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Outcast Pack #1
Wolf Heart
Paramedic Con Albury loves nothing more than spending his time off either as a wolf or at night clubs. He’s always looking for a good time, and he usually finds it. While he has aligned himself with the Outcast Pack for protection, he tells himself he prefers to be alone.
Zach Ellis has spent his life preparing to take over the pack just like everyone expects. Pack and family come first. But he needs more than duty and giving into temptation and falling into Con’s bed is easier than it should be.
But the fallout will threaten everything the Outcast Pack stands for: freedom and found family.
The Outcast Pack is part of the Familiar Mates world but stands alone. For readers who enjoy steamy gay wolf shifter romance.
Zach Ellis has spent his life preparing to take over the pack just like everyone expects. Pack and family come first. But he needs more than duty and giving into temptation and falling into Con’s bed is easier than it should be.
But the fallout will threaten everything the Outcast Pack stands for: freedom and found family.
The Outcast Pack is part of the Familiar Mates world but stands alone. For readers who enjoy steamy gay wolf shifter romance.
4 pages, Audiobook
Published June 8, 2023
About the author
T.J. Nichols
99 books365 followersTJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jmhq9i8qc7
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jmhq9i8qc7
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
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November 16, 2023I’m not going to rate this because I’m quitting at 25%. It’s well written but I just don’t like stories where it’s not ok to be a gay shifter. It’s hard enough being gay and having to deal with homophobia. Why would I want to subject myself to reading a story that makes me feel bad?
September 28, 2026
I had a Hoopla credit that expired on Wednesday, and I didn’t know what to listen to, so I picked this one. It was okish, I guess. There was too much insta-love and too much pack politics, and the ending was a bit abrupt.
March 3, 2023
I absolutely loved how con and Zach met! The whole beach scene was so cool. I was utterly enthralled.
Their story had heart and it was them against the world.
The ending felt a little abrupt and I ended it with wanting a bit more.
I have questions.....
Are they safe from Zach's pack? Did Zack go to the coven about his pack? has the coven acknowledged the outcast as A real pack? that last question might be answered later in the series, I hope so.
I have read the book and now also listened to the audio. The narrator was good. I have no complaints. Still enjoyed the story as much as the first time. Still have questions but one was answered that I didn’t catch the first time.
I have received an audio from GRR and this is my honest option
Their story had heart and it was them against the world.
The ending felt a little abrupt and I ended it with wanting a bit more.
I have questions.....
Are they safe from Zach's pack? Did Zack go to the coven about his pack? has the coven acknowledged the outcast as A real pack? that last question might be answered later in the series, I hope so.
I have read the book and now also listened to the audio. The narrator was good. I have no complaints. Still enjoyed the story as much as the first time. Still have questions but one was answered that I didn’t catch the first time.
I have received an audio from GRR and this is my honest option
December 4, 2022
DNF @ 58%.
This is too instalove, too melodramatic, and the plot a little too fast & loose for my liking. I also just need more character from the characters.
This is too instalove, too melodramatic, and the plot a little too fast & loose for my liking. I also just need more character from the characters.
March 22, 2026
3.5 stars
October 24, 2023
2.5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ
“Wolf Heart” By T.J. Nichols
📕 Edition: Audiobook
I love a good mm shifter romance but this one just didn’t do it for me. The positives of this book were the intriguing characters and promising storylines that initially piqued my interest. However, the negatives became apparent as I delved deeper. Character development remained limited, and the storylines felt like they were meandering without a clear direction. The label of enemies-to-lovers is just plain misleading.
The premise involving Zach's pack, Con's lifestyle, and the Coven had immense potential, but it ultimately fell flat. The story left me with a sense of unfulfilled potential, and the ending seemed abrupt. While Con's carefree spirit and Zach's duty-driven nature created a dynamic backdrop, the book failed to fully capitalize on this.
Overall, this had promise but didn't deliver on the anticipated thrills and romance.
Thank you @gay.romance.reviews for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“Wolf Heart” By T.J. Nichols
📕 Edition: Audiobook
I love a good mm shifter romance but this one just didn’t do it for me. The positives of this book were the intriguing characters and promising storylines that initially piqued my interest. However, the negatives became apparent as I delved deeper. Character development remained limited, and the storylines felt like they were meandering without a clear direction. The label of enemies-to-lovers is just plain misleading.
The premise involving Zach's pack, Con's lifestyle, and the Coven had immense potential, but it ultimately fell flat. The story left me with a sense of unfulfilled potential, and the ending seemed abrupt. While Con's carefree spirit and Zach's duty-driven nature created a dynamic backdrop, the book failed to fully capitalize on this.
Overall, this had promise but didn't deliver on the anticipated thrills and romance.
Thank you @gay.romance.reviews for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 5, 2023
2.5⭐️
The good: good characters, good bones, the storylines were solid
The not-good: very little character development, solid storylines that didn't go anywhere, abrupt ending, promoted as enemies-to-lovers but that wasn't the case at all.
This book had so much promise and the makings of some great storytelling but it just didn't go anywhere - that's what has left me feeling so disappointed. Zach's family, his pack, Connor's family, the Coven, all of it were a great premise and then...nothing. I'm left feeling all
The good: good characters, good bones, the storylines were solid
The not-good: very little character development, solid storylines that didn't go anywhere, abrupt ending, promoted as enemies-to-lovers but that wasn't the case at all.
This book had so much promise and the makings of some great storytelling but it just didn't go anywhere - that's what has left me feeling so disappointed. Zach's family, his pack, Connor's family, the Coven, all of it were a great premise and then...nothing. I'm left feeling all
March 7, 2022
I was a big fan of the Familiar Mates series so was excited for this spin off! This was a good starting point. I felt like you got a feel for the world without needing to have read the previous books, although they will make it a little more fun. Zach and Con were a good match and slowly but surely they realize that they are meant to be together, regardless of how it affects pack structure. I will say this felt a little light? I wish it had gone deeper into feelings and pack politics, but it was a good first book in a promising new series
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March 14, 2022read an excerpt here: http://tjnichols-author.com/wolf-heart/
Now available in audio: https://shop.tjnichols-author.com/pro...
Now available in audio: https://shop.tjnichols-author.com/pro...
March 27, 2022
I enjoyed meeting members of the outcast pack in a Familiar Mates book so I’m very happy they’re getting their own series. I loved Con and Zach’s story, and am looking forward to getting to know others from the pack better.
I liked how Con and Zach are both on the odds with their families, although Con is the only one who is open about it, and how Zach finds the courage to finally be true to himself. I loved how they meet, and connect, and although determined their lives won’t connect, they do anyway.
Zach’s father and pack are horribly bigoted, and his brother is nasty. Given their guaranteed reaction to his newfound sexuality, and that their goals are very different, I suspect the fallout is going to hit for quite some time. I thought the differences between Zach and his pack were well drawn. Con’s family and what happens to him because he stands his ground is horrible too. These guys and the outcast pack need each other.
I love the world building in these stories, especially with the different take on werewolves, and that they’re set in Melbourne. I love the found family feel of the outcast pack, and hope they all get their HEA.
I liked how Con and Zach are both on the odds with their families, although Con is the only one who is open about it, and how Zach finds the courage to finally be true to himself. I loved how they meet, and connect, and although determined their lives won’t connect, they do anyway.
Zach’s father and pack are horribly bigoted, and his brother is nasty. Given their guaranteed reaction to his newfound sexuality, and that their goals are very different, I suspect the fallout is going to hit for quite some time. I thought the differences between Zach and his pack were well drawn. Con’s family and what happens to him because he stands his ground is horrible too. These guys and the outcast pack need each other.
I love the world building in these stories, especially with the different take on werewolves, and that they’re set in Melbourne. I love the found family feel of the outcast pack, and hope they all get their HEA.
March 29, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Wolf Heart is the first book in T.J. Nichols’ new Outcast Pack series. It is set in the same world as the author’s Familiar Mates series, but having read most of those books, I really think new readers can start here with no problem. If you read The Detective’s Familiar, you may remember Con as one of the Outcast pack members that Sam meets when he leaves Mark. And there are a few very small references to events from that story. But like I said, you can easily start here.
From a series standpoint, the focus here is setting up the Outcast pack and their place in the shifter community. They are pretty loosely organized and still somewhat unofficial, but some of the older packs are hostile because most of their members are gay. So we get a sense here of the struggles this group will likely face as the series goes on and we see some threats play out from Zach’s pack.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Wolf Heart is the first book in T.J. Nichols’ new Outcast Pack series. It is set in the same world as the author’s Familiar Mates series, but having read most of those books, I really think new readers can start here with no problem. If you read The Detective’s Familiar, you may remember Con as one of the Outcast pack members that Sam meets when he leaves Mark. And there are a few very small references to events from that story. But like I said, you can easily start here.
From a series standpoint, the focus here is setting up the Outcast pack and their place in the shifter community. They are pretty loosely organized and still somewhat unofficial, but some of the older packs are hostile because most of their members are gay. So we get a sense here of the struggles this group will likely face as the series goes on and we see some threats play out from Zach’s pack.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 15, 2023
Dove into this with anticipation as I really liked the 'blurb.' The page count let me know this would be more of a 'snack' than a meal, but that is okay - a good snack is worth at least a 3 and this was looking really good, right up until it ended without any resolution other than Con and Zack got together.
What the heck??!! Not good, but I am headed for #2 as I hope this was like a 'tease' and there are more answers in #2. Characters are/were being developed, but they too were left hanging. The story is a bit quick and loose on details, but that is to be expected with the length. The context and world-building were good, but that ending just killed it. 2.5/5 overall
What the heck??!! Not good, but I am headed for #2 as I hope this was like a 'tease' and there are more answers in #2. Characters are/were being developed, but they too were left hanging. The story is a bit quick and loose on details, but that is to be expected with the length. The context and world-building were good, but that ending just killed it. 2.5/5 overall
March 5, 2022
Even though this is part of the Familiar series, they all can be read as stand-alones. Zach is being groomed to take over his pack from his father. His pack does not, will not, accept a gay leader. He is expected to take a female and have pups. Con is from the Outcast pack, and they are a pack made up of wolves that were shunned by their original packs. Their battle to their HEA was not an easy one. It was a fast passed read and I did enjoy it.
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.
March 11, 2022
I enjoyed a lot of this story. Three stars because it ended kind of abruptly. None of the conflicts felt finished. Even Con and Zach’s relationship felt kind of up in the air. I probably won’t continue on with this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR and this is my voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR and this is my voluntary review.
October 26, 2023
Gripping!
I'm hooked. This short story is a great introduction to the world TJ has created and the Outcast Pack. I also love that it was set in Australia! I really liked Con and Zach and want so much more of them! I look forward to more in this series and to finding out what happens to Zach and his former pack.
I'm hooked. This short story is a great introduction to the world TJ has created and the Outcast Pack. I also love that it was set in Australia! I really liked Con and Zach and want so much more of them! I look forward to more in this series and to finding out what happens to Zach and his former pack.
August 18, 2022
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
October 30, 2022
I love how this ties into parts of the Familiar Mates series.
July 18, 2023
Interesting new world
...and I wanted more!
Kindle own, paranormal, not quite fated mates, Romeo and juliet feels, 2 alphas, enemies to lovers, felt like there should be more.
...and I wanted more!
Kindle own, paranormal, not quite fated mates, Romeo and juliet feels, 2 alphas, enemies to lovers, felt like there should be more.
March 27, 2022
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. What happens when fate intervene on those plans? Commitment was never in the cards for Con, as he lived in two different worlds with two different packs. Both men are in old traditional packs, ways that was meant to old survival tactics, Will the coven even care that the hostility in the shifter world is looking to change back to the old ways? It's shameful to lay guilt on someone, just to make yourself feel like a superior.. a savior. There maybe chemistry there but shame outweighed it, shutting down his hurt after Zach hurt felt word, Con does the unthinkable by involving the humans in what was considered a pack's business. Was Con going to be burnt? Betrayal or pack, what was the odds Zach's night was going to implode around him. Living as an out cast was a fear that held Zach back from the fear of what his pack would do if or when the truth was known. Totally love Drew and the outcasts pack.
March 23, 2022
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
‘Wolf Heart’ is the first in a series of off-shoots from the ‘Fated / Familiar Mates’ sequence and takes the Outcast Pack as its focus. The Outcast Pack appeared in ‘The Detective’s Familiar’ and here we get to follow aspects of the lives of the members after that time / novel.
Con Albury is paramedic and member of a pack, a very low ranking member of his pack. He is gay and barely tolerated. He is one step from being an outcast himself. When he meets Zach Ellis one night he does not know that he is about to make that step.
Zach is a chef and eldest son of his pack’s leader. He is being groomed to take over from his father but that means he will have to get married and produce wolves of his own. That’s something he is uncomfortable about and after ‘meeting’ Con it is no longer an option. Add to that the fact that his pack is very traditional in its outlook and not about to change.
Things are only going to get worse before they can get better. By worse I mean losing everything. Along the way the two wolves will need to be brave and trusting of each other, and that is not going to be an easy option. If they can do that, something good might come out of the storm that may be about to be unleashed.
This is a well written story with some very poignant moments. The two main characters are well developed and a joy to be around. I am eagerly looking forward to the next in the series.
‘Wolf Heart’ is the first in a series of off-shoots from the ‘Fated / Familiar Mates’ sequence and takes the Outcast Pack as its focus. The Outcast Pack appeared in ‘The Detective’s Familiar’ and here we get to follow aspects of the lives of the members after that time / novel.
Con Albury is paramedic and member of a pack, a very low ranking member of his pack. He is gay and barely tolerated. He is one step from being an outcast himself. When he meets Zach Ellis one night he does not know that he is about to make that step.
Zach is a chef and eldest son of his pack’s leader. He is being groomed to take over from his father but that means he will have to get married and produce wolves of his own. That’s something he is uncomfortable about and after ‘meeting’ Con it is no longer an option. Add to that the fact that his pack is very traditional in its outlook and not about to change.
Things are only going to get worse before they can get better. By worse I mean losing everything. Along the way the two wolves will need to be brave and trusting of each other, and that is not going to be an easy option. If they can do that, something good might come out of the storm that may be about to be unleashed.
This is a well written story with some very poignant moments. The two main characters are well developed and a joy to be around. I am eagerly looking forward to the next in the series.
December 26, 2023
Not for me, or not the right mood 🤷
Dnf'd. Too much insta everything, there was not even a second of ennemies to lovers, and the tone and writing didn't work for me today, maybe I'll try it again at another time.
Dnf'd. Too much insta everything, there was not even a second of ennemies to lovers, and the tone and writing didn't work for me today, maybe I'll try it again at another time.
June 19, 2022
Sadden😞
I read to get away from reality and this book is right up with what is going on in USA now! The ending didn't even give any hope that in their world things would be getting better😣😢! Hopefully the next book will be better.🤗🤔
I read to get away from reality and this book is right up with what is going on in USA now! The ending didn't even give any hope that in their world things would be getting better😣😢! Hopefully the next book will be better.🤗🤔
January 6, 2024
Unlike the story summary tries to imply, Con Albury is a sad miserable sack of a wolf shifter. Because, you see, being a gay shifter in this oppressive paranormal universe is no walk in the park. Inhabited with various shifters, witches and other magical beings, this universe should be fun in theory, except at least half of the paranormals inhabiting it are bigoted pieces of shit, looking out for their own greedy personal interests, which sucks any possibility of fun out of the universe itself.
Zach Ellis, on the other hand, is a spinless miserable sack of a wolf shifter. Unlike Con, who at least, was unwilling to compromise his sexuality and is a member of a pack only on paper, Zach is pretty firmly in the closet, prepared to marry a (not so) nice girl from a "traditional" pack like his own and set to take over leading the pack from his bigoted father.
Unlikely encounter at the beach at night, where Con and Zach share a run and something more explicit together, changes things for both of them. As they're are unable to leave it to an one night stand thing, Con's frustration with the status quo and Zach's unwillingness to follow his father's plans for his future, lead to major changes not only for the two of them but also for everybody else connected to them.
I was already familiar with this author and this particular universe as I have already read half of the books in their Familiar Mates series. I was planning to get back to the Familiar Mates and start reading the Outcast Pack series for probably a year or longer now and this book being a part of one challenge seemed like a good excuse as any. Sadly, I have to say that my first impression of this new to me series is not the best one.
I didn't find Con and Zach particularly likable as characters. My main impressions of them were of Zach as spineless and Con as lost. I am probably being too harsh on Zach, because his struggle was real, but seeing the way his actions were nothing but detrimental to Con, who had more than enough of his own issues, really did nothing to endear Zach to me. Their whole "romance" was incredibly rushed and the supposed connection between them not at all believable to me.
The story line with "traditionalist" packs in general and Zach's father in particular pushing for confrontation with the Outcast Pack, a group of gay wolf shifters (including Con) loosely banded together after being cast out of their respective packs, felt incredibly oppressive. It might have been secondary to the "romance" story line between Con and Zach, but it will be the one that spans the whole Outcast Pack series, which means this was just the beginning and there will be a lot of homophobia to "look forward to" in the series' future installments.
Considering the abrupt ending, that cuts off just when the thing with Zach's father's and other two bigoted packs starts building up steam, I would say this felt more like a prequel than the first book in the series. The reason I'm not saying that is because I can see that all the other books in the series have similar page counts and I can only assume that this feeling of reading an unfinished, unsatisfying story with quite a lot of loose ends will be par for the course for the whole series.
I expected a lot more from this story and I'm not sure this series will work for me but I will continue on to the book two and see if there is some lightness and hope to be found in this universe after all.
Themes: dual POV, wolf shifters, one night stand, closeted character, homophobia, HFN
Zach Ellis, on the other hand, is a spinless miserable sack of a wolf shifter. Unlike Con, who at least, was unwilling to compromise his sexuality and is a member of a pack only on paper, Zach is pretty firmly in the closet, prepared to marry a (not so) nice girl from a "traditional" pack like his own and set to take over leading the pack from his bigoted father.
Unlikely encounter at the beach at night, where Con and Zach share a run and something more explicit together, changes things for both of them. As they're are unable to leave it to an one night stand thing, Con's frustration with the status quo and Zach's unwillingness to follow his father's plans for his future, lead to major changes not only for the two of them but also for everybody else connected to them.
I was already familiar with this author and this particular universe as I have already read half of the books in their Familiar Mates series. I was planning to get back to the Familiar Mates and start reading the Outcast Pack series for probably a year or longer now and this book being a part of one challenge seemed like a good excuse as any. Sadly, I have to say that my first impression of this new to me series is not the best one.
I didn't find Con and Zach particularly likable as characters. My main impressions of them were of Zach as spineless and Con as lost. I am probably being too harsh on Zach, because his struggle was real, but seeing the way his actions were nothing but detrimental to Con, who had more than enough of his own issues, really did nothing to endear Zach to me. Their whole "romance" was incredibly rushed and the supposed connection between them not at all believable to me.
The story line with "traditionalist" packs in general and Zach's father in particular pushing for confrontation with the Outcast Pack, a group of gay wolf shifters (including Con) loosely banded together after being cast out of their respective packs, felt incredibly oppressive. It might have been secondary to the "romance" story line between Con and Zach, but it will be the one that spans the whole Outcast Pack series, which means this was just the beginning and there will be a lot of homophobia to "look forward to" in the series' future installments.
Considering the abrupt ending, that cuts off just when the thing with Zach's father's and other two bigoted packs starts building up steam, I would say this felt more like a prequel than the first book in the series. The reason I'm not saying that is because I can see that all the other books in the series have similar page counts and I can only assume that this feeling of reading an unfinished, unsatisfying story with quite a lot of loose ends will be par for the course for the whole series.
I expected a lot more from this story and I'm not sure this series will work for me but I will continue on to the book two and see if there is some lightness and hope to be found in this universe after all.
Themes: dual POV, wolf shifters, one night stand, closeted character, homophobia, HFN
March 26, 2022
Title - Wolf Heart (Outcast Pack #1)
Author - TJ Nichols
Genre - MM Romance, Paranormal
Published - March 2022
Pages - 127 Pages
Wolf’s Heart is the first book in the Outcast Pack Series and is a spin-off series and is set in the same world as The Familiar Mates Series. I personally haven’t read the Familiar Mates Series yet but this did not take away the enjoyment of the story. This story follows a pack of outcast shifters all of whom have been kicked out or left their packs because of their sexual orientation. This book follows Con and Zach. Zach has spent his life being groomed to take over as pack leader from his father, which means getting married and having pups. But getting married means marrying a women problem is Zach is gay. Con is a paramedic, he lives his life the way he wants doesn’t let anyone in. That is until Zach shows up on his beach. Can true love win or will a pack that is determined to stay stuck in the old days overrule?
This book is a paranormal shifter M/M romance. As one of my favourite genres, I’d say this book falls around three stars. While the premise was very good and the plot was interesting. I found it to be a slow burner which is not my favourite kind of book. The heat level of this book I’d say is around a medium, I like my books to have high heat. I really loved the characters, I found myself really rooting for Zach to stand up to his father and brother. I really wanted him to live his life true to himself. I thought Con and Zach were really good for each other. Con gives Zach the confidence he needs and Zach helps Con open his life up to love and letting people in. I found the characters to be really relatable and believable.
This book had a satisfying ending and has me looking forward to the next in the series, it also has me wanting to read The Familiar Mates Series. I thought the book was well written, easy to follow. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and look forward to reading more by this author.
I would defiantly recommend this book and series, if you’re a fan of M/M Romance, paranormal or shifters then this is certainly the book for you. I have chosen to give this book three stars, I would have given it four if it had a little more heat to it and it wasn’t a slow burner, but that is just my own personal preferences.
Author - TJ Nichols
Genre - MM Romance, Paranormal
Published - March 2022
Pages - 127 Pages
Wolf’s Heart is the first book in the Outcast Pack Series and is a spin-off series and is set in the same world as The Familiar Mates Series. I personally haven’t read the Familiar Mates Series yet but this did not take away the enjoyment of the story. This story follows a pack of outcast shifters all of whom have been kicked out or left their packs because of their sexual orientation. This book follows Con and Zach. Zach has spent his life being groomed to take over as pack leader from his father, which means getting married and having pups. But getting married means marrying a women problem is Zach is gay. Con is a paramedic, he lives his life the way he wants doesn’t let anyone in. That is until Zach shows up on his beach. Can true love win or will a pack that is determined to stay stuck in the old days overrule?
This book is a paranormal shifter M/M romance. As one of my favourite genres, I’d say this book falls around three stars. While the premise was very good and the plot was interesting. I found it to be a slow burner which is not my favourite kind of book. The heat level of this book I’d say is around a medium, I like my books to have high heat. I really loved the characters, I found myself really rooting for Zach to stand up to his father and brother. I really wanted him to live his life true to himself. I thought Con and Zach were really good for each other. Con gives Zach the confidence he needs and Zach helps Con open his life up to love and letting people in. I found the characters to be really relatable and believable.
This book had a satisfying ending and has me looking forward to the next in the series, it also has me wanting to read The Familiar Mates Series. I thought the book was well written, easy to follow. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and look forward to reading more by this author.
I would defiantly recommend this book and series, if you’re a fan of M/M Romance, paranormal or shifters then this is certainly the book for you. I have chosen to give this book three stars, I would have given it four if it had a little more heat to it and it wasn’t a slow burner, but that is just my own personal preferences.
November 2, 2023
**3.5**
This is my first shifter book by RJ and I think I will need to go and read through the Familiar Mates series to get to know a couple of the people who pop up in regards to Con and the Outcast Pack.
It's possible that if I had read this book first I may have enjoyed it more but the narration left it feeling a bit flat for me so it's only 3.5 over all but four for the story and three for narration. I do love a good shifter story, especially when they go against the norm, though in this one packs seem to have extreme views on gay wolves. Con and Zach are very wary of each other and Zach, especially, because of his standing within his pack as the alpha's son and his duty to take over some day. This all goes against his views on how they treat others that are different, in any way, from how they believe wolves should act. He wants to be free to be himself and it's something that Con gives him, though only in the privacy of Con's home. One of the most beautiful scenes is when they first meet and just get to run as wolves on the beach at the full moon, being their true selves in all ways.
It's a tough decision for Zach, whether to be open about himself and be kicked out of the pack, or fold and live a lie but stay with his family and pack. Con never really got much choice and even after another event in the story, we read the pain he experiences, being pushed away from those who mean the most but won't stand up for him. An outcast within the pack but at least he still had some semblance of ties to his family. Zach has to decide where he stands and Con will have to trust that Zach will do right by the both of them.
Overall, it's a good shifter story and start to a series. I would like to see where it goes but I think I would like to read first and then listen to them to see how that changes things for me as there was no difference in character voices or emotional tone.
This is my first shifter book by RJ and I think I will need to go and read through the Familiar Mates series to get to know a couple of the people who pop up in regards to Con and the Outcast Pack.
It's possible that if I had read this book first I may have enjoyed it more but the narration left it feeling a bit flat for me so it's only 3.5 over all but four for the story and three for narration. I do love a good shifter story, especially when they go against the norm, though in this one packs seem to have extreme views on gay wolves. Con and Zach are very wary of each other and Zach, especially, because of his standing within his pack as the alpha's son and his duty to take over some day. This all goes against his views on how they treat others that are different, in any way, from how they believe wolves should act. He wants to be free to be himself and it's something that Con gives him, though only in the privacy of Con's home. One of the most beautiful scenes is when they first meet and just get to run as wolves on the beach at the full moon, being their true selves in all ways.
It's a tough decision for Zach, whether to be open about himself and be kicked out of the pack, or fold and live a lie but stay with his family and pack. Con never really got much choice and even after another event in the story, we read the pain he experiences, being pushed away from those who mean the most but won't stand up for him. An outcast within the pack but at least he still had some semblance of ties to his family. Zach has to decide where he stands and Con will have to trust that Zach will do right by the both of them.
Overall, it's a good shifter story and start to a series. I would like to see where it goes but I think I would like to read first and then listen to them to see how that changes things for me as there was no difference in character voices or emotional tone.
January 18, 2023
it’s paranormal romance popcorn in the best possible way
Rating: 4🌈
The Outcast Pack series takes place in the same universe as this author’s Familiar Mates and Mythos series. So if a reader is familiar with those books then they will be able to supply the missing foundation information one would normally expect to receive from a first story here.
Paranormal/human interaction. Officially none. The paranormal species and ruling structure, The Coven. All that crosses over all three series and I expect to eventually see the other characters as well.
What I found so enjoyable was that this book is written somewhat like a serialized story. It’s quick, exciting, with easily connectable characters and a plot that will flow into the next story and couple’s lives.
There’s not quite a cliffhanger but an overall plot that’s constantly addressed by multiple sources. It’s viewed as a historical event by the wolf and paranormal investigators. Can a group of outcasts, gay shifters, form a pack and be recognized by all other lawful paranormal groups and be given a territory of their own.
The first story, much like the rest, is about 130 pages. So a fast read. The relationship between paramedic Con Albury and future Alpha Zach Ellis progresses quickly but in a way that draws the reader into their problems. Primarily the old homophobia that’s been going on in their packs that’s threatening their lives and that of all gay shifters.
I was through the romance before I knew it and it ended abruptly. Much like a serial would.
The next picks up the drama and key points and takes everything smartly forward.
Honestly, it’s paranormal romance popcorn in the best possible way. I went through them all and was so happy with them.
That’s why I’m recommending you do the same.
Outcast Pack:
Wolf Heart #1
Wolf Blood #2
Wolf Soul #3
Wolf Mate #4
Wolf Lust #5
Rating: 4🌈
The Outcast Pack series takes place in the same universe as this author’s Familiar Mates and Mythos series. So if a reader is familiar with those books then they will be able to supply the missing foundation information one would normally expect to receive from a first story here.
Paranormal/human interaction. Officially none. The paranormal species and ruling structure, The Coven. All that crosses over all three series and I expect to eventually see the other characters as well.
What I found so enjoyable was that this book is written somewhat like a serialized story. It’s quick, exciting, with easily connectable characters and a plot that will flow into the next story and couple’s lives.
There’s not quite a cliffhanger but an overall plot that’s constantly addressed by multiple sources. It’s viewed as a historical event by the wolf and paranormal investigators. Can a group of outcasts, gay shifters, form a pack and be recognized by all other lawful paranormal groups and be given a territory of their own.
The first story, much like the rest, is about 130 pages. So a fast read. The relationship between paramedic Con Albury and future Alpha Zach Ellis progresses quickly but in a way that draws the reader into their problems. Primarily the old homophobia that’s been going on in their packs that’s threatening their lives and that of all gay shifters.
I was through the romance before I knew it and it ended abruptly. Much like a serial would.
The next picks up the drama and key points and takes everything smartly forward.
Honestly, it’s paranormal romance popcorn in the best possible way. I went through them all and was so happy with them.
That’s why I’m recommending you do the same.
Outcast Pack:
Wolf Heart #1
Wolf Blood #2
Wolf Soul #3
Wolf Mate #4
Wolf Lust #5
November 2, 2023
Audio: 3.25⭐️
Wolf Heart is a solid opener to a spin off series. Con has convinced himself that he’s perfectly happy with his life—free to live his life as a gay man but on the outskirts of his birth pack. When he meets Zach during a run in his wolf form, what should have been a casual hook up with a closeted man feels like something special under the magic of the full moon. Zach is equally entranced by the experience and now definitively knows he’s gay, but he’s already under pressure as the next pack leader to pick a wife and maintain the traditional bigoted practices among most wolf shifter packs.
Each man wants to forget the other, especially Con as he is quick to brand Zach as a coward, but has to face some hard truths about himself that force him to give Zach more grace. Though Zach and Con are typical for these archetypes, especially for some shifter tropes, Nichols does a decent job fleshing out the characters enough, selling their conflicted passion and that normal bigotry + pack dynamic = terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days.
Casey McLeod does a decent job, although his narration mostly leans towards the strict definition of the term. His voice is pleasant to listen to, but he shows no ability to differentiate between character voices between prose nor between inner monologues. He manages to make the secondary character Drew sound somewhat different, but Drew is an exuberant character and cheekiness is easier to convey. However, his narration isn’t a total wash because although he isn’t always good with nuanced emotion, some of the bigger emotional beats and much of the humor come through well. McLeod is a new-to-me-narrator, but he shows promise, and I hope he can cultivate the positives in his narration style into better performances with practice.
Wolf Heart is a solid opener to a spin off series. Con has convinced himself that he’s perfectly happy with his life—free to live his life as a gay man but on the outskirts of his birth pack. When he meets Zach during a run in his wolf form, what should have been a casual hook up with a closeted man feels like something special under the magic of the full moon. Zach is equally entranced by the experience and now definitively knows he’s gay, but he’s already under pressure as the next pack leader to pick a wife and maintain the traditional bigoted practices among most wolf shifter packs.
Each man wants to forget the other, especially Con as he is quick to brand Zach as a coward, but has to face some hard truths about himself that force him to give Zach more grace. Though Zach and Con are typical for these archetypes, especially for some shifter tropes, Nichols does a decent job fleshing out the characters enough, selling their conflicted passion and that normal bigotry + pack dynamic = terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days.
Casey McLeod does a decent job, although his narration mostly leans towards the strict definition of the term. His voice is pleasant to listen to, but he shows no ability to differentiate between character voices between prose nor between inner monologues. He manages to make the secondary character Drew sound somewhat different, but Drew is an exuberant character and cheekiness is easier to convey. However, his narration isn’t a total wash because although he isn’t always good with nuanced emotion, some of the bigger emotional beats and much of the humor come through well. McLeod is a new-to-me-narrator, but he shows promise, and I hope he can cultivate the positives in his narration style into better performances with practice.
June 20, 2024
So very on the fence with this one. I don't like the overall premise of this shifter world; too much like this world, with all its hatefulness - and it felt like it was mostly a whole lot of steam (featuring the three-letter version of come that makes me cringe every time I see it), mixed with a whole lot of wolf-shifter equivalents of this world's hate groups---but with fangs and claws. Oh, goodie.
The story improved near the end, but it's a precursor to what, seven more books that are obviously going to be extending whatever overarching denouement that will bring this series to a satisfying conclusion. Where "all are punished", but unlike Romeo and Juliet, the victims won't be the lovers, at least. On that note: this story says it's "enemies to lovers". It is, only in the remote sense of Romeo and Juliet. I feel there should be a more personal state of grievance than a meeting of two strangers from clans with opposing moral viewpoints.
However, overall, this story's sad, defeated, depressed vibe, together with the cultish homophobic hate factor, outweighed what was good about the tale, at least for me. It got sweet and meaningful too late, and the ultimate ending is still way too far away. Two-point-five stars rounded up because it's probably me.
Edit. Just realized this author is not on Kindle Unlimited; I paid for it (99 cents, but still.) The rest of the series' books are more; this is a bargain intro offer. My curiosity about this author is thoroughly quenched. Without the option to finish this series for free, I'm now not just mildly irritated and dissatisfied with the cliffhanger, I'm seriously annoyed for having wasted my time and my dime. Dropping the rounded-up star.
The story improved near the end, but it's a precursor to what, seven more books that are obviously going to be extending whatever overarching denouement that will bring this series to a satisfying conclusion. Where "all are punished", but unlike Romeo and Juliet, the victims won't be the lovers, at least. On that note: this story says it's "enemies to lovers". It is, only in the remote sense of Romeo and Juliet. I feel there should be a more personal state of grievance than a meeting of two strangers from clans with opposing moral viewpoints.
However, overall, this story's sad, defeated, depressed vibe, together with the cultish homophobic hate factor, outweighed what was good about the tale, at least for me. It got sweet and meaningful too late, and the ultimate ending is still way too far away. Two-point-five stars rounded up because it's probably me.
Edit. Just realized this author is not on Kindle Unlimited; I paid for it (99 cents, but still.) The rest of the series' books are more; this is a bargain intro offer. My curiosity about this author is thoroughly quenched. Without the option to finish this series for free, I'm now not just mildly irritated and dissatisfied with the cliffhanger, I'm seriously annoyed for having wasted my time and my dime. Dropping the rounded-up star.
January 4, 2025
Rating: 3 ⭐️
Genre: •shifter romance
•Found family
•Strangers to loves
I enjoyed reading this book. It is my first from the author. I was so scared to be disappointed by the book, i find it hard to find good paranormal shifter romance. Took me back to my whatpadd days. I liked the writing, it was well paced until it came to the end. They might have fall in love a little fast but honestly who wouldn’t they were both a catch. Connor might have been a little bit red flag ish but it was because my baby was scared of being hurt. Love makes people do weird things cause i would have run from the hill, when i encountered the brother. I don’t like their family but, con family pissed me off the most. What do you mean that your son has put everything after you and you didn’t stand up for him when he was assaulted. You actually agreed to blame him👋🏿. Some people should not have children. I felt like the ending was rushed a bit or maybe i wanted some drama you know, let the father comes and pick a fight 🤺 and i want Kyle to just lay him out with a punch. Done over. I guess that would be in the other books.
Best moments: When Zack showed up to the meet up, i would say i screamed a little(a lot). Can we say bold BOLD
Favourite characters: •zack
•Drew( i am somewhat always in love with side characters)
Favorite quote: “I love you.”
But those words were all he wanted to hear. He wanted to hold them close even as they cut him. He wanted to believe Zach loved him. But love didn’t hurt. It didn’t want to keep things hidden.”
Song: First light by Hozier
Genre: •shifter romance
•Found family
•Strangers to loves
I enjoyed reading this book. It is my first from the author. I was so scared to be disappointed by the book, i find it hard to find good paranormal shifter romance. Took me back to my whatpadd days. I liked the writing, it was well paced until it came to the end. They might have fall in love a little fast but honestly who wouldn’t they were both a catch. Connor might have been a little bit red flag ish but it was because my baby was scared of being hurt. Love makes people do weird things cause i would have run from the hill, when i encountered the brother. I don’t like their family but, con family pissed me off the most. What do you mean that your son has put everything after you and you didn’t stand up for him when he was assaulted. You actually agreed to blame him👋🏿. Some people should not have children. I felt like the ending was rushed a bit or maybe i wanted some drama you know, let the father comes and pick a fight 🤺 and i want Kyle to just lay him out with a punch. Done over. I guess that would be in the other books.
Best moments: When Zack showed up to the meet up, i would say i screamed a little(a lot). Can we say bold BOLD
Favourite characters: •zack
•Drew( i am somewhat always in love with side characters)
Favorite quote: “I love you.”
But those words were all he wanted to hear. He wanted to hold them close even as they cut him. He wanted to believe Zach loved him. But love didn’t hurt. It didn’t want to keep things hidden.”
Song: First light by Hozier
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