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Wolves Hollow University #2
Cursed Wolfsbane
Missing memories, a hidden prophecy, and shadowy forces that will stop at nothing to keep me from finding the truth.
Vital memories from my old life are missing. I need to return to my hometown to get them back. My three professors, and mates, insist on tagging along. In Hawthorne Grove, I meet family and friends I don’t remember as I try to get answers about my past.
Even restoring my memories won’t solve the mounting problems my mates and I are facing. Patrick is on the loose. We’re supposed to find and fulfill a millennia-old prophecy that determines the fate of all wolf shifters. And we have to contend with the looming threat of the Knights of Aeneas, who want to capture me and kill my mates.
Can I find the answers I need in time? Or will Patrick and the Knights of Aeneas complete their mission first – permanently erasing any hope I have of unraveling the tangled threads of my past?
Vital memories from my old life are missing. I need to return to my hometown to get them back. My three professors, and mates, insist on tagging along. In Hawthorne Grove, I meet family and friends I don’t remember as I try to get answers about my past.
Even restoring my memories won’t solve the mounting problems my mates and I are facing. Patrick is on the loose. We’re supposed to find and fulfill a millennia-old prophecy that determines the fate of all wolf shifters. And we have to contend with the looming threat of the Knights of Aeneas, who want to capture me and kill my mates.
Can I find the answers I need in time? Or will Patrick and the Knights of Aeneas complete their mission first – permanently erasing any hope I have of unraveling the tangled threads of my past?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
632 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Finley
9 books44 followersE. 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 11, 2024
Welp. That lost my interest quickly. Spoilers.
Alright. I raised concerns about the author having their relationships as the only things really happening in the last book, I take it back. We still don't get much movement on relationships and for the love of God she's only slept with one of them....but all of a sudden it's like most of the emotional attachment and good interactions just stop and we are knee deep in their quest for answers.
Also why do you care about class break to go get your entire life back? The backdrop of the school is such an after thought if we aren't talking about the "taboo" of them being professors. Which if there isn't a fear for their jobs or a single person that cares then this isn't needed. I almost wish we had a mean girl ex, or jealous wolf or something that was causing some drama on that front so that it wasn't just a wasted plot line.
The bright spot for me was the addition of the new mate. I needed a refresh with Saint and I got that. The brothers dynamic and personalities quickly settled into the same old same old without much progress so adding in a new relationship was nice.
As for plot. I'm glad we are making some progress but having multiple letters from her mother instead of just one doesn't make any sense. She didn't think Patrick would get to the safe deposit box because Val had the key. So the only reason to have separate letters was? Just for plot? That is not my favorite.
Also......I am really tired of her sacrificing herself at the slightest hint of trouble. She's been doing this for 2 books and pissing everyone off and at the end of the book she just does it again? After just two chapters before having 2 conversations with different mates about it?
Speaking of mates. Be kidding with the mating with Saint. Just because we somehow need her mated for her journey with the Aenas assholes, we make them mate during a blowjob.....anyone else feel cheated? A big piece for me with mates and this genre is the connection part and we just miss the mark, after very clearly keeping Kai from mating her so she could keep her neck free of bites two chapters later. It's just frustrating when things are done for plot only versus making the story line better, or having an underlying reason.
I can say I may pick up the next book. But if this series is planned longer than a trilogy I may not. She still has to be in captivity and eventually mate with three other guys, then somehow save the shifter race. So I'm assuming 2-3 more books and at this point I'm not invested for that.
Alright. I raised concerns about the author having their relationships as the only things really happening in the last book, I take it back. We still don't get much movement on relationships and for the love of God she's only slept with one of them....but all of a sudden it's like most of the emotional attachment and good interactions just stop and we are knee deep in their quest for answers.
Also why do you care about class break to go get your entire life back? The backdrop of the school is such an after thought if we aren't talking about the "taboo" of them being professors. Which if there isn't a fear for their jobs or a single person that cares then this isn't needed. I almost wish we had a mean girl ex, or jealous wolf or something that was causing some drama on that front so that it wasn't just a wasted plot line.
The bright spot for me was the addition of the new mate. I needed a refresh with Saint and I got that. The brothers dynamic and personalities quickly settled into the same old same old without much progress so adding in a new relationship was nice.
As for plot. I'm glad we are making some progress but having multiple letters from her mother instead of just one doesn't make any sense. She didn't think Patrick would get to the safe deposit box because Val had the key. So the only reason to have separate letters was? Just for plot? That is not my favorite.
Also......I am really tired of her sacrificing herself at the slightest hint of trouble. She's been doing this for 2 books and pissing everyone off and at the end of the book she just does it again? After just two chapters before having 2 conversations with different mates about it?
Speaking of mates. Be kidding with the mating with Saint. Just because we somehow need her mated for her journey with the Aenas assholes, we make them mate during a blowjob.....anyone else feel cheated? A big piece for me with mates and this genre is the connection part and we just miss the mark, after very clearly keeping Kai from mating her so she could keep her neck free of bites two chapters later. It's just frustrating when things are done for plot only versus making the story line better, or having an underlying reason.
I can say I may pick up the next book. But if this series is planned longer than a trilogy I may not. She still has to be in captivity and eventually mate with three other guys, then somehow save the shifter race. So I'm assuming 2-3 more books and at this point I'm not invested for that.
February 15, 2025
This book was sloooooooooowwwwwwww…like molasses *said in hinky Southern accent*
I feel like I just ran a marathon with that book. It was just as long (it wasn’t that long but it felt like it) and painful to get through.
It’s not that it was bad, per se. It just took its sweet time and didn’t ever really get there.
I did want to gut punch the FMC multiple times. My god she was pathetically irritating and whiny.
“Boo boo, life is hard!! Bad things happen, EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS MY FAULT”
Sorry. Sorry. *takes a breath*
Let me try again.
The FMC is irritating and guilt ridden beyond comprehension. She takes the blame on herself for…everything. Breathing. Living.
It’s exhausting.
Her mates are fine. Mostly. But the chemistry that was there in book 1 is just…not here now?
Calling this a slow burn is like calling a candle an adequate source of light in deep space.
There’s kissing.
One sex scene with one mate. They don’t claim her.
And one quick BJ.
With FOUR MATES.
And we are at the end of the second book of what I assume is a trilogy?
Usually with reverse harems, you’re like, “please, no more sex scenes!!” (Insert random Image into your brain of a woman fending off the sex scenes with a whip and chair) but here I was like an explorer, parched and forever searching, never finding. No spice to be found on any horizon.
Dry as the Gobi desert.
Is she a virgin you might ask? Just taking it slow? Nope.
Is she young and protecting her virtue?
Again, no she’s 21.
We’re just shit out of luck I guess.
There was all this talk of kinky ropes, and spanking, and doms in book 1 and none of it has materialized. NONE OF IT.
Anywho. I did not sign up for Young Adult bullshit.
The plot is meh. It’s…as awkward as the FMC is made out to be.
Like I said. Not bad. Just. Not great either. Book 1 was good. This was disappointing.
I feel like I just ran a marathon with that book. It was just as long (it wasn’t that long but it felt like it) and painful to get through.
It’s not that it was bad, per se. It just took its sweet time and didn’t ever really get there.
I did want to gut punch the FMC multiple times. My god she was pathetically irritating and whiny.
“Boo boo, life is hard!! Bad things happen, EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS MY FAULT”
Sorry. Sorry. *takes a breath*
Let me try again.
The FMC is irritating and guilt ridden beyond comprehension. She takes the blame on herself for…everything. Breathing. Living.
It’s exhausting.
Her mates are fine. Mostly. But the chemistry that was there in book 1 is just…not here now?
Calling this a slow burn is like calling a candle an adequate source of light in deep space.
There’s kissing.
One sex scene with one mate. They don’t claim her.
And one quick BJ.
With FOUR MATES.
And we are at the end of the second book of what I assume is a trilogy?
Usually with reverse harems, you’re like, “please, no more sex scenes!!” (Insert random Image into your brain of a woman fending off the sex scenes with a whip and chair) but here I was like an explorer, parched and forever searching, never finding. No spice to be found on any horizon.
Dry as the Gobi desert.
Is she a virgin you might ask? Just taking it slow? Nope.
Is she young and protecting her virtue?
Again, no she’s 21.
We’re just shit out of luck I guess.
There was all this talk of kinky ropes, and spanking, and doms in book 1 and none of it has materialized. NONE OF IT.
Anywho. I did not sign up for Young Adult bullshit.
The plot is meh. It’s…as awkward as the FMC is made out to be.
Like I said. Not bad. Just. Not great either. Book 1 was good. This was disappointing.
November 10, 2024
DNF @ 76% story lost the plot for me. It became more about everyone's past trauma's and Bastian constantly being the solid rock. Just got old for me.
August 7, 2025
Wow just wow. New family and mate all in the same day. I loved it so much.
Read
March 8, 2025Good
WARNING, Cliffhanger! This one rates a 5/5 on my trauma scale, because it is definitely a life endangered setting AND at the time of writing, the next book isn’t out!
We pick up this story at the point where book one leaves off, with Xander recovering from his injuries, and Brier realizing that she needs to find a way to release her memories, because without them she is in danger.
There are a number of revelations in this book, and they serve to make what’s happening with Brier, make just a little more sense than things did before.
With her mates by her side, and some travels at hand, she’s able to learn more than she knew before, and discover just what fate has in mind for her.
There’s a fair bit of lore learning in this book, with a little action and a bit of steam.
I admit, I was a little disappointed with the whole Patrick situation (obviously Briar and I are on the same wavelength there), and I kind of wish Briar wouldn’t keep sacrificing herself!
Anyway, it was a very good story, with an engrossing plot, and a fun connection to the classics through the Aeneid and a reimagined lore.
An entertaining read for RH fantasy lovers, and urban fantasy fans (especially those with a love of classic literature).
WARNING, Cliffhanger! This one rates a 5/5 on my trauma scale, because it is definitely a life endangered setting AND at the time of writing, the next book isn’t out!
We pick up this story at the point where book one leaves off, with Xander recovering from his injuries, and Brier realizing that she needs to find a way to release her memories, because without them she is in danger.
There are a number of revelations in this book, and they serve to make what’s happening with Brier, make just a little more sense than things did before.
With her mates by her side, and some travels at hand, she’s able to learn more than she knew before, and discover just what fate has in mind for her.
There’s a fair bit of lore learning in this book, with a little action and a bit of steam.
I admit, I was a little disappointed with the whole Patrick situation (obviously Briar and I are on the same wavelength there), and I kind of wish Briar wouldn’t keep sacrificing herself!
Anyway, it was a very good story, with an engrossing plot, and a fun connection to the classics through the Aeneid and a reimagined lore.
An entertaining read for RH fantasy lovers, and urban fantasy fans (especially those with a love of classic literature).
November 2, 2024
Right away this one grabbed my attention. It picks up where book 1 left off, so we don't have to wait long after that previous cliffhanger.
We discover and learn so much once Briar gets her memories back. We see her growing and getting to know her wolf. Briar still has her brand of humor and her inner monolog made me laugh at times. She is a strong FMC, but has such a sweet and soft heart. I did get sad for her at times.
I won't give away spoilers, but there are definitely a few surprises coming!
I think this was a great addition to the series and I can't wait for book 3!!
We discover and learn so much once Briar gets her memories back. We see her growing and getting to know her wolf. Briar still has her brand of humor and her inner monolog made me laugh at times. She is a strong FMC, but has such a sweet and soft heart. I did get sad for her at times.
I won't give away spoilers, but there are definitely a few surprises coming!
I think this was a great addition to the series and I can't wait for book 3!!
November 2, 2024
Great
This was a well paced, enjoyable romp following the clues her mother and their ancestors left for her to help her solve the prophecy. I hadn't realised that this was in the same world as her other series and loved the little Easter eggs. My only complaint is briars self sacrificing attitude and her lack of confidence un her mates sticking around long term. It got really boring and annoying but that's a pet hate of mine.
This was a well paced, enjoyable romp following the clues her mother and their ancestors left for her to help her solve the prophecy. I hadn't realised that this was in the same world as her other series and loved the little Easter eggs. My only complaint is briars self sacrificing attitude and her lack of confidence un her mates sticking around long term. It got really boring and annoying but that's a pet hate of mine.
November 1, 2024
Secrets revealed...more secrets
This picks up right where book 1 ended.
This book gives us more details about Briar and her mates. Of course going to unlock her memories is a big deal. This also leads to a prophecy and even more questions.
This book leaves you more in love with the men, more frustrated with Briar, and more curious as to what the Knights are and have been up to.
I absolutely can't wait to see what is next.
Will she complete her mate bonds?
Will she fulfill the prophecy?
Will she and her mates finally have some peace?
What chaos will book three bring?
This picks up right where book 1 ended.
This book gives us more details about Briar and her mates. Of course going to unlock her memories is a big deal. This also leads to a prophecy and even more questions.
This book leaves you more in love with the men, more frustrated with Briar, and more curious as to what the Knights are and have been up to.
I absolutely can't wait to see what is next.
Will she complete her mate bonds?
Will she fulfill the prophecy?
Will she and her mates finally have some peace?
What chaos will book three bring?
November 1, 2024
Cursed Wolfsbane is the 2nd book in the Wolves Hollow University series and this book focused more on Briar (FMC) getting answers to a lot of the unanswered questions that she's had from the start of this series. Mainly by going home and trying to get her memories back. Which in turn opens her up to more questions. Plenty of great plot twists, underhand people and reconnecting with family. This series just keeps getting better and I'm loving reading it.
November 3, 2024
Memories and enemies
This book ramps up the tension with both the characters and the story. It’s still quite a slow burn but when spicy times happen they’re good. Briar does get her memories back, pretty easily but getting them raises more issues and unveils more enemies. The ending was nothing short of heartbreaking and I really need the last book to come out soon.
This book ramps up the tension with both the characters and the story. It’s still quite a slow burn but when spicy times happen they’re good. Briar does get her memories back, pretty easily but getting them raises more issues and unveils more enemies. The ending was nothing short of heartbreaking and I really need the last book to come out soon.
September 29, 2025
2 stars and one of them is for Saint alone.
This book was honestly a drag and I had to force myself to finish it towards the end. Something about it just made me want to.out the down completely.
There was a lot that happened in this book. Like a lot. And so I am very curious about what's going to happen next to all of them. Which is why I do plan to read the final book (definitely not because I hate dnfing series').
This book was honestly a drag and I had to force myself to finish it towards the end. Something about it just made me want to.out the down completely.
There was a lot that happened in this book. Like a lot. And so I am very curious about what's going to happen next to all of them. Which is why I do plan to read the final book (definitely not because I hate dnfing series').
May 9, 2025
Book 2 Wolves Hollow University
Ok, so not much university here. There are so many inconsistent plot lines through out this book. We spend all of winter break running around to find various clues to the prophecy. She gets her memories back and surprise she has magic powers in addition to her dual wolf. Didi lives within her but she also has her own wolf. Didi is pretty much useless. But she has another mate, a childhood friend who is a mage. He can portal them to Paris, so off they go to a secret Didi library, then they take a train to an ancient cathedral? Her mates are always getting angry with her and yelling, not sexy. Then it's all, I'm sorry, not healthy. The mage gets mad because she saved them when he could set a shield, so why didn't he set the shield?? Nothing makes sense as if magic is only used when it advances the plot? Dumb story, very elementary. Weird bondage talk.
Ok, so not much university here. There are so many inconsistent plot lines through out this book. We spend all of winter break running around to find various clues to the prophecy. She gets her memories back and surprise she has magic powers in addition to her dual wolf. Didi lives within her but she also has her own wolf. Didi is pretty much useless. But she has another mate, a childhood friend who is a mage. He can portal them to Paris, so off they go to a secret Didi library, then they take a train to an ancient cathedral? Her mates are always getting angry with her and yelling, not sexy. Then it's all, I'm sorry, not healthy. The mage gets mad because she saved them when he could set a shield, so why didn't he set the shield?? Nothing makes sense as if magic is only used when it advances the plot? Dumb story, very elementary. Weird bondage talk.
May 13, 2025
Book two of the Wolves Hollow University trilogy continues with the same emotional tone as the first, and while the bond between the characters does deepen, the plot still doesn’t pick up much. Unfortunately, this installment started to feel like a repetition of book one. The “I survived worse” mantra, while understandable and impactful at first, becomes repetitive and starts to lose its emotional weight.
The romance progresses a little, but the spice remains low and very tied to plot convenience. I kept waiting for a shift—either in stakes or direction—but it never really comes. There's a lot of potential in the world and the characters, but the pacing and lack of plot development made this one a bit of a drag.
The romance progresses a little, but the spice remains low and very tied to plot convenience. I kept waiting for a shift—either in stakes or direction—but it never really comes. There's a lot of potential in the world and the characters, but the pacing and lack of plot development made this one a bit of a drag.
November 27, 2024
follow up book just ok
The first book was great I enjoyed it and immediately downloaded the second. Briar needs some serious character growth. She gives advice to everyone else but continues to repeat her mistakes. I was so mad at the book and her by the end I wanted to throw my kindle. I am not sure if I’ll read the next books. Spice was eeh especially for a why choose maybe a 2.5 🌶️🌶️. I just didn’t feel the passion or connection in the spice my bits when we finally got some action.
The first book was great I enjoyed it and immediately downloaded the second. Briar needs some serious character growth. She gives advice to everyone else but continues to repeat her mistakes. I was so mad at the book and her by the end I wanted to throw my kindle. I am not sure if I’ll read the next books. Spice was eeh especially for a why choose maybe a 2.5 🌶️🌶️. I just didn’t feel the passion or connection in the spice my bits when we finally got some action.
February 2, 2025
Unfortunately boring. I just think the author didn't think about the plot before writing, and you can tell.
Why should I, as the reader, care about this random quest you've thrown in when the books started out as mainly romance? And now the romance might as well be dead ya'll. It's like halfway through writing a paranormal romance, the author decided that no there will be a plot about a prophecy instead! So you're left sitting there thinking "huh?"
Why should I, as the reader, care about this random quest you've thrown in when the books started out as mainly romance? And now the romance might as well be dead ya'll. It's like halfway through writing a paranormal romance, the author decided that no there will be a plot about a prophecy instead! So you're left sitting there thinking "huh?"
March 20, 2025
Not loving this series. Red flag relationships. The FMC isn't developing in character at all. Plot and pacing is all over the place.
May 12, 2025
I was super excited for this series but I got so disappointed
May 14, 2025
Cursed Wolfsbane is the second installment in the Wolves Hollow University series by E.L. Finley, and wow—this one delivers! Picking up right where book one left off (thankfully, no long wait after that cliffhanger!), this sequel dives deeper into Briar’s past, her powers, and the mystery surrounding her true identity.
Briar finally starts getting answers by returning home and regaining her memories—which brings a whole new set of questions. She remembers her family (Nan, her cousins, her dad), her best friend and mate, Saint (who’s a mage, by the way!), and even discovers a prophecy about herself tucked away in a hidden library in Paris. Oh, and she’s officially a hybrid now after unlocking her magic. No big deal, right?
This book is packed with twists, underhanded schemes, heartfelt family reconnections, and a slow-burn romance that finally starts to heat up. There are moments that made me laugh (Briar’s snarky inner monologue is gold), and moments that absolutely broke my heart. She’s a strong FMC with a soft heart, and it’s impossible not to root for her.
Without giving too much away—let’s just say there are a few major surprises, some intense fights, a heartbreaking ending, and a desperate need on my part for the next book. The plot thickens in all the best ways. If you love slow-burn paranormal romance with high stakes and emotional depth, this series is a must-read.
I’m obsessed with this world and these characters. E.L. Finley just keeps raising the bar, and I’m here for it!
Briar finally starts getting answers by returning home and regaining her memories—which brings a whole new set of questions. She remembers her family (Nan, her cousins, her dad), her best friend and mate, Saint (who’s a mage, by the way!), and even discovers a prophecy about herself tucked away in a hidden library in Paris. Oh, and she’s officially a hybrid now after unlocking her magic. No big deal, right?
This book is packed with twists, underhanded schemes, heartfelt family reconnections, and a slow-burn romance that finally starts to heat up. There are moments that made me laugh (Briar’s snarky inner monologue is gold), and moments that absolutely broke my heart. She’s a strong FMC with a soft heart, and it’s impossible not to root for her.
Without giving too much away—let’s just say there are a few major surprises, some intense fights, a heartbreaking ending, and a desperate need on my part for the next book. The plot thickens in all the best ways. If you love slow-burn paranormal romance with high stakes and emotional depth, this series is a must-read.
I’m obsessed with this world and these characters. E.L. Finley just keeps raising the bar, and I’m here for it!
November 11, 2024
DNF @80% because Briar just got more annoying as the story progresses.
Her reactions when the guys talk is mostly just "Oh"
It seems like her default to discovering something new is negative.
Her internal monologue are annoying too.
I enjoyed the first book but this one was just annoying as heck.
Her reactions when the guys talk is mostly just "Oh"
It seems like her default to discovering something new is negative.
Her internal monologue are annoying too.
I enjoyed the first book but this one was just annoying as heck.
March 11, 2025
This book was nuts! She got her memories back. She remembered Nan, and her cousins, her aunt and uncle. She remembered her dad. She also remembered her best friend who is also her mate. Saint is a mage and her mate. She also took a potion that unlocked her magic, so now she is a hybrid. She finds another letter from her mom. It leads them to a library in Paris where they find the prophecy about her. Patrick finds them and she kills him. Malachi and her have sex, and her and Saint complete the bond accidentally. When they go to a cathedral they find another clue but are attacked by the knights. She somehow opened a portal and alpha commanded all her wolves through it. She negotiated their release from the nights, she used magic but made it look like an alpha command for Saint. They do not know that she had magic as well as a wolf. The knights want to keep it so that female wolves can’t shift and prevent males from shifting too. The knights take her. She told them all she loved them right before the portal closed. Malachi’s wolf talks to him for the first time. Saint tells them that he can find her because they bonded.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
-why choose
-second chance
-paranormal romance
-cliffhanger
Having become engrossed in the second book of the series, I would also like to suggest reviewing any potential trigger warnings before proceeding..
This installment continues the narrative, and it is every bit as captivating as the initial volume. Having narrowly escaped death, Briar finds herself back at the beginning, grappling with numerous questions and uncertainties. Yet, if anyone is capable of finding the answers, it is undoubtedly Briar and her companions. However, they each have their own challenges to contend with as well. Together, they can overcome these obstacles, but they must first confront their individual struggles in order to support one another.
-second chance
-paranormal romance
-cliffhanger
Having become engrossed in the second book of the series, I would also like to suggest reviewing any potential trigger warnings before proceeding..
This installment continues the narrative, and it is every bit as captivating as the initial volume. Having narrowly escaped death, Briar finds herself back at the beginning, grappling with numerous questions and uncertainties. Yet, if anyone is capable of finding the answers, it is undoubtedly Briar and her companions. However, they each have their own challenges to contend with as well. Together, they can overcome these obstacles, but they must first confront their individual struggles in order to support one another.
November 1, 2024
And the adventure continues...
I'm a fan of E.L. Finley books. It's the only explanation for why I like this slow-burn series so much with nail-biting cliffhangers.
Is important to reader the book introduction. There are some dark situations or mentions of.
Our FMC has a delicious dark humor, a huge heart and an enormous capacity for inferiority.
To balance it out, destiny gave her some great soul mates. But she makes it difficult to keep her safe.
In this second book we have more adventures, more news (good and bad), more funny moment and more hot moments.
For me this series are a turn-page.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm a fan of E.L. Finley books. It's the only explanation for why I like this slow-burn series so much with nail-biting cliffhangers.
Is important to reader the book introduction. There are some dark situations or mentions of.
Our FMC has a delicious dark humor, a huge heart and an enormous capacity for inferiority.
To balance it out, destiny gave her some great soul mates. But she makes it difficult to keep her safe.
In this second book we have more adventures, more news (good and bad), more funny moment and more hot moments.
For me this series are a turn-page.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2025
ugh. that ending.
***spoilers, read at your own risk***
Seriously? They just had a conversation/confrontation about Briar going effing rogue and sacrificing herself when she blew up Patrick and then she turns around and immediately does it AGAIN by giving herself up to the knights. She obviously has no faith in her mates and the whole situation is made worse when she alpha commands them to go through the portal and literally forces Saint through. This is Too Stupid To Live territory and I can't believe I'm leaning towards her needing to suffer for her idiocy.
***spoilers, read at your own risk***
Seriously? They just had a conversation/confrontation about Briar going effing rogue and sacrificing herself when she blew up Patrick and then she turns around and immediately does it AGAIN by giving herself up to the knights. She obviously has no faith in her mates and the whole situation is made worse when she alpha commands them to go through the portal and literally forces Saint through. This is Too Stupid To Live territory and I can't believe I'm leaning towards her needing to suffer for her idiocy.
May 12, 2025
Great 2nd book Spoiler alert
I really enjoyed this book and series so far.
Our female lead character is so naive in the first book, she maybe naive to the world of relationships but she isn’t naive to how her the world can be cruel. Well her own little world with her step father Patrick almost killing her multiple times.
The world is built and over described(it got boring), the multiple point of views allowed backgrounds to be out in the open, I think so the reader would have deep connections (at least I did) with each of the main characters. Briar, Bastian, Zander and Malachi are the main characters and the point of views we read, Saint comes in much later. Briar is awkward, she sprints away from her feelings, overthinks decisions, she’s naively sweet but hardened from growing up being severely abused once her mother passed all to protect Ava from her step dad’s threats.
Briar learns who her dad really is at the end of the first book, she also learned, her beloved baby sister Ava has the same dad, so they are full blooded sisters, somewhere along the line, they believed Briars stepdad Patrick, the psycho, was Ava’s dad. It’s explained that also killed their real dad years ago before he blackmailed her mom into marrying him. Patrick killed her by giving her wolfsbane which is poisonous to females. The potion is to help them change into their wolf after their 18 bday but it’s well known females can’t shift due to a curse put on Dido, a version of their goddess, Briars ancestor. Briar is supposed to break the curse and free all female wolf shifters so they can shift and free others from magic or something, she shifts at the end of the first book to save Xander.
Briar explains to Xander why she sometimes needs pain to process her painful memories because she knows how to deal with physical pain better than emotional pain. It brings to light how Xander did the same thing, but in his own way of silently beating himself up. Briar protected her baby sister Ava and let Patrick kick the ever loving crap out of her. She held on because of Ava, knowing that with attention on her, Ava would be safe. Xander consistently self discriminates, and blames himself that Bastian almost died multiple times because he couldn’t save him. He didn’t see how Bastian pulled away as kids, upset with his parents for making him cancel plans with friends to hang out with his brother, the same friends teased him about the time he was told to hang out with Bastian. Then finds out that the old priest from their primary school was whipping the devil out of his twin Bastian. Then Bastian would fight underground fights and almost died multiple times because he needed the pain to deal with his painful memories. Xander wouldn’t let Briar close to him, afraid that if she leaned on him, he would fail her too. She finally got through to him that it wasn’t his fault all those things happened and he didn’t notice. She somewhat convinced him to have a relationship with her. It was pretty tame book when it came to bedroom scenes. Only near the end did she finally do the dirty with Kai/Malachi. I suspected when the mate bond formed with Saint, that this might happen so I was braced for the inevitable. She was taken by the Knights of Aeonas or something like that. It made sense that she negotiated the guys freedom since they were her mates, also so Saint could rally the mage troops since one of their council members is apart of the Knights evil agenda. It wasn’t spoken aloud when he thought of it but I think it was really important to the story because we are getting to a point of no return.
I believe on their Christmas break, they are visiting locations that are clues on how to break the curse, she goes back to Hawthorn, meets her old bestie and her Mage mate. She remembers him after the potion she drank that Nan made her. A few other places they visit and find clues, before running into Patrick of all ppl, after an altercation they move to their last clue, and the knights apprehend them in Paris. It drove me batty that she made this decision for them but at least Saint could sound the alarm about the corrupted council member. At least I’m hoping that’s where that was leading them.
If I could I would rate it 4.5 stars because of how slow, the over described world, and how slow the burn was. For me, I needed a bit more positives things happening to her to counteract all the horrible stuff we read about her life leading up to the present. It wasn’t all bad, but the positives were so minor that it didn’t overcome the awful experiences Briar went through growing up.
I would have rated it 4.5 stars if I could so I rounded up to 5 stars. Besides the over described environments, and the fantasy world of shifters, mages, goddesses and evil knights, these are all prevalent in this book, it’s mentioned that Vampires are real too. The plot moved at a glacial pace but the reader got the time and backstory of each of characters. Which made it hard to put the book down when life calls. The natural connection Briar felt with the guys was easy to follow, there wasn’t any missing moments that would have been important key parts to building their relationships up, it just flowed so naturally. Hopefully you enjoy the book as much as I did.
I really enjoyed this book and series so far.
Our female lead character is so naive in the first book, she maybe naive to the world of relationships but she isn’t naive to how her the world can be cruel. Well her own little world with her step father Patrick almost killing her multiple times.
The world is built and over described(it got boring), the multiple point of views allowed backgrounds to be out in the open, I think so the reader would have deep connections (at least I did) with each of the main characters. Briar, Bastian, Zander and Malachi are the main characters and the point of views we read, Saint comes in much later. Briar is awkward, she sprints away from her feelings, overthinks decisions, she’s naively sweet but hardened from growing up being severely abused once her mother passed all to protect Ava from her step dad’s threats.
Briar learns who her dad really is at the end of the first book, she also learned, her beloved baby sister Ava has the same dad, so they are full blooded sisters, somewhere along the line, they believed Briars stepdad Patrick, the psycho, was Ava’s dad. It’s explained that also killed their real dad years ago before he blackmailed her mom into marrying him. Patrick killed her by giving her wolfsbane which is poisonous to females. The potion is to help them change into their wolf after their 18 bday but it’s well known females can’t shift due to a curse put on Dido, a version of their goddess, Briars ancestor. Briar is supposed to break the curse and free all female wolf shifters so they can shift and free others from magic or something, she shifts at the end of the first book to save Xander.
Briar explains to Xander why she sometimes needs pain to process her painful memories because she knows how to deal with physical pain better than emotional pain. It brings to light how Xander did the same thing, but in his own way of silently beating himself up. Briar protected her baby sister Ava and let Patrick kick the ever loving crap out of her. She held on because of Ava, knowing that with attention on her, Ava would be safe. Xander consistently self discriminates, and blames himself that Bastian almost died multiple times because he couldn’t save him. He didn’t see how Bastian pulled away as kids, upset with his parents for making him cancel plans with friends to hang out with his brother, the same friends teased him about the time he was told to hang out with Bastian. Then finds out that the old priest from their primary school was whipping the devil out of his twin Bastian. Then Bastian would fight underground fights and almost died multiple times because he needed the pain to deal with his painful memories. Xander wouldn’t let Briar close to him, afraid that if she leaned on him, he would fail her too. She finally got through to him that it wasn’t his fault all those things happened and he didn’t notice. She somewhat convinced him to have a relationship with her. It was pretty tame book when it came to bedroom scenes. Only near the end did she finally do the dirty with Kai/Malachi. I suspected when the mate bond formed with Saint, that this might happen so I was braced for the inevitable. She was taken by the Knights of Aeonas or something like that. It made sense that she negotiated the guys freedom since they were her mates, also so Saint could rally the mage troops since one of their council members is apart of the Knights evil agenda. It wasn’t spoken aloud when he thought of it but I think it was really important to the story because we are getting to a point of no return.
I believe on their Christmas break, they are visiting locations that are clues on how to break the curse, she goes back to Hawthorn, meets her old bestie and her Mage mate. She remembers him after the potion she drank that Nan made her. A few other places they visit and find clues, before running into Patrick of all ppl, after an altercation they move to their last clue, and the knights apprehend them in Paris. It drove me batty that she made this decision for them but at least Saint could sound the alarm about the corrupted council member. At least I’m hoping that’s where that was leading them.
If I could I would rate it 4.5 stars because of how slow, the over described world, and how slow the burn was. For me, I needed a bit more positives things happening to her to counteract all the horrible stuff we read about her life leading up to the present. It wasn’t all bad, but the positives were so minor that it didn’t overcome the awful experiences Briar went through growing up.
I would have rated it 4.5 stars if I could so I rounded up to 5 stars. Besides the over described environments, and the fantasy world of shifters, mages, goddesses and evil knights, these are all prevalent in this book, it’s mentioned that Vampires are real too. The plot moved at a glacial pace but the reader got the time and backstory of each of characters. Which made it hard to put the book down when life calls. The natural connection Briar felt with the guys was easy to follow, there wasn’t any missing moments that would have been important key parts to building their relationships up, it just flowed so naturally. Hopefully you enjoy the book as much as I did.
April 14, 2025
The prophecy
After getting her memories back and finding her mage mate Siant. The group decides to track down the prophecy to help female shifters. But the Knights are after them and take Briar.
After getting her memories back and finding her mage mate Siant. The group decides to track down the prophecy to help female shifters. But the Knights are after them and take Briar.
July 31, 2025
Little shadow
Little shadow is such a cute nickname and the story about them is just adorable. 🥰 I am so glad the books are all out. At least I think they are because those cliffhangers are brutal.
Little shadow is such a cute nickname and the story about them is just adorable. 🥰 I am so glad the books are all out. At least I think they are because those cliffhangers are brutal.
November 11, 2024
DNF at 36%. I just couldn't get past how much of a pick-me Briar was being. I hate the nicknames and how the MMCs act. I will not be continuing this series.
November 18, 2024
Just as good
Just as good as the first book! I can't wait to read the next. Patrick hit of to easy. Thank God for the bond.
Just as good as the first book! I can't wait to read the next. Patrick hit of to easy. Thank God for the bond.
February 23, 2025
Oh no
Oh no, now I have to wait for the next book lol. The story is so good I couldn't put the book down. Bought some other if Miss Finleys books cant wait to read them.
Oh no, now I have to wait for the next book lol. The story is so good I couldn't put the book down. Bought some other if Miss Finleys books cant wait to read them.
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