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Thoreau #2
Keeping Him
Thoreau Jones is the darling of the Five Fangs wolf pack. Everyone loves him, especially his new family - including a wolf companion who knows exactly how it feels to lose your other half. As Thoreau matures, so do his relationships, including the one with his bestie boyfriends, Wayne and Archer! The three boys learn to adjust with what life throws at them, from adding a new family member to starting school, but nothing can prepare them for what happens one night on a full moon run!
A Five Fangs novel
A Five Fangs novel
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 23, 2024
I really liked this one! I thought I wouldn't like the subsequent books any more than I did the first one, but I liked this one equally, if not more! Thoreau has found so many new friends in his new environment and is learning to overcome his trauma through constant reminders and help from those who love him. This book is all about his relationship with his "bestie boyfriends" Wayne and Archer. The way that the two of them love their "baby boy" is so damn sweet. They know how Thoreau is and accept him 100%. Them learning how do deal with his idiosyncrasies is part of the storyline as well.
We also get to see Thoreau's family grow and officially become something healthier than what he's known in his life. He ends up being adopted by his brother and his partner, and is also adopted with Konstantin, who was rescued from a prison at the end of the last book.
I was once again reminded in this book, like I was the last book, that I was invested as I was when I cried at Thoreau getting a chance to speak with Tanner as a gift from the Moon Goddess. I love that the author chose to have Spring and Thoreau bond to each other as a gift to them. And that she reminds them that Thoreau is who he is and there isn't any "fixing" him. The fact that several people get defensive and inform her that there isn't anything to "fix" is phenomenal and made me cry even more. I'm so glad that Spring is getting a happy ending to his trauma as well. And it makes everything easier for Reau having a wolf connected to him again.
The intimate parts between the three boys are a little on the ick side for me, since they are only 15 in this book. The author didn't take things too far and I feel like it was appropriate for their ages, but I as the reader felt a little gross for reading it. I think that was heightened by the words that Reau uses for things, like "dicky" for penis. I understand why he says things the way that he does, but it just makes the secondhand embarrassment high for me personally.
Things aren't all rainbows in this book. Reau still has a lot of PTSD and trauma from all he's gone through and we see him have multiple nightmares and panic attacks. Those around him respond really well and help him get through it, but not everything is perfect all the time. There are also two instances where Thoreau is in danger. One is self imposed (puts himself in the middle of something) and the other is the case of bullying. The bullies are absolutely dealt with and Reau is fine, but is shaken up from the whole thing and requires healing.
I am really enjoying this story and can't wait to read more of Thoreau in the next book. If I'm not mistaken, in the next book, he's closer to 18, so we get to see if Wayne, Archer, and Reau are all destined mates or not. I've never shipped any relationship harder than this one.
We also get to see Thoreau's family grow and officially become something healthier than what he's known in his life. He ends up being adopted by his brother and his partner, and is also adopted with Konstantin, who was rescued from a prison at the end of the last book.
I was once again reminded in this book, like I was the last book, that I was invested as I was when I cried at Thoreau getting a chance to speak with Tanner as a gift from the Moon Goddess. I love that the author chose to have Spring and Thoreau bond to each other as a gift to them. And that she reminds them that Thoreau is who he is and there isn't any "fixing" him. The fact that several people get defensive and inform her that there isn't anything to "fix" is phenomenal and made me cry even more. I'm so glad that Spring is getting a happy ending to his trauma as well. And it makes everything easier for Reau having a wolf connected to him again.
The intimate parts between the three boys are a little on the ick side for me, since they are only 15 in this book. The author didn't take things too far and I feel like it was appropriate for their ages, but I as the reader felt a little gross for reading it. I think that was heightened by the words that Reau uses for things, like "dicky" for penis. I understand why he says things the way that he does, but it just makes the secondhand embarrassment high for me personally.
Things aren't all rainbows in this book. Reau still has a lot of PTSD and trauma from all he's gone through and we see him have multiple nightmares and panic attacks. Those around him respond really well and help him get through it, but not everything is perfect all the time. There are also two instances where Thoreau is in danger. One is self imposed (puts himself in the middle of something) and the other is the case of bullying. The bullies are absolutely dealt with and Reau is fine, but is shaken up from the whole thing and requires healing.
I am really enjoying this story and can't wait to read more of Thoreau in the next book. If I'm not mistaken, in the next book, he's closer to 18, so we get to see if Wayne, Archer, and Reau are all destined mates or not. I've never shipped any relationship harder than this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2026
Keeping Him is one of those stories that sits heavy and warm at the same time — the kind that makes you want to protect the main character with your whole chest. Thoreau isn’t written like a side note or a plot device. He’s a real kid with real trauma, real quirks, and a heart that’s trying so hard to trust the world again. And the book honors that. It doesn’t rush him. It doesn’t flatten him. It lets him be exactly who he is.
Thoreau’s place in the Five Fangs pack feels earned. They don’t treat him like a burden or a project — they treat him like family. The kind you choose, the kind you fight for. Watching him navigate school, friendships, and the awkwardness of growing up with Wayne and Archer by his side gives the story this soft, lived‑in warmth. Those boys aren’t just his friends; they’re his anchors. His “bestie boyfriends” in the sweetest, most innocent way — protective, loyal, and absolutely devoted to him.
Spring, his wolf, is the emotional mirror of the whole book. Their bond is quiet but powerful — two beings who’ve been hurt, learning how to trust again. It’s not dramatic; it’s healing. And that’s what makes it beautiful.
The full‑moon run is the turning point — the moment where everything Thoreau has been building gets tested. The danger isn’t there for shock value; it’s there to show how deeply this pack loves him. How far they’ll go to keep him safe. His adoption, the addition of Konstantin, the way the pack closes ranks around him — it all reinforces the theme that family isn’t about blood. It’s about choice. It’s about showing up.
What stands out most is how the book handles trauma. It doesn’t pretend love fixes everything. It doesn’t give him a magical recovery. It shows the slow, steady work of healing — the kind that happens in small moments, quiet conversations, and the safety of being surrounded by people who refuse to let you fall.
Thoreau’s place in the Five Fangs pack feels earned. They don’t treat him like a burden or a project — they treat him like family. The kind you choose, the kind you fight for. Watching him navigate school, friendships, and the awkwardness of growing up with Wayne and Archer by his side gives the story this soft, lived‑in warmth. Those boys aren’t just his friends; they’re his anchors. His “bestie boyfriends” in the sweetest, most innocent way — protective, loyal, and absolutely devoted to him.
Spring, his wolf, is the emotional mirror of the whole book. Their bond is quiet but powerful — two beings who’ve been hurt, learning how to trust again. It’s not dramatic; it’s healing. And that’s what makes it beautiful.
The full‑moon run is the turning point — the moment where everything Thoreau has been building gets tested. The danger isn’t there for shock value; it’s there to show how deeply this pack loves him. How far they’ll go to keep him safe. His adoption, the addition of Konstantin, the way the pack closes ranks around him — it all reinforces the theme that family isn’t about blood. It’s about choice. It’s about showing up.
What stands out most is how the book handles trauma. It doesn’t pretend love fixes everything. It doesn’t give him a magical recovery. It shows the slow, steady work of healing — the kind that happens in small moments, quiet conversations, and the safety of being surrounded by people who refuse to let you fall.
June 20, 2024
I recently read all four books in the Thoreau series. These books are based alongside the original Five Fangs story, which I have already read multiple times having absolutely loved them! The Thoreau series is a werewolf-based story with multiple points of view, including chapters from the wolves' perspectives.
The books cover sensitive topics such as ASD, learning difficulties, childhood abuse, bullying, the death of a wolf, and the LGBTQI community.
The writing is incredibly well-done, and I couldn't put the books down, finishing them all within just two days. It was heartwarming to see the development of relationships between Thoreau and his best buddies, as well as witnessing Thoreau's transition into adulthood and seeing his feelings and love grow.
I highly recommend the entire series, but I recommend starting with the original Five Fangs series as it provides important background information that is further developed in the Thoreau books. In my opinion, this is a 5-star series for anyone who enjoys stories with fated mates and complex backgrounds.
The books cover sensitive topics such as ASD, learning difficulties, childhood abuse, bullying, the death of a wolf, and the LGBTQI community.
The writing is incredibly well-done, and I couldn't put the books down, finishing them all within just two days. It was heartwarming to see the development of relationships between Thoreau and his best buddies, as well as witnessing Thoreau's transition into adulthood and seeing his feelings and love grow.
I highly recommend the entire series, but I recommend starting with the original Five Fangs series as it provides important background information that is further developed in the Thoreau books. In my opinion, this is a 5-star series for anyone who enjoys stories with fated mates and complex backgrounds.
October 24, 2024
so. cute
So sweet, especially with Tanner at the end!
Ultimately, this story is just everyone else’s perspectives from the Five Fangs books. At this point we are caught up in the story to where those ended. This one had a couple of more scenes that weren’t in the original 5 books.
It was cute.
So sweet, especially with Tanner at the end!
Ultimately, this story is just everyone else’s perspectives from the Five Fangs books. At this point we are caught up in the story to where those ended. This one had a couple of more scenes that weren’t in the original 5 books.
It was cute.
May 18, 2026
Good Read
I absolutely loved this book. It caught Reau’s story up until the end of the Five Fangs Posy series. I loved the characters and really enjoyed the story and I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens in Reau’s story. I would recommend giving this book a read.
I absolutely loved this book. It caught Reau’s story up until the end of the Five Fangs Posy series. I loved the characters and really enjoyed the story and I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens in Reau’s story. I would recommend giving this book a read.
June 5, 2024
Another Mary Ann Weir book, another five star book! Five fangs has my entire heart. I have re-read Posy at least 200 times by now and I can already tell I will also begin reading-reading Thoreau as another comfort book! The way the story just sucks you into the world is truly incredible!
July 20, 2024
A*****
Another fantastic addition to the series, I would most definitely recommend this author and her books , cant wait to read the next book and I hope they do a book for Kon and others ....
Another fantastic addition to the series, I would most definitely recommend this author and her books , cant wait to read the next book and I hope they do a book for Kon and others ....
July 25, 2026
Wow
In this book we get a better understanding into why Wayne is Wayne, and why Arch is always struggling with his temper. The story flows effortlessly and draws you in from the first to the last page.
In this book we get a better understanding into why Wayne is Wayne, and why Arch is always struggling with his temper. The story flows effortlessly and draws you in from the first to the last page.
September 3, 2026
Five stars!!
I love seeing how all the characters interact with one another. It makes me sad to know all the things Thoreau had to go through. However, I am happy that he is starting to find himself.
I love seeing how all the characters interact with one another. It makes me sad to know all the things Thoreau had to go through. However, I am happy that he is starting to find himself.
June 9, 2024
Omg this series has me so addicted! I am loving Thoreau's story, highly recommend this series!
June 16, 2024
Bought right away
This author books are really amazing, I am very excited for more. It is beautiful written and can t wait to see what else she will do
This author books are really amazing, I am very excited for more. It is beautiful written and can t wait to see what else she will do
June 17, 2024
awesome book
This is one emotional roller coaster . Thoreau is such a heartwarming character and the things he’s going through on a regular basis is so hard but he pushes through.
This is one emotional roller coaster . Thoreau is such a heartwarming character and the things he’s going through on a regular basis is so hard but he pushes through.
June 23, 2024
an emotional roller coaster
At least 5 times i wanted to cry this book is so cute and full of emotions. I rarely cry when i read books but this it got me all in my feelings
At least 5 times i wanted to cry this book is so cute and full of emotions. I rarely cry when i read books but this it got me all in my feelings
July 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love Reau so much. I really love all of these characters but sweet, innocent Reau is just extra special. I love everything about this series. ❤️
I love Reau so much. I really love all of these characters but sweet, innocent Reau is just extra special. I love everything about this series. ❤️
October 13, 2024
so good
This was so good. Reau is such a sweet tender soul. I love what the goddess did for him. Can’t wait for more.
This was so good. Reau is such a sweet tender soul. I love what the goddess did for him. Can’t wait for more.
November 3, 2024
I need to know…..
Four books…I’m through two and we’ve only gotten to the end of Posy’s story…..are we not going to get to 18? I need to know. I mean I REALLY NEED to know!
Four books…I’m through two and we’ve only gotten to the end of Posy’s story…..are we not going to get to 18? I need to know. I mean I REALLY NEED to know!
November 26, 2024
I have no clue what is in these books but I am just eating it up
December 1, 2024
I which i could get a PDF of the whole five fangs series.
Though I have only read Thoreau 1, I am hooked already.
Though I have only read Thoreau 1, I am hooked already.
November 30, 2025
Reau Reau Reau
Reau had me laughing so much this second Book. He really be adorable. Great storyline. I'm really In love with the series so far.
Reau had me laughing so much this second Book. He really be adorable. Great storyline. I'm really In love with the series so far.
December 4, 2025
Good book! Excited for the next one!
April 22, 2026
Ohmygoodness
It just gets better and better. Love, laughter, and tears; the good and sad ones., and so many more to come.💗
It just gets better and better. Love, laughter, and tears; the good and sad ones., and so many more to come.💗
May 21, 2026
Love love Reau who wouldn't love him
Ive read all the books in the series. So many happy tears of joy.
Ive read all the books in the series. So many happy tears of joy.
Read
August 31, 2026I love it. It starts where the first book stops. It has a lot of growth for Thoreau. The last chapter about ended me. It was so heartwarming.
November 22, 2024
Why choose/ slow burn/ shifter/ paranormal/ found family
Trigger warning: PTSD/ anxiety/ trauma/ abuse/ violence
I love these characters so much and I’m excited to see their relationship grow
Trigger warning: PTSD/ anxiety/ trauma/ abuse/ violence
I love these characters so much and I’m excited to see their relationship grow
December 26, 2024
I’m happy that Reau was reunited with his wolf if only for a moment ! He missed him so much .
Spring is the perfect companion for Reau and I can’t wait to see him grow even more!
Also I do hope that he someday gains the confidence he needs to believe in his growing family and the love they have for him.
Will be reading the third book tonight most likely
Spring is the perfect companion for Reau and I can’t wait to see him grow even more!
Also I do hope that he someday gains the confidence he needs to believe in his growing family and the love they have for him.
Will be reading the third book tonight most likely
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this book
This book is very good and I can not wait to see what happens next. This may have become one of my new favorite authors
This book is very good and I can not wait to see what happens next. This may have become one of my new favorite authors
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews