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Unnatural Fate
My soul mate is my natural enemy.
Or close enough.
He’s a vampire and I’m a wolf.
Our kinds are at war. A centuries old blood war.
I can’t stay away from him. I hate him, but I want him.
Our love is a standoff. For every inch I take, he pushes a mile.
The world is against us. But I’m so tired of fighting the ties between us.
For every wolf that dies at the hands of a vampire, I feel more guilty.
Yet I go to him over and over and we use each other just enough until next time.
I can’t stop.
We both swear it’ll be the last time, but here we are again.
The cycle never ends.
But this time it has to.
I must either choose him and betray my people or walk away for good.
Or close enough.
He’s a vampire and I’m a wolf.
Our kinds are at war. A centuries old blood war.
I can’t stay away from him. I hate him, but I want him.
Our love is a standoff. For every inch I take, he pushes a mile.
The world is against us. But I’m so tired of fighting the ties between us.
For every wolf that dies at the hands of a vampire, I feel more guilty.
Yet I go to him over and over and we use each other just enough until next time.
I can’t stop.
We both swear it’ll be the last time, but here we are again.
The cycle never ends.
But this time it has to.
I must either choose him and betray my people or walk away for good.
10 pages, Audible Audio
Published July 16, 2024
184 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Gray
59 books1,273 followersWhen not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it's half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
dnf
December 5, 2023DNF 39%
Great premise, but sooo boring.
It’s filled with a whole lot of politics, lore that doesn’t make much sense, and a whole lot of boring talk.
The relationship between a vampire and a werewolf should be enough to keep my attention, but the characters are also extremely boring.
Great premise, but sooo boring.
It’s filled with a whole lot of politics, lore that doesn’t make much sense, and a whole lot of boring talk.
The relationship between a vampire and a werewolf should be enough to keep my attention, but the characters are also extremely boring.
December 29, 2023
* 2 stars *
Lately supernatural stories don't excite me so I've been reading mainly contemporary ones. Unnatural Fate though sounded interesting plus it's written by an author I usually like so I thought I'd give it a try.
Even though the story had a lot of potential, sadly, it fell flat. I'm not saying it's a bad story—I didn't give up on it after all—it's just that it needed some tightening up. The plot was too loose and the world building was weak.
It's basically a star-crossed lovers story between a wolf-shifter and a daywalker. In that world the wolves and the vampires were in an endless war that no one had any idea how it started or why (see what I mean about the world building?). But the war was just mentioned as the story takes place during a quiet period.
The first chapters were kind of slow, with the only characters that appear being the two protagonists. They basically existed in a bubble but I can let that go since it wasn't the case for the whole story. Later on it changes and more characters make appearances but all of them were rather flat and one dimensional. None of them made me wonder about their backstory or their future. I read the parts they were in and then completely forgot about them. They were just names, nothing more.
I think I read the first chapter a while back so maybe the story was a newsletter serial at first or something like that. I'm not sure and I can't find it in my inbox so maybe the author posted it on his fb group? Or maybe I just remember reading a teaser or excerpt or something. I'm not sure and that's not the point anyway, the point is that if it was indeed written and posted chapter by chapter and there was no overall editing of the story, that could be why the plot seemed so uncoordinated. If I'm wrong and there was indeed editing for the story as a whole, then I have no idea why there was so little consistency to the story.
There will be absolutely no spoilers ahead but let me talk about the end for a second here. Not the events, but the overall feeling. I was at ninety-something percent and basically nothing was resolved, there was even a plot twist and I started to think "okay, so it looks like I'm in for an unexpected cliffhanger". Well, it turns out there was no cliffhanger and everything fell in their place in a rush. But that's not the worst part, the worst part is how the last chapter ended and then we're shoved to the epilogue which takes place a few years later. What happened in the last chapter was significant, in my opinion, and it was just swept under the carpet like the author was all out of words or time and just needed the story to be over. Or even like there was a chapter missing before the epilogue. I got whiplash going from the last sentence of that chapter to the epilogue and I'm left with a bunch of questions about what happened before the time jump.
There's some action in the story—how could there not be? We're talking about wolves after all—and a mystery arc in the last few chapters. There's a race to uncover the truth about what was going on and a search through old maps, that, if I'm being honest, didn't hold my interest.
I have to admit that, even though this story wasn't for me, I did enjoy the parts were Vinkettin and Dominic worked on their relationship and connection. I also liked the fact that even though they were fated mates it didn't mean they were automatically in love too, or that a relationship between them was going to work. Too many books that deal with fated mates or soul mates are also insta love—a trope I don't like—that the fact that this one was different makes it stand apart. Also, after the slow going first few chapters the timeline picks up and the story actually takes place over many months, so that was also a point in the pros column for me.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
Lately supernatural stories don't excite me so I've been reading mainly contemporary ones. Unnatural Fate though sounded interesting plus it's written by an author I usually like so I thought I'd give it a try.
Even though the story had a lot of potential, sadly, it fell flat. I'm not saying it's a bad story—I didn't give up on it after all—it's just that it needed some tightening up. The plot was too loose and the world building was weak.
It's basically a star-crossed lovers story between a wolf-shifter and a daywalker. In that world the wolves and the vampires were in an endless war that no one had any idea how it started or why (see what I mean about the world building?). But the war was just mentioned as the story takes place during a quiet period.
The first chapters were kind of slow, with the only characters that appear being the two protagonists. They basically existed in a bubble but I can let that go since it wasn't the case for the whole story. Later on it changes and more characters make appearances but all of them were rather flat and one dimensional. None of them made me wonder about their backstory or their future. I read the parts they were in and then completely forgot about them. They were just names, nothing more.
I think I read the first chapter a while back so maybe the story was a newsletter serial at first or something like that. I'm not sure and I can't find it in my inbox so maybe the author posted it on his fb group? Or maybe I just remember reading a teaser or excerpt or something. I'm not sure and that's not the point anyway, the point is that if it was indeed written and posted chapter by chapter and there was no overall editing of the story, that could be why the plot seemed so uncoordinated. If I'm wrong and there was indeed editing for the story as a whole, then I have no idea why there was so little consistency to the story.
There will be absolutely no spoilers ahead but let me talk about the end for a second here. Not the events, but the overall feeling. I was at ninety-something percent and basically nothing was resolved, there was even a plot twist and I started to think "okay, so it looks like I'm in for an unexpected cliffhanger". Well, it turns out there was no cliffhanger and everything fell in their place in a rush. But that's not the worst part, the worst part is how the last chapter ended and then we're shoved to the epilogue which takes place a few years later. What happened in the last chapter was significant, in my opinion, and it was just swept under the carpet like the author was all out of words or time and just needed the story to be over. Or even like there was a chapter missing before the epilogue. I got whiplash going from the last sentence of that chapter to the epilogue and I'm left with a bunch of questions about what happened before the time jump.
There's some action in the story—how could there not be? We're talking about wolves after all—and a mystery arc in the last few chapters. There's a race to uncover the truth about what was going on and a search through old maps, that, if I'm being honest, didn't hold my interest.
I have to admit that, even though this story wasn't for me, I did enjoy the parts were Vinkettin and Dominic worked on their relationship and connection. I also liked the fact that even though they were fated mates it didn't mean they were automatically in love too, or that a relationship between them was going to work. Too many books that deal with fated mates or soul mates are also insta love—a trope I don't like—that the fact that this one was different makes it stand apart. Also, after the slow going first few chapters the timeline picks up and the story actually takes place over many months, so that was also a point in the pros column for me.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
December 9, 2023
dnf @71%
i cant anymore it’s so boring 😭
i cant anymore it’s so boring 😭
December 8, 2023
"Before I could ask, my face was in the dirt, and he took me from behind, arm around my throat, squeezing and arching me backward into him. I lost myself in him. Pain and pleasure meeting in a clash of unnatural fate."
Unnatural Fate is a step into the paranormal for J.R. Gray and I am totally here for it! What's not to love about a werewolf/daywalker vampire/fated mates romance, that's a total recipe for disaster on both sides?!
This is Dominic and Vinkettin's story and it's one that pulls at your heart-strings and gets your blood heated at the same time. Throw in some mysterious deaths, a coven of witches and a centuries old werewolf/vampire blood war and you have a cracking good read.
"He fisted a hand in my shirt. Anger was not the reaction I expected. “I knew before you walked the earth, your soul was bound to mine, and I know this life won’t be enough.” He believed this, truly, in his bones. “Where ever you go I will be able to feel you, and I will find you, I can promise you this. One life will never be enough with you.”
My only complaint - it felt like the last few chapters were rushed and there probably could have been another 100 or so pages to properly explain how the ending panned out (I can't say more without spoilers).
Overall, a great read and hopefully the first in a series.
4 stars.
Unnatural Fate is a step into the paranormal for J.R. Gray and I am totally here for it! What's not to love about a werewolf/daywalker vampire/fated mates romance, that's a total recipe for disaster on both sides?!
This is Dominic and Vinkettin's story and it's one that pulls at your heart-strings and gets your blood heated at the same time. Throw in some mysterious deaths, a coven of witches and a centuries old werewolf/vampire blood war and you have a cracking good read.
"He fisted a hand in my shirt. Anger was not the reaction I expected. “I knew before you walked the earth, your soul was bound to mine, and I know this life won’t be enough.” He believed this, truly, in his bones. “Where ever you go I will be able to feel you, and I will find you, I can promise you this. One life will never be enough with you.”
My only complaint - it felt like the last few chapters were rushed and there probably could have been another 100 or so pages to properly explain how the ending panned out (I can't say more without spoilers).
Overall, a great read and hopefully the first in a series.
4 stars.
December 3, 2023
I had a hard time finishing this novel. It started strong - with the focus on the tension between Vinkettin and Dominic. There was the delicious sexual tension but also the stress of Vin being a Vampire and Dom being not only a werewolf but the Alpha of his pack. This is where things got a little fuzzy for me. Vin is what's known as a Daywalker - a Vampire that can walk in the sunlight with no problems. But how his kind came about was never specified, and the Daywalkers had been killed to near extinction. Also, there is a war with the Werewolves, and I'm not even sure who they were fighting. Was it Humans? Was it Vampires? Witches? This novel had an excellent premise, and I loved J.R. Gray's lore for the Supernatural beings; the execution was muddy and lost in a lot of pack politics and the like.
August 12, 2024
A very rare 1-star read for me. Not as egregious as other 1-star books, but it would feel insulting to other books I rated 2 stars if I included this one with them.
Read
February 7, 2024DNF @ 47%
I was pretty bored by 40% but stuck around hoping it would pick up (I mean vampire x werewolf star crossed lovers vibes how do you go wrong?!) and it did pick up a little but then the next spicy scene just sort of ended.. not exactly FTB but just moved on and suddenly we’re back at the house. Idk didn’t work for me so I’m moving on.
I was pretty bored by 40% but stuck around hoping it would pick up (I mean vampire x werewolf star crossed lovers vibes how do you go wrong?!) and it did pick up a little but then the next spicy scene just sort of ended.. not exactly FTB but just moved on and suddenly we’re back at the house. Idk didn’t work for me so I’m moving on.
December 16, 2025
2.5⭐️
Vin is a (half) vampire, and Dominic is an alpha wolf. Their kinds are sworn enemies, actively at war, but they are in love and drawn to each other, despite also not really knowing each other or being able to really be together. This book begins with these two finally choosing each other, and navigating the road blocks that present themselves as a result.
This book has:
-fated mates
-forbidden vampire x were
-what they believe is a doomed relationship
-blo*d drinking & marking
-a whole lot of conversation about how their fates are doomed etc.
-fun, kinda k*nky 🌶️
-repeated themes of pregnancy (not between the MCs)
This book was definitely unique, but it didn’t quite work for me. You’re dropped in right in what feels like the middle of their story, as these two have had a complicated relationship for years at the start of the book. It’s definitely a good way to make the reader curious about the situation, and want to know what the background. However, as things are revealed, it’s kind of simple and loses steam. By the end I was just ready for it to be over.
The way the characters talk to each other is interesting, as they have no filter, and just say exactly what they mean. They clearly understand each other on a deep level, which was interesting to get from chapter one. That being said, both of their personalities and narration feels the same, and the author also doesn’t use their names in the narration often. This literally made it so I forgot whose point of view I was reading from at some points.
There’s also a really gross ritual in this book that gave me the ick. This is partially good writing, as the characters hate the ritual too, and it’s supposed to be gross. But every time it was referred to, I just felt gross, and it almost made me DNF. There’s also a lot of telling and now showing about the situation / world they live in, and a lot of that content is similarly uncomfortable. A lot of conversations that are rehashed over and over.
I think this book had some cool elements for sure, but it just didn’t hit the way I thought it would, personally. The author is really cool, but I think their style doesn’t vibe with my personal preferences.
Vin is a (half) vampire, and Dominic is an alpha wolf. Their kinds are sworn enemies, actively at war, but they are in love and drawn to each other, despite also not really knowing each other or being able to really be together. This book begins with these two finally choosing each other, and navigating the road blocks that present themselves as a result.
This book has:
-fated mates
-forbidden vampire x were
-what they believe is a doomed relationship
-blo*d drinking & marking
-a whole lot of conversation about how their fates are doomed etc.
-fun, kinda k*nky 🌶️
-repeated themes of pregnancy (not between the MCs)
This book was definitely unique, but it didn’t quite work for me. You’re dropped in right in what feels like the middle of their story, as these two have had a complicated relationship for years at the start of the book. It’s definitely a good way to make the reader curious about the situation, and want to know what the background. However, as things are revealed, it’s kind of simple and loses steam. By the end I was just ready for it to be over.
The way the characters talk to each other is interesting, as they have no filter, and just say exactly what they mean. They clearly understand each other on a deep level, which was interesting to get from chapter one. That being said, both of their personalities and narration feels the same, and the author also doesn’t use their names in the narration often. This literally made it so I forgot whose point of view I was reading from at some points.
There’s also a really gross ritual in this book that gave me the ick. This is partially good writing, as the characters hate the ritual too, and it’s supposed to be gross. But every time it was referred to, I just felt gross, and it almost made me DNF. There’s also a lot of telling and now showing about the situation / world they live in, and a lot of that content is similarly uncomfortable. A lot of conversations that are rehashed over and over.
I think this book had some cool elements for sure, but it just didn’t hit the way I thought it would, personally. The author is really cool, but I think their style doesn’t vibe with my personal preferences.
December 6, 2023
4.5 Stars!
I knew from the blurb this was going to be angsty, and it definitely started out that way. These two have been dealt a difficult hand and can't seem to find a way to be together or apart. I could see at the beginning why Vin thinks they could make it work; he has no ties to anyone and doesn't know all that Dominic is hiding. However, Dominic is not only tied to the land, but also to his struggling pack. There's a lot at stake for them both, but together they are definitely much stronger.
There's a lot going on in the background of Dominic and Vin trying to finally sort out their relationship, but the story stays heavily focused on the two of them. I loved seeing Vin learn more about Dominic; things he never would have guessed and hadn't seen before. Dominic has so much more depth than anyone sees and carries such a heavy burden on top of it. Dominic's past is so full of pain. His dedication to his people is incredible, even as he feels like he's drowning in problems he can't fix. I liked that Vin was there for it, even if he didn't completely understand what he was getting into; he stayed and was resolved to do whatever it took to stay together.
I was glad when they made their bond complete since they really needed that extra push to help them shed the secrets they both had been keeping. I'm glad that Dominic finally convinced Vin that he had always wanted him and chose him. They needed to be a united front and when they finally got there, it was so good to see. I was hoping for a little more information about how Dominic's brothers and the pack were doing after everything happened, but the story stayed true to its focus. It was good to see Dominic and Vin finally relaxed and at peace with each other and their lives. Overall, it's a great story and I feel I will be rereading it in the future.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
I knew from the blurb this was going to be angsty, and it definitely started out that way. These two have been dealt a difficult hand and can't seem to find a way to be together or apart. I could see at the beginning why Vin thinks they could make it work; he has no ties to anyone and doesn't know all that Dominic is hiding. However, Dominic is not only tied to the land, but also to his struggling pack. There's a lot at stake for them both, but together they are definitely much stronger.
There's a lot going on in the background of Dominic and Vin trying to finally sort out their relationship, but the story stays heavily focused on the two of them. I loved seeing Vin learn more about Dominic; things he never would have guessed and hadn't seen before. Dominic has so much more depth than anyone sees and carries such a heavy burden on top of it. Dominic's past is so full of pain. His dedication to his people is incredible, even as he feels like he's drowning in problems he can't fix. I liked that Vin was there for it, even if he didn't completely understand what he was getting into; he stayed and was resolved to do whatever it took to stay together.
I was glad when they made their bond complete since they really needed that extra push to help them shed the secrets they both had been keeping. I'm glad that Dominic finally convinced Vin that he had always wanted him and chose him. They needed to be a united front and when they finally got there, it was so good to see. I was hoping for a little more information about how Dominic's brothers and the pack were doing after everything happened, but the story stayed true to its focus. It was good to see Dominic and Vin finally relaxed and at peace with each other and their lives. Overall, it's a great story and I feel I will be rereading it in the future.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
January 5, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Vin and Dominic feel like they share the same voice and the same personality and, to be honest, I found it hard to tell them apart. Which made reading page after page of long, lengthy, highly repetitive conversations rather challenging. The biggest difference between them seems to be that Dominic loves Vin, but he feels like he can’t because he’s going to die. And Vin loves Dominic in return, and how dare Dominic threaten to die! This goes on, in shades and circles, for pages. By halfway into the book, the men had maybe four versions of the same conversation (plus a few sex scenes) before the plot made an appearance, as a side character came in to tell Dominic something happened. So there was that, briefly, and then back to more conversations.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Vin and Dominic feel like they share the same voice and the same personality and, to be honest, I found it hard to tell them apart. Which made reading page after page of long, lengthy, highly repetitive conversations rather challenging. The biggest difference between them seems to be that Dominic loves Vin, but he feels like he can’t because he’s going to die. And Vin loves Dominic in return, and how dare Dominic threaten to die! This goes on, in shades and circles, for pages. By halfway into the book, the men had maybe four versions of the same conversation (plus a few sex scenes) before the plot made an appearance, as a side character came in to tell Dominic something happened. So there was that, briefly, and then back to more conversations.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
Read
December 9, 2023DNF at 35%
I think this is a case of "it's not you, it's me."
I don't like stories that start in the middle, when the couple already has history and I don't get to see the way the relationship evolved.
I think this is a case of "it's not you, it's me."
I don't like stories that start in the middle, when the couple already has history and I don't get to see the way the relationship evolved.
Read
July 19, 2024Dnf @ 30%
December 20, 2023
This one was so good! Vampires, werewolves, witches! Gray built an amazing world here and I hope there is more! Seriously, this might be my favorite JR Gray book to date. The writing in this one is just amazing. The angst between Vin & Dom to begin with was perfect. Their undeniable connection, their eventual giving into it. I love the werewolf and vampire politics and Gray did such a great job of weaving the lore into this story. I fell in love with these men and their world. Looking forward to more paranormal from JR Gray!
December 10, 2023
great start. in the beginning, we are introduced to Dominic and Vinkettin. mates who stand at opposing sides of a war, they already have an existing relationship and incredibly strong chemistry. imo the romance is the most developed aspect of the novel, with lots of communication, an unusual dynamic, and high heat. Vinkettin is definitely my favorite character - the one who patiently waited for Dominic.
however, idt this really fits the description of an enemies-to-lovers because although they are technically enemies, there is ultimately little actual opposition to Dominic and Vinkettin's relationship, by Dominic's pack or otherwise(). also, more background information on the war, the New World, and magical species would be nice since they were just mentioned quite briefly.
the plot was pretty intriguing, and the plot twist kind of took me by surprise. still, the proportion of action is smaller than the romance portion in this book, and the storyline wasn't wrapped up too well. i am still a bit confused about the true identity and motive of the lead villain. the role of witches is also slightly questionable in the end ().
plus a bit of spelling mistakes but eh that's okay. a solid 4 stars.
i received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
however, idt this really fits the description of an enemies-to-lovers because although they are technically enemies, there is ultimately little actual opposition to Dominic and Vinkettin's relationship, by Dominic's pack or otherwise(). also, more background information on the war, the New World, and magical species would be nice since they were just mentioned quite briefly.
the plot was pretty intriguing, and the plot twist kind of took me by surprise. still, the proportion of action is smaller than the romance portion in this book, and the storyline wasn't wrapped up too well. i am still a bit confused about the true identity and motive of the lead villain. the role of witches is also slightly questionable in the end ().
plus a bit of spelling mistakes but eh that's okay. a solid 4 stars.
i received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
December 6, 2023
Unnatural Fate is a paranormal romance, Dominic and Vin are soul mates but Dominic is Werewolf and and Vinkettin is a Daywalker a half human/half vampire, and also his natural enemy they have been at war for centuries, they have been fighting their bond and attraction for year but they can’t stay away for each other, they can’t be together but they can’t stay away too. Dominic is also tired of fighting their bond and he is making himself and his Wolf suffer because of it. They have a kink fighting each other and they always promised that this is last time together but Vinkettin is tired of giving up Dom and is willing to fight for them and finally be together and make Dominic accept their feelings for each other. And on top of everything between them there’s also a prophecy hanging over Dominic’s head. I just want to shake Dominic a few times, Vin was all in and he just have to start thinking about his happiness instead of always go on and on about his pack, if they don’t accept their bond how he can care of them is he isn’t happy. They have so much challenges, their being together and finding who is killing werewolves. I like how Vin was very protective and always supportive of Dom. I enjoy reading the story, Dom and Vin finally have they HEA they deserve!
December 6, 2023
There's been an ongoing war for centuries between the wolves and vampires but no creature knows how I started.
Fate has pulled a cruel joke on Dominic (wolf) and Vin (daywalker, half vampire). Even though in the beginning they fought the pull they finally gave in.
Evil is lurking in the shadows killing wolves in Doms pack. There's a rat in the ranks. Dominic, Vin and the betas must investigate to put and end to the evil or get themselves killed in the process.
Fate has pulled a cruel joke on Dominic (wolf) and Vin (daywalker, half vampire). Even though in the beginning they fought the pull they finally gave in.
Evil is lurking in the shadows killing wolves in Doms pack. There's a rat in the ranks. Dominic, Vin and the betas must investigate to put and end to the evil or get themselves killed in the process.
dnf-nope
November 30, 2024Dnf @ 19%
This is my second DNF of the day☹️
This is my second DNF of the day☹️
March 9, 2025
DNF @ P34 (17% - Ch.6)
December 10, 2023
First time reading a book about vampires and werewolves and i really enjoyed it. First time reading this author and I liked the whole storyline
December 11, 2023
4.25 stars
Vampire novels are one of my favorite genre. Add in an obsessive Alpha wolf and I’m all game. I wish this could have been a series but one and done was good too.
Vampire novels are one of my favorite genre. Add in an obsessive Alpha wolf and I’m all game. I wish this could have been a series but one and done was good too.
February 29, 2024
I've started reading Vin & Dominic's story thorugh the author's Patreon site when he started releasing this story in serial form, but suddenly stopped. I was pleasantly surprised with this release.
This destined mates narrative doesn't initiate with the encounter of these star-crossed lovers. Instead, we are thrust into the heart of the action, finding Vin and Dominic grappling with their lowest points, wrestling against their inherent natures, conflicting worlds, and the course that destiny has set for them. The outcome is a seamless amalgamation of immediate action and pertinent backstory, infused with intense passion.
These characters confront an overwhelming conflict, each inch they claim laden with pain. Yet, I admire characters who recognize when the current state of affairs is untenable and strive to rectify it.
Dominic, a werewolf, takes substantial risks in the present, especially as an external mystery unfurls just when the relationship drama with Vin seems on the verge of resolution. Instead, the mystery propels both protagonists through significant relational and character development.
Vin, endowed with a vampire's extended lifespan, jeopardises a future without Dominic. The fated mates theme adheres to familiar paranormal romance tropes but also delves into the metaphysical. Amidst the angst, this provides an insightful exploration of how fate doesn't always align harmoniously with love, desire, or reality when uniting individuals.
Beyond the elements of blood and passion (some concurrently intertwined), the book meticulously constructs its world without burdening the narrative with superfluous details. While I occasionally yearned for more context, such as Vin's identity as a European vampire in North America, which is briefly explained, I desired a deeper exploration of the werewolves and witches' connections to the land and their nuanced relationship, or occasional lack thereof, with the indigenous people of the region.
The book concludes abruptly yet satisfactorily, leaving me grappling with the dilemma inherent in every captivating story. I yearn to immerse myself further in the fervent, tumultuous romance between Dominic and Vin, yet simultaneously, they undeniably deserve the hard-fought happily ever after they've earned.
December 12, 2023
I heard “M/M vampire x werewolf forbidden love story”, and I came SPRINTING to this book lmfao! seriously couldn’t read it quick enough.
Dominic and Vin’s story tugged on my heartstrings the whole book 😭 born into opposing sides of a centuries long species war between vampires and werewolves, these two have all the odds stacked against them. Dominic is the alpha of a pack that’s been fighting for their survival for too long. his people were enslaved and abused, and only set free at the hands of Dominic’s rebellion against the humans. he’s put their needs before his own for so long that it’s become second nature. Vin is a hybrid outcast, a Daywalker, born to a vampire mother and human father, rejected by most vampires as inferior and by werewolves as “blood sucker.” and one day, they discover a tie between them. an unbreakable string between their souls, declaring them fated by the gods, two halves of a whole. and it’s not what they expected. how could they love someone so different?
ugh it’s hard to watch them deny their love for so long 😩 no matter how hard Dominic fights it, he knows that Vin is the only one who he’ll belong to. he goes back over and over to scratch that itch, but can’t get himself to compromise his pack values for his own happiness. Vin on the other hand does everything he can to bait Dominic into accepting their fate. he has his reservations initially, but then he’s all tension and sexual charisma 🥵 OBSESSED. I adored how he embraces Dominic’s inner beast, constantly trying to bring it out. they’re both monsters, matched equally by fate.
the plot, while definitely focuses on the back and forth of their relationship, also features a sort of whodunnit element. wolves are being hunted & killed on Dominic’s land, and it’s up to them to become a team and protect their pack. this was seriously just fun. the mystery towards the end felt a bit rushed, but it still threw me for a loop! overall, really enjoyed watching Dominic & Vin come to terms with their love 🫶🏼
Thank you to JR Gray and Candi Cane PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Dominic and Vin’s story tugged on my heartstrings the whole book 😭 born into opposing sides of a centuries long species war between vampires and werewolves, these two have all the odds stacked against them. Dominic is the alpha of a pack that’s been fighting for their survival for too long. his people were enslaved and abused, and only set free at the hands of Dominic’s rebellion against the humans. he’s put their needs before his own for so long that it’s become second nature. Vin is a hybrid outcast, a Daywalker, born to a vampire mother and human father, rejected by most vampires as inferior and by werewolves as “blood sucker.” and one day, they discover a tie between them. an unbreakable string between their souls, declaring them fated by the gods, two halves of a whole. and it’s not what they expected. how could they love someone so different?
ugh it’s hard to watch them deny their love for so long 😩 no matter how hard Dominic fights it, he knows that Vin is the only one who he’ll belong to. he goes back over and over to scratch that itch, but can’t get himself to compromise his pack values for his own happiness. Vin on the other hand does everything he can to bait Dominic into accepting their fate. he has his reservations initially, but then he’s all tension and sexual charisma 🥵 OBSESSED. I adored how he embraces Dominic’s inner beast, constantly trying to bring it out. they’re both monsters, matched equally by fate.
the plot, while definitely focuses on the back and forth of their relationship, also features a sort of whodunnit element. wolves are being hunted & killed on Dominic’s land, and it’s up to them to become a team and protect their pack. this was seriously just fun. the mystery towards the end felt a bit rushed, but it still threw me for a loop! overall, really enjoyed watching Dominic & Vin come to terms with their love 🫶🏼
Thank you to JR Gray and Candi Cane PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 6, 2023
4.5 stars
Gray is excellent at writing angst, and I could tell from the very first page that I was in for tears with this book. This fated mates story doesn’t even start at the moment these star-crossed lovers meet (though we do get that in a flashback). We’re dropped into the middle of the action, at a moment when Vin and Dominic are at their lowest point, fighting their natures, their worlds, and their fate. The result is an excellent blend of immediate action and relevant backstory, with enough steam to heat my Kindle and enough angst to have me crying by the 10% mark.
These characters face an insurmountable conflict, and it hurts for every inch they claim. However, I appreciate characters who also see when a status quo is not working and strive to fix it with a “go big or go home” mentality. Werewolf Dominic risks more in the here and now, especially when the external mystery rolls in right as the relationship drama between him and Vin even hints at being settled. Instead, the mystery drags both heroes through significant relationship and character development.
Vin, with a vampire’s great lifespan, risks a future without Dominic, because the fated mates element of this book follows familiar paranormal romance tropes while also leaning somewhat into the metaphysical. Underneath the angst, this allows for a good examination of how fate does not necessarily play well with love, desire, or reality when it comes to the people it pairs together.
Besides the blood and sex (some of which do occur at the same time), this book provides excellent worldbuilding without ever including unnecessary information. At certain points, I did crave a bit more detail for context; for example, Vin’s status as a European vampire in North America involves a simple explanation, but I wanted more on the werewolves and witches’ ties to the land and how that at times both incorporated or almost ignored a connection to the area’s indigenous people.
The abrupt but satisfying ending left me with the quandary of every good book. I would love to read and enjoy so much more of the passionate, spiky romance between Dominic and Vin, but at the same time, they more than deserve their hard-won happily ever after. I’ll happily compromise with any other stories Gray might choose to write in this world.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Gray is excellent at writing angst, and I could tell from the very first page that I was in for tears with this book. This fated mates story doesn’t even start at the moment these star-crossed lovers meet (though we do get that in a flashback). We’re dropped into the middle of the action, at a moment when Vin and Dominic are at their lowest point, fighting their natures, their worlds, and their fate. The result is an excellent blend of immediate action and relevant backstory, with enough steam to heat my Kindle and enough angst to have me crying by the 10% mark.
These characters face an insurmountable conflict, and it hurts for every inch they claim. However, I appreciate characters who also see when a status quo is not working and strive to fix it with a “go big or go home” mentality. Werewolf Dominic risks more in the here and now, especially when the external mystery rolls in right as the relationship drama between him and Vin even hints at being settled. Instead, the mystery drags both heroes through significant relationship and character development.
Vin, with a vampire’s great lifespan, risks a future without Dominic, because the fated mates element of this book follows familiar paranormal romance tropes while also leaning somewhat into the metaphysical. Underneath the angst, this allows for a good examination of how fate does not necessarily play well with love, desire, or reality when it comes to the people it pairs together.
Besides the blood and sex (some of which do occur at the same time), this book provides excellent worldbuilding without ever including unnecessary information. At certain points, I did crave a bit more detail for context; for example, Vin’s status as a European vampire in North America involves a simple explanation, but I wanted more on the werewolves and witches’ ties to the land and how that at times both incorporated or almost ignored a connection to the area’s indigenous people.
The abrupt but satisfying ending left me with the quandary of every good book. I would love to read and enjoy so much more of the passionate, spiky romance between Dominic and Vin, but at the same time, they more than deserve their hard-won happily ever after. I’ll happily compromise with any other stories Gray might choose to write in this world.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
November 7, 2024
Fun. Angsty. Spicy. Overall an enjoyable read.
———
Spoilers***
———
On the one hand, I feel like the order the story was told in was off. Like it was set up to withhold info from us, while constantly reminding us we don’t have all the facts, but never eluding to much we could work with. Then the “mystery” was weak at best. Someone is killing your people, it can only be two possible groups of people and you are pretty sure it’s not either of those groups? Then you look at your own people? No? Okay well get a brain dom. I called the culprit from mid book. It was just a lot of Dom and Vin arguing in circles only to realize they never even tried to figure it out.
Then the resolution of the conflict was brisk, They figured out the person killing wolves based on.. nothing? And then started a fight, which quickly went from confrontation to chase, to finding some hidden land/magical area, right back to fighting, to victory then to Dom gets stabbed, or sliced rather, and is now dying? But when they take Dom to the witches for help, the chapter ends on Vin yelling “save him!” Which I thought would leave us on edge for a book two, but instead leads us right into an epilogue of HAE with no effort to explain really, anything at all.
It left me feeling like the end was just “missing” and the epilogue served as a quick bandaid. It tells you the basics, that things end up well, it’s a HEA but there was no substance there for you to sit with once the book ends. It felt, lazy to be honest.
I wanted more information about the witches as people, more pack politics and how Dom could have managed that all with Vin. I think those things would have rounded out the world the story took place in and made the conflict more tangible.
That all being said, the first half of the book was SPICY and fun.
———
Spoilers***
———
On the one hand, I feel like the order the story was told in was off. Like it was set up to withhold info from us, while constantly reminding us we don’t have all the facts, but never eluding to much we could work with. Then the “mystery” was weak at best. Someone is killing your people, it can only be two possible groups of people and you are pretty sure it’s not either of those groups? Then you look at your own people? No? Okay well get a brain dom. I called the culprit from mid book. It was just a lot of Dom and Vin arguing in circles only to realize they never even tried to figure it out.
Then the resolution of the conflict was brisk, They figured out the person killing wolves based on.. nothing? And then started a fight, which quickly went from confrontation to chase, to finding some hidden land/magical area, right back to fighting, to victory then to Dom gets stabbed, or sliced rather, and is now dying? But when they take Dom to the witches for help, the chapter ends on Vin yelling “save him!” Which I thought would leave us on edge for a book two, but instead leads us right into an epilogue of HAE with no effort to explain really, anything at all.
It left me feeling like the end was just “missing” and the epilogue served as a quick bandaid. It tells you the basics, that things end up well, it’s a HEA but there was no substance there for you to sit with once the book ends. It felt, lazy to be honest.
I wanted more information about the witches as people, more pack politics and how Dom could have managed that all with Vin. I think those things would have rounded out the world the story took place in and made the conflict more tangible.
That all being said, the first half of the book was SPICY and fun.
November 30, 2023
🧛🏻♂️ MM PNR
🐺 Werewolf / Vampire
🧛🏻♂️ Enemies to lovers
When I heard that JR was writing a MM paranormal book, I went feral!!!
Never read a paranormal book that was MM, so I couldn't wait!
And he didn't disappoint!
In this story we met Dominic, the alpha werewolf, and Vinkettin, the daywalker (half vampire).
Of course, there are enemies due to their different kinds, but they find out a few years back that they are soul tied, and that fate has other plans for them.
They tried to fight the tie for years, with a lot of back and forth, until they didn't fight it anymore.... and gave in to their undeniable connection with a big clash of lust and love involving biting, fighting, chasing, claws and all!
And now I need Az's story too!! (Dom's brother) Pretty please JR??
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I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🐺 Werewolf / Vampire
🧛🏻♂️ Enemies to lovers
When I heard that JR was writing a MM paranormal book, I went feral!!!
Never read a paranormal book that was MM, so I couldn't wait!
And he didn't disappoint!
“I want you to tell me everything. I want your lips singing all the things you’ve held back for years. I want you to whisper your secrets over my skin. I want you to undress me with the truth of your words tonight, Dominic. I won’t settle for less.”
In this story we met Dominic, the alpha werewolf, and Vinkettin, the daywalker (half vampire).
Of course, there are enemies due to their different kinds, but they find out a few years back that they are soul tied, and that fate has other plans for them.
They tried to fight the tie for years, with a lot of back and forth, until they didn't fight it anymore.... and gave in to their undeniable connection with a big clash of lust and love involving biting, fighting, chasing, claws and all!
"I’m tired of fighting it. I’m tired of trying to make my life work without you."
And now I need Az's story too!! (Dom's brother) Pretty please JR??
"I lost myself in him. Pain and pleasure meeting in a clash of unnatural fate. Another shift. Of my world and priorities. I’d always thought I accepted my fate, but I’d only opened my arms to the easy part of it. Death was easy. Love never would be. Not between the two of us."
✧˖°Instagram°˖✧
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2023
“The universe had sent me my perfect mate and then told me I couldn’t have him”
Dominic is a werewolf, alpha of his pack. Vinkettin is a daywalker - not a vampire, but close enough to be considered an enemy to the wolves. They’ve known for years that they had a soul bond, but also know their people would never accept them together. They’ve been trying back and forth to fight it, between moments of weakness sometimes years apart.
Both conflicted and more than a little emo over it, but it’s time to either make a go of it or walk away forever. Prophecy says Dominic won’t see another year, and he intends this life to be his only, so it’s now or never for them to stop fighting their bond.
Things I loved
- the angst of two men pulled together by fate but pushed away by literally everything and everyone else. Oof.
- The little interactions between Vargr and Vin, especially once Dominic clued in that they somehow related better than himself and Vargr
- The mystery of what is happening to keep the wives in danger and who’s responsible (without the plot, the emo might have been too much)
What kept it from a five star for me personally
- Even if supernaturals somehow don’t need it, imaginary lube is free and they deserve it
- There’s a trope that’s definitely not a favorite of mine, but I can’t name it without spoiling a decently large plot point
Overall, I enjoyed this read, and was captivated until the very end - hoping for a HEA but not sure how they could get there (or what exactly that would even look like for them both)
Thanks to GRR for the ARC!
Dominic is a werewolf, alpha of his pack. Vinkettin is a daywalker - not a vampire, but close enough to be considered an enemy to the wolves. They’ve known for years that they had a soul bond, but also know their people would never accept them together. They’ve been trying back and forth to fight it, between moments of weakness sometimes years apart.
Both conflicted and more than a little emo over it, but it’s time to either make a go of it or walk away forever. Prophecy says Dominic won’t see another year, and he intends this life to be his only, so it’s now or never for them to stop fighting their bond.
Things I loved
- the angst of two men pulled together by fate but pushed away by literally everything and everyone else. Oof.
- The little interactions between Vargr and Vin, especially once Dominic clued in that they somehow related better than himself and Vargr
- The mystery of what is happening to keep the wives in danger and who’s responsible (without the plot, the emo might have been too much)
What kept it from a five star for me personally
- Even if supernaturals somehow don’t need it, imaginary lube is free and they deserve it
- There’s a trope that’s definitely not a favorite of mine, but I can’t name it without spoiling a decently large plot point
Overall, I enjoyed this read, and was captivated until the very end - hoping for a HEA but not sure how they could get there (or what exactly that would even look like for them both)
Thanks to GRR for the ARC!
January 4, 2024
Dominic and Vin have known their souls have been tied for a long time. Mates. But Dominic is a werewolf. Vin a daylighter, also known as a half-vampire. And with a war between the vampires and werewolves, being anything but enemies is a challenge. Doesn’t matter that Vin isn’t on the vampires’ side or that Vin is Dominic’s mate, something that is cherished beyond anything. They shouldn’t be together. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to. They fight what they mean to one another for years. Pushing and pulling, staying away but unable to stay for good. But the time has come for both to finally give in. The love they have for one another is stronger than anything. And with a prophecy hanging over Dominic’s head that tells him he will die soon, well, it’s time to stop fighting their pull and fight to be together. They finally let themselves be and with that a whole new set of challenges come. Like the fact there is something and someone killing werewolves without a trace. It is up to Dominic as alpha to find the culprit and protect his people. But Vin won’t let him do it alone. They’ll have to fight to be together but also prove they are stronger together. I really enjoyed this story! It was such an interesting set up in the sense that we don’t meet them at the beginning of their story, but at a point where they can no longer stay away from one another. The love is already there but there is so much more to learn about the other and it gives them a chance to grow and be closer. The supernatural elements were an interesting take on werewolves and vampires. I really enjoyed being in this world and to have Dominic and Vin lead the story. I just couldn’t put it down!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2024
🐺 🩸 🥃
🌟 BOOK REVIEW 🌟
Unnatural Fate by J. R. Gray
🎶 BLIND - Alex Sampson
Well. I was nervous going into this one, but due to the fact that it was a mating bond between a werewolf and a daywalker (type of vampire) drama was for sure to ensue. And I wasn’t wrong. While some things I was able to guess from early on, others were a surprise. I’m finding I’ll love and devour anything from this author and this book was no exception.
Vinkettin is the daywalker(half human half vampire) and shunned away by both. He has waited 100+ years for his soul bond to walk the earth. When the pull brings him to Dominic, the young broody alpha of a werewolf pack, things are bound to get tense. Natural enemies, yet drawn to one another without a way to stop. Truly a love/hate dynamic at its finest.
This book is paranormal, but not too deep and crazy into that world. I mean, I’m not gonna lie, my twilight obsessed teenage self was really loving this. Like it was fanfic for Jacob and Edward. But So. Much. Better!
I loved that we started off in the middle of everything, only took back to the beginning later. Vin and Dominic are explosive and oh so perfect for one another, except for the little fact that they are natural enemies. But the strength that they give one another, especially after finally giving into their bond is beautiful! I mean, the lengths Dominic went to avoid the hurt for his mate was astronomical.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫/5
🌟 BOOK REVIEW 🌟
Unnatural Fate by J. R. Gray
🎶 BLIND - Alex Sampson
Well. I was nervous going into this one, but due to the fact that it was a mating bond between a werewolf and a daywalker (type of vampire) drama was for sure to ensue. And I wasn’t wrong. While some things I was able to guess from early on, others were a surprise. I’m finding I’ll love and devour anything from this author and this book was no exception.
Vinkettin is the daywalker(half human half vampire) and shunned away by both. He has waited 100+ years for his soul bond to walk the earth. When the pull brings him to Dominic, the young broody alpha of a werewolf pack, things are bound to get tense. Natural enemies, yet drawn to one another without a way to stop. Truly a love/hate dynamic at its finest.
This book is paranormal, but not too deep and crazy into that world. I mean, I’m not gonna lie, my twilight obsessed teenage self was really loving this. Like it was fanfic for Jacob and Edward. But So. Much. Better!
I loved that we started off in the middle of everything, only took back to the beginning later. Vin and Dominic are explosive and oh so perfect for one another, except for the little fact that they are natural enemies. But the strength that they give one another, especially after finally giving into their bond is beautiful! I mean, the lengths Dominic went to avoid the hurt for his mate was astronomical.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫/5
December 6, 2023
This one had lots I loved about it. We have Dom and Vin, a werewolf alpha and a daywalker, who are fated. The werewolves seem to have been at war with the vampires, and though Vin is not one, he’s close enough that Dominic knows their mating would not be accepted. They’re in limbo, neither together nor apart. Dom wants to be the savior for his pack while also keeping secrets from… everyone essentially. It’s only when he starts being honest about what he is and what he wants that things start moving in the right direction (isn’t that always the way?).
The positives are that Vin is so supportive of what Dom is trying to do, maybe because he’s old? (I’m not sure if we ever learned how old truly, but I feel like his maturity is on his side.) Dom also has some people who are loyal to him even though pack politics definitely play a strong role. Things I wished for were lore being a little more fleshed out/better explained and a slightly less rushed ending. These two have their HEA, and it’s 100% satisfying, but in PNR I usually want just a little more to explain the details of how things actually happened. In this case there was a lot going on behind the scenes, and I think that information could have happened on page without revealing spoilers. Dom and Vin remained the main event though, and I will be wondering what happened to secondary characters…
The positives are that Vin is so supportive of what Dom is trying to do, maybe because he’s old? (I’m not sure if we ever learned how old truly, but I feel like his maturity is on his side.) Dom also has some people who are loyal to him even though pack politics definitely play a strong role. Things I wished for were lore being a little more fleshed out/better explained and a slightly less rushed ending. These two have their HEA, and it’s 100% satisfying, but in PNR I usually want just a little more to explain the details of how things actually happened. In this case there was a lot going on behind the scenes, and I think that information could have happened on page without revealing spoilers. Dom and Vin remained the main event though, and I will be wondering what happened to secondary characters…
December 9, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much it pulled you into this unlikely pairing of fated mates. Dominic and Vin ones a werewolf alpha and the other a daywalker, they are supposed to be mortal enemies as war between the kinds is approaching. For years they have tried to push each other away. Domonic fears everything when it comes to his mate and he pushes him away over and over again. He has this theory in his mind that he is going to die at age 30 and that life is too short, he has to do everything to protect his pack, while still feeling the tugging of the soul ties between him and Vin. Vin wants nothing but to give the relationship a try and my heart hurts for him every time Domonic pushes him away. This book has a lot going on and while other situations are going on around them we see their struggles and see them become vulnerable with each other. I love that they Vin was able to stand by Dominic during is struggles as he has so much responsibility for the pack and feels like he is drowning at times. This book is filled with angst, emotion, heart pounding want and so much more. When Domonic finally admitted his love for Vin and how he has always wanted him my heart sang. I loved how everything turned out and it was worth every minute of reading. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
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