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Big Bad Wolf #5
Crier au loup: Le grand méchant loup, T5
Don’t miss this thrilling installment in Charlie Adhara’s suspenseful paranormal mystery series, Big Bad Wolf.
Agent Cooper Dayton never thought anything could be harder than solving murders. Until he had to plan a wedding.
After taking down an old adversary, Agent Cooper Dayton of the Bureau of Special Investigations has earned a break. Not that planning a wedding to his sexy shifter partner, Oliver Park, is necessarily stress free, but it’s better than worrying about the ominous warning, delivered months ago, that Cooper’s life is in danger.
When he’s dragged to an event by his family, Cooper braces for an awkward evening, but instead finds himself in the middle of an ugly feud between Park’s ex and a rebel pack leader. What was supposed to be a quick outing turns into a full-blown murder investigation after the pack leader ends up dead, Park’s ex goes missing, and Cooper and Park are sent a series of disturbing wedding gifts that are somehow connected to it all.
The list of potential suspects is long, and with the bodies piling up, Cooper must turn to the one person he trusts the least: the villain he’s already put behind bars once and who has nothing to lose by lying and everything to gain if Cooper is out of the picture—for good.
Agent Cooper Dayton never thought anything could be harder than solving murders. Until he had to plan a wedding.
After taking down an old adversary, Agent Cooper Dayton of the Bureau of Special Investigations has earned a break. Not that planning a wedding to his sexy shifter partner, Oliver Park, is necessarily stress free, but it’s better than worrying about the ominous warning, delivered months ago, that Cooper’s life is in danger.
When he’s dragged to an event by his family, Cooper braces for an awkward evening, but instead finds himself in the middle of an ugly feud between Park’s ex and a rebel pack leader. What was supposed to be a quick outing turns into a full-blown murder investigation after the pack leader ends up dead, Park’s ex goes missing, and Cooper and Park are sent a series of disturbing wedding gifts that are somehow connected to it all.
The list of potential suspects is long, and with the bodies piling up, Cooper must turn to the one person he trusts the least: the villain he’s already put behind bars once and who has nothing to lose by lying and everything to gain if Cooper is out of the picture—for good.
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2021
214 people are currently reading
2396 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Adhara
9 books2,253 followersCharlie Adhara loves snarky souls with a soft spot, twisty whodunits and happily ever afters. She writes contemporary, mystery, paranormal, queer romance. Or some assortment of that. Whatever the genre, her stories feature imperfect people stumbling around, tripping over trouble and falling in love. Charlie has done a fair amount of stumbling around herself, but tends to find her way back to the northeast US.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,089 reviews
October 29, 2023
I think this series genuinely cured my depression (unofficial diagnosis).
I discovered Big Bad Wolf a little while ago and fell headlong into it, gulping down all five books in a three-day marathon stupor of I just want to feel something, only to end up feeling absolutely everything, sometimes all at once.
I was initially lured in with the premise of mystery and the promise of queer romance and a “powerful werewolf/gruff human detective” pairing, only to be utterly devastated with the series' sharp and fiercely honest insights about the complexities of family and self and about trust and intimacy and how to build both in the silent aftermath of trauma. Adhara’s wit is sharp, and her writing is so astonishingly addictive that the hours practically glided by as in a dream. I could’ve easily spent another thousand pages in this world—but it’s the characters that won me over. The author is a total wizard at the kind of languid, thoughtful, and meticulous character building that produces characters who feel so real and familiar, so startlingly recognizable, and that's genuinely no easy feat. I was also really impressed by how, even after five books, the author always manages to find new exciting layers to flay from her characters: just when you think you know all that there is to know about them, you discover even more buried hidden depths to them. It's so thrilling.
This review, of course, would not be complete without talking about the romance. Oliver and Cooper are so smart and funny and engaging in their own right, but together they just IGNITE. They are such an unforgettable duo. Oliver and Cooper were thrown abruptly at each other, a dreadful collision that left no room for choice. They, of course, resented it at first, but among the debris, Oliver and Cooper will come to find a fierce joy, a well of longing and recognition and desire, and I rooted for their happiness so feverishly. Through the mystery and mayhem and murders (so many murders), Oliver and Cooper’s relationship was the an anchor in a spinning world, mooring the plot when things got tense and helpless and lightening the books’ deep and dark shadows. It's also such a breath of fresh air to read about a relationship that's so healthy and loving, where both parties feel safe to be flawed, complicated, earnest and vulnerable. Safe to say, my expectations for real-world romance is at previously unheard of heights. I really hope the author writes more in this series, because I officially CANNOT get enough.
Also did I mention how much fun—pure, raucous, unguarded fun—that you’ll have reading this series? Seriously, if you're down and want to feel goddamn SUNNY about the world, you cannot go wrong with this series. A highly, HIGHLY recommended read.
I discovered Big Bad Wolf a little while ago and fell headlong into it, gulping down all five books in a three-day marathon stupor of I just want to feel something, only to end up feeling absolutely everything, sometimes all at once.
I was initially lured in with the premise of mystery and the promise of queer romance and a “powerful werewolf/gruff human detective” pairing, only to be utterly devastated with the series' sharp and fiercely honest insights about the complexities of family and self and about trust and intimacy and how to build both in the silent aftermath of trauma. Adhara’s wit is sharp, and her writing is so astonishingly addictive that the hours practically glided by as in a dream. I could’ve easily spent another thousand pages in this world—but it’s the characters that won me over. The author is a total wizard at the kind of languid, thoughtful, and meticulous character building that produces characters who feel so real and familiar, so startlingly recognizable, and that's genuinely no easy feat. I was also really impressed by how, even after five books, the author always manages to find new exciting layers to flay from her characters: just when you think you know all that there is to know about them, you discover even more buried hidden depths to them. It's so thrilling.
This review, of course, would not be complete without talking about the romance. Oliver and Cooper are so smart and funny and engaging in their own right, but together they just IGNITE. They are such an unforgettable duo. Oliver and Cooper were thrown abruptly at each other, a dreadful collision that left no room for choice. They, of course, resented it at first, but among the debris, Oliver and Cooper will come to find a fierce joy, a well of longing and recognition and desire, and I rooted for their happiness so feverishly. Through the mystery and mayhem and murders (so many murders), Oliver and Cooper’s relationship was the an anchor in a spinning world, mooring the plot when things got tense and helpless and lightening the books’ deep and dark shadows. It's also such a breath of fresh air to read about a relationship that's so healthy and loving, where both parties feel safe to be flawed, complicated, earnest and vulnerable. Safe to say, my expectations for real-world romance is at previously unheard of heights. I really hope the author writes more in this series, because I officially CANNOT get enough.
Also did I mention how much fun—pure, raucous, unguarded fun—that you’ll have reading this series? Seriously, if you're down and want to feel goddamn SUNNY about the world, you cannot go wrong with this series. A highly, HIGHLY recommended read.
January 24, 2021
I've loved all the previous books in the series and I'm really disappointed that this one didn't work for me at all.
Cooper and Park didn't feel like the same characters to me, it was like everything I loved about them got lost here. There were a few scenes I enjoyed, but not enough to give me the same feeling I had while reading the previous books.
The mystery was my least favourite part of the book.
Cooper and Park didn't feel like the same characters to me, it was like everything I loved about them got lost here. There were a few scenes I enjoyed, but not enough to give me the same feeling I had while reading the previous books.
The mystery was my least favourite part of the book.
June 27, 2023
— 3.5 stars ☆
series review
so... this was a surprise. 🤪 not me binging these books over the last few days and loving the progression with cooper and park. but i couldn’t help it, truly. they’re a marvel. 🥺
park’s and cooper’s wedding vows didn’t fail to get me so emotional 🥹 i swear, something about this series was so much fun to binge for me. and imo, the development of the relationship and park and cooper’s dynamics? chef’s kiss. 🥺💓
i loved cooper and park’s banter from the first moment!! i swear, something about a grumpy prickly porcupine guy with a sweet, soft and yet more closed off guy/wolf always gets me. 😂 i definitely fell for park faster than i did for coop, bc he was such an asshole and lashed out at park too much for me 😩 however, i could feel how much hurting park hurt him too, sooo i didn’t mind in the beginning. much. 🤭 and it turned out i was right not to mind, bc holy shit, the way i grew to love him (and both of them, really) INSANE. they were such dumb idiots sometimes, icl, but i loved them so much. 🤣
i knew i’d fall for park from the beginning, bc as much as cooper says he’s “hard to read”, he’s just so whipped for coop. i mean, man literally gets food for him, cooks for him, takes care of him, is protective of him, what more signs do you want?? apparently cooper doesn’t get that memo till the very end of the second book, that huge dumbass SIGH but i still love him. 😩
my fav book was undoubtedly book 4 bc of the communication, omg. the domestic scenes?? they were so CUTE. their dynamics >>> their banter >>> everything was so superior, and even the mystery hooked me more than it did in the other books. while my least fav is book 3 bc of all the miscommunications and frustrating mistrust (?!?!) that both of them had in each other. it still had many cute moments, but just not enough to make me LOVE it bc unlike the mystery in book 2 and even 1 (to a lesser extent), this one didn’t manage to keep my interest in the least. 😬 i was so lost with all the family drama/dynamics/politics going on. i usually eat up drama like that but not when one of the mcs is so lost (i.e. - cooper) and the other hadn’t even bothered to tell him what he had to face beforehand. and, i mean this very literally, throwing him to the wolves. park was just keeping him out of his business and didn’t bother to tell him anything like wha-??? i feel like he just didn’t trust coop enough to deal with matters himself in this and i really didn’t like that.
i feel like i’d be remiss if i didn’t mention the character growth cooper had gone through. bc the way coop behaved during book 1 versus in book 5? man is whipped, is all i can say. 😌 and i can’t be any more satisfied about it. the way he grew to be more open with his feelings? i absolutely loved that.
i did have one niggle about the mystery in this one (book 5), though, and that was
over the course of the series, it was mainly the romance which kept me going, bc ngl, i was absolutely lost and even bored with most of the cases (which is also the reason for my lower rating, bc as much as i don’t mind not caring for the mystery, feeling bored with it is another thing altogether lmao and i almost fell asleep many times while reading it, and it was the middle of the day, to clarify).
to sum up, i would definitely not call it the best mm crime/mystery/pnr out there, but i was missing green creek too much and this kinda helped with my hangover. 😭 (and i do mean kinda bc i already wanna reread that series but i’m tryna refrain myself from doing so, lol.) it was a fun romp for me, and while most of the cases in this series have largely been a miss for me (except for books 2 and 4 which i was a lil intrigued by bc of the mysteries), i adored seeing the cooper and park moments throughout the series. overall, i like park and cooper, even though i haven’t truly grown to LOVE love them over the course of their adventures lmao.
i will possibly read eli’s books too, but i wanna wait till the series gets finished before i start reading bc i’m impatient like that. 😂
my fav moments in the series!!
🖤 “I’m glad you’re in my life,” Cooper said simply. There was a lot more he could have said, maybe a lot more he should have said, but this was the clearest, most honest thing he could give right now.
Park did nothing for a moment, almost as if he hadn't heard, then pulled back and looked Cooper in the eye. His expression was so fierce it was actually startling.
“There isn't anywhere else I’d rather be.” Park said, and kissed him, hard.
🖤 Cooper petted the muscle there, feeling the tension ease. “Can I kiss you?”
“Yes. Please,” Park breathed, and Cooper leaned in slowly—sending Boogie scurrying off in annoyance—and their lips met. A simple, affectionate touch that offered the reassurance and connection he couldn’t seem to give with words. He liked the way Park sometimes held his breath when Cooper kissed him like this. Like unexpected affection was so precious he didn’t want to risk any interruption. The way Park kept himself straight and stiff, clearly wanting to look his best for someone he must surely know already thought he couldn’t get more beautiful.
🖤 Cooper laughed, disbelieving. “Have you met me? I don’t like to talk about anything, Oliver, but I do it for you. You think it’s fun for me to tell you about my dead mother and my childhood bullies and my psychopath partner? It’s not. Do you think it makes me feel good when you see me vomiting because I ate too much too fast for my fucked-up gut or when you come back to the apartment and I haven’t dressed or showered or moved because my anxiety is spinning out? It doesn’t. It’s painful, it’s humiliating, it’s fucking hell. But I work on it anyway because I thought that’s what people do when they’re in love and want a—a serious life together.”
🖤 “Being open isn’t easy for either of us. Shit, maybe not for anyone. But I work on it because, to me, you’re worth it. And you know what, Oliver? I’m worth it, too. So pull your shit together so we can get on with being mates and in love and all that trash.”
🖤 Cooper just squeezed Park tighter and pressed kiss after kiss to his temple, the top of his head, his shoulder. Willed him to feel how much Cooper loved him. One person can’t love you enough to make up for all the people who don’t, but Cooper wasn’t trying for all the people. Just the one. Just for right now.
He wasn’t sure how long they stood there. Even after Park stopped crying, his body stilled and his breaths evened out, he kept his face pressed against the crook of Cooper’s neck. He could tell Park was reluctant to move from this moment and deal with what came next. He was, too. So they stood and swayed while Cooper stroked his hair, sweaty despite the chill of the room. Cooper wished he could keep him like this, tucked away against his shoulder for the rest of the day.
🖤 “For you? It means nothing more than what we’ve been building together for a while. You are my partner. My love. My family.”
“And for you?” he asked, his voice gruff.
“With you I’m finally home.” Park said it as if it was that simple.
🖤 Park’s shoulders started to shake and he pulled Cooper’s hand up to his mouth to press a kiss to his knuckles. “Just so you know, it wasn’t your AQ that first drew me to you. It’s the way no one has ever made me laugh like you do. When I’m with you, I don’t feel trapped at all. I feel lighter, stronger. For the first time in my life, I feel free.”
🖤 “Keep you forever,” he murmured, almost more to himself. “Safe.”
Cooper laced his fingers through Park’s. “Yes.” He felt Park bury his face against the back of his neck and let out a shuddering sigh. His hand snaked down to grip Cooper’s dick and began to stroke him in time to his thrusts.
“Cooper,” Park whispered over and over. “K-keep me, too. Please. Say you’ll—”
“I’ll keep you,” Cooper gasped through his tight throat, eyes stinging. “You’re mine. You’ll always be mine.”
🖤 Cooper took Park’s hand. Someone was shaking, and Cooper was pretty sure it was him. “Unfortunately, I used up all my good lines already—”
“Those were your good lines?”
“And I know we haven’t been together very long.”
“To be fair, you did just agree to retire with me, so that counts for something.”
“But basically, you make the bad bearable and the best better, and there’s nothing good in life that I don’t want to try without you. So, would you maybe want to try out marriage with me?”
Park exhaled dramatically. “You’re lucky I wasn’t raised to dream of this moment because that was complete and utter shi—”
Cooper kissed him and Park’s hand came up to wind through his hair and hold him close, each pouring the gentle, trembling thrill of joy into every touch.
🖤 “You are my favorite part of living,” Cooper whispered. “I’d do anything for you.” It was a confession more than anything else. Not necessarily something he thought was right or took pride in, but dug from the deepest and most private part of his mind, unsightly and true.
“I’m yours,” Park murmured simply.
⊱ ────────────♡──────────── ⊰
ratings for the series
#1 - the wolf at the door - 3.5 stars
#2 - the wolf at bay - 3.5 stars
#3 - thrown to the wolves - 3 stars
#4 - wolf in sheep’s clothing - 4.5 stars
#5 - cry wolf - 3.5 stars
series review
so... this was a surprise. 🤪 not me binging these books over the last few days and loving the progression with cooper and park. but i couldn’t help it, truly. they’re a marvel. 🥺
“You love me. You already know I love you,” Park said, shaking his head impatiently. “So today I promise, I vow that I know you love me, too. I never doubt it. How could I when I feel it all the time? I feel it when you make me laugh and then watch with that pleased little look on your face. I feel it when you touch me like I’m special and when you can’t touch me anymore bc you’re over-full of sensations, but let me stay by you anyway. I feel so safe in loving you, because I know you love me, too. And it’s the greatest gift of my life.”
[...]
“So if you’re the Moon, fine. I’m the sky. If you’re a human, I’m your wolf. If you’re a prickly, sarcastic, awkward, independent, randy-as-hell, secretly good-hearted porcupine, well, then I’m Oliver Park. Whatever happens next, whoever we are or whoever they think we are, it doesn't matter. Because the way we love is already the stuff of legends.”
park’s and cooper’s wedding vows didn’t fail to get me so emotional 🥹 i swear, something about this series was so much fun to binge for me. and imo, the development of the relationship and park and cooper’s dynamics? chef’s kiss. 🥺💓
i loved cooper and park’s banter from the first moment!! i swear, something about a grumpy prickly porcupine guy with a sweet, soft and yet more closed off guy/wolf always gets me. 😂 i definitely fell for park faster than i did for coop, bc he was such an asshole and lashed out at park too much for me 😩 however, i could feel how much hurting park hurt him too, sooo i didn’t mind in the beginning. much. 🤭 and it turned out i was right not to mind, bc holy shit, the way i grew to love him (and both of them, really) INSANE. they were such dumb idiots sometimes, icl, but i loved them so much. 🤣
i knew i’d fall for park from the beginning, bc as much as cooper says he’s “hard to read”, he’s just so whipped for coop. i mean, man literally gets food for him, cooks for him, takes care of him, is protective of him, what more signs do you want?? apparently cooper doesn’t get that memo till the very end of the second book, that huge dumbass SIGH but i still love him. 😩
my fav book was undoubtedly book 4 bc of the communication, omg. the domestic scenes?? they were so CUTE. their dynamics >>> their banter >>> everything was so superior, and even the mystery hooked me more than it did in the other books. while my least fav is book 3 bc of all the miscommunications and frustrating mistrust (?!?!) that both of them had in each other. it still had many cute moments, but just not enough to make me LOVE it bc unlike the mystery in book 2 and even 1 (to a lesser extent), this one didn’t manage to keep my interest in the least. 😬 i was so lost with all the family drama/dynamics/politics going on. i usually eat up drama like that but not when one of the mcs is so lost (i.e. - cooper) and the other hadn’t even bothered to tell him what he had to face beforehand. and, i mean this very literally, throwing him to the wolves. park was just keeping him out of his business and didn’t bother to tell him anything like wha-??? i feel like he just didn’t trust coop enough to deal with matters himself in this and i really didn’t like that.
i feel like i’d be remiss if i didn’t mention the character growth cooper had gone through. bc the way coop behaved during book 1 versus in book 5? man is whipped, is all i can say. 😌 and i can’t be any more satisfied about it. the way he grew to be more open with his feelings? i absolutely loved that.
i did have one niggle about the mystery in this one (book 5), though, and that was
over the course of the series, it was mainly the romance which kept me going, bc ngl, i was absolutely lost and even bored with most of the cases (which is also the reason for my lower rating, bc as much as i don’t mind not caring for the mystery, feeling bored with it is another thing altogether lmao and i almost fell asleep many times while reading it, and it was the middle of the day, to clarify).
to sum up, i would definitely not call it the best mm crime/mystery/pnr out there, but i was missing green creek too much and this kinda helped with my hangover. 😭 (and i do mean kinda bc i already wanna reread that series but i’m tryna refrain myself from doing so, lol.) it was a fun romp for me, and while most of the cases in this series have largely been a miss for me (except for books 2 and 4 which i was a lil intrigued by bc of the mysteries), i adored seeing the cooper and park moments throughout the series. overall, i like park and cooper, even though i haven’t truly grown to LOVE love them over the course of their adventures lmao.
i will possibly read eli’s books too, but i wanna wait till the series gets finished before i start reading bc i’m impatient like that. 😂
my fav moments in the series!!
🖤 “I’m glad you’re in my life,” Cooper said simply. There was a lot more he could have said, maybe a lot more he should have said, but this was the clearest, most honest thing he could give right now.
Park did nothing for a moment, almost as if he hadn't heard, then pulled back and looked Cooper in the eye. His expression was so fierce it was actually startling.
“There isn't anywhere else I’d rather be.” Park said, and kissed him, hard.
🖤 Cooper petted the muscle there, feeling the tension ease. “Can I kiss you?”
“Yes. Please,” Park breathed, and Cooper leaned in slowly—sending Boogie scurrying off in annoyance—and their lips met. A simple, affectionate touch that offered the reassurance and connection he couldn’t seem to give with words. He liked the way Park sometimes held his breath when Cooper kissed him like this. Like unexpected affection was so precious he didn’t want to risk any interruption. The way Park kept himself straight and stiff, clearly wanting to look his best for someone he must surely know already thought he couldn’t get more beautiful.
🖤 Cooper laughed, disbelieving. “Have you met me? I don’t like to talk about anything, Oliver, but I do it for you. You think it’s fun for me to tell you about my dead mother and my childhood bullies and my psychopath partner? It’s not. Do you think it makes me feel good when you see me vomiting because I ate too much too fast for my fucked-up gut or when you come back to the apartment and I haven’t dressed or showered or moved because my anxiety is spinning out? It doesn’t. It’s painful, it’s humiliating, it’s fucking hell. But I work on it anyway because I thought that’s what people do when they’re in love and want a—a serious life together.”
🖤 “Being open isn’t easy for either of us. Shit, maybe not for anyone. But I work on it because, to me, you’re worth it. And you know what, Oliver? I’m worth it, too. So pull your shit together so we can get on with being mates and in love and all that trash.”
🖤 Cooper just squeezed Park tighter and pressed kiss after kiss to his temple, the top of his head, his shoulder. Willed him to feel how much Cooper loved him. One person can’t love you enough to make up for all the people who don’t, but Cooper wasn’t trying for all the people. Just the one. Just for right now.
He wasn’t sure how long they stood there. Even after Park stopped crying, his body stilled and his breaths evened out, he kept his face pressed against the crook of Cooper’s neck. He could tell Park was reluctant to move from this moment and deal with what came next. He was, too. So they stood and swayed while Cooper stroked his hair, sweaty despite the chill of the room. Cooper wished he could keep him like this, tucked away against his shoulder for the rest of the day.
🖤 “For you? It means nothing more than what we’ve been building together for a while. You are my partner. My love. My family.”
“And for you?” he asked, his voice gruff.
“With you I’m finally home.” Park said it as if it was that simple.
🖤 Park’s shoulders started to shake and he pulled Cooper’s hand up to his mouth to press a kiss to his knuckles. “Just so you know, it wasn’t your AQ that first drew me to you. It’s the way no one has ever made me laugh like you do. When I’m with you, I don’t feel trapped at all. I feel lighter, stronger. For the first time in my life, I feel free.”
🖤 “Keep you forever,” he murmured, almost more to himself. “Safe.”
Cooper laced his fingers through Park’s. “Yes.” He felt Park bury his face against the back of his neck and let out a shuddering sigh. His hand snaked down to grip Cooper’s dick and began to stroke him in time to his thrusts.
“Cooper,” Park whispered over and over. “K-keep me, too. Please. Say you’ll—”
“I’ll keep you,” Cooper gasped through his tight throat, eyes stinging. “You’re mine. You’ll always be mine.”
🖤 Cooper took Park’s hand. Someone was shaking, and Cooper was pretty sure it was him. “Unfortunately, I used up all my good lines already—”
“Those were your good lines?”
“And I know we haven’t been together very long.”
“To be fair, you did just agree to retire with me, so that counts for something.”
“But basically, you make the bad bearable and the best better, and there’s nothing good in life that I don’t want to try without you. So, would you maybe want to try out marriage with me?”
Park exhaled dramatically. “You’re lucky I wasn’t raised to dream of this moment because that was complete and utter shi—”
Cooper kissed him and Park’s hand came up to wind through his hair and hold him close, each pouring the gentle, trembling thrill of joy into every touch.
🖤 “You are my favorite part of living,” Cooper whispered. “I’d do anything for you.” It was a confession more than anything else. Not necessarily something he thought was right or took pride in, but dug from the deepest and most private part of his mind, unsightly and true.
“I’m yours,” Park murmured simply.
⊱ ────────────♡──────────── ⊰
ratings for the series
#1 - the wolf at the door - 3.5 stars
#2 - the wolf at bay - 3.5 stars
#3 - thrown to the wolves - 3 stars
#4 - wolf in sheep’s clothing - 4.5 stars
#5 - cry wolf - 3.5 stars
December 23, 2020
This series from Charlie Adhara is one of my all-time favourites in any genre.
It's clever, it has a fresh look at werewolves and gives them a fascinating culture which fits perfectly into the urban fantasy world she's created. It's firmly rooted in "our reality" as well, so it has an anchoring feel of the familiar and it has Cooper Dayton, a truly complex character whose evolvement from book one through to this installment has been utterly enthralling.
I love Coop. I love how much he's grown as a person while still staying true to his basic character traits of honesty and a lack of artifice, and his fumbling attempts to tell Oliver Park, his werewolf partner in both The Trust and life, how much he means to him are utterly endearing.
Coop is such an enigma, he's human, but Park's alpha and yet he submits to Oliver in their intimate moments and oh boy are they seriously good. They are powerfully emotional, scorching hot and just a little bit dirty.
The case they end up involved investigating in Cry Wolf is possibly the best one yet in this series, I had no clue where it was heading and I'm still not sure on some elements of the longer term series long narrative arc which are revealed here.
Ultimately though, it's a superbly paced, deeply complex one which examines wolf folklore and the differences between the three types of werewolf society more than any of the previous books before.
it involves the packs, the Wolf Independence Party and the Rebels, it pulls in Eli, Oliver's ex and a former rebel, it gives Coop a role he's not remotely prepared for, whether he believes it's true or not, and it - finally - gives the reader a truly joyous relationship development between the two men which had me smiling so much my face hurt.
I am so pleased Charlie went back to this series, there are so many aspects of wolf society still left unexplored and villains galore to continue investigating. I really hope it continues on and on!
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
It's clever, it has a fresh look at werewolves and gives them a fascinating culture which fits perfectly into the urban fantasy world she's created. It's firmly rooted in "our reality" as well, so it has an anchoring feel of the familiar and it has Cooper Dayton, a truly complex character whose evolvement from book one through to this installment has been utterly enthralling.
I love Coop. I love how much he's grown as a person while still staying true to his basic character traits of honesty and a lack of artifice, and his fumbling attempts to tell Oliver Park, his werewolf partner in both The Trust and life, how much he means to him are utterly endearing.
Coop is such an enigma, he's human, but Park's alpha and yet he submits to Oliver in their intimate moments and oh boy are they seriously good. They are powerfully emotional, scorching hot and just a little bit dirty.
The case they end up involved investigating in Cry Wolf is possibly the best one yet in this series, I had no clue where it was heading and I'm still not sure on some elements of the longer term series long narrative arc which are revealed here.
Ultimately though, it's a superbly paced, deeply complex one which examines wolf folklore and the differences between the three types of werewolf society more than any of the previous books before.
it involves the packs, the Wolf Independence Party and the Rebels, it pulls in Eli, Oliver's ex and a former rebel, it gives Coop a role he's not remotely prepared for, whether he believes it's true or not, and it - finally - gives the reader a truly joyous relationship development between the two men which had me smiling so much my face hurt.
I am so pleased Charlie went back to this series, there are so many aspects of wolf society still left unexplored and villains galore to continue investigating. I really hope it continues on and on!
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review
November 15, 2024
Sometimes "compliments to the chef" and "chefs kiss" are not compliment enough.
I need to go into the kitchen and fuck the chef.
If I die, I wanna come back as Charlie Adhara's sleep paralysis demon and this would be me at the end of their bed every night:
Park and Cooper ARE EVERYTHING.
I found myself disappointed in the start of this book, as... I was lowkey disappointed that we never got to see the Park/Cooper buying a house fiasco after what a big deal it was in book 4, and felt an internal yearning for the cuteness that would have radiated on Park's face when they finally picked a house and I feel, as readers, we were ripped off a scene that would have made me instantaneously combust.
And I also felt.... once the mystery of this book started, it was all MYSTERY MYSTERY MYSTERY, and no KISSING ON THE MOUF AND LOVING EACHOTHER........ 😡😡😡
But I quickly outgrew these frustrations, because well.... it's Park and Cooper, so stfu Chelsea.
Even if this ending was open ended, which leaves me WANTING MORE AND FUCKING KNOWING THERE IS NO MORE KILLS MY SOUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I know there's eli book, but it's not the same, hmph).
It was so fucking cute , I thought I would fucking pass away from squee-ing.
Also, the role playing and fucking is ALWAYS SO DAMN GOOD IN THIS WHOLE SERIES. I CAN'T DEAL. And I think the fact it's less frequent than other books, MAKES IT SO MUCH HOTTER. 🥵🥵🥵🥵
✨🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀✨
If the feral rat-ometre was real, it would have broken with this book, the feral rats could not keep up with my love for this wolf hottie, and his prickly human cactus.
Live, Laugh, Park Cooper.
I need to go into the kitchen and fuck the chef.
If I die, I wanna come back as Charlie Adhara's sleep paralysis demon and this would be me at the end of their bed every night:
Park and Cooper ARE EVERYTHING.
I found myself disappointed in the start of this book, as... I was lowkey disappointed that we never got to see the Park/Cooper buying a house fiasco after what a big deal it was in book 4, and felt an internal yearning for the cuteness that would have radiated on Park's face when they finally picked a house and I feel, as readers, we were ripped off a scene that would have made me instantaneously combust.
And I also felt.... once the mystery of this book started, it was all MYSTERY MYSTERY MYSTERY, and no KISSING ON THE MOUF AND LOVING EACHOTHER........ 😡😡😡
But I quickly outgrew these frustrations, because well.... it's Park and Cooper, so stfu Chelsea.
Even if this ending was open ended, which leaves me WANTING MORE AND FUCKING KNOWING THERE IS NO MORE KILLS MY SOUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I know there's eli book, but it's not the same, hmph).
It was so fucking cute , I thought I would fucking pass away from squee-ing.
Also, the role playing and fucking is ALWAYS SO DAMN GOOD IN THIS WHOLE SERIES. I CAN'T DEAL. And I think the fact it's less frequent than other books, MAKES IT SO MUCH HOTTER. 🥵🥵🥵🥵
✨🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀✨
If the feral rat-ometre was real, it would have broken with this book, the feral rats could not keep up with my love for this wolf hottie, and his prickly human cactus.
Live, Laugh, Park Cooper.
January 5, 2022
5 Fantabulous Stars!!
It’s no big secret that I love Cooper and Oliver hard, and it should not come as a surprise that this was another 5 star read!
Some reasons why this is a top favorite!
Overall, one of the best werewolf series out there that brings grit, gravitas, and all the goodness. Not only does this have love, action, and drama but Adhara has truly brought something very special to the table, creating an impressive tale that I hope she continues to expand upon as it seems this complex story arc has only just begun. I know Eli will get his spinoff with Pack of Lies, but I’m fervently wishing with all my might she continues with Cooper and Oliver’s next adventures! I’ll be over here waiting impatiently for her to do so!
It’s no big secret that I love Cooper and Oliver hard, and it should not come as a surprise that this was another 5 star read!
Some reasons why this is a top favorite!
- Rich and intricate werewolf lore full of weighty secrets and fascinating reveals
- Romantic suspense with a complex mystery, each building on top of the other to lend a bigger picture
- Fantastic whip smart biting humor that really elevates the storytelling bringing much needed levity to the deeply intense nature of this saga
- Seriously swoony love progression that gets better and better with each installment
- Hot AF sexual tension with equally hot AF smex
- And Oliver …. let me count the many many ways “you turn up my thermometer”. UNF!
Overall, one of the best werewolf series out there that brings grit, gravitas, and all the goodness. Not only does this have love, action, and drama but Adhara has truly brought something very special to the table, creating an impressive tale that I hope she continues to expand upon as it seems this complex story arc has only just begun. I know Eli will get his spinoff with Pack of Lies, but I’m fervently wishing with all my might she continues with Cooper and Oliver’s next adventures! I’ll be over here waiting impatiently for her to do so!
January 27, 2021
Book 5. Wow!
I don't think I will ever get enough of Cooper, Boogie and Park. Especially Cooper and Boogie.
Cooper has grown so much. I love his character growth and his dry sense of humor. Adhara gave me one of my favorite characters. Cooper is quirky without overdoing it, relatable, funny and damn lovable. I love Park too, but I have to admit, I love Park because I love Cooper.
" Whatever happens next, whoever we are or whoever they think we are, it doesn't matter. Because the way we love is already the stuff of legends."
The mystery in this one was a letdown. I have come to expect a better mystery from this series and it is what keeps me engaged. It was like a bad D class movie with an OTT villain.
Other than that, the rest was good. Oh! and
Eli! Eli! What a great addition to this story, I liked him a lot. Neal, can go to wherever. Ed and Dean, me likey them alot.
The humor! Gaaaah! I love Adhara's sense of humor. It is right up my alley.
The Sex! Lawd! Cooper and Park know how to get it on. The sex was kinky, hot and dirty. I love their dirty talks and Cooper's awkwardness. Lol! It made everything so much fun.
Overall, this was a great addition to this series. Thanks to my buddy reader for the wonderful time and the discussion. Cheers.
I don't think I will ever get enough of Cooper, Boogie and Park. Especially Cooper and Boogie.
Cooper has grown so much. I love his character growth and his dry sense of humor. Adhara gave me one of my favorite characters. Cooper is quirky without overdoing it, relatable, funny and damn lovable. I love Park too, but I have to admit, I love Park because I love Cooper.
" Whatever happens next, whoever we are or whoever they think we are, it doesn't matter. Because the way we love is already the stuff of legends."
The mystery in this one was a letdown. I have come to expect a better mystery from this series and it is what keeps me engaged. It was like a bad D class movie with an OTT villain.
Other than that, the rest was good. Oh! and
Eli! Eli! What a great addition to this story, I liked him a lot. Neal, can go to wherever. Ed and Dean, me likey them alot.
The humor! Gaaaah! I love Adhara's sense of humor. It is right up my alley.
The Sex! Lawd! Cooper and Park know how to get it on. The sex was kinky, hot and dirty. I love their dirty talks and Cooper's awkwardness. Lol! It made everything so much fun.
Overall, this was a great addition to this series. Thanks to my buddy reader for the wonderful time and the discussion. Cheers.
January 11, 2025
✅ Werewolves
✅ Characters
✅ Pace
✅ Smut
✅ Romance
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Identity of the killers easy to guess
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: mentions of murders (but nothing graphic)
3.5 stars
I will keep this one short because I feel that I covered everything repeatedly in my reviews of the previous books.
Once again, this book was full of action, intricate murder investigations, and very lovable characters. Sadly though, the identity of the killer was not that hard to figure out this time around. What I liked about the previous books was how they kept me second-guessing everything and everyone until the end, and how the hints were there, but not overly obvious. In this book though, I had suspicions as soon as the guilty persons were introduced, so I was not really shocked or surprised when the whole plot was wrapped up and we finally understood the how and why of the killer.
What I liked was seeing more of Eli. He was introduced in the third book of the series, and I really liked him, so I was happy to see that he would be more present in this book. Still, I would have loved even more of him, so I will most probably read Pack of Lies sometimes in the near future since it's kind of an "Eli Origin" story.
Overall, that was a very entertaining and sweet series, with a very likable couple, some hot smut, and well-developed investigations, and I flew through it. I listened to over 45 hours of Oliver and Cooper in the past 10 days, and I regret nothing. They kept me company during the car rides to and from work.
1. The Wolf at the Door ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Wolf at Bay ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Thrown to the Wolves ⭐⭐⭐.5
4. Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Characters
✅ Pace
✅ Smut
✅ Romance
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Identity of the killers easy to guess
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: mentions of murders (but nothing graphic)
3.5 stars
I will keep this one short because I feel that I covered everything repeatedly in my reviews of the previous books.
Once again, this book was full of action, intricate murder investigations, and very lovable characters. Sadly though, the identity of the killer was not that hard to figure out this time around. What I liked about the previous books was how they kept me second-guessing everything and everyone until the end, and how the hints were there, but not overly obvious. In this book though, I had suspicions as soon as the guilty persons were introduced, so I was not really shocked or surprised when the whole plot was wrapped up and we finally understood the how and why of the killer.
What I liked was seeing more of Eli. He was introduced in the third book of the series, and I really liked him, so I was happy to see that he would be more present in this book. Still, I would have loved even more of him, so I will most probably read Pack of Lies sometimes in the near future since it's kind of an "Eli Origin" story.
Overall, that was a very entertaining and sweet series, with a very likable couple, some hot smut, and well-developed investigations, and I flew through it. I listened to over 45 hours of Oliver and Cooper in the past 10 days, and I regret nothing. They kept me company during the car rides to and from work.
1. The Wolf at the Door ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Wolf at Bay ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Thrown to the Wolves ⭐⭐⭐.5
4. Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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September 29, 2021
4.5 stars ☆
"You love me. You already know I love you," Park said, shaking his head impatiently. "So today I promise, I vow that I know you love me, too. I never doubt it. How could I when I feel it all the time? I feel it when you make me laugh and then watch with that pleased little look on your face. I feel it when you touch me like I'm special and when you can't touch me anymore bc you're over-full of sensations, but let me stay by you anyway. I feel so safe in loving you, because I know you love me, too. And it's the greatest gift of my life. So if you're the Moon, fine. I'm the sky. If you're a human, I'm your wolf. If you're a prickly, sarcastic, awkward, independent, randy-as-hell, secretly good-hearted porcupine, well, then I'm Oliver Park. Whatever happens next, whoever we are or whoever they think we are, it doesn't matter. Because the way we love is already the stuff of legends."
my heart is so full of love towards Park and Cooper. 😭 im honestly sad this is their last book as the mcs (im pretty sure, at least?), i can't get enough of them and would simply just read a full length book of them being cute and lovey dovey. 🥺
also, i loved Eli so much! he's precious and must be protected, can we pls have his hea too? 😩
"You love me. You already know I love you," Park said, shaking his head impatiently. "So today I promise, I vow that I know you love me, too. I never doubt it. How could I when I feel it all the time? I feel it when you make me laugh and then watch with that pleased little look on your face. I feel it when you touch me like I'm special and when you can't touch me anymore bc you're over-full of sensations, but let me stay by you anyway. I feel so safe in loving you, because I know you love me, too. And it's the greatest gift of my life. So if you're the Moon, fine. I'm the sky. If you're a human, I'm your wolf. If you're a prickly, sarcastic, awkward, independent, randy-as-hell, secretly good-hearted porcupine, well, then I'm Oliver Park. Whatever happens next, whoever we are or whoever they think we are, it doesn't matter. Because the way we love is already the stuff of legends."
my heart is so full of love towards Park and Cooper. 😭 im honestly sad this is their last book as the mcs (im pretty sure, at least?), i can't get enough of them and would simply just read a full length book of them being cute and lovey dovey. 🥺
also, i loved Eli so much! he's precious and must be protected, can we pls have his hea too? 😩
December 28, 2024
I can't review this book alone because I read it back to back with book 4, but... wow. Blew me away, easily makes my favorites of 2024 list.
August 16, 2025
It’s taken me a few days of denial that there are no more Cooper and Park books to prepare myself for writing this review. I loved these two so much. I really had THE BEST TIME throughout this whole series. I love the characters, their relationship, the mystery’s, the wolf stuff..it all REALLY WORKED FOR ME!
It’s always my favourite books where I never know what to say about them. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this.
Buddy reading the series with Anita really amped up my experience too..those final scenes and our 1am convos made my soul very happy!
“More than words” Apparently I’m hopeless for silly fictional wolf men 🥹🐺😍
Will definitely re-read some time.
Extremely sad that it appears the author is on an ‘indefinite hiatus from writing’ and that Eli’s series has only one book written 😭 I hope she is ok and returns.
It’s always my favourite books where I never know what to say about them. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this.
Buddy reading the series with Anita really amped up my experience too..those final scenes and our 1am convos made my soul very happy!
“More than words” Apparently I’m hopeless for silly fictional wolf men 🥹🐺😍
Will definitely re-read some time.
Extremely sad that it appears the author is on an ‘indefinite hiatus from writing’ and that Eli’s series has only one book written 😭 I hope she is ok and returns.
January 27, 2021
I admit that it took me a couple of chapters to remember everything from the series because I've read a hella lotta books while waiting for this one. But, once I was back in the fictional land of werewolves and their human friends I was happy.
aww, escapism. You've never let me down!
In this book we have the established couple from the first few books dealing with a killer who seems to be trying to expose the existence of werewolves. One of the guys' ex-boyfriends, Eli, comes to the human part of the couple asking for help, and the human's brother is completely excited about this:
"You certainly jumped on Team Eli pretty fast," Cooper said.
"Obviously I'm Team Eli. A wolf just turned into a man and asked for our help. This couldn't be any more of a quest if he'd unfurled a scroll that said, 'this is a quest' on it....Which is why I keep saying, you need to get into gaming. Your literal job is helping werewolves. You've got to start being cooler.."
Yes, gamers are cool, aren't they?
Except for the guy who ran into the fire. He's very hot.
This is the fifth book in the series and I think it's going to continue because things weren't really resolved. But, by the time another book comes out I will have forgotten all about it again. Oh well. Book nerd problems.
aww, escapism. You've never let me down!
In this book we have the established couple from the first few books dealing with a killer who seems to be trying to expose the existence of werewolves. One of the guys' ex-boyfriends, Eli, comes to the human part of the couple asking for help, and the human's brother is completely excited about this:
"You certainly jumped on Team Eli pretty fast," Cooper said.
"Obviously I'm Team Eli. A wolf just turned into a man and asked for our help. This couldn't be any more of a quest if he'd unfurled a scroll that said, 'this is a quest' on it....Which is why I keep saying, you need to get into gaming. Your literal job is helping werewolves. You've got to start being cooler.."
Yes, gamers are cool, aren't they?
Except for the guy who ran into the fire. He's very hot.
This is the fifth book in the series and I think it's going to continue because things weren't really resolved. But, by the time another book comes out I will have forgotten all about it again. Oh well. Book nerd problems.
March 28, 2024
“I’m always happy to be an us with you.”
I know I’ve started one of my previous reviews of this series with a quote, too, but isn’t this one just swoonworthy??? 🫠
Cooper Dayton and Oliver Park are what you’d describe with #couplegoals . Neither of them is perfect (although Cooper is very close to perfection, except for when he enters a deserted corridor ON HIS OWN, despite knowing that things tend to HAPPEN when he’s doing stuff like that. But I digress.), they are very different from each other, and not only because one is a wolf shifter and the other is a human. It’s not even an alpha/omega pairing that we often get in shifter books. Their familiar background is as different as it gets, too (Oliver having been left by his parents, and raised by his wealthy and powerful grandparents to be the pack enforcer, Cooper having lost his mother at an early age, raised by his widowed father).
They’re different, yet they fit perfectly together, like two pieces of a puzzle. A puzzle that is about to grow (as I’m sure Eli and Cooper’s cat aren’t the last addition to their little pack. But I digress again, and I usually try to stay free of spoilers in my reviews).
So yes. Their love and their support for each other is something else, a fixture I absolutely adored.
One last lovey dovey quote before I move on to the rest of the book:
“But in addition to being my partner, my... whatever the opposite of alpha is, the horizon that my first and last thought touches every day, and my hands-down favorite lay, you’re also my best friend, Oliver. And maybe that doesn’t sound as big of a deal because, you know, not a lot of competition. But it’s true. You’re my best friend and you make me feel like I can do anything. I just... I want you to feel that too.”
Cooper cleared his throat.
“Uh, the bit about feeling supported, I mean. I’m not demanding you say I’m your best friend back. I haven’t made us half-moon bracelets or anything.”
Park’s eyes crinkled as he smiled softly. He put his hand on top of Cooper’s and entwined their fingers. “Have I told you I love you recently?”
🫠🫠🫠
As for the rest: I loved the side characters, especially Eli who proved to be a lot more interesting than anticipated. And I loved that some loose story threads were neatly wrapped up. Not all of them, so there’s potential for at least one more book 🤞
And I loved the narration - again an unexpected development, considering I barely made it through book 1 listening to Erik Bloomquist.
As for the mystery: there’s a pattern - it’s usually the nicest of the newly introduced characters, so I guessed pretty quickly who’s behind all the murders. Although not entirely- we have one old acquaintance who pops up again and whose ploy I didn’t guess. But that’s one of the reasons we have Cooper, right?
There’s no new book in this series right now, no idea if we’re going to get more. As for now, we’re left in a pretty good spot - 4.5 stars rounded up because of #couplegoals 🥰
P.S. just saw there’s a spin-off with around Eli 🥰🥰🥰
I know I’ve started one of my previous reviews of this series with a quote, too, but isn’t this one just swoonworthy??? 🫠
Cooper Dayton and Oliver Park are what you’d describe with #couplegoals . Neither of them is perfect (although Cooper is very close to perfection, except for when he enters a deserted corridor ON HIS OWN, despite knowing that things tend to HAPPEN when he’s doing stuff like that. But I digress.), they are very different from each other, and not only because one is a wolf shifter and the other is a human. It’s not even an alpha/omega pairing that we often get in shifter books. Their familiar background is as different as it gets, too (Oliver having been left by his parents, and raised by his wealthy and powerful grandparents to be the pack enforcer, Cooper having lost his mother at an early age, raised by his widowed father).
They’re different, yet they fit perfectly together, like two pieces of a puzzle. A puzzle that is about to grow (as I’m sure Eli and Cooper’s cat aren’t the last addition to their little pack. But I digress again, and I usually try to stay free of spoilers in my reviews).
So yes. Their love and their support for each other is something else, a fixture I absolutely adored.
One last lovey dovey quote before I move on to the rest of the book:
“But in addition to being my partner, my... whatever the opposite of alpha is, the horizon that my first and last thought touches every day, and my hands-down favorite lay, you’re also my best friend, Oliver. And maybe that doesn’t sound as big of a deal because, you know, not a lot of competition. But it’s true. You’re my best friend and you make me feel like I can do anything. I just... I want you to feel that too.”
Cooper cleared his throat.
“Uh, the bit about feeling supported, I mean. I’m not demanding you say I’m your best friend back. I haven’t made us half-moon bracelets or anything.”
Park’s eyes crinkled as he smiled softly. He put his hand on top of Cooper’s and entwined their fingers. “Have I told you I love you recently?”
🫠🫠🫠
As for the rest: I loved the side characters, especially Eli who proved to be a lot more interesting than anticipated. And I loved that some loose story threads were neatly wrapped up. Not all of them, so there’s potential for at least one more book 🤞
And I loved the narration - again an unexpected development, considering I barely made it through book 1 listening to Erik Bloomquist.
As for the mystery: there’s a pattern - it’s usually the nicest of the newly introduced characters, so I guessed pretty quickly who’s behind all the murders. Although not entirely- we have one old acquaintance who pops up again and whose ploy I didn’t guess. But that’s one of the reasons we have Cooper, right?
There’s no new book in this series right now, no idea if we’re going to get more. As for now, we’re left in a pretty good spot - 4.5 stars rounded up because of #couplegoals 🥰
P.S. just saw there’s a spin-off with around Eli 🥰🥰🥰
January 17, 2021
How quickly had the mere background hum of another person's life become such an essential fixture of the house that its absence felt like a robbery?
In the fifth installment of the Big Bad Wolf series Cooper and Park are in the throes of domestic bliss, something if you had told me was forthcoming at the beginning of this journey I would've said, oh... bless your heart. But they are and I think their soul deep happiness translated into my savoring Cry Wolf, not really my strong suit. The savoring was also due in part to thinking this was the end but I'm delighted to discover I think there is more to come from my favorite wolf and his porcupine. Or, at least, the door hasn't been entirely closed.
This installment was packed with the same intrigues and sticky situations that I've become accustomed to where Park and Cooper are concerned and have kept me guessing through the previous four installments. I was surprised by how much I felt for Eli and am hoping for maybe a spinoff involving him. He deserves some romantic shenanigans all his own. However, Cry Wolf didn't fall victim to the common pitfall of other series by focusing on secondary characters or becoming a watered down version of its former self; the mystery storyline was just as strong with Cooper and Park anchoring it.
On the romance front, the swoon was brought. The witty repartee is on full display delivering more than one moment of levity amongst the death and chaos. There were countless moments that showed their connection which is what I thoroughly enjoyed about Cry Wolf and their chemistry, as we all know, could start a brush fire.
"Whatever happens next, whoever we are or whoever they think we are, it doesn't matter. Because the way we love is already the stuff of legends."
Amen.
I putting my vote in now for more hijinks from these two and if you're a fan of this series, Cry Wolf won't disappoint.
Recommended.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2021
“Mmm, just wait ’til I teach you the joys of themed anniversaries. Year three is going to knock your socks off,”
There was just no way I wasn't gonna like this book. I'm too in love with main characters.
Also, I'm like really confused if this book was the last or not. I NEED TO KNOW.
Anyways, as always, the book had some relationship development, a lot of STEAM and a great mystery to make it whole.
Honestly, the amount of improvement Cooper's character goes through throughout the series is my favourite part. You can just see how comfortable he is with Park in comparison to the first book and how their relationship is so much deeper than it was before.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good paranormal romance especially those who enjoy character growth because there's a lot of it.
“....the way we love is already the stuff of legends.”
*************
My most anticipated release right now.
January 18th - please come soon.
October 25, 2022
I have loved every book in this series! I gave every book 5 stars. Although now I am a bit sad the series is over, and also wish we got a bit more from the epilogue. Either way - I really enjoyed it and had such a good time reading each book!
February 20, 2025
a teeny tiny bit disappointed 💔 RTC
🌖 Will there be a sixth book? 🌖
-
reading update :
ELI IS BACK BABY🧡
🌖 Will there be a sixth book? 🌖
-
reading update :
ELI IS BACK BABY🧡
August 24, 2021
**** 3.5 stars ****
Not every romance author can write an established relationship that's just as interesting as -- if not more interesting than -- the falling-in-love part of the couple's story. But I swear, Cooper and Park get more interesting to me with each book in this series.
Part of it is that Adhara's writing keeps maturing. When I read the first book, I was excited by her obvious talent and willing to forgive the rough edges to the story. I gave up after the second book, though -- I'm not interested in shifters per se, and felt kind of let down by the mystery. But I eventually changed my mind and decided to give the third book a chance, because, in all honesty, I couldn't forget some of the sex scenes she'd written. So, yeah, I came back for the sex.
Which is funny, in a way, because in book 1 I got very grumpy when it looked like the guys were going to have a D/s dynamic. Like, please, not AGAIN? Is there no escape from this unspeakably tedious kink? But as it turns out, regardless of whatever label a reader could slap onto Cooper & Park's sexual relationship, the one key thing about it is that it is THEIR relationship. In other words, it is idiosyncratic and completely unique to the two of them. Not to mention organic, playful, creative -- and hot.
So I returned for book 3, only to almost immediately have a major meltdown over something that happened between the guys. A friend kind of coached and coaxed me through it, but damn. I guess what I'm saying is that it's been a rocky road for me with this series. Yet it's been worth it, because it keeps getting better. The characterization runs deep, there are delightful flashes of humor, and the author hits some truly romantic notes without ever getting too sappy for me.
In this, the 5th book, the mystery was interesting, but maybe a bit too reliant on coincidence (or belief in masterminding) for its own good. And there was a plot hole that drove me nuts, .
I don't know why some readers are speculating that this might be intended to be the final book in the series. It ends in a lovely place, but over the course of the story a new and totally unexpected set of revelations unfold, which could easily propel Cooper and Park through several more books. And when I say "unexpected"... yeah. I bet Adhara wasn't even thinking of this development when she wrote the first book. It'll be intriguing to see what she does with this new twist. I'll be preordering the next book so I can find out.
Not every romance author can write an established relationship that's just as interesting as -- if not more interesting than -- the falling-in-love part of the couple's story. But I swear, Cooper and Park get more interesting to me with each book in this series.
Part of it is that Adhara's writing keeps maturing. When I read the first book, I was excited by her obvious talent and willing to forgive the rough edges to the story. I gave up after the second book, though -- I'm not interested in shifters per se, and felt kind of let down by the mystery. But I eventually changed my mind and decided to give the third book a chance, because, in all honesty, I couldn't forget some of the sex scenes she'd written. So, yeah, I came back for the sex.
Which is funny, in a way, because in book 1 I got very grumpy when it looked like the guys were going to have a D/s dynamic. Like, please, not AGAIN? Is there no escape from this unspeakably tedious kink? But as it turns out, regardless of whatever label a reader could slap onto Cooper & Park's sexual relationship, the one key thing about it is that it is THEIR relationship. In other words, it is idiosyncratic and completely unique to the two of them. Not to mention organic, playful, creative -- and hot.
So I returned for book 3, only to almost immediately have a major meltdown over something that happened between the guys. A friend kind of coached and coaxed me through it, but damn. I guess what I'm saying is that it's been a rocky road for me with this series. Yet it's been worth it, because it keeps getting better. The characterization runs deep, there are delightful flashes of humor, and the author hits some truly romantic notes without ever getting too sappy for me.
In this, the 5th book, the mystery was interesting, but maybe a bit too reliant on coincidence (or belief in masterminding) for its own good. And there was a plot hole that drove me nuts, .
I don't know why some readers are speculating that this might be intended to be the final book in the series. It ends in a lovely place, but over the course of the story a new and totally unexpected set of revelations unfold, which could easily propel Cooper and Park through several more books. And when I say "unexpected"... yeah. I bet Adhara wasn't even thinking of this development when she wrote the first book. It'll be intriguing to see what she does with this new twist. I'll be preordering the next book so I can find out.
November 7, 2021
What stage of love was it when another person became a habit?Ah this book. This delightful delightful book. Where do I begin?
Ah yes, from where the last book left off. Park and Cooper have finally moved in together and are about to get married when BSI agent moonlighting as trouble magnet, Cooper ends up in yet another conspiracy. This time involving Dr. Freeman who was an antagonist in book 3.
She turned herself in to the law enforcement/intelligence organization that deals with werewolf crimes. Why is she turning herself in? She doesn't say. Not only is she an annoying antagonist, she's also the character that unnecessarily withholds information because drama. And boy did it work. For a time.
I usually enjoy mm mysteries because they have a nice balance between romance and mystery. In this book though, the book relied a little too heavily on Park and Cooper's real time happily ever after. While it was definitely enjoyable, it took me out of the moment when Park and Cooper were able to squeeze in moments of intimacy when there are more urgent things to be figuring out. Like who sent Cooper beheaded flowers. Like why Park's ex suddenly showed up and disappeared. Like why werewolves are being found dead mid-shift.
Park and Cooper's romance is at its most wholesome.
“You are my favorite part of living,” Cooper whispered. “I’d do anything for you.”Seriously. I'm surprised I didn't die of cavities.
“Responsibility, no,”Cooper agreed. “But in addition to being my partner, my…whatever the opposite of alpha is, the horizon that my first and last thought touches every day, and my hands-down favorite lay, you’re also my best friend, Oliver. And maybe that doesn’t sound as big of a deal because, you know, not a lot of competition. But it’s true. You’re my best friend and you make me feel like I can do anything. I just… I want you to feel that too.”But I'd have loved to see them a bit more domestic. Perhaps that will be shown in the next book(s) because with the amount of sequel baiting that was shoved down my throat, it's unlikely there won't be more story here. The expansion of werewolf lore and increased world building is fascinating. However I'd have been a bit more appreciative of a 'Previously On' prologue before diving into the story. So while this isn't my favorite book in this lovely series it's still a standout book.
I can't wait to see what's in store for Park and Cooper.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2022
4.5 Stars
It’s always a pleasure revisiting Cooper Dayton and his swoony fiancé, wolf-shifter, Oliver Park.
As special agents at the Bureau of Special Investigations, Cooper and Park constantly find themselves in the thick of things, facing shifter politics and scheming of all sorts, human and shifter alike, but, thankfully, despite the dangers they face, their partnership, in work and life, is stronger than ever, and there isn’t much they can’t face as long as they face it together.
This time around, the pair become embroiled in a murder investigation, with Eli, an old flame and pack mate of Park’s, in the thick of the investigation as a suspect. Park and Cooper both care for Eli in their own ways, making it important for them to get to the bottom of things, catching the culprit and hopefully clearing Eli’s name in the process.
The mystery element in each book in this series is always engrossing and fun, and for the most part, I enjoyed this particular 'whodunnit' plot a bit more than some of the ones that have come before for Cooper and Park. I particularly appreciate how the larger plot keeps growing in scope and depth, as these smaller murder mysteries unfold. In that vein, I’m quite excited to see where this series will ultimately go, as surely five books isn’t nearly enough, seeing how things feel like they’re just getting started.
As far as wolf shifter stories go, I’ll briefly reiterate sentiments of reviews past and say that this is probably my favourite series of its kind (in my personal PNR reading experience). Adhara is certainly a master storyteller and knows how to weave a great paranormal blended mystery/suspense story, while also creating a pair of truly distinctive and spectacular characters in Cooper and Park, whose love story is proving to be one of the absolute best I’ve witnessed within the M/M genre.
I honestly can’t imagine tiring of this series or these characters anytime soon, and I’m sure that speaks volumes.
I can’t wait to read more, starting with the upcoming Eli spin-off, Pack of Lies, coming later in 2022.
It’s always a pleasure revisiting Cooper Dayton and his swoony fiancé, wolf-shifter, Oliver Park.
As special agents at the Bureau of Special Investigations, Cooper and Park constantly find themselves in the thick of things, facing shifter politics and scheming of all sorts, human and shifter alike, but, thankfully, despite the dangers they face, their partnership, in work and life, is stronger than ever, and there isn’t much they can’t face as long as they face it together.
This time around, the pair become embroiled in a murder investigation, with Eli, an old flame and pack mate of Park’s, in the thick of the investigation as a suspect. Park and Cooper both care for Eli in their own ways, making it important for them to get to the bottom of things, catching the culprit and hopefully clearing Eli’s name in the process.
The mystery element in each book in this series is always engrossing and fun, and for the most part, I enjoyed this particular 'whodunnit' plot a bit more than some of the ones that have come before for Cooper and Park. I particularly appreciate how the larger plot keeps growing in scope and depth, as these smaller murder mysteries unfold. In that vein, I’m quite excited to see where this series will ultimately go, as surely five books isn’t nearly enough, seeing how things feel like they’re just getting started.
As far as wolf shifter stories go, I’ll briefly reiterate sentiments of reviews past and say that this is probably my favourite series of its kind (in my personal PNR reading experience). Adhara is certainly a master storyteller and knows how to weave a great paranormal blended mystery/suspense story, while also creating a pair of truly distinctive and spectacular characters in Cooper and Park, whose love story is proving to be one of the absolute best I’ve witnessed within the M/M genre.
I honestly can’t imagine tiring of this series or these characters anytime soon, and I’m sure that speaks volumes.
I can’t wait to read more, starting with the upcoming Eli spin-off, Pack of Lies, coming later in 2022.
October 11, 2022
Reread October 2022
And I think my niggles from before fell pretty much sideways. So I upped my rating to 4,5 stars.
It's the classy, fabulous humour that delighted me most, not even counting the steamy sex or the imaginative story line.
I thoroughly enjoyed rereading this series. My only question - will there be more? The author seemed to suggest it?
4,25 stars
I love this series, and so far, every single book was a 5-star read for me.
Not that this book didn’t make me very happy (it really really DID!), but - and there is the infamous ‘but’- I also have a couple of reservations.
It’s brilliant to see Cooper and Oliver so happy.
Even if Cooper still has the occasional, now well-known niggle that he ‘isn’t good enough for Park’, they are solid together. I love how they banter and tease, how hot and dirty they are in bed (and out of it!) and how they have become one unit. Oliver trying to please his human by putting up with wedding talk, for example, is rather sweet.
And I love how much better they communicate now. Cooper has learnt so much since book 1, opening up and expressing his feelings a lot more. Something that becomes even clearer when we see the ‘old’ Cooper through the eyes of his creepy ex.
However, and yeah, here comes caveat #1:
For me, Cooper and Oliver are almost too sweet with each other. There is a plethora of ILYs and cutsie little remarks, which felt a teeny bit too much for me. We also get an unusually high amount of sex. Not that I’m complaining, but Cooper and Park seem to have their minds more on ripping each other’s clothes off than on the case.
A case that’s really complex and intricate, with various red herrings and plot twists.
I really liked the mystery of it all and think it’s very well thought out.
But…. and here’s caveat #2: There are maybe a tad too many people involved. I’d love to have some kind of chart who knew who when and how. Not even remembering the villain from a previous book (sorry, old brain!) didn’t help either. While that one is on me, I couldn’t quite buy the idea of THE evil mastermind overseeing so many events. Not sure the time frame wasn’t too short for all that.
Finally, it was quite a (positive) surprise where Cooper and Park’s journey seems to be heading. I had no idea there might be more books after this one, but it sure looks like it. And all YEAHs to that!
We got first glimpses of another plot-arc to come in book 3, then a more obvious hint in book 4, but I didn't expect it to be that ‘substantial’. I can’t wait to see where Charlie Adhara takes this, what will hopefully turn into an epic story!
Certainly looking forward to more Cooper and Oliver!
And I think my niggles from before fell pretty much sideways. So I upped my rating to 4,5 stars.
It's the classy, fabulous humour that delighted me most, not even counting the steamy sex or the imaginative story line.
I thoroughly enjoyed rereading this series. My only question - will there be more? The author seemed to suggest it?
4,25 stars
I love this series, and so far, every single book was a 5-star read for me.
Not that this book didn’t make me very happy (it really really DID!), but - and there is the infamous ‘but’- I also have a couple of reservations.
It’s brilliant to see Cooper and Oliver so happy.
Even if Cooper still has the occasional, now well-known niggle that he ‘isn’t good enough for Park’, they are solid together. I love how they banter and tease, how hot and dirty they are in bed (and out of it!) and how they have become one unit. Oliver trying to please his human by putting up with wedding talk, for example, is rather sweet.
And I love how much better they communicate now. Cooper has learnt so much since book 1, opening up and expressing his feelings a lot more. Something that becomes even clearer when we see the ‘old’ Cooper through the eyes of his creepy ex.
However, and yeah, here comes caveat #1:
For me, Cooper and Oliver are almost too sweet with each other. There is a plethora of ILYs and cutsie little remarks, which felt a teeny bit too much for me. We also get an unusually high amount of sex. Not that I’m complaining, but Cooper and Park seem to have their minds more on ripping each other’s clothes off than on the case.
A case that’s really complex and intricate, with various red herrings and plot twists.
I really liked the mystery of it all and think it’s very well thought out.
But…. and here’s caveat #2: There are maybe a tad too many people involved. I’d love to have some kind of chart who knew who when and how. Not even remembering the villain from a previous book (sorry, old brain!) didn’t help either. While that one is on me, I couldn’t quite buy the idea of THE evil mastermind overseeing so many events. Not sure the time frame wasn’t too short for all that.
Finally, it was quite a (positive) surprise where Cooper and Park’s journey seems to be heading. I had no idea there might be more books after this one, but it sure looks like it. And all YEAHs to that!
We got first glimpses of another plot-arc to come in book 3, then a more obvious hint in book 4, but I didn't expect it to be that ‘substantial’. I can’t wait to see where Charlie Adhara takes this, what will hopefully turn into an epic story!
Certainly looking forward to more Cooper and Oliver!
March 1, 2024
4**** stars
audio: 4.5 stars
Sooo, this was it. A fabulous and absolute recommended series. Even Erik Bloomquist did a fine job with this last one. I’m sad to see him go for the spin-off. (probably, mainly because I don’t like to listen to the other narrator at all *lol)
Anyway. This last one didn’t thrill me as much as the previous books but I loved spending the time with Park and Coop.
This story also worked as a great setup for the spin-off series that evolves around Eli whom we gotten to know a little better here. I’m def intrigued.
Special shout out to Boogie, Cooper’s cat, and her undying love for Park.
*lol
*************
Big Bad Wolf Series
Book 1 - The Wolf at the Door - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Wolf at Bay - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Thrown to the Wolves - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Wolf in Sheep's Clothing - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - Cry Wolf - 4.0 stars
⇢ spin-off: Monster Hunt
audio: 4.5 stars
Sooo, this was it. A fabulous and absolute recommended series. Even Erik Bloomquist did a fine job with this last one. I’m sad to see him go for the spin-off. (probably, mainly because I don’t like to listen to the other narrator at all *lol)
Anyway. This last one didn’t thrill me as much as the previous books but I loved spending the time with Park and Coop.
“Somewhere downtown like the Regis maybe? Why Mr. Park,” Cooper batted his eyelashes, “are you suggesting some sort of rendezvous at a hotel? I'm a nearly married man, you know.” Park stood, dragging his hands over Cooper's bare skin and leaned down to whisper in his ear. “Mhmmm, so am I. Let’s be bad this one last time and go snoop around a dead blackmailers room.” Cooper smiled. “You know, no one says sweet nothings quite like you.”
This story also worked as a great setup for the spin-off series that evolves around Eli whom we gotten to know a little better here. I’m def intrigued.
Special shout out to Boogie, Cooper’s cat, and her undying love for Park.
“If you wanna leave, I'd support you,” Cooper said abruptly [thinking about leaving the Trust while watching his cat loving on Park.] or about as abruptly as a declaration that you spent the entire night obsessing over could be.
Park was staring at him a little alarmed looking, but mostly confused. “What?” he glanced down at Boogie. “What the cat I had is a passing fling, no need to be the bigger man and step aside quite yet.” Cooper rolled his eyes. “I mean I was thinking about what you said last night.”
*lol
*************
Big Bad Wolf Series
Book 1 - The Wolf at the Door - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Wolf at Bay - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Thrown to the Wolves - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Wolf in Sheep's Clothing - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - Cry Wolf - 4.0 stars
⇢ spin-off: Monster Hunt
October 6, 2024
Daaaamn what an absolutely wonderful series. I’m seriously so heartbroken it’s over, even if this last instalment made the pain a little more manageable, because - and it kinda pains me to say it - it really wasn’t its best one.
I still love Cooper and Park (and also Eli, what a throuple these guys are 😍) with all my heart and I couldn’t ever get enough of them. That’s why I’m a bit disappointed, because in ‘Cry Wolf’ we get less of them and instead a lot of case and imo unnecessary world building that didn’t really work for me, I’m soooorryyyyy.
It’s just… the case was unbelievable, there were too many new characters we’ve never heard about before that conveniently came up now, a whole ass new ‘prophecy’ that was just weird and a couple of bad guys that really weren’t convincing. Instead of all this I just wanted more BANTER, and character/relationship growth, I wanted the people of the previous books to play a bigger role and come together, I just wanted… more? More of these two magnificent men, their antics and all their love for each other 😭 seriously, I could read about these two idiots in love forever and ever, fuck their cases 😅
Why 4 ⭐️ then, you might be wondering. Well, I can’t help myself and give any less stars, because I enjoyed the fuck out of the whole series and also this book, which I couldn’t put down, even if I didn’t vibe with it as much. Also Cooper and Park remain my ✨no1 fav couple✨ and deserve all the stars in the world. I want to be part of their pack forever.
‘I feel so safe in loving you, because I know you love me, too. And it’s the greatest gift of my life.’ 🥹😭❤️🔥
PS: Are we sure it’s over?! This book didn’t feel like a conclusion of the series at all, but rather the prequel to much more? It feels like there’s so much still coming? I’m honestly confused.
I still love Cooper and Park (and also Eli, what a throuple these guys are 😍) with all my heart and I couldn’t ever get enough of them. That’s why I’m a bit disappointed, because in ‘Cry Wolf’ we get less of them and instead a lot of case and imo unnecessary world building that didn’t really work for me, I’m soooorryyyyy.
It’s just… the case was unbelievable, there were too many new characters we’ve never heard about before that conveniently came up now, a whole ass new ‘prophecy’ that was just weird and a couple of bad guys that really weren’t convincing. Instead of all this I just wanted more BANTER, and character/relationship growth, I wanted the people of the previous books to play a bigger role and come together, I just wanted… more? More of these two magnificent men, their antics and all their love for each other 😭 seriously, I could read about these two idiots in love forever and ever, fuck their cases 😅
Why 4 ⭐️ then, you might be wondering. Well, I can’t help myself and give any less stars, because I enjoyed the fuck out of the whole series and also this book, which I couldn’t put down, even if I didn’t vibe with it as much. Also Cooper and Park remain my ✨no1 fav couple✨ and deserve all the stars in the world. I want to be part of their pack forever.
‘I feel so safe in loving you, because I know you love me, too. And it’s the greatest gift of my life.’ 🥹😭❤️🔥
PS: Are we sure it’s over?! This book didn’t feel like a conclusion of the series at all, but rather the prequel to much more? It feels like there’s so much still coming? I’m honestly confused.
May 2, 2024
4.5 stars for the series as a whole. It's SO RARE that PNR series make me that happy honestly!! SO MUCH WIN 😭 Read my (spoiler-free) review for the entire series on my blog.
January 23, 2021
Better review later but for right now, Charlie Adhara continues to wow me with this series. Just when I think I can't love Oliver & Cooper any more, here comes another book to prove me wrong. With this latest in the series, it's clear something big is coming for them, and not in a good way.
July 28, 2025
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous 4 books in this series and yet this was somehow so much better.
If you told me the fifth book in this series would be the best (so far) I would be skeptical to say the least.
This was such a beautiful culmination of all that we've been building up to.
Cooper and Park are stronger than ever, and their character growth individually and as couple makes my heart so happy.
This is one of those stories that you can't help but get invested in.
I'm also excited about the strengthening of the secondary characters, they really build the backbone of a story, and I'm glad these two are getting that support.
This was also, ehm, really hot so... All in all, it checks all the boxes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous 4 books in this series and yet this was somehow so much better.
If you told me the fifth book in this series would be the best (so far) I would be skeptical to say the least.
This was such a beautiful culmination of all that we've been building up to.
Cooper and Park are stronger than ever, and their character growth individually and as couple makes my heart so happy.
This is one of those stories that you can't help but get invested in.
I'm also excited about the strengthening of the secondary characters, they really build the backbone of a story, and I'm glad these two are getting that support.
This was also, ehm, really hot so... All in all, it checks all the boxes.
January 25, 2021
3.95 stars
I enjoyed this fifth installment in the series and the fact that I’ve reached book 5 and the series is still going strong is unusual enough that I would be grateful for that alone. As it’s been the case for most of this series, though, even while I’ve liked a lot of things in this book, I keep feeling a little out of sync with the writing. I can’t really point out one thing to explain why this series consistently gets a high rating from me but never takes the final step to my favorites and it’s probably pointless anyway since overall I did enjoy it, I am enjoying it, and there’s no doubt that I’ll continue whenever the next book comes out. I just felt the need to record this weird experience, where I like pretty much everything a lot, but I haven’t fallen in love.
Same for the characters, they’re well written and complex, I like their dynamic and how their relationship keeps growing without resorting to contrived drama, but even when everything seems perfect on the surface, I’d need that tiny little bit more to feel that perfection instead of just register it.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about how I did like this book, because I did.
The author is clearly building toward something specific with the overarching plot of and this installment’s mystery moved things along quite a bit in that regard. Some things—, as well as other minor things related to the mystery—I saw coming, others I didn’t, and I appreciated some of the surprises along the way.
Speaking of I like how with every new book we learn new things not only about the MCs’ past, but also about other characters’ past. And I definitely like where the author seems to be going with the whole
On the personal front, in this book Cooper is trying to , I’ll let you imagine how that went. Let’s just say Cooper’s anxiety did overtime and laughs (not on Cooper’s part) abounded. Hilarious moments aside, I quite liked how the author emphasized how differently Cooper and Oliver
The relationship between Cooper and Oliver is as strong as ever, I really like how, 5 books in, they can still discover new aspects of each other and how they work things out without drama. If I had to find a negative side, it would be that I didn’t feel Oliver’s part in this book as prominent as in the previous ones. Especially when it came to the investigation, sometimes it felt like he was a little too much on the background and deferential to Cooper’s opinions. But I am in a weird reading mood lately, so it could be just me.
All in all, a very nice addition to the series, I look forward to the next book and the next BR. 😊
I enjoyed this fifth installment in the series and the fact that I’ve reached book 5 and the series is still going strong is unusual enough that I would be grateful for that alone. As it’s been the case for most of this series, though, even while I’ve liked a lot of things in this book, I keep feeling a little out of sync with the writing. I can’t really point out one thing to explain why this series consistently gets a high rating from me but never takes the final step to my favorites and it’s probably pointless anyway since overall I did enjoy it, I am enjoying it, and there’s no doubt that I’ll continue whenever the next book comes out. I just felt the need to record this weird experience, where I like pretty much everything a lot, but I haven’t fallen in love.
Same for the characters, they’re well written and complex, I like their dynamic and how their relationship keeps growing without resorting to contrived drama, but even when everything seems perfect on the surface, I’d need that tiny little bit more to feel that perfection instead of just register it.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about how I did like this book, because I did.
The author is clearly building toward something specific with the overarching plot of and this installment’s mystery moved things along quite a bit in that regard. Some things—, as well as other minor things related to the mystery—I saw coming, others I didn’t, and I appreciated some of the surprises along the way.
Speaking of I like how with every new book we learn new things not only about the MCs’ past, but also about other characters’ past. And I definitely like where the author seems to be going with the whole
On the personal front, in this book Cooper is trying to , I’ll let you imagine how that went. Let’s just say Cooper’s anxiety did overtime and laughs (not on Cooper’s part) abounded. Hilarious moments aside, I quite liked how the author emphasized how differently Cooper and Oliver
The relationship between Cooper and Oliver is as strong as ever, I really like how, 5 books in, they can still discover new aspects of each other and how they work things out without drama. If I had to find a negative side, it would be that I didn’t feel Oliver’s part in this book as prominent as in the previous ones. Especially when it came to the investigation, sometimes it felt like he was a little too much on the background and deferential to Cooper’s opinions. But I am in a weird reading mood lately, so it could be just me.
All in all, a very nice addition to the series, I look forward to the next book and the next BR. 😊
January 19, 2021
4.5 Stars
It's always a bit odd continuing a series after a long hiatus, but thankfully after re-reading the blurbs and Adhara's subtle reminders throughout the book I caught on. But, I am the worst, I need that binge-like momentum to really enjoy a series. Still this was excellent and I am looking forward to the next book and to see where Adhara will take this Werewolf culture next.
I think what makes this book so special over most shifter-story lines is the fact that the protagonist/ narrator is human and his knowledge is limited. This makes all the tidbits that are discovered all the more precious. And it's a journey. We still don't know everything. Personally I love the breadcrumbs Adhara is leaving for the next books in the series. With the additions to Werewolf lore and legends things are getting heavier in the paranormal aspect.
The relationship growth in Cry Wolf is perfect.
"Dreams change. People change. Please just don't stop giving me the chance to change with you."
Cooper has really opened himself up. His emotional awareness, his desire to be right for Oliver. To provide him with everything he could need to be complete and happy living outside of the Park Pack. He truly has one of my favorite characterizations, prickly, sarcastic, easily overwhelmed with emotions but soft and tender on the inside.
"You are my favorite part of living."
Oliver is just lovable, I personally forget he used to be this big bad scary wolf because he's all stuffed toy wolf soft now that he has his Alpha. This book really brings out a part of Oliver we hadn't seen before. It's gush-worthy.
The mystery itself is done incredibly well, I had my suspicions but I was well off when I finally discovered who was behind everything.
The steam is even more scorching in book 5 mostly because the intimacy and love between Oliver and Cooper has grown leaps and bounds.
Highly recommend. And if you're lucky enough to start from the first book and read all the way through, well I am jealous.
It's always a bit odd continuing a series after a long hiatus, but thankfully after re-reading the blurbs and Adhara's subtle reminders throughout the book I caught on. But, I am the worst, I need that binge-like momentum to really enjoy a series. Still this was excellent and I am looking forward to the next book and to see where Adhara will take this Werewolf culture next.
I think what makes this book so special over most shifter-story lines is the fact that the protagonist/ narrator is human and his knowledge is limited. This makes all the tidbits that are discovered all the more precious. And it's a journey. We still don't know everything. Personally I love the breadcrumbs Adhara is leaving for the next books in the series. With the additions to Werewolf lore and legends things are getting heavier in the paranormal aspect.
The relationship growth in Cry Wolf is perfect.
"Dreams change. People change. Please just don't stop giving me the chance to change with you."
Cooper has really opened himself up. His emotional awareness, his desire to be right for Oliver. To provide him with everything he could need to be complete and happy living outside of the Park Pack. He truly has one of my favorite characterizations, prickly, sarcastic, easily overwhelmed with emotions but soft and tender on the inside.
"You are my favorite part of living."
Oliver is just lovable, I personally forget he used to be this big bad scary wolf because he's all stuffed toy wolf soft now that he has his Alpha. This book really brings out a part of Oliver we hadn't seen before. It's gush-worthy.
The mystery itself is done incredibly well, I had my suspicions but I was well off when I finally discovered who was behind everything.
The steam is even more scorching in book 5 mostly because the intimacy and love between Oliver and Cooper has grown leaps and bounds.
Highly recommend. And if you're lucky enough to start from the first book and read all the way through, well I am jealous.
February 23, 2022
“So today I promise, I vow that I know you love me, too. I never doubt it. How could I when I feel it all the time? I feel it when you make me laugh and then watch with that pleased little look on your face. I feel it when you touch me like I’m special and when you can’t touch me anymore because you’re over-full of sensations, but let me stay by you anyway. I feel so safe in loving you, because I know you love me, too. And it’s the greatest gift of my life.”
This serie. Those books. I never thought I would like these books so much.
1. The wolf's story.
2. The jokes. I laughed hard.
3. Cooper.
4. ELI!!!!
5. Parker.
6. THE love story.
I can list a thousand things i love in this series. I can do a dissertation on every aspect of this. I can do a one hour monologue in HOW MUCH I’M IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES.
The arc in cooper’s story. *CHEF KISS*. Seriously, I think it was the best construction of a story, building of a character I've ever read, you get to the last book and everything that happened in the previous books comes together like a puzzle. And just fits perfectly with parker's life, like it's always been since the first book, in the most weirdest and beautiful way they fit together. SOULMATES. There’s no way to say otherwise.
“Whatever happens next, whoever we are or whoever they think we are, it doesn’t matter. Because the way we love is already the the way we love is already the stuff of legends.”
I know my critical sense isn't the best but it's amazing how complete and balanced the story is: romance, mystery and jokes.
A light writing that makes you dive into history and lose track of time and makes you fall in love with everyone, makes you try to unravel the mysteries from the start, makes you smile when you see the love that cooper and park feel for each other and makes you laugh a LOT.
I miss them already.
This serie. Those books. I never thought I would like these books so much.
1. The wolf's story.
2. The jokes. I laughed hard.
3. Cooper.
4. ELI!!!!
5. Parker.
6. THE love story.
I can list a thousand things i love in this series. I can do a dissertation on every aspect of this. I can do a one hour monologue in HOW MUCH I’M IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES.
The arc in cooper’s story. *CHEF KISS*. Seriously, I think it was the best construction of a story, building of a character I've ever read, you get to the last book and everything that happened in the previous books comes together like a puzzle. And just fits perfectly with parker's life, like it's always been since the first book, in the most weirdest and beautiful way they fit together. SOULMATES. There’s no way to say otherwise.
“Whatever happens next, whoever we are or whoever they think we are, it doesn’t matter. Because the way we love is already the the way we love is already the stuff of legends.”
I know my critical sense isn't the best but it's amazing how complete and balanced the story is: romance, mystery and jokes.
A light writing that makes you dive into history and lose track of time and makes you fall in love with everyone, makes you try to unravel the mysteries from the start, makes you smile when you see the love that cooper and park feel for each other and makes you laugh a LOT.
I miss them already.
July 13, 2025
07/13/2025 reread
Another wonderful addition to the series. I hope there will be more Cooper and Oliver adventures. It just keeps getting better and better! I enjoyed seeing Cooper come into his own, loved the tender moments between him and Oliver. And the best part was how the author managed to show the intensity and strength of Oliver's feeling even without his POV. So many feels! *sigh*
The mystery was well written with many twists and many suspects. The author delved into mythology, wolf way of life and mind set and delivered a stunning story about past and present colliding together. I enjoyed every page!
Ms Adhara writes humor just right. It's funny with good amount of snark and self deprecation and sometimes affection. Cooper and Oliver are so in love. They see each other through the worst moments of fear and vulnerability that are followed by the best be it investigating a case, dealing with preconceived notions of wolf/human relationships or managing their families. The story is steadily paced, smooth flowing and really reels you in. There is heat, suspense, mystery and likable characters. I hope that she writes more about my favorite book boyfriends! Wonderful story!
Another wonderful addition to the series. I hope there will be more Cooper and Oliver adventures. It just keeps getting better and better! I enjoyed seeing Cooper come into his own, loved the tender moments between him and Oliver. And the best part was how the author managed to show the intensity and strength of Oliver's feeling even without his POV. So many feels! *sigh*
The mystery was well written with many twists and many suspects. The author delved into mythology, wolf way of life and mind set and delivered a stunning story about past and present colliding together. I enjoyed every page!
Ms Adhara writes humor just right. It's funny with good amount of snark and self deprecation and sometimes affection. Cooper and Oliver are so in love. They see each other through the worst moments of fear and vulnerability that are followed by the best be it investigating a case, dealing with preconceived notions of wolf/human relationships or managing their families. The story is steadily paced, smooth flowing and really reels you in. There is heat, suspense, mystery and likable characters. I hope that she writes more about my favorite book boyfriends! Wonderful story!
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