads me to cross paths with an Alpha who claims to be my fated mate.
Past experiences have left scars—both literal and figurative—and, fated mate or not, I’d rather be kidnapped (again), than tie myself to any Alpha.
But bonding with Julien might be exactly what I need.
As the secrets of my past come to light, chaos reigns and new threats emerge. I quickly realize this Alpha is different and placing my trust in him could finally allow me to have the one thing I always wanted.
A home.
Lone Wolf is a fast-paced MM fated mates shifter romance set in an A/B/O world with mpreg. It features a cynical omega who’s a little skeptical of this whole fated mates thing and the cinnamon roll Alpha who refuses to let him go.
NOTE: Lone Wolf started its life on Kindle Vella. This version has been edited and expanded, but it still has the lightning fast pacing and sometimes crazy, soap opera level of drama characteristic of a serial story.
Seriously, poor Keir *cannot* catch a break. He is very tired by the end (especially of being kidnapped), but he gets his hard won HEA.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2023
308 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Kane
4 books29 followersTessa Kane writes MM paranormal romance and swears tea fuels her creative escapades better than coffee ever could. When not crafting stories featuring a diverse range of supernatural creatures finding love, you'll often find her engrossed in books spanning almost every genre—a habit that may occasionally hinder her word counts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
January 14, 2025
Two stars is me being extremely generous.
What an actual shit show this was. One thing after the other, one stupid move after the other, one kidnapping after the other. Hell, I had no time to breathe whilst reading this.
And let me tell you something about the level of stupidity in this book.
The characters were absolutely dumb. World class dumbness all throughout the book.
One MC telling the enemy he is the fated mate of the other MC, even though they repeatedly said not to do that under any circumstances.
One MC playing into the bad guys hands by doing everything he wasn’t supposed to do and he knew that but did it anyway.
One MC going for a stroll in the middle of a fucking pack war just to be kidnapped again.
Where the fuck did their braincells go?!
The only thing that kept be from throwing this book out of my kindle library (yeah, that doesn’t sound very dramatic now that I wrote it but listen, I will not throw my iPad out just because a book sucked…) was that I still kinda wanted to get to the happy ending. I went through too much to just give up.
But oh, what joy! The whole clusterfuck was solved in 2.5 seconds! There you go!
My pain was totally worth it… NOT!
What an actual shit show this was. One thing after the other, one stupid move after the other, one kidnapping after the other. Hell, I had no time to breathe whilst reading this.
And let me tell you something about the level of stupidity in this book.
The characters were absolutely dumb. World class dumbness all throughout the book.
One MC telling the enemy he is the fated mate of the other MC, even though they repeatedly said not to do that under any circumstances.
One MC playing into the bad guys hands by doing everything he wasn’t supposed to do and he knew that but did it anyway.
One MC going for a stroll in the middle of a fucking pack war just to be kidnapped again.
Where the fuck did their braincells go?!
The only thing that kept be from throwing this book out of my kindle library (yeah, that doesn’t sound very dramatic now that I wrote it but listen, I will not throw my iPad out just because a book sucked…) was that I still kinda wanted to get to the happy ending. I went through too much to just give up.
But oh, what joy! The whole clusterfuck was solved in 2.5 seconds! There you go!
My pain was totally worth it… NOT!
October 23, 2023
What an interesting, entertaining and fabulous book! I couldn't put it down and it got me hooked from the first page.
Keir is an omega shifter that has been running and hiding for the last four years from his former pack. As an omega he was despised by the other wolves and he had to escape to survive. He meets Julien, the Alpha of another pack, when he helps Julien's brother. Julien is a young alpha, who had struggled to get into his role after his father's passing. As soon as he meets Keir he knows they are fated mates.
This book was wonderful, there was always something going on. Keir went through so much stuff but he was strong and determined to not let things get to him. Julien had to work hard to make Keir understand they were bound together for the rest of their lives and I loved how Julien stepped up to defend and protect his mate. Their chemistry was amazing and I wish there had been more moments of them together, but Keir spent so much time being kidnapped, as he even said himself, that it was surprising they even got to spend time in bed. When they did, though, it was hot but also very sweet. There was attraction, but also feelings.
There was so much action, funny situations, great secondary characters and a wonderful background plot. I enjoyed this book immensely, the author created a hidden world of shifter packs, with their own rules and culture. I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
Keir is an omega shifter that has been running and hiding for the last four years from his former pack. As an omega he was despised by the other wolves and he had to escape to survive. He meets Julien, the Alpha of another pack, when he helps Julien's brother. Julien is a young alpha, who had struggled to get into his role after his father's passing. As soon as he meets Keir he knows they are fated mates.
This book was wonderful, there was always something going on. Keir went through so much stuff but he was strong and determined to not let things get to him. Julien had to work hard to make Keir understand they were bound together for the rest of their lives and I loved how Julien stepped up to defend and protect his mate. Their chemistry was amazing and I wish there had been more moments of them together, but Keir spent so much time being kidnapped, as he even said himself, that it was surprising they even got to spend time in bed. When they did, though, it was hot but also very sweet. There was attraction, but also feelings.
There was so much action, funny situations, great secondary characters and a wonderful background plot. I enjoyed this book immensely, the author created a hidden world of shifter packs, with their own rules and culture. I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
October 30, 2023
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨
I particularly like the beginning of this story.
The book begins with Keir's story, from when he is 17 years old and his ultra-traditional pack discovers that he's an omega male. A rarity among rarities. After barely surviving the consequences of such a discovery, he hides and survives by living among humans. But after years of living this way, he starts to feel the consequences of not having someone to trust, of not being able to stay in one place for long, and not being able to unleash his inner wolf.
Everything changes when, during his shift at the club where he works, he witnesses what is clearly an attempted abuse on a drugged boy. Unable to stand idly by, he goes to the boy's aid, with the (un)fortunate twist that they all turn out to be shifters.
I loved this first part where Keir saves Remy and meets Dante, Brody, and eventually Julien. The fated mates factor is well developed: the way it affects them, and, above all, the fact that despite the inevitable insta-love, Keir doesn't easily let his guard down. Years of trauma and running for his life are not easy to forget, and Julien doesn't immediately earn his trust.
I also enjoyed the unexpected twists that keep you on edge throughout the reading. There are several enemies and moments of absolute crisis.
However, I must say I found it boring that a significant part of the plot revolves around the antagonists not believing in the bond that connects our protagonists or Keir's omega condition. Distrust as the central drama theme feels tiresome to me.
Furthermore, while the book provides an original take on omegas and MPreg, it's clear that in this shifter universe hardly anyone follows the rules, and the villains do as they please.
But will all that, I can't wait to discover Luke's story and how he will meet his own omega!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨
I particularly like the beginning of this story.
The book begins with Keir's story, from when he is 17 years old and his ultra-traditional pack discovers that he's an omega male. A rarity among rarities. After barely surviving the consequences of such a discovery, he hides and survives by living among humans. But after years of living this way, he starts to feel the consequences of not having someone to trust, of not being able to stay in one place for long, and not being able to unleash his inner wolf.
Everything changes when, during his shift at the club where he works, he witnesses what is clearly an attempted abuse on a drugged boy. Unable to stand idly by, he goes to the boy's aid, with the (un)fortunate twist that they all turn out to be shifters.
I loved this first part where Keir saves Remy and meets Dante, Brody, and eventually Julien. The fated mates factor is well developed: the way it affects them, and, above all, the fact that despite the inevitable insta-love, Keir doesn't easily let his guard down. Years of trauma and running for his life are not easy to forget, and Julien doesn't immediately earn his trust.
I also enjoyed the unexpected twists that keep you on edge throughout the reading. There are several enemies and moments of absolute crisis.
However, I must say I found it boring that a significant part of the plot revolves around the antagonists not believing in the bond that connects our protagonists or Keir's omega condition. Distrust as the central drama theme feels tiresome to me.
Furthermore, while the book provides an original take on omegas and MPreg, it's clear that in this shifter universe hardly anyone follows the rules, and the villains do as they please.
But will all that, I can't wait to discover Luke's story and how he will meet his own omega!
October 25, 2023
***4.5/5 Stars***
Lone Wolf was a MM shifter romance that was impossible to put down. With an addictively quick pace, entertaining storyline, and fabulous characters, this book was such a huge hit! If you love shifters, paranormal stories, or MM romance, definitely put this one on your tbr!
The prologue pulls you right into Keir's life. He was an omega shifter, which was looked down upon within his pack. After his cousin Luke helped him escape being beaten to death, Keir spent the last four years on the run. He was utterly alone and my heart hurt for him. Chicago had been the longest he had stayed anywhere, and even that amounted to just a couple of months. Yet when Keir stepped in to protect someone, it put him in the middle of a huge push and pull. Other packs wanted to control Keir because of what he was. A male omega was extremely rare. Yet through it all he met Julien, who was Keir's fated mate. The path to their happily ever after was filled with obstacles at every single turn. Making this book impossible to put down.
I absolutely loved Keir. He was resourceful, quick witted, and had the kindest heart. The life he had been dealt was challenging, and his past will tug at your heart. Yet Keir had been in the dark for so much. So I loved that we learned things right along with him. For what he truly was. What that meant. The possibilities for his future. We felt what Keir did, right along with him. And from the moment he met Julien, there was a war within himself. He was pulled to his mate, yet he was scared. The past hadn't been kind to him and others seemed to want him for different nefarious reasons. So I kept my fingers crossed that Keir would follow his instincts, and trust Julien whole heartedly.
I was obsessed with Julien and wanted him for myself. Julien was sexy, his intentions were breathtaking, and he was someone you can easily swoon over. We also got a few chapters in his POV, which had me cheering with joy! So when Julien stepped in to save Keir from a precarious situation, my heart beat faster. Not only did he recognize him as his fated mate, but his level of protection was through the roof hot. Julien was brave, fierce, and completely seductive.
Keir and Julien together were like an explosion. From that first day, things escalated quickly and even their kissing was hot. And their moments together were steamy and sensual. Yet there was also a connection between them that grew and I loved watching that friendship and trust flourish. Around them were side characters who I absolutely adored, Luke I'm looking at you! And others who I was counting down until they met their death! Especially when there was a flashback that showed grooming of a minor, I was hoping his death would be the worst! On top of that were politics that were fascinating, and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
Lone Wolf was a deeply romantic MM shifter romance that was so easy to devour. With political intrigue, life and death situations, and plans in play, this mesmerizing tale will sweep you away! The epilogue will leave a smile on your face for Keir and Julien. And you'll also be left so excited for the next book, which is Luke's story. I can't wait to be back in this world, see what happens next, and follow Luke who I fell so easily for!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
Lone Wolf was a MM shifter romance that was impossible to put down. With an addictively quick pace, entertaining storyline, and fabulous characters, this book was such a huge hit! If you love shifters, paranormal stories, or MM romance, definitely put this one on your tbr!
Dawn is creeping along the edges of the sky before I can pull myself together enough to shift into my wolf. I grab the bag Luke left for me in my mouth and run as quickly as my still healing legs can manage.
I don’t look back.
The prologue pulls you right into Keir's life. He was an omega shifter, which was looked down upon within his pack. After his cousin Luke helped him escape being beaten to death, Keir spent the last four years on the run. He was utterly alone and my heart hurt for him. Chicago had been the longest he had stayed anywhere, and even that amounted to just a couple of months. Yet when Keir stepped in to protect someone, it put him in the middle of a huge push and pull. Other packs wanted to control Keir because of what he was. A male omega was extremely rare. Yet through it all he met Julien, who was Keir's fated mate. The path to their happily ever after was filled with obstacles at every single turn. Making this book impossible to put down.
Nothing good can come from associating with Alphas, no matter how nice they seem— or how loudly my wolf is whining about not wanting to leave Julien’s side.
I absolutely loved Keir. He was resourceful, quick witted, and had the kindest heart. The life he had been dealt was challenging, and his past will tug at your heart. Yet Keir had been in the dark for so much. So I loved that we learned things right along with him. For what he truly was. What that meant. The possibilities for his future. We felt what Keir did, right along with him. And from the moment he met Julien, there was a war within himself. He was pulled to his mate, yet he was scared. The past hadn't been kind to him and others seemed to want him for different nefarious reasons. So I kept my fingers crossed that Keir would follow his instincts, and trust Julien whole heartedly.
I guess— I halfway expect to him to just rip my clothes off and claim me right here.
But that’s not what happens.
He simply holds me close, breathing me in as he runs his hands up and down my arms.
I was obsessed with Julien and wanted him for myself. Julien was sexy, his intentions were breathtaking, and he was someone you can easily swoon over. We also got a few chapters in his POV, which had me cheering with joy! So when Julien stepped in to save Keir from a precarious situation, my heart beat faster. Not only did he recognize him as his fated mate, but his level of protection was through the roof hot. Julien was brave, fierce, and completely seductive.
“Promise me you’ll be fine,” he says, taking hold of my hand and giving it a squeeze.
“I promise.” I lean down and rub my cheek over the top of his head. “I won’t let anything take me away from you, especially not Stevens.”
Keir and Julien together were like an explosion. From that first day, things escalated quickly and even their kissing was hot. And their moments together were steamy and sensual. Yet there was also a connection between them that grew and I loved watching that friendship and trust flourish. Around them were side characters who I absolutely adored, Luke I'm looking at you! And others who I was counting down until they met their death! Especially when there was a flashback that showed grooming of a minor, I was hoping his death would be the worst! On top of that were politics that were fascinating, and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
I chuckle, the sound barely more than a puff of breath. “You and me against the world?”
“If that’s what it takes, then yes. Always.”
Lone Wolf was a deeply romantic MM shifter romance that was so easy to devour. With political intrigue, life and death situations, and plans in play, this mesmerizing tale will sweep you away! The epilogue will leave a smile on your face for Keir and Julien. And you'll also be left so excited for the next book, which is Luke's story. I can't wait to be back in this world, see what happens next, and follow Luke who I fell so easily for!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
October 27, 2023
Quite interesting!
Wow! What a ride! This story starts off almost immediately fast-paced with danger and intrigue and just doesn’t stop! Kier is just an unlucky wolf who just can’t seem to have anything go his way. Even when he meets his fated mate, circumstances keep pulling them apart. It was most definitely a hard fought HEA but oh how sweet it was in the end! I loved the adorable ending and I can’t wait to see Luke get his HEA.
Wow! What a ride! This story starts off almost immediately fast-paced with danger and intrigue and just doesn’t stop! Kier is just an unlucky wolf who just can’t seem to have anything go his way. Even when he meets his fated mate, circumstances keep pulling them apart. It was most definitely a hard fought HEA but oh how sweet it was in the end! I loved the adorable ending and I can’t wait to see Luke get his HEA.
February 18, 2024
There was so much plot crammed into this book that it suffered from overload. Drama after drama, calamity after calamity, dumbfuckery after dumbfuckery, and douchebaggery after douchebaggery had me rolling my eyes quite a few times, but I was invested enough to want to know how it ended.
YMMV.
YMMV.
October 29, 2023
3.5 stars. Keir is a rare omega, he’s even more special than he knows.
Escaping his murderous pack alpha at seventeen, he’s trying to stay low.
He works at a bar. After saving a guy who has been drugged, his bodyguards want to bring him to their pack alpha.
Keir has no good memories of alphas so he ran for his life, to be picked up by another pack.
Meeting his fated mate seems like a deal, not! It isn’t easy at all. As if there’s a complot against them.
Time after time there’s something or someone against them. At some point, I found it too much.
Just let them live in peace. After the, I think, the fifth event that brought trouble, I skipped the rest and went to the end of the book.
While the story was good and the rare omega was entwined in a good way, I must be honest, the male-omega fact being a huge exceptional something in this story, felt a bit outdated. I constantly had to adjust my feelings while reading.
I read so many stories with male omega and mpreg, it was a bit strange.
Still, it was an entertaining, solid-written read with a satisfying ending.
Escaping his murderous pack alpha at seventeen, he’s trying to stay low.
He works at a bar. After saving a guy who has been drugged, his bodyguards want to bring him to their pack alpha.
Keir has no good memories of alphas so he ran for his life, to be picked up by another pack.
Meeting his fated mate seems like a deal, not! It isn’t easy at all. As if there’s a complot against them.
Time after time there’s something or someone against them. At some point, I found it too much.
Just let them live in peace. After the, I think, the fifth event that brought trouble, I skipped the rest and went to the end of the book.
While the story was good and the rare omega was entwined in a good way, I must be honest, the male-omega fact being a huge exceptional something in this story, felt a bit outdated. I constantly had to adjust my feelings while reading.
I read so many stories with male omega and mpreg, it was a bit strange.
Still, it was an entertaining, solid-written read with a satisfying ending.
October 31, 2023
DNF @ 33%.
This was fine, but you can’t just throw the kitchen sink at the story and hope the plot will make sense.
How is it known that Keir revealed himself to a human, when he was alone with said human and didn’t even shift?
How does Rossi know Randall is Keir’s Alpha, when there is no record of Keir and Rossi wasn’t even told where he came from? And yet Rossi contacting Randall and getting him involved happens.
I didn’t make the connection, since it’s been over half a decade since I read it, but after seeing other reviews mention it, this really is a poor man’s Change of Heart.
This was fine, but you can’t just throw the kitchen sink at the story and hope the plot will make sense.
How is it known that Keir revealed himself to a human, when he was alone with said human and didn’t even shift?
How does Rossi know Randall is Keir’s Alpha, when there is no record of Keir and Rossi wasn’t even told where he came from? And yet Rossi contacting Randall and getting him involved happens.
I didn’t make the connection, since it’s been over half a decade since I read it, but after seeing other reviews mention it, this really is a poor man’s Change of Heart.
dnf
December 31, 2023DNF @ 52%
Not what I was in the mood for, there’s a lot of political stuff going on and the romance is overshadowed. Mainly focuses on one POV instead of being split equally. For this being an omega/alpha situation I found it weird how the alpha didn’t seem as protective of his omega as the omega was of him 🤷🏻♀️
Not what I was in the mood for, there’s a lot of political stuff going on and the romance is overshadowed. Mainly focuses on one POV instead of being split equally. For this being an omega/alpha situation I found it weird how the alpha didn’t seem as protective of his omega as the omega was of him 🤷🏻♀️
October 23, 2024
Tessa is a new author for me so I didn't know what to expect but so far I'm pretty pleased. And I'm intrigued about the overarching plot, which is bound to be a doozy for everyone involved
October 20, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
I devoured this book. It was impossible to put down and had me hooked the entire way through. This book does not give you a moment of reprieve, just 1 thing after another and it’s a whirlwind.
The book is well written and I enjoyed it a lot. It’s been a while since I literally couldn’t even pause reading. I think the fact that so much is happening, like there is always something else detracted from the romance a bit. It felt like Kier and Julien hardly get a chance to get to know each other because they’re fire fighting all the time but that’s really my only negative.
It’s a really fast paced book and a fun visit to the Omegaverse.
I devoured this book. It was impossible to put down and had me hooked the entire way through. This book does not give you a moment of reprieve, just 1 thing after another and it’s a whirlwind.
The book is well written and I enjoyed it a lot. It’s been a while since I literally couldn’t even pause reading. I think the fact that so much is happening, like there is always something else detracted from the romance a bit. It felt like Kier and Julien hardly get a chance to get to know each other because they’re fire fighting all the time but that’s really my only negative.
It’s a really fast paced book and a fun visit to the Omegaverse.
October 25, 2023
There is a lot to take in from this story. Keir and Julien go through so much throughout this story but they do end up with a well deserved happily ever after.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
December 31, 2023
Lone Wolf
By Tessa Kane
Keir has always been treated poorly by his father and his pack. When he shifts and discovers he's an omega and not the beta his father claimed, his pack, that's still living in the dark ages of pack laws, try to kill him. His couisan, Luke, the alpha heir and only person in the pack who has ever shown him kindness, helps him escape in the hopes of Keir surviving and finding a better life.
When Alpha Julien meets the omega that helped saved his brother, Remy, he discovers they're fated mates, and he just knows Keir will be trouble. He's not wrong.
From the moment Keir helps Remy until the end of the book, this story is action-packed and moves at a great pace. In most books with this many twists, turns, and danger, for not only Keir but also Julien, it's severe overkill, but the author makes it come together flawlessly.
I truly loved Keir, Julien, Luke, Dante, and Remy. The next best thing, after Keir and Julien get their HEA of course, is that the bad guys ALL get their karma, except one, and I have a feeling it's because he has a part to play in Luke and Keir's background story. If you love MM fated mate shifter stories I would definitely recommend this one.
One question left unanswered (that has nothing to do with Keir and Lukes stories) are we getting Remy & Dante's story? I'd love to read that. 😉
Triggers:
I do have 3 disappointments about this book:
1) It ended.
2) The next book in the series doesn't come out until October-ish of 2024. Hint: It's Luke's story.
3) I was so in love with this book I was truly disappointed when I looked up the author to immediately read another of her books and found this was her first one. 💔😆 But seriously, I am totally invested in Lost Wolf and Luke's story and have already pre-ordered it.
By Tessa Kane
Keir has always been treated poorly by his father and his pack. When he shifts and discovers he's an omega and not the beta his father claimed, his pack, that's still living in the dark ages of pack laws, try to kill him. His couisan, Luke, the alpha heir and only person in the pack who has ever shown him kindness, helps him escape in the hopes of Keir surviving and finding a better life.
When Alpha Julien meets the omega that helped saved his brother, Remy, he discovers they're fated mates, and he just knows Keir will be trouble. He's not wrong.
From the moment Keir helps Remy until the end of the book, this story is action-packed and moves at a great pace. In most books with this many twists, turns, and danger, for not only Keir but also Julien, it's severe overkill, but the author makes it come together flawlessly.
I truly loved Keir, Julien, Luke, Dante, and Remy. The next best thing, after Keir and Julien get their HEA of course, is that the bad guys ALL get their karma, except one, and I have a feeling it's because he has a part to play in Luke and Keir's background story. If you love MM fated mate shifter stories I would definitely recommend this one.
One question left unanswered (that has nothing to do with Keir and Lukes stories) are we getting Remy & Dante's story? I'd love to read that. 😉
Triggers:
I do have 3 disappointments about this book:
1) It ended.
2) The next book in the series doesn't come out until October-ish of 2024. Hint: It's Luke's story.
3) I was so in love with this book I was truly disappointed when I looked up the author to immediately read another of her books and found this was her first one. 💔😆 But seriously, I am totally invested in Lost Wolf and Luke's story and have already pre-ordered it.
October 9, 2023
4,5⭐️
I just loved that book, it was really immersive, I was really surprised at how many things happened in a short amount of time, but it didn’t break the flow of the story.
Keir has gone through a lot, and still, he learned how to survive by himself and one thing is sure, he has a will of steel, I really loved that character. Everything is literally thrown at him, but he always finds a way to protect himself and escape. His meeting with Julien was kind of explosive 😅 but just awesome. After all he’s been through, Keir doesn’t want to trust the Alpha who proclaims to be his mate, even if he feels the bond, it’s hard for him to give his trust.
Lot of pinning, lot of misunderstanding and soooo many questions still unanswered ! I really loved that book, and I’m really excited for what’s coming next, I’m curious about Luke, Rémi, Dante and I’m sure others will come to make it even crazier.
I received an ARC Copy of this book from Gay Romance Review, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
I just loved that book, it was really immersive, I was really surprised at how many things happened in a short amount of time, but it didn’t break the flow of the story.
Keir has gone through a lot, and still, he learned how to survive by himself and one thing is sure, he has a will of steel, I really loved that character. Everything is literally thrown at him, but he always finds a way to protect himself and escape. His meeting with Julien was kind of explosive 😅 but just awesome. After all he’s been through, Keir doesn’t want to trust the Alpha who proclaims to be his mate, even if he feels the bond, it’s hard for him to give his trust.
Lot of pinning, lot of misunderstanding and soooo many questions still unanswered ! I really loved that book, and I’m really excited for what’s coming next, I’m curious about Luke, Rémi, Dante and I’m sure others will come to make it even crazier.
I received an ARC Copy of this book from Gay Romance Review, this review is from my own thoughts 😍
November 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It’s nonstop and actioned packed. And I don’t mean that lightly, no. It’s one thing after another right until the end.
There was a good balance between the romance and the plot. I liked both main characters and found most secondary characters entertaining.
And although most of the book had a light low angst vibe, there were also scenes with violence and other heavier topics that author mentions in the beginning of the book.
There were a few things that were unanswered but I hope will be addressed in future books. I really want to know more about Luke and who his mate will be.
There was a good balance between the romance and the plot. I liked both main characters and found most secondary characters entertaining.
And although most of the book had a light low angst vibe, there were also scenes with violence and other heavier topics that author mentions in the beginning of the book.
There were a few things that were unanswered but I hope will be addressed in future books. I really want to know more about Luke and who his mate will be.
March 15, 2024
Caught myself rolling my eyes & saying "oh my fucking god" after almost ever chapter. I don't know how I didn't dnf this book. WAY too many plot points flying around. WAY too many "what now?"s happening every other chapter. I understand that with these kinds of series no author ever seems to want to make two books from the same characters' perspective twice, which I loathe, but these two characters needed two books. This book was two books happening at once without thought. I don't think the Keir and Julien spent more than a few days together as a whole. Julien is the softest (not in a good way) alpha of a pack and kind of a dumbass tbh. Overall kind of a mess.
dnf
January 28, 2024Started reading this a few weeks ago and I’m going to DNF at 43%. It was way too instant love for me which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if I’m in the mood for it but there was a little bit of world building and then bam the two can’t keep their hands off of each other. I suppose I just wanted a bit more tension.
September 19, 2023
Ouff this was such a delight!
It’s not a secret that I’m a sucker for good ABO romance but this was much more than that. I mean when I tell you that romance part isn’t even the main event?!
They fight tooth and nail to be together when the whole world just wants to rip them apart. I loved it, and I really hope for a second book because I need to know what happens with Luke!
But back to the book, can I just swoon a little?
“A low whimper edges past my lips and Julien breaks, moving toward me with one hand out, a plaintive look on his face.”
““Keir,” says Remy, his voice soft and cajoling. “Come with us. None of us are going to hurt you, my fussy brother least of all since—” “I’m his fated mate,” I say, my voice cracking like I haven’t spoken in months.”
““You don’t even know me.” “I know all I need to.” Another growl breaks free from his chest and his eyes flash silver. “You’re mine.””
Need I say more? I don’t think I do but I’m gonna anyway! 😮💨
So much 💩 comes for these two, and I mean my guys can’t seriously catch a break?!
Julian is so good for Keir, he’s trying so hard to make him understand that he’s worth everything. But this book got my anxiety levels hiiiiigh! Luckily it doesn’t take long for the author to resolve the problem, and I’m so glad because I would be seriously pissed if that wasn’t the case. I mean I’m scared for my baby Keir! The spice was not the main point it was the plot and we all know I love my spice. Also, thanks for the surprise at the end, I was so happy for them. Don’t want to spoil it but that presentation to the pack scene? Melted my cold dead heart.
Leaving you with this quote and hope you jump on this one:
“You and me against the world?” “If that’s what it takes, then yes. Always.”
It’s not a secret that I’m a sucker for good ABO romance but this was much more than that. I mean when I tell you that romance part isn’t even the main event?!
They fight tooth and nail to be together when the whole world just wants to rip them apart. I loved it, and I really hope for a second book because I need to know what happens with Luke!
But back to the book, can I just swoon a little?
“A low whimper edges past my lips and Julien breaks, moving toward me with one hand out, a plaintive look on his face.”
““Keir,” says Remy, his voice soft and cajoling. “Come with us. None of us are going to hurt you, my fussy brother least of all since—” “I’m his fated mate,” I say, my voice cracking like I haven’t spoken in months.”
““You don’t even know me.” “I know all I need to.” Another growl breaks free from his chest and his eyes flash silver. “You’re mine.””
Need I say more? I don’t think I do but I’m gonna anyway! 😮💨
So much 💩 comes for these two, and I mean my guys can’t seriously catch a break?!
Julian is so good for Keir, he’s trying so hard to make him understand that he’s worth everything. But this book got my anxiety levels hiiiiigh! Luckily it doesn’t take long for the author to resolve the problem, and I’m so glad because I would be seriously pissed if that wasn’t the case. I mean I’m scared for my baby Keir! The spice was not the main point it was the plot and we all know I love my spice. Also, thanks for the surprise at the end, I was so happy for them. Don’t want to spoil it but that presentation to the pack scene? Melted my cold dead heart.
Leaving you with this quote and hope you jump on this one:
“You and me against the world?” “If that’s what it takes, then yes. Always.”
October 16, 2023
This book had me hooked right from the start. 4.5 stars!
Kier is a lively and intelligent man who is only interested in being allowed to live his life. Unfortunately, some very bad people from both the present and his past would love to ruin that for him. Luckily for him, fate is on his side and unites him with his fated mate, Julian.
Julian had a lot on his plate when he was handed the reins to his pack when still young. He’s done the best he can for his people since then and learned and grown along the way. When he meets Keir, he recognises who Kier is to him instantly and is determined to keep them together, no matter what.
This book was well written, fast paced, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The chemistry and connection between the two men/shifters was palpable but I liked that it didn’t instantly “fix” Kier’s wariness after everything he’s been through. He learns to trust and to believe in the bond he has with Julian, instead, and it’s a far better book for that. There are plenty of twists and turns, but neither they, nor the solutions to various problems feel contrived or too convenient.
The plot for this book wraps up very satisfactorily, though there are plenty of threads left for book two. Tessa Kane has written a world I definitely want to know more about and other characters whose stories I am eagerly awaiting.
*I voluntarily read this book and my opinions are my own.
Kier is a lively and intelligent man who is only interested in being allowed to live his life. Unfortunately, some very bad people from both the present and his past would love to ruin that for him. Luckily for him, fate is on his side and unites him with his fated mate, Julian.
Julian had a lot on his plate when he was handed the reins to his pack when still young. He’s done the best he can for his people since then and learned and grown along the way. When he meets Keir, he recognises who Kier is to him instantly and is determined to keep them together, no matter what.
This book was well written, fast paced, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The chemistry and connection between the two men/shifters was palpable but I liked that it didn’t instantly “fix” Kier’s wariness after everything he’s been through. He learns to trust and to believe in the bond he has with Julian, instead, and it’s a far better book for that. There are plenty of twists and turns, but neither they, nor the solutions to various problems feel contrived or too convenient.
The plot for this book wraps up very satisfactorily, though there are plenty of threads left for book two. Tessa Kane has written a world I definitely want to know more about and other characters whose stories I am eagerly awaiting.
*I voluntarily read this book and my opinions are my own.
October 27, 2023
Lone Wolf is a great start to a new series and I really enjoyed it. It is well written, fast paced, has some intriguing twists and turns, the characters are interesting and the world building is well done. I do wish that the story had focused more on the relationship between Keir and Julien as there was a lot going on around them and the non-stop action was a bit distracting. They have so many obstacles to deal with that at times it seems to be overwhelming but Julien has enough belief in their connection for both of them and he will do anything to keep Keir safe and give him time to deal with everything. Keir has been alone and hiding for so long that trusting anyone is almost beyond his ability but Julien is his fated mate and deserves a chance to prove himself. They are both doing their best to deal with it all and luckily they have a few of Julien's pack members on their side. The secondary characters are amazing, the ending is great and I can't wait to read the next book in this exciting new series.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
October 15, 2023
My heart broke for poor Kier. Reviled and almost killed by his pack, he has been on his own for years until a chance meeting with an alpha that will change his life forever. Julian was not expecting to meet his fated mate, let alone find out his fated is a male omega. Julian has his work cut out for him in trying to get Kier to trust him. Kier feels their bond but circumstances seem determined to keep them apart. I loved this story and was pulling for these two to finally get their chance at their HEA.
November 14, 2024
High Stakes and Sweet Endings
I loved the fast paced nature of the plot, the omega who would keep getting up no matter how many times he was knocked down or er kidnapped. I also really enjoyed the steadying influence of our alpha hero and the stability he represented. The constant drama and scandal of it all with betrayal behind every door and not being sure who was friend and who was for, together with the snark of the main characters really had me loving this book!
I loved the fast paced nature of the plot, the omega who would keep getting up no matter how many times he was knocked down or er kidnapped. I also really enjoyed the steadying influence of our alpha hero and the stability he represented. The constant drama and scandal of it all with betrayal behind every door and not being sure who was friend and who was for, together with the snark of the main characters really had me loving this book!
September 28, 2023
I absolutely loved this action packed adventure of Kier and Juliens. Just when you start to think things might be settling down, bam, something else happens to these shifters. Join them as they discover their fate, love and what it truly means to have family.
October 27, 2023
This is a debut novel and the first book of a new debut series for this new to me author and all I can say is congratulations and well done, the story is great and has plenty of action which covers many different situations starting at the prologue all the way through until the epilogue, Julian and Keir are great together and there is a great range of side characters that I hope we will get some of their stories. Great story well worth a read and really looking forward to reading more from this series.
October 29, 2023
4.5 stars ⭐️ Keir is an male omega, something very rare in this shifter world the writer created. He runs away from his pack and finds his fated mate. Julien is a young Alpha with a good pack but with an enemy that’s common to both him and Keir. It was a good read with twists and turns that made me pause, and then be happy when they got resolved. It took many tries but they had their hea.
dnf
November 4, 2024I wasn't a big fan of the writting style but I pushed through because I was entertained. Then MC made the dumbest decissions. Next scene he's in danger for the nth time in just 6 chapters, and suddenly he's lusting over MC2, whom we learn from the next page is his fated mate. I rolled my eyes so hard.
October 15, 2023
This is just SO GOOD! I've read plenty of similar stories so didn't expect much different here. But I was wrong! It's really fast-paced and so much happens. When Julien and Kier realise they are fated mates they want nothing more than to be together. But some other's want Kier for themselves or for his value as a male omega. So they have EVERYTHING thrown at them to keep them apart. It's a real roller-coaster of events. Lots of twists and turns you don't see coming. Good guys, bad guys, and guys you just don't know which they'll be! Julien and Kier are great but there are lots of other good characters I want to know more about too - there is so much scope for future stories in the series and I can't wait to read them. Especially Ben's please Tessa!
October 28, 2023
He was exiled from his pack so he has stayed away from the shifter world. He goes in to save someone and the shifter world realizes he is a rare male omega. Now he is the Centre as they all want him to theirs, although one claims he is their mate. What will happen for him? Will he find happiness? See if he will
June 30, 2025
A generous 3 stars because I loved some of the ideas a lot.
So, overall I enjoyed this story a bit more than I was confused by it. I loved having an omega MC who wasn’t a doormat, that’s rare. However, the plot and world and just the scenes themselves were so fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants that I wonder if this book was released as “episodes” first and then compiled and published? It feels disjointed and somewhat repetitive all the way through. Literally new plot complications and characters pop up and disappear all the time. It had some super fun ideas, but it needed a lot of wrangling (editing).
Kier is a 21 year old cis gay omega man. Gay here meaning he can only be attracted to men, not necessarily just alphas. He describes himself as “I’m more slender than bulky with androgynous features bordering on pretty. Big blue eyes, small upturned nose, and shiny black hair with a tendency toward natural waves.” He’s never had a boyfriend but is sexually experienced with hook ups. He initially has no idea he’s an omega and can get pregnant. Male omegas are considered an abomination by a lot of shifters (unsure why exactly) and he’s almost murdered because of it. He also was groomed from age 13-16 and had sex with his groomer, a man named Zachariah who was twice his age and who went on to murder three wives who didn’t give him alpha children.
Julien is a mid-20s cis bisexual alpha man. He has a very strong preference for women and had always planned on having a woman as a spouse, so he considered his attraction to men to be minor and irrelevant, so he never acted on it. When he realizes he’s Kier’s mate, he then decides his bisexuality is relevant and accepts it quickly. However, never having dated a man, he doesn’t realize the vitriol and barriers that same gender couples have, and is blindsided when this happens. He kind of lets people steamroll him about it for a while, but eventually uses his backbone when he realizes it won’t stop otherwise.
A lot of outside parties don’t want Julien with Kier because to some people, male omegas are “an abomination” and “lead alphas away from righteousness,” and “nothing but an unholy mistake of nature.” Then, the only reason anyone accepts it is because it turns out male omegas can have babies, which makes it less of an abomination for two men to be together I guess. And it was also probably the main reason Julien was OK with ending up with a man (he was vaguely considering a mistress to have a baby with until he realized Kier could get pregnant). I’m also assuming there are only cis male alphas in this universe for some reason? Although I guess that’s pretty common in omegaverse books… Although I was confused when Julien and Remy kept saying no one would care if Julien chose a man for a mate, but like literally everyone hated it and thought it was an insult or worse.
The writing and methods of propelling the story are not the smoothest or most entertaining to read. The evil plotting of some of the villains was…pretty out there and not very logical. The sequence of events is pretty clunky and a lot of stuff has little to no lead up and just kind of happens. Sometimes plot points are changed/updated in a passing mention even if it doesn’t make a lot of sense (like Luke planning to join Julian’s pack with Kier then staying behind to talk to someone about a nebulous something and then Kier forgot about him even though Luke was in danger from Randall for helping Kier, until they found a child missing poster of Luke and realized Luke was again missing…it was a lot). And Kier losing consciousness (either passing out or falling asleep) is used at least 3 times to change scenes, which is weird. Also, the concept that cis male omegas don’t have a birth channel and cannot give birth other than by c-section means they always died in childbirth prior to effective c-section surgery became available, and if no one performed even a rudimentary c-section back in the day then none of their offspring would have survived, yet somehow there are legends running around about them - no one seems to have noticed this???
On the plus side, I LOVED that Julien’s mom didn’t give a shit if he chose a man as a spouse (unlike everyone else), and actually acknowledged that adoption is an option (also they’re rich and could also afford a fancy surrogate if they’re obsessed with bloodlines, though that wasn’t mentioned). It’s very rare anyone ever mentions adoption in MM fiction, let alone considers it a viable option. I also loved that Kier had a backbone and jumped in to fight several times and wasn’t considered dainty and weak (mostly). Very super rare for an omega (usually omegas are exaggerated stereotypes of women, meaning weak and helpless and tiny and young and have no agency or opinions).
Contains:
—a/b/o
—mpreg (cis male pregnancy)
—homophobia
—mild internalized biphobia
—on page brutal beating of MC
—parental verbal and emotional abuse against MC for being “weak”
—familial abuse and attempted murder against MC
—human trafficking
—kidnapping
—instalove and instalust related to being fated mates
—bitchy/villain woman ex
—really frequent homophobia (literally the only reason 99% of the characters accept Kier is because he’s an omega and can bring fortune, and he’s able to get pregnant, otherwise they were awful about two men together)
—laws and rules are upheld that allow people to be beaten, abused, and murdered as “appropriate pack discipline” and none of the characters seem as worried as they should be
—statutory rape of MC at age 16 by a “nearly thirty” year old
—MC groomed from 13 to 16 by an adult
—same man who groomed and raped MC murdered his wife for “failing” to give him alpha children
—the whole thing happens in like a week (other than the epilogue)
Other:
—first person dual POV.
—cheating: no (although the pack elders want Julien to take a mistress to have his babies; he turns them down after a while).
—romantic rival: not really. Julien has a sort of fiancée for a while but it’s not a romantic union.
—breakup: no.
—kids: yes, Kier gets pregnant and has twins within the last 20-30-ish pages.
—sex: open door with some moderate detail, but they’re few and brief. Strict roles. Julien tops and Kier bottoms and they enjoy it that way.
—HEA: yes.
“Omegas are sacred,” says the cleric. “They are meant to be helpmates and guides to their Alphas, mothers to the pack. But a male omega serves no purpose except to lead Alphas from the path of righteousness.”
“So… not that I don’t appreciate the save and all, but if you could just drop me off at the nearest bus station or something—”
An involuntary growl rumbles up from my throat at the suggestion of being separated from my mate. “You’re staying with us.”
Even if I wanted to bind myself to an alpha, there’s no way a pack Alpha can take a male mate, fated or not. Otherwise… it’d be just like the cleric said. I’d be leading Julien astray, taking the Alpha from his path and depriving him of heirs.
“Pack Alphas are expected to have heirs.” I gesture at myself. “Not something I can provide.”
“It doesn’t matter,” says Julien quickly.
“Of course it does,” I snap.
“It doesn’t matter,” he repeats. “My pack will get over it.”
I narrow my eyes. “So it does matter. They’ll just ‘get over it.’”
I take a step away from the other shifters. And another. If I can just—
“You promised,” growls Julien. “No more running.”
I curl my hands into fists to stop them from shaking and inject anger into my voice to hide the hurt I don’t even want to admit to myself, much less this asshole Alpha. “That was before I found out you’re engaged.”
“I’m not,” says Julien. “It never got that far and—”
“So you’re saying you’re just going to give up a potential mating alliance for me?” My gaze darts around, all my instincts transitioning back into flight mode. Too bad the only way out of this alley is through Julien.
“Yes,” he says simply. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Objectively speaking, Meredith is absolutely gorgeous and I can see where Julien—and his pack—might want a mating alliance with hers. Her pack lives in the northern part of Michigan they call the ‘up’. Which is a super weird name to be honest, but whatever. They operate a string of lakeside resorts and properties, which are likely very lucrative. All big plusses for Julien’s pack. Compared to me with no pack and nothing to my name but the ten grand I basically stole that’s stuffed in my waistband… Meredith is a much better prospect. And I think she knows it too.
Julien growls and crowds me back against the tile, then tips my chin up with his fingers until I meet his gaze. “You are everything I never knew I wanted.”
That phrasing gives me pause. “What do you mean by that?” I ask.
His cheeks flush, and he glances away. “I’ve never… with a man.”
“Wait a second,” I say, my voice going flat and all my insecurities flooding back. “You mean you’re not even gay? That the fates stuck you with someone you’re not even—”
“The fates gifted me with you,” he says firmly. He takes my hand and presses it to the front of his pants, his arousal obvious. “Just because you’re unexpected, that doesn’t mean you’re not wanted. I’ve found men attractive before, just never acted on it.”
“Oh,” I say softly.
Now that I’ve interjected myself into the conversation, she turns her full attention to me. “No matter your profession, Julien’s elders will not accept you. You bring no benefit to his pack and it will throw his pack into turmoil. Is that what you want for him?”
“No,” I say in a low voice. That’s definitely not what I want, since it’s everything my former pack’s cleric said I would bring to a pack as a male omega and the exact reason my former pack tried to kill me.
“Then don’t you think it would be best if you stepped aside?” Her tone is cajoling, placating, but her eyes are hard and cold as she advances toward me. She sees the cracks in my armor and she’s going for them. “You could still have him in secret, where expectations don’t matter.”
Ugh, it’s like every word she says stabs directly into my insecurities.
Huh. That’s… weird to me. I really don’t know much about moms, but I figured she might not be happy about the no grandkids thing. And there’s also the whole ‘I bring absolutely no benefit to this pack’ thing.
Either they’re planning a huge surprise party to welcome me, or Julien’s pack elders aren’t quite as accepting of the idea of a male mate for their Alpha as he and Remy claimed they’d be. Between those two options, the latter is much, much more likely, and I have no idea what that would mean for me.
Julien and I are supposed to be fated mates, but as I’ve said before biology isn’t the same as psychology and I’m worried that now that the ‘biological’ component—claiming me so he’s no longer under the influence of the mating frenzy—is taken care of Julien’s pack will convince him to set me aside. As overly pessimistic as my brain tends to be, I don’t think that’s a completely unfounded worry.
My thoughts are starting to spiral again and the longer I go without distracting myself from all the worries swirling around in the back of my head, the more likely I am to do something stupid. Like run. Because even though I promised Julien I wouldn’t do that, I don’t know if I can keep that promise if there’s no place for me in his pack. I grew up in a pack that didn’t accept me and trying to fill that void almost killed me. Fated mates or not, claimed or not, if his pack won’t accept me, I have no idea where that leaves me except for me to, well, leave. For one, because I don’t need to get anymore attached to Julien than I already am. The last thing I want to do is come between Julien and his pack, and I’d never ask him to step down just for me—if he’d even be willing to do that just for me. That would only be a recipe for resentment.
The alpha ignores my question as he runs his gaze over me, a sneer on his face. “So, you’re the whore who’s leading my nephew around by the dick.”
Unfortunately, he’s related to Julien—as short and stubby as that branch of the family tree seems to be—so attacking him wouldn’t be the best idea. I’ll play nice. For now. “Hello. I’m Keir,” I say as politely as possible while plastering what’s hopefully a friendly-ish smile on my face. “I know the whole me being a guy part is a little unorthodox, but Julien and I are fated mates, so—”
“Bullshit.” He crosses his arms over his barrel chest. Okay then.
“I don’t care what you think,” he says. “My nephew had a perfectly good mating alliance in the works before you came along and tricked him. Julien isn’t a f—”
The alpha scowls, his attention shifting away from me to focus on the woman. He flings a hand toward me. “Your son [Julien] has disgraced our entire line by taking up with *that* [Kier].”
[Julien] shakes his head. “You’ve been so unsure about your status here—and with me. I never considered it’s because of me. I’ve taken your seemingly unflappable ability to adapt for granted. You’ve been thrown into the deep end in more ways than one and I’ve been watching you drowning without realizing I’m holding a life preserver.”
So, overall I enjoyed this story a bit more than I was confused by it. I loved having an omega MC who wasn’t a doormat, that’s rare. However, the plot and world and just the scenes themselves were so fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants that I wonder if this book was released as “episodes” first and then compiled and published? It feels disjointed and somewhat repetitive all the way through. Literally new plot complications and characters pop up and disappear all the time. It had some super fun ideas, but it needed a lot of wrangling (editing).
Kier is a 21 year old cis gay omega man. Gay here meaning he can only be attracted to men, not necessarily just alphas. He describes himself as “I’m more slender than bulky with androgynous features bordering on pretty. Big blue eyes, small upturned nose, and shiny black hair with a tendency toward natural waves.” He’s never had a boyfriend but is sexually experienced with hook ups. He initially has no idea he’s an omega and can get pregnant. Male omegas are considered an abomination by a lot of shifters (unsure why exactly) and he’s almost murdered because of it. He also was groomed from age 13-16 and had sex with his groomer, a man named Zachariah who was twice his age and who went on to murder three wives who didn’t give him alpha children.
Julien is a mid-20s cis bisexual alpha man. He has a very strong preference for women and had always planned on having a woman as a spouse, so he considered his attraction to men to be minor and irrelevant, so he never acted on it. When he realizes he’s Kier’s mate, he then decides his bisexuality is relevant and accepts it quickly. However, never having dated a man, he doesn’t realize the vitriol and barriers that same gender couples have, and is blindsided when this happens. He kind of lets people steamroll him about it for a while, but eventually uses his backbone when he realizes it won’t stop otherwise.
A lot of outside parties don’t want Julien with Kier because to some people, male omegas are “an abomination” and “lead alphas away from righteousness,” and “nothing but an unholy mistake of nature.” Then, the only reason anyone accepts it is because it turns out male omegas can have babies, which makes it less of an abomination for two men to be together I guess. And it was also probably the main reason Julien was OK with ending up with a man (he was vaguely considering a mistress to have a baby with until he realized Kier could get pregnant). I’m also assuming there are only cis male alphas in this universe for some reason? Although I guess that’s pretty common in omegaverse books… Although I was confused when Julien and Remy kept saying no one would care if Julien chose a man for a mate, but like literally everyone hated it and thought it was an insult or worse.
The writing and methods of propelling the story are not the smoothest or most entertaining to read. The evil plotting of some of the villains was…pretty out there and not very logical. The sequence of events is pretty clunky and a lot of stuff has little to no lead up and just kind of happens. Sometimes plot points are changed/updated in a passing mention even if it doesn’t make a lot of sense (like Luke planning to join Julian’s pack with Kier then staying behind to talk to someone about a nebulous something and then Kier forgot about him even though Luke was in danger from Randall for helping Kier, until they found a child missing poster of Luke and realized Luke was again missing…it was a lot). And Kier losing consciousness (either passing out or falling asleep) is used at least 3 times to change scenes, which is weird. Also, the concept that cis male omegas don’t have a birth channel and cannot give birth other than by c-section means they always died in childbirth prior to effective c-section surgery became available, and if no one performed even a rudimentary c-section back in the day then none of their offspring would have survived, yet somehow there are legends running around about them - no one seems to have noticed this???
On the plus side, I LOVED that Julien’s mom didn’t give a shit if he chose a man as a spouse (unlike everyone else), and actually acknowledged that adoption is an option (also they’re rich and could also afford a fancy surrogate if they’re obsessed with bloodlines, though that wasn’t mentioned). It’s very rare anyone ever mentions adoption in MM fiction, let alone considers it a viable option. I also loved that Kier had a backbone and jumped in to fight several times and wasn’t considered dainty and weak (mostly). Very super rare for an omega (usually omegas are exaggerated stereotypes of women, meaning weak and helpless and tiny and young and have no agency or opinions).
Contains:
—a/b/o
—mpreg (cis male pregnancy)
—homophobia
—mild internalized biphobia
—on page brutal beating of MC
—parental verbal and emotional abuse against MC for being “weak”
—familial abuse and attempted murder against MC
—human trafficking
—kidnapping
—instalove and instalust related to being fated mates
—bitchy/villain woman ex
—really frequent homophobia (literally the only reason 99% of the characters accept Kier is because he’s an omega and can bring fortune, and he’s able to get pregnant, otherwise they were awful about two men together)
—laws and rules are upheld that allow people to be beaten, abused, and murdered as “appropriate pack discipline” and none of the characters seem as worried as they should be
—statutory rape of MC at age 16 by a “nearly thirty” year old
—MC groomed from 13 to 16 by an adult
—same man who groomed and raped MC murdered his wife for “failing” to give him alpha children
—the whole thing happens in like a week (other than the epilogue)
Other:
—first person dual POV.
—cheating: no (although the pack elders want Julien to take a mistress to have his babies; he turns them down after a while).
—romantic rival: not really. Julien has a sort of fiancée for a while but it’s not a romantic union.
—breakup: no.
—kids: yes, Kier gets pregnant and has twins within the last 20-30-ish pages.
—sex: open door with some moderate detail, but they’re few and brief. Strict roles. Julien tops and Kier bottoms and they enjoy it that way.
—HEA: yes.
“Omegas are sacred,” says the cleric. “They are meant to be helpmates and guides to their Alphas, mothers to the pack. But a male omega serves no purpose except to lead Alphas from the path of righteousness.”
“So… not that I don’t appreciate the save and all, but if you could just drop me off at the nearest bus station or something—”
An involuntary growl rumbles up from my throat at the suggestion of being separated from my mate. “You’re staying with us.”
Even if I wanted to bind myself to an alpha, there’s no way a pack Alpha can take a male mate, fated or not. Otherwise… it’d be just like the cleric said. I’d be leading Julien astray, taking the Alpha from his path and depriving him of heirs.
“Pack Alphas are expected to have heirs.” I gesture at myself. “Not something I can provide.”
“It doesn’t matter,” says Julien quickly.
“Of course it does,” I snap.
“It doesn’t matter,” he repeats. “My pack will get over it.”
I narrow my eyes. “So it does matter. They’ll just ‘get over it.’”
I take a step away from the other shifters. And another. If I can just—
“You promised,” growls Julien. “No more running.”
I curl my hands into fists to stop them from shaking and inject anger into my voice to hide the hurt I don’t even want to admit to myself, much less this asshole Alpha. “That was before I found out you’re engaged.”
“I’m not,” says Julien. “It never got that far and—”
“So you’re saying you’re just going to give up a potential mating alliance for me?” My gaze darts around, all my instincts transitioning back into flight mode. Too bad the only way out of this alley is through Julien.
“Yes,” he says simply. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Objectively speaking, Meredith is absolutely gorgeous and I can see where Julien—and his pack—might want a mating alliance with hers. Her pack lives in the northern part of Michigan they call the ‘up’. Which is a super weird name to be honest, but whatever. They operate a string of lakeside resorts and properties, which are likely very lucrative. All big plusses for Julien’s pack. Compared to me with no pack and nothing to my name but the ten grand I basically stole that’s stuffed in my waistband… Meredith is a much better prospect. And I think she knows it too.
Julien growls and crowds me back against the tile, then tips my chin up with his fingers until I meet his gaze. “You are everything I never knew I wanted.”
That phrasing gives me pause. “What do you mean by that?” I ask.
His cheeks flush, and he glances away. “I’ve never… with a man.”
“Wait a second,” I say, my voice going flat and all my insecurities flooding back. “You mean you’re not even gay? That the fates stuck you with someone you’re not even—”
“The fates gifted me with you,” he says firmly. He takes my hand and presses it to the front of his pants, his arousal obvious. “Just because you’re unexpected, that doesn’t mean you’re not wanted. I’ve found men attractive before, just never acted on it.”
“Oh,” I say softly.
Now that I’ve interjected myself into the conversation, she turns her full attention to me. “No matter your profession, Julien’s elders will not accept you. You bring no benefit to his pack and it will throw his pack into turmoil. Is that what you want for him?”
“No,” I say in a low voice. That’s definitely not what I want, since it’s everything my former pack’s cleric said I would bring to a pack as a male omega and the exact reason my former pack tried to kill me.
“Then don’t you think it would be best if you stepped aside?” Her tone is cajoling, placating, but her eyes are hard and cold as she advances toward me. She sees the cracks in my armor and she’s going for them. “You could still have him in secret, where expectations don’t matter.”
Ugh, it’s like every word she says stabs directly into my insecurities.
Huh. That’s… weird to me. I really don’t know much about moms, but I figured she might not be happy about the no grandkids thing. And there’s also the whole ‘I bring absolutely no benefit to this pack’ thing.
Either they’re planning a huge surprise party to welcome me, or Julien’s pack elders aren’t quite as accepting of the idea of a male mate for their Alpha as he and Remy claimed they’d be. Between those two options, the latter is much, much more likely, and I have no idea what that would mean for me.
Julien and I are supposed to be fated mates, but as I’ve said before biology isn’t the same as psychology and I’m worried that now that the ‘biological’ component—claiming me so he’s no longer under the influence of the mating frenzy—is taken care of Julien’s pack will convince him to set me aside. As overly pessimistic as my brain tends to be, I don’t think that’s a completely unfounded worry.
My thoughts are starting to spiral again and the longer I go without distracting myself from all the worries swirling around in the back of my head, the more likely I am to do something stupid. Like run. Because even though I promised Julien I wouldn’t do that, I don’t know if I can keep that promise if there’s no place for me in his pack. I grew up in a pack that didn’t accept me and trying to fill that void almost killed me. Fated mates or not, claimed or not, if his pack won’t accept me, I have no idea where that leaves me except for me to, well, leave. For one, because I don’t need to get anymore attached to Julien than I already am. The last thing I want to do is come between Julien and his pack, and I’d never ask him to step down just for me—if he’d even be willing to do that just for me. That would only be a recipe for resentment.
The alpha ignores my question as he runs his gaze over me, a sneer on his face. “So, you’re the whore who’s leading my nephew around by the dick.”
Unfortunately, he’s related to Julien—as short and stubby as that branch of the family tree seems to be—so attacking him wouldn’t be the best idea. I’ll play nice. For now. “Hello. I’m Keir,” I say as politely as possible while plastering what’s hopefully a friendly-ish smile on my face. “I know the whole me being a guy part is a little unorthodox, but Julien and I are fated mates, so—”
“Bullshit.” He crosses his arms over his barrel chest. Okay then.
“I don’t care what you think,” he says. “My nephew had a perfectly good mating alliance in the works before you came along and tricked him. Julien isn’t a f—”
The alpha scowls, his attention shifting away from me to focus on the woman. He flings a hand toward me. “Your son [Julien] has disgraced our entire line by taking up with *that* [Kier].”
[Julien] shakes his head. “You’ve been so unsure about your status here—and with me. I never considered it’s because of me. I’ve taken your seemingly unflappable ability to adapt for granted. You’ve been thrown into the deep end in more ways than one and I’ve been watching you drowning without realizing I’m holding a life preserver.”
October 28, 2023
Wow! So good! Action packed, romantic and fast paced! A wonderful debut novel! I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and reading their story! I recommend this book and I'm looking forward to book two! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
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