What do you think?
Rate this book
Fake it until you make it. Go the extra mile.
Whatever you do, don’t let them see you sweat.
Henri
When the King of the Wolves realizes I am grossly underqualified to be the pack publicist, I will be so fired.
I can’t lose this job. Even if that means spending nearly every day with the notorious Alden playboy. Someone has to keep him from damaging the positive public image I’ve worked so hard to craft for wolf shifters.
Working with James “Deacon” Alden shouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately, my boyfriend’s trust issues are proving to be an obstacle I hadn’t accounted for.
Deacon
This life — if we can call it that — with the “gift” of seeing the ancestors, is hard, even on the best days. The days I get to see her.
From the shadows, I’ve seen to it that my family is safe and settled, but there’s one last thing standing in my way out of this existence.
Henri Greene, the newest member of our found family, has proven that she, too, needs saving.
But some people, you just can’t save. Is Henri destined to be one of them?
Smog is the fifth book in The Ardelean Bloodline series. Each book in The Ardelean Bloodline will need to be read in order. There are open-door, explicit scenes as well as colorful language not intended for young readers.
Whatever you do, don’t let them see you sweat.
Henri
When the King of the Wolves realizes I am grossly underqualified to be the pack publicist, I will be so fired.
I can’t lose this job. Even if that means spending nearly every day with the notorious Alden playboy. Someone has to keep him from damaging the positive public image I’ve worked so hard to craft for wolf shifters.
Working with James “Deacon” Alden shouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately, my boyfriend’s trust issues are proving to be an obstacle I hadn’t accounted for.
Deacon
This life — if we can call it that — with the “gift” of seeing the ancestors, is hard, even on the best days. The days I get to see her.
From the shadows, I’ve seen to it that my family is safe and settled, but there’s one last thing standing in my way out of this existence.
Henri Greene, the newest member of our found family, has proven that she, too, needs saving.
But some people, you just can’t save. Is Henri destined to be one of them?
Smog is the fifth book in The Ardelean Bloodline series. Each book in The Ardelean Bloodline will need to be read in order. There are open-door, explicit scenes as well as colorful language not intended for young readers.
742 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2024
About the author
Sarah Jaeger
7 books67 followersSarah Jaeger is a human being from the Upper Midwest, even though she is certain she was born to be a shifter. A dreamer since birth, the idea for the Ardelean Bloodlines popped into Sarah’s teenage brain and refused to leave. Finally, that idea is taking shape in the form of a fully-fledged paranormal romance series. When she’s not writing, Sarah likes to recharge with solid TV show binges, playing cards and games with her family, and caring for her fur babies. Stay in touch with Sarah on her website or social media.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 18, 2024
This book, these characters, healed a part of my soul I didn't know needed healing.
Deacon's struggles with life reflects so much of my own. While we have entirely different coping mechanisms, the stuff he has floating around in his head was me during my teenage years. I'm doing a lot better, but I've also never quite been able to talk about any of it. Deacon's struggles were highly relatable and thus extremely personal and emotional to read about. Sarah wrote Deacon's road to recovery so beautifully, she has given me the words to describe my own minefield in my head.
Henri is a beautiful soul. The way she reads Deacon like a book is a blessing any one of us hopes to find one day. Her own struggles with her ex and her emotional growth were hard but beautiful to read about.
Kudos to Sarah Jaeger for writing another beautiful, heartbreaking, wholesome, funny, tough book. You even made me finally like Finn!
I want to be part of the Alden pack and hang out with Cade, Thalia, Lena, Finn, Deacon, and Henri. I'm so attached to these characters, I'm always so sad when I finish a book and have to wait a while until the next time I can see them again.
I'm not entirely okay after reading this book. This was definitely the book that hit closest to home for me. But as I said in the beginning, it healed a part of me I didn't know needed healing. So thank you, Sarah ❤️. And I can't wait for book 6 :)
Deacon's struggles with life reflects so much of my own. While we have entirely different coping mechanisms, the stuff he has floating around in his head was me during my teenage years. I'm doing a lot better, but I've also never quite been able to talk about any of it. Deacon's struggles were highly relatable and thus extremely personal and emotional to read about. Sarah wrote Deacon's road to recovery so beautifully, she has given me the words to describe my own minefield in my head.
Henri is a beautiful soul. The way she reads Deacon like a book is a blessing any one of us hopes to find one day. Her own struggles with her ex and her emotional growth were hard but beautiful to read about.
Kudos to Sarah Jaeger for writing another beautiful, heartbreaking, wholesome, funny, tough book. You even made me finally like Finn!
I want to be part of the Alden pack and hang out with Cade, Thalia, Lena, Finn, Deacon, and Henri. I'm so attached to these characters, I'm always so sad when I finish a book and have to wait a while until the next time I can see them again.
I'm not entirely okay after reading this book. This was definitely the book that hit closest to home for me. But as I said in the beginning, it healed a part of me I didn't know needed healing. So thank you, Sarah ❤️. And I can't wait for book 6 :)
August 10, 2024
Henri was raised by humans and doesn't fully embrace the part of her that is wolf. She doesn't listen to her wolf and her abusive human boyfriend makes her unable to see the truth of her situation clearly. Henri has to work through her doubt about Deacon wanting her. He's so patient with her while she gets comfortable with the idea of them. Even though he's direct about it, she keeps denying it to herself. Until she can't.
Do not pick this up without checking the content notes; quite a few triggers If you like wolf shifters, read this series. Don't balk at the page length. I promise they go quick. Immersive world building, superb character and relationship growth. Author is excellent at drawing out the tension of a threat while not lingering on it too long when it eventually hits.
And she does a remarkable job of balancing hard topics, emotional intimacy, and smoking hot spicy times.
Do not pick this up without checking the content notes; quite a few triggers If you like wolf shifters, read this series. Don't balk at the page length. I promise they go quick. Immersive world building, superb character and relationship growth. Author is excellent at drawing out the tension of a threat while not lingering on it too long when it eventually hits.
And she does a remarkable job of balancing hard topics, emotional intimacy, and smoking hot spicy times.
August 5, 2024
We finally get a love interest for Deacon! I was so happy when I know this book was coming out! He is probably the most interesting of the 3 siblings and I couldn't wait for more on him. There was so many things that I wanted confirmation on about him and we got some of that confirmed. This book was a lot less edgier than I thought it would be. It felt like it was missing some of the depth that was got in the pervious four books in this series. With Deacon being probably the darkest of the all of them so far I expected a little more. Though depression and the other things that he went through were definitely tough. I didn't think we really got much into what his wolf can do. I was waiting for a moment where he "got it" like everything made sense and him and his wolf just meshed and became even more of a force to be reckoned with. I don't think that ever came to pass though. I almost felt left on a cliff hanger with the ending. Also, I know we all as readers hate the miscommunication trope but in this series, I felt it was used perfectly! These characters are flawed and were trying to cover together and work through differences and trauma to make their relationships work. We saw it with Cade & Thalia, Lena & Finn and in Ansel & Morrigan's stories but for some reason not here. It didn't seem like Henri and Deacon had much on the disagreement and learning stage front. Other than when Nathan was involved their conversations with each other went smoothly. It's weird to want the characters to argue but being that Deacon comes with baggage and so did Henri, the lack of arguments and or at least misunderstandings was...different. This book just felt overall softer than I imagined it would be.
The spice was ok. I also think there was a little less here than the previous books. Not in number but in literal heat. Lena and Finn burned the pages up, even in their disagreements. I give this book a 2 for the spice. Overall I give this one a 3 out of 5. It was probably my least favorite from this series. I do hope we get more in the series because I really want to see Revecca and Magnus actually make things work and also Dinah and Ezra! Moving away from the main group would be interesting. I loved seeing a different group of people like we did with Ansel while still having them pop up to remind us of how much we love them! Not to mention the mystery of why everyone was switched and mixed up like how they were! Definitely recommend this series as it's a great shifter series!!
The spice was ok. I also think there was a little less here than the previous books. Not in number but in literal heat. Lena and Finn burned the pages up, even in their disagreements. I give this book a 2 for the spice. Overall I give this one a 3 out of 5. It was probably my least favorite from this series. I do hope we get more in the series because I really want to see Revecca and Magnus actually make things work and also Dinah and Ezra! Moving away from the main group would be interesting. I loved seeing a different group of people like we did with Ansel while still having them pop up to remind us of how much we love them! Not to mention the mystery of why everyone was switched and mixed up like how they were! Definitely recommend this series as it's a great shifter series!!
July 23, 2024
Smog is simply another reminder of why I am head of heels for romance, specifically Sarah Jaeger’s works.
Deacon and Henri’s story was a journey of overcoming and healing from your trauma, finding yourself and learning that sometimes life is hard but there are so many reasons for living. As the fourth couple in this series, and my most anticipated, it did not fail!
Sarah Jaeger’s writing is wonderful. She is true to her characters, their age and circumstances which makes it all the more easy to fall into the story and fully escape. I found myself frustrated with the character but then the next moment realizing that the way they reacted was true who they are and what they were overcoming in the present moment.
I clicked to the last page in my kindle and took a deep breath, before I said wow. That’s how her books leave me feeling—seen, heard, and blown away that it’s over when I truly just want to climb into their world. Also, I’ve never wanted banana bread more than I do right now haha.
If you’ve not read Smoke, the first in the series, and you enjoy traditional shifter romance or want to dip your toes in. This is the series you want to pick up. It brought me right back to the very first shifter series I ever read and how it made me feel. And I’ll chase that feeling forever!
Thank you @flyingpigpr for the ARC and thank you @author.sarahjaeger for sharing your characters with us and writing a damn good book!
Deacon and Henri’s story was a journey of overcoming and healing from your trauma, finding yourself and learning that sometimes life is hard but there are so many reasons for living. As the fourth couple in this series, and my most anticipated, it did not fail!
Sarah Jaeger’s writing is wonderful. She is true to her characters, their age and circumstances which makes it all the more easy to fall into the story and fully escape. I found myself frustrated with the character but then the next moment realizing that the way they reacted was true who they are and what they were overcoming in the present moment.
I clicked to the last page in my kindle and took a deep breath, before I said wow. That’s how her books leave me feeling—seen, heard, and blown away that it’s over when I truly just want to climb into their world. Also, I’ve never wanted banana bread more than I do right now haha.
If you’ve not read Smoke, the first in the series, and you enjoy traditional shifter romance or want to dip your toes in. This is the series you want to pick up. It brought me right back to the very first shifter series I ever read and how it made me feel. And I’ll chase that feeling forever!
Thank you @flyingpigpr for the ARC and thank you @author.sarahjaeger for sharing your characters with us and writing a damn good book!
August 18, 2024
I love this world. I love Sarah's storytelling. I want to be a part of this family somehow.
I am sure Deacon crawls into just about everyone's (readers) hearts from book 1. Where Lena has a shell that makes it hard to love, Cade is the very busy and serious Alpha; I think Deacon is the glue that keeps his family members together. He's the cooker, jokester, and somehow the person his in-laws turn to to get the scoop on to cheer up their mates. Finn, I am mostly looking at you.
Book 1 also introduces Henrietta, the pack publicist who's amazing at what she does. She stays in the background, working very hard. I did not realize she had caught the eyes of our boy Dea until the end of the previous book. A couple of stalkers these two are.
There is one problem, however, and that is Henri is unavailable. She has a long-term human boyfriend, Nathan...who hates wolves.
Working hard to change the narrative of the "playboy" Deacon Alden, and just the general public image of wolf shifters, Henri --having been raised by humans--has to navigate what it's like being a wolf, dealing with her overbearing boyfriend, and her attraction for Mr. Dea.
I can't tell you which book is my favorite, but it might be this one. I enjoyed the specific hurdles in this storyline. Of course, it's also good to come back to this world. I can't say this enough - if you are big into found-family and shifter romance, please pick up this series! Start with Smoke.
I am sure Deacon crawls into just about everyone's (readers) hearts from book 1. Where Lena has a shell that makes it hard to love, Cade is the very busy and serious Alpha; I think Deacon is the glue that keeps his family members together. He's the cooker, jokester, and somehow the person his in-laws turn to to get the scoop on to cheer up their mates. Finn, I am mostly looking at you.
Book 1 also introduces Henrietta, the pack publicist who's amazing at what she does. She stays in the background, working very hard. I did not realize she had caught the eyes of our boy Dea until the end of the previous book. A couple of stalkers these two are.
There is one problem, however, and that is Henri is unavailable. She has a long-term human boyfriend, Nathan...who hates wolves.
Working hard to change the narrative of the "playboy" Deacon Alden, and just the general public image of wolf shifters, Henri --having been raised by humans--has to navigate what it's like being a wolf, dealing with her overbearing boyfriend, and her attraction for Mr. Dea.
I can't tell you which book is my favorite, but it might be this one. I enjoyed the specific hurdles in this storyline. Of course, it's also good to come back to this world. I can't say this enough - if you are big into found-family and shifter romance, please pick up this series! Start with Smoke.
July 27, 2024
Smog is the fifth book in the Ardlean Bloodline Series, a PNR wolf shifter-based saga that follows four characters and their mates––Books 2 and 3 are the same couple. In Smog, readers will delve deeper into Deacon’s life. We know that Deacon, a wolf shifter, has “the gift” and can see and speak to their ancestors. He has struggled with having this gift along with other challenges and uses other substances to suppress it. Though family and friends are aware and have tried to help, Deacon continues functioning without care for his life. However, when he meets Henri, the publicist and fellow shifter who he refuses to believe is his mate, he finally questions his life and choices.
Similarly, Henri has been suppressing something as a natural part of her instead of embracing it. Both she and Deacon connect and help each other and, at times, enable. But they find their path through many challenging bumps in the road.
Smog is very different than Book 1. All the books are lengthy, but Smog is heavy in the themes discussed. At times, I thought the story was quite loquacious, but overall, I was entertained.
Similarly, Henri has been suppressing something as a natural part of her instead of embracing it. Both she and Deacon connect and help each other and, at times, enable. But they find their path through many challenging bumps in the road.
Smog is very different than Book 1. All the books are lengthy, but Smog is heavy in the themes discussed. At times, I thought the story was quite loquacious, but overall, I was entertained.
August 1, 2024
This book is my most anticipated book of 2024. And it lived up to every part of the hype I was expecting.
Deacon is trying so hard and taking care of everyone he loved. He pushes his needs down, aside, away. Henri is such a great character and an example of strength and vulnerability. She underestimates herself, and Deacon is there to give her her power back. These two are why I love fated mates stories so much. They complete one another.
About the storyline itself, I enjoyed the way Sarah played with time in this book. Referencing parts from the first three books and then taking place during part of the fourth book. It is always cool to see the other perspectives of what is happening in the same larger plot line.
To keep this short, Deacon and Henri are my favorite so far. I enjoyed watching Deacon's relationship with his wolf and himself grow and strengthen. I enjoyed the journey.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy fated mates, shifter romance, spicy spice, found family, and so much more.
Deacon is trying so hard and taking care of everyone he loved. He pushes his needs down, aside, away. Henri is such a great character and an example of strength and vulnerability. She underestimates herself, and Deacon is there to give her her power back. These two are why I love fated mates stories so much. They complete one another.
About the storyline itself, I enjoyed the way Sarah played with time in this book. Referencing parts from the first three books and then taking place during part of the fourth book. It is always cool to see the other perspectives of what is happening in the same larger plot line.
To keep this short, Deacon and Henri are my favorite so far. I enjoyed watching Deacon's relationship with his wolf and himself grow and strengthen. I enjoyed the journey.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy fated mates, shifter romance, spicy spice, found family, and so much more.
August 1, 2024
I patiently waited for Deacon's book or kinda patiently.... It was everything I wanted it to be and more!! This series continues to be one of my favorite shifter series for sure! The size of this book may be intimidating but the journey within the pages is so raw and worth every turn of the page! SJ's writing style makes it so easy to love the characters and how each of them unravel with their own demons to overcome everything they fear.
My poor Deacon deserves the world and Henri does not leave any of his corners darkened. She is definitely the light he needed to overcome all he has struggled with in life and with his gift. With that being said Henri overcame her own obstacles and the 'dead' weight she carried around from her past. These two shifters are a prime example of life is hard but there are so countless reasons for living including yourselves and those who love you!
My poor Deacon deserves the world and Henri does not leave any of his corners darkened. She is definitely the light he needed to overcome all he has struggled with in life and with his gift. With that being said Henri overcame her own obstacles and the 'dead' weight she carried around from her past. These two shifters are a prime example of life is hard but there are so countless reasons for living including yourselves and those who love you!
August 18, 2024
The Ardelean Bloodline series is one of my all time favorite wolf shifter series. Deacon has been one of my favorite characters throughout the series and he’s also been a bit of mystery. His gift is complicated and it’s lead him to some dark places.
Henri has been in “fake it until you make it” mode since she became the pack PR person. She’s dealing with a toxic boyfriend and reaches her breaking point.
I loved how these two souls came together. You will feel so many emotions reading this book. We really get to see Deacon’s sweet (and spicy!!) side. Henri is an amazing FMC and I loved the way she connected with Deacon.
The mental health/discussions in this book felt so real. These two characters were hurting and it felt raw and gritty but also is a beautiful story. There some very tough topics discussed so I would check those TWs first before reading.
The entire series is full of found family and I love all of these characters so much! Be sure and read the epilogue!!
✨What to Expect
👻Paranormal Romance
🐺Shifter Romance
💚Age Gap
💋Forced Proximity
🩶Morally Grey MMC
❤️🩹Hurt/Comfort
💙Found Family
💜Mental Health Rep
Henri has been in “fake it until you make it” mode since she became the pack PR person. She’s dealing with a toxic boyfriend and reaches her breaking point.
I loved how these two souls came together. You will feel so many emotions reading this book. We really get to see Deacon’s sweet (and spicy!!) side. Henri is an amazing FMC and I loved the way she connected with Deacon.
The mental health/discussions in this book felt so real. These two characters were hurting and it felt raw and gritty but also is a beautiful story. There some very tough topics discussed so I would check those TWs first before reading.
The entire series is full of found family and I love all of these characters so much! Be sure and read the epilogue!!
✨What to Expect
👻Paranormal Romance
🐺Shifter Romance
💚Age Gap
💋Forced Proximity
🩶Morally Grey MMC
❤️🩹Hurt/Comfort
💙Found Family
💜Mental Health Rep
July 7, 2024
Sarah has been edging us with Deacon for 4 books now, and now we finally get to see Deacon's inner workings. I had realized that Deacon had some trauma, but it hadn't quite clicked how that had effected him as a wolf. The other thing is Deacon loves HARD, he's continuously fought his demons to see his family happy, and now they are. Therefore Deacon is ready to take the final nap, that is until Henri Greene, his brother's right hand woman is clearly in trouble and his wolf won't let him rest until he handles that problem as well.
I always go into Sarah's books wondering what she's going to surprise me with, in the past books Deacon has come off as an aloof stoner just trying to survive day by day, but seeing his dedication to Henri ontop of his family just made my grinch heart grow 3 times. Then to see the work he did to make himself safe for Henri, who hasn't been safe for years was just swoony.
I always reccomend reading The Ardelean Bloodline but as always start with Smoke and always check TW/CW.
I always go into Sarah's books wondering what she's going to surprise me with, in the past books Deacon has come off as an aloof stoner just trying to survive day by day, but seeing his dedication to Henri ontop of his family just made my grinch heart grow 3 times. Then to see the work he did to make himself safe for Henri, who hasn't been safe for years was just swoony.
I always reccomend reading The Ardelean Bloodline but as always start with Smoke and always check TW/CW.
July 22, 2024
Deacon's here!
'Smog' by Sarah Jaeger is the fifth book in the Ardelean Bloodline Series, and this story is very powerful. It's a lot to unpack and put back together again.
Truthfully, I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face, and I am not quite sure why I'm crying. I think you will agree that Deacon is the most perfectly imperfect character I have ever met, and I love him more for that. Henri, *sigh*, how to describe Henri... she is amazing and precious but doesn't think she is.
This is going to be one of those work-in-progress reviews where I can not quite describe in words how much I love this book. It's just everything and more that I wanted from Deacon's story.
What are you waiting for?
♥️ Happy Reading! ♥️
'Smog' by Sarah Jaeger is the fifth book in the Ardelean Bloodline Series, and this story is very powerful. It's a lot to unpack and put back together again.
Truthfully, I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face, and I am not quite sure why I'm crying. I think you will agree that Deacon is the most perfectly imperfect character I have ever met, and I love him more for that. Henri, *sigh*, how to describe Henri... she is amazing and precious but doesn't think she is.
This is going to be one of those work-in-progress reviews where I can not quite describe in words how much I love this book. It's just everything and more that I wanted from Deacon's story.
What are you waiting for?
♥️ Happy Reading! ♥️
July 25, 2024
I can’t say enough good things about this book or this series. If you’ve read the series then you know Deacon and Henri have struggled with their demons. Dea’s are a little more obvious but that doesn’t make Henri’s any less dangerous. When she finally opens up and let’s Deacon start to care for her they realize how much they need each other. It was wonderful to watch the character growth for both of these characters. Watching Deacon be able to rely on Finn was also wonderful. Sarah will show you what this family is meant to be and it’s beautiful. I can’t say enough good things about this book but if you love a HEA, found family, touch her and be unalived, growth through grief, this book is 100% for you
July 29, 2024
This was one of my first forays into shifter romance and it definitely won’t be my last.
I jumped straight into this one without reading the earlier books in the series so obviously missed a lot of relationship building and backstory, so cannot wait to go back and read them to fill in some blanks, but even without that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The characters were well rounded and I was invested in them from the get go, their individual stories were enjoyable and then after the slow burn, them together was even better.
I laughed, I cried, my heart hurt and ultimately I ended the book smiling.
Highly recommend!
I jumped straight into this one without reading the earlier books in the series so obviously missed a lot of relationship building and backstory, so cannot wait to go back and read them to fill in some blanks, but even without that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The characters were well rounded and I was invested in them from the get go, their individual stories were enjoyable and then after the slow burn, them together was even better.
I laughed, I cried, my heart hurt and ultimately I ended the book smiling.
Highly recommend!
February 18, 2025
James “Deacon” Alden. I’ve loved his character from the beginning, he’s always been a favourite of mine.
Deacon’s a survivor, and his journey with his gift and his wolf is such a difficult one. He finds strength in Henri, and together they work to find a path to healing for them both.
With moments of despair, exhilaration, fear, unbridled love and support, and so much more, this story will take you on the rollercoaster ride of Deacon and Henri’s path to find their forever.
If you love plot heavy traditional shifter stories with variety and spice, this series is for you. I love it so much, and I hope you do too!
Deacon’s a survivor, and his journey with his gift and his wolf is such a difficult one. He finds strength in Henri, and together they work to find a path to healing for them both.
With moments of despair, exhilaration, fear, unbridled love and support, and so much more, this story will take you on the rollercoaster ride of Deacon and Henri’s path to find their forever.
If you love plot heavy traditional shifter stories with variety and spice, this series is for you. I love it so much, and I hope you do too!
July 26, 2024
Sarah Jaeger has done it again.
Smog is an emotional roller coaster ride that has left me speechless.
The Ardelean Bloodline series is one of my favorites, and Smog touches on some pretty tough subjects.
Deacon is the family playboy and has demons that he deals with everyday, and Henri...poor Henri she is in an abusive relationship and is very guarded.
These two are perfect for one another, and I loved reading about how they over came all the challenges they faced and grew together.
Another fantastic read from Sarah Jaeger.
Smog is an emotional roller coaster ride that has left me speechless.
The Ardelean Bloodline series is one of my favorites, and Smog touches on some pretty tough subjects.
Deacon is the family playboy and has demons that he deals with everyday, and Henri...poor Henri she is in an abusive relationship and is very guarded.
These two are perfect for one another, and I loved reading about how they over came all the challenges they faced and grew together.
Another fantastic read from Sarah Jaeger.
July 31, 2024
Wow... Where do I even start with this? I loved this book. I stayed up late so many nights reading it and not wanting to put it down. I've always loved Deacon and I am so glad he got his own love story even if he had to go through hell to get it. And Henri.. she's amazing and such a strong character who's had such a rough life. These two were perfect for each other. Such a great book and I'm so excited for more in this series!
September 2, 2024
This book, these characters and their story broke me apart before piecing me back together again.
Henri and Deacon both have their own set of issues and struggles to overcome and while the slow burn of watching them struggle was nearly to much to bear it was so worth it.
The healing and pack bonds in these books mean the world to me and I can't wait to see what's next. I am still over here DYING for Ezra and Dinahs story
5/5 stars
Henri and Deacon both have their own set of issues and struggles to overcome and while the slow burn of watching them struggle was nearly to much to bear it was so worth it.
The healing and pack bonds in these books mean the world to me and I can't wait to see what's next. I am still over here DYING for Ezra and Dinahs story
5/5 stars
July 19, 2024
This family of wolf shifters have been THROUGH IT, man.
Such a well deserved story ARC for Deacon and Henri.
I was very vocal reading this book: yelling, laughing, awwing, screaming my rage to the ancestors.
Such a well deserved story ARC for Deacon and Henri.
I was very vocal reading this book: yelling, laughing, awwing, screaming my rage to the ancestors.
August 12, 2024
OMG this book! it's so hard to put down, definitely has me up into the wee hours of the morning. Bad boy with a heart of gold pinning for the good girl who doesn't know he's sooo good for her. When she finally gives in all the sparks fly!
August 9, 2024
Love love love shifter romance. This was everything I did know I needed. This was such an amazing read. I loved the romance. 10/10 highly recommend. Im definitely letting my book friends know about this one.
August 14, 2024
This book has got to be the most anticipated one of the series for me. We had Cade, Lena, Ansel.. and finally, Deacon! I’ve always had a fascination for Deacon since the first time he was introduced. He is mysterious/dark and a little off the edge, especially since he has a special gift to see and speak to the ancestors and the mental/emotional battles he is fighting through. Despite all of that, he is such a strong protector of the family. He is my absolute favorite. I thought that his relationship with Henri just fits. They are both “flawed” and working through this and their trauma, they’ve come together. Now if that isn’t a love story, I don’t know what is.
September 17, 2024
loved
Sarah always captures the emotions and struggles her characters go through with such grace. She’s able to convey their love so effortlessly and I can never get enough .
Sarah always captures the emotions and struggles her characters go through with such grace. She’s able to convey their love so effortlessly and I can never get enough .
August 5, 2024
5/5 stars
2.5/5 peppers
1.5/5 buzz buzz
I have loved this series from the beginning and have always wanted to read Deacon's story. Something about his personality got to me. We've watched/read a lot about his family and the secrets that were told. Now Deacon is in the limelight, doing his part for the pack. Only it comes with a woman that knows how to be there and do what is needed. The added bonus, that's his mate.... and she's with a human.
Unfortunately, the human is a sad excuse of a human and poor Henri doesn't know how to escape until one night she needs to. It takes a lot of soul searching (kinda pun intended) for these two, Deacon and Henri to come together, that and a heat.
We ache for them to have a happy ending, for them to reunite and let their wolves heal themselves. This is a beautiful tale of how far will you go and how hard are you willing to fight for the one you are destined for? And how much time and space are going to allow that to happen?
Now, the spice, Ms. Jaeger knows how to give the people what they need, the steam, the flirts, the possessive attitude, and "I will protect, even when you don't know it." The journey was worth every bit of it! Smog keeps me happy and knowing that this family bloodline has my heart!!
2.5/5 peppers
1.5/5 buzz buzz
I have loved this series from the beginning and have always wanted to read Deacon's story. Something about his personality got to me. We've watched/read a lot about his family and the secrets that were told. Now Deacon is in the limelight, doing his part for the pack. Only it comes with a woman that knows how to be there and do what is needed. The added bonus, that's his mate.... and she's with a human.
Unfortunately, the human is a sad excuse of a human and poor Henri doesn't know how to escape until one night she needs to. It takes a lot of soul searching (kinda pun intended) for these two, Deacon and Henri to come together, that and a heat.
We ache for them to have a happy ending, for them to reunite and let their wolves heal themselves. This is a beautiful tale of how far will you go and how hard are you willing to fight for the one you are destined for? And how much time and space are going to allow that to happen?
Now, the spice, Ms. Jaeger knows how to give the people what they need, the steam, the flirts, the possessive attitude, and "I will protect, even when you don't know it." The journey was worth every bit of it! Smog keeps me happy and knowing that this family bloodline has my heart!!
July 25, 2024
5 FREAKING STARS for this captivating, emotional and SPICY werewolf romance!
Wow. This werewolf romance took me for an emotional rollercoaster ride and I couldn't put it down! It's soooooo good!
I knew Deacon was going to be my favorite character when I first met him in the beginning of the series and this book, his book, did not disappoint. He's a quirky, sweet and sexy character that I was quickly invested in. His story was everything I wanted!
This is a slow burn with alot of sweet and steamy moments. And when the slow burn pays out...oh my...the spice is FIRE. HOT!
Kudos to Sarah for writing another amazing werewolf book that sucked me into the story and held me until the very end!
Wow. This werewolf romance took me for an emotional rollercoaster ride and I couldn't put it down! It's soooooo good!
I knew Deacon was going to be my favorite character when I first met him in the beginning of the series and this book, his book, did not disappoint. He's a quirky, sweet and sexy character that I was quickly invested in. His story was everything I wanted!
This is a slow burn with alot of sweet and steamy moments. And when the slow burn pays out...oh my...the spice is FIRE. HOT!
Kudos to Sarah for writing another amazing werewolf book that sucked me into the story and held me until the very end!
August 15, 2024
What a raw, emotional, beautiful story… I completely love Deacon and Henri! This Author really blew my mind with their story. You definitely better have tissues ready for this one… I loved it and would recommend it to everyone that loves shifter romance like me!
August 9, 2024
If you could see me twerking then I would ask you to join me because HUNTY THIS BOOK SERVED ME LIFE.
Deacon was everything! EVERYTHING. I need all the books before this because these are the type of books that I need to have ALL the physical copies of.
Deacon's story had me sobbing, literally #sadgirlhour, there was just so much to unpack because the backstory was just so heavy for Deacon and Henri. No matter how things ended I knew that Henri was my girl, my true friend, like I felt her in my soul.
Bravo, Sarah!
Deacon was everything! EVERYTHING. I need all the books before this because these are the type of books that I need to have ALL the physical copies of.
Deacon's story had me sobbing, literally #sadgirlhour, there was just so much to unpack because the backstory was just so heavy for Deacon and Henri. No matter how things ended I knew that Henri was my girl, my true friend, like I felt her in my soul.
Bravo, Sarah!
August 13, 2024
I'll start off by saying that I have read all of the Ardelean novels, and every time I say the new MMC is my fav, first Finn, then Ansel but now, holy everything Deacon and Henri are my favorite.
Their story is tragic and beautiful. It's very real (yes, I know it's PNR), but the challenges they face, the pain they live with daily, the depression all of the mental health challenges are so very eloquently written. Sarah has taken this raw, emotional story and turned into an exquisite masterpiece as only she can. Grab your tissues and get ready for all the feels. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
Their story is tragic and beautiful. It's very real (yes, I know it's PNR), but the challenges they face, the pain they live with daily, the depression all of the mental health challenges are so very eloquently written. Sarah has taken this raw, emotional story and turned into an exquisite masterpiece as only she can. Grab your tissues and get ready for all the feels. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
Read
December 30, 2025Oh my poor bb Deacon. That man is utterly precious and yet in desperate need of therapy for sure 😂
I always know I’m going to get a good read out of one of Sarah’s books and Smog was no exception. It was a wild and incredible rollercoaster of emotions and I couldn’t put it down, even when I had a migraine making it difficult to continue.
We had obviously been introduced to Deacon from the very first book but it was good that he finally got his moment to shine. He’s such a sweet character with a surprisingly soft centre so it hurt to see him suffer with both his gift, his future, and his mating.
It was also hard to see Henri breaking down under the weight of everything. She was so lost and conflicted, it made it hard to read through her pain. I loved her and Deacon together though. The way he cared for her and showed her she was safe had me absolutely swooning.
I enjoyed the level of spice in this book. It wasn’t overwhelming, it was both sweet annd spicy and Deacon giving up control was hotttt!
My heart broke for both of them in the end. I wanted to crawl into the pages and slowly and painfully destroy Nathan after what happened. I do think the story was wrapped up nicely though. It hurt to read but I think the way Deacon and Henri handled and accepted things was beautiful. They didn’t shy away from hard topics or hide things from each other and that made their bond stronger.
The found family trope that runs throughout this series is part of what makes them so great. I loved how much the pack/family were all there and ready to support each other through the worst. The moments of teasing and banter had me grinning and wishing I could join them, especially in the final chapter. I wanted to step into those pages and hang out with this crazy family so I was sad to leave them when I finished the book haha.
Overall this was a fantastic wolf shifter romance. It was sweet, gritty, heartbreaking and yet so much fun! I’d highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of fated mates, found family, and to those who don’t mind being an emotional wreck 😂 I really cannot wait to see what comes next!!
P.S. The scream I SCRUMPT when I came across the character Sarah named after me 🥹🤣
I always know I’m going to get a good read out of one of Sarah’s books and Smog was no exception. It was a wild and incredible rollercoaster of emotions and I couldn’t put it down, even when I had a migraine making it difficult to continue.
We had obviously been introduced to Deacon from the very first book but it was good that he finally got his moment to shine. He’s such a sweet character with a surprisingly soft centre so it hurt to see him suffer with both his gift, his future, and his mating.
It was also hard to see Henri breaking down under the weight of everything. She was so lost and conflicted, it made it hard to read through her pain. I loved her and Deacon together though. The way he cared for her and showed her she was safe had me absolutely swooning.
I enjoyed the level of spice in this book. It wasn’t overwhelming, it was both sweet annd spicy and Deacon giving up control was hotttt!
My heart broke for both of them in the end. I wanted to crawl into the pages and slowly and painfully destroy Nathan after what happened. I do think the story was wrapped up nicely though. It hurt to read but I think the way Deacon and Henri handled and accepted things was beautiful. They didn’t shy away from hard topics or hide things from each other and that made their bond stronger.
The found family trope that runs throughout this series is part of what makes them so great. I loved how much the pack/family were all there and ready to support each other through the worst. The moments of teasing and banter had me grinning and wishing I could join them, especially in the final chapter. I wanted to step into those pages and hang out with this crazy family so I was sad to leave them when I finished the book haha.
Overall this was a fantastic wolf shifter romance. It was sweet, gritty, heartbreaking and yet so much fun! I’d highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of fated mates, found family, and to those who don’t mind being an emotional wreck 😂 I really cannot wait to see what comes next!!
P.S. The scream I SCRUMPT when I came across the character Sarah named after me 🥹🤣
January 11, 2025
Sarah sure as hell delivered. This is one of my top favourite shifter series and could not wait to dive into this book. Like many other readers, we've all been waiting for Deacon's story and it was absolutely beautiful. Did I get teary eyed? Yes, I did. Seeing Deacon and Henri both trying to navigate a relationship whilst dealing and healing from trauma was a heartbreaking one. This book got me in the feels big time!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews