Shadow Wolf

Shadow Pack #1

by K. Easton, Amanda Richardson, Juniper Young (Narrator)

The brutal alpha of our rival Shadow Pack has a reputation for serving up malice and pain. Where he comes from, wolves roam free and lawless. A treaty forged over a hundred years ago is the only thing standing between all-out war between our packs.

We're Willow Creek wolves—refined, traditional, obedient, and I play the part of a good, little fiancée to Zade Crawford—my betrothed, and the alpha's son. My future has been mapped out, which means I know who I am and what my purpose is.

Until I lock eyes with Phoenix at the treaty renewal, and the unthinkable happens. Phoenix fucking Adair is my moon-fated mate.

Before I can process this life-altering news, the asshole publicly rejects me, and I find out everyone has been lying to me my entire life. That's when I know it's time to make some changes.

Leaving Willow Creek is the hardest thing I've ever done, but I refuse to remain in a place that feels so wrong. Except, I know nothing about what it means to be a shifter, nor how to survive without the creature comforts I've known all my life.

When I cross into forbidden land, danger finds me. And then I find the one wolf I fear the most. Phoenix f--king Adair.

Contains mature themes.

Genres: Fantasy, Omegaverse, Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Werewolves

Audible Audio

First published September 13, 2022

About the author

Kory (K.) Easton is the paranormal romance pen name for USA Today bestselling author, Amanda Richardson. She gravitates toward dark tales of otherworldly creatures and beasts. She currently resides in Yorkshire, England, with her husband and two kids.

Reviews

[Heather Mclarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I legit finished this is less than 24 hours LOL read half last night and half this morning. This was so FUN.

[Mareeva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Phoenix had so much self restraint and selflessness when it came to the heroine.....

get rid of it😇

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out SO good. The first half had me up until 1 a.m. because I couldn’t put it down. But then the second half sort of fizzled out.

Adrienne, the FMC, is part of the Willow Creek pack and is engaged to the future Alpha, Zade. During a meeting with a rival pack, the Shadow pack, she discovers that their alpha, Phoenix, is her fated mate. He rejects her, she finds out some stuff I’m not going to spoiler, and then she ends up traveling to the Shadow pack.

I’m not a HUGE fan of the rejected mates trope because it’s so sad to me when they get rejected 😭 AND after something that big, I need to see some MAJOR groveling in order to forgive the rejector. That was one of the things that was missing here for me. We got to a good place in the end, but the way we got there didn’t feel very authentic. Both MCs would talk about “their wolf accepting the other” for random reasons, and it didn’t seem justified. It felt like we were checking off a wolf shifter trope list in the second half of the book without any actual plot to back it up.

I’ll read anything wolf shifter, though, so I’ll probably continue the series anyway, even though there were parts of this book I didn’t love. I hope we get back to the pacing from the first half of this book because that was *MUAH*.

[Southern Lady Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to read the next in the series purely as a smut palette cleanser so I'm making myself a note in Goodreads just to be able to find it again.

lol it's not good writing. I just liked the premise of the story etc., and it was enjoyably diverting while I worked with gas chromatography... which can be so boring. My eyelids droop with every passing chromatogram I need to review.

Notes:
- 5-hour audiobook at 1.5 speed
- Seriously smutty. NSF young readers.

[Kayla Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a really good book! Definitely recommend

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Wolf is an enjoyable read. Rejected mates is my favorite trope, so I jumped at the opportunity to read it.

Adri has been betrothed to her best friend and the future pack Alpha, Zade, since they were children. While there is little chemistry between them, she is resigned to her fate – fated mates are so rare that it is fruitless to want something that will never be. Until she meets Phoenix, the pack Alpha of their rival pack, and her wolf recognizes his wolf as her fated mate. Not only would such a joining break the tenuous treaty between packs, but it could hurt her sister’s future mating prospects. It does not matter since Phoenix rejects the bond and leaves her with her pack.

As far as rejected mate stories go, I was entertained but not wowed. I want to hurt when I read a rejected mates story. I want to be in so much pain that my stomach is in knots as my heart breaks with the FMCs. This was only slightly uncomfortable. I didn’t feel it as much as I would have liked.

However, the other elements of the story were brilliant. I loved the unique take on omegaverse dynamics. K. Easton has imagined a world where the wolves are essentially beings within the human, a subconscious element with its own opinions and feelings. Thus, there arises the possibility for hybrid shifters – The human having one designation while the wolf holds another. Additionally, there is a vast discrepancy in how females, and all shifters in general, are treated by each pack. One pack actively suppresses all the natural animal drive while the other embraces it. One pack treats its females respectfully while the other sees them as lesser beings.

This promises to be the start of an entertaining series.

[Shaylynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is basically just wolf acotar but way worse? i will still be reading the next one however lol

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Wolf is the first book in the Shadow Pack trilogy. This is a rejected mates, wolf/shifter, paranormal romance series! Includes: knotting, nesting, marking, clawing, and alpha/omega relationships. And ok this was so fun! It definitely is fast-paced and gives ACOTAR/ACOMAF vibes, but I enjoyed it enough and will continue on in the series.

Adrienne is from the more “traditional” Willow Creek pack and has always been told the Shadow pack is a wilder, lawless, more brutal pack. She’s been raised to be obedient and refined and is betrothed to her childhood best friend, who is next in line to be alpha. In their world, fated mates is super rare. So imagine Adrienne’s surprise when Phoenix shows up, the brutal alpha of Shadow pack, and they realize they’re moon-fated mates. Phoenix shows up for a treaty renewal and once he realizes Adrienne is his mate, but notices she isn’t wanting to upset her family and life, he publicly rejects her and leaves back to his land. Shortly after, Adrienne realizes a lot about her life has been a lie and filled with secrets and she has no where to turn but to her rejected mate.

This was just fun and super fast-paced. The chemistry between Phoenix and Adrienne is fun and I just love a shifter/werewolf romance, so this delivered for me. There is the possessiveness, enough plot and secrets being revealed, and “touch her and die” vibes.

[Angela Hates Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t anything new, it’s not original, it’s wolf shifters plus ACOMAF essentially, and it’s a very quick read. I’m still giving it four stars because I enjoy all of those things and sometimes I just need some light and very easy wolf shifter romance.

[Sydney Fiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not interesting enough for me to read the next book unfortunately. Plot wasn’t terrible it was just a little short and underdeveloped for my taste.

[Sunny Charbonneau · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this whole book in like a few hours bc it’s just so fun i couldn’t put it down. will DEFINITELY be continuing the series!!

[Amzareads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had so much hope going into the book but unfortunately the writing didn’t meet my expectations. I feel like the plot was extremely rushed.

No matter where you look there is not build up between Phoenix and Adrienne. Honestly other than the mediocre sex scenes what do these two really got going for them relationship wise. The love profession at the end had me in a chokehold cause how are we at that stage when they probs couldn’t answer questions on a couple tag smh be fr now. The way I had to look back in the book for the heroines name cause I couldn’t remember it.

The premises of the story line would’ve been so good if the story was more developed. Instead I feel like so many things are just mentioned and there’s no conflict really until the last two chapters.

Also the switch up between her and Zades relationship was actually insane too me. First sign of conflict and she went packing.

I hate when books end with so many unanswered questions just because there’s going to be a sequel I think it’s lazy writing. Keeping some things mysterious makes sense to me but to answer none of the questions is sick.

Another thing the age gap between her and phoenix made me very uncomfortable like she’s 18 and he’s 32 truly other than being soul mates what do they have in common. I’ve read age gap romances before. But this one was solid no for me. Her age, how young she was mentally, how mature and experienced he was kept being repeated throughout the story. I swear I know more about their age difference than the rest of the story.

I honestly gave this a two because I feel like it could’ve been better. Y’all might like it better. I wish K. Easton would rewrite this because it has so much potential. I’m going to read the second one and hopefully it’s better and my questions get answered.

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I needed for a good Shifter romance I loved this couple so much I loved the writing it’s full of a fantastic cast of characters the world building was amazing I love that it takes place in Anchorage Alaska which is where I’m from and I still live in Alaska to this day that completely drew me in because I don’t see many stories especially shifter romance stories that take place in my hometown. Also the lead female character Adrienne was one of my favorites her strength her character growth was amazing and Phoenix I swooned so hard for him and the steamy scenes between them was scorching hot their chemistry was off the charts this was such a good story and one I definitely recommend I can’t wait for book two in this amazing series!

[Marie Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review !

My first omega/shifter book with hybrids in it . It so good, the last 25% of the book was my favorite part ! I had a hard time connecting with the FMC but Phoenix oufff him I loveeeee ! I will read for second book for sure because the first ends with a cliffhanger and god do I hate them ! AHAHA

[cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little read

I wanted an alpha book and i got one, very slay

a fun little read, will be continuing the series naturally. only criticism is that the beginning is paced weird, but i like where it ended up x

3 stars x

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne Pierce has only ever known what life as a Willow Creek wolf is… but she’s never truly felt like she fits in. Although she is betrothed to Zade Crawford, the alpha’s son, she is looked down on because of her status as an omega. Adri’s always felt a sort of yearning for something more, something she doesn’t fully understand until she crosses paths with Phoenix Adair, the feared alpha of the Shadow Wolf pack… and her moon-fated mate, a mate who then rejects her. Destroyed by the realization that everyone who she’s ever loved has been lying to her, Adri decides the only thing that’s left to do is leave the Willow Creek pack for good.

Determined to find her own way, Adri suddenly finds herself in Shadow Wolf pack territory - as though her heart and wolf were making the decision for her. Adri didn’t plan on staying in Shadow Wolf territory for long, but the more time she spends with Phoenix and his trusted friends, the more she feels as though she finally belongs. But Zade, her Willow Creek betrothed, is hell bent on getting Adri back, and he appears to be willing to do almost anything to achieve his goals…

Oh. My. Gosh. I love a good shifter story, and when you add in the rejected mate trope, I knew I was in for a wild ride. K. Easton is a new to me author, but I found that I really enjoyed her writing style! “Shadow Wolf” was fast paced but not rushed, and I loved that the story was both engaging and exhilarating. It was really interesting to learn about the different pack hierarchies, and I loved watching Adrienne find herself with the Shadow Wolf pack in a way she never had with the Willow Creek pack.

Adrienne. I thought she was an amazing FMC simply because it was really easy for me to understand her emotions. I liked that Adri acted her age, and I loved her vulnerability when she and Phoenix were first getting to know each other. I also loved the way she finally found peace with her bratty human side and submissive wolf side. Phoenix. I didn’t want to like him at first, but he 100% wormed his way into my heart by the time the book was over! Yes, he made some “questionable” decisions, but as you learn more about him and the reasoning behind why he does what he does, I think you’ll understand him a whole lot better. I really loved his and Adrienne’s relationship because they had to learn to trust each other. Their chemistry was instantaneous, but they didn’t get together right away. They both had to put in the effort, and I thought their relationship was very well done. All in all, I’m excited for the next one, and I definitely recommend!

[Cheyyleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll say 3.5 because I actually do like the overall plot and the starting dynamics but it was missing some key pieces.

1) Zade just automatically is now evil when they were best friends and super close? She had no clue before hand? Bullshit.

2) speaking of being clueless....all shadow wolves are black. And almost all the pack she grew up in is blond.....you never even one time questioned that? That is a little naive.

3) ARE YOU KIDDING THAT WE DONT GET A WEDDING VOWS SCENE. we barely got acknowledgement that they are mates from one another, and then the author just skips the whole scene and drops it on us all Sarah j Maas style? Be kidding.

4) last but not least in my issues with the book is that we glossed over Phoenix's whole history and touched on not one trauma but two in a matter of minutes. We get the West chapter, and the whole story of his ex without any issues or concern or really any overwhelming feeling? Really?

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOOK AWAY PEOPLE NOTHING TO SEE HERE.

I blame Bride by Ali hazelwood for this

[Domniki · Rating 1 out of 5]

It read like a non-professional wrote it. The plot wasn't interesting at all and honestly, I didn't seem to care about any of it.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐ Steam: 3.5/5 Strong Language: 3/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot: 5/5

Trigger Warnings: Attempted $exual A$$ualt, Dπug Use, Vio!ence, Muπder, A$$ualt

Shadow Wolf is the first book in the Shadow Pack Trilogy and does end on a cliffhanger. Don't be one of those people who won't read a book until a series is complete. This one packs a punch and shouldn't be missed.

Adrienne is a young woman living a life that's too small for her. A life dictated by the expectations of others. She's told she must marry the son of the Alpha of her Willow Creek pack, whether she loves him or not. She's told she must be an Omega wolf-shifter, learn her place in the pack, and submit. The problem with all of this is that Adri has always felt, yearned, and dreamed for more. She and her wolf know that fate has more in store for them than being a breeding machine. She just needs her shot.

Phoenix Adair is the Alpha of the rival and enemy Shadow Wolf pack. He has a reputation as dark and mysterious as his black-fured wolf counterpart. He grew up rough and earned his position. At 32, the pretentious posturing of the Willow Creek pack is an annoyance he can't avoid during a treaty resigning. All his attention shifts dramatically to Adri when they meet. They are rare moon fated mates. He rejects her, unleashing a domino effect of secrets and lies that will change both packs forever.

When the chips are down and Adri is in true peril who can she turn to? The people who say they love her if she conforms or the person who hurt her in order to give her freedom?

This was an excellent book, a real page turner. I became immediately invested in Adri's struggle and Phoenix's inner battles. These are two really dynamic characters and their chemistry on page is sizzling. Not just the spice, which was excellent, but the slow burn, banter, and the anticipation were a thrill to read. The secondary characters of Nora, Kaz, and especially Valen were fantastic. I hope to read more about them in the next books which can not come out fast enough.

[Michael K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dunno. I'll be honest, I quit this one at 89% because I did not want to keep reading the series. I just felt like the plot was resolved enough that I 'got it' and the characters just weren't dynamic enough for me to continue. The story is one of those 'telling, not showing' methods via paragraphs of subtext. Complete with weird flashbacks. I feel like these were supposed to keep you in the described moment, but, again, so much was paraphrased that it was somewhat lackluster.

Also, as an avid omega-verse reader, having a heat cycle last what felt like only 24 hours of cramping and delirium? Nahh. The hero was so pro-consent(sure) through his first heat with his 'fated mate'...which should have pickled his mind...which let to a really strange sex scene in its unexpected 'presence' quality. So I dunno'. The smut therefore felt very contrived. It was meh.

Ugh.
And the angst?
Her: 'why did he reject me?'
Him: 'oh, I asked her and she said no, so I gotta' respect consent and all.'
Her: 'yeah--but why though, what's wrong with me?!'
Wash and repeat.
It got OLD, so QUICK.
I started highlighting passages I was so irritated at the wishy-washy mental dialogue. Altogether? It's mentioned on ten pages. I just feel like for two alpha personalities, the lack of communication was a detriment to the story.

So.
Grain of salt.
But if you go for it, I hope you like it!
Merry reading.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked! This book really sucked me in from the very beginning. Normally I am not one to read PNR/Fantasy and my extent of that genre is Twilight. However, K.Easton (Amanda Richardson) sold me with her novella Blood & Vows, so I knew I had to try this book as well! And let me tell you, I was not disappointed at all! This book was interesting, and SUPER smutty. I think im really into the knotting thing? While it is PNR, it was still set in a modern world that I think would appeal to the non-fantasy readers as well. Adri and Phoenix have a chemistry that you could feel through the pages and had me staying up til 3 am to read more of! This book does end on a cliff hangerish and I am already on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to be released! This is definitely a book you should all add to your TBRs!

[Hayley Woz · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: 🤩🤩🤩

I’m giving this one three stars because I did enjoy the book: the plot, characters, and pacing of the story.

However, there were some aspects that I wish could have been a bit more detailed, such as the whole rival packs and some more context around the why’s behind all of that so that we as readers could connect to the importance and intensity of what was going on a bit better.

That being said, Adri’s back and forth with Phoenix is so great, the found family aspects in the book were so sweet and heartwarming, and that ending was a killer! I’m going to be waiting anxiously for the next one!

If you’re looking for a quick and enjoyable read that will keep you entertained, has relatable characters, a good amount of spice, and leaves you wanting more - this book is for you!

[Heather Chaotic Creatives · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great beginning to this series!!! I will warn you this does end on a cliff hangar and what a cliffy it is.
Adrienne has always felt like the black sheep of her family. She has been betrothed to her bestfriend Zade who is going to be alpha of their pack. Nothing could be better for her until..... the alpha from a warring pack comes to sign a treaty between the two packs.. Everything literally goes to hell in a hand basket with this meeting.. I won't go into specifics and ruin the book, but damn when I say everything goes from 1-100 in the blink of an eye I am not lying. The story just gets better from that point on.
The action picks up, the twists and turns become a little more twisted. When I say the secrets and deceit runs deep within these pages I am not wrong. I could not put my kindle down once I started. I am so looking forward to book 2 in this series.

[Bai Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book may have made me like shifter werewolf-y romances. It's usually not my jam; however, I really enjoyed this one.I am changed. I liked Adri as a character, and Phoenix seemed like the morally grey hero I will always need in my life. The smut was entrancing basically. I really loved the found family trope that this book had going on as well, and I can't wait to see everything (like the friendships and Adri and Phoenix's relationship) become more developed throughout the series!

The ending had me dying. I simply need the next book to survive. No big deal.

But seriously, K. Easton/Amanda Richardson has never let me down. I always know that her books are 100 percent going to be amazing!

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. A quick read, no overly complicated points but with a creative enough storyline. Even so I found myself skipping some scenes. I felt like there was no real connection between Adrienne and Phoenix outside of the "mate bond". For me the romance felt rushed and I missed the gradual development between the main characters, to the "getting to know each other" fase to friendship/love.

The main character was rejected by her mate but that was brushed off pretty quickly and I wish it had been explored better, given it's one of the main selling points of this book.

All in all it was a good read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

[kim_is_bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I absolutely adored this book, I read it in one day! This is an omegaverse shifter romance, and the way Kory aka Amanda defines the dynamics, mating, etc is very different from other shifter and omegaverse books I’ve read! Adrienne is an 18 year old sheltered shifter, her youth and lack of life experience shows in her character but it fits and i just wanted to take her by the hand and guide her as a big sister would for her little sister! She grows into her own and finds herself and her journey is beautiful to witness! Phoenix is a dark haired, broody alpha with a filthy mouth and I just love him! Tropes we love: fated mates, sorta ennemies to lovers, touch her and d!e, age gap (14 years) and found family! I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het boek leest makkelijk weg en ik zat gelijk ik het verhaal! Het doet me denken aan een ander boek maar dat vond ik niet heel erg. Het boek had hoger kunnen scoren maar sommige dingen gingen wel heel snel en ik kreeg een beetje kriebels door het leeftijdsverschil. Ik weet niet.. Vind het toch te groot? En het was gek omdat het in gedrag meevalt dus waarom hem zoveel ouder maken? Dus uiteindelijk voor 3 sterren gekozen.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this was so entertaining I almost gave it 5 stars. I am going absolutely feral for werewolves lately and the whole rejected mate trope is just absolutely top tier for me. Was the writing/ editing perfect? Perhaps not, but I felt like a literal trash panda who could not put this book down. I need more like this and am already so anxious seeing the third book isn’t out yet (though thankfully it is soon!). Immediately on to book 2.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!

Adrienne has been do wrong for eighteen years. She doesn't know about her self till her boyfriend and best friend told her. Phoenix Adair alpha of Shadow pact came to sign the treaty. Great read!😊😁