Entering a New World

Cedarwood Pack #1

by Ray Celar

Would you rather be alone in the wilderness with a nakes stranger or a wild wolf?

Rhett

Wasn't finding your fated mate supposed to be easy? A done deal?
I always thought so, but here I was, facing problems I'd never thought I'd have to handle. How did one tell their human fated mate that the friendly wolf he'd relied on for days was, in fact, a shifter and destined to be the love of his life?

Dumping all the information on him in the middle of a storm while my mate feared for his life definitely wasn't my brightest idea.
But I'm trying to make up for that. I'm listening to him, giving him time and space, but dammit... I want him by my side.

Can I ever make him mine?


Levi

I can't believe my scumbag of a manager just left me in the middle of the Canadian wilderness to survive on my own for a week. I have no survival skills. A backpack full of stuff I don't know how to use won't change that. If it wasn't for the weirdly smart and friendly wolf showing me the ropes, I'd be lost. I know how that sounds, but I swear I'm not crazy.

What am I supposed to do when said wolf turns out the be a man who is convinced I'm the love of his life?
Everything I ever knew about the world is thrown for a spin, and I find myself in the middle of a new world I don't know how to navigate.

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, M M Paranormal

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2024

About the author

Ray Celar lives with her husband, daughter and two cats in Southern Germany.
When she was six years old, she proudly declared she’d be an author one day, and that dream never changed. She was declared “most likely to ever publish a book” in her yearbook and only four years after her graduation, this statement and her lifelong dream came true — though she still isn’t sure whether she should send a copy of her books to the teacher who nominated her for that title.
If she isn’t chasing after her daughter through the apartment, she’s probably translating books, writing books or procrastinating doing any of those things by watching too many DIY-videos online — she might even be working on one of the DIY-projects she picked up.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

Stranded and not equipped to survive in the wilderness, Levi has no choice but to follow a weird wolf to safety… but the wolf is actually a man? And his fated mate?

Entering A New World was a very sweet and pretty typical shifter romance.
The romance was lovely, and I loved the picturesque town surrounded by nature.

It lacked a bit of depth, the plot a bit rushed towards the end. I wanted more backstory on the characters, maybe a bit more angst, Levi struggling a bit more with being a fated mate.

I’m still interested in seeing where the author will take this series next, and I’m hoping the future installments will bring more sparkle.

«I’ll follow you to the end of the world and back»

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Wolf shifter vs human
- Fated mates
- Found family
- Strict top/bottom

[ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Audi♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhett joined a knitting group to keep Levi warm with hats and mittens 🤭 hehe so cute! He was obsessed.
This was a fun start to the series. The plot was slow, but I'm interested in where it will go.
Why is their packland barrier getting stronger? Is a witch in town?
What's up with the professor?? He sounds fishy.
Omg and Nix?! His mate is Gray!! I can't wait for the next book. I love it when you want to know everyone's story.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me, tho.
Why didn't Levi ever call his momma? Weeks without telling his family he was safe? TF!
Also, I'm kinda bummed there wasn't a primal play scene, Levi talked about getting freaky in the woods multiple times.
Tease.

[peoniesandmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

this was so freaking good, i love how obsessed Rhett is with his mate. 🥺

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: paranormal romance, MM
Tropes / tags: fated mates, hurt / comfort, slow burn

Entering a New World was a surprisingly intriguing and addictive story!

I'm usually quite picky with my PNR reads, as some of you might know, but I just couldn't resist this blurb and I'm so happy that I gave it a chance! Rhett and Levi's story had me caught straight away, and I ended up reading it all in one go. I loved their meet-cute and how conflicted Rhett was about his decisions, wanting to do right by Levi and protect him without scaring him... and Levi just trusting the huge, strange behaving wolf right away was both funny and sweet.

For being a fated mates romance, it was very slow burn, as Levi needed time to process everything that happened to him, as well as finding out about shifters and magic. Rhett fully respected Levi's wishes and my heart melted at the wolf plushie he sent Levi to keep him company while resting up and recovering. So much swoon! I loved seeing how affected they were by each other, the pull between them was great and I really enjoyed the slower pace of their relationship.

The story was overall pretty straight forward and I liked how I got to know the small town and pack through Levi's eyes as a newcomer. There were some suspense as well, and while it wasn't difficult to see where things were going, it still kept me intrigued all the way through.

Entering a New World was a very promising start of a new series, and I can't wait to go back to this world and the Cedarwood pack! It was exactly the kind of story that I needed at the time and I enjoyed it a lot. The author did a great job at building the suspense towards the end with the overarching story line, and I'm really looking forward to Gray and Nix's book!

-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[The Word Nerd Reviews Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY addictive!!!!

This story was everything I needed at this moment. It was light and engaging, I didn't want to put it down. It was a bit funny, a lot sweet and romantic, with a bit of heat.

There was a bit of action towards the end, but it was only a relatively short scene. However, the ending of the book and the reading of the brief synopsis of book 2 makes me think the action is certainly going to increase!

This looks like it is going to be a series of individual couples, but an overarching story line where each book builds on the characters and the stories before it, which means it's best to start from book 1, and in my humble opinion, it's not a hardship to start here. We start to get to know the two main MCs in book two here, and I can't wait to see what happens!

Highly recommended!!!

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi is stranded and Rhett is the one to save him. It's so much more than just that simple concept. I just loved that the connection between the two was written to make it just flow and be real. Of course there was the unhinged character but he was a necessary kind of evil that bought the two main characters together. I just loved this story. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Liz Prosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good!

A very good story so well fleshed out. Really want to know more about this worlds paranormals in general and one of the side characters as well but maybe there is more to come in the next book. Also it does have a happy for now ending with the main couple but also ends in a cliff hanger! I was like no no no! I must have book two! I’ll waiting not so patiently for it!

[allemuor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a survivalist, Levi

Book 2 reveals why he feels the bond so strongly. I actually read book 2 then bought book 1 to know Levi and Rhett's story.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is Ray Celar's "Entering a New World." Its the first novel in her latest series: Cedarwood Pack.

["Would you rather be alone in the wilderness with a makes stranger or a wild wolf?

RHETT
Wasn't finding your fated mate supposed to be easy? A done deal?
I always thought so, but here I was, facing problems I'd never thought I'd have to handle. How did one tell their human fated mate that the friendly wolf he'd relied on for days was, in fact, a shifter and destined to be the love of his life?

Dumping all the information on him in the middle of a storm while my mate feared for his life definitely wasn't my brightest idea.
But I'm trying to make up for that. I'm listening to him, giving him time and space, but dammit... I want him by my side.

Can I ever make him mine?

LEVI
I can't believe my scumbag of a manager just left me in the middle of the Canadian wilderness to survive on my own for a week. I have no survival skills. A backpack full of stuff I don't know how to use won't change that. If it wasn't for the weirdly smart and friendly wolf showing me the ropes, I'd be lost. I know how that sounds, but I swear I'm not crazy.

What am I supposed to do when said wolf turns out the be a man who is convinced I'm the love of his life?
Everything I ever knew about the world is thrown for a spin, and I find myself in the middle of a new world I don't know how to navigate."]

I LOOOOOOVED this book!!!! It was very reminiscent of Mika Nik's Drake Security series in the way that their shifter beasts are a separate being then their human counterpart, a secondary character themselves (who aren't hesitant at. all. in announcing their wants and needs when it comes to their mate), which I looove. I also loved the description of the bond, how strongly it hit and then affected Rhett (and eventually Levi). It was magical, for a lack of a better word. It was beautiful.

I loved how the entire town was just so supportive and how the pack was ready to do anything for Rhett (and Levi). It was a perfect found family, a perfect place for Levi to fall into and call home.

I wanted more of Nix, but his book is next (with Gray, who, according to the blurb, is about to fuck everything up; good job, alpha). ((I can't wait))

Also, yet another author to add to my to-binge list (this list is terrrrrribly long--I can only blame myself).

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#enteringanewworld #startinganewlife #cedarwoodpack #cedarwoodpackseries #raycelar #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Sandy Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but it kept me reading, so, rounding up!

Fun action-y fated-mates wolf shifter/human survival story! I had a good time reading this.

Influencer Levi has been dropped in the midst of the wilderness and abandoned by his manager.

Wolf shifter and beta to his pack's alpha Rhett, in wolf form, finds Levi in dire straights…and realizes this is his mate! What to do???

Seeing Rhett try to reassure and romance Levi while in wolf form charmed me. Too cute! He is a bit TSTL with leaving Levi for too long a stretch, but, he didn’t know that storm would shift directions…

Near death wilderness experiences, rescues, a frantic wolf desperate to save his mate, and understanding and supportive alpha…so much fun. I always love the feral, distracted, frantic energy of a mate who’s just found his Person, and this delivered.

Seeing Levi brought into pack and the small human-shifter town, seeing him learn about mates…and that he is Rhett’s…that does not go smoothly! I got a bit frustrated with his reticence and need for so much space after a while, honestly, how was he supposed to learn about what having a mate meant and whether he wanted to be with Rhett by staying away from Rhett and letting other people show him around? Huh?

But overall I enjoyed the story a lot, and was glad that the evil manager is indicated to be getting what’s coming ot him for endangering Levi’s life that way. Though…what on earth was he thinking? It did seem unlikely…! Like, how was that going to work out? And his actions at the end were way OTT, not really believable. Still, it was entertaining to see thing play out.

The story also introduces a mysterious, seemingly lost and frightened man whom Levi befriends and tries to help, and whom I suspect will be the next hero, and I’m looking forward to finding out all about him.

The main obstacle for them is the question of whether Levi will stay in this small town, or go back to his big-city influencer life in Vancouver. Well…it’s a romance. You do the math. 😁

HEA, fated mates, human–wolf shifter pairing. No OM action; some drama from mate-jealousy, which I find fun! Totally safe for me. Recommended.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 a great book to the new series
Firstly, let me say I’ve got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is a brand-new author to me reading the blurb, I Thought this book was just up my street. And I have got to say I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It is a slow Burn guys, but I understand it. You’ve got Levi who is a barrister also a Online influencer. Levi’s manager had set up for a photo shoot, but what happened was Levi was left in the middle of the woods with a backpack and a Walkie-Talkie. This hadn’t been planned. Levi had no idea how he was going to survive in this forest. And this is when he came in contact with a huge wolf. And it was like a wolf could understand him when he said he needed water, the wolf lead him to a stream, and then, when he needed shelter, he took him to a scout Hut. But then, when a storm came through the wolf turned in to be a human, a really good looking man. This man was called Rhett and he was a wolf shifter. Rhett knew that he was his fated mate, that didn’t say anything, he got him back to the pack house and took care of him.
So this is a slow burn. Levi has to get used to one. shifters in the world and 2 magic all the things he never believed him before. Rhett has to be patient, give his mate space to see how he feels. So yeah I’m not a big fan of slow bands by totally understood why it was in this book. Because I would be in shock if that happened to me and you have to work out if the life you left back in the city is worth leaving your mate to go back to an ordinary life . Or be with your mate be part of the pack have an extended family. There is a couple of twists and turns in this book that I really really enjoyed and I have got to say I will definitely be looking for Book two because I was really interested in Nix the guy that Levi befriended at the coffee shop.
A great Read.

[Mel]

A perfectly average shifter story.

I came for having the MC interact with Rhett in shifted wolf form first. Love that shit. The mortal peril of the thunderstorm however felt rather... overblown. I certainly didn't see the necessity in leaving the shelter of the cabin to walk for miles in the pelting rain and mud, as if hypothermia were the better option.

The romance was par for course, Rhett feeling drawn to his mate but trying to hold back. Unfortunately he pulled back as to not contact him except to send him gifts and money. I like the respectful space, letting Whatshisface reach out to him first, but I would have liked an attempt to interact more platonically, rather than the distance-to-dating route. The struggle is what makes it fun.

Also, it irks me in shifter stories when flooded with the impulse to give a mating bite, they just give in and go through with it. Like, no attempt to sober up. How about head back to Vancouver, human boy?Detox, then decide from there if you want to permanently change your body and your life? It's your second date.

Shut up, Mel, and let the fated mates do their sexy bite. 🙄 I know I know.

I did like the brief description of the shifter cubs and kits playing outside in the yard. That was cute.

There is this side character Nix who is introduced as a mystery and then he literally runs off one scene to never return. Then there is this other side plot seeded about a magical barrier anomaly. I wasn't invested enough for it to really bother me, but I'm not a fan of plot threads to nowhere.

The epilogue instigates a cliffhanger for the next book, so if you'd rather avoid that, skip the end.

[Coco I]

I have a soft spot for shifter books. I love me a good fated mates and wolf pack drama story. I thought this book would give me that, but it sort of fell flat.

The plot that brought the two MCs together was silly ... Levi being dumped in the woods by his manager as a set up to create some sort of survivor reality show. Then enter Rhett ... fated mate in wolf form that decides he can't shift into human form to save Levi but can interact with him in wolf form 🤷🏻‍♀️.

I dunno ... I decided to keep going and see where the story took us. But things didn't really move onto anything. Nothing much really happened other than the developing relationship between Levi and Rhett.

The storyline had a few holes, which I can normally let pass, but they bugged me in this book. Things like Levi talking about his family and friends but never contacting them to let them know he is alive. The best he does is put in a police report, but this doesn't seem to go anywhere. And don't get me started with what happens with the manager.

Good shifter book tends to have an underlying good vs evil plot line, which this book lacked. The MCs were both likeable characters and quite cute together. But I needed more world building, more drama.

Things might improve as the series continues, but I will leave that for others to judge.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for fated mates so this was right up my alley. I really liked this one. The overall plot was very formulaic but it’s not something I mind. There are certain things that can’t be avoided with this type of book and sometimes when authors try to switch it up it can fall flat. I would much rather have a human freak out and need some space when they find out about shifters and being a fated mate than be excited and dive in immediately even though their entire world has been turned upside down. By structuring the story this way there is a bit of a slow burn which I adore. I love to read about people falling in love and I really liked how it was handled in this book. Rhett loved Levi enough to give him the space he needed and Levi took his time to get to know his new community while still dealing with the pull he felt for his mate. This was a good introduction to a new series. First books in a series always have to devote a little bit of time to setting the stage for future books and Levi’s and Rhett’s story did a good job of introducing the shifter community and teasing issues and characters to be featured in the rest of the series without veering too far from Levi and Rhett. It looks like this will be a series with one overarching plot with each book focusing on a new set of characters which is my favorite structure for a series. I’m already looking forward to reading book two when it releases in November.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Entering a New World is the first book in Ray Celar’s Cedarwood Pack series and it is off to an entertaining start. I tend to enjoy shifter romances and was drawn to this one from the interesting set up. Yes, the idea of Levi being left in the wilderness by his unscrupulous manager, then following a wolf to safety, is a little over the top. But this book delivers exactly what the blurb describes, so I knew what to expect and it all worked for me just fine. The first portion of the story focuses on Levi struggling to survive in the wilderness, as Rhett desperately tries to take care of him without revealing that he is a shifter or scaring Levi to death by appearing in human form out of nowhere. Again, you just need to go with it in terms of why Rhett doesn’t come back with some clothes and help Levi as a human, but the story takes pains to give explanations for Rhett’s thought process that allowed it all to work for me.

Overall, I found this an engaging shifter story and a fun introduction into a new world. Celar gives us some interesting world building elements and an appealing main couple, as well as an engaging setting and side characters. I am looking forward to more from this series.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhett, a werewolf, is on patrol when he hears a strange exclamation and smells something amazing. He realizes he may be smelling his fated mate but his mate is a human and unaware of the paranormal world. That mate is Levi and his manager just deserted him in the middle of no where with little to no supplies and really nothing to ensure his survival. Rhett wants to help but does not want to scare him. He tries to help him in his wolf form and, fortunately, it works. But when a storm comes in, Rhett is forced to reveal the truth. Levi is understandably reluctant to buy into the fated mate beliefs as well as the shifter part. Rhett has his work cut out for him.

Levi was truly alarmed and royally annoyed to find his manager has left alone in the wilderness. Rhett understood and wanted to help, but was afraid to reveal his true self. When Rhett was finally forced to reveal his nature, Levi struggled. The chemistry between them was off the chart. However, greed comes into the equation and then you never know what will happen. Join their journey to find happiness and love. It is fantastic from start to finish.
I was supplied a copy and this review is my opinion.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The synopsis caught my attention immdiately and I knew this would be the kind of human/shifter romance I'd like. It was so much better than I expected. Great world building and wonderful characters. The story wasted no time as we learn of the horrible- and potentially deadly- situation Levi was put in- abandoned in the middle of nowhere and expected to survive a week with inadequate supplies and no survival skills. I loved that this initial chapter was from Rhett's point of view while he was in his wolf form, recognizing Levi as his mate and trying to decide how best to help him without frightening him. I loved that he did this in wolf form rather than shifting back to human. I also liked Levi's reaction to him- believable in his incredulousness, but also taking a chance because he knew he'd never survive on his own with no water, shelter, or way to make fire.

The story immediately hooked me. I enjoyed the way they bonded once Rhett revealed himself and got Levi to safety. A very fun read. I was sad when I finished it. I can't wait until the next book! 5 stars.

[Emilyrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this has the potential to be a really interesting series and I'm looking forward to learning about more in this world. Rhett was a wonderful character all the way through; I loved how patient and protective he was! I really felt for Levi in the beginning and I'm glad that things did work out for the pair as they had good chemistry. It's a really really slow burn (to the point that at 75% things still hadn't settled comfortably with them both) and, for me, it just meant that I lost a bit of sympathy for Levi because I thought he should have been a bit less self involved and (surely) he should have realised quicker that what he was feeling negatively would be massively increased for Rhett. The story has a happy ending for the couple but it's a bit of a cliffhanger for the wider story arc. I hope that we learn more about Levi's mysterious friend Nix soon as I think his story will be an interesting read. Overall, a good mm romance but just a bit too much of a slow burn fighting against fated mates for me.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this start of a series. It's a fairly typical PNR, fated mates, shifter story.

Levi is the human, lost in the woods after his manager pulls a stunt which could have cost his life when Rhett rescues him in wolf form.

I love the interaction between Rhett and his wolf, Wolfie is very cute, sassy and impatient. I love how Rhett gives Levi the space to digest what is going on between them, gives him space to discover their town and the pack before making a decision about mating.

The set up is nice, a rural town with a mix of unsuspecting humans and shifters. There is an overall story arch I really hope to see more of soon.

My niggles are that Levi talks about his family and job but then is vanishes for weeks and nobody is contacting him? Feels a bit weird. I also want to know more about Levi's feelings towards the pack land barriers and his far more intense feelings before the mating, I hope this is picked up again.

The book ends with Rhett and Levi's HEA but with a bit of a cliffhanger what is actually going on in the town and pack land.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENTERING A NEW WORLD is the first book in the Cedarwood Pack series, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.

Rhett is the shifter, Levi - the human. I loved Rhett's reasoning towards letting his mate know about who he was and that shifters were real. I also loved that Levi needed some time to process those facts! Too often (and although I love an instalove PNR), even though the human can't feel the same thing, it's "BOOM! There you go. We're in love." So having Levi needing time to come to terms with it was perfect.

I would have liked to have heard a little more about the Big Bad, his reasons for doing what he did, and what happened after, but that's just me.

This was a great start to a new series that I read in one sitting, and I can't wait for the next book. Definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 16, 2024

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author, but will not be the last. Also, I need the next book ASAP as I want sweet Nix’s story. So Levi is a blogger who his manager dumps in the middle of nowhere to attempt to survive on his own and blog about it. Levi is clueless about the great outdoors as he is a city boy through and through. Rhett is second in command of his pack and best friends to his alpha. While out patrolling, he comes across Levi and sets into motion events that will lead to their mating. They are fated mates and apparently the bond starts from first sight. Levi, being human, knows nothing about it. Now he doesn’t really freak about the paranormal world, he freaks about the mating. Eventually he does come around and we get to see them going on dates and finally cementing the bond. What would have made this better is if we would have seen Levi’s so called manager punished, and I mean punished! There are also things going on, with the magical boundary that was losing power to now being supercharged. So I can’t wait to see what that is all about, though I have some ideas.

I received a copy of this book from GRR, and this is my honest review.

[Heike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and it was surprisingly intriguing.
Levi, a social media influencer, has his manager booking a photo shoot on a faraway spot at a beach. What he doesn’t know is that his manager has its own agenda: leaving Levi in the wilderness for some special content. Alone, scared, completely unprepared and without the necessary equipment Levi is stranded on the beach. Near a forest. With a storm approaching. Rhett, wolf shifter, is on patrol in his pack’s woods, when he smells something delicious. His mate! And he’s in danger because of the upcoming storm. But what to do? Approach him as a wolf, or shift and approach him as a naked stranger? In the woods.
Really liked the setting. The love story between Rhett and Levi was nothing super new, but it was a sweet, slow burn hurt/comfort. And although they get their HEA there is a side plot that’s not resolved yet. And I can’t wait to read the next installment.

[rosdoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy books that have shifters, fated mates, possessiveness, characters feeling each other's thoughts and feelings, good friends and lots of spice. Entering a New World had all this and more. With some humor and a little drama sprinkled in, this is a well-rounded book.

The characters in this book were well-written. Levi is adorable, and stronger than he thinks, and Rhett is the perfect mate for him. Wolfie is hilarious. Some secondary characters were given some depth and I was intrigued by them. I’m hoping to learn more about Gray, Paul and Nix. I hope Mave continues to appear in the series also. She seems to be a thread that connects everyone and a central point of the small town feel that I love to see in books.

This is the first book that I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, and will be looking into her book catalog while I wait.

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entering a New World by Ray Celar is book 1 in the Cedarwood Pack series. I really, really loved this story and the world that the author has created. Liam gets abandoned in the forest and is rescued by a strange acting wolf. Little does he know that is his fated mate, Rhett. I adored these two together and I was sometimes frustrated by Liam pushing Rhett away. However, it is completely understandable how he would be overwhelmed with everything that he learned. Rhett was just such a good guy that I wanted him to be with Liam as soon as possible.

I am curious about Liam’s ability to sense the bond with Rhett before mating. Is that a clue that there is something deeper? Does it have something to do with the boundary getting stronger? Plus, I am intrigued by Nix, so I am hopeful that these questions will be answered in book 2. I am looking forward to it!

I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to a new series

I loved the opening of the book, jumping straight into the story line without any preamble. Levi and Rhett were so sweet together when they were out in the wilderness, Levi trusting the massive wolf that seems to understand his every word.
I really liked that Ray didn't have Levi immediately accept everything about fated mates but let him come to terms with all the new knowledge about shifters and fated mates, as well as realise and accept what there is between him and Rhett.
I wanted to know what happened to Levi's manager, and I would have liked more background on Levi as we were told next to nothing about his life, home and family.
I have to admit, the next book stars who I wanted to see more of and I guessed who his mate would be so now I can't wait.
And damn that cliff hanger ending.

[Mir Jak · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best shifter novels I've read all year !!!

I absolutely loved this story !! It's a mixed pairing with human/shifter and obviously, the human is clueless about the paranormal world. While it does lead to some funny moments, what I loved was that they didn't just leap into love/relationship straight away. They took their time to navigate this connection - Rhett was very considerate and Levi, while feeling lost, was quite accepting. Don't mistake me, there was plenty of tension and it was very, very palpable !!! And it's also quite sweet and adorable - just gives you that feel-good vibes. And I loved how we're also introduced to the town and other characters...there are a few threads and a bit of a mystery which are not resolved. The couple do end on HEA......but there's definitely more to come, and I for one, cannot wait !!!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from GRR.
This is a slow paced, sweet, paranormal with a wolf shifter, one shady manager, a small Canadian town and danger.

Levi, a blogger, has been abandoned in the wilderness by his manager...I guess his misguided way for Levi's blogs to gain traction! Anyway, Levi is in sad shape before he's saved by a wolf...his fated mate!
Needless to say, that is a reason for the pace of their romance to be a little slow!

Rhett is a second to his wolf alpha. He discovers Levi while patrolling the pack boundary. Torn between revealing himself, saving Levi's life while continuing to appear in his wolf form, and restraining his wolf from pouncing all over Levi, Rhett has a rough few days.

I thoroughly enjoyed this series opener.

I can't wait to read the next!

[Tracy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I’m so excited to see what the rest of the series brings! Levi is stranded in the woods by his manager. Rhett is patrolling in his wolf form and scents his mate (Levi). He is afraid that if he shifts and shows up naked it will scare Levi off, so he approaches him in his wolf form. He helps Levi find fresh water and shelter, but then a storm hits. In order to save Levi, Rhett has to shift and get Levi to the pack house. When he finds out that Rhett is his fated mate, Levi needs a little time to digest what he’s learned. There isn’t any angst between Levi and Rhett, but there is some drama regarding Levi and his manager. The book has a happy ending for Levi and Rhett, but a cliffhanger for the series. I can’t wait for book 2!

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn shifter romance

Poor Levi was left in a horrible situation and was saved by Rhett. He's human and has no idea shifters exist, and Rhett is in a dilemma on how to introduce him to their world. Their story moved at a nice pace, and once Levi found out, they took the time to know each other and for Levi to know about the Pack before they moved forward. Loved the side characters and how loving and accepting they are. There is some mystery involved as well that makes this read very enjoyable. I have my suspicion about Levi's friend Nix and who he's fated to. I can’t wait to find out if I'm right.