Heroes & Hitmen: a fated mates wolf shifter romance

by C.J. Primer

It’s a tale as old as time. Boy meets girl, their families broker a deal for them to be mated, and right before it can all go according to plan, girl meets someone else. Except in this instance, that someone else is a hitman who works for her father, and he becomes a complete stalker who refuses to take no for an answer. Sounds romantic, right?

If only that were the case.

I’m Miley Beckett, and I’m the Alpha’s daughter. Well, one of his many. My dad’s a misogynistic tyrant with an army of daughters, but no sons. He’s still found a way to use us, though. He pairs us off with his political allies, making deals with our lives like we’re nothing but pieces on a chessboard. When he paired me to mate the son of an affiliate, I became just another pawn in a game I never asked to play, and I hate that there’s nothing I can do about it.

Well, until Ares Raines shows up and decides he’s obsessed with me.

One wild night of grasping for freedom turns into more than I ever bargained for. Ares is as charming as he is relentless, and when he tries to swoop in and save me from my father’s arrangement by claiming we’re fated mates, he sets us both on a crash course for destruction. He’s no hero– it’s only a matter of time before this entire ruse blows up in our faces– but that doesn’t stop him from trying to win me over. He needs to accept that girls like me don’t get happy endings. I’m already spoken for, and if he doesn’t give up the chase, he’s going to get us both killed...

Heroes & Hitmen is a standalone paranormal romance in the Windy City Wolfpack series. The books of this series contain mature content (steamy scenes!) and themes that may not be suitable for younger readers. If frequent use of profanity and f-words offend, then these books may not be for you.

Genres: Forced Proximity, Shapeshifters, Romantasy, Paranormal Romance, He Falls First, Fake Dating

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

C.J. Primer is an award-winning, bestselling author of steamy romance novels. She specializes in angsty, spicy love stories full of twists and turns and hard-fought happy endings. She writes in multiple genres, including paranormal romance, dark romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy romance. Her most popular books are the bestselling six-pack series, a collection of werewolf shifter romance novels that have captivated millions of readers worldwide across multiple reading platforms.

Follow CJ on Instagram to keep up with all of her latest releases: @c.j.primer

Reviews

[Kelly - Kelly's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STEAMY & SPICY STARS

(Werewolf romance, grumpy (her)/sunshine (him), fake dating / fake mating, forced proximity, he's a playboy and hitman, she's the Alpha's daughter, arranged mating, mafia vibes)

C.J. writes the most delicious, captivating, thrilling, steamy and spicy paranormal romances. Every time. This one was EVERYTHING I absolutely love - tropes, characters and storyline. Grumpy Sunshine with a little twist, he's obsessed and has some minor stalker characteristics, she's not falling for his playboy ways, fake dating and THE SPICE. The spice is INCREDIBLE.

Miley (Miles) is one of the Alpha's daughters and she's nothing more than a bartering tool with the Alpha's mafia ways. She's grown up in the city, life controlled and set up for her in every way possible. When it's her turn for an arranged mating (marriage), she struggles to accept that she has no choice in anything and decides to rebel...just alittle. Then enters Ares, a member of the six pack (read the Alpha series) and the new sharpershooter paying service to Miley's dad/Alpha. He thought his year of service would just be filled with typical hitman tasks while chasing city girl tail until he runs into a gorgeous pack princess at a bar and they have a HOT moment of passion. Then things get even more complicated when Ares starts to lose his playboy urges and can't stop thinking about the gorgeous Miley.

The tension, the banter, and the spice in this book kept me on the edge of my seat...craving more! Also the story is so captivating and I had to know how it would play out!

Kudos C.J. Another incredible werewolf romance! I can't wait for more in this series!

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes and Hitmen is another excellent shifter book from the C. J. Primer. An offshoot of Shadowed Heirs.

Ares is unapologetically confident in his masculinity—and his pursuit of Miley. Miley is inexplicably drawn to Ares—despite his arrogance, he is gorgeous, funny, and takes great care of her.
The path to their HEA has many road blocks, hazards, and obstacles—The hardest fought battles do bring the sweetest victories, though … don’t they?

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Ares
FMC:
✨Miley
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨ Windy City Wolfpack: Book 1
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉paranormal suspense romance
👉 dystopian werewolf romance
👉fated mates
👉fake relationship
👉MF
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence
💥death
Burn Speed:
✨fast
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Asti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear CJ Primer could write anything and I’d eat it up. She’s so good at creating characters you get attached to so easily, even the side characters.

Ares and Miley were complete opposites and I loved that dynamic so much. Ares falls first and falls hard, while Miley has walls up a mile high and sticks to the rules no matter what. Watching her slowly soften toward him was so satisfying. I also adored how patient Ares was with her the entire time.

This is a wolf shifter romance and the territorial behavior, mating bonds, and possessiveness were everything I wanted. The chemistry and spice were off the charts too. Miley going from indifferent to suddenly over possessive of her mate had me kicking my feet.

Huge thanks to CJ Primer and BookSirens for the ebook. I frickin loved this one.

What to expect:
• Fated mates
• Forced proximity
• Fake dating
• Grumpy x sunshine
• Virgin FMC
• Wolf shifters
• Spicyyyy

[Taryn Eskra · Rating 5 out of 5]

CJ has done it again!!!👏🏻👏🏻 I absolutely loved this one!! The tropes, the plot, the spice EVERYTHING about this one had me invested!! 🔥🔥I had to know what happened, binged it in 1 day!! The banter between Ares & Miley was on point and I couldn’t get enough. Miley is one of the alphas daughters and grew up in the Windy City Pack knowing she would one day be used as a pawn in her dad’s dealings. Ares blows into town and changes the game as soon as he sets his sights on her. He has some stalker tendencies BUT in the best way. 😉 He knows what he wants and won’t take no for an answer. The twists in this one were great and the suspense was OMG!! I loved it! If you love PNR or shifter books give this a go!!

[Sanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. This is the second work I read from C. J. Primer, first paranormal romance of this author. And this author got her hooks in me. I love her writing style, her suspense in the book.

I just wish I could give 4,5 stars. It would have been 5 stars for me if it was a little darker.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute little HEA. I like the unique storyline and some of the unique changes this book has compared to other shifter stories. I was expecting the book to be more on the dark side based on the cover and title, but it’s “cutesy” imo. It’s well written. I gave it 4 stars because it’s a bit too easy hea. I would like a bit more conflict in the story. However, I can see this easily being a 5 star for someone else.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ares and Miley are a perfect match in this intense shifter romance. Fusing witty banter and steamy spice with the tension of pack politics and arranged marriages, this story is an exciting read that leaves you craving more! It’s pure entertainment—add this one to your To-Be-Read list.

*Please read trigger and content warnings.*

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BookboundandBlushed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun premise, but it stayed a little flat for me

Heroes & Hitmen had a premise that should have been right up my alley: arranged mating expectations, messy family dynamics, and a dangerous man orbiting the FMC with way too much confidence. The setup is intriguing, and there were a couple of unique moments that made me think the story was about to really take off.

But overall, this one was just okay for me.

The biggest issue was that I couldn’t connect with the FMC. Something about her voice and the way she was written made it hard for me to believe her in the role she was meant to occupy or to feel like she fit naturally against the energy and world around the MMC. I also didn’t find her particularly likeable, which made it difficult to stay emotionally invested.

The MMC had potential and was more likeable to me, but he didn’t have much depth for most of the book. It felt like his motivations stayed pretty one-note, and I kept wanting more layers, more personality, more internal conflict, more something beyond the surface-level drive pushing him forward. The last chapter finally hinted at what could’ve made him really compelling earlier on, but by that point I wanted that development to have been woven in from the start.

As I read, there were definitely moments that kept me curious, and I appreciated a couple of unique twists (especially around the extraction element), but I also found myself reading mostly to finish rather than because I was fully pulled in. The pacing and tone felt consistently flat, and the character dynamics didn’t evolve enough to shift that feeling, alpha stays harsh, FMC stays stuck in the same emotional place, and it didn’t build into the kind of payoff I was hoping for.

Not a terrible read, just one that didn’t fully deliver on its premise for me.
Sonya
Bookbound and Blushed

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! CJ, I don’t know how you do it, but you keep outdoing yourself every single time. Heroes and Hitmen was a complete breath of fresh air in the world of werewolf romances—a genre we all adore but that can sometimes feel repetitive. CJ took it to the next level by placing the story in the windy city, giving us a more “modernized” view of werewolf society and rules. It was nothing short of brilliant.

Ares – If you’ve read the Shadowed Heirs series, you already know we were all dying to get more of him. He is sexy, confident, charming, and relentless in all his alpha glory—including his stalkerish tendencies (something I never thought I’d enjoy, but CJ made it work). His obsession with Miley doesn’t feel creepy—it feels like unwavering devotion, and it warms you up from the inside out.

Miley – Daughter of an Alpha who sees his daughters only as bargaining chips, Miley has always been the perfect rule follower: polished, composed, and careful not to step out of line. But beneath that perfect exterior lies a wild side, and Ares is the spark that sets her world on fire. Watching her come out of her shell and break free from expectations is such a satisfying ride.

This book is a standalone set in the same world as Shadowed Heirs, and it’s packed with sizzling banter, sharp wit, and deliciously sarcastic exchanges that will have you smiling, laughing, and fanning yourself at the same time.

I 100% recommend this book—you’ll enjoy every second of it.

[JeAna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶.5


The story begins with Ares, a skilled hitman, travelling to Chicago to pay off an old debt owed to Chicago Alpha.
Ares loves to press people's buttons and be challenged. He is an outgoing, carefree, and mischievous guy.
From the moment he arrives in Chicago, he is eager to explore the city's nightlife. He meets Miley in the club and is immediately drawn to her beauty, but what he doesn't realise is that she is one of the vicious Alpha's daughters until after the fact.
Being a harsh and brutal alpha, Alpha Gauge has four daughters with various women because he never found his fated mate. He believes that this is the reason why he doesn't have a son. His daughters are brought up to be the ideal wives for his business associates. One of his partner sons is already paired with Miley.
Is Miley going to accept Ares's help in escaping her father's grasp? Could Ares protect Miley from Alpha's Gauge control and this marriage arrangement?


What can I say?! I really enjoyed this story and the way how Ares attempted to get under Miley skin, thrilled me.
His assurance, perseverance, and cheerful disposition perfectly complement Miley's meticulousness, sour attitude and anxiousness.
Reading this book brought up memories of reading Ares's parents book which I also really liked. I was always grinning because of how entertaining their banter is.
So, go ahead and try it, you won't be disappointed.
This book is another excellent work by the author.

[Amanda Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 ARC provided via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

⭐ 4.5 Stars | 🌶️ 4 Chili Peppers

This shifter romance surprised me in the best way. It blends the feral pull of fated mates with the gritty underbelly of a corrupt pack, giving off major shifters-meets-mafia energy. I was hooked from page one.

The dynamic between the main characters is chef’s kiss. One is confident, experienced, and absolutely certain fate has handed him his match. The other has spent her entire life boxed in by pack politics, arranged marriage expectations, and a father who treats loyalty like a weapon. She’s desperate for freedom; he’s determined to earn her trust without diminishing her independence. Watching him pursue while she pushes back? Realistic, frustrating, and addictive.

There’s fake dating that’s basically “fake mating,” slow-burn tension, enemies-to-lovers moments that hit hard, and a level of devotion that borders on obsessive (in the good shifter way). The emotional beats land, especially as the truth behind their pack’s corruption starts unraveling.

If I had one wish, it’d be more actual shifting—these city wolves play human a little too hard—but when the wolf moments show up, they’re worth it.

A strong start to a new shifter series, and I’m absolutely continuing with the next book.

[Ingrid · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed books by this author in the past, which made this one especially disappointing. Unfortunately, it felt like a significant step down in both character development and overall storytelling.

My biggest issue was the relationship between the main characters. The hero came across as controlling and manipulative, with much of his internal dialogue focused on steering the heroine toward what he wanted rather than building trust or mutual respect. Instead of feeling romantic, the relationship often felt unhealthy, making it difficult for me to root for the couple.

The heroine didn't fare much better. She remained so passive throughout the story that I struggled to connect with her. It often felt as though events simply happened to her rather than her actively shaping the story or making meaningful decisions.

The paranormal setting had potential, but it wasn't enough to overcome the weak characterization. Since I've read and enjoyed this author's previous work, I know they are capable of much stronger stories, which made this one all the more disappointing.

Overall, this book wasn't for me. Readers who enjoy more dominant heroes may have a different experience, but I found the relationship dynamic unconvincing and the character development lacking compared to the author's earlier books.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when the Alpha's daughter, who is promised to another, meets the Alpha's borrowed hitman from another pack, who also happens to be an alpha himself?

Thank you to C.J. Primer and BookSirens for the ARC of this book which I received for free and im leaving this review voluntarily.

C.J. Primer with another great book! This story follows Miley and Ares through a whole shitstorm. Miley is the Alpha's daughter, and she is set to be forcefully mated to an Alpha of another pack. She decides to go to a bar a few weeks before her mating, and finds herself tangled up with a typical f-boy. Queue Ares, a red head, smoking hot Alpha! He's taking his brothers position to do a 1 year contract as a hitman for another Alpha. It's his first night in town and he wants to have a little fun before reporting for work the next day. He sees. Beautiful woman at the bar who immediately clocks him as an Alpha. Things get hot and steamy before their worlds collide and crash.
This book is full of Ares having a full on puppy crush on Miley, with really cute banter on his end. I loved the way he was all in from the beginning. There were times I was on the edge of my seat and couldnt read fast enough.
Overall a really great book. Can't wait to see what C.J. Primer comes up with next.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hitman wolf shifter with golden retriever vibes? Yes please!

Book 1 Windy City Wolfpack

It's been a hot minute since I've really gotten into a shifter romance and this one really hit the spot. CJ Primer had my attention from beginning to end with this world and the characters she created. I ate it up and devoured the pages like a hungry wolf.

What an absolutely amazing time this book had it all. Between the exciting plot and the two MCs sizzling chemistry, I enjoyed every second of this book.

When Ares and Miley met their banter had me giddy with anticipation. They are just perfect together. I seriously couldn't get enough. The spice was HOT!

I was a goner for Ares and his smooth badboy persona then he goes all golden retriever and I almost died.

Miley is just an overall BA. She is a witty, feisty, strong, intelligent FMC who was a lovable character from the start.

Tropes:
Fated mates
Stalking
Wolf shifters
Fake "mating"
Virgin
One night
Spicy
Grumpy/Sunshine
Dystopian vibes
Dual POV

Check TW


This book is an absolute fun time full of action, suspense, and steamy romance. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Thank you to C.J. Primer and BookSirens for the opportunity to read the ARC.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes and Hitmen is book one of the Windy City Wolfpack Series.

Ares is a dream. He goes to Chicago to fulfill a favour owed to the Alpha of the pack. Along the way of arriving in the city he meets Miley, and they hit it off. But he doesn't know that she is one of the alpha's daughters, who is already promised to someone else. He struggles with this as he feels a deep connection to her. With no proof whatsoever, he just knows that she is his fated mate and there is nothing he is going to let get in his way in claiming Miley for himself.

I was very invested in this story from the start. You feel bad for Miley and the situation she is in. But when you see Ares enter the picture, you know he is going to protect her the best way he can. Even though she does fight her feelings for him, he was such a constant presence in her life that she just had to cave to him and act on her feelings.

We discover some people we thought we could trust, might not be the most trustworthy. Also, her dad is a douche and he knows it. I am very interested in seeing what happens with her other sisters. I'll just have to wait and see.

[Aprils _ Bookheaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heroes and Hitman is a paranormal shifters romance. It's a captivating tale of forbidden passion, obsession and dangerous power play.

Miley Beckett is one of Alpha's daughter. She is smart, determined, prim and proper. She's trapped by her father's political games and forced into an arranged mating for alliance she never wanted. Her strength , struggle and quiet rebellion makes you root for her.

Ares is a hitman working for her father. He's relentless, reckless and dangerously charming. He's obsessed with her and stalks her. He believes that they're fated mates and acted on his impulse by faking it in front of her father. The stakes are high and every decision feels like a gamble with life and death.

He is willing to sacrifice everything for her. He's her knight in shining armor. He gives Miley strength to fight for her freedom and life she wanted. His obsession, protectiveness and desire to re-write their fate and claim her by defying her father's tyrant ways makes you fall in love with him.

There is sizzling chemistry with delicious tension, hot & passionate spicy scenes, banter and emotional moments.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ares leaves his pack for a year to fulfil a contract made between his Clan Alpha and Alpha Gage, he wasn't expecting to meet a woman that he can't stop thinking about. Ares has always had fun with the ladies, but they have always known the score. But this time, after the fun, he can't leave her alone, even when he finds out who she is.

Alpha controls his pack with an iron fist; even his daughters are just an asset he can use to shore up alliances. So when Miley gets called in to see her father, she knows it won't be good news. That evening, she needs to forget; she needs to have control of her life and body, even if it's only for one night.

Ares soon realises what Miley is to him, and when things take a turn for the worse, he comes to Miley's aid to keep her safe from Alpha Gage's wrath.

Ares and Miley have to pretend to keep the ruse, but is it a pretense? Will Miley ever take Ares' hints seriously? Will she ever acknowledge the bond, or is she too scared that her life will never be her own? Can Ares prove that her wants and wishes are as important to him as they are to her?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved CJ Primer for a long time now. We've battled the shadow pack and seen multiple generations of leadership in the security squad. We've traveled from the six-pack territory to Denver, and now We've arrived in Chicago. And this is all just the wolf shifter stuff.
As the son of my favorite OG Alpha, I was so excited to get more of Ares, and I not so patiently waited for it 🤣. Miley calls him out on his arrogance, but all I see is charm 😍... Once fate starts pulling its strings, you see who he is at his core, and boy, does that man make a girl (at least this girl- clearly Miley is way more stubborn than me 🤣) SWOON 🫠!
This story had me hooked. Read in a day hooked. I laughed so much.. Ares is hilarious. Things got a bit steamy 🥵😉. These two together are 🔥🔥! I literally gasped out loud when CJ metaphorically punched me in the gut (yeah, she knows what moment I'm talking about) 😲. And of course, I was all sorts of happy when things were made better again 😍! What a great start to the new series, and I can't wait for more!

[Booktrovert_reads_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Six Pack series is where I fell in love with CJ’s writing. I’ve been in her dark romance era for a while now & I absolutely LOVED taking a trip back to her shifter world!

This one is technically about a whole new pack, but we can’t say goodbye to the Six Pack completely 🥰. Miley & Ares were amazing! They reminded me a little bit of Theo & Brooke. Ares was so confident that Miley was his & he had a month to show her that. Miley is so used to being a pawn for her father’s personal gain that she can’t even let herself believe that Ares is really hers. Their chemistry is off the charts, even without the proof of the mate bond. You just know an alley hates to see them coming! 😂

Miley might end this story safe from her father & his “plans” but she has three other sisters that we know of who aren’t in the clear just yet. I feel like we’ve only just scratched the surface of the shady stuff that’s happening in the Windy City…and I can’t wait to dive even deeper!

Thank you so much CJ for giving me the chance to read this one!

[Jo Kerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this wolf shifter book, which follows Ares and Miley.

She is the Alphas daughter, and due to be offered in a mating contract to a business associate of her Fathers. Ares is on loan as a sniper from another pack.

They hook up before they know who the other person is, and the story then follows their budding romance while Miley resists as hard as she can, and Ares doesn’t give up his pursuit of her.

I loved Ares and his golden retriever energy, and felt like shaking Miley at times.

There were some interesting potential plot threads that ended up not developing (eg the injection of mating serum) and there was only one real shifter scene - I would’ve liked to see more, because their lack meant we only really got insight into the human side of the romance, so it didn’t feel like a shifter story at all.

It was a light, easy read with no real peril and a little predictable because of that, but I did enjoy it.

I wouldn’t read it again, but would read another book by this author.

3 stars.

[XenyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He may be a cocky ıdiot, but he’s my ıdiot, ɗammit.”

Ares has been my favorite second-generation character since his first appearance in Ruthless Alpha, and his story was everything I thought it would be and more. I mean, who else can pull off a fake story about being fated mates with the girl he's lightly stalƙing? Ares Raines, that's who, and CJ did a fantastic job with his story.

I absolutely loved the banter between Ares and Miley and how playful and carefree they are with each other, especially Ares. But, boy when the Alpha in him comes out, say goodbye to playful Ares and hello to the man who's not afraid to wage wars to protect his girl.

I also want to point out that CJ never disappoints when it comes to the mate bond snapping in place. Even though I know they are fated mates, the excitement, anticipation, and the "will they, won't they" feeling never fails to get to me. I just love that moment, every single time.

Quote: “Stalƙing’s such a loaded word. I prefer serendipitous proximity.”

[Misty °.•☠︎︎•.° · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Ares hated Miley

Ok let me start by saying I absolutely love CJ Primer. This is the first book I can honestly say I will NOT reread. I read all the other series and asked Ares with his silly, faux pas and not a care in the world personality. I really looked forward to reading his story. I was really saddened when he was naked to this cyclical and bitter woman! She is a b with an itch, and I would have throat punched her 🤬 I know they probably balance each other out, but he deserves a little more respect from his mate. Miley is all snarky rhetoric. The only time anything nice was said to Ares, is when she said "I love you'. I have read all of CJ's books twice, but this won't be one of them because I was angry most of the time I was reading it. Ugh! Even if the story itself was a great one. BUT that's just my opinion. Enjoy reading this if you're ok with miserable and hateful women 🤨

[Laura Montesinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going to Chicago was not something that Ares Raines was particularly happy about. But having a new selection of women was. The plan was simple, keep your head down and stay out of the Alpha’s line of sight. Do your job and go home after being there for a year. Just like the contract promised.

But trouble follows Ares Raines where ever he goes. And this time, the trouble was wrapped in a pretty little bow, Miley.

One night of wild abandon should have been all that it was, Miley was promised to another. But Ares has never been one to back down from a fight.

There’s something different about Miley, and before he knows it, he throws himself in the very spotlight and danger zone that he was warned not to get in.

Plans are laid out, solidified, but when betrayal gets in the mix, nothing is guaranteed.

This is book one of the Windy City Wolfpack and it’s filled with tension, fire, drive, and desire that grows and burns.

[Birgit Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Very well written, a fast paced and easy read wanted me to keep turning the pages and kept me interested all the way through. What can I say… Miley and cheeky redhead Ares Raines, what a pair! Loved their banter and the pull between those two. Miley is one of Alpha Gage’s daughters and to be mated to one of her father’s chosen men. On one of her last nights of freedom she meets Ares in a club, after their steamy encounter Ares is smitten with her. To help Miley get away from her situation he claims that they are fated mates. He calls in a favour with his brother who is supposed to take Miley and one of her sisters in, and enable them to start a new life, away from the Windy City pack… but fate intervenes. This book has a HEA. This is the first book I have read by this Author and I look forward to reading more in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review—From BookSirens
Book one of Windy City Wolfpack
Star Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: Sept 5th, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is a paranormal shifter romance with lots of spice and tropes like fake dating and fated mates, even arranged marriage. Very dystopian and there’s a bit of suspense in this as well. I really thought this was a great read. I love wolf shifters and we follow Miley and Ares POV. Miley wants freedom from the guy she is set up with by her father and but Ares has a different plan for her so they act like fated mates and fake date but as time passes the emotions get real and the spice is spicing! Miley tries so hard to reject and is reluctant to his comments and advances but around 50% of the book is when the real spice starts to happen. I loved this! It was so funny and just so entertaining, suspenseful as to figure out what will happen with them I highly enjoyed this so much! I recommend for anyone who likes paranormal/shifter/werewolf romance.

[Brandie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew Ares had it in him…

Since the beginning of Next Gen, I always hoped Ares would get his own book. And he didn't disappoint. I don't know how CJ outdoes herself each time but she does.

Ares isn't anything like you'd expect. He's pure ch@os, fly by the seat of his pants with a side of st@lkerish tendencies and a penchant for trouble.
Miley plays the part of prim and proper part well but underneath all that control is a feisty side itching to break free.

In Miley’s world, mates are business arrangements beneficial to no one but the pack/Alpha, which is how she ends up promised to another. Ares concocts an outlandish plan to help Miley break free, taking “all's fair in love and war” to a new level. The bickering between Ares and Miley kept me laughing until the end.

Book 1 down in the Windy City Wolf Pack and I can't wait to see who is next!

[Classically_crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
3🌶

Once again, CJ has produced an absolute banger!!!

This book was everything!!! It was one of those books I couldn't stop reading, and it bugged me when I was interrupted, I dont know what she puts in these books, but it's like that for me with every single one!

Miley is such a grump, controlled, follows the rules the good girl, and Ares is the ray of chaotic sunshine she didn’t know she needed or wanted.

In a world where pairing mates by science and assignment is how the pact works, Mylee is promised to someone when Ares comes up with a plan to "fake it till you make it."

These two were everything their banter had me laughing out loud, and his crazy scent sessions I was dying!!

The first book in the Windy Series Wolfpack series is off to an amazing start, and I can't wait for more!!

[Caitlin Buettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from C.J. Primer and it did not disappoint! Heroes & Hitmen touched on all the tropes I love: forced proximity, fake dating, fated mates, found family, etc. The banter and spice was 10/10! I read this book in about 48 hours; I just couldn’t put it down!

Ares(MMC) is a wolf shifter in rural Colorado. He is portrayed as a playboy who has no interest in settling down. However, when he is sent out on contract to another pack in Chicago he falls for a girl HARD. It turns out that she is the Alpha’s daughter and already arranged to marry another. Ares believes that he and Miley(FMC) are fated mates and spends all of his free time trying to convince her of that fact. Begrudgingly, Miley starts to fall for Ares as well, although she won’t admit it. Will they live happily ever after, or will it all be ripped away in the end?

[Sammyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

C.J.Primer has written a masterpiece of spicy werewolf romance. From the get go I was hooked. A playboy Alpha who has met his match!

Ares & Miley have amazing banter, the chemistry is off the charts & their destiny is addictive.

Ares has to change his playboy ways to make Miley feel he is worthy. They have lots of issues, Ares is constantly thinking of Miley and does Stalk her, but his obsession is real and true. Miley is a strong female who can stand on her own, but having Ares looking out for her makes her feel less alone. Her dad the Alpha doesn't show emotion to any of his daughters & just wants to get them mated.

An enjoyable book that left me wanting more. I feel that this series is going to be soo good!I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Morgan Schell · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Brutal Reign, I was excited to read Ares’ book, and it definitely did not disappoint! There has yet to be anything this author has written that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Ares and Miley are fantastic characters. Miley is full of snark, structured, and her actions are mostly dictated by where her loyalties lie. Ares is carefree and doesn’t let much ruffle him up, but is intense and unwavering about the things he wants and thinks are right. They are a shining example of opposites attract, making you smile at their bantering and games of cat and mouse. There were no dull moments in the story, and I was having a hard time getting other things done because I wanted to keep reading more! I’m very interested in seeing where this new series will lead.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.