Whenever things get tough, I bail. Every new situation I find myself in, I have an exit strategy. Because I know what could happen if I don’t.
Things are about to get bad, and I don’t understand how or why. I’m in a new place, surrounded by strangers who know nothing about me or my past. I’ve developed a life for myself where no one could suspect a thing out of the ordinary. I fit in—or, at least, try to. But here I am, ready to run.
Let’s just hope I do so in time.
***Oliver
I didn’t ask to be in these shoes. In fact, I was thoroughly looking forward to a life of little more than personal responsibility. I never saw my future tied to this place, no matter how much it is a part of me. The responsibility was thrust upon me, and with no one else left to step up, I had no choice. These are my people—my family—and this is my home. I couldn’t turn my back, even if I wanted to. That’s a type of betrayal I would never be able to stomach.
Any semblance of my plans years ago have fallen by the wayside, but that’s the nature of the beast—and I am the beast.
Times are changing. I can feel it in my bones. I just hope we are ready and I am capable of protecting those who rely on me.
Lydia Maine spent her childhood building fairy houses and arguing the existence of dragons. A few decades into that childhood, and life doesn't look much different. She writes in cursive and drives stick shift. Some days, she wears all black with purple lipstick and goes to seedy dive bars, while others she dons vibrant sundresses and dances through fields of wildflowers. Everything, to her, is an adventure, so it's no surprise she now writes about such. It's only a shame she has to add in the description of "paranormal" or "fantasy" now.
Lydia's writing is either the cause or result of her insomnia. Her books reflect traumas she has experienced and some she will never know. She draws on the mundane to further glorify the fantastical lives she would rather be living, leaving small pieces of herself in each story she tells.
“Such lovely little four-letter words that could change your life. Love. Hate. Wolf. Mate. Bond. Lies.”
Run. is the first book in the Wulver Rising series.
There was a lot of character building, world building, history of werewolves & different werewolf packs, as well as character development in this book. I really enjoyed how the werewolves and their history was different from the other werewolf / shifter books I’ve read.
The book is told in two POV, Lya and Oliver. I liked how all of the chapters had both of their POV. Both Lya and Oliver were well introduced and established characters with interesting backstories.
The romance between Lya and Oliver was well written. I liked how the romance wasn’t the main part of the plot but it was present throughout the whole book. I enjoyed the slow burn element. There were a few spicy scenes.
I liked how Lya wasn’t a damsel in distress and how she was ready to fight and make hard decisions. Oliver was at times a bit annoying and overbearing, but that’s how werewolf alphas are usually portrayed.
The supporting characters were interesting and helped to move the plot forward. I would love to learn more about a few of them.
The plot itself was interesting and kept me hooked from the first pages to the end. Overall, I really enjoyed the book.
I would have liked to see trigger warnings listed on the book itself. Especially since there were some heavy topics like suicidal ideation.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
This is a well written shifter story with a unique take. The author brings strong characters in Oliver and Lya along with a great cast of supporting characters. She takes you into the Wulver pack as well as the romance between Oliver and Lya with action and suspense and delivers a terrific read. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I think that I have been reading eating and sleeping, dreaming of this book.
I read the preview of this book and grabbed it, then I had a very awful thing happen in my life and this book actually helped me get through the heart breaking reality of life that was handed to me.
This is a really great book with a great FMC who has gone through some really tough things in life and has kept herself from having the type of life that we all deserve, and becomes a kick ass woman in the end.
The MMC is the type of man that we all want to be our fated mate. He's a man who is kind, serious, un macho, understanding and secretly scared of pushing too hard for what he knows is perfect for the both of them and totally willing to go at her pace and not just try to make it go at his pace.
It's a great paranormal romance with a great hea, and can easily lead into several other books for a beautiful series regarding the other characters in this book.
I loved being able to get out of my head and into this story so much that it became my escape and my dream of finding someone who fits me as well as they fit each other.
I know that this is a book that I will re-read several times over.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Run is full of action, suspense, and romance. The author crafted a unique take on the origins of werewolves with the Wulver pack and their evolution through time. It was refreshing to have a different take on the origins and very clever of the author! The romance part of the story between Oliver and Lya is woven nicely throughout the plot. I would say the spice level is only a two though, with a few spicy scenes throughout the novel. Lya is written as a great heroine and is not overly whiny or annoying. Oliver, at times, can come across as the annoying alpha, but when do they not?!? There is a large cast of secondary characters that is somewhat hard to keep up with, but it is possible the more you read. There are also a lot of chosen versus fated mates to keep up with, but I’m not sure they are a major component of the story. Overall, the novel is a great story about werewolves that is not the overly typical werewolf novel.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had the privilege of beta reading this title -- I absolutely loved every moment of the book. The plot was well thought out and the romance was on point! Without offering spoilers, I really appreciated the direction that was taken by the author for the story. It is a shifter romance, but it was refreshingly different than any other shifter romance I have ever read. I cannot wait for the rest of the series!!!
Running is all Lya has done, but given the fact that she hasn't had much choice other than to run makes your heart hurt for her.
This story follows a young woman who has been running most of her life. Running from mistakes. Running from hard times. Running from people. Running from relationships. And most importantly running from what and who she truly is. In fact - she has no desire to come to understand what she is or why she is the way she is.....because it terrifies her.
In all her running Lya has created a world in which she is largely alone and without a support system.
And after what happened with her fiance Lya feels she is forced to run even when her friend offers to help her, says he understands. And that is just what she does - runs.
Never, did she imagine when she run out on her friend while he got gas at a convenience store that he and his brother would run after her. That they would save her from herself and introduce her to a life where she does not have to continue to run.
Interesting take on shifters. Interesting story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an innovative take on the timeless realm of werewolves! This book is a true gem, expertly crafted and sure to captivate readers of all stripes. The characters are masterfully written, each one richly developed and imbued with depth. From the very first page, the storyline grabs hold and refuses to let go, keeping the reader eagerly turning pages late into the night.
This refreshing and engaging read is a testament to the author's talent for storytelling. I found myself completely immersed in the world she created, eagerly anticipating each new twist and turn. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery, coupled with the allure of romance amidst a backdrop of mystery and intrigue, makes for an irresistible combination.
This book offers a unique perspective on shifter romances, veering off the beaten path to deliver something truly special. It's this deviation from the norm that sets it apart and makes it a standout in its genre. If you're a fan of shifters or simply love a good, gripping story, then look no further. I can't wait to see what the next installment has in store!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lya had no idea who or what she was. At one point she thought she might have been schizophrenic because there was a voice in her head. She was really a werewolf. After a traumatic experience she tried to cut off all connection to her wolf half. That's in her life on an unstable trajectory. Alpha Oliver gets a call about a rogue werewolf that could possibly be a danger. We're waiting for a member of his pack to bring the Rogue to him there's an attack that almost cost the Rogue it's life. Unrecognized Mate, ancient bloodlines, family betrayal and lots of fear. I would have enjoyed the steam level being up a little more. But it was still really really good book. Lya is one strong badass female that can hold her own. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book, look forward to more and to discovering the story of the Wulver Pack through the stories of their pack members. Lya and Oliver work well against each other and together as more of their back story is revealed as the narrative unfolds. An unusual werewolf adventure with good cast of interesting characters, mischief, humour, intrigue, vulnerable imperfect protagonists and a very enjoyable tale. One to return to as lots covered with 40 chapters and yet not overloaded with details as some books fluff up the word count. I especially like how Oliver describes Lya as not requiring a knight in shining armour, she just needed a sword and forged her own.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm trying to be patient She didn't know the truth
It's not like ANYONE was honest with her And yes, all of you are guilty! Running would be my first instinct as well if I had friends like you
When she and Oliver finally connect though... Hades level smexy
The betrayals that occur here cut deep Most I didn't see coming Not hide nor hair of Absolutely no clue - until it was too late
And the twist? Just wait for it Blew me away
There are some pretty dark moments for Lya. But don't worry she's a tough cookie and once she commits to something Nothing will stop her
I admit it did take a few chapters to connect with the cast There was a lot of worldbuilding and character introduction going on in the first few chapters No lack of action or surprises though A few new takes on the shifter genre
As everything began to fall into place I couldn't put it down
Lya and Oliver's pasts were not the simple kind. Being shifters rarely allows for that, but for these two, it molded them into who they are now. Fate brings them together and shows them that they are fated for one another. At the heart of this story, the romance is so sweet between these two and it was nice to see what they could be for one another. With a unique take on the shifter origins, I enjoyed learning about the Wulver pack and our two main characters. I look forward to more from this author and this world in future books!
This was an amazing shifter romance. I was reading it now stop. It's the story of Lya and Oliver. Lya is a shifter wolf that doesn't know what she is or the fact she is a shifter. Oliver is a Alpha who has a pack that deals with rogues. My heart went out to Lya but her story makes you root for her. When she meets Oliver both of their lives change. I am looking forward to reading the next book. I look forward to seeing Lya as an Alpha and Luna. I recommend you read this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Run is the first book in the Wulver Rising series. My view of the book has not changed since I read it in March 2024. This book is a page-turner with characters that grow on you from their first introduction to the high drama, social-political activities, intense drama, paranormal-supernatural goings on, lots of action, love, romance, steamy romance, and much more. I could not put it down.
I just read book two, Chase, and I look forward to book three!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this story. While at its heart it is a fated mates story where 2 mates meet under interesting circumstances, both had hardship in their past that makes them such interesting characters. Both of these two are holding secrets and surprises for each other and the rest of the characters. Drama, secrets, surprises, wolves, hunters, secrets packs and so much more made the story so so hard to put down. Loved the twists and characters.
Oliver has been told about a rogue she-wolf and they think is a threat to their kind, how will he deal with it? Lya didn't know she was something other than human, and she has been hating and hiding the other half of herself. Can it work out for Lya? Or is she fated to fail? Or go on the Run again? I enjoyed this story, the drama, secrets, sizzle, romance and Lya's strength.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fantastic paranormal wolf shifter romance I thoroughly enjoyed from page one. It's well written, will keep you turning the pages until you reach the very end. Then you'll wish you hadn't read it so fast because you didn't want to end, but you'll be waiting impatiently for the next one. The characters are well developed and if you're like me, you'll fall in love with them. I can't wait to read book two.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Lya and Oliver's story. Murder, suspense, secrets and more. Ever want to run from everything? This story shows what it takes to try not to run. How two people that have some of the same issues come together to figure it out what is going on. Take the twist of wolf shifters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Others have written good summaries if you like to know. What I found interesting was that this was a very well paced book, without a cliffhanger and so well written with string characters that I want to read the next one. I wasn’t forced to read the next one because there is a cliffhanger but because it has such a good world.
loved it !! a great start for a new series !!! what a new take on werewolves.... so compelling ... so interesting... fated mates ... and so much more ... so good !!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Run. Wulver Rising is a great paranormal read. The author drags you along in this book and you can't help but fall for the characters. I can't wait to read more.
Run is the first book in the Wulver Rising series. This book is a page-turner with characters that grow on you from their first introduction to the high drama, social-political activities, intense drama, paranormal-supernatural goings on, lots of action, love, romance, steamy romance, and much more. I could not put it down.
I look forward to more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.