Ruined Wolfsbane

Wolves Hollow University #1

by E.L. Finley

Wolves Hollow University is the beginning of my end.

I used to want to be free, to take my sister and run far away from this town. Somewhere he can't find us.
My sister got out.
The only problem?
I'm still trapped in this town with him, forced to attend Wolves Hollow University to protect my sister.
While I've always been different, even my superhuman healing isn't enough to protect me anymore. I need a miracle to make it through four years here.
I plan to keep my head down and avoid trouble. That is, until I meet

My overbearingly protective Latin professor.
My broody, closed off statistics professor.
My jokester world history professor with a dark secret.

I know I should stay away from them, but I can't. Something keeps drawing me in.
Can they help me survive Wolves Hollow University? Or will they be the reason I don't?

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Why Choose, Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Academia

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2024

About the author

E. L. Finley is a Midwestern author of paranormal and why choose romance. As an avid reader, E. L. Finley writes about the sassy heroines, devoted heroes, and magical shenanigans she'd like to read about. She focuses on creating characters that pull you in and crafting worlds that you never want to leave. When she isn't writing or reading, you can find E.L. Finley baking anything with chocolate, bungling home improvement projects, or binging spy shows.

Reviews

[Melo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has potential.

There is a decent plot here but I think the delivery could have been a bit tidy. Wolves that couldn't smell their mate bleeding or even Sebastian when he was hurt?? Come on even the Alpha connection should have picked up on that.

Their fated mate is in danger but they stand around waiting for everyone else?? Let's not forget actually being able to laugh and give each other hugs... These "wolves" are simply too human, if this was an omegaverse I would probably have ignored all their reactions. Their mate has broken ribs and is bleeding but it's acceptable to hold her by the throat and make her walk around touring a house... Eeeerrrmmmm!I

I almost gave up at that history chapter, mostly because it was continually hashed over and I didn't find it interesting. The bits I did find interesting barely took a full page, Patrick, her locket, her reaction to werewolves. Yet we had to know what the classrooms looked like. I think with a thorough edit this would be more palatable.

[Taylor Chitwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing and plot were too weak for 3 stars but it was too entertaining for 1 star. It’s filled with every single cheesy high school romance cliche (even though they’re in their twenties) that you can think of and had me hardcore cringing most of the time. I wouldn’t probably reread but I enjoyed it for what it was.

[Bec · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is very cliche tropey and heavy-handed with it. It is billed as a uni trope, but it is written as an academy trope, which makes it a weird vibe since 20 year olds are not high schoolers and should not be treated as they are. This also suffers from plot inconsistencies. I'm just gonna DNF and move on.

[britta ⋆˙⟡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf 60%

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has potential but drops the ball with the plot. Too many unanswered questions that don't really factor into the plot/aren't expounded upon in the plot. 

The characters come across as immature and like they're in high school instead of being college age/in their 20's.

The book is also very tropey, which is fine if that's what you like, but it also had the "everything works out in the nick of time" cliché at the apex of the plot. 
New, unknown characters appear out of the woodwork to help save the day. Back story that was never alluded to in the story magically appears.
Which is a writing cop out and makes for a less enjoyable read. 

[Jace · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 20%
This is basically very poorly written fanfiction.
Sorry E.L. Finley, but you need an editor ASAP.

[Jennifer Ervine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is why I try not to start a series until it’s complete. Reverse Harem, slow-burn, wolf shifter romance that ends on a pretty big cliff hanger. Briar has had an extremely difficult home life. The passion and protectiveness of all three brothers is so apparent, even though they can’t express themselves like they want to. By the end of the book, I was swooning at Kia’s need to hold her. I enjoyed Bastian’s easy playfulness. My heart broke for Xander’s insecurities about being worthy of her love. I really hope we get to see them come together in the next book.

[Spasticnontastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Cheyyleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers.


I can see this having some promise because we have intrigue and a past life she doesn't know about so I'm willing to go to the next book, but I have a some big critiques.

1) if I have to hear but oh no they are my professors just one more time. Clearly no one cares.

2) there is little to no progression in their relationships and we don't have much else going on in the book so at parts this dragged for me. Move forward or don't and if you don't have other factors aside from her step dad occurring.


I will keep reading but I'm not sure for how long.

[KLynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, but the mysteries were a little too mysterious (but not at the same time), and in the end, I didn't feel super connected to any of the characters.

[Lumppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sort of shit I like!!
Drama, denial, gore, romance, humour, mystery and most of all magic!

5 STARS for sure from me

Briar is an absolute machine of a mc. But she also has a soft fragile side, which we get to see more of as she finally begins to open up.
The 3 brothers are also masterfully crafted. They have the devotion, the denial, and the trauma that I like to have in my men. And Seb is hilarious, he cracks me up, while also breaking my heart in two.

And that ending was killer! Now I totally have to pull a late night just so I can get some piece of mind after reading that last chapter. Like what is it with the authors I pick, all of them seem to like to make me suffer with very dramatic cliffhangers...
Maybe this is my punishment for not finishing that certain book I'm still avoiding

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!
The story hooked me from the first chapter and kept me invested till the end.
There was mystery, drama, lots of emotions, some angst, and much more!!

I adored Briar. She was resilient, strong, and caring. My heart broke for her at the abuse she suffered, but she still kept moving forward. Her inner monolog was so funny at times. She was an overall loveable FMC.
Three, a little older, professors, which also happen to be brothers...yes please!!!
Malachi, Xander, and Bastian were her mates. So far, I love each of them.
I feel like the author has given us just a taste of who they really are. Obviously, we have more to learn. I can't wait!

We were given some information and some secrets were revealed. However, we are left with more questions. Lastly, we are left on a cliffhanger ending. I'm not gonna lie, it had me screaming!!!

I think this was an excellent beginning to Briar's story and it left me wanting more!!

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

%^$&%*&*& Holy Cliffhanger Batman

This book was so good but be prepared for a very intense cliffhanger. This is a very slow burn and the sexual tension is so very high.

Briar's life is not going the way she had planned but at least her sister is safe at boarding school. She just has to attend Wolves Hallow University instead of somewhere far away because her step-father has forced her hand.

On the upside is that she has 3 insanely hot professors and 2 new friends who happen to be cousins to those professors. Unfortunately Briar does just want to be a student to these professors but she has no idea why it's so hard to resist them.

This story is filled with intrigue, deceit, and mystery. Briar will spend her time trying to unravel all the secrets that seem to be surrounding her family and this town until she isn't sure who she is left with an entirely new version of who she should have always been.

I am going to need the next book like yesterday.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic

This was an absolutely fantastic first installment. I loved every page!! Briar is the perfect mix of vulnerable and strong, her sassy snark is laugh out loud funny. Her guys are the perfect broken but strong men, all with different personalities and all adorable. The storyline moved at a fast pace and there were so many twists and turns. The best book I've read in a long while.

[Arkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me out of a reading slump.

I tore through it in under 24 hours. It’s a delicious read in a world full of fantasy and action and lore. I can’t wait for the next installment because I have to know what happens next!

[Kathleen Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Surprising keeps you guessing can't wait for the next
Lots of good plot lines characters pull you in fantastic read

[chelsea tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

sooo goood

Why do all the best books land on a cliff hanger 🤣 action packed from the first few pages such a great story line so far,

[Inked_solace · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT 🔥 HOT 🔥 HOT 🔥
ONE OF THE BEST WHY CHOOSE ROMANCES IVE READ IN A WHILE!!!
I'm super excited.
I loved how much emotions and feels this book elicited from me. What I am not happy about is that dang cliffhanger, but never the less, an awesome read, and I look forward to the next installment!
Ms. Finley is definitely now on my favorite authors list!

[Ashley Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed with this book and read it in one day!

~ reverse harem
~ overprotective MMCs
~ fated mates
~ wolf shifters

I love a good paranormal book and add wolf shifters & mates to it * chefs kiss!

The ending is a huge cliff hanger and I need book 2 asap!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be warned some of the content in this book is dark and might upset some people.

I found it hard not to like Briar (FMC). Yes she was shy, quiet and kept herself to herself but that was mainly because of her abusive home life which was heartbreaking to read. Only in this new University did she find friends that gave her a new sense of freedom. As well as 3 older guys that brought their own problems but all of which seem to be drawn and more protective of her. There was so much packed into this first book as well as one cracking cliff-hanger ending too. A great start.

[₊⋆ Nyxia ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book! I can’t wait for the second. I love a slow burn romance. The guys are amazing. I really loved Briar. She’s so strong, my heart was hurting so much for her.

𝕴 𝖈𝖆𝖓'𝖙 𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝖍𝖊𝖗.
𝖂𝖊 𝖈𝖆𝖓'𝖙 𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝖍𝖊𝖗.

This is a forbidden why choose. All the guys are so different & I loved that! "𝓦𝓱𝓸 𝓭𝓲𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾?" Ahhh I melted, love that trope.

There are darker themes to this book. The plot was interesting, and there’s some twists! I recommend so much. ♡

"𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕧𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤, 𝕥𝕠𝕠."

[Kellie Rohrer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Frustrating

Tired of books about abused women whose “romantic” partners think that more abusive behavior is just what she needs. While they don’t get into more in depth physical acts between her and the mmcs, they do in further books.

Also, these men have no care for her physical, let alone emotional, being. She goes through a severe beating, hasn’t even healed, and they yell at her for not resting. Then proceed to take her on a half hour or so tour of their house. She’s in dire need of rest and food, but it’s tour time? Then she’s expected to nap and then has to get out of bed to go down to dinner? Shouldn’t she have been taken to their medical facility? Put on bed rest? Nope. Instead they’re too busy caging her in, harshly collaring her throat, and putting pressure on her wounds.

And they know how to treat and have sympathy for another abuse victim. (Guaranteed one of them should definitely know how it is.) They just don’t care enough not to really help her. And don’t get me started on other people who should have protected her but left her with someone they knew was scum.

Also not a fan of guys who know she’s being abused not looking beyond the surface. In months, no one thought to follow her home? No one knew who her parents were? No information on who paid her tuition? No idea she was traveling six miles to school and six miles back to school on foot each day? When in a day they could have found these things out if they truly wanted to. They were the future heirs, lived in a mostly wolf town, and taught in a wolf run school. Their father ran everything. Yet they didn’t have access to information? Let alone seek out the person who was abusing their mate and just assumed she was okay because she had to be safe at home/outside of school. Not like that was when the abuse was occurring. (Insert eye roll.)

Not going to finish this series. Honestly, having the mfc go from one non-sexual abusive situation to one where the only thing that seems to change is now her potential future abusers also want sex is depressing. Can we stop glorifying this? Why can’t the mmcs actually treat her well, put her first, and let her heal? Those would be the actions of wonderful mates.

This is not a consensual bdsm* thing. She has no idea of what a healthy relationship is. She just accepts whatever actions they take, questions nothing, and is a doormat who just lets them do whether or not she actually wants to do what they want. Her little bursts of “sassy” back talk aren’t really a rebellion when she is threatened into compliance the very next second.

*No shaming if this is your thing, but anyone in any kind of relationship needs to be informed a mindset to actually make informed decisions. She is nowhere near that. She’s deep into trauma and can’t even keep her head above water.

[Meg Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for the whole series -

I adored this book series. The first book made me feel SEEN (if you’ve read it. You’ll get it). so this series will forever have a place in my heart. ❤️
The plot was fantastic. Intriguing and kept me wanting more. I think I read all three in two days. I adored briar and her inner monologue was bloody hysterical!
Kai, Xander and Bastian? What. A. Man. All of them. 🫢 I loved how complex they all were and xander especially I really felt for him, the angst 😩 my god. Loved it. The ending? Amazing.

[Vina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was okay. I like the characters but unfortunately the world building wasn’t amazing and the plot was a bit weak. I will continue the series.

[Nicolina · Rating 1 out of 5]

SPOILERS:
I was expecting so much more from this book since it was so hyped up, but it was a big disappointment. The book started strong, interesting fmc and great introduction and mmcs, but things were quickly downhill at around 30% mark. I will list below the main problematic points (SPOILER ALERT):

1. At the start of the story it was a significant part of the plot the fact that the fmc (Briar) had to speak to her professors (the mmcs) after their class about her disability / hearing impediment and ask for special help/new accommodations for the classes. However, after that first intro and excuse to talk to the mmcs in private we NEVER read again about her hearing issues, and also is not part of the plot anymore. At any point she has issues with hearing, or communicating or is a blocker in any aspect of her life. In fact she plays piano perfectly and sings. I'm aware people with hearing disabilities can train to do it, but it was not even mentioned or addressed, or touch on again. So, HUGE PLOT HOLE.

2. Fmc has been abused by her stepdad for 7 years. Beatings, broken bones, all kind of injuries, on weekly bases. So you might think she would have PTDS at the very least. The mmcs know she has been abused and hurt, however, when she doesn't follow the mmc's instructions, the mmc would threat her by crabbing her neck, pushing against a wall, holding her hands behind her back and say "if you dont listen to me you wont like the consequences" and her reaction? WET, HOT, HORNY. Excuse me?? isn't she the same abused girl, that flinches when someone tries to touch her? *eye roll* Makes no sense.

3. The fmc and the mmcs which are her professors (kai, Xander and Bastian) start to act very not student/professor interactions (kisses, hugs, being almost nacked infront of each other, etc). The FMc doesnt know they are her mates (the mmcs know) she is constantly saying "they are my professors lets tone it down" but she doesnt really questions WHY are they acting like that to her. What is happening between them. ONE time only she asked then "why do you care?" and one of the mmcs answered "you arent ready for that answer" and her answer was "okay". OKAY??? common. This was around 50-60% in after A LOT HAS HAPPEND and a lot of lines have been crossed. She is like okay all the weird stuff around me but they are hot so all good.

4. THIS IS HUGE PLOT HOLE. So, hear me out! the fmc's parents are dead and the mmc's dad and mom are the alpha and luna of the pack. So apparently the fmc knows the mmc's dad and mom and calls them aunt and uncle and here is why: So apparently the fmc's mom was the mmc's dad MATE. So the mmc's dad (valen) was waiting for his mate but gave up eventually and found the mmc's mom (abby) and they had kids. When the fmc's mom (evie) found Valen, he didnt know what to do...but seems like Evie (fmc's mom) saw Valen and abby and said "oh no dont u dare leave this poor woman alone for me, you stay with her" and they became BESTIES. So the fmc's mom and the mmc's mom became besties and would hang out all the time with the dad Valen (even tho they were mates that couldnt be together) WHAT??? this goes against everything we know about MATES and how painful it is to not be with them and how much you want them. So at some point the fmc's mom goes away for a bit to make things easier supposedly and she meet the fmc's dad. Then they move back and are besties again with the mmc's mom and dad and hang out EVERYDAY for years. So Valen and Evie which are supposedly mates are fine with it and their wolves too, so UNREALISTIC. But hear this out too... in the current story of the fmc (briar) and the mmcs, things are different, bc they NEED THEIR MATE, bc mates are EVERYTHING. The fmc even asked the mmcs: "so you only want me bc of the bond" and the mmc says "no, even with the bond we would find you beautiful, interesting, our hobbies would align and our taste and we would be perfect for each other and fall in love and we woulnt be able to keep our hands away from you" WELL.... ISNT THAT INTERESTING???? So, if that is the case then... Did Valen and Evie (fmc mom and mmcs dad) were lusting after each other while pretending to be friends for years??? how come it was so easy for them to not mate and be around each other and be "besties" platonic. BULLSHIT!!!!



5. Another plot hole. The fmc went to a party and slept over at her friends place, the next day she went home and her stepdad was waiting and angry that she spent the night away and that she had the scent of her mates (the mmcs). So he proceed to beat her up bc of that to an inch of her life. The fmc stay with the stepdad to protect her sister, so she wants and needs to keep the step dad happy to save the sister + avoid being killed by him. So, what does she do the next day (or 2 days after the beat up)? she agrees to stay the night at the mmcs house, while having internal monologues of how she is afraid the stepdad will hurt the sister. Common, if she knew the stepdad beat her up bc she slept somwhere else and had the scent of the mmcs, WHY ON EARTH would she agree quickly and happily to go stay over another night (ends up being several nights) at the mmcs house? isnt she afraid of her sister life anymore? MAKES NO SENSE. The whole point probably is to advance the relationship between the mmcs and the fmc, but it was lazy writing and a cheap way to do it.

6. At some point around 80% she almost dies. The stepdad beat her up badly (we have a theme of the stepdad beating her to almost dead at every turn - predictable) and the mmc when to her rescue (the stepdad was long gone). Then a witch, the fmc's cousin appeared (a girl the same age as the fmc and pretty), and started to heal the fmc. The mmcs you would think are complete worried and stressed that their mate is almost dead... and they are supposedly in their internal monologue BUT, during the healing the witch is doing, they start to joke around with her and laughing/chuckling. EXCUSE ME? ur mate is there almost dead and being healed and you guys have the mood to make jokes and laugh? it makes not authentic their feelings and so superficial.


I have so many other plot holes and just things that make no sense. The FMC had a personality transplant at some point and became "sassy" and not in the good way but the immature, ridiculous way of the guys helping her pull a chair to sit and she being mean and saying "Im my own person and can pull my own chair" *rolling eyes*. The book had potential but the writing was immature, and shabby and lazy plot development with a weak story line and predictable to the max.

DO NOT RECOMMEND.

[syn · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 50%. My main reason for quitting this one was that it felt too much like a beginner's Wattpad story (although don't get me wrong, there is a lot of really great content on Wattpad too). The whole storyline of having an FMC that's abused at home and finds solace and belonging in her forbidden professors has got to be at least 1 in 10 Wattpad books. Throw in a bunch of hormonal shifters, a cute 'quirky' best friend, and some mean popular girls and wow, we have a best seller. Not to mention, this is a 'uni' based read, but fits more in the academy trope with roll call, teachers reporting to the dean over student absences and don't even get me started on the uniforms?? No wonder everyone reads like they're in high school. Obviously, I haven't finished the book (nor do I plan on doing so), but based on previous experience with similar reads, my guess is that the FMC will not only discover that she's a shifter, but probably a special snowflake shifter and omg- mated to the alphas??? And then her family will try and win her over to save face in public but her new sexy, strong alpha males will punish them for ever daring to hurt their precious darling. And of course, there's going to be a lot of growling and sex and probably both at the same time occasionally (and glowing eyes and painful first shifts, probably a heat, some grovelling friends and a new place in the social hierarchy). I could be completely wrong and honestly, I hope I am. I doubt I'll find out though. I'd be open to trying other works by this author if they are more creative. 3/10.

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm still not sure how I feel about this book. The dialogue was a little cringe and felt very juvenile, Kai’s personality got annoying very fast and idk why but everytime I time he said “baby girl” it made me cringe. I also really didn’t understand what Xander’s issue was? It could not have been because he’s her “professor” when the story basically stops taking place in school/class with Briar being in their home now, so his whole “I’m going to be a dick because I want her but shouldn’t and can’t be with her” ok? Bastian felt very 2006 emo kid and again, cringe. There’s also a cliffhanger that was mildly interesting so I’ll probably read the second book but overall this was okay??? Just really weird writing. Oh and no spice, but the guys are constantly talking about their hard dicks lmao

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars... I may change this later because I'm really torn right now.
I loved the MMCs. I loved the romance subplot. But the rest? I dont know 😅
Are there real people who just take off running, without saying anything to the people they're with? They have a thought or feeling they don't like and they just.... run? Like physically, actually run?? I'm glad I don't know any.
And the parents weird story??? Ew brother. What is that brother??? The fated mates side piece has to tell you not to leave your pregnant wife and son???? Ewww. And the wife acts like it's no big deal??? Ew. I didn't like that at all and thought it didn't make any sense. Like it was just scrambled in to make up some last minute reason why Briar would know them. It completely threw off the story for me.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briar wanted to escape, she had been hoping for the day but unfortunately she ends up as a student at Wolves Hollow University. Keeping her sister safe was the most important thing in her life, but now that she is here she finds herself the object of attention from Xander, Bastian and Malachai. Briar is in danger though and there are secrets she begins to uncover about who she is and what it all means.

A bit of a slow burn. I was intrigued with the story but was a little surprised by some of the stuff with the men in her life. Will be checking out the next book to see what happens yet.

[Doom Sunshine · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is held together by clichés, string, hopes and prayers.

Ya know what kills me, is when any MMC finds out that his mate/wife/GF has been abused so heavily THAT SHE HAS A HOLE IN HER BODY, he sexually assaults her, physically assaults her, threatens sexual punishment if she doesn't conform, and BULLIES her.

The story had so much potential, but it was written by an author who didn't know how to make characters well rounded or have the characters THINK about their actions.

Such a shame.