Sten

by Avery Samson

When family is all that matters, you’ll do anything to save them.

Sten Ulvmand is a hardworking average man working hard to feed his family on the family ranch in Oklahoma. Though, he’s not as average as the local community believes him to be. He comes from a long line of wolf shifters that hide in plain sight. But when violence shows up on his doorstep, the time for hiding is over. Sten will do whatever it takes to protect his family even if it means using his base nature to do so.

Freja swore to be by Sten’s side through thick and thin. Loving a man that is also a wolf is just part of life. When their young son disappears though, she has no problem relying on her husband’s wolf side to find him. But, she’s not without her own secrets. Her very life and those of her family will depend on her ability to learn an ancient spell that will protect them all.

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2024

About the author

Avery Samson grew up on a ranch outside of a small west Texas town. Since she could remember, she’s had her face stuck in a book. High School graduation found her leaving ranch life for the big city.

After living all over the state of Texas, she now finds herself back on one of the family ranches near Dallas with her husband surrounded by cattle. A lot of them. They’re everywhere! When not traveling or reading, she spends her time writing.

Avery would love for you to follow her. She’s everywhere (just like those damn cows.)

Website - https://www.averysamsonbooks.com
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Reviews

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Book Sirens for an ARC of this book. I kind of wish I’d read this before Dane, but that’s not because neither is a standalone. Either can be read separately. I feel like reading this one first, aside from satisfying my OCD because it happens before the other chronologically, would have given me more insight into Freya and Sten. Sten, in particular, comes across as very one-dimensional in Dane. I also had some questions about Freya when I met Dane, and if I’d read this one first, I wouldn’t have had those questions.

I liked this story a lot. Freya and Sten have only been married for a few years. They have two sons—Roar is three and Dane is a newborn. They still act like newlyweds, so there are some steamy scenes.

The conflict/danger is fairly obvious before it happens, so I’m not sure why Sten wasn’t prepared for what happened. That said, I appreciated his internal dialogue while trying to get home after being injured. There were a lot of instances of Freya silently doubting herself and sharing her fears (in her thoughts). It made Sten more relatable when he had similar doubts as he struggled to get home.

I know this book is called Sten, but I really think Freya is the star of the show, while Sten plays a supporting role. There's a lot of time spent in Freya's head—trying to cope with an active three-year-old and a grumpy newborn, striving to learn how to cast the spells that will help her family, and so on. Freya demonstrates a tenacious and bold disposition with problem-solving skills that are impressive, and I like that in a character.

It’s a very short book, but I enjoyed it, so I recommend it.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in series to lay the groundwork – wonderful!
An edgy “Waltons” with a shift and a twist…

I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into this upcoming series. I know the next book is about Dane who is Sten and Freja’s second oldest son. They had five children in this order: Roar, Dane, Arne, Erik and Thyra, their only little girl. I hope we get a book about each of them. I do not read shifter books much, but I enjoy everything that this author writes so reading this book was a given.
Sten is married to his college sweetheart, Freja and they have two sons at this moment in time: Roar, 4yo and Dane, 2 months. This is a fast-moving story about the love between Sten and Freja as well as the secrets behind Sten’s family heritage. There will be almost-tragedy, rescuing, persevering, revelations and lots of steam. They have five children! If you like steamy stories with only a bit of angst but a wee bit of intrigue, you will want to read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through BookSirens.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the beginning…

And what a start it was! Quiet on the surface, Freja and Sten turned out to be much more than they appeared. Living on a farm, they were used to hard work and the rhythm of the land and their growing family to keep them grounded and very, very busy. Their relationship was sweet, steamy at times, and family focused with two growing boys to wrangle. I did mention on the surface, didn’t I?
Not everything was as it seemed. Grounded in Nordic lore, Sten’s family were part of a centuries-old legend that meant when trouble came, they were ready for anything…

With characters surrounded by love, family and humour in abundance, I couldn’t help but fall in love a bit myself. I can’t wait for more stories in this series.

*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to the author and Booksirens

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samson does it again with a fantastic start to a new series.

Each series is well thought out with a rich history and great characters. In this latest offering, we are introduced to Sten and Freya. Happily married with two toddlers, they live on a small, secluded farm.

Freya has always known Sten is able to shift into a wolf, a legacy bestowed on the men on his family thanks to a witch. But when her first born decides to do a runner, she gets to see him shift for the first time and is introduced to her own magic.

For a short story (87 pages) there's a lot of drama and steamy scenes!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jill Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is the start of the series introducing Sten his wife Freya and the details of his family history. I enjoyed the book but I felt there was something missing. It was a good starter giving us the family background and the charm spells was a good side story but I felt in never really got going,even with all the action in the middle. I have loved all her previous books and I love shifter books so looking forward to seeing how this series progresses.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story it was soft and in many ways gentle. Yes there was some steamy stuff but it was more about building a wonderful family. Sten and Freja are so perfect together. They are each so willing to be the other ones person and they work hard at being what each other needs. I really loved the love and passion they had for each other. So much now is getting what you want quickly then moving on, this is about sticking it out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Diana Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stem and Freja’s story is a mix of old Norse mythology and magic, plus a witch’s curse of being a wolf shifter. The storyline is a good twist on the usual shifter myth as well as Freja not being born a witch, but able to do magic to help her family. It also touches a bit on postpartum depression, so be warned if that is a trigger for you. I liked the characters and the way it played out when she steps up to save her family. The sex scenes are hot and not for the faint of heart. 4✨’s
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Really enjoyed this novella. I loved that there was more of a family aspect to the story. The spicy scenes weren't over the top like some books. I suggest this book for anyone who enjoys shifters, witches, a little suspense and of course steamy scenes. Being a novella it's a quick read, so you can get your book fix in just a couple of hours.

Thank you to Avery Samson and Book Sirens for my ARC of this book

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

STEN AND FREJA

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

This story has a new twist on shifters and their mates. Sten and all males in his family evolved from a curse and all of their mates are witches or become witches. This story is about a shifter and what he will do for his family to protect and care for them. It is sweet and comforting with a little excitement and danger mixed in. This book is a start for a new series.

[Jane McDougall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short easy read. The characters were very likeable and the plot was fun. There was a good epilogue and I no certainly got the feeling that this was a good series opening to see the scene and expectations for future books.

I read with bated breath at the perilous scenes!

Great fun. I loved the Nordic theme and will look out for future books from this new to me author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read that has well developed characters with a slightly different twist on shifters. The story has an interesting storyline that was entertaining. I loved Freja and Sten and the two young children. I enjoyed Roar’s escapades typical of a four year old. This is a story I enjoyed and think it is worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short easy read about Sten and Freja. I love that it was a family centered book. I think it is a great start to a new series. It's about a family of shifters with a twist. I liked the plot and the flow of the story. Overall, I would recommend it for a fun and quick read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only was this a great start to a new series, it was a nice introduction to a new to me author. Avery Samson has provided us with endearing characters along with an engaging story line. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sten is a short prequel novella which introduces us to The Sköll Ranch Shifter Series. It was a very enjoyable read. It is a gripping story about Sten and his wife Freya and their small children. It was very captivating, sweet and spicy. I really look forward to read other books in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enchanting short love story. I liked the addition of all the pagan rituals and charms. The relationship between Sten and Freja is something most people only dream about. Their connection was unbelievable. The action-danger storyline was thrilling. I am looking forward to reading more of this authors work.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to this new series. It's a really fast read - I wish it had been just a bit longer. There's saome drama and a bit of steam. I really enjoyed seeing Sten's family grow and change in this family-centered book. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.

[Debbie Bolay · Rating 5 out of 5]

💝💖💝 Sten and Freya 💝💖💝 what a start to a series! Great introduction to a wonderful world! Sten and Freya is a short read to introduce you to their world! Great story, great series and awesome author!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Novella is a great introduction to a series that I look forward to reading more of it! Sten and Freya are a well matched couple and I loved their story. It is steamy which I enjoyed! I am looking forward to reading the next book! I Love It!!! No Spoilers!

[Pete Woollven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great book well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it I couldn't put it down superb well

[Natalie’s_world_in_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a short and easy read!
Love the characters and the family history.
The plot is brilliant! I can’t wait to read more of Averys books!