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The Midwest Monsters #1
Awakened
When the love of your life leaves you for their fated mate, you have to make a choice—sit around and play the pathetic pining ex or leave town for a fresh start.
Celeste Spencer chooses to get the hell out of dodge and runs right into the arms of a female-led pack whose very existence is a slap in the face to everything traditional werewolves believe. Things get dangerous when the alpha introduces Celeste to a world of rescue missions, magic, and truths that shake her to the core.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Celeste’s shattered heart is having a hard time finding a path forward. There’s the soulmate who wasn’t hers to keep, the best friend she left behind, the new situationship that could be more than a quick fling, and a mysterious stranger who knows things he shouldn’t…and makes her feel more than she should.
As Celeste becomes the wolf she was always meant to be, she’s left wondering— what is truly fated, and what destiny do we make for ourselves?
Celeste Spencer chooses to get the hell out of dodge and runs right into the arms of a female-led pack whose very existence is a slap in the face to everything traditional werewolves believe. Things get dangerous when the alpha introduces Celeste to a world of rescue missions, magic, and truths that shake her to the core.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Celeste’s shattered heart is having a hard time finding a path forward. There’s the soulmate who wasn’t hers to keep, the best friend she left behind, the new situationship that could be more than a quick fling, and a mysterious stranger who knows things he shouldn’t…and makes her feel more than she should.
As Celeste becomes the wolf she was always meant to be, she’s left wondering— what is truly fated, and what destiny do we make for ourselves?
- GenresFantasy
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2024
11 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Kazowz
9 books72 followersAfter becoming something of a romance fiend, Stephanie Kazowz decided to try her hand at writing some good old-fashioned love stories. Never one to narrow her focus, she plans to write the banging multiverse, weaving as many tropes and subgenres together as her smut-loving heart can handle—and it can handle a lot.
Stephanie lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, three bonkers babies, two codependent dogs, and two cats who are perpetually staring at her like she betrayed them by bringing the motley group home.
Stephanie lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, three bonkers babies, two codependent dogs, and two cats who are perpetually staring at her like she betrayed them by bringing the motley group home.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 12, 2024
+ Werewolf Romance
+ Magic
+ Found Family
+ Secrets Uncovered
+ Bad Ass FMC
+ HEA
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Celeste is thrown for a loop when her fiancé finds his mate and leaves her. The life she envisioned for herself is now in pieces. She decides to leave her pack and find a new home, one that doesn’t have her living in her lost loves shadow. She encounters a pack of Amazon werewolves, strong women who are everything she didn’t know she needed. She starts to find herself while also uncovering hidden secrets from the older packs past. She learns the history they were all taught is laced with lies and hidden truths. After her heartbreak she finds takes the reins of her life and along the way finds new friendship, family, love and more. She has a new purpose and she’s dedicated to uncovering the truth and righting the packs wrongs.
I went into this completely blind and in the beginning I wasn’t sure how I’d feel but man on man was this ride worth it! I am so happy I got picked for this ARC read because by the end I was HOOKED. Once I hit 40% I could NOT put it down. The beginning starts with a love triangle type situation but by the end you get your HEA and my heart was so happy.
+ Magic
+ Found Family
+ Secrets Uncovered
+ Bad Ass FMC
+ HEA
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Celeste is thrown for a loop when her fiancé finds his mate and leaves her. The life she envisioned for herself is now in pieces. She decides to leave her pack and find a new home, one that doesn’t have her living in her lost loves shadow. She encounters a pack of Amazon werewolves, strong women who are everything she didn’t know she needed. She starts to find herself while also uncovering hidden secrets from the older packs past. She learns the history they were all taught is laced with lies and hidden truths. After her heartbreak she finds takes the reins of her life and along the way finds new friendship, family, love and more. She has a new purpose and she’s dedicated to uncovering the truth and righting the packs wrongs.
I went into this completely blind and in the beginning I wasn’t sure how I’d feel but man on man was this ride worth it! I am so happy I got picked for this ARC read because by the end I was HOOKED. Once I hit 40% I could NOT put it down. The beginning starts with a love triangle type situation but by the end you get your HEA and my heart was so happy.
June 12, 2024
This book should come with a bottle of wiskey because you need it after all the rollercoaster of emotions and heartbreak. This story not only makes you rethink the way we view fated mates but keeps you on your toes and guessing the whole book. Nothing is simple. The plot is amazing, the spice is good, and the characters are complex and perfectly imperfect. Honestly, it's my favorite book this year. I just loved this so much, but trust me, stock up on wiskey, pizza, and tissues. You're gonna need it.
January 3, 2026
I figured this was going to be a nice little romance with shifters, but boy was I WRONG! Not only was there edge of your seat romantic drama, but the werewolf political drama was top tier. There are some badass females fighting the misogynistic culture of the different packs. There were battles of the heart and actual fight scenes. The family dynamic between friends and the banter was great. It had me laughing one minute and cheering for vengeance the next.
did-not-finish
March 29, 2025DNF at 20%
This isn't bad and I'm totally here for the premise, but the writing isn't holding my attention, and I don't think I can do this for over 400 pages, so I'm out.
This isn't bad and I'm totally here for the premise, but the writing isn't holding my attention, and I don't think I can do this for over 400 pages, so I'm out.
February 10, 2025
I could not put it down!
It was like 3 different books rolled into one,
First part: Les is like a drunk teen, constantly drowning her sorrows and complaining the why me, while also throwing herself at multiple men to ease the pain of who she thought would be her life partner leaving for his fated mate.
I had mixed feelings around this part of the book.
Second part: Les deals with her heart ache. Love triangle. I'll get to my thoughts on the players ...
Dramas with the packs and The Gathering.
Third part: book takes a hard left into territory never saw coming and was no inkling was possible; Magic, witches.
Seth, loved him in the beginning. Heart broke as was clear he has loved Les forever. In saying that also like; dude you pined after your best friends woman for 10yrs! Then when she says she just needs some time he flips out and off he goes on a tantrum. Couldn't give her the time to heal.
Zach, ahhh Zach! This is where my heart laid most of the book. I was rooting for him. Until he rambled the mates gibberish and pining over a dead woman.
Zach treated Les the best out of the men, respected her for her, loved her flaws and all.
Mystery howlers dude, I had a feeling who it was and was happy when it was confirmed. It won me back to the Seth side.
Les is a hot mess! She is not your typical FMC, she is flawed, messy, makes so many bad decisions and yet can't help but love her. She's also fiercely loyal and honest.
Supporting characters are awesome.
Sarah & Emily are the best friends every girl should have!
Brandon the protective brother.
Amazons a pack of strong independent women.
Grandma Rose, the best!
What I liked is the girl power. So many books portray women as bitchy and snarky to each other. But this celebrated the bonds of women. Even Whitney (Aiden's mate) & Les formed a friendship even though everyone thought they should hate each other.
It was like 3 different books rolled into one,
First part: Les is like a drunk teen, constantly drowning her sorrows and complaining the why me, while also throwing herself at multiple men to ease the pain of who she thought would be her life partner leaving for his fated mate.
I had mixed feelings around this part of the book.
Second part: Les deals with her heart ache. Love triangle. I'll get to my thoughts on the players ...
Dramas with the packs and The Gathering.
Third part: book takes a hard left into territory never saw coming and was no inkling was possible; Magic, witches.
Seth, loved him in the beginning. Heart broke as was clear he has loved Les forever. In saying that also like; dude you pined after your best friends woman for 10yrs! Then when she says she just needs some time he flips out and off he goes on a tantrum. Couldn't give her the time to heal.
Zach, ahhh Zach! This is where my heart laid most of the book. I was rooting for him. Until he rambled the mates gibberish and pining over a dead woman.
Zach treated Les the best out of the men, respected her for her, loved her flaws and all.
Mystery howlers dude, I had a feeling who it was and was happy when it was confirmed. It won me back to the Seth side.
Les is a hot mess! She is not your typical FMC, she is flawed, messy, makes so many bad decisions and yet can't help but love her. She's also fiercely loyal and honest.
Supporting characters are awesome.
Sarah & Emily are the best friends every girl should have!
Brandon the protective brother.
Amazons a pack of strong independent women.
Grandma Rose, the best!
What I liked is the girl power. So many books portray women as bitchy and snarky to each other. But this celebrated the bonds of women. Even Whitney (Aiden's mate) & Les formed a friendship even though everyone thought they should hate each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
I've not had a book hangover this severe in some time. I loved every second of this book.
If you're looking for a badass heroine and her female driven pack of wolves who who work to burn the patriarchy to the ground, this book is for you. Celeste goes rogue after her former fiancé finds his mate and she refuses to stay in his pack. Along the way she joins a new pack, builds strong friendships, solves some murders, and rescues those in need. She is one of the all time best paranormal heroines.
The relationships in this book were complicated and messy and frustrating and satisfying all at the same time. We spend a while wondering who the real love interest is and question the validity of a fated mate. It. Was. **chef's kiss**. The evolving friendship and relationship between Zach and Celeste is possibly my favorite in a paranormal romance. These two were just able to be completely themselves with one another and their relationship was so pure, solid, and no questions asked. Their honesty with one another was so refreshing.
I'm devastated to have to wait until next year for the next installment.
Stephanie Kazowz, I am in awe of this book and the world you've created. Thank you so much!
If you're looking for a badass heroine and her female driven pack of wolves who who work to burn the patriarchy to the ground, this book is for you. Celeste goes rogue after her former fiancé finds his mate and she refuses to stay in his pack. Along the way she joins a new pack, builds strong friendships, solves some murders, and rescues those in need. She is one of the all time best paranormal heroines.
The relationships in this book were complicated and messy and frustrating and satisfying all at the same time. We spend a while wondering who the real love interest is and question the validity of a fated mate. It. Was. **chef's kiss**. The evolving friendship and relationship between Zach and Celeste is possibly my favorite in a paranormal romance. These two were just able to be completely themselves with one another and their relationship was so pure, solid, and no questions asked. Their honesty with one another was so refreshing.
I'm devastated to have to wait until next year for the next installment.
Stephanie Kazowz, I am in awe of this book and the world you've created. Thank you so much!
June 20, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This is a paranormal women’s fiction story. Which is a very new experience for me. Reading stories with a romantic undertone where the relationships and how they are navigated are important but not the romance itself are always difficult for me to gage. On one hand the story was an engaging page turner, with good humor, and enjoyable messiness. On the other hand the romance isn’t traditional so it isn’t quite as satisfying. I enjoy the realism, the mess, the mistakes made and lessons learned. The love triangle vibes make it hard to get fully invested for me personally. But overall this has a very sitcom episodes feel to it and the plot just kept evolving. A little confusing at time and not taking the routes you would expect. It’s a solid read and Celeste is an amazing FMC. This is a new to me author and I’m honestly really interested in reading more of her work. I’m very curious about the way she crafts stories and how vivid she paints a picture without being wordy.
This is a paranormal women’s fiction story. Which is a very new experience for me. Reading stories with a romantic undertone where the relationships and how they are navigated are important but not the romance itself are always difficult for me to gage. On one hand the story was an engaging page turner, with good humor, and enjoyable messiness. On the other hand the romance isn’t traditional so it isn’t quite as satisfying. I enjoy the realism, the mess, the mistakes made and lessons learned. The love triangle vibes make it hard to get fully invested for me personally. But overall this has a very sitcom episodes feel to it and the plot just kept evolving. A little confusing at time and not taking the routes you would expect. It’s a solid read and Celeste is an amazing FMC. This is a new to me author and I’m honestly really interested in reading more of her work. I’m very curious about the way she crafts stories and how vivid she paints a picture without being wordy.
June 26, 2024
I could not put this book down! The world building alone was amazing! It’s not very often you have a very strong FMC that is relatable and not annoying.
Celeste just found out her fiancé has found his mate. In order to protect herself mentally and emotionally, she decided to go rogue and leaves her old pack behind as she starts a journey of self discovery. Little does she know the world that she is stepping into is full of secrets and mysteries that tie her together with a secret society.
Through a story of self healing, badassery, and becoming who you need above all else, Celeste saves the world that she loves so dearly with the pack that has welcomed her for all she is. I would definitely recommend this book to absolutely everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Celeste just found out her fiancé has found his mate. In order to protect herself mentally and emotionally, she decided to go rogue and leaves her old pack behind as she starts a journey of self discovery. Little does she know the world that she is stepping into is full of secrets and mysteries that tie her together with a secret society.
Through a story of self healing, badassery, and becoming who you need above all else, Celeste saves the world that she loves so dearly with the pack that has welcomed her for all she is. I would definitely recommend this book to absolutely everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2025
Oh man if you are just SICK and tired of the fated mates trope, want to fuck of the patriarchy using old fashion tradition and religion as a way to oppress woman and like a curvy badass werewolfs then you might enjoy this read. For extra enjoyment for the end of this book I highly recommend reading the Sasha and the Butcher trilogy before picking this one up. It's not mandatory, but it was a beautiful surprise.
Now I will say the beginning of this book was a bit slow and rough for me to actually get into. I was a little sick and tired of hearing about the three different men Les had feelings for. However, that's what heartbreak does to a character so I get it. I just wished it was wrapped up a little faster. I did enjoy the little mystery drops in the background about the missing girls though, it's honestly what kept my interest. Loved the Amazon pack smashing the patriarchy rules and programing many of these female werewolves grew up with. The banter between pretty much all of these characters was great. I wanted to hate some of the love interests only to like them in the end. Not only that but man was my heart torn in two so many times in this book.
Oh and the whole Old Religion Packs is such a reflection of today's conservative traditional values it was infuriating to read and you just wanted to strangle these stupid men.
As far as spice it was good, there were some fun interruption banters and teasing I would give it three peppers.
Overall I did have a fun time with this book, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next one!
Now I will say the beginning of this book was a bit slow and rough for me to actually get into. I was a little sick and tired of hearing about the three different men Les had feelings for. However, that's what heartbreak does to a character so I get it. I just wished it was wrapped up a little faster. I did enjoy the little mystery drops in the background about the missing girls though, it's honestly what kept my interest. Loved the Amazon pack smashing the patriarchy rules and programing many of these female werewolves grew up with. The banter between pretty much all of these characters was great. I wanted to hate some of the love interests only to like them in the end. Not only that but man was my heart torn in two so many times in this book.
Oh and the whole Old Religion Packs is such a reflection of today's conservative traditional values it was infuriating to read and you just wanted to strangle these stupid men.
As far as spice it was good, there were some fun interruption banters and teasing I would give it three peppers.
Overall I did have a fun time with this book, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next one!
June 21, 2024
I finished this fantastic shifter romance this week. Awakened by @stephaniekazowz was one helluva read with tons of angst and moments that made my stomach absolutely plummet. It had a lot of great banter and funny moments to balance out those angsty feels.
I love the plus sized fmc rep, the diverse cast, the feelings of women empowerment throughout, and all of the relationships were relatable and wonderfully done. Stephanie writes heartbreak so well, and I found myself totally engrossed in the love triangle/quadrilateral as it all unfolded.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Stephanie in the future!
I love the plus sized fmc rep, the diverse cast, the feelings of women empowerment throughout, and all of the relationships were relatable and wonderfully done. Stephanie writes heartbreak so well, and I found myself totally engrossed in the love triangle/quadrilateral as it all unfolded.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Stephanie in the future!
June 24, 2024
That was an emotional rollercoaster. When I picked this book up, I had a vague expectation and it was blown out of the water. The book has layers - like ogres and onions. Here I am now with weepy eyes and a feeling of what do I do with myself now.
The way this year has been zipping by, 2025 should be here any day now. I should be able to hold on.
If you like stories that run the gamut from humor to rage to steam to grief to joy to curiosity and all the emotions in between, take a chance on this book.
Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The way this year has been zipping by, 2025 should be here any day now. I should be able to hold on.
If you like stories that run the gamut from humor to rage to steam to grief to joy to curiosity and all the emotions in between, take a chance on this book.
Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2024
Celeste is a f****ing bad*** this book was so GOOD! It has everything in this story heartbreak, love, betrayal, friendship, action, spice, mystery, shifters, plus size FMC for a kicka** were, alot of representation, amazing characters and story line and so much more. 🥹🐺🍺📚🤣😍🌶️🍕🍪🥃📖😎🥷😭 Story was so well written and never left me missing anything or confused. It has so much going on but it’s perfect 🤩 I couldn’t stop reading and I want more… in a good way lol so excited for the next book in this series. To the author you killed it and can’t wait to see what happens next!
November 1, 2025
Wow, this book!! Awakened by Stephanie Kazowz totally blew me away. The plot and pacing were chef’s kiss — not a single dull moment. The slow-burn romance was everything I wanted and more (the tension!!).
It also had such a cool feminist twist on the whole werewolf thing — total girl power vibes from start to finish. There was one part that absolutely shattered my heart (can’t spoil it, but if you know, you know), and the ending was so perfectly satisfying.
I’m seriously obsessed and already dying for book 2. Stephanie Kazowz, please hurry — I need more ASAP! 🐺💔🔥
It also had such a cool feminist twist on the whole werewolf thing — total girl power vibes from start to finish. There was one part that absolutely shattered my heart (can’t spoil it, but if you know, you know), and the ending was so perfectly satisfying.
I’m seriously obsessed and already dying for book 2. Stephanie Kazowz, please hurry — I need more ASAP! 🐺💔🔥
June 11, 2024
This book was sensational. I loved the feminine strength. It's awesome to find a wolf pack with a female Alpha.
Well written and thought out. Wonderful relatable charectors. It's been a struggle lately for me. I've been doing a lot of re reading this book has finally given me something new to talk about.
Well written and thought out. Wonderful relatable charectors. It's been a struggle lately for me. I've been doing a lot of re reading this book has finally given me something new to talk about.
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July 4, 2024CONTENT NOTE
This book contains: coarse language, heavy alcohol use, misogyny, religious extremism, cults, kidnapping, reference to domestic violence, reference to sexual assault, reference to murder and unsolved cases of murder, explicit sex, cheating, graphic violence, threats of rape, sexual assault (groping of MC), graphic deaths/murder
This book contains: coarse language, heavy alcohol use, misogyny, religious extremism, cults, kidnapping, reference to domestic violence, reference to sexual assault, reference to murder and unsolved cases of murder, explicit sex, cheating, graphic violence, threats of rape, sexual assault (groping of MC), graphic deaths/murder
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
A great start to this series The Midwest Monsters. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to reading the next installment. The story will hold your attention all the way through to see what will happen next. The characters are likeable and fit well together. Overall a great read.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2024
This book is hopefully the beginning of many many more in this universe. The female protagonist is one badass feminist taking on a whole patriarchy. Reminded me of Charlaine Harris a la Southern Vampire Mysteries, in all the right ways. The spice scenes were really well written. Really great read and I'm looking forward to more from this author
July 16, 2024
Yes! I like strong women in books. Celeste’s life is a mess. Her life was thrown into turmoil over a boy and she has to rebuild. She builds a life that isn’t peachy either and finds out that she is powerful and she can do things she never expected. The story was good and i was so interested the whole time. I cant wait to read more.
July 26, 2025
This felt like two completely different books. The investigation doesn’t even start until over halfway through and the second half was just so messy. I felt like things were just thrown in for shock factor, not like a natural progression of the story. It had no flow or character development. Les was the same narcissist from beginning to end. Also, on a personal note, Seth gave me the ick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2024
I love books that you start to read and by third sentence you know it's gonna be good... This is the right kind of bit different especially if you're in mood for some angry independence.
I received an ARC of this book, but I asked for it because I expected it to be good, and it did not disappoint.
I received an ARC of this book, but I asked for it because I expected it to be good, and it did not disappoint.
June 30, 2024
Oh Wow! This book gets more exciting w/ each turn of the page literally the deeper into the book you go the action multiplies. I really enjoyed Les (Celeste) story she's a kicka$$ chica shifter. It's been a minute since I've read the last book of Ms.Stephanie's and this one is sublime.
September 15, 2024
I read this back when it was on wattpad YEARS ago and it's only better now. Stephanie is only getting better and better as she keeps writing. I can't wait to see what else happens with the Midwest Monsters.
June 23, 2024
Loved this shifter romance. Angst, ow/om drama, banter, and spice! It was a fun read and I didn't want to put it down.
June 29, 2024
Best book I’ve ever read.
November 16, 2024
Felt like reading trilogy packed into a single book and I loved every minute. Will definitely be reading more.
November 18, 2024
This book was a wild ride (no pun intended!)
Cults, fated (or not so fated) mates, love, rejection, action, fights, and more!
This was a fun read!
Cults, fated (or not so fated) mates, love, rejection, action, fights, and more!
This was a fun read!
December 29, 2024
This book was nothing like I expected. For a while, I wasn't sure if it was a romance, but when the big reveal happened, it all made sense.
I can't wait for the next one!
I can't wait for the next one!
February 8, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Awakened was not what I expected it to be and that made me love it even more. This was a shifter romance story, but there was also rejected mates, love triangles, AND a whole secret society thing going on! The way Stephanie got you to forget about one part, distracted you with the spice of romance, and then bombarded you with more dire circumstances made this such a fun rollercoaster of a read!
The FMC was the best! She was strong, feisty, stood her ground, spoke her mind, and was all around a badass! I also love the way she stood up for herself in situations where it would've been really easy or understandable if she just kept quiet and went with the flow. I also really enjoyed the emphasis on female friendships and women being badasses in general! I can't wait to read the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Awakened was not what I expected it to be and that made me love it even more. This was a shifter romance story, but there was also rejected mates, love triangles, AND a whole secret society thing going on! The way Stephanie got you to forget about one part, distracted you with the spice of romance, and then bombarded you with more dire circumstances made this such a fun rollercoaster of a read!
The FMC was the best! She was strong, feisty, stood her ground, spoke her mind, and was all around a badass! I also love the way she stood up for herself in situations where it would've been really easy or understandable if she just kept quiet and went with the flow. I also really enjoyed the emphasis on female friendships and women being badasses in general! I can't wait to read the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2024
I've been in such a shifter mood and this book more than delivered. there is past shifter religious trauma and shifter cults, partner betrayal, Secret society, and so much more!
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