Pack Refuge

The Splintered Bond #2

by Merri Bright

There’s no refuge for the rejected.

My new pack was supposed to be a haven, a place where the unranked are treated fairly. But when I arrive at Northern still wearing a tag that declares my low status, I find myself in a worse situation than before. Hunted, but not knowing where to hide or how to escape. Ignored by the pack who vowed to protect me. Rejected by a wolf who might have been my fated mate.
My only refuge is in the arms of the quiet, massive shifter from the Mountain pack, though the other Alpha Heirs keep snagging my attention as I train for my ranking fight. When that day finally arrives and everything goes wrong, I'll discover just how dangerous the Northern pack can be.

I was promised a refuge. But once a reject? Always a reject.

Pack Refuge is the second book in The Splintered Bond series, featuring a fierce, strong Southern shifter who will not have to choose one mate... if she chooses any at all. You must read Pack Reject first to follow Flor's adventures.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Why Choose, Magic, Slow Burn

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2024

About the author

Once upon a time, Merri Bright tucked romance novels behind all her textbooks and read love stories instead of the lessons. Now she writes the same kind of books she’s always loved, dreaming up stories about naughty angels, misunderstood demons, sexy shifters, growly Alpha males, and all sorts of dragons.

She drinks cinnamon tea while she writes, and believes in the power of naps, kitten cuddles, and long walks with her dog.
Come watch Merri be socially awkward at Merri’s FB page or Instagram @merribright, or email her at merri@merribright.com.

Reviews

[Sarah D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book spent way too much time on reforming Northern pack, which I didn’t feel a vested interest in. There was a real gap in understanding why it was so toxic when it had a supposedly good alpha, alpha mate, two alpha heirs who were honorable, and a probably-good Sergeant. Who were the villains here? Anonymous middle management?

Well, for me, the fight against no name middle management is not very interesting.

Vanessa and Clara are the resident mean girls, who also become homicidal traitors for no real reason. Jealousy… I guess?

I just felt like with as many mates as there are, this journey into Northern pack focused on the wrong place. We got hardly any character development for our main characters and no overarching plot development.

This was nowhere near as good as the first book. Hopefully the next one is better.

[Merri Bright]

Thank you so much for reading Pack Refuge! The cliffhanger ending may have you gasping, but don’t worry, the next book isn’t far away. Make sure to follow me on my socials and newsletter for updates when the pre-order for Pack Ruin goes live in October. https://linktr.ee/MerriBright Another story in that world, An Ancient Bond, will be out in August/September, and can be pre-ordered here: https://books2read.com/ancientbond

Note: The serial story is ongoing, and you can hop in on episode 99 on Vella and read Pack Ruin (Season 3) in draft form. https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Reject/dp.... International readers (or people who want a bunch of other free stories) can subscribe to my Ream page and do the same here: www.reamstories.com/merribright Please be aware that the serial story varies somewhat from the published books.

If you need content warnings for any of my books, or just want to say hi, please go to www.merribright.com or email me Merri@MerriBright.com. I’d love to hear from you!


Make Mischief,

Merri

Content Warnings:


Pack Refuge contains on-page, graphic violence/death, intimacy with multiple partners, profanity, physical assault, mention of past sexual assault, parental pressure to choose a mate, and mentions of past domestic abuse. This is a medium-dark, slow-burn reverse harem romance, with scenes that may be disturbing to some readers. Please be kind to yourself when choosing to read.

If you note any content warnings that are not listed above, please email merri@merribright.com so I can make sure to add them.

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC and ALC Review, Updated 17 March 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I was his secret treasure. His sparkling stars and shimmering moon, kept hidden deep within his heart. Kept safe.

Story Review:
I did not want this book to end! It’s an emotional read - but just as it is sad, there is so much hope.

Could I fall in love with Brand any more than I was already? Merri sure made it easy to love him. More than any of Flor’s mates (with a resounding exception for Joaquin, who was a favorite from book one and can do no wrong in my eyes), he alone is deserving of her love. Of being her mate.

I love Flor’s strength. Her compassion. Her dirty mouth. One of my favorite FMCs gifted to us by Merri. She is strong like Feather, but swears like a sailor.

The spice picks up in book two, but it’s still on the slower burn side. It is definitely a plot-focused book, and I love that—emotional connections before sexy time.

Like Book 1, this book ends on a cliffhanger. We won’t get their HEA until book 4. I cannot wait for the rest.

Audiobook Review:
I was so excited to get an advance copy of this book!

I didn't think I could love Brand and Grigor any more than I did in book 1, but Ryan Stone's performance of their roles blew all expectations out of the water! Conversely, he also made me hate Finnick all the more. I felt all the pain and betrayal as if it were happening to me.

Let's just say that Ch 31 hits hard.

Another standout performance by Allie Piper! I love her ability to nail every characters' accent and the way she makes Flor come to life. She has the southern drawl nailed!

So well done, I can't wait for the rest of this series to be made in audio!

Thank you to Merri Bright for the ARC and both the author and Podium Audio for the ALC.

[✧ FLINN ✧ (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

My expectation were low but even then I'm disappointed

[CiCi | bookameme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so gone for this series

Merri Bright is incredible!! The last book was all angsty pining and humor, this one was dark secrets and political machinations, but both of them were fabulous!!

There were some pretty funny lines in here but the humor was turned down a bit while the spice was turned up. It even started to get k!nky!

🌶️🌶️🌶️

(I listened and read this one in tandem and the audio was just as spectacular as the first one.)

[~Babette~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate margarette

[Mary Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flor thought she was headed to safety with Glen's pack, but trouble seems to follow her everywhere. She stays humble, but she also speaks her mind and stands up against injustice. The unranked shifters found strength and inspiration from her example, bringing much needed change to Northern. Flor is kind of like Scrappy Doo, except her bite matches her bark, and I love it!

[Spasticnontastic · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Poseidon King of The Sea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need an entire book on just grovelling from Fin and Glen. They are currently beyond embarrassing and if I were Flor with a magic wolf and a mountain man as my mates I'd reject the rest asap.

I genuinely love this FMC but the mummy issues shouldn't make us forgive some bitchy old woman for trying to manipulate her. Especially when she's been through it enough.

I'll be honest that there were times I felt like things weren't made clear to us. The whole toxicity of the northern pack plus their alpha is also good? how can they both fit? There are mistakes and then there's incompetency.

I really wanted to keep liking the alpha and his mate but all positive attributes were taken and then somehow we are supposed to feel bad for them?

Fin's parents and his whole backstory are giving attempted angst but perhaps if I cared for him in any way I would care instead of being happy his life is pretty shitty.

The whole talk on being magical and being a wolf? This was said in a very simple way without explaining the actual clear image. If there are humans and shifters as well as witches does that make J a hybrid or are all wolves of magic? I didn't understand and felt irritated at times whenever this was brought up.

How old are all her mates? I'm genuinely lost cos J says he's too old for her and has been speaking Spanish for 19 years ( as part of something?) the vagueness at times was confusing.

I love Mountain Man !!!!!!! Brand and his dad are everything but the whole way the matin came about made me so uncomfortable. and then while DOING IT !! the other two just watch again without consent? I understand it might be people's thing and in a RH it commonly is. But in a situation where Flopr has stated so many times that she is against it and has only had bad experiences, was there no way for her to have some peace?

Happy it worked out, but so many different moments throughout the book where I was screaming for the word LAKE to be said so we could all leave this uncomfortable situation

That being said I genuinely enjoyed both this book and the first in the series and would give it a solid 4 ****

I think with secrets being unravelled and more depth being given to characters, I can definitely see the books following this getting a higher rating !!!


ps.

Flor has a relatively small physique and frame, but in the art and women on the cover having massive tits is seriously messing with my brain. Every time they say she's small or little, I wanna punch the book because it feels like such a blatant lie.

[Ravin DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merri continues to play with my heart strings in this second book in the Splintered Bond series. Bearman is definitely my favorite guy right now. Flor goes from one nightmare to the other. It seems that no matter where she goes, people recognize that she has amazing power and want to do whatever they can to stamp it out. Well what they don't realize is that Flor, is the baddest of bads and she will not let that happen. I loved that Flor got more vulnerable with the guys this time than she had previously, allowing them in just a little bit, but still keeping her own secrets at the same time. I need more! And that ending!!!! Bad Merri lol

[Kendra Klapheke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a Cliffhanger!

Flor is a force to be reckoned with, she goes to the Northern pack to escape; but finds she has more battles to face and secrets to uncover. However, this time she is not alone.

I love Flor and her determination to help all unranked wolves evens with her own struggles to overcome. Her strength is inspiring, and her strengths inspires other. I can't wait for
Book three to see how the journey continues for Flor and her mates. Big cliffhanger! At the end of Book two, I yelled out no! Counting the days to see what happens.

[marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but I feel like it focused too much on reforming the pack and not enough on the relationship between the fmc and her mates. I would have loved to get to know the guys better.

[Korra Kalaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so I’m actually so into it

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t like this one but it was still a good read

So I didn’t like this one and it was because of how much hope we were given by Glen’s mom. How much of a refuge the Northern pack was supposed to be. How Marguerite was to be the maternal figure Flor had needed. Instead she became pushy about Glen, and then insinuated that Flor OWED THEM. Disgusting. This woman has been Hunted, and abused for a long time. And you do this? Where is the compassion?

Then to find out about the pack and actually what was going on, and how they didn’t exactly have a clue? I’m not buying it. Their answers were weak. To “protect” the others they kept them lower ranked? How does that help protect the pack and the vulnerable when the people who are supposed to be the Enforcers are weak and abuse their power?

Then everyone hating on Flor is getting a little bit old for me. I’m gunna need her to have, aside from her mates, a trusted person to lean on. Someone like Del would have been perfect. Is he really dead? I hope not but so far we’ve seen nothing.

The ending was intriguing with Luke. Was the Alpha we heard Sargent, who might be idk Flor’s uncle maybe? Mate? Idk. But I’m not 100% certain it’s him. It might actually be Calloway the former Alpha or a new player, like Finn’s parents orrrrr the Rogues, though didn’t one,of them get away? The silver teeth dude? I suspect they are colluding, Finn’s parents, with all the nefarious people like it is a whole big conspiracy. I suspect it’ll be maybe a self fulfilling prophecy like she was gunna rise up against someone but instead they messed with magic and she got Hunted and abused and now she’s more powerful bc of it. Watch. lol. I like Flor she inspires the masses. So far I like Brand and Joaquin, though I wish that he wasn’t so invisible.

I’m worried about Luke and I think that Flor won’t make it in time and I really don’t understand her reluctance to go to him knowing he’s her mate and he’s suffering. After learning that I would her wolf would demand they fix it, expeditiously, like now. And yet…she didn’t really seem to have that reaction and I don’t understand it.

I know she’s scared of Southern, that makes sense. But. Isn’t she stronger and more badass now? You’d think she might’ve gained a bit of confidence.

Also a few of the mates say I Love You and I do feel like we haven’t seen enough of them together, live action, to really exactly see that per se. A lot of sections are told instead of showing but the book is still good.

I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Angela Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tentativel trust
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2024
The second book continues Flor’s amazing story, it’s another sad one but not quite as heartbreaking as the first book.
Here with Glens Northern pack she is so much better off even with mean girls like Vanessa and Clara. She finds everything strange and doesn’t have an easy time adapting, finding a lot she doesn’t agree with here.
She still has three of her would be mates with her, alpha heirs Brand, Glen and Finn, all still trying to woo her in their own way.
Some interesting developments in this book which introduces some spice for her at last. She certainly has some major hang ups from her life being hunted in the Southern pack that it’s hard for her to relinquish.
Flor is still a mystery, I want to find out more about her and why she has so many shifters hunting her still. What’s happening with Sargent, I feel like he’s an important part to play in the story.
Love the dip into pack politics and looking forward to see where this goes next.
Another cliffhanger, really hope that this isn’t as bad as it sounds.
A really immersive world that Merri’s created here, love it and can’t wait for the next part of the story

[Doom Sunshine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is weaker than book 1.
The prologue spoils a lot of chapters and everything ends too nicely in a bow.

If someone is going to write about SA and war, that author should be comfortable enough with saying exactly what is happening to the unranked females and include some curse words. However, this author lacks the gumption to use proper words.

No one cares enough to investigate what Flor is or how she got her scars; no one cares enough to actually delve deep into the past. It's like this is a half formed story that is being made up as the books are written.

Oh, and because this is a RH, the dumb nicknames for the FMC are all around. Examples: little flower, little badass, sweet girl, dream girl, princess, little one, little queen, my love, wildflower, little spitfire, little wolf, girl, little behrserk, little fighter, sharp-petalled flower and Queen.
*Sigh* so many "little [x]" nicknames. The author lacked creativity to come up with something else I suppose.

[Bent Letters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟 4.5

I liked this one, though I liked the first more. She’s still fiery. Still wary. She’s in an unknown location, finding her feet, and doing a damn good job of it. Flor is an excellent lead character. She’s a great mix of admirable qualities, making this book and series an enjoyable one. She builds up those around her, supports the weak, stands for what is right, has excellent instincts, and I’m not going to lie, I really like that she’s slow to accept her men.

I love the slow build of her pack. I really like the emphasis on actions over words. I freaking love Grigor in the background who has been following her all along, protecting her silently. He’s my favourite. Bearman is front and centre, big as a mountain but as gentle as can be. Glenda pines like no other, and I am so down for it. Luke is getting his comeuppance and for good reason. He didn’t do enough for her. This is one of those few times where his grovelling looks like it will match the crime. If he’s literally dying for her then I accept his sacrifice before he can be welcomed back officially 🫣
Finn is his own kettle of fish, which I can’t wait to see unfold. A lovely bit of angst waiting in the wings.
All these men bring tension. I adore their yearning and pining, the submission to her! I want my fmc to be placed on a pedestal and treated better than anyone else. Sexist? Yes. I don’t care, it’s my escape from reality 😁 I want power skewed overwhelmingly in her favour. Merri is doing a fanatic job of that. Flor is given it by her mates but most importantly she 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐬 it for herself. This woman does not need a man to save her or give her anything. She bloody well does it herself.
Love it.

The plot is interesting. I liked seeing how Northern ran things. I liked the rot within the pack. You have the whole Northern pack dynamics, their problems and struggles, the power dynamics, the flaws. This kept me invested.
Then you have this secondary, romantic arc. We’re seeing restitution for past crimes on one male (yass thank you), we’re seeing Flor settle into the idea of love and mates, we have one immediate connection, one almost connection, one pushing away, and one waiting for the right timing. It’s good. This imo is one of the strengths of reverse harem, drawing out that romantic tension until I want to die from it. I want spice in my books, like any other, but my preference is for the stolen looks, the small touches, the yearning feelings, the sly kisses.

Spice. Now here is one aspect I felt let down a little, and maybe that’s all my own fault. I wanted sexpot kitten, savage, kink infested spice with men who threw down for her (did someone moan Daddy?). Instead….Brand was so 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩. He slept outside the room (um, who asked you to give her space?). He respected her unsaid boundaries (excuse me but can you not?). He gave her space to grow into her feelings (ugh ok yeah I like it but whyyy 😩). We’re on book 2. Where are my spicy scenes?! What is going on? Someone give this girl an O because she has too many men around her to not be enjoying that on the daily. She needs more, and so do I. There was spice, just not much. When we finally, finally have them together Brand came across too timid. I wasn’t very happy about that. Thank goodness it wasn’t awful, but seriously, Merri could have done so much with that scene and yet afterwards I was left thinking that was the most innocent feeling spicy scene I’ve read in a long while. Jeez, I’m corrupted, I need a hail mary and immediate immersion in holy water 😆.

I also like the size of these books. Easy, bite sized readings. Long enough for sufficient plot detail and romantic tension, but not too long and wordy that I grow bored.

Needless to say, I’m enjoying this series immensely. On to book 3 🫶🏼

[AMG · Rating 4 out of 5]

RH MMMMM/Shifters & Witches/Enemies to Lovers Multi PoV

SYNOPSIS (of 4 Book Series): This story is set in a world where shifters exist without the humans knowing. There are 4 North American packs which form the North American shifter counsel headed by the Alpha and each of the Alpha’s heirs for the 4 regions: Southern, North Eastern, Eastern and North. The Western pack was eliminated some 10 plus years prior. The FC, Flor, is a member of the Southern pack which is a chauvinistic, misogynistic pack ruled over by a power-hungry bully of an Alpha where women are treated like slaves and only those shifters with rank are considered of any consequence. For no other reason than the Alpha has decreed it so, Flor is considered the pack reject and has spent the past 4 years being hunted by the male enforcer shifters in a game where if they catch her they are allowed to forcibly mate her. She manages to escape her fate when she meets her fated mates, 4 shifters from each region, and leaves Southern. The story covers how the FC falls for each of her mates and they fall for her, her real background, the fight against corruption in the shifter council and those who want to see her dead.

Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆🍆 The sex scenes are hot with some group but mainly one on one scenes, no MM, and mainly vanilla. There are enough scenes to add heat to the story but not so many that they take over the books.

Overall I found this to be an enjoyable shifter story with only a few editing and typo niggles. It’s not unique and there are some inconsistencies but it is still enjoyable in a popcorn read kind of way. There is enough action, drama and heat to keep the reader engaged although there are areas where the story seems to just be treading water and the story could be tightened up.

No this isn’t an original story and it ticks the usual boxes ✅: the FC is initially portrayed as a runt who has suffered horrible abuse, she then finds her mates (who, on the whole, adore her) and she morphs into this strong heroine who is destined to save all shifters and who everyone thinks is amazing 😏. There is a big bad villain (“mwah ha ha” type) and a few low level baddies.

The FC is a strong, kick ass type with a very southern, crude mouth on her and a blunt talking way of presenting herself. Occasionally this came across as a bit juvenile. As a whole I liked her but there were times when she was just portrayed as too perfect. Everywhere she went she seemed to find things that were wrong and needed to be fixed which made here come across as preachy and too perfect as she was always the one telling others how they should be doing things and how they had been doing things wrong. The author seemed to go a bit over the top with the theme of an FC who had suffered horribly and who then became a crusader for women and abuse. Also, instead of allowing what the FC had gone through to gradually feed into the story this author took the short cut of the FC having no problem telling everyone how sad her story was and how much she had been through. For me it was a bit whiny at times and I find this approach by an author of getting information across as lazy and lacking in depth.

The MCs are all strong individuals some of which have their own standard, abusive backstory and all of which are possessive and fall almost instantly for the FC despite her not having proved herself or giving them any reason to fall for her.

If you can ignore the niggles and inconsistencies and just sit back this is an enjoyable ride. Not a keeper for me but still a fun read with some good fights, angst and general comeuppance for the villains.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack Refuge picks up right where Pack Reject left off...Flor is on her way to Northern. She is accompanied by her other potential mates on the journey while Luke stays behind in Southern. Northern isn't all it appears to be though. This pack has its own issues that will need to be sorted before the book is done as there is rot at the core even in a place that is supposed to be a sanctuary for Flor.

***There are spoilers beyond this point***

While Flor is at Northern, she is somewhat pressured to mate with Glen, but Flor sticks her ground. She won't be pressured into mating with anyone. I do love Flor and Glen's flirting behavior throughout this book. Glen provides some lighthearted fun when it is needed. Glen also has his own reckoning in this book as he realizes his pack isn't what it really is preached about. He faces some hard truths that leave him well adrift.

Brand is probably my favorite out all of them. He is always there for Flor and is just the sweetest with her. But make no mistake. He is fierce on his own and will fiercely protect Flor. He is the first to mate with Flor, and even though it isn't an ideal situation given it is kind of forced to save Flor's life, these two will forever have my heart due to how they are with each other.

Joaquin... He is unhinged, but in a good way. History has not been kind to him, and you will learn about his history some in this book. I know there is a lot more to him and his story though that we will learn about in the next book. His little gifts to Flor are both amusing, and well a little bit disturbing but fitting. He does everything he can to help Flor when needed from the shadows.

Finnick.... Oh, Finnick. I get why he keeps Flor at arm's reach. His parents are pure evil and are using him in a way no parent ever should use their child. I feel for him and hope he can find a way out and back to Flor.

Now onto Luke. Luke isn't doing so good being separated from Flor. His health is declining and Southern is as corrupt as can be. I'll just say I hope Luke can pull through and come out stronger than ever.

All in all, this book had me on the edge of my seat as I was reading. I love all the character and relationship development throughout the book. Flor is one not to let unjustness fester and she is desperately needed to bring all the packs together and to help get rid of the evil that is lingering. I know she will be a powerhouse, along with her mates, by the time this series is finished. This is one you will not want to miss out on if you read and loved book one, Pack Reject. Trust me.

[Claire Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loving this series from Merri - book 2 picks up immediately where book 1 Pack Reject left off - Flor has left the Southern pack leaving Luke behind to and rebuild the pack after everything that has happened and is on her way to Northern pack under the protection of Glen's mum who is the Alpha Mate of Northern - little does Flor know she is stumbling into another pack that has its own secrets and terrors.......

Flor thinks she will be safe with Northern, but literally from her arrival there you can see that there is something wrong - of course Flor has been used to worse, and so puts up with what is thrown her way in typical Flor style. All the heirs are still jostling for her attention - being at Northern Glen is literally expected by his parents to be Flor's mate, but Flor won't be pressured into something she doesn't want, until of course she has no choice but take a mate or lose everything, but who gets to be the first mate......

Glen and his light hearted banter were much needed in this book as it can get quite deep and emotional at times, but even he has some hard knocks coming his way when he realises just what is happening in his own pack.

Brand is just awesome, there for Flor no matter what, caring and protective, doing what needs to be done at the pivotal moment but not under the most ideal of circumstances.

Joaquin is still a mystery with his magic, he is the oldest of her possible mates and we don't really know too much about him, but expect that to change in future books, he's wily helping Flor from the shadows when he can, giving her 'gifts'.

Finnick has all but rejected Flor, but cannot keep away - I understand why he is doing what he is with the evil that are his parents, if they get their hands on Flor......

Poor Luke is left at Southern, healing from his wound from Flor, and fading fast due to not being with her, not sure he really deserves what is happening, I'm hoping he pulls through.

Love the story and character development in this, Flor is such a strong women, love her development with her mates, but Flor won't stand to see the women in the Northern pack used and abused. Can't wait to read more from this series.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhhhm excuse me? I think my heart will never recover!!!

I knew, I knew it would end in a cliffy, I was prepared, I told myself " It is okay Adriana, we have survived Merri's Cliffys before, what could possible happen at the end of this book that would drive you over the wall?" WELL LET ME TELL YOU !!... I need five minutes to get my breathing back to normal, my mind is going crazy full of conspiracies, and I cannot literally cannot wait until the next one.

This book has so much juice!!! We continue the journey of Flor going to a new pack, a refuge, finally she was going to be able to live a peaceful life, as she deserved it after all the torture she was subjected to as the Pack Reject at Southern, well surprise !! You know that feeling, when everything is going bad in your home, the plumbing is leaking, the AC broke, there is an infestation, but you are happy bcs you are moving to a new place, new neighborhood, with a restored building, all new appliances, nice people and all that? But as soon as you move in, you see hints of the same infestation you were living with? But you try to ignore it, sure there must be some PTSD after everything you lived trough in that house all your life, and your new tenants are pretty sure the community is amazing, and the values, the amenities, even the possibility of a new promotion are in the horizon.... well boohoohoo to you missy because yes the place may be a classic structure, full of history and respect BUT the foundation is rotten, there are rats in the neighborhood and that infestation is bigger than you tough! Yep that was what happened to our poor Flor, and not only that, she is also discovering there is more secrets and questions involving her life, is she truly the mate of that person? (wink) Also what the heck with Sargent? Is he who we think he is?

People the plot is plotting and while we wait for the next book, let me run really quick to Office depot because I will need some supplies to start making my mystery/murder board and start putting all the hints together, if I end up with a crazy wall, you can totally blame this author.

[Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Mother of Deception!!!

Flor is free from the Southern pack and finally at the Northern pack. A pack that can keep her safe and secure... Or so she thinks. Almost immediately upon her arrival, she meets Vanessa. Cousin to Glen and quite possibly one of the most psychotic wolfs in Northern Pack. Introductions are rushed and soon, Flor is met as another target in a Hunt from crazy men who don't understand the word no.

This book seriously has SO much information, it's the best type of overload.

With the Alpha and Alpha-mate practically out of commission, they are unaware of the black seed of destruction growing from within their pack. Flor right away, notices and takes note throughout. Doing so, she is determined to prove everyone wrong and become a ranked wolf within the Enforcers. More lies and deceit are found and soon, she realizes how similar pack Northern is to Pack Southern.

The guys - Brand, Glen, Finnick and Joaquin are trying to win Flor's heart in the process. But when tragedy strikes, Flor is practically left with no choice at all but to complete a bond she is terrified of.

When Flor is then taken, all hell breaks loose, and all of the guys do their hardest to get back their mate. Magic here and questions there, Flor has no idea what to do and before she knows it, she's safe in her mates arms, longing for the other men too.

I LOVED this book! Seriously it's so good and the storyline sucks you in like a child on Christmas morning. The drama, suspense and the romance all come in together at a great pace leave us wanting so much more. We met some interesting characters in this one that I am dying to learn more about and finally, the guys are getting onboard with how amazing our Flor is.

I can't wait for the next book.

*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 3/5
*Slow Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*MFM(MMM) Romance
*Ends on ominous cliffhanger

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merri Bright certainly knows how to gather the interest of readers. She writes simple but the stories are always addicting and her writing is quick to read and understand each and every situation marvellously well. Multiple PoV writing gives the best explanation of the scenario.

I loved how the chapters were short and the unnecessary information was not given, what I meant to say is that every line was interesting and gave you something to focus on. The story is played and not stretched. The story progresses brilliantly with a charm that made me captivated.

The story starts where it ends in the first book, and Flor is welcomed in the Northern Parklands but it is not what she expected and promised to be. Once a Reject, always a Reject and deception hurts deeply. The Hunt has not stopped despite the change in place, only the hunters have changed.

In the beginning, I was angry on behalf of Flor how could it all happen when it was not supposed to be like this and the men in her life, her mates were nowhere to be found. But the story turned so frequently every here and there and things changed for good. This story is the mother of all deceptions. Read to find out.

The epilogue gave me chills. Luke’s pov was heart-shattering And the cliffhanger is making me want to read the next book like yesterday. Merri definitely set the bar high and sore every aspect of the book and the character growth is phenomenal. The plot has grown so much since it all started in the previous book.

I am excited to see where it all leads and what new challenges she will face. I am sure I love its feisty heroine Flor too much but then the men in her life Glen, Brand and Grigor ( who is a mystery) are extremely powerful but are soft in heart and nature. I appreciate them, the plot offers so much action that you will love it.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 1/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

Paranormal
Wolf Shifters
Why Choose
Morally Grey MMC
Touch Her & ☠️
Friends To Lovers
Fated/Rejected Mates
Found Family
Bada$$ FMC
He Falls First

Pack Refuge is book two of The Splintered Bond series. The books absolutely must be read in order for maximum enjoyment.

Flor arrives in The Mountain Pack territory full of hopes and dreams for a fresh start and better life only to have those notions quickly and harshly dispelled. All is not what it seems in the idyllic verdant setting the pack calls home. Flor has been a victim in the past, she knows injustice when she sees it, and she remains a fighter for herself and those around her. She allows others to draw strength from her example. In the meantime, something even more sinister works its malevolent darkness in the pack.

This book explores Flor’s burgeoning relationships with (most of) the Alpha heirs, reveals jaw dropping information, unravels secrets, and teases at even more mysteries to come. We get to know the characters and their backstories better. The gasps are real. The revelations do not disappoint and leave you on the edge of your seat.

Merri Bright has written a book that you don’t just read but are compelled to devour. The plot is fast paced and as soon as you pick your jaw up from one scene, she delivers another knock out punch. The characters are so well developed and real, you become intrinsically invested in their stories. The plot is the stuff that blockbuster movies are made from.
Some books you read, some you love, and then there are the few books that touch a piece of your soul. Pack Refuge holds the distinction of being one such book. There are moments in this book where I laughed out loud and others where I was brought to tears. This is a remarkably wonderful story. Do yourself a favor and run, do not walk, to get your copy.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the series, with a cliffhanger finish. Read book one before you start this!

This story picks up right where the last one left off, and cracks along wonderfully. Well written, emotionally engaging (and sometimes heartbreaking!), and exciting!
I loved the character and world building - the love stories are growing and developing, but the overall story is just as fascinating. It appeals to the old-school-fantasy reader in me.
In the first book, I quite unexpectedly fell in love with Flor. Here, it was great to see her even further fleshed out and growing. Additionally, we get to know some of her men even better, and to see some of the threads of the romance growing and developing. I am falling for some of them even more, and starting to see more of their motivations and “who they are”.

Reverse harem / why choose stories can sometimes fall in to the trap of cookie-cutter MMCs, where they read like a “checklist” and otherwise have little to distinguish them from each other. This writer excels at creating unique characters with real depth - I never lose track of who is narrating a chapter, or “who said what” in a group conversation. And their words and actions deliver even more emotional punch because of this.

I loved this book as much as the first! As I get older, I know the process I have to pay for “pulling an all-nighter” reading is higher than ever. This book, this story, made me more than willing to pay it. I read all night, and wanted to keep going! The kind of book you close and regret reading so fast because now it’s already over! This was a harder cliffhanger finish than the previous book. The story is ramping up, and I’m just so eager to see what comes next!

I strongly recommend you dive in from book one as soon as possible, and join me in waiting impatiently to see where the story goes next!

[Kimerys Bookmarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack Refuge is Book 2 of the The Splintered Bond series. You must read Pack Reject first, trust me.

Flor goes to the Northern pack with Brand, Glen, and Finn as a safe haven after the Conclave. The Northern pack is not what it appears. Trouble lurks inside the pack with introductions of new characters; and also outside the pack parameters. Then there is Margarette, Glen’s mother, who is still trying to push Flor into becoming Glen’s mate. I was definitely getting Kris Jenner vibes about Margarette.

Flor also has some inner turmoil with her wolf throughout the book. I still can’t decide who is the bigger Alpha (Flor or her wolf) because they both take what they want and do what they want; and neither Don’t Give a Damn. Hopefully as Flor shifts more the two will meld together to create the Ultimate Alpha Mate.

Pack Refuge is a Slow Burn, Multiple first person POV, MFM (MMM) Romance that does end on a cliffhanger.

Some of my favorite quotes are:

“He’d scarred himself on purpose, like tattoos. The pain he must’ve gone through… But the designs were pretty cool. I wanted some.” - Flor

“If it wasn’t for the Regency romances that I left for her, which she read and returned to the library every day, the pages rich with her jasmine and cinnamon scent, I would have felt totally cut off from her.”

“Hope. There it was again, kicking me in the teeth as always.” - Flor

“Since I was a little girl,” I replied, feeling awkward with so many eyes on me. “He raised me. He taught me everything he could.” Sergeant’s brow furrowed. “Why the hell did you say you had no training? You lied to me.”

“I never wanted to hurt Brand. I wanted to kiss him. No, I needed to. Of all the guys, Brand was the only one I would consider mating with, if I hadn’t vowed never to do it. He was perfect enough to make me consider breaking that promise.” - Flor

“Your wolf knows. She’s doing what she is compelled to do.”

“Better than oysters. Not as nice as salted caramel.”

[Jennifer G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A safe haven. A new beginning. Ha! Some packs just hide their rot a little deeper. In reality, Northern isn't much different from Southern. The unranked are not treated fairly and face daily and nightly danger. Those in power take liberties and inflict abuses on the weaker. Flor is still hunted but at Northern, she is even more disadvantaged. It was unexpected; she had no weapons or hiding spots. But they have never seen an unranked like Flor with her intelligence, training, and will to survive. She will not allow them to destroy her. And she's no longer alone. She had the Alpha Heirs behind her.

I love this series. It continues to get better. Flor is a force. Unapologetically herself. Self-taught, still uneducated in many ways and brilliant in others, empathetic to those with no power, who often go unseen and have no voice, and with enough bravery and common sense to face any situation. The world is against her but she won't stay down. Instead, she is going to reshape the world to her view. She will be the last left standing. Brand is a delight, a mountain of a man with a humble, vulnerable sweetness to him, however, he will burn the world down for Flor. Perfect. We also learned more about the other Alpha Heirs. Glen is proving to be more than a flirt, we understand Finn a little more now, and Joaquin is proving he is a helpful, murderous suitor. Not to mention Luke who has given up everything for her. I love getting to know these guys. But this series is all about Flor. The intrigue and danger, every twist and turn revolves around her. I may be a little obsessed. I can't wait to see what havoc Flor wreaks at Mountain, what Sargent and the ousted Southern Alpha are each up to, and to watch Flor's Alphas continue to step up for her.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merri Bright continues Flor's thrilling journey in Pack Bound, the second installment of the Splintered Bond series. This book ramps up the action, deepens the mysteries, and further develops the complex relationships at the heart of the story.

What I loved:

Non-Stop Action: Pack Bound delivers on the action front. From intense training sessions to perilous missions and daring escapes, there's never a dull moment. The Enforcer Games trials are particularly gripping, showcasing Flor's growing strength and strategic mind.

Expanding World-Building: Bright expands the world beyond Flor's initial pack, introducing new characters and factions with their own motivations and agendas. The political intrigue adds another layer of complexity to the story.

Developing Relationships: The bonds between Flor and her potential mates continue to evolve, with moments of vulnerability and tenderness interspersed with the action and suspense. The slow-burn romance keeps you invested and eager to see where these relationships will lead.

Unraveling Mysteries: The mysteries surrounding Flor's past and the secrets of the shifter world begin to unravel, revealing shocking truths and raising the stakes even higher.
Minor Drawbacks:

Uneven Pacing: The pacing occasionally feels uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others are drawn out.

Lingering Questions: While some mysteries are resolved, the book ends with several questions unanswered, leaving you eager (and perhaps a bit impatient) for the next installment.
Overall:

Pack Bound is a worthy successor to Pack Reject. It's an action-packed and emotionally charged read that deepens the mysteries and strengthens the character relationships. If you enjoyed the first book, you won't be disappointed with this one.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

* 6 stars

Starting the second book in a series after the first one blew you away is always a tad bit risky. Will it be able to create the same ecstatic feeling you got when you were reading book one? Will your love for the characters remain? Will you be just as speechless afterwards? And I'm so happy I can say "Yes"! "Pack Refuge" did all that, and so much more... This is without a doubt my favorite series this year and I'm completely devastated that I will once again need to wait to find out what will happen next... I can usually handle cliffhangers quite well, but in this case it's not even the cliffhanger that's bothering me. It's just the fact I never seem to be done with these characters and I'm constantly craving more.

I have a huge girl-crush on our girl Flor. If she was a popstar I would be seen screaming beside the stage as a woman with a midlife crisis who believes she can still behave like a teenager. That woman is truly amazing, and of course she has five mates. Without the whole fated mate trope I believe she would have at least half of the male wolf population (and a big part of the female population) after her. Her men are slowly growing on me, although I have to admit Joaquin is my current favorite guy. Sorry Bearman, you remain a close second though. But what impresses me most about this series, is the storyline. There is so much to unwrap, so many twists and turns opening up the dark underbelly of this shifterworld and I love how Flor is determined to save those who never had a voice. I absolutely can't wait to see what book three will bring!