What do you think?
Rate this book
Neutral Ground #1
A Wolf's Mate Walks Into a Bar
Allison
I did everything right and had nothing to show for it besides another rent hike I couldn’t afford. My generous parents offered me a way out, a break from responsibility in a new city so I could find my stride again.
I didn’t count on walking into a bar one night to find a handsome bartender running himself ragged. Having tended bar back in college, I volunteered myself right into a job. Mixing drinks again might have been just the change of pace I had been looking for.
But I never, ever expected to throw myself into Tony’s arms that very night. It happened so fast it seemed unreal, just as unreal as the giant black dog who followed me home.
TonyWhy did I have to get stuck working alone on the night of a full moon? I thought I could suck it up for a few hours until my boss got back, but my chaotic night took a turn for the weird. In walked a woman whose scent sank claws in me that refused to let go. The moment I laid eyes on her, a low growl rumbled in the back of my mind.
Mine.
That was new. Was that why didn’t I protest when she offered to help? What was it about Allison that had me so out of sorts for the first time in my life? Why did I feel so drawn to her? Why couldn’t I resist her?
And what the heck did fate have to do with it?
Book 1 your average thirty-year-old woman who knows nothing about the supernatural and one lone, growly, clueless werewolf coming to terms with having found his human mate. Insta-lust but not insta-love, spicy scenes, and a happily ever after.
This series will different protagonists for each book, recurring characters, references to prior books (but still readable as standalones), mostly self-contained plots, and HEA/HFN endings. Books 1 - 3 complete the first story arc.
I did everything right and had nothing to show for it besides another rent hike I couldn’t afford. My generous parents offered me a way out, a break from responsibility in a new city so I could find my stride again.
I didn’t count on walking into a bar one night to find a handsome bartender running himself ragged. Having tended bar back in college, I volunteered myself right into a job. Mixing drinks again might have been just the change of pace I had been looking for.
But I never, ever expected to throw myself into Tony’s arms that very night. It happened so fast it seemed unreal, just as unreal as the giant black dog who followed me home.
TonyWhy did I have to get stuck working alone on the night of a full moon? I thought I could suck it up for a few hours until my boss got back, but my chaotic night took a turn for the weird. In walked a woman whose scent sank claws in me that refused to let go. The moment I laid eyes on her, a low growl rumbled in the back of my mind.
Mine.
That was new. Was that why didn’t I protest when she offered to help? What was it about Allison that had me so out of sorts for the first time in my life? Why did I feel so drawn to her? Why couldn’t I resist her?
And what the heck did fate have to do with it?
Book 1 your average thirty-year-old woman who knows nothing about the supernatural and one lone, growly, clueless werewolf coming to terms with having found his human mate. Insta-lust but not insta-love, spicy scenes, and a happily ever after.
This series will different protagonists for each book, recurring characters, references to prior books (but still readable as standalones), mostly self-contained plots, and HEA/HFN endings. Books 1 - 3 complete the first story arc.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2023
384 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 22, 2024
This book is weird in a bad way
May 6, 2025
Just objectively not good. The MMC isn't a typical shifter and doesn't even seem to have his shit together. His past isn't just haunting him or shaped him to who he is - it's paralyzing him. He fucks up so much that I'm really not sure why the FMC gave him so many chances; other than the fact that they're fated mates and seem to have a pull towards one another. Seriously girl, you deserved better. And so much of the book revolved around keeping this colossal secret and dancing around if the two characters would even get together that very little of the book focused on the after the couple becoming a couple. And this MMC shifter doesn't really have general knowledge of what goes down with shifters and hasn't ever even tried to connect with someone who could fill him in? If there's a secret, underground, magical community - I feel like they would get together and stay in contact so there was education regarding their individual situations and that no one felt alone. For minimizing exposure on accident at the very least. And the shifter affliction can be passed on through a bite in this shifter/magical world, which honestly screams more werewolf to me than anything else. If you wanna write a werewolf book, write that. But don't add that part and then call it a shifter/fated mates romance. The smut in this one wasn't even enough to redeem any parts of the book. I would skip this if I were you.
February 8, 2024
Really happy I decided to read!!
I voluntarily decided to read an advanced reader copy of the second book in this series. Once I realize that it was part of a series, I decided to read the first book prior to beginning the second. I’m really happy that I found this book as I really, love the characters and the start and the story was pretty awesome.
I don’t read a lot of shifter books, but every now and then I get the itch. I totally fell in love with these characters and can’t recommend this book enough.
I voluntarily decided to read an advanced reader copy of the second book in this series. Once I realize that it was part of a series, I decided to read the first book prior to beginning the second. I’m really happy that I found this book as I really, love the characters and the start and the story was pretty awesome.
I don’t read a lot of shifter books, but every now and then I get the itch. I totally fell in love with these characters and can’t recommend this book enough.
June 8, 2024
I picked up this series on a bit of a whim, it wasn’t on my TBR but I saw it on kindle unlimited and the title caught my eye so of course I’ve borrowed the entire series so far!
This is Keiera Pearson’s debut novel and honestly this was excellent for a debut! Sure, some things could’ve been a bit more polished and fleshed out, but given that this was her first book I feel it definitely deserves praise and has earned its 5 stars from me.
Spoilers ahead from now, with my thoughts included! You’ve been warned, plot points are being discussed:
So we have our FMC Allison (Allie) Bridges who gets majorly burnt out at her office job and is struggling to make ends meet because her wages are low and her rent keeps increasing (relatable). She calls her mum one day and breaks down. Mums always know best, and tells Allie to get her ass back home - she and Allie’s dad had recently moved due to Dad’s job and hadn’t sold the old house yet, so they tell Allie she can move in there and make it her own (I wish my parents had a spare house I could move into, my rent bill also sucks).
So Allie moves into this house at the start of the book and spends a couple weeks redecorating.
One night on a call to her mum, mum basically says “Allie, girlie, you’re young and single and have spent the last 2 weeks doing nothing but work on the house and meeting no one, get yourself out for a meal and some drinks and have some fun, maybe get laid. You need it” (not a direct quote but a pretty good summary of the conversation in my humble opinion).
Allie decides she’ll take the ‘go out for a meal and some drinks’ part of the advice but not the ‘get laid’ part because (and this is a direct quote this time) ”A good book and my vibrator were way less trouble than trying to find a compatible partner”. Fair enough.
As the title of the book suggests, after a nice meal and a stop at the library, Allie walks into a bar and meets our MMC.
MMC’s name is Tony Reynolds (which, honestly gave me uncanny valley vibes for a second because that is the legit name of one of my uncles, but that’s not relevant to the story or my review, just a little side note so someone else - aka you reading this - could share my momentary pain). Anyway, so Tony is a bartender at a bar called The Crypt, and he’s also a wolf shifter. Ironically, the book Allie picked at the library was literally werewolf smut which totally made me laugh and becomes a running joke later on. Tony doesn’t do ‘people’ or ‘public’ very well, and can’t stand being touched due to a bad experience when he was 16 and first learned he was a shifter. He accidentally bit and turned his dad and it was all a bit traumatic so since then he doesn’t like people touching him (this information is shared in the prologue, which is from Tony’s POV). He also doesn’t really like being out in public or around people because… wolf senses - everything is loud and everyone smells. His boss, Owen, who is the only person who knows what Tony is, except for his Dad who is MIA and has been for 14 years. Owen is also supernatural but Tony doesn’t know what exactly he is. Him being the only one who knows about Tony is actually a huge problem because all supernatural creatures should be registered with ‘The Registry’, who from what I can tell are like a supernatural government or council, but the reason Tony isn’t registered is because The Registry are really awful to shifters, and it wasn’t safe to register with them when Owen first met Tony. Owen is registered with the council and it’s his duty to inform them about any unregistered supernatural beings - but lucky for Tony, Owen is an absolute ride or die and he keeps Tony’s secret because he knows how The Registry would treat him. Apparently though, The Registry is getting better, and is more tolerant towards shifters now so Owen has been trying to convince Tony to register so he can live freely instead of hiding who he is.
So on this particular night Allie comes in, not only is it a full moon, but Tony has been left to run the bar by himself because Owen is stuck working at another event later than planned. Tony is already on edge but agreed to stay for another 3 hours because it’s a weeknight so it should be quiet… then of course a bachelor party (or stag do for my fellow Brits) comes in and the bar is indeed very busy. Allie comes in and sees Tony behind the bar, and my guy is FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE trying to catch up with drink orders being thrown his way while also trying not to literally turn into a wolf right there in the bar. Allie notices and when she catches Tony’s eye and he freezes, she offers him a helping hand. She explains she used to be a bartender back in college, and she was new in town and looking for work anyways. Tony accepts and they get to work between them. Tony is feeling some kind of way about Allie, and his inner wolf is screaming “MINE” but he’s absolutely confused by that and more than a little flustered.
Owen eventually returns and immediately tells Tony to go (because, again, full moon) and as Tony goes to leave, Allie pops her head around the door and is like “hey Tony we need more vodka”, Owen is like “excuse me who tf are you” and Allie is all “Tony hired me”, which leaves Owen shook because Tony doesn’t do ‘people’ so it’s super out of character, especially when Tony speaks up and tells Owen he needed another bartender anyways so keep Allie.
Allie follows Tony out the back to ask for his number for “scheduling and stuff” (sure girl, sure), and Tony is MEGA close to shifting, and since his inner wolf is threatening to become an outer wolf, the wolf instinct to claim her kicks in and he legit fucks her up against the wall (but doesn’t give her his number lol, no time). Allie goes back inside to help Owen finish the shift and close up, and Tony barely has time to get his clothes off and hidden under the dumpster outside the bar before he wolfs out. He then FOLLOWS ALLIE HOME and Allie sees him and assumes he’s a really big dog??? (girlie you literally read werewolf smut, you know damn well that’s not “a really big German shepherd”).
So for a while Allie and Tony kinda dance around each other and poor, clueless Tony says and does the wrong damn thing literally every time they speak by mistake. He tries to avoid her for a while by getting Owen to schedule them for different shifts, everything becomes really awkward, even more so when Owen explains to poor, clueless Tony that the reason he feels the way he does about Allie is because she’s his mate. Tony doesn’t know this stuff because he’s only been around one wolf before and that was a wolf he himself turned by accident so he never learned about himself, and honestly he really hates himself which is super sad. So Tony continues avoiding Allie at work for a while because she’s human and he thinks he’s an awful monster who will put her in danger and will have to turn her and ruin her life because who could possibly WANT to be a wolf shifter?? (poor guy needs to give himself a break). His wolf basically says ‘nah mate, she’s mine’ so every night he shifts without knowing, and wakes up naked outside Allie’s house. In one particular instance he actually marks his territory all around her house and leaves a dead animal on her doorstep as a gift, and is mortified when he shifts back to human form and can do nothing but watch as she finds it (I genuinely laughed so hard and had to pause to come onto Goodreads and write an update about it).
Tony’s wolf gets super possessive when he hears that Allie has agreed to go out with a group of guys after her shift at the bar is done. Tony again wolfs out (not a full moon this time, just jealousy) and follows her then scares the guys off when they try to get her to go home with them. He then follows Allie home again and she decides to let the big friendly dog inside for the night then take him to the vet tomorrow and find his owner (YES, SHE STILL THINKS HES A BIG DOG). So Tony spends the night in her bed in wolf form, and the next day when Allie tries to call in sick so she can deal with the “big dog”, Owen comes over instead and sends Allie to work, saying he’ll deal with the dog. He’s then all like ‘wtf bro’ because he knows it’s Tony and after a little chat Owen tells Tony so sort things out with his mate before it’s too late. Unfortunately, those guys Allie had been with when Tony made his appearance are Mages and they knew exactly what Tony was, and report him (unofficially) to The Registry. A Registry Officer named Zed shows up to ask Allie questions about the night but brushes it off pretty easily. That night Tony makes up with Allie and he cooks her a meal but when Allie tells him about her weird questioning about the lovely big dog, Tony freaks out and goes all quiet. Tony knows he has to tell Allie before the next full moon which is in 3 days, but he doesn’t know how to tell her. Turns out the decision ends up being made for him because later on in the evening during ~the sexy times~, Allie gets the sudden urge to bite him, and she does which ends up with Tony going fully feral and biting Allie (uh-oh, oopsies 😏). Tony has a panic attack when he realises what he’s done and Allie calms him down and basically tells him to worry about whatever is wrong tomorrow, snuggles up and falls asleep (yes, despite being an apparent avid werewolf smut reader, she STILL hasn’t figured out what’s going on). Allie wakes up the next morning and is super sick, throws up on her bath mat (which Tony cleans because he’s an absolute sweetie), then sleeps all the way through Wednesday and Thursday daytime into Thursday night. She wakes up to a meal from Tony but accidentally calls him ‘Chief’ which is the name she gave that “big fluffy dog” that night she took him in, because Tony reminds her of the dog (BUT SHE STILL DOESNT GET IT YET! At this point I was screaming “GIRL, TONY IS THE DOG. AND HE’S NOT A DOG HE’S A WOLF”). Tony freaks out and literally smashes the bowl in his hand, which cuts him. Then, FINALLY, Tony comes clean and shows her to prove it because she doesn’t believe him right away. He expects her to be scared but she’s not she’s excited because of course she is, she reads werewolf smut.
After that, everything works out - they shift together under the full moon, they get married, they register with The Registry, and Owen has them open a bar in the basement of The Crypt which is exclusively for supernaturals called ‘Neutral Ground’, which as the name suggests is going to be the only Registry Sanctioned Neutral Ground for all supernaturals to mix and socialise in a safe space. Yay, HEA!
This is Keiera Pearson’s debut novel and honestly this was excellent for a debut! Sure, some things could’ve been a bit more polished and fleshed out, but given that this was her first book I feel it definitely deserves praise and has earned its 5 stars from me.
Spoilers ahead from now, with my thoughts included! You’ve been warned, plot points are being discussed:
So we have our FMC Allison (Allie) Bridges who gets majorly burnt out at her office job and is struggling to make ends meet because her wages are low and her rent keeps increasing (relatable). She calls her mum one day and breaks down. Mums always know best, and tells Allie to get her ass back home - she and Allie’s dad had recently moved due to Dad’s job and hadn’t sold the old house yet, so they tell Allie she can move in there and make it her own (I wish my parents had a spare house I could move into, my rent bill also sucks).
So Allie moves into this house at the start of the book and spends a couple weeks redecorating.
One night on a call to her mum, mum basically says “Allie, girlie, you’re young and single and have spent the last 2 weeks doing nothing but work on the house and meeting no one, get yourself out for a meal and some drinks and have some fun, maybe get laid. You need it” (not a direct quote but a pretty good summary of the conversation in my humble opinion).
Allie decides she’ll take the ‘go out for a meal and some drinks’ part of the advice but not the ‘get laid’ part because (and this is a direct quote this time) ”A good book and my vibrator were way less trouble than trying to find a compatible partner”. Fair enough.
As the title of the book suggests, after a nice meal and a stop at the library, Allie walks into a bar and meets our MMC.
MMC’s name is Tony Reynolds (which, honestly gave me uncanny valley vibes for a second because that is the legit name of one of my uncles, but that’s not relevant to the story or my review, just a little side note so someone else - aka you reading this - could share my momentary pain). Anyway, so Tony is a bartender at a bar called The Crypt, and he’s also a wolf shifter. Ironically, the book Allie picked at the library was literally werewolf smut which totally made me laugh and becomes a running joke later on. Tony doesn’t do ‘people’ or ‘public’ very well, and can’t stand being touched due to a bad experience when he was 16 and first learned he was a shifter. He accidentally bit and turned his dad and it was all a bit traumatic so since then he doesn’t like people touching him (this information is shared in the prologue, which is from Tony’s POV). He also doesn’t really like being out in public or around people because… wolf senses - everything is loud and everyone smells. His boss, Owen, who is the only person who knows what Tony is, except for his Dad who is MIA and has been for 14 years. Owen is also supernatural but Tony doesn’t know what exactly he is. Him being the only one who knows about Tony is actually a huge problem because all supernatural creatures should be registered with ‘The Registry’, who from what I can tell are like a supernatural government or council, but the reason Tony isn’t registered is because The Registry are really awful to shifters, and it wasn’t safe to register with them when Owen first met Tony. Owen is registered with the council and it’s his duty to inform them about any unregistered supernatural beings - but lucky for Tony, Owen is an absolute ride or die and he keeps Tony’s secret because he knows how The Registry would treat him. Apparently though, The Registry is getting better, and is more tolerant towards shifters now so Owen has been trying to convince Tony to register so he can live freely instead of hiding who he is.
So on this particular night Allie comes in, not only is it a full moon, but Tony has been left to run the bar by himself because Owen is stuck working at another event later than planned. Tony is already on edge but agreed to stay for another 3 hours because it’s a weeknight so it should be quiet… then of course a bachelor party (or stag do for my fellow Brits) comes in and the bar is indeed very busy. Allie comes in and sees Tony behind the bar, and my guy is FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE trying to catch up with drink orders being thrown his way while also trying not to literally turn into a wolf right there in the bar. Allie notices and when she catches Tony’s eye and he freezes, she offers him a helping hand. She explains she used to be a bartender back in college, and she was new in town and looking for work anyways. Tony accepts and they get to work between them. Tony is feeling some kind of way about Allie, and his inner wolf is screaming “MINE” but he’s absolutely confused by that and more than a little flustered.
Owen eventually returns and immediately tells Tony to go (because, again, full moon) and as Tony goes to leave, Allie pops her head around the door and is like “hey Tony we need more vodka”, Owen is like “excuse me who tf are you” and Allie is all “Tony hired me”, which leaves Owen shook because Tony doesn’t do ‘people’ so it’s super out of character, especially when Tony speaks up and tells Owen he needed another bartender anyways so keep Allie.
Allie follows Tony out the back to ask for his number for “scheduling and stuff” (sure girl, sure), and Tony is MEGA close to shifting, and since his inner wolf is threatening to become an outer wolf, the wolf instinct to claim her kicks in and he legit fucks her up against the wall (but doesn’t give her his number lol, no time). Allie goes back inside to help Owen finish the shift and close up, and Tony barely has time to get his clothes off and hidden under the dumpster outside the bar before he wolfs out. He then FOLLOWS ALLIE HOME and Allie sees him and assumes he’s a really big dog??? (girlie you literally read werewolf smut, you know damn well that’s not “a really big German shepherd”).
So for a while Allie and Tony kinda dance around each other and poor, clueless Tony says and does the wrong damn thing literally every time they speak by mistake. He tries to avoid her for a while by getting Owen to schedule them for different shifts, everything becomes really awkward, even more so when Owen explains to poor, clueless Tony that the reason he feels the way he does about Allie is because she’s his mate. Tony doesn’t know this stuff because he’s only been around one wolf before and that was a wolf he himself turned by accident so he never learned about himself, and honestly he really hates himself which is super sad. So Tony continues avoiding Allie at work for a while because she’s human and he thinks he’s an awful monster who will put her in danger and will have to turn her and ruin her life because who could possibly WANT to be a wolf shifter?? (poor guy needs to give himself a break). His wolf basically says ‘nah mate, she’s mine’ so every night he shifts without knowing, and wakes up naked outside Allie’s house. In one particular instance he actually marks his territory all around her house and leaves a dead animal on her doorstep as a gift, and is mortified when he shifts back to human form and can do nothing but watch as she finds it (I genuinely laughed so hard and had to pause to come onto Goodreads and write an update about it).
Tony’s wolf gets super possessive when he hears that Allie has agreed to go out with a group of guys after her shift at the bar is done. Tony again wolfs out (not a full moon this time, just jealousy) and follows her then scares the guys off when they try to get her to go home with them. He then follows Allie home again and she decides to let the big friendly dog inside for the night then take him to the vet tomorrow and find his owner (YES, SHE STILL THINKS HES A BIG DOG). So Tony spends the night in her bed in wolf form, and the next day when Allie tries to call in sick so she can deal with the “big dog”, Owen comes over instead and sends Allie to work, saying he’ll deal with the dog. He’s then all like ‘wtf bro’ because he knows it’s Tony and after a little chat Owen tells Tony so sort things out with his mate before it’s too late. Unfortunately, those guys Allie had been with when Tony made his appearance are Mages and they knew exactly what Tony was, and report him (unofficially) to The Registry. A Registry Officer named Zed shows up to ask Allie questions about the night but brushes it off pretty easily. That night Tony makes up with Allie and he cooks her a meal but when Allie tells him about her weird questioning about the lovely big dog, Tony freaks out and goes all quiet. Tony knows he has to tell Allie before the next full moon which is in 3 days, but he doesn’t know how to tell her. Turns out the decision ends up being made for him because later on in the evening during ~the sexy times~, Allie gets the sudden urge to bite him, and she does which ends up with Tony going fully feral and biting Allie (uh-oh, oopsies 😏). Tony has a panic attack when he realises what he’s done and Allie calms him down and basically tells him to worry about whatever is wrong tomorrow, snuggles up and falls asleep (yes, despite being an apparent avid werewolf smut reader, she STILL hasn’t figured out what’s going on). Allie wakes up the next morning and is super sick, throws up on her bath mat (which Tony cleans because he’s an absolute sweetie), then sleeps all the way through Wednesday and Thursday daytime into Thursday night. She wakes up to a meal from Tony but accidentally calls him ‘Chief’ which is the name she gave that “big fluffy dog” that night she took him in, because Tony reminds her of the dog (BUT SHE STILL DOESNT GET IT YET! At this point I was screaming “GIRL, TONY IS THE DOG. AND HE’S NOT A DOG HE’S A WOLF”). Tony freaks out and literally smashes the bowl in his hand, which cuts him. Then, FINALLY, Tony comes clean and shows her to prove it because she doesn’t believe him right away. He expects her to be scared but she’s not she’s excited because of course she is, she reads werewolf smut.
After that, everything works out - they shift together under the full moon, they get married, they register with The Registry, and Owen has them open a bar in the basement of The Crypt which is exclusively for supernaturals called ‘Neutral Ground’, which as the name suggests is going to be the only Registry Sanctioned Neutral Ground for all supernaturals to mix and socialise in a safe space. Yay, HEA!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2023
I really liked the basis of A Wolf's Mate Walks Into A Bar, however I feel like the story was super rushed and the instant love connection regardless of them being mates was a huge turn off. There seemed to be a disconnect between the characters and the story. I wish there was more story building around the registry and why exactly Tony hated it. Overall the premise of the book is promising but it lacked depth for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
What initially drew me to this enchanting and addictive book is from the captivating title. "A Wolf's Mate Walks into a Bar" is intriguing, specific, and automatically made me want to know more.
The pacing is PERFECT! I found every single scene interesting and important to push the plot forward. There are no lulls, no parts that bog down or are boring. Nor is the plot too fast.
Every character is well-written, dimensional, and I easily relate to several of them. Tony's broody personality makes sense given his past. Alison's supportive nature of Tony makes sense given how she grew up with supportive parents, empathic nature, and recent obsession with reading shifter romance books. Even Tony's behavior of only confiding in Owen makes sense given how Owen taught Tony everything he knows about shifters. Owen has already proven himself as a loyal friend; and Tony doesn't trust easily.
The author's depiction of the instant attraction between Tony and Alison screams of realistic charm, without over-the-top drama or unrealistic immediate 'love'. Alison is Tony's mate. Of course, it makes sense that Tony will experience that "she is my mate" feelings right away, but in true Tony fashion, he has the feelings but can't put words to it, and relies on one of his only friends--Owen. Every plot point and character interaction is exactly how I would imagine the characters to behave based on the sprinkling of backstory, their narrative thoughts, and past behavior.
Speaking of backstory: I found Tony, Alison's, even Owen's history/backstory as tantalizing glimpses that never overwhelms or pulls me from the current narrative. The histories of the characters are used perfectly to give these characters more dimension, without bogging down the story.
Based on the set-up from this book, a series (Neutral Ground) makes perfect sense for this world! I'm excited to read the rest of the series as I'm pretty much committed at this point!
Lastly, I LOVED every second reading this book. It's totally bingeable and truly a five-star read in my mind. Bonus points for the bisexual rep!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pacing is PERFECT! I found every single scene interesting and important to push the plot forward. There are no lulls, no parts that bog down or are boring. Nor is the plot too fast.
Every character is well-written, dimensional, and I easily relate to several of them. Tony's broody personality makes sense given his past. Alison's supportive nature of Tony makes sense given how she grew up with supportive parents, empathic nature, and recent obsession with reading shifter romance books. Even Tony's behavior of only confiding in Owen makes sense given how Owen taught Tony everything he knows about shifters. Owen has already proven himself as a loyal friend; and Tony doesn't trust easily.
The author's depiction of the instant attraction between Tony and Alison screams of realistic charm, without over-the-top drama or unrealistic immediate 'love'. Alison is Tony's mate. Of course, it makes sense that Tony will experience that "she is my mate" feelings right away, but in true Tony fashion, he has the feelings but can't put words to it, and relies on one of his only friends--Owen. Every plot point and character interaction is exactly how I would imagine the characters to behave based on the sprinkling of backstory, their narrative thoughts, and past behavior.
Speaking of backstory: I found Tony, Alison's, even Owen's history/backstory as tantalizing glimpses that never overwhelms or pulls me from the current narrative. The histories of the characters are used perfectly to give these characters more dimension, without bogging down the story.
Based on the set-up from this book, a series (Neutral Ground) makes perfect sense for this world! I'm excited to read the rest of the series as I'm pretty much committed at this point!
Lastly, I LOVED every second reading this book. It's totally bingeable and truly a five-star read in my mind. Bonus points for the bisexual rep!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2023
Embarking on Keiera Pearson's debut novel, "A Wolf's Mate Walks Into a Bar," felt like taking a journey into the unknown, and boy, was it a ride. Allison's story became my escape from reality, a much-needed break from the mundane.
Allison, a relatable thirty-year-old, led me through the twists and turns of her life, and when she stumbled into that bar in a new city, I couldn't help but get swept away with her. Tony, the handsome yet clueless werewolf behind the bar, added an unexpected thrill to the tale. The chemistry between them wasn't just on the pages; it crackled and sizzled, making me eagerly turn each page.
What I loved most was the seamless blend of the ordinary and the supernatural. Pearson's vivid storytelling painted a picture of a world where romance and werewolves collide. The introduction of a mysterious black dog elevated the intrigue, keeping me hooked and guessing.
The promise of Insta-lust without sacrificing character depth was delivered flawlessly. The spicy scenes were tastefully done, adding just the right amount of heat to the story. Even though this is the first book in the Neutral Ground Series, the groundwork for future installments was well laid out with the promise of different protagonists, recurring characters, and a series that seems set to captivate.
While the plot danced with some familiar tropes, Pearson's unique twists kept things fresh. The writing style struck a balance between formal and casual tones, making it an easy and enjoyable read. However, the pacing during key romantic moments could have been smoother for a more immersive experience.
In conclusion, this was a great introduction to the Neutral Ground Series. Keiera Pearson's debut deserves a solid 4-star rating for whisking me away into a world where love, destiny, and werewolves collide. I can't wait to see what the series has in store for the future.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Allison, a relatable thirty-year-old, led me through the twists and turns of her life, and when she stumbled into that bar in a new city, I couldn't help but get swept away with her. Tony, the handsome yet clueless werewolf behind the bar, added an unexpected thrill to the tale. The chemistry between them wasn't just on the pages; it crackled and sizzled, making me eagerly turn each page.
What I loved most was the seamless blend of the ordinary and the supernatural. Pearson's vivid storytelling painted a picture of a world where romance and werewolves collide. The introduction of a mysterious black dog elevated the intrigue, keeping me hooked and guessing.
The promise of Insta-lust without sacrificing character depth was delivered flawlessly. The spicy scenes were tastefully done, adding just the right amount of heat to the story. Even though this is the first book in the Neutral Ground Series, the groundwork for future installments was well laid out with the promise of different protagonists, recurring characters, and a series that seems set to captivate.
While the plot danced with some familiar tropes, Pearson's unique twists kept things fresh. The writing style struck a balance between formal and casual tones, making it an easy and enjoyable read. However, the pacing during key romantic moments could have been smoother for a more immersive experience.
In conclusion, this was a great introduction to the Neutral Ground Series. Keiera Pearson's debut deserves a solid 4-star rating for whisking me away into a world where love, destiny, and werewolves collide. I can't wait to see what the series has in store for the future.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 16, 2023
I loved this story because Tony is a wolf shifter who doesn't know anything about shifters, so when his mate enters the bar where he works, he doesn't understand his wolf telling him she is his mate.
For the last 15 years Tony has been a solitaire wolf shifter, since his teenager years, when he was turned. And for the last years he has been working with his best frien in his bar, where he has more social interaction than he wants.
He is broody and solitaire but he is still good looking so women try to hook up with him every other night.
Allison moved to the house that her parents have in town, after having to leave the city.
And one night she enters the bar where Tony works thinking about having a drink while reading a book, but seeing him alone with a full bar, she decides to get to work behind the bar with the broody but hansome bartender.
They both feel an instant attraction and little by little we learn about Tony's past and understand why he is the way he is. And the truth is that it is a very well balanced couple since Allison is the right person to be able to get Tony out of his shell.
In this town we will find other paranormal characters, and i hope we will see more of them in future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For the last 15 years Tony has been a solitaire wolf shifter, since his teenager years, when he was turned. And for the last years he has been working with his best frien in his bar, where he has more social interaction than he wants.
He is broody and solitaire but he is still good looking so women try to hook up with him every other night.
Allison moved to the house that her parents have in town, after having to leave the city.
And one night she enters the bar where Tony works thinking about having a drink while reading a book, but seeing him alone with a full bar, she decides to get to work behind the bar with the broody but hansome bartender.
They both feel an instant attraction and little by little we learn about Tony's past and understand why he is the way he is. And the truth is that it is a very well balanced couple since Allison is the right person to be able to get Tony out of his shell.
In this town we will find other paranormal characters, and i hope we will see more of them in future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2023
A Wolf’s Mate Walks Into a Bar is the first installment of the Neutral Ground series and Keiera Pearson’s debut novel. Allison, a relatable thirty-year-old, broke and burned out from her corporate job, reluctantly confesses her troubles to her parents. They encourage her to move into their old house to save on rent and regain her bearings. When she finally goes out and stumbles into a bar in the new city the chemistry in the room soared! Tony, our rough, grumbly, and clueless werewolf bartender, couldn’t believe what landed on his doorstep. A riveting ride through their insta-lust into their beautiful connection as fated mates left readers feeling breathless. I adored Tony’s character. After all, who doesn’t love a bartender who dislikes interacting with customers? This put an interesting twist on the tale as we explored a history of trauma and self-hatred. Though the romance was great, I would have loved to see more world-building. Perhaps some more detailed history on the organization all paranormal creatures register to and why certain factions don’t typically get along. Overall, it is a solid 4-star read setting up for future novels promising new main characters and some returning cameos. Will definitely continue reading this series as it comes out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2023
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
What you get in this book:
- tortured yet possessive MMC
- strong yet lost in life FMC
- loveable side characters
- lust/love at first sight F/M
- as the title suggests, wolfy-typical things (shifting, heightened senses, claiming, primal urges, etc.)
- some smut
- fast paced shorter story, no insane plot twists (again, the title tells you 80% of what to expect)
- a peak into a fascinating world (just enough to make you mad that book 2 isn’t out yet)
A spoiler free quote I’m in love with:
“A good book and my vibrator were way less trouble than trying to find a compatible partner.”
(It’s funny because it’s true 😂😂😂😂)
My thoughts:
Keiera Pearson’s debut book is a fast and easy read. The story is interesting and the world building has a ton of potential when it comes to future books in this universe.
The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is because the flow was a bit choppy in places and the smut felt both rushed and a bit like reading a play-by-play. In future books, I would love to see Pearson flesh these scenes out in future works by showing the reader what’s happening (diving into the sensations, etc.) instead of just telling us.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What you get in this book:
- tortured yet possessive MMC
- strong yet lost in life FMC
- loveable side characters
- lust/love at first sight F/M
- as the title suggests, wolfy-typical things (shifting, heightened senses, claiming, primal urges, etc.)
- some smut
- fast paced shorter story, no insane plot twists (again, the title tells you 80% of what to expect)
- a peak into a fascinating world (just enough to make you mad that book 2 isn’t out yet)
A spoiler free quote I’m in love with:
“A good book and my vibrator were way less trouble than trying to find a compatible partner.”
(It’s funny because it’s true 😂😂😂😂)
My thoughts:
Keiera Pearson’s debut book is a fast and easy read. The story is interesting and the world building has a ton of potential when it comes to future books in this universe.
The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is because the flow was a bit choppy in places and the smut felt both rushed and a bit like reading a play-by-play. In future books, I would love to see Pearson flesh these scenes out in future works by showing the reader what’s happening (diving into the sensations, etc.) instead of just telling us.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 13, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised
I find with a lot of books on KU that they're just kinda meh, but this book really sucked me in. It's not like other PNR/shifter books (super alphahole/overly growls possessive/helpless FMC). I like that we really get a breakdown of Tony's thoughts and emotions. The author really shows how torn he is over what he is and his attraction to Allison. This book has a really interesting take on shifters/magic/PNR that I enjoyed a lot and I cant wait to read the rest of the series.
Some things I didnt like:
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
Tony and Owen having a past doesnt bother me, but it just seemed like it was thrown in at first. Like the author wrote a bunch and then was like "oh this is an interesting twist" and threw it in. Even a sentence earlier on would've made it less abrupt. Like when I read it I flipped back and fourth and read it over and over because I was so confused. I dont care that both the MMC and FMC are bi, but it just seemed thrown in randomly.
Also I am kinda disappointed that we didn't get resolution (at least yet) or even a hint of what happened with Tony's mother and father. I understand sometimes we just don't get all the answers, but it's like a mystery and now I'll just forever wonder what happened to them.
I find with a lot of books on KU that they're just kinda meh, but this book really sucked me in. It's not like other PNR/shifter books (super alphahole/overly growls possessive/helpless FMC). I like that we really get a breakdown of Tony's thoughts and emotions. The author really shows how torn he is over what he is and his attraction to Allison. This book has a really interesting take on shifters/magic/PNR that I enjoyed a lot and I cant wait to read the rest of the series.
Some things I didnt like:
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
*SPOILERS*
Tony and Owen having a past doesnt bother me, but it just seemed like it was thrown in at first. Like the author wrote a bunch and then was like "oh this is an interesting twist" and threw it in. Even a sentence earlier on would've made it less abrupt. Like when I read it I flipped back and fourth and read it over and over because I was so confused. I dont care that both the MMC and FMC are bi, but it just seemed thrown in randomly.
Also I am kinda disappointed that we didn't get resolution (at least yet) or even a hint of what happened with Tony's mother and father. I understand sometimes we just don't get all the answers, but it's like a mystery and now I'll just forever wonder what happened to them.
December 12, 2023
"A Funny and Exciting shifter Romance series"
The storyline is great. You will love the characters! This is a five star plus story.
Tony had a shock when at 16 he turned into a wolf! What was worse he bit his Dad. Also turning him into a wolf shifter too. From then on he looked at himself as a monster.
Years later he meets a man called Owen. Owen later buys a bar and hires Tony as a bartender. Tony turns down every woman who tries to come on to him. Then one day a spunky woman comes into the bar. Tony finds himself, and his inner wolf drawn to her.
Alison is A Sweet and spunky young woman. One day she finds she needs a new break. So her parents give her their former home. Her mother and father had moved because of her Dads job. Her mother encourages Alison aka Allie to get out, and enjoy herself. So she goes to a bar her mom recommends.
This leads her into meeting Tony. Only confuses her when he runs hot then cold towards her! Could fate had a hand in these two meeting? Can Tony over come his past , and fear so fate can work her magic?
You will love this awesome funny, exciting, and steamy hot shifter romance!
The storyline is great. You will love the characters! This is a five star plus story.
Tony had a shock when at 16 he turned into a wolf! What was worse he bit his Dad. Also turning him into a wolf shifter too. From then on he looked at himself as a monster.
Years later he meets a man called Owen. Owen later buys a bar and hires Tony as a bartender. Tony turns down every woman who tries to come on to him. Then one day a spunky woman comes into the bar. Tony finds himself, and his inner wolf drawn to her.
Alison is A Sweet and spunky young woman. One day she finds she needs a new break. So her parents give her their former home. Her mother and father had moved because of her Dads job. Her mother encourages Alison aka Allie to get out, and enjoy herself. So she goes to a bar her mom recommends.
This leads her into meeting Tony. Only confuses her when he runs hot then cold towards her! Could fate had a hand in these two meeting? Can Tony over come his past , and fear so fate can work her magic?
You will love this awesome funny, exciting, and steamy hot shifter romance!
September 18, 2024
Wow! This was a really enjoyable yet different werewolf shifter book! Instead of the usual set up where one or both MC's knows they're a werewolf and is raised that way, in this one, the MMC becomes a werewolf at 16, accidentally bites his father who then also became a werewolf as well, but then goes missing. When the MMC realizes the FMC is his mate and therefore will end up also transforming into a werewolf if their bond is completed, he grapples with the guilt of not knowing exactly what happened with his father and fear of the condition taking over his mate in the same way it took over his father. The book does a real good job showing an adult that really raised himself and has had no parental or social guidance into society. He is incredibly socially awkward and unsure how to go about wooing his mate since he's never been interested in it. This is definitely very realistically, yet somehow endearingly done. The chemistry between him and the FMC is well done and you can feel all the push and pull of being fated, but also faced with the reality and growing pains of being strangers. Really enjoyed this and hope to read more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
4 1/2 stars - This was an engaging and enjoyable story written by a new writer in this genre. I thought she wrote a very good story, the characters were likable and relatable: Allison and Tony our wolf shifter, an interesting storyline, and passionate romantic scenes in this instant-mate paranormal. Allison returned home after burning out and being broke from her corporate job. Allison's parents are allowing her to live in their old home which she's renovating. After a couple of weeks of her mother calling to go out and enjoy her life, Allison agrees and ends up at "The Crypt" a bar. Tony working as a bartender gets a call from his boss asking him to work late. Antsy, since it's a full moon night Tony agrees. Then Tony gets busy when a bachelor party shows up. Allison walks in and sits watching Tony getting further behind. Allison then volunteers to help saying she bartended during college. Tony accepts. What occurs after the bar closes and afterward is an engaging copy, I'd received via Hidden Gems and that I volunteer to read and review.
December 13, 2023
This debut novel was a great start to introduce us to this world. Tony is a shifter that despises who he is because every time he shifts it seems he causes destruction. He has spent years coping with his affliction by being almost a recluse. He hates when other people touch him, he never creates any sort of friendships or bonds until Allison walks into the bar and changes everything. Once Tony see her he can no longer control the wolf inside him and every time they get close he runs away. Allison feels so much for him so soon, but he keeps running leaving her confused and angry. With secrets and so much going on that could be dangerous for them both will they be able to find their happiness or will everything fall apart? This was an intriguing storyline with great characters, anewworld that will be fun to explore, but at times things seemed to easily click for them almost way too easy towards the end when it came to the future aka kids their past relations. Overall I enjoyed Tony and Allisons story and they’re so many other side characters that I would love to read about.
June 10, 2024
The story "A Wolf's Mate Walks into a Bar" while having similar tones to other wolf/mate stories, was quite enjoyable.
The set up was compelling and the plot was quite fun in some way. There aren't any dull or lulling moments, which was a relief.
The characters had very individualistic traits. Without excessive drama or false initial "love," the author's portrayal of our MCs instant infatuation is quite realistic to what happens in the real world. Based on the characters' past actions, narrative ideas, and a bit of backstory, every plot point and character interaction is exactly how I would anticipate them to act. The characters' pasts are expertly utilized to add more depth without overpowering the narrative. In relation to backstories, I think that Tony, Alison, and even Owen offered fascinating tidbits that never overpowered or distracted me from the main storyline.
I'm eager to jump to the next in the series because, at this point, I'm very much interested to see how it all progresses!
The set up was compelling and the plot was quite fun in some way. There aren't any dull or lulling moments, which was a relief.
The characters had very individualistic traits. Without excessive drama or false initial "love," the author's portrayal of our MCs instant infatuation is quite realistic to what happens in the real world. Based on the characters' past actions, narrative ideas, and a bit of backstory, every plot point and character interaction is exactly how I would anticipate them to act. The characters' pasts are expertly utilized to add more depth without overpowering the narrative. In relation to backstories, I think that Tony, Alison, and even Owen offered fascinating tidbits that never overpowered or distracted me from the main storyline.
I'm eager to jump to the next in the series because, at this point, I'm very much interested to see how it all progresses!
December 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and not a cliffhanger ending but the possibility of another story which I am excited about.
A moody, unpredictable and somewhat adorable mix is Tony along with his vulnerable background and inexperience makes a great character to draw Allison towards. Their chemistry, interactions and rollercoaster courtship shall we say is definitely unconventional and yet not smooth sailing. The narrative and storyline was just right mix of humour, frustration, ahh moments, romance, steamy along with a good ensemble of characters to make a very enjoyable read which I will read again. Enough pace to draw you along and keep you interested with moments of page turning and liked the HEA.
Good title and enjoyable supernatural shifter fated romance novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A moody, unpredictable and somewhat adorable mix is Tony along with his vulnerable background and inexperience makes a great character to draw Allison towards. Their chemistry, interactions and rollercoaster courtship shall we say is definitely unconventional and yet not smooth sailing. The narrative and storyline was just right mix of humour, frustration, ahh moments, romance, steamy along with a good ensemble of characters to make a very enjoyable read which I will read again. Enough pace to draw you along and keep you interested with moments of page turning and liked the HEA.
Good title and enjoyable supernatural shifter fated romance novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 12, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, I was absolutely astounded reading this book it was amazing, this story was written well and the characters were really captivating. This story was about Allison, and Tony. This book was truly intriguing with the paranormal shifter and magic, the shifters had to be registered while some slipped through. Tony worked at a bar and his mate just happened to be in the bar, I loved how his mate when he was in his Wolf he kept his distance from her until two guys were with his mate and he needed to ptotect her so he stuck to her like glued, he went into her place and then she stripped to get into PJ's and that was the first time he seen his mate naked and slept next to her all night. In the morning there was a shock on Allison's face when she woke up next to Tony.
Wow, I was absolutely astounded reading this book it was amazing, this story was written well and the characters were really captivating. This story was about Allison, and Tony. This book was truly intriguing with the paranormal shifter and magic, the shifters had to be registered while some slipped through. Tony worked at a bar and his mate just happened to be in the bar, I loved how his mate when he was in his Wolf he kept his distance from her until two guys were with his mate and he needed to ptotect her so he stuck to her like glued, he went into her place and then she stripped to get into PJ's and that was the first time he seen his mate naked and slept next to her all night. In the morning there was a shock on Allison's face when she woke up next to Tony.
December 21, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A different take to a werewolf romance that I really enjoyed. You meet a werewolf that you don't usually see in other books, which is really refreshing and makes this book stand out. I really loved the entirety of this, from the plot to the characters, it was nicely done.
It was also refreshing seeing the characters actually mature and for the most part, making smart decisions for themselves.
One thing that would've made this better for me, was if there was more explanation on the world building, I felt it lacked a little so the last third felt a little rushed, perhaps if the book was longer there could've been that explanation.
Other than that, a standout werewolf romance I will remember and recommend to all :)
A different take to a werewolf romance that I really enjoyed. You meet a werewolf that you don't usually see in other books, which is really refreshing and makes this book stand out. I really loved the entirety of this, from the plot to the characters, it was nicely done.
It was also refreshing seeing the characters actually mature and for the most part, making smart decisions for themselves.
One thing that would've made this better for me, was if there was more explanation on the world building, I felt it lacked a little so the last third felt a little rushed, perhaps if the book was longer there could've been that explanation.
Other than that, a standout werewolf romance I will remember and recommend to all :)
December 26, 2023
Tony is such a mush. He's super conflicted over his wolf's need to claim Allison. He's very much in the dark over his shifter half because he's been a lone wolf his whole life. Allison probably should have slapped him at least once when he came over with the "mine" mindset, but hey, our girl likes spicy paranormal books, so that red flag might be her favorite color. I loved how she took everything in stride when Tony finally told her the whole story. She's such a badass. I also really liked Owen, the bar owner and requisite best friend of Tony's, who helps them both out of some scrapes. Shoutout to the other bartenders at The Crypt, for being quality people. It's no surprise I jumped on the train for book two already!
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this story. All opinions are my own.
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this story. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2024
Allison had just moved to town and decided to grab a drink at a nearby cocktail bar. She sees a bartender all alone with a surprisingly busy weeknight crowd and offers to help although she hasn’t bartended since college. The bartender, Tony, happens to be a wolf shifter and he doesn’t know why but he’s oddly drawn to Allison. Turns out she’s his mate and he has to fight his past trauma and figure out how to come clean to Allison or just deny his instincts and see how long that lasts.
I read the second book before this one so it spoiled a bit of the story but it was no less enjoyable. This is such a fun series with good spice and fun characters and relationships. I wish there was more world building, but with the context it makes sense why there’s not.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read the second book before this one so it spoiled a bit of the story but it was no less enjoyable. This is such a fun series with good spice and fun characters and relationships. I wish there was more world building, but with the context it makes sense why there’s not.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2025
It just doesn't quite work for me
This book has one specific line that almost killed me because I laughed so suddenly and hard. Beyond that it was a bit... Boring. How in the world do you make a bitten werewolf story boring? Neither of the main characters are all that interesting. Owen is a decent side character but not very impressive. I am intrigued by D but that's all down to his mystery status; while he seems like a decent guy side character, we just don't see enough to really make a decision. There isn't nearly enough world building, all the backstory (and related trauma) are just vague hints for the most part, and the lack of communication is just ridiculous. It is not the worst book I've read this year by a long shot but it's not even remotely close to the best either.
This book has one specific line that almost killed me because I laughed so suddenly and hard. Beyond that it was a bit... Boring. How in the world do you make a bitten werewolf story boring? Neither of the main characters are all that interesting. Owen is a decent side character but not very impressive. I am intrigued by D but that's all down to his mystery status; while he seems like a decent guy side character, we just don't see enough to really make a decision. There isn't nearly enough world building, all the backstory (and related trauma) are just vague hints for the most part, and the lack of communication is just ridiculous. It is not the worst book I've read this year by a long shot but it's not even remotely close to the best either.
November 28, 2023
This is a book about two lonely people who find each other in funny and mostly awkward circumstances.
Allison is starting afresh whilst Tony hasn’t started to live properly since he was turned into a wolf shifter.
This is a well-written debut with some really great scenes. The awkward ones where Tony doesn’t know how to communicate are written very well as they inspire emotion. You feel so sorry for the guy but at the same time you feel like shouting at him to tell Allison how he feels! Once her does talk to her then their dialogue is fresh and intense.
This is a great start to the series and there are plenty of secondary characters that could have their own story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Allison is starting afresh whilst Tony hasn’t started to live properly since he was turned into a wolf shifter.
This is a well-written debut with some really great scenes. The awkward ones where Tony doesn’t know how to communicate are written very well as they inspire emotion. You feel so sorry for the guy but at the same time you feel like shouting at him to tell Allison how he feels! Once her does talk to her then their dialogue is fresh and intense.
This is a great start to the series and there are plenty of secondary characters that could have their own story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 11, 2023
This is the authors debut book and it was so good. I am so looking forward to the next 6 books in the series. You really feel for the Tony (the mmc) and how he hated what he was until he found his mate and he finally told her that he was a wolf, and she readily accepted him. I really liked Allison (the fmc) and Owen the bar owner and Tony's best friend . I also really liked D. This book has humans. wolfs, mages and others. I would definitely recommend this book. I sat down and read it in one sitting.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2023
Loved Tony and Allison’s story ! It had heat, anger, love and angst . Lot’s of humor as well as an easy to follow plot and a great set up for what I hope will be book 2 of a very long series. I do wish for a bit more world building, as it would help flesh out the reasons Tony doesn’t want anyone to know he’s a wolf shifter, but other than that, I completely enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book in the series . 4✨’s I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2023
3.5
" As a kid, I always thought life would be so much easier as an adult, but at thirty-one, it was still such a fucking struggle "
It was a pleasant surprised. I really liked the Author's style, the story was interesting and I was involved very quickly.
I am just a bit disappointed by the last 80-ish pages that felt somewhat rushed, especially the last chapters.
Overall a cute quick original Shifter reading
For you if you like
🐺 Shifter
💍Mate
🏳️🌈Rep main characters
😨Angst
⏭️Dual pov
🌶Spice
💒HEA
🪄Magic
" As a kid, I always thought life would be so much easier as an adult, but at thirty-one, it was still such a fucking struggle "
It was a pleasant surprised. I really liked the Author's style, the story was interesting and I was involved very quickly.
I am just a bit disappointed by the last 80-ish pages that felt somewhat rushed, especially the last chapters.
Overall a cute quick original Shifter reading
For you if you like
🐺 Shifter
💍Mate
🏳️🌈Rep main characters
😨Angst
⏭️Dual pov
🌶Spice
💒HEA
🪄Magic
December 12, 2023
Tony learns at the age of sixteen that he is a werewolf and doesn't take it well. He finally comes to terms about what he is especially when he crosses paths with Allison who he founds out is his mate. This intriguing paranormal tale kept me glued to the pages and cheering for Tony and Allison to get their chance for happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2024
A solid shifter romance from a debute author. I liked that the book had some of it's own world building both societal and with shapeshifting. The characters were a nice blend of strong and damaged, and it was nice to see their characters grow, as well as their relationship build. Overall, an enjoyable story and I look forward to more installments in the series. *I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 28, 2024
Easy light read following the love story of Tony and Allison. It's not really romantic and there are no earth shattering sexy scenes, but its more a story about a man struggling with his place in the world. He needs to battle so many demons to realise he can be emotionally vulnerable to those who care about him - friends and colleagues included. So when he meets Allison in a bar one night, it sets off a set of events which make him unpick the broken and lonely man he is to be a better one.
June 14, 2025
Dnf at 38%
This is plainly not good writing. The idea of a “cowardly” werewolf is interesting especially with the trauma that Tony suffered as a teenager. However both of these characters are supposed to be in their thirties but they both come off like teens with no real depth to them. The dialogue is not realistic to how people talk and the spice is lacking like she said “he licked down there”.
This is plainly not good writing. The idea of a “cowardly” werewolf is interesting especially with the trauma that Tony suffered as a teenager. However both of these characters are supposed to be in their thirties but they both come off like teens with no real depth to them. The dialogue is not realistic to how people talk and the spice is lacking like she said “he licked down there”.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews