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Unleash Me

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Lauren

Reflecting on my life, I felt trapped by the decision made by my parents. No one respected me—not even my soon-to-be husband. Too many people had control over my life, therefore I took control. Doing the unthinkable, I dropped everything and everyone, only keeping one piece of joy to Gage. He has been my light, and when he asked to meet, I obliged after denying his request many times before. Our first meeting put my life into hyper-motion with no stop in sight.

Gage

Nothing about me was natural. I accepted my curse along with my gifts, but centuries of loneliness weren’t part of the deal. Thankfully, fate lent me a long-distance friend. When the opportunity arose to meet, I seized it, only to discover she was my answer. Finally, my mate emerged from the shadows, her presence propelling me towards my ultimate transformation.

The pieces were aligning until my enemies called, challenging my authority, and threatening my queen. There was only one suitable answer for stepping in my Death.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

257 people are currently reading
217 people want to read

About the author

Elle Madearis

16 books107 followers

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5 stars
498 (57%)
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243 (27%)
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95 (10%)
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26 (2%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Wind.
341 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2025
This book started off strong but eventually lost some of its spark for me. I felt it could’ve been a bit longer to give more depth and detail about Lauren and Gage’s ancestors. There were a few moments that felt rushed, which made me wish the story had more room to breathe.
Overall, the premise was solid and had real potential but I just wanted a little more development to match the strong start.
Profile Image for Nay .
444 reviews
December 18, 2024
This book started out so strong. Lauren finally grows a backbone and ghosts her ain’t shxt fiancé and her parents who also ain’t shxt. Lauren turns to Gage her only friend for the part two years. Lauren and Gage was a beautiful paranormal story. The reason for 2 stars her parents and Rashad deserved worse… they got off too easily.
Profile Image for The Urban Fiction Librarian.
385 reviews46 followers
October 16, 2024
Imagine your parents arrange for you to be married to a FB. You decide one night enough is enough and you’re gonna GHOST everyone. You sell your house, giveaway his stuff, cut and color your hair, swap out your Benz for a GMC Denali. You are taking your life back.

You hit up a friend that you met through a cooking forum and he convinces you to stop by him for dinner since you have to pass through town. Only you get there and Gage is everything you didn’t know you needed or was missing. Lauren saw Gage and tried everything to not jump his bones. Meanwhile Gage and Nemesis knew Lauren was their Queen the minute she entered town.

Gage told Lauren she was in Cypress to stay and he meant it with his entire being. Lauren thought she was gonna go and then leave and she ended up falling for Gage. Gage marked her. Once that was done it was no leaving. The love that they built, the bond, the family ties, it was beautiful to see. Now the family secrets, the Lycan, and Kofi, WHEW! They tried they hardest to end important people and when Gage and Lauren became one it was a wrap.

The crazy thing is no matter what, Lauren and Gage & Nemesis and Nura were always going to be together because they were fated mates and the way they became tied to each other. YES!!! Nothing could prepare them for the journey they took together. Lauren & Nura stepped BIG behind Gage & Nemesis.

Miss Maderis you did it again. You didn’t disappoint. I loved this story from beginning to end and the way you built the story up was CHEF’s KISS. Keep them coming. We the girlies have enjoyed the love stories and now the paranormal, YES MA’AM!!!

Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
Profile Image for Rhina M. Finley.
1,274 reviews20 followers
October 30, 2024
An Action Pack Story!

Unleash Me was such a great action pack paranormal! A page turner with all the elements of supernatural magic, werewolves, witches, and so much more!
Profile Image for C.M. Campbell.
Author 2 books14 followers
October 15, 2024
One of the best paranormal reads

I absolutely love fated mates but I absolutely love when it’s black. The first chapter had me wides eyed but I loved the entire concept of ghosting. We really needed to set our boundaries with people who don’t have our best interest in.
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
627 reviews29 followers
October 18, 2024
Something new

This may have been my first contemporary shifter romance and while I loved that in the aspect that Gage and Lauren’s reactions to certain situations was totally realistic it was also exhausting on Lauren’s part . The unwillingness to accept her new reality was maddening especially since she gave the go ahead to Gage. I had to remind myself to empathize with her and her former situation and home life. She eventually got it together and I loved that the couple got their HEA. I would love some stories for the rest of the pack.
Profile Image for hea booktubes.
1,656 reviews382 followers
z-dnf-2025
March 22, 2025
DNF 21% nah getting his dick sucked by a wolf that he’s the alpha of after knowing she has feelings and he doesn’t. Main character doesn’t know paranormals exist. I’m good.
Profile Image for Shades N Pages .
1,002 reviews26 followers
October 16, 2024
3.5

Elle continues to impress with her fast-paced writing style that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Lauren's journey to reclaim her power was empowering, and meeting Gabe was a turning point—his possessive and protective nature made him an unforgettable character. He believed in Lauren even before they fully understood their connection. For a debut paranormal, the backstory of the unnaturals was captivating, and the author skillfully integrated the paranormal elements without info-dumping. I won’t lie, I found the pack calling Lauren “Queen” insufferable. I mean, the name “LUNA” is right there and imma die on that hill LOL! I felt Lauren and Gabe’s friendship could have been better depicted with a flashback to their interactions, and Lauren's family revelations and confrontation with her parents could have been introduced earlier for better pacing. If I’m keeping it a buck, The resolution with her fiancé and parents also felt anticlimactic; experiencing those moments on the page would have been more impactful. Overall, the book is entertaining, and I appreciate the thought put into the unique world. I hope future installments will better balance the storyline, plot, and paranormal elements. I’m eager to see what Elle has in store next!
Profile Image for Keesha.
610 reviews20 followers
October 16, 2025
Lauren/Lo feels trapped in a life where she is controlled, ridiculed and undervalued. She finally decides she’s had enough. On the way to starting her new life her online friend Gage encourages her to visit him for the first time. The visit is life altering for both of them.

Listen, the way Gage doesn’t play about Lo but also is not here for her shenanigans is too cute. ⚠️ Lo will make you want to throw your Kindle many, many times, but she does eventually get it together. 😆

My only complaint about this book is that there are so many trash characters that needed to catch a fade before they lived unhappily ever after. Unleash Me is still a good read.
Profile Image for thebookcritic_.
865 reviews28 followers
October 20, 2025
very abrupt

This book was okay. Fated mates. Escalated very quickly. While I love a possessive man, Gage was very controlling and manipulative. A lot of the scenes were so abrupt. Like things were just happening out of no where.

Kind of repetitive and over explained. Queen was overused. The tenses changed here and there. The characters kept “shaking” their heads when it should’ve been nodded. How was the exile able to watch Gage and Lauren in his main suite?
Profile Image for LaDonna B.
1,481 reviews17 followers
October 15, 2024
so good

This was such a good read. While I understand Lauren’s hesitancy because of running away from one situation, and Gage not giving her all the facts before forcing her hand, she was upsetting me and my homegirls!! Like girl, that man is the Alpha, he cannot lay under you all day. And poor Nura, I felt so bad for her because she didn’t get out much. It was its own HEA though.
374 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2024
Not it

One of the worst paranormal stories that I have ever read. The plot wasn’t plotting. It’s difficult to be invested when the main character is unlikable or isn't someone that whose choices that you can relate to. The story line was on point until Lauren got on the Angel topic and would not let it go. Let's start with you are full grown women. You had no voice during the whole Rashad situation and you were dogged by him and your parents. I am to believe that age 30ish you have no friends to give you advise or you aren't mature enough to know when you are in a no win situationship. Suddenly a talk show inspires you to take action to reclaim your life and you do a seamless job in ensuring that you can disappear without a trace and had the forethought to notify law enforcement not to take a missing person report. Sophisticated and rational, you go Ms. CPA. This man that you befriended and lifted you though your trials and tribulations for years yet you don't know his character at all. The first chance you get to lump him in Rashad's pool you throw him in head first. You were not in a relationship with him before you visited him. So this man that got you all hot and bothered enough that you couldn't wait to sleep with couldn't possibly had other women that he slept with during all the time you were not with him and the topic of him never came up as you purged about your situationship. You never even asked for his male perspective sparking conversations about him? GIRL BYE. It's not that she questioned his relationship with Angel, it's that she was dog with a bone and an adolescent throwing temper tantrums that turned me off. The silent treatment and not eating are manipulative tactics that should have been beneath a women of her age.

How are you the Alpha and could not predict that you were being pushed to go to the Mountains? Why live 800 years and not know anything about predicting such a strategy when the person used to be like a brother to you. Nemesis didn't know? Your mother pops up and she did know either?

The whole sister and parents segment should have been more integrated for a more balanced story line and smoother pacing. The way it was done felt like an after thought of OH YEAH, I have to tie up this ending. Having Kofi be the reason didn't suit me as I rather Rashad's narcissistic behind would have got his butt handled. Lainey should have been contacted by the ancestors as a part of some cultural practice.
Profile Image for Kina M.
712 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2025
started off so good

This story started off soooo damn good. Then it was like it just fell off immediately after she left her ex. First off the new dude is just as controlling so left one situation to be in the same situation which was stupid. Then we didn’t get to see the reaction of the ex and her parents when they found out she left. That was needed at least for me. I DNF at 52%. There was no chemistry btw the MFC and the FMC. She was not ready for a new relationship that soon she had some healing to do and it wasn’t allowed, so it was like she was super annoying and irritating. This had so much potential to be good, but the controlling Alpha is not sexy whatsoever.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,137 followers
October 30, 2024
🌕🐺 awooooooooo *looks left then right* oh don’t mind me 🤭 I’m just practicing my howl so that my wolf in hairy fur knows where to find me. I don’t know what it is, but these wolves can imprint on me 🗣️ANYTIME! Yes I’ll be yours and have your fur babies!

While I’m a willing participant, it took a bit more convincing for Lauren. She had no idea that going on the run would lead her to a life she had no idea just how deeply she was connected to. Lauren was promised to a man that wasn’t even remotely worthy of her. After getting more than her fair share of glimpses into what a future with him would look like, she emptied her bank account, deleted her digital footprint and high tailed it to the other side of the country. She had no idea that on her journey a stop off to visit a friend that she connected with over the last two years would forever change her life.

Gage has experienced centuries of loneliness and despite wanting companionship, he was not willing to settles and risk not having his one true mate. After finally coming face to face with the woman that became his friend by way of an online cooking class, he realized that his forever had been within arms reach this entire time.

This is now my third read by Elle and she’s becoming a fan favorite. I really enjoy the level of intensity and possessive she gives with her MMCs. It’s definitely something I can get behind. If nothing else, her writing is consistent and you pretty much know what to expect going in.

I will say that there were a few holes in the story that took away from the overall success of the book. The confrontation with her parents was anticlimactic. The build up and anticipation of them showing up fizzled with the way things turned out. At the very least her father’s head should’ve been removed from his body for the way he carried on and I was mildly disappointed with the direction the author chose to take. The author also painted Gage and his father as these powerful beings yet it took very little effort for them both to be overpowered by Kofi…. like be fr I was not convinced. Overall this was a solid read. My least favorite by Elle but still solid. 3.5💫’s
Profile Image for Brittany.
365 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2024
Overall, I liked Gage and Lauren’s storyline. I thought the beginning of their relationship was really cute and it had me hooked. However, about halfway through the book, I started looking at Gage kinda sideways. I still liked him, but he was just doing a lot. At one point I was like “Lauren did better just staying with Rashad” because all Rashad’s ass did was cheat. Gage was being authoritative and creepy (from Lauren’s uninformed, human POV and mine).

I thought Gage was really sweet, and I loved the affection he showed Lauren. My turning point with Gage was when he fucked Lauren into submission and then told her “consider yourself…my property.” (Page 104) I didn’t like that at all. She’s upset. Talk to her and then maybe she’ll let you sleep with her after. And the property line was just disgusting. Especially after the shit she went through with her family and Rashad. Also, Lauren expressed multiple times that she wanted to be autonomous. Gage realized the error in his ways right after this took place but it still made me look at him a little differently.

As far as Lauren, I liked her and sided with her most of the time when she was “rebellious”. The only time I can think of where I didn’t side with Lauren was when she was giving Gage the silent treatment and starving herself. Girl you is 30. Use your words.

But don’t let my complaints deter you from reading this book. As you can see, I gave it four stars, so I don’t consider it to be a terrible book. There were quite a bit of scenes that made me laugh out loud, cheer and/or blush.

Oh! And two more things!…
Oren and Lainey’s storyline felt out of the blue and the wrap up to the parents’ storyline felt very “oh yeah I need to close this up”. If Lainey came around sometime in the beginning of Lauren being with Gage, and we got to witness Lainey’s relationship with Oren progress, their storyline would’ve made more sense to me. Also the parents making an appearance at the end didn’t match up to what we learn about them in the beginning. Like I understand Lauren ghosted everyone BUT you mean to tell me that her overbearing, micromanaging parents wouldn’t hire a PI to find her?

Ok. That’s it. Lol
Profile Image for Ali.
80 reviews10 followers
October 14, 2025
Glocktoberrrr- Shifter Romance

⭐ Rating: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5


Okay, this isn’t my first supernatural or paranormal read, but it might just be one of the best ones I’ve picked up! What I loved most is how easy it was to understand the magical world Elle Madearis created. The language of the wolves and the magical community flowed naturally—no need for a dictionary or a Google search just to keep up.

Now let’s get into our FMC and MMC because whew, they kept me entertained from start to finish. Gage was an alpha who had started to lose hope that his mate was even out there—until his longtime friend Lauren finally gathered the courage to step into her own power and stop being everyone’s puppet.

And when people say “instant connection”? HA—more like instant smell! 😂 Gage (or should I say Nemesis) was not playing about his life partner. He wanted her then and there. It was a little aggressive but in the best, cutest way because beneath that alpha energy was pure devotion.

By the end, you can’t help but root for Lauren—she deserved the love, value, and family she’d been craving all along. Elle Madearis gave us passion, growth, and a satisfying HEA that left me smiling!

Final Vibes:
If you love wolf shifters, fated mates, and a heroine who learns to stand in her power, this one’s for you. 🐺💫
Profile Image for Demetria Hadley.
13 reviews
October 19, 2024

Unleash Me was absolutely amazing! This was my second time diving into a book with paranormal activity, and I have to say, Elle Madearis has completely changed my perspective on the genre. My first experience with paranormal romance (from another author) didn’t quite win me over—it actually made me hesitant to pick up anything in that category again. But Elle’s storytelling? Wow. She not only sold me on paranormal romance, but she made it feel natural. The way she seamlessly transitioned from humans to werewolves was brilliant and captivating.

Gage and Lauren’s love story was everything—their bond and devotion to each other made me wish I could find my own mate to love through thick and thin, just like they did. It was such a beautiful depiction of loyalty and strength, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.

What I really appreciated was seeing a strong, female protagonist who had the courage to start over and reclaim her life. She didn’t settle for anything less than respect, and that’s a message I love seeing in fiction. Elle Madearis has truly created a world where love, strength, and transformation shine, and I am here for it!

Elle, you have gained a new, devoted fan in me. I can’t wait to read more of your work!
Profile Image for Natashia Crawford.
362 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2024
Unleash Me - Elle Madearis

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

4/5- I enjoyed this

This story was a different one for me. I am not a huge shifter/paranormal reader so I was intrigued to read this. On the first initial read, the fiancé and the mother really pissed me off. I realized that marriage of convenience is not my favorite trope (depending on the reason) and the reason that was said in this one is one I was not a fan of.

Once we got passed the initial stages...I was on a ride. From the inception of the introduction of Gage.. seatbelts were to be clicked. This man stood on business and he was definitely the Alpha. I loved hoe Elle had the conversations set up where you were not confused at what you were reading. You know who was speaking and the story flowed.

One thing that I was almost indifferent about was Laurens family and the lack of information initially. Things get revealed but I thought it would have been revealed earlier than mentioned. It was a tad rushed but this was not a super long story. I enjoyed this alot.
Profile Image for The Fiery Leo.
69 reviews
February 8, 2025
When Fate Aligns

Lauren’s life has never been her own. Forced into an engagement with a serial cheater to appease her parents, she’s had enough. Finally choosing herself, she cuts ties with her old life and reaches out to the one person who’s always been in her corner—Gage.

For two years, their bond existed through texts and social media. But when they finally meet, everything changes. Gage isn’t just a man—he’s a werewolf, vampire, witch, and Lycan hybrid. And he’s fated to Lauren.

After a lifetime of being controlled, she refuses to trade one cage for another. As danger looms and secrets unravel, she’s faced with a truth she never saw coming—she’s more powerful than she ever imagined.

Love, power, and destiny collide in this addictive shifter romance. Will Lauren run from it—or embrace the power that’s been waiting for her all along?
Profile Image for _dulcekk.
632 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2024
Wow! What a ride!

4.5 ⭐️ After years of not putting yourself first, you’ve finally had enough and decide it’s time for a much needed change. On your way to your new beginning you decide to venture off to meet a friend for the very first time. Who knew this meet-up would be the beginning of a shift for you into something beyond your wildest dreams. Gage- Alpha, Protector- put your needs in my hands and allow me to deliver each time. Lauren- hidden strength beneath the built up insecurities. Two individuals- fated mates; you heal me, I heal you.
This is the joining of contemporary and paranormal romance. This was a first for me and the author executed it in such a magical way.
244 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2024
Loved This

If we could all have a wolf like Gage…whew.

This story was erotic, suspenseful and thrilling. A true Alpha and leader of his pack but he was missing the one thing his wolf craved...her!

I wasn’t sure if Gage was going to lose Lauren before he got her by his aggressive possessiveness, I was saying to the pages, bro, calm down, you’re going to scared her away. It was Intoxicating the way he & his inner wolf Nemesis speaks and craves Lauren & her inner wolf Nuri. Their bond was electrifying and potent and they were ready to dismantle any head that came for them and they came.

A good paranormal that gave enough drama, love and shocking plot twist that made it that made this an exciting read.
Profile Image for Miranda Watkins.
442 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2024
I feel like this is the book that’s gone make me fall in love with paranormal romance books because this is like the second book I’ve read in the genre and it was soo good. It was the perfect mix of contemporary romance and paranormal romance. You had the paranormal elements but also contemporary elements too. I loved how real the FMC’s reaction to learning that gage was a wolf. The banter between the two characters was also really good. The friends to lovers trope is also present and is slightly different from typical friends to lovers books. I feel like this book definitely showed what Elle is capable of as an author since this is her first book in the genre. It was soo good.
Profile Image for Keyerra Johnson.
222 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2025
This being my first "supernatural?" book, I thought it was decent. I did not necessarily care for the ending, as I feel it was a bit rushed? Maybe? I'm not even sure. Time hopped to five years later and it was like the author was just trying to find an ending. Again, I thought the book was okay. I felt like Lauren, while understood, was a bit annoying to deal with. The consequences of Rashad and the parents, in my opinion, should've gotten a little more spotlight. But maybe not. I am honestly not even sure how to really give a review. LOL anywho... I have read another book from this author and loved it, so I will probably read another.
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,053 reviews20 followers
November 2, 2024
Gage and Lauren were drawn to each other from the beginning before they even met in person. Lauren made the best decision when she ghosted everyone and ran right into the arms of Gage. They both had to grow in areas but they got it together in the end. Lauren gained Gage, their pack, her sister, her mom’s family, and her wolf Nura. It was good that their mom, dad, and Rashad got dealt with in the end. Gage and Lauren are well on the way to 10 kids with the four that they already have. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
October 15, 2024
I absolutely devoured this book. I was going through a break of paranormal romance because I wasn’t getting exactly what I needed. However, Unleash Me did not disappoint. The FMC was hilarious and had me rolling. I was rooting for her to stand up for herself. The MMC was exuding a lot of Alpha energy, but I was all for it. The banter was amazing. Elle Madearis did a wonderful job and really brought the characters to life. I absolutely cannot wait to read more of her work.
Profile Image for Cleo.
417 reviews
November 10, 2024
WOW! Just wow!

This is not first read from Ms. Madearis and let me tell you I’m headed to the rest of her catalog. The world building and characters were written excellently! I loved how dominant Gage was and how he adored his Queen. Lauren was coming into her own and I think she surprised them with her power and confidence. This book was filled with twists and turns that were so unexpected, I didn’t want it to end. Well done Ms. Madearis! So glad I discovered this author!
12 reviews
February 3, 2025
Ending felt rushed

I enjoyed the beginning of the story, but after Lauren's sister shows up, there was no more story development. The next part of the story it was 6yrs later and was she was a mom of 4 and her sister was turned. I was very disappointed because the first part of the book was very detailed even at parts I felt didn't need as much exploration. So to get to the "good" part and it be rushed with absolutely no detail, was disappointing.
Profile Image for Jacknthebooks .
438 reviews11 followers
October 14, 2024
This book was so darn good. Lauren and Gage's story was beautiful. I was so proud of Lauren for ghosting her family and getting away. Once Gage found his fated mate, it was over with. He wasn't about to let Lauren leave at all. The plot twists in this book had me intrigued, especially her sister Lainey showing up. Do yourself a favor and read this black paranormal book. You will be disappointed.
Profile Image for KayReads__.
302 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2024
This was my first by this author and I enjoyed it!! Gage & Lauren were truly meant to be! Lauren was someone I inspired to be if I wanted to ghost the world! Lol Gage was the top of BDE! No matter what she was always there for her and I loved that! The instant connection on top of the paranormal trope was dope!

Definitely plan to read more of Ms. Madearis work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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