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Marked by Alphas #1
Marked (Marked by Alphas, #1)
Three alphas. One mysterious mark. Zero chance of escape.
Rule #1 of surviving as a semi-functional Avoid dark forests at all costs. Thanks for the childhood trauma, Mom.
But here I am, broke and desperate, heading to my late mother’s cottage in Cedar Grove—a town that’s basically a forest with a zip code. I thought my biggest problem would be the sketchy WiFi and distinct lack of takeout options.
Then I met the Stone brothers. Again, apparently.
Three gorgeous, impossibly tall mountain men who’ve been watching me for years—not creepy at all. Marcus, the commanding CEO whose very presence makes me want to bare my throat and submit in ways I can’t explain. Derek, the ex-military bad boy whose possessive growls make me weak in places I definitely shouldn’t mention. And Caleb, the charming youngest whose sweet smile melts my defenses right before his hungry eyes make me forget how to breathe.
That mysterious scar I’ve had since forever? It burns whenever they’re near. And they seem to know way too much about me.
Now strange men with gleaming eyes are stalking the shadows, and my instincts scream danger—except when I’m with the brothers. Something inside me knows I’m safe with them, which makes zero sense because I’ve known them for approximately five minutes.
Turns out Mom’s warnings about monsters in the woods weren’t paranoia after all. She just forgot to mention my protectors might be more dangerous than the things they’re protecting me from.
Marked by Alphas, Book 1: Marked is a MM paranormal reverse harem romance
A snarky protagonistThree possessive, protective alpha brothers who don’t like to share (except with each other)Mysterious marks and fated bondsSize difference that'll make you swoonForced proximityTouch-starved tensionA compound in the woods (because where else?)Book 1 builds the tension with heated kisses and intense chemistrySeries heat level rises significantly from Book 2 onwardBlood Moon Chronicle Books
Marked by Alphas
(Kai and the Stone Brothers)
Book 1: Marked
Book 2: Claimed
Bound by Alphas
(Finn and the Sinclair Brothers)
Book 1: Bound
Rule #1 of surviving as a semi-functional Avoid dark forests at all costs. Thanks for the childhood trauma, Mom.
But here I am, broke and desperate, heading to my late mother’s cottage in Cedar Grove—a town that’s basically a forest with a zip code. I thought my biggest problem would be the sketchy WiFi and distinct lack of takeout options.
Then I met the Stone brothers. Again, apparently.
Three gorgeous, impossibly tall mountain men who’ve been watching me for years—not creepy at all. Marcus, the commanding CEO whose very presence makes me want to bare my throat and submit in ways I can’t explain. Derek, the ex-military bad boy whose possessive growls make me weak in places I definitely shouldn’t mention. And Caleb, the charming youngest whose sweet smile melts my defenses right before his hungry eyes make me forget how to breathe.
That mysterious scar I’ve had since forever? It burns whenever they’re near. And they seem to know way too much about me.
Now strange men with gleaming eyes are stalking the shadows, and my instincts scream danger—except when I’m with the brothers. Something inside me knows I’m safe with them, which makes zero sense because I’ve known them for approximately five minutes.
Turns out Mom’s warnings about monsters in the woods weren’t paranoia after all. She just forgot to mention my protectors might be more dangerous than the things they’re protecting me from.
Marked by Alphas, Book 1: Marked is a MM paranormal reverse harem romance
A snarky protagonistThree possessive, protective alpha brothers who don’t like to share (except with each other)Mysterious marks and fated bondsSize difference that'll make you swoonForced proximityTouch-starved tensionA compound in the woods (because where else?)Book 1 builds the tension with heated kisses and intense chemistrySeries heat level rises significantly from Book 2 onwardBlood Moon Chronicle Books
Marked by Alphas
(Kai and the Stone Brothers)
Book 1: Marked
Book 2: Claimed
Bound by Alphas
(Finn and the Sinclair Brothers)
Book 1: Bound
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2025
341 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 31, 2025
Repetitve
I normally do t leave reviews. And I really wanted to give this 5 stars. The storyline deserves it. HOWEVER, the author recycled so many lines and descriptions that I got bored 30% into the book. Why did they do that? I understand the overlapping POV timelines. But every 3-4 pages I would read a sentence or series of adjectives that I just read previously. I’m honestly not sure how this got past a publisher or ARC reader team.
I normally do t leave reviews. And I really wanted to give this 5 stars. The storyline deserves it. HOWEVER, the author recycled so many lines and descriptions that I got bored 30% into the book. Why did they do that? I understand the overlapping POV timelines. But every 3-4 pages I would read a sentence or series of adjectives that I just read previously. I’m honestly not sure how this got past a publisher or ARC reader team.
June 2, 2025
At first when I started reading, I was excited to see that the MC was Asian as representation feels rare in this genre. But I was quickly disappointed.
The first major red flag was with the introduction of Anna - one of the few female characters with speaking lines whose only role was to fetishize the MCs. I actually gagged at ‘seme sandwhich’ and ‘perfect uke energy’. It not only feels like a fetishization of gay men but also of Asians. Reading this book made me suspect that the only reason Zara Lee wrote the main character as half asian was to create some sort of self insert fanfiction for a yaoi manga except she’s inserted herself as a side character who literally drools over the main characters while mumbling her fantasies outloud. Reading these passages felt like I was being sexually harassed and racially fetishized at the same time.
Maybe this kind of representation of mm fiction is for a different target audience but I wish they had labeled this series as yaoi/bl adjacent so I didn’t have to waste time cringing my way through 426 pages.
Aside from the issues above, this book is filled with your typical tropes for the mm/shifter genre: Instalove and a Mary Sue MC but so badly done that you wonder if the author even tried to give her characters real personalities beyond cute, horny, and clumsy vs hot, horny, and territorial.
I typically don’t mind the insta love so much as it’s a characteristic of the genre with the whole fated mate situation but this is an example of an author using that trope as an excuse for lazy writing instead of actually trying to develop an interesting relationship.
There’s a lot of other issues, like how obvious everyone is with the supposed big secret and how the MC is simultaneously ‘too observant’ and completely oblivious to the hints that no one in town is bothering to hide.
Or how the MC suddenly jumps from wondering if he’s asexual to instantly getting horny for 3 brothers and doesn’t question his sexuality or any of this behavior beyond saying ‘it feels right’ and ‘hahah this is so weird’ before accepting it and continuing on without a care. Again, lazy writing.
Also the dialogue between the MCs - specifically when Kai is supposedly flirting - is unironically corny and just very difficult to read without cringing.
It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read but it’s one of the few that made me annoyed enough to actually write a review for it.
If it isn’t obvious yet, I don’t plan on finishing the series.
The first major red flag was with the introduction of Anna - one of the few female characters with speaking lines whose only role was to fetishize the MCs. I actually gagged at ‘seme sandwhich’ and ‘perfect uke energy’. It not only feels like a fetishization of gay men but also of Asians. Reading this book made me suspect that the only reason Zara Lee wrote the main character as half asian was to create some sort of self insert fanfiction for a yaoi manga except she’s inserted herself as a side character who literally drools over the main characters while mumbling her fantasies outloud. Reading these passages felt like I was being sexually harassed and racially fetishized at the same time.
Maybe this kind of representation of mm fiction is for a different target audience but I wish they had labeled this series as yaoi/bl adjacent so I didn’t have to waste time cringing my way through 426 pages.
Aside from the issues above, this book is filled with your typical tropes for the mm/shifter genre: Instalove and a Mary Sue MC but so badly done that you wonder if the author even tried to give her characters real personalities beyond cute, horny, and clumsy vs hot, horny, and territorial.
I typically don’t mind the insta love so much as it’s a characteristic of the genre with the whole fated mate situation but this is an example of an author using that trope as an excuse for lazy writing instead of actually trying to develop an interesting relationship.
There’s a lot of other issues, like how obvious everyone is with the supposed big secret and how the MC is simultaneously ‘too observant’ and completely oblivious to the hints that no one in town is bothering to hide.
Or how the MC suddenly jumps from wondering if he’s asexual to instantly getting horny for 3 brothers and doesn’t question his sexuality or any of this behavior beyond saying ‘it feels right’ and ‘hahah this is so weird’ before accepting it and continuing on without a care. Again, lazy writing.
Also the dialogue between the MCs - specifically when Kai is supposedly flirting - is unironically corny and just very difficult to read without cringing.
It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read but it’s one of the few that made me annoyed enough to actually write a review for it.
If it isn’t obvious yet, I don’t plan on finishing the series.
June 12, 2025
dnf @ 83%.
The story really intrigued me, and I wanted to like it. I started skimming a lot at around 60%, and then I realized it was a multi-book series, so I gave up on it. Absolutely nothing happens besides a shit-ton of eating, some comments made under breaths, stalking, sleeping, and off page pack border issues. There's no reason this needed to be drug out into multiple books when there are 4 pages a chapter about the food they're eating. I simply just didn't care enough about any of the characters, and the storyline wasn't strong enough to keep me interested.
The story really intrigued me, and I wanted to like it. I started skimming a lot at around 60%, and then I realized it was a multi-book series, so I gave up on it. Absolutely nothing happens besides a shit-ton of eating, some comments made under breaths, stalking, sleeping, and off page pack border issues. There's no reason this needed to be drug out into multiple books when there are 4 pages a chapter about the food they're eating. I simply just didn't care enough about any of the characters, and the storyline wasn't strong enough to keep me interested.
February 24, 2025
kind of a round beginning but it did even out later
I know most romances have shifting POV. That’s fine. However pick one to tell a scene, then the next scene can be from a different pov. I do not need to repeatedly reread the same scene from each POV. I get it, it’s fun, but it’s also repetitive and doesn’t really help to move the story along. Also, for a MMMM story, I agree with Kai the hot and cold thing is irritating. It lasted probably a bit too long. Also, as another review put it, find different phrases. Reading the same description (not pet name) over and over also gets old and is distracting. Lastly, I get it, but I don’t need or want subtitles after every foreign phrase or word. The entire story was a bit too fan fiction. The three brothers were “mountains in designer labels” and the jokes about tactical squirrels was funny once. After that it was old and awkward. I spent so much time in Kai’s rambling jittery word salad of expression that a lot of times entire scenes just seemed to skip over development points that would have helped the narrative along. Were Kai’s ramblings often humorous? Yes, but we the reader already Know he’s the mate, so I would Much rather get to know what’s going on in the local pack, the territory dispute, the business of being a pack leader. Heck even more about Kai’s life growing up. It was a Lot of stream of consciousness possessive stares, banter, without a lot of world building. It’s interesting, but I’m not all that invested in the characters. Lastly, why is a novel that is both reverse haram and involves fated mates and three brothers, and a maid who Clearly is a Yaoi fan so…. Ummm it’s more than closed door. It’s almost like talking about being turned on is not allowed. There’s tingling, and “he can Feel” but that’s it.
I know most romances have shifting POV. That’s fine. However pick one to tell a scene, then the next scene can be from a different pov. I do not need to repeatedly reread the same scene from each POV. I get it, it’s fun, but it’s also repetitive and doesn’t really help to move the story along. Also, for a MMMM story, I agree with Kai the hot and cold thing is irritating. It lasted probably a bit too long. Also, as another review put it, find different phrases. Reading the same description (not pet name) over and over also gets old and is distracting. Lastly, I get it, but I don’t need or want subtitles after every foreign phrase or word. The entire story was a bit too fan fiction. The three brothers were “mountains in designer labels” and the jokes about tactical squirrels was funny once. After that it was old and awkward. I spent so much time in Kai’s rambling jittery word salad of expression that a lot of times entire scenes just seemed to skip over development points that would have helped the narrative along. Were Kai’s ramblings often humorous? Yes, but we the reader already Know he’s the mate, so I would Much rather get to know what’s going on in the local pack, the territory dispute, the business of being a pack leader. Heck even more about Kai’s life growing up. It was a Lot of stream of consciousness possessive stares, banter, without a lot of world building. It’s interesting, but I’m not all that invested in the characters. Lastly, why is a novel that is both reverse haram and involves fated mates and three brothers, and a maid who Clearly is a Yaoi fan so…. Ummm it’s more than closed door. It’s almost like talking about being turned on is not allowed. There’s tingling, and “he can Feel” but that’s it.
August 14, 2025
It was disappointing…
At first it had everything to make it a great read:
- Asian mc
- 3 hot brothers
- small town
- alpha/omega dynamic
- marking
- lost memories
- found family
So for the love of God why was it so boring and repetitive…
The brother’s POV was just a recap of the last chapter with barely any changes..
It took them almost 300 chapters to kiss and don’t get me started on the fact that those 300+ pages consist of just 1 week of time in the book.
A week in which NOTHING happens for the plot is just eating and walks and growly alphas because apparently moaning at food is very sexy 🙄
At first it had everything to make it a great read:
- Asian mc
- 3 hot brothers
- small town
- alpha/omega dynamic
- marking
- lost memories
- found family
So for the love of God why was it so boring and repetitive…
The brother’s POV was just a recap of the last chapter with barely any changes..
It took them almost 300 chapters to kiss and don’t get me started on the fact that those 300+ pages consist of just 1 week of time in the book.
A week in which NOTHING happens for the plot is just eating and walks and growly alphas because apparently moaning at food is very sexy 🙄
February 12, 2025
I love it
Honestly I’m Asian and we do not get enough representation in books so it’s always hard to connect to a lot of characters on a deeper level. It’s so funny to read through Kai and read his thoughts because if you’re Asian you’d truly understand just how superstitious someone in your family can be about the world and it’s so relatable.
Honestly as I’m heading towards the end I was happy this is only book 1 as I felt everything was too slow but as I know we’re getting a book 2 I’m really happy cause then you can really get a glimpse and see that out of the 3 brothers there isn’t really a favored one and each brings something to the table.
What I want more in book 2 would be a glimpse more into Kai’s past as well as the stones. We need to know the origins of Kai. There’s just so much to add I hope book 2 will bring light to it all.
Honestly I’m Asian and we do not get enough representation in books so it’s always hard to connect to a lot of characters on a deeper level. It’s so funny to read through Kai and read his thoughts because if you’re Asian you’d truly understand just how superstitious someone in your family can be about the world and it’s so relatable.
Honestly as I’m heading towards the end I was happy this is only book 1 as I felt everything was too slow but as I know we’re getting a book 2 I’m really happy cause then you can really get a glimpse and see that out of the 3 brothers there isn’t really a favored one and each brings something to the table.
What I want more in book 2 would be a glimpse more into Kai’s past as well as the stones. We need to know the origins of Kai. There’s just so much to add I hope book 2 will bring light to it all.
May 10, 2025
Well, well, well, what do we have here? A shifter book? A small partly Asian (because of course) sassy "boy" meeting a... not that small... men. Wait, that can't be right? And he's already claimed?? And he's been watched and protected for... oh... I mean... I guess...
I guess I could get behind this.
I am a fan of poly books, okay? If you're not, you should probably leave now but I think the title/names are clear enough in their subtlety to communicate this fact. I am not always happy with what I find - some people decided more people means an excuse to do the Thing all the time and cou practically don't see the characters clothed after a certain point. I am also a fan of shifter books but sometimes, shifter just means bigotry and small minds hiding behind tradition. I am mostly happy with size differences when they're not absurd or too unkind to the smaller partner.
What I mean to say is that a lot of things could have gone wrong and instead, a lot of things went right. There are three distinct love interests, a mystery and fear of the woods, a small anxious but fierce "human"... the stalking was almost respectful and possessive, the romance was very chaste, the vulnerable and unaware MC (minor spoiler alert) did not get damsel-ed, the pace was slow and the scenes were mostly mundane but the everpresent tension kept it from getting boring. The brothers had their clashes but were also family (boys that growl together stay...) I mean if you're not okay with three brothers being A-okay with getting one very special mate, you're in the wrong place. I kept expecting something to turn me away but I as just slowly but surely impressed by all these little things - the three love interests were kept distinct in that traditional poly romance that keeps things tidy in my head. I was constantly expecting things to finally Happen but instead ended up enjoying the slow seduction - of both the MC and me.
His constant thinking out loud was probably my least favourite part and there were a few parts where the alternate POV repeated what just happened and some over-exposition through fake dialogue, Anna was a bit awkward/4th wall breaking etc. but overall, those are really minor things compared to everything I liked.
I think the initial push could be the stalking - it's very clear, very soon a web was spun around Kai and he's basically just "following a script" laid out before him. Going back to his home town and very "accidentally" meeting the Stones when all he wants is to get out of there. But the world doesn't always give you what you want and instead provides what you need and it was hard to feel threatened or like they were undeserving when he was swept off his feet, fed, cuddled, provided with... let's not spoiler... The book banks on our favourite trope of a character out of his depth, stumbling around and eating instant ramen getting a the spoiling a special snowflake like him deserves. Not that anyone would like to live out such a fantasy or anything...
Overall, while I understand some protests, I am officially on board and looking forward to the next book. Heat does sound much better after this setting of the scene - there are books that go for explicit or dirty and give men hard ons from like, looks and then there's this, the romantic kind of heat that is as much about the mind and emotions as the heat itself and I am so here for it.
I guess I could get behind this.
I am a fan of poly books, okay? If you're not, you should probably leave now but I think the title/names are clear enough in their subtlety to communicate this fact. I am not always happy with what I find - some people decided more people means an excuse to do the Thing all the time and cou practically don't see the characters clothed after a certain point. I am also a fan of shifter books but sometimes, shifter just means bigotry and small minds hiding behind tradition. I am mostly happy with size differences when they're not absurd or too unkind to the smaller partner.
What I mean to say is that a lot of things could have gone wrong and instead, a lot of things went right. There are three distinct love interests, a mystery and fear of the woods, a small anxious but fierce "human"... the stalking was almost respectful and possessive, the romance was very chaste, the vulnerable and unaware MC (minor spoiler alert) did not get damsel-ed, the pace was slow and the scenes were mostly mundane but the everpresent tension kept it from getting boring. The brothers had their clashes but were also family (boys that growl together stay...) I mean if you're not okay with three brothers being A-okay with getting one very special mate, you're in the wrong place. I kept expecting something to turn me away but I as just slowly but surely impressed by all these little things - the three love interests were kept distinct in that traditional poly romance that keeps things tidy in my head. I was constantly expecting things to finally Happen but instead ended up enjoying the slow seduction - of both the MC and me.
His constant thinking out loud was probably my least favourite part and there were a few parts where the alternate POV repeated what just happened and some over-exposition through fake dialogue, Anna was a bit awkward/4th wall breaking etc. but overall, those are really minor things compared to everything I liked.
I think the initial push could be the stalking - it's very clear, very soon a web was spun around Kai and he's basically just "following a script" laid out before him. Going back to his home town and very "accidentally" meeting the Stones when all he wants is to get out of there. But the world doesn't always give you what you want and instead provides what you need and it was hard to feel threatened or like they were undeserving when he was swept off his feet, fed, cuddled, provided with... let's not spoiler... The book banks on our favourite trope of a character out of his depth, stumbling around and eating instant ramen getting a the spoiling a special snowflake like him deserves. Not that anyone would like to live out such a fantasy or anything...
Overall, while I understand some protests, I am officially on board and looking forward to the next book. Heat does sound much better after this setting of the scene - there are books that go for explicit or dirty and give men hard ons from like, looks and then there's this, the romantic kind of heat that is as much about the mind and emotions as the heat itself and I am so here for it.
February 13, 2025
Marked kicks off Zara Lee’s Marked by Alphas series with a deliciously mysterious and steamy paranormal romance that delivers on the promise of intense chemistry, possessive alphas, and plenty of emotional and physical tension. The story follows the snarky and reluctant hero who, after inheriting his late mother’s cottage in Cedar Grove, finds himself face-to-face with the enigmatic and irresistibly hot Stone brothers—Marcus, Derek, and Caleb—three impossibly tall, rugged men who harbor dangerous secrets and share a connection to him that he doesn’t fully understand.
The novel blends elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy with a solid dash of suspense. The hero's first-person narrative is witty, sarcastic, and refreshingly relatable, despite the chaotic and supernatural world he is thrust into. His inner conflict—torn between an instinctual pull toward the Stone brothers and his wariness of their intentions—keeps the plot engaging. It also leads to plenty of moments of tension as the brothers’ individual personalities add layers of complexity to the burgeoning relationship.
Each of the Stone brothers offers a distinct dynamic to the relationship: Marcus is the commanding CEO with an undeniable air of authority, Derek is the rugged ex-military bad boy who practically hums with possessiveness, and Caleb is the charming, sweet-hearted youngest whose warmth provides a sharp contrast to the otherwise intense atmosphere. Together, they create a compelling, if somewhat overwhelming, love triangle (or, rather, a reverse harem) that fans of steamy paranormal romance will devour.
The world-building surrounding the mysterious forest, the protagonist’s strange mark, and the lurking danger gives Marked a solid foundation. The "monsters in the woods" twist ties in perfectly with the eerie and supernatural elements, drawing the reader deeper into a world where things are never quite as they seem. The tension between the hero and his protectors is palpable, especially as they confront the sinister forces surrounding them.
Lee’s writing is engaging, and while the novel does build suspense in a way that leaves you wanting more, it also doesn’t shy away from heat. The slow-burn attraction mixed with moments of undeniable chemistry will keep readers turning pages, particularly with the promise that the series will only intensify as it progresses.
Overall, Marked is an entertaining read for fans of paranormal romance with reverse harem dynamics, alpha heroes, and a healthy dose of mystery. The book sets up a promising series full of potential, with enough questions left unanswered to keep you hooked for Book 2. If you enjoy high heat, emotional roller coasters, and protective love interests, this series is sure to check all the right boxes.
The novel blends elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy with a solid dash of suspense. The hero's first-person narrative is witty, sarcastic, and refreshingly relatable, despite the chaotic and supernatural world he is thrust into. His inner conflict—torn between an instinctual pull toward the Stone brothers and his wariness of their intentions—keeps the plot engaging. It also leads to plenty of moments of tension as the brothers’ individual personalities add layers of complexity to the burgeoning relationship.
Each of the Stone brothers offers a distinct dynamic to the relationship: Marcus is the commanding CEO with an undeniable air of authority, Derek is the rugged ex-military bad boy who practically hums with possessiveness, and Caleb is the charming, sweet-hearted youngest whose warmth provides a sharp contrast to the otherwise intense atmosphere. Together, they create a compelling, if somewhat overwhelming, love triangle (or, rather, a reverse harem) that fans of steamy paranormal romance will devour.
The world-building surrounding the mysterious forest, the protagonist’s strange mark, and the lurking danger gives Marked a solid foundation. The "monsters in the woods" twist ties in perfectly with the eerie and supernatural elements, drawing the reader deeper into a world where things are never quite as they seem. The tension between the hero and his protectors is palpable, especially as they confront the sinister forces surrounding them.
Lee’s writing is engaging, and while the novel does build suspense in a way that leaves you wanting more, it also doesn’t shy away from heat. The slow-burn attraction mixed with moments of undeniable chemistry will keep readers turning pages, particularly with the promise that the series will only intensify as it progresses.
Overall, Marked is an entertaining read for fans of paranormal romance with reverse harem dynamics, alpha heroes, and a healthy dose of mystery. The book sets up a promising series full of potential, with enough questions left unanswered to keep you hooked for Book 2. If you enjoy high heat, emotional roller coasters, and protective love interests, this series is sure to check all the right boxes.
July 12, 2025
I wanted to like this book, but it’s just so poorly written. It’s basically fanfic, though I’ve read better fanfic. Zara needs good beta writers or editors in her camp.
I don’t write reviews- I don’t know if I ever have before, but I should start. This book inspired me to do this because I was so frustrated.
The premise is good, but there are several issues:
- Switching from first person to third is jarring. To say nothing of the fact that we see every scene TWICE. It’s so boring and adds nothing. Most dual-POV books don’t rehash the same chapter over and over. I wouldn’t mind 4 first person POVs as long as no one repeats the same scene over and over.
- Nothing happens in this book. Interesting (…maybe…) things are happening off the page while Kai eats. 50% of this book is eating and/or talking about cooking.
- Why do they have dogs AND turn into wolves? I don’t see the point of having wolf dogs TOO.
- Kai is so dumb. He misses every clue at every possible moment.
- There is never much conflict or anything interesting that arises from the fact that the Stone brothers share a mate. I would think this would be something that they struggle with, at least a little. They’re brothers. Yet it seems like besides some minor petty squabbles about who takes him on a date first, they are all super cool with what it means to share a mate with two of your own siblings.
- This sentence is just unforgivable:
“You are being”—she waved her hands expressively—“…completos idiotas!” (complete idiots!)”
No good books put translations in parentheses right behind the words in other languages. It’s absurd and made me irrationally angry every single time. I can’t take any of this seriously when this keeps happening in this book.
I’m going to start the second book because I’m slightly interested in what’s going to transpire, but I suspect that I will just flip through it. Also, a warning, nothing remotely 🌶️ takes place in this book whatsoever. Truthfully, that doesn’t really bother me in other circumstances, but it did in this one. This book is far too long to drag things out this much and then not even have any resolution.
I don’t write reviews- I don’t know if I ever have before, but I should start. This book inspired me to do this because I was so frustrated.
The premise is good, but there are several issues:
- Switching from first person to third is jarring. To say nothing of the fact that we see every scene TWICE. It’s so boring and adds nothing. Most dual-POV books don’t rehash the same chapter over and over. I wouldn’t mind 4 first person POVs as long as no one repeats the same scene over and over.
- Nothing happens in this book. Interesting (…maybe…) things are happening off the page while Kai eats. 50% of this book is eating and/or talking about cooking.
- Why do they have dogs AND turn into wolves? I don’t see the point of having wolf dogs TOO.
- Kai is so dumb. He misses every clue at every possible moment.
- There is never much conflict or anything interesting that arises from the fact that the Stone brothers share a mate. I would think this would be something that they struggle with, at least a little. They’re brothers. Yet it seems like besides some minor petty squabbles about who takes him on a date first, they are all super cool with what it means to share a mate with two of your own siblings.
- This sentence is just unforgivable:
“You are being”—she waved her hands expressively—“…completos idiotas!” (complete idiots!)”
No good books put translations in parentheses right behind the words in other languages. It’s absurd and made me irrationally angry every single time. I can’t take any of this seriously when this keeps happening in this book.
I’m going to start the second book because I’m slightly interested in what’s going to transpire, but I suspect that I will just flip through it. Also, a warning, nothing remotely 🌶️ takes place in this book whatsoever. Truthfully, that doesn’t really bother me in other circumstances, but it did in this one. This book is far too long to drag things out this much and then not even have any resolution.
September 4, 2025
Marked is a MMMM romance, or three big alpha werewolves brothers who had marked their mate when they were young and now years later are getting a chance to be together again. Kai temporarily comes to Cesar Grove to sell a cottage his mother owned and then leave for the city after. Since he was young, his mother had a weird thing about the forest and woods and transferred some of that negativity to her son, who actively seeks out cities and avoids forests like the plague. Even so, he is broke and needs the money, so he goes to this small town where everyone stares intensely and is determined to sell the place and get out of dodge!
He ends up meeting the Stone brothers, who seem to own everything, and had been taking care of the cottage his mother owned, for years.
Marcus is a rich CEO, who is cultured and dominate. Dereck is former military and currently runs security. Caleb is the youngest and the most fun, who saves Kai from his broken down car. The three are intense and for some reason Kai feels safe with him, even though he doesn’t know why.
MMMM romance
Werewolves
Amnesia
Found family
Rich hot men
Big, rugged mountain men
Brothers who share their mate
Spanish family who smother him with food
Intense moments between the three
Three overprotective wolf-dogs
Over protective mates
Mystery
Small town
Everyone knows something Kai doesn’t
This is a bit of a slow burn, nothing spicey happens in this book- just lots of stares and growls.
I was absolutely obsessed with this book! Is it the best book? No! But I had a fantastic time reading! I loved the premise since I read the summary and the book didn’t disappoint! I am hopping to the second book to continue the story, hoping I am just as happy then!!!
He ends up meeting the Stone brothers, who seem to own everything, and had been taking care of the cottage his mother owned, for years.
Marcus is a rich CEO, who is cultured and dominate. Dereck is former military and currently runs security. Caleb is the youngest and the most fun, who saves Kai from his broken down car. The three are intense and for some reason Kai feels safe with him, even though he doesn’t know why.
MMMM romance
Werewolves
Amnesia
Found family
Rich hot men
Big, rugged mountain men
Brothers who share their mate
Spanish family who smother him with food
Intense moments between the three
Three overprotective wolf-dogs
Over protective mates
Mystery
Small town
Everyone knows something Kai doesn’t
This is a bit of a slow burn, nothing spicey happens in this book- just lots of stares and growls.
I was absolutely obsessed with this book! Is it the best book? No! But I had a fantastic time reading! I loved the premise since I read the summary and the book didn’t disappoint! I am hopping to the second book to continue the story, hoping I am just as happy then!!!
May 5, 2025
That book was insanely good. I seriously can't wait for the second one — I'm already itching to dive back into that world.
The gay harem? Absolutely awesome. I felt just like Anna in the story.
I love how distinct the three brothers are: Caleb is playful and sweet; Derek is fiercely protective; and then there's Marcus (okay, he's totally my favorite) — dominant and magnetic.
Kai, the main character, is not only adorable but also genuinely funny and quietly strong.
I can't wait to see more of him.
The side characters — Luka, Jorge, Maria — were also surprisingly well-developed and super endearing. They didn’t feel like filler at all; they brought warmth and depth to the story.
Honestly, I just want to devour this book over and over again.
A few things I didn't love and hope will be addressed in book two:
The gay harem? Absolutely awesome. I felt just like Anna in the story.
I love how distinct the three brothers are: Caleb is playful and sweet; Derek is fiercely protective; and then there's Marcus (okay, he's totally my favorite) — dominant and magnetic.
Kai, the main character, is not only adorable but also genuinely funny and quietly strong.
I can't wait to see more of him.
The side characters — Luka, Jorge, Maria — were also surprisingly well-developed and super endearing. They didn’t feel like filler at all; they brought warmth and depth to the story.
Honestly, I just want to devour this book over and over again.
A few things I didn't love and hope will be addressed in book two:
July 11, 2025
ugh
I had hoped this would be ok. But god, this book is the definition of just because you can doesn’t mean you should. The author; she repeated herself every single page. The amount of times she refers to tactical gear or feeding up in the same three pages is out of control. Also? During the climax fight scene why is the MC talking to himself? HE LTIERALLy, upon learning this life changing secret, said “the family that slays together stays together”. Girl wtf is that????? Like sirx You’re in danger. Why are you monologuing? And why is it the most cringe homosexual TikTok language ever? It’s not even clever it’s really weirdly stereotypical. This is clearly mm romance by a straight woman. I cannot express how disappointed I was. I kept waiting for it there better and there was literally no development. Barely a plot. The food had more personality than the characters. And there is an insane amount of time spent of eating on this “book”. Do yourself a favor just skip it.
I cannot get over how the author chose three details and repeated them over and over. At one point, there’s a sexy scene and she literally says “something snapped” five times in two pages. If it was basically the end I would have quit. It’s so bad.
I thought i was done; but no. How many times is this woman gonna have her character talk about paella? It’s come up every chapter for five chapters. Is this the only food that the Spanish relatives know? Weird.
I had hoped this would be ok. But god, this book is the definition of just because you can doesn’t mean you should. The author; she repeated herself every single page. The amount of times she refers to tactical gear or feeding up in the same three pages is out of control. Also? During the climax fight scene why is the MC talking to himself? HE LTIERALLy, upon learning this life changing secret, said “the family that slays together stays together”. Girl wtf is that????? Like sirx You’re in danger. Why are you monologuing? And why is it the most cringe homosexual TikTok language ever? It’s not even clever it’s really weirdly stereotypical. This is clearly mm romance by a straight woman. I cannot express how disappointed I was. I kept waiting for it there better and there was literally no development. Barely a plot. The food had more personality than the characters. And there is an insane amount of time spent of eating on this “book”. Do yourself a favor just skip it.
I cannot get over how the author chose three details and repeated them over and over. At one point, there’s a sexy scene and she literally says “something snapped” five times in two pages. If it was basically the end I would have quit. It’s so bad.
I thought i was done; but no. How many times is this woman gonna have her character talk about paella? It’s come up every chapter for five chapters. Is this the only food that the Spanish relatives know? Weird.
February 27, 2025
I’ve not read this author before but I love wolf shifters, fated mates and spoke & wheel romances. So this book ticked all my boxes. However I think the execution needed work.
So, positives. Good world-building, not overwhelming and background information given as needed. As this is a duet we still have unanswered questions that I presumed will be dealt with in book 2. Our 3 sexy, billionaire alphas were written well, in the terms that they didn’t just ‘morph’ into one. I also love when pets are given a key role, and here we have three adorable doggos who were the bestest boys.
Negatives. Well our main MC, Kai, was either stupid or just oblivious. I’m leaning towards on purposely oblivious - like I just saw MC2 walk into woods and shift into a wolf, but clearly that didn’t happen as I’m really tired and must have imagined it…. Yes, seriously. Also our Alphas have stalked Kai for 9 years and then when he arrives back in town to sell his childhood home they manipulate him into staying. They bug his laptop, invade his privacy with cameras in his home. It just felt icky. I’m hoping that Kai goes ballistic when he finds out and there’s a proper grovel.
I’m not too sure if I’ll read this author again after I’ve finished the next book as we are left on a HFN. It depends on how I find it.
Oh, and no sex in this book. Heavy make out sessions but that’s it. I’m presuming sexy times start up in book 2.
So, positives. Good world-building, not overwhelming and background information given as needed. As this is a duet we still have unanswered questions that I presumed will be dealt with in book 2. Our 3 sexy, billionaire alphas were written well, in the terms that they didn’t just ‘morph’ into one. I also love when pets are given a key role, and here we have three adorable doggos who were the bestest boys.
Negatives. Well our main MC, Kai, was either stupid or just oblivious. I’m leaning towards on purposely oblivious - like I just saw MC2 walk into woods and shift into a wolf, but clearly that didn’t happen as I’m really tired and must have imagined it…. Yes, seriously. Also our Alphas have stalked Kai for 9 years and then when he arrives back in town to sell his childhood home they manipulate him into staying. They bug his laptop, invade his privacy with cameras in his home. It just felt icky. I’m hoping that Kai goes ballistic when he finds out and there’s a proper grovel.
I’m not too sure if I’ll read this author again after I’ve finished the next book as we are left on a HFN. It depends on how I find it.
Oh, and no sex in this book. Heavy make out sessions but that’s it. I’m presuming sexy times start up in book 2.
June 15, 2025
I need to say how completely obsessed I am with your writing style. The way you tell a story—so vivid, immersive, and rich in detail—builds excitement effortlessly. It reminds me of the best manga and anime: that addictive, emotionally charged storytelling that pulls you in and won’t let go.
There was a study once about how anime and manga impact the brain—how their storytelling can evoke intense emotions, sometimes even ones we didn’t know we had. That’s exactly what your books do. They hook me completely, and I find myself craving the next chapter with the same urgency I feel when I discover a new anime and realize it has multiple seasons.
Your MM books give me that same rush. I’m utterly obsessed. You’ve brought that kind of magic to life in your stories, and I’m so glad I found them. I’ll probably tear through them all by the end of the week because, honestly, I have zero self-control.
THANK YOU—new favorite writer unlocked!
There was a study once about how anime and manga impact the brain—how their storytelling can evoke intense emotions, sometimes even ones we didn’t know we had. That’s exactly what your books do. They hook me completely, and I find myself craving the next chapter with the same urgency I feel when I discover a new anime and realize it has multiple seasons.
Your MM books give me that same rush. I’m utterly obsessed. You’ve brought that kind of magic to life in your stories, and I’m so glad I found them. I’ll probably tear through them all by the end of the week because, honestly, I have zero self-control.
THANK YOU—new favorite writer unlocked!
August 7, 2025
I refuse to believe that someone can have a comeback for everything. Yes, I'm talking about you, Kai.
I see what the author tried to do; in her mind, she was probably imagining a BL book like a genuine manga/manhwa situation because if not, I'm not sure what she was thinking. These guys are BROTHERS sharing one partner. Only in a fantasy world would this happen.
There was a lot of repetition: Marcus being the older and all serious. Derek with the military thing, and Caleb being all playful. Same descriptions every time. Even when they interacted alone with Kai, he would always touch on the fact that their personalities were so different and blah, blah, blah.
There was also a lot of repetition in the scenes. Like if something happened between Kai and Caleb, we would see it from Kai's POV and then Caleb's POV. This made the book drag and be longer than needed.
A lot of characters too, but mainly, THREE BROTHERS wanting to bone the same person...
I see what the author tried to do; in her mind, she was probably imagining a BL book like a genuine manga/manhwa situation because if not, I'm not sure what she was thinking. These guys are BROTHERS sharing one partner. Only in a fantasy world would this happen.
There was a lot of repetition: Marcus being the older and all serious. Derek with the military thing, and Caleb being all playful. Same descriptions every time. Even when they interacted alone with Kai, he would always touch on the fact that their personalities were so different and blah, blah, blah.
There was also a lot of repetition in the scenes. Like if something happened between Kai and Caleb, we would see it from Kai's POV and then Caleb's POV. This made the book drag and be longer than needed.
A lot of characters too, but mainly, THREE BROTHERS wanting to bone the same person...
February 14, 2025
This book was a lot of fun. The MC Kai was a delight. He was actually sassy en we got to see it a lot. In a lot of books we are being told characters are sassy and we see them make one sassy remark and that's it. Kai was ridiculous throughout. And oblivious. Boy, was he oblivious. Sometimes a bit to much so.
The Love interests didn't get a whole lot of time to develop. There are three of them and they aren't very open with Kai in this book, so that is understandable. I hope to see more of their personalities in the later books, instead of the CEO, the military guy and the mischievous one. (Caleb is my favourite out of the three of them)
The one characters I didn't care for was Anna, the nosebleed was a bit to much. I hope she gets reigned in a bit in the coming books.
I'm looking forward to the next books, this one made me smile a lot and I hope the next one does so too.
The Love interests didn't get a whole lot of time to develop. There are three of them and they aren't very open with Kai in this book, so that is understandable. I hope to see more of their personalities in the later books, instead of the CEO, the military guy and the mischievous one. (Caleb is my favourite out of the three of them)
The one characters I didn't care for was Anna, the nosebleed was a bit to much. I hope she gets reigned in a bit in the coming books.
I'm looking forward to the next books, this one made me smile a lot and I hope the next one does so too.
June 16, 2025
M/MMM
🌶️
Paranormal
Werewolves
Kai returns to the small town his mother ran from 9 years ago. He learned that he inherited the cottage he and his mother moved in. He is there to sell it then leave but the town has other plans for him.
He learns that the Stone brothers have been doing the upkeep on his cottage. And he “meets” them each individually. Marcus the CEO, Derek the militant, and Caleb the heartthrob. They instantly have chemistry. And seem so familiar. He has memories returning to him.
Unbeknownst to him, they marked him as their mate years ago and have been keeping an eye on him from afar. Now that his is back in town, they plan to finalize the mate ritual.
Kai has no idea that they are shifters but can sense something about them. Until he is attacked by a rival pack. Then they are forced to reveal themselves for what they are. They wanted him to remember more before overwhelming him. But now the dog is out of the bag.
There are a lot of phrases repeated verbatim. It is quite annoying.
🌶️
Paranormal
Werewolves
Kai returns to the small town his mother ran from 9 years ago. He learned that he inherited the cottage he and his mother moved in. He is there to sell it then leave but the town has other plans for him.
He learns that the Stone brothers have been doing the upkeep on his cottage. And he “meets” them each individually. Marcus the CEO, Derek the militant, and Caleb the heartthrob. They instantly have chemistry. And seem so familiar. He has memories returning to him.
Unbeknownst to him, they marked him as their mate years ago and have been keeping an eye on him from afar. Now that his is back in town, they plan to finalize the mate ritual.
Kai has no idea that they are shifters but can sense something about them. Until he is attacked by a rival pack. Then they are forced to reveal themselves for what they are. They wanted him to remember more before overwhelming him. But now the dog is out of the bag.
There are a lot of phrases repeated verbatim. It is quite annoying.
September 1, 2025
There’s literally nothing anyone could do to convince me this was written by a human and not by AI. The first few chapters intrigued me, but nothing developed. everything stayed flat and the same beats kept repeating. The “snarky” character only has two recycled jokes, the others are just “the military guy” and “the businessman,” and that’s the extent of their personalities.
What really seals it for me is the writing itself. The sentence structure and grammar are flawless in that sterile, too-perfect way — no typos, no slips — but any human writer (or even reader!) would have caught how often phrases, jokes, and descriptions were recycled. It doesn’t read like a draft rushed to market; it reads like text generated by a program that knows grammar but not people.
I DNF at like 30%
What really seals it for me is the writing itself. The sentence structure and grammar are flawless in that sterile, too-perfect way — no typos, no slips — but any human writer (or even reader!) would have caught how often phrases, jokes, and descriptions were recycled. It doesn’t read like a draft rushed to market; it reads like text generated by a program that knows grammar but not people.
I DNF at like 30%
April 7, 2025
Okay, this had so much potential!! Slow burn, interesting characters, believable "forced proximity".
BUT
I got so tired of the repetition. Literally one paragraph would say something and then the NEXT TWO paragraphs would say the exact same thing with just different adjectives. It was so frustrating and slowing the progression of the story down. Sometimes a character would literally repeat their line. I honestly almost DNF-ed several times because I think Kai mentioned his "scar tingled" 80,000 times.
Got through it eventually after putting it down several times but I don't think I'll read anything else from this author.
BUT
I got so tired of the repetition. Literally one paragraph would say something and then the NEXT TWO paragraphs would say the exact same thing with just different adjectives. It was so frustrating and slowing the progression of the story down. Sometimes a character would literally repeat their line. I honestly almost DNF-ed several times because I think Kai mentioned his "scar tingled" 80,000 times.
Got through it eventually after putting it down several times but I don't think I'll read anything else from this author.
Read
February 13, 2025This was an amazing read! Fresh viewpoint, with a snarky, delightful main character. I love the interaction the main has with the best friend.
His description of the Alpha's with his runaway nervous mouth is delightful to read and envision. The Alpha's are intense, with their own strong characters showing through. I enjoyed how their own viewpoints were also given, adding a new dimension to the storyline.
Curious to see where the sub-characters lead too and their development as well - hope the best friend gets pulled into this!.
His description of the Alpha's with his runaway nervous mouth is delightful to read and envision. The Alpha's are intense, with their own strong characters showing through. I enjoyed how their own viewpoints were also given, adding a new dimension to the storyline.
Curious to see where the sub-characters lead too and their development as well - hope the best friend gets pulled into this!.
May 22, 2025
Why Choose
This read was good... 3.5
MMMM
REVERSE HAREM
SUPERNATURAL/WOLVES/OMEGA/ALPHA/POSSESSIVE/STALKING/MANIPULATION/SMALL TOWN
NO SMEX
DUAL 1ST PERSON POV
1 OUTTA 5 IN THE 🌶🌶🌶 DEPARTMENT
Two issues with the book:
The main mc's weight is harped on repeatedly. It's annoying and doesn't come off as concerned or mothering.
Second, the book is extremely repetitive in some areas. Therefore, not always drawing a distinction between the brothers to highlight their individuality outside of their similarities.
This read was good... 3.5
MMMM
REVERSE HAREM
SUPERNATURAL/WOLVES/OMEGA/ALPHA/POSSESSIVE/STALKING/MANIPULATION/SMALL TOWN
NO SMEX
DUAL 1ST PERSON POV
1 OUTTA 5 IN THE 🌶🌶🌶 DEPARTMENT
Two issues with the book:
The main mc's weight is harped on repeatedly. It's annoying and doesn't come off as concerned or mothering.
Second, the book is extremely repetitive in some areas. Therefore, not always drawing a distinction between the brothers to highlight their individuality outside of their similarities.
June 14, 2025
Exciting, well-developed and love the Asian pop-culture bits
The story is well paced and developed. There were no smutty scenes but that is ok - they would have ruined the plot for this first book. Clearly, the author proof-read the story numerous times and/or had a good editor. No errors unlike some other MM romance novels. This is truly refreshing. I adore the references to Asian American cultures. Rarely do I feel represented in romance stories and those that do feature Asian characters often get it so wrong.
The story is well paced and developed. There were no smutty scenes but that is ok - they would have ruined the plot for this first book. Clearly, the author proof-read the story numerous times and/or had a good editor. No errors unlike some other MM romance novels. This is truly refreshing. I adore the references to Asian American cultures. Rarely do I feel represented in romance stories and those that do feature Asian characters often get it so wrong.
July 10, 2025
DNF at 52%
Traté de que me guste, porque la sinopsis me interesaba, pero la narración es pésima. Mucha repetición de descripciones innecesarias, enfoques y acciones muy inmaduras teniendo personajes adultos, muchas interrupciones para evitar escalar la temperatura o para atrasar lo inevitable (👉🏼👌🏼🥵) y lo que más me molestó es que haya repetido taaaaantas veces que le picaba la cicatriz o alguna referencia a la cicatriz... se me quedaron los ojos tuertos de tanto girarlos.
Traté de que me guste, porque la sinopsis me interesaba, pero la narración es pésima. Mucha repetición de descripciones innecesarias, enfoques y acciones muy inmaduras teniendo personajes adultos, muchas interrupciones para evitar escalar la temperatura o para atrasar lo inevitable (👉🏼👌🏼🥵) y lo que más me molestó es que haya repetido taaaaantas veces que le picaba la cicatriz o alguna referencia a la cicatriz... se me quedaron los ojos tuertos de tanto girarlos.
July 23, 2025
Slow paced
The pace was entirely too slow for me. The emotions were well written yet very repetitive. As a reader, I felt the author didn't trust me to figure out the sexual tension without being slapped in the face by it. By the by, nothing actually happened. There wasn't any action until the last chapter, when, spoiler, an attempt was made by rivals. I want to know what he is, but can't bring myself to go through the long drawn-out narrative to find out in the next book.
The pace was entirely too slow for me. The emotions were well written yet very repetitive. As a reader, I felt the author didn't trust me to figure out the sexual tension without being slapped in the face by it. By the by, nothing actually happened. There wasn't any action until the last chapter, when, spoiler, an attempt was made by rivals. I want to know what he is, but can't bring myself to go through the long drawn-out narrative to find out in the next book.
February 12, 2025
Okay, so this was... pretty much exactly what was advertised. It was kinda young and very tropey and the multiple points of view were unnecessary and made it repetitive (Just Kai would've been fine) and the translations were also unnecessary.
But
It was also fun and sweet and kinda sexy and didn't take itself too seriously and I was charmed.
But
It was also fun and sweet and kinda sexy and didn't take itself too seriously and I was charmed.
February 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! The author built up the sizzling tension beautifully.
The Stone brothers were all very different. I enjoyed Kai’s sass and snark too.
I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds. This book left me with so many unanswered questions. Excited and looking forward to the next instalment.
The Stone brothers were all very different. I enjoyed Kai’s sass and snark too.
I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds. This book left me with so many unanswered questions. Excited and looking forward to the next instalment.
June 12, 2025
DNF at 80%.
I suppose this was okay because I read it till 80 percent or something. But is it worth it? No. I wonder why this one has a 4-star rating, because, as much as I don't want to talk badly about a book (I usually say it's not for me, but this is different), this book is not well-written. Too repetitive, could've done the whole book in 10 chapters or so.
I suppose this was okay because I read it till 80 percent or something. But is it worth it? No. I wonder why this one has a 4-star rating, because, as much as I don't want to talk badly about a book (I usually say it's not for me, but this is different), this book is not well-written. Too repetitive, could've done the whole book in 10 chapters or so.
March 30, 2025
There is potential here. I'm worried. The three brothers say that all of them claimed Kai. The three brothers are TERRIBLE at sharing anything. The reverse harem dynamics aren't dynamicing. Please please don't let the sequel suck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2025
what is Kai?
Omg I loved this book! Kai is the perfect main character and I love the development not centred in sex. This book is still off the charts hot and I’m so gutted book 2 isn’t already out.
Omg I loved this book! Kai is the perfect main character and I love the development not centred in sex. This book is still off the charts hot and I’m so gutted book 2 isn’t already out.
May 17, 2025
Supernatural Connection
I enjoyed the story and the connection between Kai and all three brothers. I enjoyed seeing them get to know Kai better with his snarky sass. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the story and the connection between Kai and all three brothers. I enjoyed seeing them get to know Kai better with his snarky sass. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
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