Sawyer

Pecan Pines #2

by Fel Fern, Kara Kitt

Casey Mills is in a bind. All he wants is to make his dog grooming business a success, but his werewolf landlord seems intent on raising the rent. When the landlord starts showing personal interest in Casey, he isn’t sure who to turn to. Pecan Pines looks peaceful on the surface, but there’s unspoken tension between the humans and the local werewolf pack. Casey soon discovers not all shifters are scary when Sawyer walks into his store, holding an adorable dachshund under his arm, and Casey is immediately taken.

After his former lead alpha shattered his leg and his pride, Sawyer Brooks needed a win. When his best friend and brother gift him a tiny sausage dog for his birthday, Sawyer doesn’t know if he’s ready to take care of Benny when he can barely take care of himself. Then there’s another complication. The moment he walks into Casey’s store, Sawyer instantly knows the cute and charming human is his. But another wolf seems intent on moving into his territory, and Sawyer has to erase all his self-doubts and insecurities if he intends to claim Casey as his mate.

“Sawyer” is an M/M shifter romance and the second book in the Pecan Pines series.

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

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2024

Reviews

[Damian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should've been a DNF.

This started off being good, but after one hundred pages, it fell flat. The first indication is that the authors had no conversation between the main characters. They have plenty of ANGST for those "certain" readers but nothing else. They wasted words, which to me is the second indication that they didn't know how to write the chapters. The fight scene between Sawyer and Garth was ridiculous, based on other wolf shifter books I've read. The books should've been no more than twelve chapters, if not fewer. I hope the other books aren't like this one.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warnings: Mentions of Past Domestic Violence, Shifter Violence

Maybe Griffin was right. Maybe Casey was just what I needed right now. And who knew? Maybe this was the start of something special. - Sawyer


Opinion/Review

1st Person, Dual POV
3rd Act Break Up: No
Slow-burn: 50/50
HEA: Yes
MC sex without other MC(s): No
Spice: 1.5/5
Angst/Stress: 2.5/5
Fluff: 1.5/5
Structure/Format/Flow: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Basic Main Character Information:
Sawyer: Wolf Shifter, Pack Second, Brown hair & Blue eyes, Works at the bar & bookstore
Casey: Human, Pet Groomer/Owner of Fury Tails, Pet Shelter Volunteer, Brown hair & Brown eyes
Benny: Dachshund, Adopted by Miles for Sawyer, 100% Good boi

Cute and sweet just like Cooper book 1. Intimate moments were minimal and the ones that exist felt like they were given an ice bath. I did, however, really enjoy the story. I like that Cooper, Miles, Uncle Ben, and Noah all made an appearance. Also Griffin, who is the MC of the next up book 3. Helpful if you read book 1 first so you familiarize yourself with the story lines and character.

“I’m yours, Casey,” I murmured, my voice raw with emotion. “And you’re mine.” - Sawyer


Milestone Moments:

Teddy?! MCs Meet: 10%
1st Kiss: 25%
Sawyer Being Stupid: 73%
Mate Bond Time: 79%
Intimate Scenes: 46%
Plot Climax: 81%


Quotes That Live Rent Free In My Head:

“Keep an eye on Benny,” I said, my tone firm as I lifted the little dachshund and handed him to a surprised Gordon. Benny let out a small whine, but I knew it was for the best. I couldn’t risk him getting between two angry wolves; he was too loyal for his own good and would try to defend me if I got caught up in the fight. - Sawyer

I couldn’t help but smile. My human was absolutely adorable. - Sawyer

All I wanted was for him to let me in, and I wasn’t sure if he ever would. - Casey

The pain was gone, and for the first time in a long time, I felt free. - Sawyer

I’d faced down rouge shifters and even handled a psychopath like Garth, but proposing to Casey? That was a whole new level of terrifying. - Sawyer


Side Characters:

Miles: Sawyer’s younger brother, Noah’s best friend, Cooper’s mate, Runs bookstore, His story is book 1.
Cooper: Pack Alpha, best friend is Sawyer, Mated to Sawyer’s brother Miles, His story is book 1.
Griffin: Pack member, Runs the bar, good friend of Sawyer and Cooper, His story is book 3.
Michael: Casey’s brother, Streamer, Coming to town at end of Sawyer’s book, His story is book 3.
Uncle Ben: Uncle to Miles & Sawyer, father figure, great guy, appears hurt in book 1.
Noah: Griffin’s younger brother, Miles’ best friend, previously had crush on Sawyer during book 1.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'This guy was different, and I couldn’t wait to get to know him better.
As we walked back to the bar, I couldn’t help but think about Casey.
Maybe Griffin was right. Maybe Casey was just what I needed right now.
And who knew? Maybe this was the start of something special.'

I loved this book. It was a sweet hurt/comfort romance. I loved both Sawyer and Casey. Still in pain from his old alpha braking his leg, his confidence had taken a hit and he was a bit insecure. Though he was the second of his friend and new pack alpha, he wanted to get back in shape again. Garth pushing his buttons only made him more tense.

Casey has a dog grooming business and volunteers at the shelter. His favorite dog Benny was adopted- by Sawyer's brother who gifted him to him for his birthday. Benny was really sweet- and smart as he literally first led the men to each other. And of course getting him dirty was Sawyer's perfect excuse to see Casey again. The attraction between them was immediate, and even though Casey was uncomfortable with shifters from a past relationship, he still offered/asked to go running with Sawyer- who happily accepted.

Unfortunately, Casey's his new landlord was Garth, taking over for his aunt. And Garth kept getting too much into Casey's space and making him uncomfortable. Knowing Sawyer's growing relationship with him only makes Garth act out more and test boundaries.

I was hooked to this story and couldn't wait to see how it would turn out. I liked that shifters were out and known in this world, and I also really liked some of the supporting characters. 5 stars.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Pecan Pines series and you really should read book one first. This is the story of Sawyer and Casey. The town of Pecan Pines is still adjusting to the changes in the local pack. The bloodthirsty and commanding alpha has been replaced by a more reasonable one. In a town of shifters and humans, the townsfolk have adopted a "wait and see" attitude towards the pack. Sawyer is the pack second and he was severely injured in book one ousting the previous alpha. From his happily mated brother, for his birthday he is given a dachshund named Benny. His brother believes the dog will force Sawyer to get out more and mingle with people. Well he is right. It is through the dog that Sawyer meets Casey. There is instant chemistry between them and the spark continues to grow. But both men have a lot of baggage that they need to unpack before they can move forward. Sawyer knows that Casey is his mate but believes that he has to get better before he can make a move. Then of course, there is a pack trouble maker who causes no end of grief for Sawyer and then Casey. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. You will love how sweet Casey is and cheer for him to finally get his own HEA. I look forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon L · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There was something special about Casey, something that made me feel like things were finally starting to look up."

What a great addition to the series Pecan Pines, by Fel Fern and Kara Kitt. I loved book one in the series, so when I saw book 2, I knew I had to read it. Honestly though I've read every book these two have written, I enjoy their style and chemistry.

If I had to pick a favorite between this book and the first one, I'd be hard pressed to decide. But since I don't have to pick a favorite, I'm not going to.

To get the full story you really need to read book one before starting this book. Without reading book one, I think you would miss out on a lot of background information that makes the story that much richer.

I was so happy that Sawyer got a book and Casey was a perfect match for him. Both were a bit damaged but together they were able to heal one another.

I'm anxiously awaiting Griffin's book it sounds like it's going to be good!!!

Hurt/comfort, a sausage dog makes the best present, sometimes you just have to power through to get to the other side, a clever lead alpha will always win, bad guys always get their comeuppance

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent follow-up! Casey, is trying to make his dog grooming business successful. He is being harrassed by his landlord who happens to be a werewolf. This situation complicates his goals. He is unsure who can help in Pecan Pines. Sawyer, is recovering from physical and emotional injuries from the former Alpha. He suffers from physically and emotionally. His Brother gifts him a dachshund, Benny to help bring Sawyer out of himself. Sawyer, is attracted to Casey. While slowly contemplating his 'move', he realizes there's competition for Casey's interest. Good story, watching Sawyer finally come into his own. Nicely done! Great series and likeable, endearing supporting characters. As always, enjoying Fel's characters and series theme. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing more enchanting than reading about a pet that is loved by his people. I loved this story, and I was glad that Sawyer was able to have his own story. Who better to love him like he needed to then Casey. I loved the angst and the drama that was involved in this story and highly recommend it to those who love an MM Romance, there is a happily ever after which is what I love about these stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

BENNY APPROVED

PECAN PINES Book #2. I really loved this Book. This is so SWEET and Benny is ADORABLE. Sawyer is the pack Second for Cooper. Life is getting back into focus and things are settling down. Casey is a human who owns the grooming business in town. He keeps to himself and volunteers at the animal shelter. FEL FERN and KARA KITT have again written a REMARKABLE story. Fate has a way to show us we are not always in charge. Love will find a way when it's meant to be. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS PECAN PINES SERIES!!!!!

[stardragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pecan Pines a community of shifters and humans in a quiet forest setting. Sawyer second in command, is celebrating his birthday and receives a dog from his brother at his party. Benny was adopted from the shelter, a cute dachshund that Casey the pet groomer cared for when working there. Sawyer has had issues since being beaten in the challenge circle with phantom pain. This story is romantic, has drama, danger and deep friendships looking forward to the next book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book two in the series and it was another great read, I was happy to see Sawyer get his own hea and to watch him heal and regain his confidence, Casey was a great match for Sawyer he was also dealing with his own past trauma but he felt mostly comfortable with Sawyer from their first meeting which happened because of Benny the adorable Dachshund. I’m looking forward to Griffin’s story next.

[Demonia Shadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just can't imagine Cooper being so clueless. The main bad guy trashed his mates store and attacked him, he was constantly mean to others, picking fights and in a broad daylight calling his alpha weak.. And Cooper did nothing? Not a single adequate reason was given why the pack needed Gareth, they just "needed" and Coop "believed in second chances". And thirds after "they talked and he promised". Seriously?The easiest way to make a plot usually is not the best.

[Jessi Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly this was a boring read. For like 80 % of the book nothing really goes on and suddenly sawyer gives the mate bite and has the standoff with garth near the end. It felt like this could have been a short story instead of a full novel.

Don't get me wrong I love fel fern books but this was a miss.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic addition to the series! Sawyer and Casey were sweet together.

I’m really enjoying this series! Looking forward to the next one!

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Sawyer got his confidence back and how he protested his pack and mate when needed. It was sweet how Casey and Sawyer meet and fall in love. I liked Benny.

[charmene saint-victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer's turn

I was so excited for Sawyer's book and it did not disappoint. It was good to see Sawyer in his role as beta when in the previous book he was pretty out of commission. I read this book in one setting and would recommend. Can't wait for the next one!

[DLB2572]

This is a good follow-up to book one. Sawyer and Casey go through a few ups and downs to get to their happily ever after.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer and Casey are really sweet together.
There is some drama with a pack member that causes issues for not only Sawyer but the pack. A cute dog named, Benny and past trauma with a shifter.

[jeanie c. riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

M/M shifter/Human romance!

The old Alpha is gone the new Alpha runs a better pack! One of g the old pack is still in but causing problems! Enjoy this shifter series book #2!

[Kit]

PO

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate

He been trying to over come his injury but things are not as seems. When feels the attractive to this human can he protect him

[Mak ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um presente que o levou ao seu destino, e juntos eles superaram e tiveram seu final feliz.

[Meggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Sawyer's romane. The storyline was solid and enjoyable.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars