“Either fall in line and be treated like a queen, or rebel and force me to show what a beast I can be. Heaven or hell, Annalise… the choice is yours.”
The alpha has a new chew toy… Me.
My own family handed me over to this brute, a betrayal that still has me reeling. Not only am I forced to live under his roof, I'm also expected to be his mate.
Soft. Submissive. Silent.
Everything I’m not.
He thinks spoiling me and ordering his staff to wait on me hand and foot will make up for the trail of destruction he’s caused, but he’s sorely mistaken.
By day, we clash like oil and water—nothing pleases us more than getting under each other's skin. But come nightfall, once the staff have all retreated to their quarters, the bickering and power plays turn into more.
Cas’s goal once seemed so clear; he wanted to tame me, his "Little Wolf”. But as the lines start to blur, I suspect he’s embraced a far greater challenge…
One he may never conquer.
Winning my heart.
As if things aren’t complicated enough, the corridors of the estate are starting to echo with whispers of scandal and peril. If there’s any truth to these threats, the alpha’s days may be numbered.
And so might everyone else’s.
*** The WOLVES OF NEW EDEN is a dark, enemies to lovers, wolf shifter romance, packed with forced proximity goodness. The story was first released as a Kindle Vella serial titled CRUEL ALPHA. This version is a compilation of episodes 1 – 21, and because this saga is considered ongoing, there’s no projected end date.
This is an M/F romance, which means this thrill ride is only about Cas and Annalise. So, if you love stories with heart, heat, tension, found family, a bit of groveling, “mine” vibes, and all the unapologetic, alpha male energy you can stand, then dive in :)
Heads due to adult themes and situations, this one’s only for the 18+ crowd.
An outspoken Annalise is tricked and threatened into an arranged mating to the alpha King. But what happens when lust ignits and feelings are pushed deep down and ignored.
He may be the Alpha King the optimum of cruelty and ruthless. But when a stubborn outspoken Annalise enters his orbit does a new side start to emerge and will the appeal of a harem dwindle the longer he's with her.
DNF at 50%. I do not understand why people are rating this book so high. The MMC is a rapey ahole who just wants a female he can breed and keep chained to his side. He is so gross and the FMC who is so determined to fight for women's rights cowers to him and lets him finger her the first time they sit down together. I absolutely hate BBS as a trope and this one is full of it. She's so angry but ooh he makes me wet so I'll just bend right over for this jackass. I repeat my theory that some authors hate their own sex.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is a pretty quick read. The reason being is that you are hooked from the very beginning and won't be laying it down. This is a dark, enemies to lovers, wolfs shifter romance. This is the story of Annalise and Cas. He is the Alpha of New Eden. NOw you may think wow this is not a guy that I am going to like. He comes off very fierce and Alpha all, well maybe for lack of a better word, cruel. Don't give up on him though. He gets better and better as you read. After all the guy is the Alpha of his pack. He has to take care of them at all costs and all his decisions for the pack show his strength and leadership and in the long run makes them all stronger. I loved Annalise. That woman is bold but also equally as brave. However, sometimes being brave got her into some messes. Especially when she doesn't keep her mouth shut. She loves being an independent wolf shifter who wants to change the way that women are viewed in packs. She is not one who loved to be told what to eat, what to wear, how to behave, what to do with her life. She been sending littler to Alpha to see if she can get things change fro her fellow females. When doesn't know is that she is born or noble birth. Her aunt and uncle have tried to get her mated, but every time a male comes along he ends up leaving. But when she gets an invite to the Alpha's estate she thinks that she is going due to her letter for change. However, that is the last thing on his mind. I have to stop taking about this story of I will give something away. My first books to pick up are not usually shifter romances. But this is one that I really loved reading. I loved Caspian and Annalise. These two are a perfect match for each other. They also have some very smoking hot moments together. These two certainly don't have an easy road in front of them. Actually they pretty much ate each other in the beginning. I was there rooting and reading for them the entire time. You do not want to miss this book.
Unlike any shifter romance I've read before, Cruel Alpha took me into a world that blended both new ideas and old world customs. Rachel Jonas created a story with intrigue, passion, and mounting tension and I'm hooked.
Cas, the Alpha of New Eden, was a bit of a mystery and started the book just as the title suggested-cruel. He also grew on me as the story went along and I loved his character development as his personal story unfolded. Yes, Cas can be cruel, but he is the Alpha of his pack. His actions and decisions regarding his clan must show his position of power and dominance, for if he were to show weakness he could be challenged leaving their clan weakened. At the beginning of this story all we see is the head Alpha, but as the story progresses we begin to witness that his character has layers and as those layers began to reveal themselves I was highly intrigued to see who the real man is behind all the pomp and posturing. Is he truly cruel, or is there more he just can't show to Annalise yet?
As for Annalise she is bold and brave, but within that bravery, she, a lot of times, gets herself into trouble by her own actions or her own tongue. Originally brought to the Alpha, for her name alone, to be his mate, upon meeting him it's basically everything about her that draws Cas' attention where he wants more than a mating in name only. She too is piqued by the layers Cas slowly reveals, but at the same time realizes he doesn’t reveal the whole truth. She doesn't quite understand why his actions don't always align with his words, but she also can't seem to stay away. As much as she'd like to leave, she's duty bound to stay and if she looked further inside herself, she'd admit she's curious about the mysterious Alpha more than she cares to admit.
This world is fascinating with the blend of old world regency and new world paranormal. It not only spiced up the mystery of the plot lines, but intensified the chemistry between Annalise and Cas. I can't wait to further unwrap all the layers that are waiting to be uncovered as these two are just getting started.
There is a warning for 18+ for this book. For certain scenes that are inappropriate for teens. Parents if you are in doubt I always read the book first before letting my kids read them. That being said this book is hot!!! Annalise is a snarky, dominant, independent, wolf shifter who wants to change women's rights within her clan. She despises being told what to wear, who to mate, what she will do with her life, & being treated like a piece of property. She's been writing letters to the Alpha for quite awhile trying to get him to change things for women. Annalise is actually of noble birth & her parents died making her aunt & uncle her guardians. The aunt & uncle have tried several times to get her mated but for some reason they never worked out. When she gets invited to the Alpha's estate she automatically thinks he wants to discuss her changes to the women's way of life. When she gets to the Alpha she doesn't understand why he doesn't speak. He just keeps staring at her chest. She decides to take charge & starts talking.
Alpha Caspian is surprised to learn that Annalise's aunt & uncle didn't tell her why she was invited here. He has to break the news to her that her family can't afford to survive without selling her to the Alpha. Annalise doesn't believe it. After they talk some more it sinks in. She immediately hates Caspian because she doesn't want to have a love less mate. She wants to choose her mate because she fell in love with him. Annalise feels trapped so she comes up with half a plan. Caspian expected her to stay there immediately. Annalise convinces him to let her have one more night at home. When she gets home she packs a bag & runs. She has trouble figuring out where to go. Let's just say that Caspian isn't as dumb as she thought! As punishment she is put in a cell for a week. Until she learns to act the way he wants her to.
Over time hate turns into love as they learn more about each other. They start doing things for each other. And learn to navigate a relationship with honesty, jealousy, anger, & someone plotting against them. By the way Caspian is my new book boyfriend. He is so hot!
I think that I have fully come to the conclusion that anything Rachel Jonas writes I'm going to absolutely love and this book is no different.
This was an interesting book, while parts of it could be considered stereotypical in a book like this, it does have its own unique twists. I do like Annalise and how she knows what she doesn't want out of life, and while she does "change her mind" about somethings she still has her own sense of what's right that doesn't change. Caspian on the other hand went from being someone you really wouldn't mind falling off a cliff, to being a great book boyfriend who would do anything for Annalise. My only complaint about their relationship is that it seems like it went from one extreme (forcing her to be with him no matter what) to having actual feelings for each other in a short amount of time.
With the side characters I'm not quite sure who all is "good" and who all is "bad," which isn't a bad thing but it's quite a mixture. The Aunt is an interesting one, at times she appears weak and others she seems like the worst character of all. How she treats Annalise at times is weird, she wants her to be meek and obedient but then she, herself at times isn't, so it's kind of a do as I say not as I do situation. Also the fact that she dismisses Annalise's feelings and wishes about not just being someone's mate, especially the alpha's just shows how self absorbed she is. The uncle on the other hand you don't know much about, for him to be the one to more or less sell Annalise to Caspian there really wasn't much going on with him. The only other character I have mixed feelings about is Caspian's brother, at times he seems like he hates Caspian and wants to take him down (at least to me it seemed that way) and then at others he seemed like a brother who would do anything to support his brother. So either he's going to be a big help later on or he's one of the bad guys.
Overall this was a great book and I can't wait to see where the story goes next, especially with the cliffhanger that Rachel left us on at the end.
𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐚: 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐞 is the first book in the Wolves of New Eden series by Rachel Jonas, featuring the beginning of an enemies to lovers wolf romance that leans toward the darker edges. Annalise was a strong-willed she-wolf with progressive ideas about how to improve the lives of females within the clan, until her own family bartered her away to the Alpha like a piece of property. Alpha Caspian, cruel and unyielding, was building a harem, and Annalise would be his crowned jewel. She was expected to act meek and submissive, totally opposite of her real personality, which was how she found herself paying consequences. The real problem, though, was the undeniable attraction between them, and the mystery surrounding Caspian. Perhaps he’s not as bad as he first seemed to be. But apparently, nothing is as it seems, because danger is lurking around them. Will Annalise and Caspian progress their relationship before it’s too late?
I love the unique perspective of this shifter romance, with a more progressive FMC. Her strength of character and bravery was admirable and also fun to watch, knowing she was going to create trouble for herself. Caspian was definitely cruel at first, but it quickly became clear that he has many layers, and it’s going to be a journey to truly get to know him. But, I found myself liking him more and more, as the connection between him and Annalise grew. The angst, the spicy chemistry, and the will-they-or-won’t-they tension had me on the edge of my seat. Then, some amazing plot twists started happening that have me ready to beg for the next book!! All is not well in New Eden, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶
Never thought that a paranormal shifter romance will make me this involved in the story as the Cruel Alpha: Season One . And Rachel Jonas is one of my new favourite authors. The world building is interesting and unexpected by mixing modern and old world customs and ways. The plot line is full of twists and turns and a few mystery and secrets to make the story even more captivating. And all those contradictions - corset dresses and cargo pants, tattoo skaners and cars, electricity and candles. They only make the story unique. And Annalise is such a great character. She stands for herself and is a bit independent for the world she lives in. And she's overprotective and loyal to her family even though when that family abused that loyalty. She knows what she wants and goes for it . And I loved it that whatever happened to her she kept her moral compas and always knew what's right and managed to do the right thing in every situation. And she was ready to admit and accept her changed opinion on Caspian and her feelings for him. Because as the Alpha Caspian wasn't an easy to read and deal with. Because he stands for some of the archaic ways Annalise is opposed to. And I loved to see the changes in him and his attitude toward Annalise. These scenes when Caspian gave her the title and fully supported her decision considering her aunt, gave a hint how much he value and appreciate her . But that last few chapters showed Caspian as a changed and devoted mate. I'm curious about some of the side characters on both sides. I totally disliked Annalise's aunt and uncle and one of the cousins and not sure about the other cousin. And definitely Caspian's brother. Not sure if he's the bad one or a good. And that ending of season one , I'm so not good with it. And also I don't know how much I have to wait for the next season.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Ok, this one had me glued till the very end because the author painted such a vivid world of a nobility civilization amongst these wolf shifters. Where women are looked at as property and to act a certain way. Each quadrant has its own distinct way of ruling their clans. We meet Annalise who wants to be seen as more than just a mate but as someone of value with ideas. Unfortunately for her when she thinks she's finally going to be seen as more than just a noble bloodline she finds herself in a situation that she despises the most. A pawn in the cruel world of the new Alpha Caspian. She has been betrayed and led into something she doesn't quite fully understand yet and even more questions will arise as she navigates this new world she's found herself drawn to the more she tries to fight it. Will she find love and acceptance or will this be her downfall?
Caspian is the new Alpha of his clan and has a reputation as a man who can be cruel when needed along with an appetite for the ladies. He's very much a broody man who antagonizes Annalise as much as he can. The only problem is he seems to have caught more feelings than he expected for his new mate along this twisted tale that is playing out. Is he the hero or the villain of the story? It's yet to be decided still.
This one ends on a cliffhanger with so many questions that will leave you needing more ASAP!! If you love a PNR with the enemies-to-lovers vibes, betrayal, secrets, angst, and a bit of spice then this is an Absolute Must Read!! I can say without a doubt I totally need more of this story!! Highly recommend it!!
A Spicy Mix of Contemporary, Regency, Paranormal Romance, and Suspense.
Annalise and Caspian. A match I didn’t know I needed.
Ms Jonas is a different breed of Romance Author. I’ve read her novels for years and have never been disappointed by the left turn her views on numerous genres have taken. In this particular series, She starts us out in a contemporary, earth-like world with a rebellious Heroine named Annalise. We quickly learn that she, and the rest of the humanoids in this world are Wolf Shifters. As Annalise moves from her normal life into the life of the chosen mate of her Clan’s Alpha, Caspian, we take a turn to a more Regency feeling romance. I was drawn in immediately and didn’t want to put the novel down. No demure and mindful damsel, Annalise is confronted with many problems which would’ve been less stressful if she’d only towed the line. Not our Little Wolf. Because of the combustive nature of this new romance, sparks fly and I’m here for them. I’m really enjoying following their romantic journey. But, not all journeys have happy endings. This first novel in the series has some pretty dramatic brutal points which might be hard for some readers to stomach. And finally, it ends with a cliffhanger. I’m sooo looking forward to the rest of the story!! I’m sure it will be worth the wait.
Review: ✨Cruel Alpha: Season One✨ Wolves of New Eden #1
By Rachel Jonas
✨ Paranormal Romance ✨ Wolf Shifter Romance ✨ Enemies to Lovers
⭐ 5/5
Cas and Annalise
This story of wolf shifters and mates is as old as it is new. At least in this one. Annalise is forced to be the mate to the Alpha of her pack, Caspian. But Cas is cruel. As an alpha, he can’t show any weakness and has to do what is best for the pack. He will grow on the readers as under all his cold exterior is a Cas with other sides to him. Annalise is not what she should be. She is stubborn and knows what she wants and doesn’t want. But all her not so submissive behavior brings her into problems a lot. With time she finds herself drawn to Cas, but she also realizes that his actions and words do not be the same. There is sure a lot to come and the cliffhanger at the end left me very curious. Some people are suspicious and you never know where the danger is. Will the relationship between Cas and Annalise move forward? Or are they bound to fail?
I loved the concept of this story. It seems to be set back in the day when there was social standings and men ruled the household. It honestly is a nice twist to the typical werewolf stories you tend to read.
Annalise is a strong spirit. She has a lot of ambitions for the future of her Quadrant. One especially where women have the choice of what they want to do with their lives. Certain events happen where a misunderstood invitation leeds her to being trapped at the palace with a certain nasty Alpha Caspian. Caspian is still a mystery to me. I can't wait to see more sides of him in the season two. So far I love the interactions between Annalise and Caspian and I cant wait to see what the future holds for the both of them.
This story aka season one is short but intense. A lot of things happen in a short period of time. I was absolutely hooked and now I am just hoping that season 2 comes out sooner than later. After a cliffhanger like that, this girl needs some answers. Highly reccomend!
WOW, what a ride! 🐺💖 This is the first book in the New Eden series, and it pulled me in despite not usually being into werewolves.
The story revolves around Caspian and Annalise, and their journey from uncertainty to a deep connection is beautifully written. Caspian thinks he needs a harem, but Annalise shows him that she’s the only one he truly needs. Their slow-burn romance and the way he protects her had me hooked! 🔥
Plus, there’s a mystery brewing about who’s working against Annalise, which leaves me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait for book 2! 📚✨
If you’re looking for a fresh take on werewolf stories, definitely check this one out!
A great new series from Rachel Jonas – Cruel Alpha Season One is the first book in the Wolves of New Eden Series. I was hooked from the start. Annalise thinks that she finally is getting her chance to meet with the Alpha to discuss women’s rights in the pack only to find out that her Aunt and Uncle have traded her as a mate to the Alpha for their comfort and riches. Annalise wants nothing to do with Caspian. Her defiance leads to a lot of back and forth between the two. The more they interact, the more they are drawn to each other. Throw in a mystery around the health of the Alpha, a devious plot, and a murder attempt and you have all the ingredients for a great story. I loved this book and am completely hooked for Season 2.
STARTED OFF INTRIGUING, Caspian did seem like a ruthless alpha and extremely heavy handed. Season 1 is wayyy better than Season 2, because in Book 2, it appeared as if someone had declawed Caspian and turned him into a kitten. Everything that intrigued me about him turned completely different in Book 2, as if he was dare I say emasculated by a woman?
ANNALISE wasn't all that bad, but she didn't quite shine either.
Passion wise, Book 1 was hot but there was nothing in Book 2, and I'm very very sure they haven't had sex yet.
OVERALL while this read like an amateur shifter romance, I still enjoyed it, and for the sake of having closure, I look forward to reading Season 3.
What happens when you get a chance to talk to the new head Alpha about change in your territory? Well you take it right, well what happens when that is so not the reason you are summoned to actually meet said Alpha? Annalise is definitely not going to make this easy on Caspian, not at all. But what happens when they both start to feel things for each other? Oh and a little thing like a murder plot thrown in....who is behind it, and what is really going on. This is a story that just grips you from beginning to end
Caspian really is a cruel alpha when we first meet him. He’s ready to take what he wants and that is Annalise. Annalise is a headstrong progressive she-wolf who wants to better the clan, specifically for the females. However, Cas is having none of it. But we do see that he seems to have another side to him and there’s a lot we haven’t learned yet. I despise Annalise’s family and I’m proud of how she’s handled herself. There’s one heck of a cliffhanger there so I’m really excited for book 2!
This is the first season of this book. When I tell you I was so invested in this story of Annalise and Caspian. When Annalise thinks she is getting an invite to meet Caspian for one thing turns out to be nothing more than an invite to say she has been chosen to be his mate. This book has you wondering how things will go and how this will become more than what is on the surface. By the end I was not ready for thst cliffhanger and can't wait for season two.
okay this is supposed to be a werewolf shifter romance but they’re barely wolves at all or mentioned just alpha and like one shift so i wouldn’t consider this a werewolf romance.
as far as the plot it’s really interesting however im not sure how we are supposed to like the mmc? like are we? because in my opinion he’s lowkey insufferable and not very well written.
the fmc is pretty cool tho, even if she’s a bit useless.
I loved this book. The story follows Annalise, an independent strong woman, who wants equality and love. But when her family sells her to the Alpha.. she's stuck in a horrible spot. Though through many interactions, Annalise realizes maybe Cas isn't so bad. The ending has left me hanging on to the edge of my seat with a tingling cliffhanger wanting MORE! A great beginning with well developed characters and settings. This story did not disappoint at all.
Omg! That ending had me on pins and needles! I will be needing book 2 asap.
I absolutely love the chemistry between Cas and Annalise. I can't wait to see where their story will go. My fingers are crossed that Cas forgets about taking more wives.
I will always be a huge fan of werewolf stories, and this one did not disappoint. I can't wait to see what happens next.
The only problem I have with this book? It’s too short. An enemies to lovers scenario. Our heroine is loud and in her society? Outspoken. Her Alpha? A strong King, blood entrenched when he needs to be, in a highly patriarchal society. Just too short! I now have to wait for book 2!
3.5/5⭐️ 1.5/5🌶 Short, but decent start. Relationship developed too quickly with little interaction between Analise and Caspian. Also needs more world building to provide more details about their "wolf" and how the pack works. Everything feels superficial at this point, but hope the remainder of the series provides more details.
Enemies to lovers, wolf shifters and a quick read! I think this was a story line that started off on a platform where each chapter was an “episode” and it does read as that. This is going to be a trilogy and I already preordered the next two books! It’s medium spice and a huge cliffhanger at the end!
I always loved this author’s work of the books I’ve read so far and I can’t wait for the next book!
This just might be my favorite Rachel Jonas book I've ever read! I binge read this so quick almost in one sitting! These two characters absolutely rub each other the wrong way and both are determined to get what they want. Our FMC is very strong willed with a mouth that gets her in trouble more often then not. Our MMC is definitely the alpha and expects what he says and wants to be followed without question. Ohhhh...our FMC is just brave enough to push his boundaries and the results are an explosion waiting to happen! This book hooked me from page one and I couldn't seem to stop reading! If you love a good possessively alpha werewolf book, then this is the one you need to read! I can't wait for the next book!!
Cruel Alpha Season One is the first book in the Wolves of New Eden series. This book is about Annalise and Caspian and is told from both of their points of view.
Caspian is a wolf alpha and he is looking for mates. Annalise has lost her family and now lives with her aunt and uncle. They decide the would rather have a hefty sum of money then Annalise and sell her to the alpha.
Annalise does not take this well. She wants nothing to do with him, but he refuses to go without her now.
I loved the banter between these two characters. Both had their funny moments. So much happened in this book and I am very interested to see where this series goes next!