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Alpha Games #1
Rogue Games
Love is a dangerous game to play.
Forced to open the borders of his territory, closed to the outside world since he was a teenager, Alpha Dean Reynolds has now been charged with hosting the prestigious Alpha Games. The event will draw the strongest and bravest shifters from all around, looking to prove they're good enough to become the new alpha. All coming from pack's that hate his own. When a group of dangerous rogue wolves turn up, their pushy leader demanding to compete, he's living his worst nightmare. He doesn't want rogues left to wander his lands freely, and even though she's caught his wolf's attention. Jamie's a distraction he could do without. Especially when she gets hurt and he's not so sure it was an accident. A run-in with a brutish alpha is the last thing Jamie needs when all she wants is to keep her family safe. After making it clear her mere existence is offensive to him, Dean's the last person she expects to come to her rescue, but with her place in the competition at stake, Jamie determined not to give in to the pull she feels. It doesn't matter how much Dean's growing on her, her dream has always been to be the leader of her own pack, and she's not going to let a little thing like love stand in her way.
A dual POV, MF wolf shifter romance with enemies to lovers, forced proximity / one bed, fated mates, a dominant alpha male, and lots of spice.
Forced to open the borders of his territory, closed to the outside world since he was a teenager, Alpha Dean Reynolds has now been charged with hosting the prestigious Alpha Games. The event will draw the strongest and bravest shifters from all around, looking to prove they're good enough to become the new alpha. All coming from pack's that hate his own. When a group of dangerous rogue wolves turn up, their pushy leader demanding to compete, he's living his worst nightmare. He doesn't want rogues left to wander his lands freely, and even though she's caught his wolf's attention. Jamie's a distraction he could do without. Especially when she gets hurt and he's not so sure it was an accident. A run-in with a brutish alpha is the last thing Jamie needs when all she wants is to keep her family safe. After making it clear her mere existence is offensive to him, Dean's the last person she expects to come to her rescue, but with her place in the competition at stake, Jamie determined not to give in to the pull she feels. It doesn't matter how much Dean's growing on her, her dream has always been to be the leader of her own pack, and she's not going to let a little thing like love stand in her way.
A dual POV, MF wolf shifter romance with enemies to lovers, forced proximity / one bed, fated mates, a dominant alpha male, and lots of spice.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
1132 people are currently reading
2409 people want to read
About the author
Reece Barden
51 books521 followersReece is a steamy paranormal romance author writing wickedly wild romance. She is currently working on the shifter romance series, The Shifters of Grey Ridge and the Steel Pack Alphas.
She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.
She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.
She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.
She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
November 22, 2024
Alpha Dean Reynolds took over his pack after he eliminated his abusive father and he's scared he might end up the abusive man his father was. But his pack loves him and knows he'd never end up like that man. He and his pack of wolf shifters have been isolated for a while but now it's time to open the borders and let others in for the Alpha Games. When shifters from all over come to compete to be alpha of their own pack.
Jamie and Wyatt are rogue wolves who were kicked out of their pack so they are looked down on but Dean allows them to stay and compete in the Alpha Games. Jamie is the only female competing in the games with her brother, Wyatt and some of the male wolves are not happy about it. So she's put in danger right from the start.
Jamie and Wyatt have a huge secret though and when Dean finds out what it is, it turns things upside down for some pack members. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize that there's something between them. Every wolf wants to find their one, their fated mate but things between them are complicated and even more so when Jamie says somethings when she was mad that she shouldn't have and feels bad about.
Now they have to work through the hurt and communication issues if they are going to have the life together that they both really want.
I understood why Jamie was so rash and why neither of them trusted the other very fast. They've both had a rough life and needed to give each other a little time to get to know each other. But I really liked both of them and loved how this ended.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book via BookFunnel but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jamie and Wyatt are rogue wolves who were kicked out of their pack so they are looked down on but Dean allows them to stay and compete in the Alpha Games. Jamie is the only female competing in the games with her brother, Wyatt and some of the male wolves are not happy about it. So she's put in danger right from the start.
Jamie and Wyatt have a huge secret though and when Dean finds out what it is, it turns things upside down for some pack members. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize that there's something between them. Every wolf wants to find their one, their fated mate but things between them are complicated and even more so when Jamie says somethings when she was mad that she shouldn't have and feels bad about.
Now they have to work through the hurt and communication issues if they are going to have the life together that they both really want.
I understood why Jamie was so rash and why neither of them trusted the other very fast. They've both had a rough life and needed to give each other a little time to get to know each other. But I really liked both of them and loved how this ended.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book via BookFunnel but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 18, 2025
"Stay." And I mean it in every sense of the word. Stay in this exact spot. Stay in my pack. Stay with me.
4.25 stars
This was my first novel by Reece, and I loved the premise of the story and her writing style. Both Dean and Jamie had such traumatic pasts that they overcame but continued to influence their future. Dean has suffered at the hands of his sadistic father and was forced to overthrow him in order to save his pack and his family. He planned to use the Alpha Games in order to show his pack in a more positive light, but he could not prepare for the chaos his mate's arrival would bring.
Jaime entered Dean's pack with one goal in mind: to find her mother. Her single-minded determination forced her to only see Dean as an overbearing alpha, despite his pack's adoration of their leader. I grew annoyed by Jaime's absolute refusal to see Dean as he truly was, but I LOVED the second half of their story in which they were finally forced to confront all of the mistrust and longing between them. Overall, I enjoyed this story of love, acceptance, and forgiveness, and I cannot wait for Wyatt's book next🖤
Tropes: fated mates, hate-to-love-you, tortured hero, outcast heroine, forced proximity, mutual pining, hidden secrets, touch her and die, hurt/comfort, forbidden love, 'who did this to you', found family, slow burn, STEAMY🔥
July 4, 2025
grumpy feral wolves always hit 🤌🏼
January 16, 2025
1.5/2 Stars - DNF @ 75%
I was looking forward to Dean's book but man, I'm just disappointed. 😔
The execution was just no good for me. Too many wordy long winded inner monologues about the other MCs and hoe they looked. I got it, they're hot. Move along now, thanks! And the pacing, ugh. It literally took forever for the damn Alpha Games to even start and by 75% they still hadn't started round two yet! Unbelievable. It was just dragged out with so much repetitive filler about the MCs looks, or additional meaningless interactions with Dean's beta or other pack members.
It was a struggle for me to keep going, which I originally blamed on being tired and reading late at night. But no, when I picked it up again the next day I had the same issue.
But honestly my biggest gripe about this book was the FMC Jaimie. She was beyond ridiculous. Yes, yes, I get it. She wanted answers about her mom and if she was even still alive. But to behave how she did, knowing how risky it was to snoop and act so nosy with the pack...just idiotic. She was putting her brother Wyatt's position in the Alpha Games at risk the entire time and she knew it, but did it stop her? No, no it did not. She was so righteous and arrogant about how she deserved answers from Dean. When she wasn't honest with Dean or trusted him either so why she should expect a reclusive pack Alpha owed her a damn thing let alone trust her enough with his packs secrets regardless of her connection to any of them was beyond frustrating. Especially after only meeting what, two or three days prior? Come onnnn.
The more she dug her heels in and kept putting Wyatt's chance at a pack at risk, the more she kept acting as if Dean owed her answers the less I liked her. The less I gave a damn about her getting a damn thing she wanted. Especially when she cruelly throws Dean's father in his face as if he would be the same abusive piece of shit if she accepted him as her mate after learning what they were to each other.
Add in the dumb and out of nowhere transition into them having sex and I was just over it. Dean was disappointed and angry at her for snooping in his office, feeling mad he even thought he could trust her when he arrives back at his home to confront her. And yet... When he arrives instead of angry Dean which I expected from his previous thoughts we got a frustrated Dean who crowds Jaimie against the wall while questioning her. Followed by him going on about how she drives him crazy and how gorgeous she is and wah wah wah. Who cares. Next thing ya know Jaimie thinks her this is a bad idea but kisses him anyway and then they fuck. Sorry, but no thanks. It made no sense and was the wrong time. Dean deserved to be angry and to confront her not get lost in lust and let her get away with it.
Which yeah, their connection was all lust anyway. Not an ounce of a true connection to be found.
And the whole his stepmom being her real mother and learning that they share a blood relation in their half brother (Jax) between them was just a little too squiggy for me. 😬
I tried. I wanted to like this, and as much as I liked Dean and Wyatt I couldn't put up with Jaime anymore. She didn't deserve a damn thing she wanted let alone a happy ever after so I'm out. ✌🏻
I was looking forward to Dean's book but man, I'm just disappointed. 😔
The execution was just no good for me. Too many wordy long winded inner monologues about the other MCs and hoe they looked. I got it, they're hot. Move along now, thanks! And the pacing, ugh. It literally took forever for the damn Alpha Games to even start and by 75% they still hadn't started round two yet! Unbelievable. It was just dragged out with so much repetitive filler about the MCs looks, or additional meaningless interactions with Dean's beta or other pack members.
It was a struggle for me to keep going, which I originally blamed on being tired and reading late at night. But no, when I picked it up again the next day I had the same issue.
But honestly my biggest gripe about this book was the FMC Jaimie. She was beyond ridiculous. Yes, yes, I get it. She wanted answers about her mom and if she was even still alive. But to behave how she did, knowing how risky it was to snoop and act so nosy with the pack...just idiotic. She was putting her brother Wyatt's position in the Alpha Games at risk the entire time and she knew it, but did it stop her? No, no it did not. She was so righteous and arrogant about how she deserved answers from Dean. When she wasn't honest with Dean or trusted him either so why she should expect a reclusive pack Alpha owed her a damn thing let alone trust her enough with his packs secrets regardless of her connection to any of them was beyond frustrating. Especially after only meeting what, two or three days prior? Come onnnn.
The more she dug her heels in and kept putting Wyatt's chance at a pack at risk, the more she kept acting as if Dean owed her answers the less I liked her. The less I gave a damn about her getting a damn thing she wanted. Especially when she cruelly throws Dean's father in his face as if he would be the same abusive piece of shit if she accepted him as her mate after learning what they were to each other.
Add in the dumb and out of nowhere transition into them having sex and I was just over it. Dean was disappointed and angry at her for snooping in his office, feeling mad he even thought he could trust her when he arrives back at his home to confront her. And yet... When he arrives instead of angry Dean which I expected from his previous thoughts we got a frustrated Dean who crowds Jaimie against the wall while questioning her. Followed by him going on about how she drives him crazy and how gorgeous she is and wah wah wah. Who cares. Next thing ya know Jaimie thinks her this is a bad idea but kisses him anyway and then they fuck. Sorry, but no thanks. It made no sense and was the wrong time. Dean deserved to be angry and to confront her not get lost in lust and let her get away with it.
Which yeah, their connection was all lust anyway. Not an ounce of a true connection to be found.
And the whole his stepmom being her real mother and learning that they share a blood relation in their half brother (Jax) between them was just a little too squiggy for me. 😬
I tried. I wanted to like this, and as much as I liked Dean and Wyatt I couldn't put up with Jaime anymore. She didn't deserve a damn thing she wanted let alone a happy ever after so I'm out. ✌🏻
April 3, 2025
Edit - I just peaked at the 2nd book and ITS THE SAME CHARACTERS. So there is NO DEVELOPMENT FROM THIS BOOM. All the miscommunication tropes and all the bullshit is going to carry over to book 2. Lmao fuck no.
The overtone of the men are “women are funny little things to be scared of”. lol people like this shit?
God. What is the point of writing a independent powerful woman wolf when you make her weak and needing protection and saving during the FIRST “trial”? I don’t get why you would have the FC fail so miserably only to have the alpha save her and fix all her problems. Lmao she wasn’t strong or brave or independent. She’s young and stupid and cocky and emotionally immature. Until we get book two where she’ll make a cameo appearance probably pregnant and being all MarySue in a white sun dress, probably trying to convince the next stupid weak emotionally immature FC how great the pack is and to give the MC of that book a chance. That’s literally how all these kinds of books go.
Also I’m starting to really hate the emo act that always happens when our characters go through bad things. “Oh don’t worry I’m used to being treated like dirt because I’m a rogue so don’t worry about it. I can fix my problems. Don’t treat me like a baby. What’s the point”. Lmao it’s really giving me “just turned 16 and I hate everyone” vibes.
And how come the main MC went to “alpha training” and not the “alpha games”? So that means these games are redundant if you can become an alpha more ways than one. So what’s the god damn point?!?
I just give up.
The overtone of the men are “women are funny little things to be scared of”. lol people like this shit?
God. What is the point of writing a independent powerful woman wolf when you make her weak and needing protection and saving during the FIRST “trial”? I don’t get why you would have the FC fail so miserably only to have the alpha save her and fix all her problems. Lmao she wasn’t strong or brave or independent. She’s young and stupid and cocky and emotionally immature. Until we get book two where she’ll make a cameo appearance probably pregnant and being all MarySue in a white sun dress, probably trying to convince the next stupid weak emotionally immature FC how great the pack is and to give the MC of that book a chance. That’s literally how all these kinds of books go.
Also I’m starting to really hate the emo act that always happens when our characters go through bad things. “Oh don’t worry I’m used to being treated like dirt because I’m a rogue so don’t worry about it. I can fix my problems. Don’t treat me like a baby. What’s the point”. Lmao it’s really giving me “just turned 16 and I hate everyone” vibes.
And how come the main MC went to “alpha training” and not the “alpha games”? So that means these games are redundant if you can become an alpha more ways than one. So what’s the god damn point?!?
I just give up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2025
Genre: Paranormal Romance
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 2/10
Cliffhanger: 2/10 (Unanswered questions)
Noteworthy: Book 1 in a interconnected standalone series.
If you love a strong willed damsel in distress then this book is for you. Yes it can be annoying when an FMC makes bad decisions over and over but at least here it gives us a hyper protective MMC so it's not all bad. I wasn't the biggest fan of the FMC Jamie. She's one of those characters that digs her heels in even when she knows she's in the wrong. Character growth comes eventually so if you're patient there is a payoff. The MMC Dean is kind of cookie cutter main character alpha. His father was a horrible leader causing pretty much every plot device here. The fallout to the pack and his family has required a lot of caution and healing. My biggest issues with this one is the use of miscommunication over and over. Because a lot of problems could have been solved quickly had people communicated. That being said there are several fun aspects to this book so If you like a wolf shifter story definitely give it a shot. The games are a very fun aspect!
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 2/10
Cliffhanger: 2/10 (Unanswered questions)
Noteworthy: Book 1 in a interconnected standalone series.
If you love a strong willed damsel in distress then this book is for you. Yes it can be annoying when an FMC makes bad decisions over and over but at least here it gives us a hyper protective MMC so it's not all bad. I wasn't the biggest fan of the FMC Jamie. She's one of those characters that digs her heels in even when she knows she's in the wrong. Character growth comes eventually so if you're patient there is a payoff. The MMC Dean is kind of cookie cutter main character alpha. His father was a horrible leader causing pretty much every plot device here. The fallout to the pack and his family has required a lot of caution and healing. My biggest issues with this one is the use of miscommunication over and over. Because a lot of problems could have been solved quickly had people communicated. That being said there are several fun aspects to this book so If you like a wolf shifter story definitely give it a shot. The games are a very fun aspect!
November 20, 2024
Rogue Games has everything I’ve come to expect from Reece Barden - lovable characters, a great mix of romance and plot, spiceeee, the perfect amount of angst, a strong heroine, and a possessive alpha of course. I’ve read all of her books and have been holding out for Dean’s story for a long time, this one has easily become one of my favorites. And Wyatt! I am already on edge waiting to see our Wyatt bebe get his own book. The novel had just the right amount of throwback to her previous series without it feeling like you were missing major context. It can definitely be enjoyed on its own, but you’ll have even more warm fuzzies for her secondary characters if you’ve read their books already. All that said, I have read tons upon tons of shifter novels and Reece continues to remain one of my top two favorite authors in this genre. So that’s saying a lot :)
-ARC provided by author
-ARC provided by author
November 28, 2024
This is my first book by Reece but after reading this it definitely won’t be my last!
I love a good shifter romance, and this one has plenty of humor, spice and found family thrown in.
I can’t wait to see where the the next book takes us 📖
I love a good shifter romance, and this one has plenty of humor, spice and found family thrown in.
I can’t wait to see where the the next book takes us 📖
May 5, 2025
FMC is a judgmental double standard nasty piece of work…could not make it past 30% and it was all due to FMC…
November 23, 2024
Perfect for your shifter fix!
Reece Barden has done it again! If you enjoy spicy shifter books with characters that have depth, then you’ll enjoy this book. It’s similar style to her other shifter books and we even get some overlapping characters (but don’t worry, you don’t need to know them to fall in love with our FMC and MMC).
It can be hard to find shifter books that balance the supernatural elements, character development/motivation, classic tropes, spice, and overall plot. I often find them lacking in one or more of these areas, but not here!
Rogue Games has it all! It’s also not a carbon copy of every other shifter book. It has those elements that we love while brining in some fresh takes into the world. I liked the unique take of being able to “win” a pack by completing trials to show that you’re worthy. This is where our rogue siblings come in, just wanting to find a place to belong and call home. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching them grow. You dive into the motivation behind their actions and decisions to get fully fleshed out characters. I can’t wait for the next book!
Received the ARC
4.5 Stars
Reece Barden has done it again! If you enjoy spicy shifter books with characters that have depth, then you’ll enjoy this book. It’s similar style to her other shifter books and we even get some overlapping characters (but don’t worry, you don’t need to know them to fall in love with our FMC and MMC).
It can be hard to find shifter books that balance the supernatural elements, character development/motivation, classic tropes, spice, and overall plot. I often find them lacking in one or more of these areas, but not here!
Rogue Games has it all! It’s also not a carbon copy of every other shifter book. It has those elements that we love while brining in some fresh takes into the world. I liked the unique take of being able to “win” a pack by completing trials to show that you’re worthy. This is where our rogue siblings come in, just wanting to find a place to belong and call home. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching them grow. You dive into the motivation behind their actions and decisions to get fully fleshed out characters. I can’t wait for the next book!
Received the ARC
4.5 Stars
November 23, 2024
Everyone, step out of the way! Dean is mine! 🖤🖤🖤
What a read and what an alpha. 🤤 Rogue games is heavy on the alpha testosterone and that's largely thanks to Dean. Reece Barden has given us one hell of an alpha and he would have to be my favourite so far. Geez, get out the fan, it's hot in here.🥵
So, back to the book! This is an exciting and engaging book to start the series. With all new characters as well as some past favourites popping in for a visit. I am totally invested in this series. I felt like I was there with amongst all the goings on. I love the idea of Alpha's competing to head their own pack. Something totally refreshing.
Whilst I give the book 🌶️🌶️🌶️, the chemistry between Jamie and Dean is intense. Both of their pasts have led them to build up walls, be extremely stubborn and you just want to put them in a room and hash it out. Hmmm though really, it's more like, growl, strip naked, do the dirty, and get it on like Donkey Kong. FOR HOURS!
Thank you Reece Barden for bringing us back to the world of loving, possessive alphas and their strong, feisty women. Rogue Games has me hooked and I need more! Itching for the next book of the series for reasons I cannot divulge! 🐺♥️
What a read and what an alpha. 🤤 Rogue games is heavy on the alpha testosterone and that's largely thanks to Dean. Reece Barden has given us one hell of an alpha and he would have to be my favourite so far. Geez, get out the fan, it's hot in here.🥵
So, back to the book! This is an exciting and engaging book to start the series. With all new characters as well as some past favourites popping in for a visit. I am totally invested in this series. I felt like I was there with amongst all the goings on. I love the idea of Alpha's competing to head their own pack. Something totally refreshing.
Whilst I give the book 🌶️🌶️🌶️, the chemistry between Jamie and Dean is intense. Both of their pasts have led them to build up walls, be extremely stubborn and you just want to put them in a room and hash it out. Hmmm though really, it's more like, growl, strip naked, do the dirty, and get it on like Donkey Kong. FOR HOURS!
Thank you Reece Barden for bringing us back to the world of loving, possessive alphas and their strong, feisty women. Rogue Games has me hooked and I need more! Itching for the next book of the series for reasons I cannot divulge! 🐺♥️
December 1, 2024
I love fated mates and shifter romance. I just love how the couple see each other and it clicks. The kind of love where they adore each other and don't look or think of other people like that. This story has that. I like all the characters in this book. Dean is definitely an alpha with his growly dominant ways.
Although I loved the story and characters I gave it a 3 star because of two things. The beginning of the story explains that Jaime and Wyatt want to enter the games to get their own pack but it seems weird that Jaime knew everything she did about Dean before getting into the games. The fact that one of the main reasons they are there is to find their mom but we don't learn this till the middle of the story just seemed to bug me. I think the story might have been a little better if we knew it from the start, in my opinion. The other thing that annoyed me was how hard-headed Jaime was. A lot of the problems could have been easily fixed if she had just talked to Dean rather than just assume everything.
Although I loved the story and characters I gave it a 3 star because of two things. The beginning of the story explains that Jaime and Wyatt want to enter the games to get their own pack but it seems weird that Jaime knew everything she did about Dean before getting into the games. The fact that one of the main reasons they are there is to find their mom but we don't learn this till the middle of the story just seemed to bug me. I think the story might have been a little better if we knew it from the start, in my opinion. The other thing that annoyed me was how hard-headed Jaime was. A lot of the problems could have been easily fixed if she had just talked to Dean rather than just assume everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
Alpha games - alpha shifters competing to have their very own packs -what a great premise.
Add two rogue shifters looking for lost family, the alpha hosting the games hiding information and the absolute mayhem of a relatively small area inundated with alphas and you have yourself an action packed good time.
I liked a lot of this, the search for the truth, competing in the games, the bullying and overcoming said annoyances - these were all really fun to read.
I really liked both main characters too, the relationship came about naturally and it was fun to read.
Some of the elements felt slightly forced, some of the plot elements clunky. I wasn't always totally on board with the mating and how it was coming about - the grit was missing.
Can't wait to read Wyatt's story though.
Add two rogue shifters looking for lost family, the alpha hosting the games hiding information and the absolute mayhem of a relatively small area inundated with alphas and you have yourself an action packed good time.
I liked a lot of this, the search for the truth, competing in the games, the bullying and overcoming said annoyances - these were all really fun to read.
I really liked both main characters too, the relationship came about naturally and it was fun to read.
Some of the elements felt slightly forced, some of the plot elements clunky. I wasn't always totally on board with the mating and how it was coming about - the grit was missing.
Can't wait to read Wyatt's story though.
May 31, 2025
ahhh Dean.
We knew his story would be good. I'm so happy to finally see him get his HEA.
Jamie was so bad ass. She continued to be bad ass throughout the book but she got Annoying. I was so pissed at her for being so obnoxious and mad at Dean for not telling her things when she wasn't even asking him! She was just snooping around thinking she had a right to it all. And my heart broken for Dean and his past and his demons. But he is such a great Alpha.
And the other characters were so good too can't wait for Wyatt's story and callum was also a great friend and I LOVED seeing Blake there for the games.
We knew his story would be good. I'm so happy to finally see him get his HEA.
Jamie was so bad ass. She continued to be bad ass throughout the book but she got Annoying. I was so pissed at her for being so obnoxious and mad at Dean for not telling her things when she wasn't even asking him! She was just snooping around thinking she had a right to it all. And my heart broken for Dean and his past and his demons. But he is such a great Alpha.
And the other characters were so good too can't wait for Wyatt's story and callum was also a great friend and I LOVED seeing Blake there for the games.
June 29, 2025
I really liked Jamie and Dean. I would have loved it if the story didn't end up with her having to "prove herself" to Dean. She had a pretty difficult childhood as well, not just Dean. Like, yes, what she said was horrible and not inexcusable but he wasn't exactly Mr Right and Honourable either. He was hiding some veryyyy important things and also said unkind words to her as well.
I feel they both should've have cooled off after the argument and got back together in a different way.
Still 5 stars as we got to see Dean and his pack and also, I was vibing with the book (minus the prove herself part)
I feel they both should've have cooled off after the argument and got back together in a different way.
Still 5 stars as we got to see Dean and his pack and also, I was vibing with the book (minus the prove herself part)
November 23, 2024
I was part of the ARC Team from this book and what a great experience it was…
This was an awesome beginning to a new series. Dean is exactly what we need in an Alpha and Jamie is is a strong FMC. The story got a king of angst and so funny moments. I really like how got the deeps of Dean’s character and some resemblance of what happened to that family. One of my favorite things in this book is that the FMC is the one how to do some groveling (deserved) to restored the connection they share at that moment. Can’t wait for next book!!
This was an awesome beginning to a new series. Dean is exactly what we need in an Alpha and Jamie is is a strong FMC. The story got a king of angst and so funny moments. I really like how got the deeps of Dean’s character and some resemblance of what happened to that family. One of my favorite things in this book is that the FMC is the one how to do some groveling (deserved) to restored the connection they share at that moment. Can’t wait for next book!!
November 20, 2024
This is my first book by Reece Barden and she did not disappoint. I loved the book and struggled to put it down. I loved Jamie the FMC and her feisty attitude, who ultimately just wants to belong somewhere and find her family. I enjoyed the slow burn between Dean & Jamie and how they overcome their obstacles. The downside for me was I wanted more action, I wished we’d seen more than just round 1 of the Alpha Games and how that progressed.
I would definitely recommend this book and think I’m going to have to read the Grey Ridge series now!!
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
I would definitely recommend this book and think I’m going to have to read the Grey Ridge series now!!
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
November 30, 2024
4.5🌟 2.5🌶️
I was so excited for this series and it did not disappoint! If you've been reading The Shifters of Greyridge Pack and The Steele Pack series then you've already heard of Dean. And if you're like me then you've just been waiting to get his book!!!! I love him more now than ever before
Reece Barden always had lovable characters but I think Jaime ended up being one of my favorite FMCs of any of her stories. She's tough, vulnerable, and super mouthy - those are some of my favorite qualities in a strong FMC. And then Dean 😍😍 he seems so alpha hole on the outside but he's just a cinnamon roll, all ooey and gooey on the inside. I loved how they came together and all the drama in the background trying to keep them apart.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I found it awesome how this book has a true ending (not a cliffhanger) but we're still waiting to find out what happens with the games.
If you're a fan of shifters, fated mates, trials and games then you can't go wrong with this new series in my opinion
I was so excited for this series and it did not disappoint! If you've been reading The Shifters of Greyridge Pack and The Steele Pack series then you've already heard of Dean. And if you're like me then you've just been waiting to get his book!!!! I love him more now than ever before
Reece Barden always had lovable characters but I think Jaime ended up being one of my favorite FMCs of any of her stories. She's tough, vulnerable, and super mouthy - those are some of my favorite qualities in a strong FMC. And then Dean 😍😍 he seems so alpha hole on the outside but he's just a cinnamon roll, all ooey and gooey on the inside. I loved how they came together and all the drama in the background trying to keep them apart.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I found it awesome how this book has a true ending (not a cliffhanger) but we're still waiting to find out what happens with the games.
If you're a fan of shifters, fated mates, trials and games then you can't go wrong with this new series in my opinion
December 1, 2024
3.5⭐️
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚.
Okay ANGST? Shifters? *grabby hands*
I loooove the fact that this almost gave a “rejected mates” vibes but at the same time not really? The interactions between Jamie & Dean had me giggling.
I wasn’t too big a fan of the “conflict”, when everything came out, it just felt a little anticlimactic to me. I would’ve liked things to be more on page.
I really like the idea of Alpha’s participating in games to win their own packs & am really intrigued by Wyatt’s story!
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚.
Okay ANGST? Shifters? *grabby hands*
I loooove the fact that this almost gave a “rejected mates” vibes but at the same time not really? The interactions between Jamie & Dean had me giggling.
I wasn’t too big a fan of the “conflict”, when everything came out, it just felt a little anticlimactic to me. I would’ve liked things to be more on page.
I really like the idea of Alpha’s participating in games to win their own packs & am really intrigued by Wyatt’s story!
July 7, 2025
4.75 What a great time this was. Ate this up !
1🌶️
1🌶️
September 11, 2025
Not a fan of this one. I didn’t like either MC. There was so much about this book that didn’t feel romantic to me. It just felt frustrating.
May 16, 2025
I am a fan of this author and enjoyed her Grey Ridge series. However, this book was disappointing and not as well written as the others.
The premise was not realistic. Here we have Jamie, a female, competing against a whole lot of alphas. Surely, she could have attended as support for her brother without having to participate in the Games herself? Other contestants had their mates there to support them, so I don't see why not. Jamie did not stand a chance against the big alphas, hence what happened came as no surprise to me.
Jamie was unlikeable for the most part. She came to Dean's world with preconceived notions based on zero; all she had was assumptions and speculation. And yet her entire approach and behavior stemmed from her assumptions. I found Jamie judgmental, petty, immature and illogical. She could see (and hear from members of Dean's pack) that Dean was a good man and alpha, but she clung to her biased opinion to the bitter end. If the author's intent was to turn this reader against the FMC, she succeeded - I was so not rooting for Jamie, even when she realized that she made a grave mistake and apologized to Dean.
Having said that and understanding why Dean was so angry over Jamie's shenanigans, I still think he took his stubbornness too far and held onto it much too long - he refused to forgive Jamie despite her numerous apologies. His ego was bruised, yes, but come on, at that point they did not have a relationship to speak of; they were mostly at each other's throats. There was very little interaction between them when the fallout happened, and they did not know each other well, so why was he so upset?
Speaking of which, the relationship development was a letdown. Dean and Jamie were constantly fighting, did not communicate much (except to snipe at each other), yet Dean was excessively upset about Jamie's opinion of him.
The spice was definitely missing from this book. In fact, they only went all the way at the 93% mark, and then the deed itself was uninspired, dull and over in a few paragraphs. Suddenly, they were all saccharine with the I love yous, this when they could not stand each other - except for the physical attraction - for more than 90% of the story. I'm afraid Dean and Jamie's romance was just not believable.
The next book is Wyatt's, which I already decided I'm not reading. Wyatt did not make a good impression on me in this book. He allowed Jamie to boss him around and left her alone on the trail despite knowing that (1) as a female, she was an easy target for aggressive men, and (2) most of those aggressive men did not like her. One of these men bullied Jamie in front of Wyatt, and he did nothing to protect her. Unfortunately, this book was too disappointing, and the blurb for Wyatt's book does not seem like a story I will enjoy (the FMC in the next book is described as a gold digger for all intents and purposes).
The premise was not realistic. Here we have Jamie, a female, competing against a whole lot of alphas. Surely, she could have attended as support for her brother without having to participate in the Games herself? Other contestants had their mates there to support them, so I don't see why not. Jamie did not stand a chance against the big alphas, hence what happened came as no surprise to me.
Jamie was unlikeable for the most part. She came to Dean's world with preconceived notions based on zero; all she had was assumptions and speculation. And yet her entire approach and behavior stemmed from her assumptions. I found Jamie judgmental, petty, immature and illogical. She could see (and hear from members of Dean's pack) that Dean was a good man and alpha, but she clung to her biased opinion to the bitter end. If the author's intent was to turn this reader against the FMC, she succeeded - I was so not rooting for Jamie, even when she realized that she made a grave mistake and apologized to Dean.
Having said that and understanding why Dean was so angry over Jamie's shenanigans, I still think he took his stubbornness too far and held onto it much too long - he refused to forgive Jamie despite her numerous apologies. His ego was bruised, yes, but come on, at that point they did not have a relationship to speak of; they were mostly at each other's throats. There was very little interaction between them when the fallout happened, and they did not know each other well, so why was he so upset?
Speaking of which, the relationship development was a letdown. Dean and Jamie were constantly fighting, did not communicate much (except to snipe at each other), yet Dean was excessively upset about Jamie's opinion of him.
The spice was definitely missing from this book. In fact, they only went all the way at the 93% mark, and then the deed itself was uninspired, dull and over in a few paragraphs. Suddenly, they were all saccharine with the I love yous, this when they could not stand each other - except for the physical attraction - for more than 90% of the story. I'm afraid Dean and Jamie's romance was just not believable.
The next book is Wyatt's, which I already decided I'm not reading. Wyatt did not make a good impression on me in this book. He allowed Jamie to boss him around and left her alone on the trail despite knowing that (1) as a female, she was an easy target for aggressive men, and (2) most of those aggressive men did not like her. One of these men bullied Jamie in front of Wyatt, and he did nothing to protect her. Unfortunately, this book was too disappointing, and the blurb for Wyatt's book does not seem like a story I will enjoy (the FMC in the next book is described as a gold digger for all intents and purposes).
November 22, 2024
Rogue Games — Reece Barden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rogue Games is the first book in Reece Barden’s Alpha Games Series takes us back into the world of the Grey Ridge/Steel Pack, with both Blake Steel and Maya making cameo appearances. However, this is very much Alpha Dean Reynolds’ & Jamie’s story.
Dean has been persuaded to host The Alpha Games on his previously troubled and secretive pack territory. Known for his coldness, and in the wake of his father’s brutal legacy, he insists that it’s his pack lands/his rules.
As a deluge of testosterone-filled Alpha candidates arrive in the hope of winning a pack of their own, Dean is confronted by the arrival of two rogue wolves keen to enter the competition.
Jamie and her brother Wyatt are rogues through no fault of their own. With no home or pack, they are pinning all of their hopes on Wyatt winning the role of Alpha and a place to belong, and hopefully some answers to the mystery surrounding their mother. However, when Dean Reynolds, the notoriously secret Alpha allows them to enter the Alpha Games against his better judgement, both Dean and Jamie’s wolves take notice. Their connection is fraught with tension and mistrust. Dean doesn’t trust Jamie’s motives but he and his wolf are captivated by the little rogue female. He doesn’t want a mate and tries everything to ignore his possessive need for her. Jamie finds herself attracted to Dean but believes he is hiding the truth of her mother’s whereabouts from her.
When Jamie’s life is threatened during the first trial, Dean races to her rescue. When things heat up, he is the first to pull away, leaving Jamie angry and painfully aware that a rogue and an Alpha cannot work. Jamie decides to take things too far in her bid to find out what happened to her mother, action that leaves Dean is furious and hurt. How can he mate with someone who believes him capable of the same brutality as his father? When secrets are aired and Jamie’s life is once again in the balance, can the two broken wolves navigate their past to become one?
A guaranteed HEA and a 5* read. Fab writing, amazing tension and a couple to really root for.
I received an early release copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rogue Games is the first book in Reece Barden’s Alpha Games Series takes us back into the world of the Grey Ridge/Steel Pack, with both Blake Steel and Maya making cameo appearances. However, this is very much Alpha Dean Reynolds’ & Jamie’s story.
Dean has been persuaded to host The Alpha Games on his previously troubled and secretive pack territory. Known for his coldness, and in the wake of his father’s brutal legacy, he insists that it’s his pack lands/his rules.
As a deluge of testosterone-filled Alpha candidates arrive in the hope of winning a pack of their own, Dean is confronted by the arrival of two rogue wolves keen to enter the competition.
Jamie and her brother Wyatt are rogues through no fault of their own. With no home or pack, they are pinning all of their hopes on Wyatt winning the role of Alpha and a place to belong, and hopefully some answers to the mystery surrounding their mother. However, when Dean Reynolds, the notoriously secret Alpha allows them to enter the Alpha Games against his better judgement, both Dean and Jamie’s wolves take notice. Their connection is fraught with tension and mistrust. Dean doesn’t trust Jamie’s motives but he and his wolf are captivated by the little rogue female. He doesn’t want a mate and tries everything to ignore his possessive need for her. Jamie finds herself attracted to Dean but believes he is hiding the truth of her mother’s whereabouts from her.
When Jamie’s life is threatened during the first trial, Dean races to her rescue. When things heat up, he is the first to pull away, leaving Jamie angry and painfully aware that a rogue and an Alpha cannot work. Jamie decides to take things too far in her bid to find out what happened to her mother, action that leaves Dean is furious and hurt. How can he mate with someone who believes him capable of the same brutality as his father? When secrets are aired and Jamie’s life is once again in the balance, can the two broken wolves navigate their past to become one?
A guaranteed HEA and a 5* read. Fab writing, amazing tension and a couple to really root for.
I received an early release copy in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒚.”
I know I've had a good time when I stayed up till 2.30 am,because I needed to keep reading.
4.25⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
1.5/2🌶🌶
It did take me a couple of pages to get into, but once these 2 first meet and you see those sparks flying, I was all in.
I do love some sizzling chemistry, the type that is clear to everyone around them even if they are both avoiding the obvious and being stubborn 🤭
I adored the push and pull between this couple....do I think that Dean was a little harsh more than once? YES...but I LIVE for the messy drama 🤣
🐺 Grumpy,Brooding Alpha dealing with past trauma
🐺 Rogue wolf fmc with hidden agenda
🐺 Physical trials to win a pack
🐺 Fated mates
🐺Naked snuggles to keep warm 😉
Dean is now the Alpha of his former pack that lived in fear under his father rule, now that Dean has dispatched the cruel Alpha and is trying to help his pack heal he now also must host the Alpha games , a set of trials to pick a new leader for an Alpha-less pack.
This was hard enough until 2 rogues sneak their way into the competition using a loophole to gain entry , Jamie and her brother Wyatt. They have both been living rough since they were kicked out of their previous home and forced to be rogue.
As soon as Jamie and Dean lock eyes the chemistry is undeniable, but neither of their wolves claim each other as their mate?... so why can't they stay away from each other...and is Jamie there just trying to earn her place in a pack or does she have an ulterior motive 🤫
I had a great time reading this story, and it has definitely made me want to go back and read the previous interconnected series.
Although I will say you can read this as a standalone just fine.
2 niggles I had
▪︎ I really wanted to see Dean punish or at least rage at the 2 wolves that harmed Jamie, I feel like they got off lightly ( but I get why given the explanations, but still I was out for some blood🤣)
▪︎ I would have liked to see Wyatt give Dean a big brother talking to, Dean was also getting away with pulling some bs, and I would have liked her bro to at least confront him about it. But I appreciate that we got the pack sticking up for Jamie instead.
I received an advanced copy of this book via the author, but these are my honest thoughts.
I know I've had a good time when I stayed up till 2.30 am,because I needed to keep reading.
4.25⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
1.5/2🌶🌶
It did take me a couple of pages to get into, but once these 2 first meet and you see those sparks flying, I was all in.
I do love some sizzling chemistry, the type that is clear to everyone around them even if they are both avoiding the obvious and being stubborn 🤭
I adored the push and pull between this couple....do I think that Dean was a little harsh more than once? YES...but I LIVE for the messy drama 🤣
🐺 Grumpy,Brooding Alpha dealing with past trauma
🐺 Rogue wolf fmc with hidden agenda
🐺 Physical trials to win a pack
🐺 Fated mates
🐺Naked snuggles to keep warm 😉
Dean is now the Alpha of his former pack that lived in fear under his father rule, now that Dean has dispatched the cruel Alpha and is trying to help his pack heal he now also must host the Alpha games , a set of trials to pick a new leader for an Alpha-less pack.
This was hard enough until 2 rogues sneak their way into the competition using a loophole to gain entry , Jamie and her brother Wyatt. They have both been living rough since they were kicked out of their previous home and forced to be rogue.
As soon as Jamie and Dean lock eyes the chemistry is undeniable, but neither of their wolves claim each other as their mate?... so why can't they stay away from each other...and is Jamie there just trying to earn her place in a pack or does she have an ulterior motive 🤫
I had a great time reading this story, and it has definitely made me want to go back and read the previous interconnected series.
Although I will say you can read this as a standalone just fine.
2 niggles I had
▪︎ I really wanted to see Dean punish or at least rage at the 2 wolves that harmed Jamie, I feel like they got off lightly ( but I get why given the explanations, but still I was out for some blood🤣)
▪︎ I would have liked to see Wyatt give Dean a big brother talking to, Dean was also getting away with pulling some bs, and I would have liked her bro to at least confront him about it. But I appreciate that we got the pack sticking up for Jamie instead.
I received an advanced copy of this book via the author, but these are my honest thoughts.
December 11, 2024
(Possible spoilers ahead) Dean is introduced in the Grey Ridge series, so I was so excited that he finally got his book. Shifter books tend to be a tad cheesy, but the author does a good job of making them exciting. This is a stand-alone book but reading the Grey Ridge series will add some additional details to some of the characters. King Alpha- Blake Steel, also has a book series (Steel Pack Alphas)
It's only mentioned once in the book but H and h are stepsiblings. h and her brother Wyatt are rogues. They've had a hard life. They are joining the Alpha Games because they want to find their mom. When they were kids, their mom was taken by Dean's dad to be his new wife. She didn't want to take her kids so she left them behind. Dean's dad was NOT a good guy.
h believes that Dean may be holding her mom prisoner. He's not. The mom didn't go back because she was ashamed (Dean's dad was abusive)
H and h are fated mates. We the readers know that but it takes some time for the couple to realize that. There are not that many spicy scenes and the ones you do get- are very short. There's a little light bondage at the ending but mostly, it's all vanilla.
h was annoying. A lot of the things she did in this book made no sense. Her emotions/actions were ALL OVER THE PLACE. Then she did a sudden 180, and her whole personality changed. I couldn't understand why Dean got so mad at her for not trusting him. huh? They only knew each other for about 3 days. It was hard to read about Dean making her grovel to "prove" herself. If you look at the situation from a sane point of view- h knew very little about Dean and Dean's pack. Dean LOCKED her up in his house. Why should she be expected to trust you? I'd go through all your stuff too if you locked me up.
Wyatt's book is up next (Wyatt is h's brother) I'm excited to see where this series goes.
It's only mentioned once in the book but H and h are stepsiblings. h and her brother Wyatt are rogues. They've had a hard life. They are joining the Alpha Games because they want to find their mom. When they were kids, their mom was taken by Dean's dad to be his new wife. She didn't want to take her kids so she left them behind. Dean's dad was NOT a good guy.
h believes that Dean may be holding her mom prisoner. He's not. The mom didn't go back because she was ashamed (Dean's dad was abusive)
H and h are fated mates. We the readers know that but it takes some time for the couple to realize that. There are not that many spicy scenes and the ones you do get- are very short. There's a little light bondage at the ending but mostly, it's all vanilla.
h was annoying. A lot of the things she did in this book made no sense. Her emotions/actions were ALL OVER THE PLACE. Then she did a sudden 180, and her whole personality changed. I couldn't understand why Dean got so mad at her for not trusting him. huh? They only knew each other for about 3 days. It was hard to read about Dean making her grovel to "prove" herself. If you look at the situation from a sane point of view- h knew very little about Dean and Dean's pack. Dean LOCKED her up in his house. Why should she be expected to trust you? I'd go through all your stuff too if you locked me up.
Wyatt's book is up next (Wyatt is h's brother) I'm excited to see where this series goes.
December 14, 2024
“𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑜 𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔.” 𝐼 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒, 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓𝑓, 𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑖𝑑𝑜 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒. 𝑀𝑦 𝑤𝑜𝑙𝑓 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠.
I have always been obsessed with shifter books so when I got the chance to review this book, I was excited! This story was shown in multiple POV’s of the two main characters and I loved how they both hated each other from the beginning. It gave me the giddy excitement of seeing them irritate each other while others watch with smirk on their faces.
I loved the family dynamic and protectiveness that Dean has with his pack and family. And how he always puts others first before himself. So when Jamie came barrelling into his life knocking him off course in his normal life, it made me laugh seeing him getting flustered while trying to control his possessive wolf.
I loved Jamie and her brother Wyatt’s sibling love and protectiveness. How they balance each other out and always want to be there for each other was another similarity that she has with Dean. She was also having some difficulties keeping control of her wolf, which was hilarious because she wanted to hate him but her body and wolf was feeling the opposite 🤣
Callum, Maya & Lynn’s banter and how they like to wind Dean up made me laugh…especially with Callum as he likes to go abit further with his teasing 🤣.
I wasn’t use to the thought of trial games (abit like the hunger games) it was an interesting twist and did show us the dynamics between pack wolves and rogues. I loved how Deans protectiveness came out more during this time 😅. However I think I was more focused on the characters and their reactions and banter than the storyline 😅, I think the story was interesting and I liked how she brought the two worlds together when it came to Dean and Jamie x
I have always been obsessed with shifter books so when I got the chance to review this book, I was excited! This story was shown in multiple POV’s of the two main characters and I loved how they both hated each other from the beginning. It gave me the giddy excitement of seeing them irritate each other while others watch with smirk on their faces.
I loved the family dynamic and protectiveness that Dean has with his pack and family. And how he always puts others first before himself. So when Jamie came barrelling into his life knocking him off course in his normal life, it made me laugh seeing him getting flustered while trying to control his possessive wolf.
I loved Jamie and her brother Wyatt’s sibling love and protectiveness. How they balance each other out and always want to be there for each other was another similarity that she has with Dean. She was also having some difficulties keeping control of her wolf, which was hilarious because she wanted to hate him but her body and wolf was feeling the opposite 🤣
Callum, Maya & Lynn’s banter and how they like to wind Dean up made me laugh…especially with Callum as he likes to go abit further with his teasing 🤣.
I wasn’t use to the thought of trial games (abit like the hunger games) it was an interesting twist and did show us the dynamics between pack wolves and rogues. I loved how Deans protectiveness came out more during this time 😅. However I think I was more focused on the characters and their reactions and banter than the storyline 😅, I think the story was interesting and I liked how she brought the two worlds together when it came to Dean and Jamie x
December 17, 2024
This book was a lot less spicier than I thought it was going to be. There were definitely moments when I thought that things would happen because ya know...shifters. It's definitely a slow burn though. There were times when I wanted to shake some sense into Jamie for sure. She was working with the tough girl persona but didn't really have it took to back it up. Then to say that the fated mates thing was something that all shifters were looking forward to, these two definitely fought against it like their lives depended on it. I could kind of understand but it did go on a little longer than I thought it would. The games were very interesting and I wish we got the opportunity to see more of it. Though I do think that we just might when we get the second book. The story that unraveled with the Reynolds pack and their mother was something that I was definitely not expecting. I thought that the mother would have had a different reaction than what she gave for why she kinda forgot about her children. For some reason I also didn't think her reasoning was good enough for me. Also seeing what happened when they returned to their old pack to confront the alpha there was slightly satisfying.
The spice in this book was ok. I wish there was more. There was so much build up but only a little but of actual spice. I give this book a 3 out of 5. Overall I gave this book a 3 out of 5! It was enjoyable and I liked the characters that we met in this book. I want more from the world and I want to see how things shake out for Wyatt! If there was just a little bit more focus on one issue instead of multiple issues then I think I would have enjoyed this book more. I would still recommend this book to anyone who is into shifter romance and like seeing two characters slowly get together despite how everything else in their live goes.
The spice in this book was ok. I wish there was more. There was so much build up but only a little but of actual spice. I give this book a 3 out of 5. Overall I gave this book a 3 out of 5! It was enjoyable and I liked the characters that we met in this book. I want more from the world and I want to see how things shake out for Wyatt! If there was just a little bit more focus on one issue instead of multiple issues then I think I would have enjoyed this book more. I would still recommend this book to anyone who is into shifter romance and like seeing two characters slowly get together despite how everything else in their live goes.
June 20, 2025
eh, it was okay
The story had so much potential and the beginning was really good, but somewhere around the halfway mark it flatlined.
Both of the MC’s became unlikeable. The FMC started out like she was a bad@ss rogue, but ended up being immature, illogical and petty. The MMC was overly stubborn, emotionally immature and very indecisive. They both lacked even basic communication skills making it very hard to enjoy the book. There was no real character growth, by the end all the bad behavior was just kind of brushed aside and they were totally in love.
There were also a lot of inconsistencies that made the flatlining story even more difficult to enjoy. There was a whole lot of telling the reader what was happening instead of showing us. I mean when they finally bonded, all we got was one sentence telling us about them being able to feel each other’s emotions and that was it. It was such a let down. Even the punishment of the jerk that tried to kill the FMC was basically treated as a side note and told to the reader in passing. The MMC acts all possessive and protective, but we don’t get to see him punish the guy that tried to kill his fated mate! What!
I wish there was more of the games involved. They had one competition and it basically ended early with the FMC almost dying and a storm coming in.
Overall it was just ok. I’m not sure I will continue on to the next book. There are way to many options out there to waste my time on a book I only half enjoy.
The story had so much potential and the beginning was really good, but somewhere around the halfway mark it flatlined.
Both of the MC’s became unlikeable. The FMC started out like she was a bad@ss rogue, but ended up being immature, illogical and petty. The MMC was overly stubborn, emotionally immature and very indecisive. They both lacked even basic communication skills making it very hard to enjoy the book. There was no real character growth, by the end all the bad behavior was just kind of brushed aside and they were totally in love.
There were also a lot of inconsistencies that made the flatlining story even more difficult to enjoy. There was a whole lot of telling the reader what was happening instead of showing us. I mean when they finally bonded, all we got was one sentence telling us about them being able to feel each other’s emotions and that was it. It was such a let down. Even the punishment of the jerk that tried to kill the FMC was basically treated as a side note and told to the reader in passing. The MMC acts all possessive and protective, but we don’t get to see him punish the guy that tried to kill his fated mate! What!
I wish there was more of the games involved. They had one competition and it basically ended early with the FMC almost dying and a storm coming in.
Overall it was just ok. I’m not sure I will continue on to the next book. There are way to many options out there to waste my time on a book I only half enjoy.
November 29, 2024
ARC review
3.5/5⭐️ rounded up.
It's been a while since I read a shifter romance and now I remember both why I love and struggle with them sometimes.
Dean is the Alpha of his own pack. Tragic past, abusive alpha dad etcetcetc. Grumpy to a fault, but not really, good guy stern brunch wolfie.
Jamie is a Rogue - aka homeless and packless with her brother Wyatt. They enter the Alpha Games to win a pack of their own. Trials and tribulations. Fated mates.
I loved the tension between Dean and Jamie. But dear lord they were stubborn and yeah, coming from kind of dysfunctional families it makes sense that they don't know how to communicate but PLEASE talk!! Communicate!! I loved and hated how they just fell back on their preconceived notions and perceptions of each other, instead of actually talking. It made sense for the characters, but it was annoying as a reader. One of the big climaxes was honestly a bit of a anticlimactic disappointment. I was expecting an emotional moment between family members, and it was just completely skipped.
The action was excellent, the spice very nice, the banter fun and I loved all the side characters so much! That's what I've enjoyed about past shifter romances I've read too - the found family trope, the fun side characters and getting to know the characters throughout each book.
This was actionfilled and just truly a fun book. I devoured it, and really enjoyed it.
Thank you Reece Barden for the ARC.
3.5/5⭐️ rounded up.
It's been a while since I read a shifter romance and now I remember both why I love and struggle with them sometimes.
Dean is the Alpha of his own pack. Tragic past, abusive alpha dad etcetcetc. Grumpy to a fault, but not really, good guy stern brunch wolfie.
Jamie is a Rogue - aka homeless and packless with her brother Wyatt. They enter the Alpha Games to win a pack of their own. Trials and tribulations. Fated mates.
I loved the tension between Dean and Jamie. But dear lord they were stubborn and yeah, coming from kind of dysfunctional families it makes sense that they don't know how to communicate but PLEASE talk!! Communicate!! I loved and hated how they just fell back on their preconceived notions and perceptions of each other, instead of actually talking. It made sense for the characters, but it was annoying as a reader. One of the big climaxes was honestly a bit of a anticlimactic disappointment. I was expecting an emotional moment between family members, and it was just completely skipped.
The action was excellent, the spice very nice, the banter fun and I loved all the side characters so much! That's what I've enjoyed about past shifter romances I've read too - the found family trope, the fun side characters and getting to know the characters throughout each book.
This was actionfilled and just truly a fun book. I devoured it, and really enjoyed it.
Thank you Reece Barden for the ARC.
December 27, 2025
A Great start to the series
Rogue Games is book 1 in the Alpha Games series and follows Jamie, a rogue shifter who longs to be part of a pack again, and Dean, the grumpy Alpha who had to reluctantly open his territory to host the games.
This was an addictive read, with some entertaining characters. Jamie and her brother were ousted from their pack and are desperate to be part of something again. I enjoyed the dual storyline. It gave some depth to the narrative. The author expertly blended both, providing the reader entertainment through the Alpha Games, whilst we learned Jamie's true motives. She was a strong character, but she could also be a little reckless and impulsive. This got her in trouble a time or two. However, once she realised her actions not only affected her but those around her, she learned from her behaviour and made steps to right the wrongs.
I really enjoyed both sides to Dean. His gruff exterior was just that. He had a softer side that not many people saw, still believing the rumours they heard.
The chemistry between Dean and Jamie was palpable. Both not realising who they were to each other at first.
The author was descriptive in her writing style, which allows the reader to visualise the words being read. The relationships between the packs were written well, and I enjoyed watching Jamie learn to adjust to her new life.
Overall, it was a really great read, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series
Rogue Games is book 1 in the Alpha Games series and follows Jamie, a rogue shifter who longs to be part of a pack again, and Dean, the grumpy Alpha who had to reluctantly open his territory to host the games.
This was an addictive read, with some entertaining characters. Jamie and her brother were ousted from their pack and are desperate to be part of something again. I enjoyed the dual storyline. It gave some depth to the narrative. The author expertly blended both, providing the reader entertainment through the Alpha Games, whilst we learned Jamie's true motives. She was a strong character, but she could also be a little reckless and impulsive. This got her in trouble a time or two. However, once she realised her actions not only affected her but those around her, she learned from her behaviour and made steps to right the wrongs.
I really enjoyed both sides to Dean. His gruff exterior was just that. He had a softer side that not many people saw, still believing the rumours they heard.
The chemistry between Dean and Jamie was palpable. Both not realising who they were to each other at first.
The author was descriptive in her writing style, which allows the reader to visualise the words being read. The relationships between the packs were written well, and I enjoyed watching Jamie learn to adjust to her new life.
Overall, it was a really great read, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series
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