Wolf Bite

Wolves of Willow Bend #1

by Heather Long

After a dominance challenge ended with his parents deaths, Mason left Willow Bend and his pack behind, choosing instead to live life on his own terms…as a Lone Wolf. A wanderer, he keeps his life simple and carefree until an unexpected encounter brings him face to face with his tragic past and the woman he always adored. Determined to get her out of his blood, he teases her into an easy one-night stand…but one taste will never be enough.

Adopted as a young girl, Alexis Huston lived on the fringe of pack life. She’s never been strong enough, fast enough, or pretty enough—except to Mason, but then he left her. Allowed her freedom as an adult and sworn to keep the pack’s secrets, she’s struggled to fit into the ‘human’ world. A chance meeting turns her hard-won life upside down.

She is left with two options—she can tell the only wolf she’s ever loved that she’s carrying their child…or she can protect him, keep the baby a secret, and run.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Werewolves, Interracial Romance, Fantasy

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2014

About the author

I love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.

I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.

After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.

Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.

Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.

One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.

I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!

Reviews

[Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 3.5 Stars ****

Wolf Bite had a rocky start for me. I didn't get sucked into the story in the beginning. But eventually I found myself attached to Mason and Alexis.

Years ago, Mason left the pack because of politics. His lone wolf status meant that he was supposed to be alone. But when he bumped into Alexis after years of solitude, he broke the rules by sleeping with her.

The chemistry was pretty hot and steamy. But their forbidden love will have to stop unless they want to face the consequences.

This was a good quick read, and I would definitely be interested in reading the rest of the series.

[Fatimama · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate long separations and this couple has been separated for 10 yrs. The H never even tried to keep in touch and it’s only coz of a chance encounter that they met again. Hero also left the heroine after they met again and he had no plans of being with her until he found out she was pregnant. He only challenged the Alpha because heroine is pregnant and it would be a difficult pregnancy. What a zero!

[Kayleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've met these characters before. I've seen this plot before. I've visited this world before.

There is nothing new or original here.

For the most part, Shifter novels follow a pretty generic formula: Me alpha, you mate. We mate - many, many times. You, hard-ass bitch. Me, tortured hero. Drama! Angst! Heart-ache! Big finale. HEA.

Guess what? This one is no different.

But sometimes, you come across a shifter story that, whilst still following this formula, really catches your attention. Suzanne Wright did this with her Phoenix Pack series. Molly Harper completely re-defined the genre for me with her excellent How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf.

This was not one of those stories. It was stale and I spent a lot of the book bored. I actually put this down on the day I started reading, and it was over a week later that I forced myself to pick it up again.

Mercifully, it is a short read. And the author has steered well away from trying to write a romance around any other sort of plot. This is pure romance.

I struggled to connect with the characters and really couldn't feel their chemistry. The writer's attempts to circumnavigate the insta!love with their shared childhood was poorly executed. They somehow managed to give me too much information and not enough. Overall, I wouldn't say it was well executed.

It's a very quick read, so I would only really suggest reading this if you're a die-hard Shifter lover.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Tammy Sargeant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read. This is Alexis and Mason's story. Alexis is Ryan's adopted daughter from the prequel. Mason was the son of the family that first accepted the human family. They are both grown up now and destined mates. Mason left her when they were young and went for lone wolf status. Years later they meet back up as adults and kind of picked back up where they left off. Mason left her again but came back and Alexis took him back. The asshole left a third time and she took him back again easily. That was my only issue. She did not make him work for it. A surprising event happened and all was right with the world. Meh. It wasn't a bad book, but it just felt rushed to me and could have been developed more. Nice funny bits and some hot love making scenes. Cop this if you want to pass time.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 wolfish stars

Im really digging this series.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Mason and Alexis, although Alexis could make him suffer a little bit more after leaving her not once....not twice.....THREE EFFING TIMES!!! MAKE HIM GROVEL GIRL!!! but whatever.... :/

Another interesting thing was the pack dynamic as well and other characters that were mentioned and I guess they will be having their own book.

Onto the next!

[EroticaAfterDark (Lilith)]

not interested thanks to Kayleigh's review
thank you for preventing me from wasting my time.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 interested but not in love stars for Wolf Bite. I think what made me not fall completely in love with this story really is rooted in the fact that it felt so rushed. I really like a story that unfolds and makes me trapped in the world so I can feel as though many months and so on are passing.

I did like the paranormal element because wolves are awesome. I mean, I'm always hoping wolf shifters exist so I can grab me one of them because that would make life great. I love dominant, sexy, and sexual men. Mason is just that kind of beast and I liked him.

Mason and Alexis's story is a sweetly bitter one for a good portion of this book. There's a happy ending because Mason finally gets his ducks in a freaking row. The pull between them began when they were very young and didn't fade with time. They work pretty well together when Mason isn't thinking of running away and letting her go. I found the reading interesting but not meaty enough to sink my teeth into thoroughly which ended up bothering me.

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this play on the werewolf theme. Mason is a guy that is willing to take a back seat until Alexis is in the picture and in danger. I enjoyed the plot and the manipulation. The action was well written as well. There were some parts that could have used a little more development but all in all it was a good base and overall story.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok for me. I enjoy the world that the author is creating in this series. However, Mason and Alexis's story just seemed too easy to me. I read it. I enjoyed it. However, nothing really wow'd me. I am interested to see how this book plays into the overall series. Please remember sometimes your perspective of a book has a lot to do with what you are going through when you read said book. In this book Mason gives a good lesson on shifter politics that I think will play a role in the series. So do not skip this one.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, less than 200 pages but well done. Loved the characters, and the world building. I'll read more of them.

[Tanielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this with Tiffany and Mason but...little to nothing happened besides the wait to find out just what Toman was up to. I thought his treachery would be way deeper than it was. I thought he was just looking out for protecting his position by sending the threats away. He may have provoked them into fighting before they were ready but all fair in a fight to the death. Too much time passed as well from when Tiffany was just a child with little going on with her parents. The two only having one son came as a surprise as well. I’d thought they’d have a house full. Mason’s strength wasn’t necessarily tested until Ryan showed up. I would’ve like to see Zane or Colin interact with him instead of Margo. Not a bad read just wanted to see some fight in the story.

[Obsessed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I've read other books by this author that didn't need necessarily "wow" me but were an enjoyable means of passing the time.

I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It's sufficiently steamy and did a good job of making me care about the characters.

I'll be continuing with this series. Maybe it will bring me out of my reading drought.

[April ♥"LOS" ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Heather Long and I was very pleasently surprised. The characters were hot and sexy and made for a very good read. I look forward to reading more from this author and would recommend this book to shifter fans.

[Wolffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a werewolf romance I can recommend! The wolves behaved like wolves, the characters were well written and interesting, nobody did anything stupid or completely out of character and the plot actually made sense. I'm getting the rest of the series.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paranormal read. This was a good story. The main characters had a quick romance, based on a love they each had when they were young, and how they still felt for one another now.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

[Meiwilli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a lot of bite...

Mason Clayborne is a Lone Wolf from the Willow Bend Wolves who fled the pack after his father lost a dominance challenge to the Alpha, Toman Carlyle, and his mother's death. Alexis Houston, one of the few humans with the pack, was adopted as a child by Ryan Houston, the pack attorney, who married her mother. Alexis has always been drawn to Mason and feels lost when he suddenly leaves. Eventually, Alexis leaves the pack as well. It is ten long years before Mason and Alexis cross paths again.

Mason and Alexis come together knowing that a Lone Wolf is forbidden to mingle, let along pursue a Willow Bend pack member. Mason foolishly believes with a one night stand he can get Alexis out of his system with a tryst since he has always adored her. The tryst leaves Alexis pregnant and Mason's head on a chopping block. With the Hunters watching their every move and a concerned father, the pair's secret is easily learned.

Wolf's Bite is actually a pretty good story, poorly executed and failed by horrible editing. The characters are likable, the story is not too extreme with very little action, rather a slow and steady pace.

On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2.5 stars.

[Kyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Wolf Shifters.
My absolute favorite shifters, hands down.
So, naturally, I'm really excited to dive into this series and see what the Wolves of Willow Bend are all about.

Mason ran hard and fast in the opposite direction of Willow Bend after the death of his parents. He's a lone wolf, taking odd jobs and never staying in one place for long.
Until he crosses paths with Alexis again...
She's everything to Mason.
When he left Willow Bend, leaving her was the hardest part of it all.
Even years later he can't resist her and quite frankly, doesn't even try.
It's a massive web of deceit they are both living in.
One things for sure though-- it's all going to come to a head here soon.

Mason is all things Wolf-- possessive, controlling.
Just absolutely everything that I want in a Wolf Shifter as strong as him.
Alexis wants absolutely nothing to do with that world anymore-- she was tired of being a human among all of them. Even if she did leave behind her family. Mason was always the one who got away though, the love of her life.
And so much more.
I love that we got so much of the backstory that they present made sense. Because it was a quick way to get the two of them together BUT we had years leading up to this moment.
I can't wait to continue with the series!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.25 Stars

This was an okay read, but nothing spectacular. I stumbled upon the third book, Wolf Claim, whilst browsing the Kindle store, and decided to read the first two books in the series in the hopes that the additional world and character building will make it more enjoyable. Next up is Caged Wolf, so we’ll see.

Title: Wolf Bite (Wolves of Willow Bend #1)
POV(s): Dual—Third Person
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
Genre(s): Contemporary Paranormal Romance, Short-Read
Triggers: Loss of parents
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Accidental-Pregnancy
❖ Alpha-Male-Hero
❖ Chance-Reunion-Romance
❖ Childhood-Friends-to-Lovers
❖ Corrupt-Alpha
❖ Forbidden-Romance (pack laws)
❖ Hero-Becomes-Lone-Wolf
❖ Hero-Left-Home (10 years)
❖ Human-Heroine-Raised-in-Pack
❖ Multicultural-Romance
❖ Push-and-Pull-by-Hero
❖ Wolf-Shifter

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read with a lot going on.
From the beginning there was a feeling of being dropped into the story - almost like this is a continuation of another series, but is listed as Book #1. Some of the backstory comes out and eventually everything makes sense, but there were a few head scratching moments.

I liked Alexis and Mason and enjoyed them as a couple. My only complaint regarding them is that the ending felt very rushed. Even given their history, he should have had to work a little bit harder to woo her back.

If you are looking for something fast to satisfy a paranormal craving, then this would be a good "snack" read.

[Shirley Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my 1st Heather Long book, but moving it's way up to my new fav series by her!! This is a fast read about Alexis and Morgan following the prequel about Alexis' mother and new father. I had not yet read that one, but the holes all filled in nicely with the story. Alexis' overprotective father, an attorney in the wolf pack - and Morgan who had gone 'lone wolf' after the deaths of his parents. This is very recommended & I won't give away any thing to spoil it - so just read it!!! I'm eagerly off to the next one!!!

[niki_reads_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, quick read

Sexy and fast paced, Wolf Bite was utterly captivating. Mason and Lexi’s story was so sweet, but sad, too. The trials they went through made them stronger and built their relationship into a truly solid foundation. My favorite parts: Breaking the bed, Lexi standing up to Margo, and Mason laughing at Lexi finally following orders. 😍😍

[The Queen Katz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was not as good as the prequel.

There wasn’t enough pack history shared, the brief history of Alpha Toman felt like an afterthought, the ending felt rushed and the hero Mason was kinda pathetic. He left her three times (if you include when they were young), didn’t grovel enough on his return, only fought the alpha cause she was pregnant.

[Claire23 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*
I read this in the 15min breaks of hockey and took me about 3 weeks to finish. Did it read like bad fan fiction? Yes. Was it perfect to read for 15min and then forget until the next week? Yes. The ending gave such twilight vibes though. Regardless will I read the next one in between breaks? Yes.

Kindle unlimited

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great novella - wolf H has loved h from childhood, but she's human. Years later, they meet again and and fall into bed. It breaks her heart but they know it can't be more, until he decides to fight for her. Wonderful start to the series.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one took a bit for me to settle into but as it went on I really enjoyed it. Great short read but book 1 of 14 in the series.
If you love shifter romance with a couple of twists and turns you will love this.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the willow bend wolves, Heather is a great story teller. You become invested in the lives of the characters.

[Rinou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un peu rapide

[Delphine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[John Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series! I love it!

[Tams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it