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Hidden Wolves #7
Unplanned Coda
He'll get by with a little help from his mate.
When Paul's long-buried past reaches out for him, having Simon at his back should make all the difference. The shy, studious teen who ditched his hometown is now a grown man with a good life, an honorable profession, and a werewolf boyfriend. So why is still so hard to go home?
A new 37,000 word novella in the same time frame as book 6 in the Hidden Wolves series brings challenges, pain, love, and their HEA for our favorite guys. Content warning for assisted suicide.
When Paul's long-buried past reaches out for him, having Simon at his back should make all the difference. The shy, studious teen who ditched his hometown is now a grown man with a good life, an honorable profession, and a werewolf boyfriend. So why is still so hard to go home?
A new 37,000 word novella in the same time frame as book 6 in the Hidden Wolves series brings challenges, pain, love, and their HEA for our favorite guys. Content warning for assisted suicide.
167 pages, ebook
First published October 23, 2021
12 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
89 books2,710 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 8, 2021
I lovely, meaningful ending for those of us who are long-time fans of this series. I wanted to cry, seeing this series go, but it was a wonderful feeling seeing the conclusion of Paul and Simon's story. Their arc is from the first Hidden Wolves book, Unacceptable Risk, which will always have a special place in my heart.
HEA for days. Thanks, Kaje Harper.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
HEA for days. Thanks, Kaje Harper.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|tiktok
October 27, 2021
The final novella I didn’t know I needed.
I can’t say I felt the urge to know more about Simon and Paul’s time while the others were away in the previous book, but the Hidden Wolves series is one of my favorites, so I was on board with anything that gave me more, regardless of the characters involved. If I was wary at the idea of an additional short story written after the series was officially over, I wasn’t too worried, I knew I was in safe hands with this author.
I was expecting to spend some extra time with these characters and have a nice time doing so and I wasn’t disappointed. Simon is always good for a laugh, even when the atmosphere isn’t exactly cheerful. What I wasn’t expecting was that this novella would become an essential part of Paul’s characterization and add so much to a character that’s been there for so long that you’d expect to know him inside and out. Technically, we don’t learn anything new, but the way things are showed here is so much more powerful. Paul’s fear of rang so true and realistic, and given what he went through, how can you blame him for being a bit prickly?
It warmed my heart to see Paul and Simon dealing with everything together and I was also glad to get to see
A nice final touch to a great series and the right book at the right time for me, made even better because I got to read it with Rosa. Well, after her, because even though I started first, she still finished the entire book before I could start the second chapter. 😂
I can’t say I felt the urge to know more about Simon and Paul’s time while the others were away in the previous book, but the Hidden Wolves series is one of my favorites, so I was on board with anything that gave me more, regardless of the characters involved. If I was wary at the idea of an additional short story written after the series was officially over, I wasn’t too worried, I knew I was in safe hands with this author.
I was expecting to spend some extra time with these characters and have a nice time doing so and I wasn’t disappointed. Simon is always good for a laugh, even when the atmosphere isn’t exactly cheerful. What I wasn’t expecting was that this novella would become an essential part of Paul’s characterization and add so much to a character that’s been there for so long that you’d expect to know him inside and out. Technically, we don’t learn anything new, but the way things are showed here is so much more powerful. Paul’s fear of rang so true and realistic, and given what he went through, how can you blame him for being a bit prickly?
It warmed my heart to see Paul and Simon dealing with everything together and I was also glad to get to see
A nice final touch to a great series and the right book at the right time for me, made even better because I got to read it with Rosa. Well, after her, because even though I started first, she still finished the entire book before I could start the second chapter. 😂
Read
October 23, 2021This novella is now available everywhere (and yes, this is really the last werewolf book LOL) - universal link - https://books2read.com/u/m2l5R6
May 20, 2025
Re-read 5/19/25 with Barb, Kassu, and Teresa -- still amazing. I love how confident Paul is in his relationship. I love how Simon doesn't have to be in charge or pushy, that he and Paul can support each other in ALL things. I wish it hadn't taken another 3 years to get around to a full series re-read, but I'm glad we did it together! Happy sigh.
Original review: Sooooo goooood! I felt I needed to re-read the first book in the series to get the beginning of the pack straight in my head before I could read this closing story, and I'm so glad I did. Although, if I had the time, I would've just re-read the entire series, since I love them all that much. Anyway...what a beautiful way to end this story, with closure for Paul's youth and the pack being together to support each other. I think I'll make sure to carve out some time in 2022 to re-read all of them again.
Original review: Sooooo goooood! I felt I needed to re-read the first book in the series to get the beginning of the pack straight in my head before I could read this closing story, and I'm so glad I did. Although, if I had the time, I would've just re-read the entire series, since I love them all that much. Anyway...what a beautiful way to end this story, with closure for Paul's youth and the pack being together to support each other. I think I'll make sure to carve out some time in 2022 to re-read all of them again.
October 26, 2021
Short but sweet. I liked how this last book rounds up Simon and Paul's characterization, specially Paul's. We know a bit more about his childhood and his teenage years and that helps to understand better where Paul comes from. And I also appreciate how the author managed some of the difficult themes that are touched in the book.
I'm going to miss these wolves despite the bumpy patches I've had reading the series. It's interesting and thought provocking, not a light read by any means and I'm very happy I was able to discuss it with Ele because that doubles the fun.
I'm going to miss these wolves despite the bumpy patches I've had reading the series. It's interesting and thought provocking, not a light read by any means and I'm very happy I was able to discuss it with Ele because that doubles the fun.
October 24, 2021
SPOILERS SPOILERS
This FINAL (yes, truly, Kaje Harper says it herself) sets in the same timeframe with Undeniable Bonds but focusing on the original couple, Simon and his vet, Paul, who first entered my reading life back in 2011 with Unacceptable Risk. Yes, TEN BLOODY YEARS ago!
It gives chance for Harper to give a past closure to Paul (who found out that his mother died) - as well as on-page screen of Simon proposing to Paul. Because yes, in that last chapter of "Undeniable Bonds", Zach lamented how Simon and Paul actually married a day before his own wedding with the Alpha, Aaron.
I always loved these two and I loved reading how solid they were. PLUS there were the kittens AND Simon actually got his own DOG (after having to deal with Paul's kittens I'm sure Simon is very happy to have his own pet)
All in all, lovely coda for this series.
This FINAL (yes, truly, Kaje Harper says it herself) sets in the same timeframe with Undeniable Bonds but focusing on the original couple, Simon and his vet, Paul, who first entered my reading life back in 2011 with Unacceptable Risk. Yes, TEN BLOODY YEARS ago!
It gives chance for Harper to give a past closure to Paul (who found out that his mother died) - as well as on-page screen of Simon proposing to Paul. Because yes, in that last chapter of "Undeniable Bonds", Zach lamented how Simon and Paul actually married a day before his own wedding with the Alpha, Aaron.
I always loved these two and I loved reading how solid they were. PLUS there were the kittens AND Simon actually got his own DOG (after having to deal with Paul's kittens I'm sure Simon is very happy to have his own pet)
All in all, lovely coda for this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2021
This is the conclusion I felt this series needed but didn't think we'd get. I'm glad we have it, though. The series started with Paul and Simon, and I like that it ends with Paul and Simon. Things were still wobbly with them at the end of their book; Paul being uncertain of the strength of their bond and Simon worried about how much could be too much for Paul. I like that this book settles the dust that was still flying around.
December 3, 2023
In short… a strong, romantic conclusion to Harper’s series Hidden Wolves. Simon and Paul for the win!
April 22, 2025
Love love love!!
Simon and Paul are my favourite couple and I was so glad to spend time with them again. It was a great way to close the series and end on a very happy note. I’m going to miss these characters but I’m sure this series will be a frequent reread.
Simon and Paul are my favourite couple and I was so glad to spend time with them again. It was a great way to close the series and end on a very happy note. I’m going to miss these characters but I’m sure this series will be a frequent reread.
April 11, 2022
4.5 stars
I was happy to see the series go full circle and have the last book in the series focus on your first couple Paul and Simon 🥰
I was happy to see the series go full circle and have the last book in the series focus on your first couple Paul and Simon 🥰
November 22, 2021
Thank you so much to the 2021 Secret Santa Gift Exchange for the gift! <3
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This was a lovely little coda to the series! It was fun to revisit Paul & Simon, though I did find myself wishing we got a little more of the other characters given it was a conclusion. But I very much enjoyed this and the series as a whole, and it was nice to get an unexpected bonus! :)
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This was a lovely little coda to the series! It was fun to revisit Paul & Simon, though I did find myself wishing we got a little more of the other characters given it was a conclusion. But I very much enjoyed this and the series as a whole, and it was nice to get an unexpected bonus! :)
October 24, 2021
I do love these guys!
October 24, 2021
A lovely short taking things back to Simon and Paul. Set during the final book in the series
October 25, 2021
Perfect
Perfect ending to a remarkable series. Simon and Paul make such a fantastic team, and this was the best way to round off the story.
Perfect ending to a remarkable series. Simon and Paul make such a fantastic team, and this was the best way to round off the story.
May 22, 2025
Thank goodness Kaje Harper couldn't rest until Simon finally got his forever after with Paul. But it was quite a nice journey along the way in this story that takes place concurrent to Undeniable Bonds when Paul and Simon head to Wisconsin after learning of Paul's mother's death.
There's adventure in every activity these two undertake and though this one had drama, it was not as brutal as some of the others in the series. It did give closure to Paul on his old life as his estranged mother died and he traveled back to be sure all the arrangements were as she wanted. Along the way, he was reunited with his mentor, the vet who took him under his wing when he was just a teen, And then he and Simon do a favor for the man that leads to both adventure and danger and a confrontation with both the sheriff and another pack. Fun times. Well, at least, nail-biting times, but it wouldn't be this series without some confrontations. Paul's behavior is a surprise to Simon and to readers. The man has come a long way from the original story, Unacceptable Risk. And so has this world of human wolves who have fought hard for the right to coexist in our world and still have a long way to go.
Kudos on an outstanding series, Kaje Harper! A fantastic journey awaits those who haven't started yet. Highly recommended.
There's adventure in every activity these two undertake and though this one had drama, it was not as brutal as some of the others in the series. It did give closure to Paul on his old life as his estranged mother died and he traveled back to be sure all the arrangements were as she wanted. Along the way, he was reunited with his mentor, the vet who took him under his wing when he was just a teen, And then he and Simon do a favor for the man that leads to both adventure and danger and a confrontation with both the sheriff and another pack. Fun times. Well, at least, nail-biting times, but it wouldn't be this series without some confrontations. Paul's behavior is a surprise to Simon and to readers. The man has come a long way from the original story, Unacceptable Risk. And so has this world of human wolves who have fought hard for the right to coexist in our world and still have a long way to go.
Kudos on an outstanding series, Kaje Harper! A fantastic journey awaits those who haven't started yet. Highly recommended.
October 25, 2021
Simon Conley & Paul Hunter.
As Simon and Paul started this series, it seems only fitting to let them end it. The title is accurate: “Unplanned Coda”. The author intended to end the series with book 6 and Aaron & Zach’s wedding, but I guess Simon wanted to have the last word.
This runs parallel to Undeniable Bonds, starting with Paul caring for Rory and ending with Simon & Paul’s nuptials on the eve before Aaron & Zach marry. While Aaron & Zach are in D.C., Simon accompanies Paul back to his home town to settle his mother’s estate and to visit with the vet who sparked his own interest in veterinary medicine.
The vet also happens to be the only person in that small town Paul has any lingering affection for. Doc (Dr. Silver) takes the fact that Paul is gay and involved with a werewolf all in his stride. He asks that they look in on a retired firefighter he suspects may be a werewolf. One who has cut off all contact, including vet care for his beloved dog.
As Simon and Paul started this series, it seems only fitting to let them end it. The title is accurate: “Unplanned Coda”. The author intended to end the series with book 6 and Aaron & Zach’s wedding, but I guess Simon wanted to have the last word.
This runs parallel to Undeniable Bonds, starting with Paul caring for Rory and ending with Simon & Paul’s nuptials on the eve before Aaron & Zach marry. While Aaron & Zach are in D.C., Simon accompanies Paul back to his home town to settle his mother’s estate and to visit with the vet who sparked his own interest in veterinary medicine.
The vet also happens to be the only person in that small town Paul has any lingering affection for. Doc (Dr. Silver) takes the fact that Paul is gay and involved with a werewolf all in his stride. He asks that they look in on a retired firefighter he suspects may be a werewolf. One who has cut off all contact, including vet care for his beloved dog.
September 27, 2023
Oh yes. Sound of satisfaction. This final book rounds it up beautifully. The final touches on Paul and Simon's characters along with a solid view of Simon and Paul's relationship.
The author continues to build on the themes developed within the series and uses a soft and respectable touch on the touchy subject of an elder's right to choose their death.
Throughout this series, the author has done the same with the topics of bigotry, hate, and judgment of those who are seen as different from the norm. Some have screamed that the author is a bigot for using terms like 'the gay', but I maintain that they were being true to the times and the feelings of many. I have heard the word gay used just that way within the last ten years. Those who scream are not reading with depth or thought - merely their own biases and fears.
The author continues to build on the themes developed within the series and uses a soft and respectable touch on the touchy subject of an elder's right to choose their death.
Throughout this series, the author has done the same with the topics of bigotry, hate, and judgment of those who are seen as different from the norm. Some have screamed that the author is a bigot for using terms like 'the gay', but I maintain that they were being true to the times and the feelings of many. I have heard the word gay used just that way within the last ten years. Those who scream are not reading with depth or thought - merely their own biases and fears.
January 8, 2023
2023: 4 stars
1. Characters: ★★★★☆ (Simon and Paul hooked me into this series and their still as great as always)
2. Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆ (Small town vibes, the ones were you are always expecting to turn the page and run into a bigot)
3. Writing: ★★★★★ (Great)
4. Plot: ★★★★☆ (Closure about Paul's past. Would prefer it if but it was good to meet Paul's mentor)
5. Enjoyment: ★★★★☆ (Short story to finish off the series. It was good to have the opportunity to end it with the ones who started it all, though I would like to end it with a few cameos)
1. Characters: ★★★★☆ (Simon and Paul hooked me into this series and their still as great as always)
2. Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆ (Small town vibes, the ones were you are always expecting to turn the page and run into a bigot)
3. Writing: ★★★★★ (Great)
4. Plot: ★★★★☆ (Closure about Paul's past. Would prefer it if but it was good to meet Paul's mentor)
5. Enjoyment: ★★★★☆ (Short story to finish off the series. It was good to have the opportunity to end it with the ones who started it all, though I would like to end it with a few cameos)
March 11, 2025
This is really the icing on the cake of this fabulous series, and totally awesome.
I loved seeing Paul finding closure about his past, Simon beautifully supportive and, tbh, all around sigh-worthy. It was highly satisfying to see their story play out a little bit further with so many 'good bits' thrown in.
The proposal scenario is funny and cute, and I had a good chuckle about their choice of situation for it. And yeah! Go Paul go! His hard-ass attitude at that moment is fabulous and made me grin like a Cheshire cat.
This novella really finished the series off with a bow tie, nicely wrapped around it.
Great entertainment!
I loved seeing Paul finding closure about his past, Simon beautifully supportive and, tbh, all around sigh-worthy. It was highly satisfying to see their story play out a little bit further with so many 'good bits' thrown in.
The proposal scenario is funny and cute, and I had a good chuckle about their choice of situation for it. And yeah! Go Paul go! His hard-ass attitude at that moment is fabulous and made me grin like a Cheshire cat.
This novella really finished the series off with a bow tie, nicely wrapped around it.
Great entertainment!
October 23, 2021
4.5 stars
Excellent end to the series (although I'm sad that it is the end), and fascinating to see the events of "Undeniable Bonds" from a different angle. I love the bonds and relationships that are demonstrated throughout this series and the deft meshing of current issues and events with the paranormal elements of shapeshifters. So many important themes are addressed in such an entertaining set of stories that I delight in reading over and over again.
Excellent end to the series (although I'm sad that it is the end), and fascinating to see the events of "Undeniable Bonds" from a different angle. I love the bonds and relationships that are demonstrated throughout this series and the deft meshing of current issues and events with the paranormal elements of shapeshifters. So many important themes are addressed in such an entertaining set of stories that I delight in reading over and over again.
December 14, 2021
The bond of love.
It isn't always easy to find that one special person who shines at the sight of you across the room but when you do ,don't fight it ,go forward with all you've got and don't let anything or anyone get in your way because you know in your heart he is yours. This is the bond of love.
It isn't always easy to find that one special person who shines at the sight of you across the room but when you do ,don't fight it ,go forward with all you've got and don't let anything or anyone get in your way because you know in your heart he is yours. This is the bond of love.
October 23, 2022
Heartwarming story. Simon and Paul are so good together! Wish I remembered their original story better but I did not want to reread the whole series. Did remember some. What happened with Edgar was so sad. Happy for Simon and Paul's marriage.
So glad I realized more books were added to this series I read long ago. Great series!
So glad I realized more books were added to this series I read long ago. Great series!
November 5, 2021
What a perfect way to end this wonderful series, coming full circle back to Paul and Simon. The epilogue was perfection. I will definitely miss new books for this series, but that won't stop me from re-reading the whole series again.
August 25, 2024
It was great to get more Paul/Simon...but I can't believe the series is over.
We learn more about Paul's past and how hard it was for him. The timeline coincides with the previous book so some events are relived through Simon's perspective. Very sweet.
We learn more about Paul's past and how hard it was for him. The timeline coincides with the previous book so some events are relived through Simon's perspective. Very sweet.
October 25, 2021
I needed this so much and didn't even know it. Perfect ending to a wonderful series!
October 27, 2021
Nice encore to a superb series.
November 2, 2021
I have loved every book in this series!!!
November 5, 2021
I love that we got this last story with Simon and Paul, to show how far their relationship has come since the beginning of the series.
dnf
December 7, 2021Rating: DNF
A friend lent me her copy and I tried to read it but just couldn't get into it. Then when I realized there was going to be an assisted suicide, I just didn't want to continue.
A friend lent me her copy and I tried to read it but just couldn't get into it. Then when I realized there was going to be an assisted suicide, I just didn't want to continue.
April 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this series. Sorry to see it end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews