Wulf's Pack

by Jackie May

True lone wolves are rare, but I’ve been happily on my own for decades. I’m too dominant to be anything except a pack alpha, and the thought of leading gives me hives. The only thing that scares me more than pack life is mate-hungry she-wolves. The old ball and chain lifestyle isn’t for me.

Then she walks into my club and changes everything.

In the span of a heartbeat, my single status is revoked. True mates are supposed to be myths, but there’s no denying what the beautiful, waifish woman who just stumbled into the club is to me.

I never thought I’d have a mate. Nor did my wolf. Neither of us were prepared for it. When the mate bond snaps into place, I'm shocked, but my wolf loses his damn mind. The bruises mottled all over our mate’s skin and the fear that clings to her like a bad stench has my wolf nearly feral with the need to protect her and get revenge on the person that hurt her. I want that too, but to my wolf, protecting our mate means having a strong pack.

When it's revealed that Skylar is a rare, coveted type of shifter on the run from a very dangerous pack, my wolf takes over and starts claiming shifters left and right. Now I’ve got a mate, a pack, a psychotic new enemy, and I keep losing control of my wolf. I’m in over my head, but I have to find a way to step up and become the alpha I was always meant to be—before everything and everyone I love is destroyed.


Wulf's Pack is a stand alone novel with a traditional m/f romance set in the Underworld Universe. It's best read after both the Nora Jacobs series and the Shayne Davies series. You can read it on its own, but you'll get much more out of it if you've read the other books first. And fair warning, it takes place chronologically after both series and has major spoilers from both.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Shapeshifters

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

Jackie May started out writing young adult and contemporary romance under the name Kelly Oram, but she can’t seem to stay in one lane and loves all things paranormal so Jackie May was born. She loves playing RPGs and has her own set of dice that no one is allowed to roll but her. Unfortunately, those dice are cursed and only roll high numbers when she’s taking damage. Since that usually doesn’t work out so well for her, she has to achieve her victories and happy endings through her books. (After torturing her characters for a while first, of course.) She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Vader. (Yes, as in Darth.)

Reviews

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flat out enjoyed everything about this book! It's a story I quickly and easily fell into and was so comfortable with that I didn't want it to end.

At it's heart it's a story of finding your place and people, with an important message of acceptance and the positives of diversity in a community. The author has written this in a memorable and lyrical manner, showing the need for, and benefits of it through the words and actions of the core group.

I've known Wulf from the Nora Jacobs and Shayne Davies series but this is a considered exploration of him as a man, a wolf, a leader and a mate and it made for fantastic reading. Wulf's transition from constant flirt to partner and Alpha was a tough but satisfying one and exceptionally well written. He was the first person POV so his struggles always felt real and relatable.

The beginning was heartbreaking but inspiring and set fabulous groundwork for the Skylar, the FMC. I really liked her - but how could I fail to, when the author had written her so sympathetically? Watching her discover herself while finding her place as co-leader and heart of a new Pack was a touching and emotional journey.

As expected, there was quite a lot of morally grey actions throughout. If the idea of vengeance and payback bother you, this may not be the UF world for you but I don't mind a bit of schadenfreude aimed at the Big Bads. I agree with Wulf when he thinks "I don’t mind a few shades of gray here and there.".

Being the first in what I hope is a series, there was considerable time spent introducing new characters, and that could continue as new Pack members are taken in and alliances forged. I enjoyed meeting such a variety of magicals then following as they melded into a cohesive, loyal unit. I like this world, it's magic and the dynamic between the Underworlders and humans (although the FBI agents would not be my first choice of people to be stranded on a desert island with 😵‍💫). The pacing was brilliant and kept up with the tension peaks and occassional relaxed lulls. The language was evocative and perfectly crafted to establish then build this storyline.

I can't wait for (fingers crossed) more of Wulf, Skylar and their Detroit Pack.


" '...dominance does not measure one’s personal worth, and it does not rule my pack. We work together using all of our individual gifts and talents to make us a well-rounded, intelligent, accepting pack.' "

[Holly McRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love paranormal romance with a healthy dose of humor, drama, and heart-pounding action, Wulf's Pack by Jackie May is a must-read. This gripping story about the reluctant alpha wolf, Wulf, and his unexpected mate, Skylar, grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the last.

Wulf is the epitome of the lone wolf — dominant, independent, and completely against the idea of pack life. The thought of becoming an alpha terrifies him, and honestly, who can blame him? Leading a pack means responsibility, something Wulf is not keen on. To make matters worse, the very thought of a mate sends him into a panic. But when Skylar stumbles into his club, everything changes in an instant. She’s beautiful, mysterious, and—much to his surprise—his fated-mate. The moment their bond clicks into place, Wulf's life is turned upside down.

Skylar, on the other hand, is not the delicate flower you might expect. She’s a rare Omega shifter, on the run from a pack that wants her back. This gives Wulf’s Pack a serious edge as danger and intrigue follow Skylar everywhere she goes. Wulf’s wolf immediately takes over, and the tension between wanting to protect his mate and navigating his new role as a potential pack leader is electric plus every time Wulf's wolf took over to claim members for the pack had me laughing.

What I absolutely loved about this book was the chemistry between Wulf and Skylar. They’re a perfect match in every sense. Their bond is intense, but it’s also filled with humor and tenderness, making their moments together feel real. As someone who devours books for the thrill of the story, I found myself laughing out loud at some parts while gasping at others. It’s the perfect blend of light-hearted fun and pulse-pounding action.

By the end of the book, I was desperately hoping for more. Wulf and Skylar's story left me wanting a follow-up, and I was genuinely hoping for a note that their story would continue. The stakes are high, and their bond is still unfolding, so there’s so much potential for more.

In short, Wulf’s Pack is a wild ride that mixes laughter, heartache, and unforgettable romance. It’s a fast-paced read that I couldn’t put down and would definitely recommend to anyone who loves shifter romance with a strong alpha and an even stronger heroine.

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read either of the series that this book is part of but that didn't hurt my absolute love for this book. This can be read as a stand alone as I did.

This book starts off on a bang right away. Skylar has been held captive by an abusive wolf shifter who uses her gifts for himself. She's been beaten and abused but when she sees a way to escape, she takes it. Wulf spots her when she comes into the bar and is looking for the alpha of the territory because she needs help. Wulf, a long wolf shifter feels an immediate pull to help her and that's strange for him because he's a lone wolf. But once his clan helps her and gets the magical collar off her that was suppressing her wolf, it because apparent to Wulf and his wolf that she is his true mate. Which is a shock to him and others since true mates are supposed to be a myth.

What comes next is Skylar and Wulf navigating their new relationship while Wulf tries to control his wolf who is adamant that they make a pack. But Wulf has always been a long wolf and he doesn't understand why his wolf wants to keep making new pack members.

Skylar is different and special so Wulf has to be careful a nd deal with more drama once others know about her. Shifters start coming to ask for help from her and that brings all kinds of new twists to the story. Skylar and Wulf have to ask for help from some people that they really don't want to but they are able to help a few more people when they do.

This was such a good book. New people and situations kept getting thrown at Wulf and Skylar but as long as they worked together and helped each other through the situations, they got through them. I'm definitely going to have to go back and read the other series and books in this universe because some of these other characters like Illren, the Fae who happens to be an assassin is so intriguing and I want to get to know him more.

Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoops, I read this book without having read the two other series by this author. Looking back, I did pick up a few books in Nora’s story, but must’ve lost track and never come back. That being said, I was able to dive right in fine, so don’t let that scare you off!

Wulf (yes, his name is Wulf and he’s a werewolf, you get over it) is a flirty, eternally single lone wolf who is happy as a member of a clan, but without any pack of his own. His nature seems appeased by his situation until Skylar walks into his bar. There’s a rapid shift in instincts, leading to many shifts, a quickly growing pack of his own, and one scared woman who is suddenly his mate. Skylar has abilities that essentially tranq those around her if she’s not careful, so she’s obviously a great asset to any pack. Unfortunately her previous pack abused her and left her locked up for most of her life. This has led to a bit of a lack of experience and support that Wulf is eager to remedy.

There are a few side-quests here but it was a great and wild ride from start to finish. I was a little worried that the darkness of Skylar’s past would color the book as a whole, but somehow it channels more healing and family vibes than abuse and torture. There are definitely dark spots, but overall this reads as a good redemption and escape story. I’m not sure if this is a spinoff but I’d enjoy more in this universe. Perhaps I’ll go back and fill in the stories I missed along the way.

[Amanda Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wulf's Pack was a pretty fun read! It had me hooked from page one, and it's been a minute since I read a book that didn't require just a little bit of work on my part to keep my interest in the beginning. Unfortunately, I found that I was more engaged in the first half than the second half. The beginning of the book felt so emotional--Skylar has just escaped eight long years of torture, she's battered and broken, and she's been kept in the dark about so much, down to her very own shifter nature. And Wulf, our sweet, charismatic flirt, ever the outgoing goofball, has anxiety and nearly collapses when he realizes his voluntary lone wolf status has just been thrown in the bin and now the commitment-phobe has to take on the responsibility of a very vulnerable mate AND the pack she's going to require. The emotional drama was high and I was here for it. But somewhere along the way, things stopped feeling emotional and started feeling like check boxes. New pack mates? Check. Travel to combat a threat? Check. More new pack mates? Check. Convenient skillsets of new packmates? Also check. By the time we got to the part where Skylar was taken again, I found myself thinking, "Finally! Some drama!"
Overall it was still a fun time, and I'd still recommend this author to anyone who likes shifter/urban fantasy books. Overall 3.5 stars for me.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Jacob's series has been a favorite of mine since it came out. I devoured Shayne's series when that came out, too. So it's no surprise that this book was an immediate yes. The author is down to a solo act, and this book does read more like Nora's than Shayne's...but I loved that, so not a con.

It was definitely different, reading from Wulf's POV, since he was a perpetual bachelor alpha. His issues and past are way different. I had a little bit of a harder time relating to him, but once the story got started, it wasn't an issue. Some bits of info were a bit repetitive, but it didn't bother me too much.

I loved the characters. The plot was a bit simpler than the others in this world, probably because this is a stand alone. That said, there's enough here to keep you entertained.

Tears of sadness and happiness were shed...so prepare yourself.

So glad the author decided to revisit this world and hope to see even more!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wulf’s wolf was so much fun in here. He’s like a junked up toddler with too much sugar in their system: zero control, all instincts and what seems like fun at the time.
Being a standalone the plot is a bit weaker than the Nora Jacob’s books, but there’s still plenty going on. You can read this without having delved into the other series first, but I think you do get more out of it having read the Nora Davies and Shayne Jacobs books. There are complete character crossovers and it’s in the existing world/setting, but there’s enough given in here to use it as a jump off point if you chose. You’d know you missed things, but not enough to not understand or enjoy the story.
The big bad is a very big bad and the found family is perfection. It’s the first book in a while that I picked up and didn’t want to put down.

[Eleonora · Rating 5 out of 5]

How amazing to go back to this incredible world that Jackie May has created. It is like coming back to a party where all your favorite people are invited. I loved the fact that Wulf is a very dominant alpha and yet he has issues to work through with his wolf and with his confidence. It is nice not to see the stereotypical alpha that doesn’t ever show weakness. Skyler is a wonderful character who, while initially appearing weak, really shows her strength throughout the book. I loved all the new characters that were introduced and absolutely adored the fact that multiple characters from the previous two series were also included. I can’t get enough of this world and the great characters that Jackie May brings to life.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well written and great character development just not how I thought the story would go.

Makes sense that a lone wolf turned mate and pack alpha would struggle with the change but I was expecting him to step up more.

Love how they manipulated the vampires to their advantage but the attack on Vail felt kinda anticlimactic. Wulf kept talking about how they had to be smarter so I was expecting something hacker related or just more involvement from the pack.

The happy ending was just overshadowed by the losses in the final battle.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wulf's Pack by Jackie May was a great right read of mine by this author. It had romance and adventure without being too drawn out. I really loved watching Skyler go from timid to a loving but strong person. I also love the take on omegas in this book too, it put a different spin on a paranormal book. I enjoyed this book so much. I'm going to go back and read her books about Nora and Shayne! Thank you so much, #netgalley, for allowing me to leave an honest review.

[Kerry Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book by this author. Though clearly part of a world featured in previous books not having read these other novels did not hinder the experience.

Entertaining to watch Wulf, the perpetual bachelor grapple with being thrown into the deep end of love and relationships with the unexpected arrival of his fated mate. As much as the situation had him twisted into knots he never doubted his strong feelings for Skyler.

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can technically be read on its own, but I highly recommend reading both Jackie May series first (Nora Jacobs and Shayne Davies series).

Beyond that, I loved it. Like Shayne's series, this is m/f, not rh, but with the werewolf pack structure, there are plenty of side characters to love.

Definitely recommended.

[C B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read something from Jackie May again! As always she did not disappoint.

I love Wulf, so I was happy to finally get his story. It was kind of bittersweet to have him not be apart of the Clan anymore. The character growth though, 10/10. I adored Skylar. She's so sweet.

It was amazing to read about the characters from the Nora Jacobs series. Highly recommend.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wulf's Packe, a standalone of the Underworld Universe, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU).Wulf is a crossover character from the Nora Jacobs series, which if you haven't read it, you're losing out on exceptional characters. I'm glad Wulf got his own HEA and I loved seeing the Clan mixed in with all their drama and affection.

[Susan Z Claypoole · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started off well fmc saves people. Then the author starts killing them all off. I seriously got mad and stopped reading. He has all this great clan behind him and doesn’t use this? The happy ending is not worth it. The mmc is basically an idiot through the whole book. I really liked earlier books but this is just not good.

[Debbie Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. I really enjoyed Wulf's Pack.


I couldn't put this book down, and I really enjoyed reading about Nora again. I hope there are many more books to come. Thanks Jackie May!

[Tristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read!

Jackie May! Where have you been hiding? I was so excited to come upon this book. Poor Wulf. He had me cracking up! This was such a fun read and to be able to catch up with Nora and the clan. This was so great!

[Kirsty Carruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling all shifters

A brilliant and very welcome addition to the universe of Jackie Mays creation. Lovely length of book with a fantastic reading pace. Hope there will be more novels from the Nora Jacobs world

[Kim Slye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read!

I really enjoyed Wulf’s Pack! Lots of action, good characters, and world building. I hope this is just the beginning of future series because the Detroit Wolf Pack has lots of intriguing and new characters including an Omega.

[Michelle Benoit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dnf

[Blue]

From the premise and the reviews, I don’t think I would like the H

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wulf Winters, everyone’s favorite bartender in Detroit’s underworld, finally gets his story. I’m a big fan of fated mates and that’s the only way Wulf would give up his lone wolf status.

Skylar has been imprisoned and tortured her entire life. Her character growth was full of self discovery and strength.

I really enjoyed going back to Detroit and its underworld. There are cameos of all the favorites like Nora Jacobs and Nick Gorgeous. The diverse shifter pack that Wulf builds and the politics around it was a really fun storyline.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

So stinking good! Oh my gosh. No one can do paranormal quite like Jackie May! I was so stoked to get back into the Detroit scene with some of my favorite paranormals and this did not disappoint! (Hello Nora!)
Fated mates, damsel in distress (kinda lol), touch her and die vibes! I am here for it. One of my favorite reads of 25 so far! I read it all in one sitting, it’s THAT good!


While it is a fade to black it does have some descriptive things