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The King Takes All #1

His Wolf to Take

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Two years ago, my husband fought his best friend to win my hand and take control of my father’s pack. But the price of victory was banishing his best friend, Carter, from our lives. But Carter hasn’t been out of our hearts…and he most certainly hasn’t been out of Lucas’s head. Or his dreams.

Now, as Carter returns to our pack for a brief visit, my husband insists there's nothing left between them. But Lucas insists a lot of things. Like how he doesn’t feel anything for Carter and how I must have been mistaken when I thought I saw them together—and acting like far more than friends.

Alpha wolves are so stubborn. Fortunately, I’m not above using extreme measures to make my husband realize how important Carter is to both of us. If I have to play dirty, I will. I’ll do whatever it takes to bring these two alpha males back to where they belong, by my side…and in my bed.

Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

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301 people want to read

About the author

Amy Pennza

60 books826 followers
Amy Pennza is a USA Today Bestselling Author of steamy fantasy romance. After becoming a lawyer because everyone insisted writing wasn’t a “real job,” she stubbornly wrote anyway—and is delighted to have proved them wrong. She’s grateful to spend her days crafting dirty, swoony books about magic, swords, and unforgettable characters. She lives in the Great Lakes region with her husband and five children.

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5 stars
109 (42%)
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70 (27%)
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60 (23%)
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14 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,314 reviews56 followers
January 26, 2022
Being the daughter of an Alpha Wolf it is customary that the Alpha’s daughter becomes the Wife and Mate of the new Alpha once the previous Alpha has passed on. This is what happened with Isabel. She was the daughter of the Alpha and at the time of her passing whoever challenged for the Alpha seat and won would receive her as their Wife and Mate. The losing wolf would face two choices: Execution or being Exiled from the pack.

Isabel, Lucas and Carter have been the best of friends since they were kids. Isabel has been in love with both Lucas and Carter since they were teens and young adults. She always knew that she would be married to one of them when the time came for a new Alpha. When the time finally came to gain a new Alpha; Carter challenged Lucas for the throne. Two best friends fighting for the right to claim the Alpha seat, the Pack and Isabel as their Wife/Mate. Lucas wins the challenge but instead of executing Carter he simply exiles him from the Pack.

This is a story of Love and Restoration. During the 2 years that Isabel has been married to Lucas she recognized that something was missing or rather someone. Unbeknownst to Lucas; Isabel is well aware that he and Carter were once lovers and witnessed them together the night before they challenged each other of the position of Alpha. Carter has been exiled for 2 years but is returning to the Pack to visit his dying mother. Isabel knew she had to take drastic measures to bring these two Dominant, Alpha wolves together.

Through a little trickery Isabel was able to trick both men into coming to her rescue only to find themselves locked in a silver cage. The men talked things out and came to the realization that Isabel knew about them all along but unsure of what it meant for their future. As both men loved Isabel as well as each other and Isabel in turn loved them both even though she was married and mated to Lucas.

My heart was breaking for Carter because he lost so much. He lost his 2 best friends. His lover, His Pack, His Family and the ability to Mate any wolf since he was exiled. Returning home, he had a chance to see his mother before she died and even she knew about him and Lucas. Upon leaving his mother Carter was ambushed by several Pack members who wanted to kill him because they knew he was bisexual. This in turn caused Lucas to transform into the Beast within; a beast that he didn’t even know he possessed to save Carter.

Carter went through a horrific ordeal but Lucas was willing to make whatever sacrifices were necessary to save him. Isabel was feeling unsure about her plan; thinking it backfired and Lucas and Carter would want to be together without her. Therefore; causing her to became sad and melancholy until the guys proved to her that there was no “THEM” without “HER”.

Love was the driving force that restored not only friendships but relationships as well. Carter was left on his own for 2 years as punishment for being exiled. He has no one nor could he ever choose a mate and be happy. Through Isabel’s love and sacrifice she did what most women wouldn’t and that was reconnecting her husband with the man he loved but that love never undercut the love he had for his wife and mate. Ending in a HEA with the Alpha taking another mate in addition to the mate bond he shares with his wife. A three way mate bond linking the three mates together forever.
Profile Image for AussieMum.
1,392 reviews55 followers
September 16, 2022
This was an interesting beginning to a series but I feel like I didn’t get enough time to warm up to these characters and their situation. Still it was a quick read for fans of shifter novels.
610 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2022
He loves his mate but most of the action is between him and his best friend.
Profile Image for Mindy.
262 reviews6 followers
March 23, 2022
I was a little hesitant to read this book the preview didn't make me what to snatch it right up but I am glad I gave it a chance. There is so much emotion in this and yet not enough. Isabel is a strong female character I liked that she doesn't just sit quiet she speaks up. The guys what can I say they act like normal stubborn men.The only thing that could have made this better is if Isabel was involved more I felt like she was more of a side story than being a part of it all. It was mostly about the guys and that was very disappointing I love her fire and I would have loved her to be involved more with them being there for the big moments too.
Profile Image for Chloë [at the cottage].
427 reviews25 followers
May 3, 2022
Short, sweet & steamy - a practically perfect erotic novella

The relationship of our main trio - Isabel, Lucas & Carter - was well fleshed-out. While most of the focus is on Lucas & Carter rebuilding their trust, Isabel doesn't get treated as an afterthought. She is a great anchor that helps solidify the bonds between the three, which get displayed in fantastic M/F, M/M & M/M/F scenes.

This is my second Amy Pennza read and let me tell you, she writes great smut. But there's more to it than that because, while the smut is excellent, the backstory and setting being built up for this series is excellent as well, which is hard to do in the limited size of a novella. She strikes a perfect balance here with the world-building and supporting cast of characters that I can't wait to read more about in future stories.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
4 reviews
March 23, 2022
This was a quick, fun read and I found the MM love scenes to be steamy. More plot would make me enjoy the work more. The first MF sex scene almost made me stop reading because the scene had a lot of info dumped into it (including 2 mentions of her father,) keep going, it gets better.

I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jessica Gilbert.
250 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2022
I'm not sure my words are going to be good enough to describe how good this book is. There's spice, a great storyline, love, redemption; all the makings of classic romance.

This is the love story of Carter, Lucas, and Isobel. Mainly Carter and Lucas since they all agree that they each love Isobel and that Isobel loves them both in return. They were inseparable as children and the fight for alpha brought Lucas and Isobel love and marriage but separated them from Carter.

Even though there's quite a bit of spice in this book, the plot is balanced pretty nicely. There's a little bit of a scene with emotions and talking and moments of violence and then there's some booty. All in all the spicy scenes do kind of out weigh the plot pieces but not in a way that leaves you feeling like you're missing out.

I felt like Isobel was one of my favorite characters from a book about wolf shifters. She's definitely a fierce partner for an alpha, outspoken strong willed and loving. She knows when to stand her ground and when to back down and she does both with such grace. There are a couple of moments in the book where I felt like she was being left behind a little bit but they recover pretty quickly and bring her back into importance.

Carter and Lucas are both alpha wolf shifters so the two of them have a lot of dominance issues outside of their romantic relationship. There's a lot of generational discrimination in the pack that leads to some pretty depressing situations but they resolve in ways that are both interesting and help move the plot forward.

Overall definitely worth five stars. Spice was nice, plot was well done. Characters were well rounded and complete. Felt like a complete story instead of one missing pieces. Definitely would recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tañia.
501 reviews27 followers
March 29, 2022
This was a smutty good time! Isabel, Lucas, and Carter were inseparable growing up. They had a special connection that no one could touch, that is until the pack's Alpha, Isabel's father, dies. Lucas and Carter always knew it would come down to the two of them. One of them would be Alpha. The other, defeated and exiled, destined to be alone for the rest of his life. And all those nights they spent together wouldn't matter. Two years later, Lucas, now married to Isabel, grants Carter one day to return to the village. But neither of them expected their connection and chemistry to slam into both of them as soon as they see each other.

I chose this book because of the very first line: "I woke with a hot tongue between my thighs." And it didn't stop there! The first scene had some questionable terms and phrases that pulled me out of the story, fortunately, these didn't carry on throughout the book. Lucas was Alpha in and out of the bedroom but Carter! It was difficult for Carter to submit to Lucas being his Alpha, but when they were together, it was a whole other story! And let's not forget about Isabel. Smart, kind, and took no shit from either of them. She knew what they both needed when neither of them would to admit it, to her, or each other. The one thing that did bother me was an unfinished subplot, which was the whole reason for Carter returning to the village. However, we are here for the sexy times and there were plenty and they were steamy!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tj Hibbert.
67 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2022
This is the first book of Amy Pennza and I really enjoyed it. I will be looking at her others.

Lucas, Carter and Isabel grew up together as best friend. Lucas and Carter are pretty powerful alphas and Isabel was the only child of the pack's leader. Tradition demands that when Isabel's dad is ready to step down, Lucas and Carter would have to fight to become the pack alpha and to mate Isabel. Carter and Lucas have a bond closer than friendship they have been hiding as it wouldn't be accepted by the pack when the time came and Lucas won the challenge winning the pack and Isabel. Carter was exiled from the pack. Lucas and Isobel have a good mating but it always seems like something is missing. Isobel want's Carter back in their lives so when Lucas lifts Carter's exile for one day so Carter can visit his dying mom, Isabel has a plan, she tricks them and locks them in a silver-laced cage together. Lucas and Carter do some serious talking but they know the pack would never allow the alpha to have a male and a female mate. Besides Carter doesn't want to be just Lucas' lover. Some amazing things happen as the three may be able to get what they want if they commit to each other.

Trying to give a good review without to many spoilers those who are a lover of shifter romance will enjoy this book greatly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Fran.
2,463 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2022
This is the first in the King Takes shifter series and it is hot. Carter, Lucas and Isabel have been best friends since they were children. They are all wolf shifters and descendants of the Dire wolves, first wolves in history. No one has seen a Dire wolf in 10000 years and no one expects to see any of them again. In order for Carter to become Alpha of the pack he had to defeat Lucas who had challenged him. Carter then banished Lucas from the pack and claimed Isabel as his. This is actually a fantastic love story between all three of these characters. Carter allows Lucas to come home to see his mother as she is close to death. Isabel knows that Carter loves her but she also knows that Carter loves Lucas too. So she devises a scheme to get the two back together. But with the pack being unwilling to change or grow or move into the 21st century they have a lot of obstacles to overcome before they can find their happiness. This is a MM/F love story and it is great! The world that has been created for these shifters is wonderful and I loved this. This is a really steamy hot sexy read and lots of issues these three have to go through to get their HEA. Loved it!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews26 followers
January 13, 2022
Lucas, Carter and Isabel grew up together as best friend. Lucas and Carter were pretty powerful alphas and Isabel was the only child of the pack's leader. Tradition demands that when Isabel's dad is ready to step down, Lucas and Carter would have to fight to become the pack alpha and to mate Isabel. Carter and Lucas' closer than friends relationship would not be approved by the pack. The time came and Lucas won the challenge winning the pack and Isabel. Carter was exiled from the pack. Lucas and Bel have a good mating but it always seems like something is missing. Bel want's Carter back in their lives. When Lucas lifts Carter's exile for one day so Carter can visit his dying mom, Isabel has a plan. She has to make the two alpha realize how much they missed each other and so she tricks them and locks them in a silver-laced cage together. Lucas and Carter do some serious talking but they know the pack would never allow the alpha to have a male and a female mate. Besides Carter doesn't want to be just Lucas' lover. Some amazing things happen as the three may be able to get what they want if they commit to each other.
Profile Image for Nicola.
74 reviews30 followers
April 22, 2022
Powerful story of love, power and dominance, and finding the right balance. Lucas and Carter were best friends along with Isabel, as they got older both boys not only loved Isabel but also each other which is not accepted in the werewolf world. Carter challenged Lucas for his position as Alpha, winner would also claim the previous Alpha's daughter Isabel as wife and mate. Lucas won and had to kill or exile Carter, obviously he couldn't kill him. It's two years since Carter left and while Lucas and Isabel are happy and in love both miss Carter but Lucas won't admit there was ever more than friendship, even though Isabel saw them. Carter is allowed back for one day to see his mum who is getting to the end of her life and Isabel is determined to bring the friends back together, which she does. Obviously things can't be that easy and what follows is a battle for the pack, a battle to save the life of one you love and various twists you don't expect. This is definitely action packed and steamy, it's also full of emotion. I really enjoyed His Wolf To Take.

I received a free ARC copy from BookSirens and I'm leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Sidonie.
420 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2025
Surprisingly good for a novella that’s mostly an excuse for MMF werewolf erotica. Confident worldbuilding, good pacing (it skips basically all the relationship buildup, but that’s by design since the meat of it is working out how the relationship will work instead of whether it will happen). I wanted a bit more Isabel, but given the length constraints and the fact that she was the least friction-generating part of the relationship it’s not surprising that there was more focus on the men. And what we did get of her I liked a lot. I especially liked that instead of just framing the way werewolves do gender roles as natural, the book instead emphasized that they’re a pretty regressive society that could do with some serious modernization.

I didn’t pick this up expecting to read more from this author, but I might take a look at her other stuff now. ETA: Wait lol I just realized I have read another book by this author (Kiss of Smoke) and I hated it. Guess she’s hit or miss for me.
Profile Image for Coastie  Mom.
1,450 reviews8 followers
January 9, 2022
Oh wow – talk about HOT!!!! This shifter story was a quick read and full of steamy scenes, lots of passion, loyalty to those you love and a willingness to stand up for what you believe in! This is the story of Lucas, Carter and Isabel who are all best friends. Lucas is the alpha wolf who had to banish his best friend after he won the competition for not only the title of alpha, but also the daughter of the alpha – Isabel.

This is not your typical shifter story – normally the alpha doesn’t listen to his mate, but Lucas treats this as a partnership and Isabel actually calms him when he goes a little overboard. When Carter comes back to spend the day with his mom, a secret is confirmed to Isabel and from there, it just gets hotter. Great story with some great characters. I cannot wait to see where this series goes!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
556 reviews12 followers
February 12, 2022
I enjoyed this despite the male male love scenes whicch tend to make me uncomfortable.

That being said let me share what I did like. The fight to become alpha because the current one is ready to steep down or maybe he passed away not sure as my memory isn't the greatest. This fight took place between to close friends Carter and Lucas for the previous alpha's daughter Isabel who was also close to these two. How they became a threesome I cannot share with you but I can say the journey is well worth grabbing your own copy.

The characters, the world building, the action, the drama and the romance are worth consideration of choosing this to join your library.

I voluntarily chose to receive a complimentary copy and share my own honest opinion written in my own writing which cannot be bought therefore no compensation was involved. However after reading this I would purchased this for my own library if my finances would have allowed me.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,672 reviews35 followers
January 11, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Lucas and Carter were lovers and alphas who wanted control of the pack. They fought for control and Lucas won with Carter being exiled. The added angle is they both loved Isabel as well. Lucas marries Isabel and is alpha of the pack. When Carter returns to visit his ailing mother, Isabel acts to make Lucas and Carter acknowledge their relationship. Unfortunately members of the pack rebel and severely injure Carter. Lucas becomes a legend and takes control including getting Carter healed. With Isabel's help they become a triad that looks after the pack and are deeply in love. The book is addictive and you don't want to put it down until you finish. Three strong individuals that unite together in love and power to lead the pack to success.
813 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2022
The second I realized this was by Amy Pennza, I snatched this book up. I loved the last book of hers I read - Kiss of Smoke - and was hoping for more. I was not disappointed!

One thing I can say about this author is that she can write MM scenes. There is so much emotion that you don't want to look away. And then they add a woman to the mix - where is the fire extinguisher?!

This story forces Isabel, Lucas, and Carter to navigate the mine field between what is expected of them and their own dreams. They were friends when young but driven apart. Two years have passed and now Carter is back. I loved the emotions and internal conflict these characters have to work through. Not dealing with things have not worked. Now they have no choice.

I will definitely be coming back for book 2!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews362 followers
January 13, 2022
Lucas, Carter, & Izzy's Story . . .

Lucas, Carter and Izzy are good friends, but two years ago, Alpha Lucas was forced to exile his friend, Carter, when Lucas won the challenge as Alpha and won Isabel (“Izzy”), the former alpha’s daughter.

Carter is now coming back for one day to visit his sick mother. Carter will then have to leave. But Izzy is pretty sure Lucas doesn’t want Carter to leave, despite his denying it. Carter means a lot to both of them. But what can they do to make him stay? Do they have any options at all?

This was a good story line, intriguing, with great characters and impressive world-building. Grab your copy and see if Carter has to again be exiled or if he can find a place in the pack.
3,225 reviews25 followers
January 16, 2022
Best friends Lucas and Carter fight to become Alpha and mate Isabel Carter loses and is exiled.
Wolf shifters Lucas and Carter grew up together as best friends with the Alpha's daughter Isabel tagging along wherever they went. When her father died two years before they were challengers for his position and the right to mate Isabel. Lucas won and had the choice of executing or exiling Carter he chose to exile him. Now due to Carter's mother being in failing health he has been allowed back to visit her for twenty-four hours. Isabel knows how close the two Alphas had been and wants to find a way to bring Carter back to the pack but the pack is old fashioned and will not like

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews76 followers
January 30, 2022
His Wolf to Take is a hot and steamy shifter romance that has you on the edge of your seat as you get lost in Isabel, Lucas and Carter's story.

Isabel, Lucas and Carter grew up together and there has always been something between them, but when time to take over the pack, it also meant making choices among them. Isabel is a strong Alpha herself and knows what needs to happen to get Lucas to see things her way. When Carter returned to visit his mother, Isabel made sure that they worked things out themselves.

This is a great story with a lot of twist and turns, danger and hot passion and frustration that will have you melting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn).
550 reviews20 followers
March 18, 2022
I received this ARC copy for free for an honest review. I would have to say this is a very erotic short romance read. Very fast pace and have a good story line. It is about wolf shifters.
Little bit about the book:
Isabel, Carter and Lucas grew up together.. Isabel messed around with Lucas and Carter both cause she had feelings for both of them and had to hide it cause of the whole thing was wrong to their kind. Alpha died and Carter and Lucas had to fight each other for the role of alpha, the one who lost would be banished like their kinds rules made.

This book I would recommend this book to anyone who like shifter male on male/male male/male/female romances it even has witches mentioned in it and a lot of magic stuff.
117 reviews
February 3, 2022
I have read a few shifter books before, but this is the first one that was actually more than one alpha. In most of the books that I have read, they have to find their mate once they turn a certain age, with this book they fight for the hand of their mate.

The author took a serious topic and lets the readers know what happens when others do not agree with the topic at hand. You can actually read no matter what people think of the topic there is always someone that likes to take matters into their own hands.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Phyllis Farmer .
605 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2022
Three Peas in a Pod

Amy Pennza’s first book in her ‘The King Takes All’ series captures your interest from the very first page. This story deals with life long friends that have been living separate for the past two years. Due to an ailing mother, the trio of friends are reunited once again. But things are not like they once were causing tensions and arguments to arise. The struggles and conflicts these friends face will stretch the breaking point of their friendship. This book is an exciting adventurous romance that is so riveting that I couldn’t put it down until the last page. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
Profile Image for Seashell .
186 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2022
Wonderful book! The intimate scenes are well written and seriously hot & sexy. But what was truly surprising is how quickly I was invested into the lives of the three main characters. Their struggles, the depth of love and pain was truly gut wrenching. I couldn't put the book down. My only regret was that the story ended so soon. The set up has so many possibilities, I felt the story could have had more. I am relieved however that this is the first book in a series. I look forwards to seeing where thins go from here! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mrs A.
1,394 reviews29 followers
June 18, 2022
Wow! Starts off with a bang and keeps you entertained throughout. This is a story about love, power and the fight for dominance. Isabel, Luca and Carter were childhood friends and developed feelings for we each other. As they grew up, Carter unsuccessfully challenges Luca for alpha and is exiled. Isabel and Carter end up getting married. Carter returns to visit is poorly mother and Isabel uses this opportunity to reignites the feelings Carter and Lucas shared for each other. There is a lot of angst, drama and steam that follows and makes this a well written and captivating book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,297 reviews51 followers
January 12, 2022
What a fantastic book! Absolutely scorching read! Lucas, Carter, and Isabel had incredible chemistry- together and in pairs. This book is shorter than I would have liked, but I was completely sucked in by the characters, their dynamic, and the world of this book itself- which had a lot more than I expected. I hope this is the beginning of a series, because I really want to see more of it; both with new characters, or- even better- another book about these three characters, because I'm not ready to leave them yet. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Karen.
337 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2022
Lucas was alpha and dominant, but also acknowledged and encouraged Isabel and Carter to stand up to him.

Isabel had a strength inside and was prepared to go to any lengths to help Lucas and Carter reconcile.

Carter hid his strength behind charm, and good humour, however he knew what he wanted, and was prepared to sacrifice for those he loved.

The dynamics between Lucas, Isabel and Carter and the sexy scenes were scorching hot. I loved the fact that each character had a relationship with the other two, as well as as a threesome.
Profile Image for Zsa Zsa.
1,165 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2022
The pack traditions have always been to the victor goes the spoils. In this case that includes Isabel's hand in marriage. Best friends Lucas and Carter come to a crossroads when the both make a challenge to be alpha. There can only be one victor, the loser exiled or dead. It's been two years since Carter left the pack. His brief return will be the catalyst for the three best friends to have a reckoning that will challenge them emotionally. A story of recrimination, healing, truth, love and heat. I enjoyed this quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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