Liam

The Atherton Pack #1

by Toni Griffin

Please Note: This is a re-edited second edition. The only changes made were edits.

After a long night at work, all pastry chef Declan Morgan wants to do is have a run before he heads home to bed. His peaceful lope through the forest turns into a nightmare when he witnesses his Alpha kill a pack member in cold blood. Now Declan is on the run from the very people that should be protecting him.

Liam Anderson has never minded all the travel that comes with his position as a Beta to the Pennaeth Alpha. He's used the time to search far and wide for his mate. He never expected to find the man naked and scared on his back porch.

Liam's overjoyed at finally finding the one man fated for him, now if only he can get Declan to open up and trust him with the secrets he carries.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary, Audiobook

131 pages, ebook

First published November 10, 2012

About the author

Toni Griffin lives in Darwin, the smallest of Australia’s capital cities. Born and raised in the state she’s a Territorian through and through. Growing up Toni hated English with a passion (as her editors can probably attest to) and found her strength lies with numbers.
Now, though, she loves escaping to the worlds she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. She’s a single mother of one and works full time. When she’s not writing you can just about guarantee that she will be reading one of the many MM authors she loves.
Feel free to drop her a line at info@tonigriffin.net anytime.

Reviews

[Deeze · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why can’t I find a shifter/mates story that doesn’t end up being a sex fest?

I had hopes for this in the beginning, but it soon went the way of most shifter/mates stories. Emphasis on the sex, in thought and deed.

There was also parts that would easily of been at home in a MF story. Why mated pairs always seem to need one guy turning meek and mild and in need of lap cuddles is beyond me.

I had other niggles with the way this story played out, so I can safely say this is not a series I will be continuing.

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Based on some of the other reviews, I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did! Yet, here I am, all smiles and happy feels, because this M/M shifter story hit many of my buttons.

Firstly, I loved the Australian setting. As an Aussie and a lover of M/M romance, it's not all that often I find books I want to read which are set in my homeland, especially ones of the paranormal persuasion, so this was an absolute treat.

Secondly, this featured one of the best initial meeting of mates scenes I've ever come across! I really enjoyed the way Declan and Liam reacted to finding one another and I loved how the split narrative was used here to follow their experience.

In my opinion, this was a well-written, enjoyable shifter romp, featuring likeable characters and sweet and sexy mate feels. With the exception of how much I detest the endearment ‘honey’ (I get riled up by the most ridiculous things), this was an overall enjoyable read for me and I'll be eagerly seeking out the following books within the series.


Sidenote: I was about 40% in when I (finally) realised that this is technically a spin-off series of another series (starting with Unexpected Mate). Those who know me will realise the kind of unabated panic I endured upon realising I'd read something out of order, so this is a warning to others who, like me, are anal about reading order. If this kind of thing doesn't bother you then go forth and read at your leisure, but regardless of the fact that this can technically be read as a standalone (*shudders*), I'm still positive it would have made even more sense after having read the original series.

[Barbara➰ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was "ok". Lots of things that could have been fleshed out a bit more. I'm not all that sure I want to continue the series but I kinda want to see how Ben handles his mate.

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

4.5 stars for narration / 2 stars for story

I think I just need to accept that Toni Griffin's stories and I just do not get along.

The one thing I really liked about this was the narration by Nick Flint. I will absolutely be checking out more of his work.

As for the story, I'm easily annoyed by Griffin's continued emasculation of the bottom in the relationship.

Seriously, can't both wolves be strong and masculine? No, the guy who bottoms (and consequently will eventually become pregnant if they have sex on a new moon) is always the weaker one and called by the sobriquets of "honey", "sweetheart" and "baby" (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), and, worst of all, is usually depicted as having the kind of traits usually found to be ascribed to clichéd feminine characters (which is...for me).

*sighs* Maybe I should quit trying to read Griffin's stories...but I really love shifter stories, especially with mpreg, and there is something about Griffin's writing that keeps drawing me back in, hopeful that this time it will be different...

Look, if you liked her other series, you'll probably like this one. Mainly because it is following the same guideline as her Holland Brothers series.

First book, feminine mate is claimed, second book: alpha will claim his broken mate who also happens to be the best friend (well, brother in this case as well) of the feminine wolf from book one.

If you're into audio books, you should definitely check out the audio for this one - Nick was great.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable story that is a spin off of the authors Holland Brothers series.
Liam is pack Beta and waiting for his mate to make his life complete, so I guess it's a good thing when Declan shows up naked on his doorstep! ( why, why do things like this NEVER happen to me? huh??)
Declan a pastry chef ( again..why not me..*sigh*) has raised his brother since his parents death and except for Tommy he is pretty much alone in the world.
Declan witnesses something he shouldn't have which causes him to run, which explains the naked doorstep thing!
Yes, there are some things that weren't handled well and an easy resolution and of course the inst love/mate situation, but I don't read shifter books for realism.
The next book is all set up and I can't wait to get my hands on Tommy's story..because poor Tommy...

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Shifters, insta-love, possessive alpha male, cute cuddly mate, hints of future mpreg, lots of sugar.

[Tara♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sold. Give me all The Atherton Pack books. I want them all.

Declan and Liam were adorable and I can't even with the whole Tommy and Ben thing. What delightful nonsense this is.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the Holland Brothers series, I was looking forward to Liam's story and a continuation of the series through a different pack and I was not disappointed. I really didn't think that I would finish this in one sitting, but like the other books, just got wrapped up in the story. While some will not enjoy this book because of the mate theme and insta-love being the main focus, for me I went into reading this book knowing that. After being introduced to the other members of the Atherton Pack, I am looking forward to continuing with this series. I know I will enjoy it.

[Hc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a great way to start the series! Reading the blurb, it's not completely clear that Declan is a shifter also... but it starts out with Declan witnessing something and shifting to run away. He ends up at his mate's back door where things progress fairly quickly.

You quickly find out this is also a spin off of the Holland Brothers, another series I really liked... I'm looking forward to the next book

[Corandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 3
Audio Book: Nick Flint - 4
Book Cover: 3.5

No. I'm not in a bad mood actually.

What I liked about this story.
1) Nick Flint - Really enjoyed his rendition
2) I liked the characters. They were one of the reasons I finished the story.
3) I liked the over-all idea behind the whole thing.
4) I have a soft spot for books with guys that cook. ;-)

What I didn't like:

I don't like it when the characters in a story makes me think that their IQ's are below average.

Pop quiz:

So we have a dangerous Alpha. One who doesn’t hesitate to kill who ever stands in his way.

Do we : A) Remove the person in danger from his reach immediately, or
B) Leave the person in danger right under his nose, because we feel he is safer there?

We meet our "mate" after a very long search:

Do we: A) Secretly wonder why he showed up naked and in shock on our doorstep? or,
B) Get him inside and find the F*** out what is going on?
C) Wait for the next poker night with the boys to discuss it and maybe find out
what the story is while muching on baked goods?

Okay enough. I'm being a B**ch I know. I tend to especially get like that when I see potential in a story and it goes south. I'll probably end up reading book 2 just to see if there is any hope though.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having briefly encountered Liam, one of the pack members of the Atherton pack starring in this new series, in the Holland Brothers books, I was curious about his story. With an interesting special talent and a clear need to find his mate, Liam had me rooting for him from the very beginning. Add the fact he is partnered with a werewolf pastry chef, and I definitely had to read this book. And it definitely did not disappoint: a great combination of an emotional love story and a tale of courage and hope, it had my attention from beginning to end.

The story starts with Declan, as he witnesses something he shouldn’t and ends up running for his life when it becomes clear the alpha will want to kill him. Luckily, he finds Atherton and sniffs out, so to speak, his mate’s house. The idea of him ending up naked (just after shifting back to being human) on Liam’s doorstep is funny, but the reason why he’s had to run is not amusing at all. Not surprisingly it takes him a while to open up, and when he does, everyone wants to help. No wonder, his old alpha is a criminal and a murderer, and Declan’s brother still lives under his rule.

Liam can’t wait to claim Declan, but he knows he has to be patient. While he has no idea about the kind and extent of drama his mate has been through, it is clear to him that it’s serious. Once Declan opens up, Liam is determined to help him fix the problem by getting rid of the murderous alpha and saving Declan’s younger brother from the evil man’s clutches. Liam is certain what he will and will not do, and I really admired that about him.

If you like werewolf stories and pack politics, if you enjoy reading about men who know and accept they are mates from the moment they meet, and if you’re looking for a tense story with lots of “hot moments”, then you will probably like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Mischief Corner Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[DaisyGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This one was meh. I wanted to like it. I liked Liam; Declan was eh. I've read a number of PNR/shifter books and this one lacked details regarding the shifters. I was floored to learn that there's an MPreg theme here. It didn't come to fruition in this book but again there was no explanation about the how's and why's. It's just kinda dumped on you at the beginning. In all fairness, I understand from some of the other reviewers that this series is a spin-off of another series. So perhaps the issue is explained there. In any event, that left me with a ton of questions that frankly detracted from this book.

Lastly, re-purposed m/f. I hate it. This book came pretty darn close. I hope the next book doesn't take that turn.

Bottom line: a lackluster start to a promising premise but I'm intrigued by the teaser for Ben's story (#2 in the series?).

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the holland brothers, I was really pleased that Toni decided to give Liam his story :-)
3.5 stars
That was a great way to start a new series, and to catch a snippet of the Holland brothers was an added bonus. Can't wait to read next in the series.

[Beck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of the first 2 books in the series...

This series is a spin off from the Holland Brothers Series by the same author ... while this series seems to have a slightly more Australian feel to them, there is still a bit too much reliance on cliché shifter tropes for me ... the other thing that doesn't sit well about these series is the lack of explanation about how wolves are living un-discovered in Australia ... whilst I acknowledge that Australia is a massive land mass, I find it highly improbable that wolves in the numbers implied by the books, would go un-discovered ... if you love all things shifter then you'll probably enjoy these books but I do find myself left a smidge disappointed.

[A.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS ENTIRE SERIES!!! I stopped reading some shifter erotica, but everytime Toni Griffin comes out with a new novel... I am ALL OVER IT. The chemistry and romance amongst the mates and how the meet are original and electric. Like nothing I have read in any other shifter novels. I read all of the "HOllAND BROTHERS" series, and am looking forward to "THE ATHERTON PACK" series.

COME ON TONI, BRING ON THAT SEXY ALFA OF THE ATHERTON PACK.. WHOAAA!!

[Brandilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Just what I needed after a truly awful book earlier today. Standard shifter-mate stuff (with the mating knot). Good light read. Now I need to read the sequel so I can find out how Ben and Tommy come together... and the Holland Brothers series from this same author, since she teased us with it in the beginning.

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loving this series. I enjoy a slightly damaged hero and/or one who is in trouble and needs a bit of rescuing. Here Declan fits this role perfectly but he's strong enough to be his own person. Love the baking!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent little story. Given it's length the plot is resolved very quickly so that's not super suspenseful or exciting, but it's not really supposed to me. The focus is the relationship, and I can't complain there since the two sex scenes were uber steamy. This is a mate story in true form so expect instal-love, they know they are mates as soon as they meet and there is no questioning or drama in that regard. Sometimes I prefer more tension in my mate stories, but again, given the length the author made the right choice here.

The narration was done well, a good Aussie accent to compliment the locale made for an enjoyable listen. I listened to this over the course of one day doing errands and chores since it's only 2 hours, and that worked perfectly for my purposes.

In true (spin-off) series fashion, the beginning had a few too many references to the couple from Forbidden Mate (Holland Brother's #3) and the last chapter focused most on setting up the next relationship for Ben. But it wasn't excessive and didn't bother me (given that I haven't read any others in this series), and there was an epilogue to wrap things up with our guys.

This won't be an all-time favorite series, it falls pretty middle-of-the-road given how quick it is since it can't get too in depth. But I like it and would be interested in listening to Ben's story when that comes out on audio.

One random thing I found odd apparently there is mpeg in this world, it was brought up in the beginning with the characters from Forbidden Mate, I'm assuming to get us in the know, but then Declan casually mentions that Liam told him about this in the epilogue and Declan apparently didn't know. What? He was raised as a shifter, how the fuck would he not know that's possible? And how the fuck would he roll with it so casually to just find that out outta nowhere!?.

Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire

[romanceandcoffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Declan witnessed his Alpha killing another member of the pack in cold blood. He literally runs for his life, leaving his brother behind. His flight brings him to the Atherton pack and on the porch of his mate Liam.

Liam, who was looking for his mate his whole life, was of course overjoyed to finally have found him….naked on his porch. He ushers Declan in his house and that´s when it got weird for me. I mean, I understand the whole mate concept, so I didn´t question Liam´s decision to let Declan enter his house. Also not that he wanted to give Declan some time before he asks what happened, but the questions never came. WTH??? I would like to know what exactly went down, why my mate had to flee his old pack and so on. Nope, nothing, just those two enjoying themselves as mates because they are going to talk about what happened with the alpha of the pack anyway. I seriously got tired about reading that Liam is Declan´s mate and that´s the reason he behaves like he does and vice versa.

Declan witnessed a murder for heaven´s sake. You would have thought he suffers from some, don´t know aftereffects, maybe some nightmares…anything. Um, no not really. There was one time were something was told to me not shown. I was disappointed with it, because I know this author can write about characters who have experienced some terrible things and the aftermaths of it.

I really liked the interactions between Declan and his new pack. They seem to be a fun bunch to be around. I would have liked to see more about that or some of the investigations regarding what happened in Declan´s old pack. Sadly the showdown of this book felt rushed but at least we get to see Declan´s brother again.

Altough I could have done with less of Liam and Declan´s declarations of being mates I liked them both. I just wish that there were a little more storyline to go with it. For me, it felt what happened to Declan was more an afterthought, a side note, not something important. Nonetheless I´m hooked to this author´s shifters and I´m looking forward to read Ben, the pack alpha´s story.

Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews

[The Novel Approach · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a well written short story. Add in the shifter part of this story, and I was so excited to listen to this book. As individuals I really enjoyed the characters. Liam is big and sexy, and Declan is sweet and loyal. I was excited to see their love story. I expected sparks to fly between these two but was, unfortunately, disappointed, leaving it to fall a bit under the forgettable category for me.

Here is my primary problem with this book, and other books like it. If there is a predetermined factor in a shifter’s DNA that allows them to mate with someone else, there should still be a falling in love process. I feel that the characters should work for it a bit for this to be considered a romance. Otherwise, where is the romance part? You are my mate…we are together…over. Now obviously, this is a personal preference so if this is what you like about shifter books, then this is truly the book for you. But, for me, I was disappointed.

Narration: The narration of this book actually enhanced the story. This was my first book narration by Nick Flint, and I really enjoyed it. He did a great job on the character voice swapping and did the best with what he was dealt.

Reviewed by Amy for The Novel Approach Reviews

[Amanda Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good M/M Wolf book .. ♡ And I've found good ones are hard to come by!! But Toni Griffin sure knows how to write a damn good wolf book! I love all of those Holland boys and their mates soo when I was introduced to Liam in Jake and Ricks story I was eager to read his Book and now that I've not so patiently waited for his book to come out .. now I have to wait for Ben's .. Torture. Pure. Torture. Is it Fall yet?? Anywhoo I loved loved loved this book!! Im soo glad Liam finally found his mate .. and I can't wait for more!!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this story. Looking forward to many more on the Atherton Pack, along with the Holland brothers and their pack. I laughed during one scene, held my breath in another and wanted to cry when Declan's brother was nearly killed. Anxious to see his story come to light.

[Sabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved it. I was expecting to read of Liam´s story and I was not disappointed.

[Dre · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Typical shifter storyline, but it was cute although I think Declan comes across as much younger than he's actually supposed to be according to the story.

[Kerry sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So yummy and on to book 2

[Tori Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I loved Toni's Holland Brothers, and this spin off series looks to be just as good!

I am looking foward to the rest of them...

[Kochka94 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Declan Morgan, pâtissier, métamorphe, décide d'aller courir sur les terres de sa meute pour se détendre, après une dure journée de travail. Assez effacé, sa seule famille est son jeune frère de 10 ans plus jeune qu'il a élevé à la mort de leurs parents. Il ne se sent pas vraiment bien dans cette meute dont il trouve l'alpha brutal et pratiquant une sorte de droit de cuissage. Lors de sa course, il surprend justement son alpha et ses deux bêtas en train d'assassiner un membre de la meute pour une histoire de drogue. Il prend la fuite et arrive après une course de plusieurs heures, épuisé, frigorifié, sur le perron d'une maison, attiré par une odeur délicieuse.

Qu'elle n'est pas la surprise de Liam Anderson de trouver ce jeune métamorphe, nu, transi de froid, sur son perron... et qu'elle n'est pas son bonheur quand il comprend que celui-ci n'est autre que son compagnon, son âme sœur, qu'il cherche depuis des années. Et quand Declan lui confie la raison de sa fuite ainsi que sa peur pour son jeune frère Tommy, resté sur place, Liam, bêta du premier alpha d'Alpha d'Australie, va tout faire pour que son compagnon puisse avoir la vie heureuse qu'il mérite.

Une gentille histoire de métamorphes assez classique, où le lien de compagnon se fait instantanément, Liam étant en plus doté du talent de voir le lien entre les deux élus. La fin du premier tome, assez court, présente déjà le compagnon de Ben, le premier Alpha et laisse présager des quelques difficultés auxquelles il vont devoir faire face. L'auteur nous présente aussi dans ce tome les autres bêtas, dont nous suivrons la mise en couple dans les tomes suivants. J'attends de voir ce que la suite va donner pour me faire une idée plus précise, ce premier tome étant vraiment très rapide.

[Alessandro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh well~
This book reminded me an awful lot of the book series "The Holland Brothers" which is okay, because it is written by the same author. But i think it shouldn't feel that similar, because it was a different series. It even hinted at the second book... which has basically the same plot at the second book of "The Holland Brothers" series.
It was just too short. I think the story had a lot of potential, but it wasn't really exploited. The ending was far too short and the conflict was just ended in a few sentences.
I liked the dynamic between the 2 MC. I'm a sucker for good werewolf dynamics. But I'm not one to enjoy insta-love, which was the case.
I think it was just a little too fast paced and didn't go into much detail.

[Jubs · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have Declan who is so nice and despite everybody loving him at first glance is friendless. And the only family he have left is his brother, Tommy. Some bad shit happens and he run to the hills. And find his mate.

Then he get all hot and bothered with Liam, the mate. Ok, cool. But it leaves you thinking... what about Tommy? Declan knows that the Alpha is dangerous and mean but he still leaves him behind. That was just so stupid. All the time Declan was having his fun and I was thinking "And Tommy, is he ok?". The end was really frustrating and obvious.

Overall: An ok book. The tommy stuff took some of my apreciation so therefore the rating. I was expecting some ass babies. :(