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Lunar Wolves #1
Pressure: Lunar Wolves Series #1
Axe Landry needs a fake mate-fast. Axe Landry is the disgraced heir of a defeated Alpha. He craves law, order, and stability, but he's clinging to his position of Chief of the Lunar Council Enforcement Agency, the protectors of Crescent City, by a thread. If he doesn't find a mate—a witch mate, at that—by the next full moon, he's bound for a life of ridicule and isolation.
Enter Caden Borealis—wild, reckless . . . and irresistible. Caden hasn't made much of his twenty-three years on earth. Caden's life is a mess, though, and he desperately needs money if he wants to save his grandpa's life.
A deliciously indecent proposal.
When Caden first hears Axe's proposal, he can't believe Axe is serious. All he has to do is pretend to be Axe's husband and Axe will give him half a million dollars?
Unless it's all real . . .
When werewolves start to go missing, Caden realizes he might be in over his head. He's never let himself rely on anyone before, but Axe becomes his rock as he learns to navigate this newfound world of witches and werewolves. But as the lines between real and pretend blur, Caden can't always remember that he's only acting like he's in love.
Contains mature themes.
Enter Caden Borealis—wild, reckless . . . and irresistible. Caden hasn't made much of his twenty-three years on earth. Caden's life is a mess, though, and he desperately needs money if he wants to save his grandpa's life.
A deliciously indecent proposal.
When Caden first hears Axe's proposal, he can't believe Axe is serious. All he has to do is pretend to be Axe's husband and Axe will give him half a million dollars?
Unless it's all real . . .
When werewolves start to go missing, Caden realizes he might be in over his head. He's never let himself rely on anyone before, but Axe becomes his rock as he learns to navigate this newfound world of witches and werewolves. But as the lines between real and pretend blur, Caden can't always remember that he's only acting like he's in love.
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
First published June 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
June 19, 2022
2.5
A stoic Alpha lead by rules and suppressed emotions and an aimless, insecure twink from a dysfunctional family thrown together by a fake mate proposal made business contract – no chance it's working given the fact that the twink knows nothing about his witch heritage or the world of werewolves but of course it does … the plot looked like a nice distraction from the current early heatwave, nothing arduous but something light with some action, maybe a bit hilarious and more than enough of knotting, perfect for an afternoon in the park and an evening cooling down with a Aperol Spritz. It certainly helped that the reviews promised to get a new variation of the usual shifter story.
What can I say, it didn't work for me. From the start I struggled with the impression that it's a sequel and all the world building was done in another series. There are 3 wolf species, 2 of them from another dimension, a city where they all try to live together while one of them is trying to build a portal to get back. There is a pact for wolf/ witch matings, violent rules for packs and clans and tense politicking. All of it told as if I'm already familiar with that world. I'm not even sure if the human population in this world knows about it. Seems there are indications that they don't but then Caden accepts it without second thought, though. Even from an easy read I expect enough world information to get by without struggling.
Then there is Caden's and Axe's relationship. I get that there have to be misinterpretations and wrong decisions out of insecurity when a fake and businesslike proposal changes into something serious quickly but, really, there is a point when it should be enough and I don't need another and then another time again in the same situation even after they talked and promised to be honest from now on, just to doubt everything again at the next hurdle. I was nearly at the point of DNF.
All of it changed only after Caden's last visit with his grandpa. Now the book became what I expected but it was a bit too late to stop my growing weariness completely. Pity because in parallel Huxley and Zayne were growing on me.
A stoic Alpha lead by rules and suppressed emotions and an aimless, insecure twink from a dysfunctional family thrown together by a fake mate proposal made business contract – no chance it's working given the fact that the twink knows nothing about his witch heritage or the world of werewolves but of course it does … the plot looked like a nice distraction from the current early heatwave, nothing arduous but something light with some action, maybe a bit hilarious and more than enough of knotting, perfect for an afternoon in the park and an evening cooling down with a Aperol Spritz. It certainly helped that the reviews promised to get a new variation of the usual shifter story.
What can I say, it didn't work for me. From the start I struggled with the impression that it's a sequel and all the world building was done in another series. There are 3 wolf species, 2 of them from another dimension, a city where they all try to live together while one of them is trying to build a portal to get back. There is a pact for wolf/ witch matings, violent rules for packs and clans and tense politicking. All of it told as if I'm already familiar with that world. I'm not even sure if the human population in this world knows about it. Seems there are indications that they don't but then Caden accepts it without second thought, though. Even from an easy read I expect enough world information to get by without struggling.
Then there is Caden's and Axe's relationship. I get that there have to be misinterpretations and wrong decisions out of insecurity when a fake and businesslike proposal changes into something serious quickly but, really, there is a point when it should be enough and I don't need another and then another time again in the same situation even after they talked and promised to be honest from now on, just to doubt everything again at the next hurdle. I was nearly at the point of DNF.
All of it changed only after Caden's last visit with his grandpa. Now the book became what I expected but it was a bit too late to stop my growing weariness completely. Pity because in parallel Huxley and Zayne were growing on me.
June 23, 2022
3.5 stars heavily rounded up
This was yet another take on the mail order bride (or alpha) (or mate) (or whatever) trope but this time it was a werewolf shifter contractually obligating a witch who doesn't know he is a witch yet into being his mate for...job security? I don't know the details are already lost to me and I read this like a day ago.
What I enjoyed the most was the praise kink and caretaking the werewolf character gives to the witch character. I enjoyed their dynamic a lot especially as they got to know each other. I could have done without the dramatique running away in the woods crap from the witch guy but him being rescued by his mate was cute. By the way, I would use the character's names if I could remember them but I have already forgotten almost everything about this book which I have said twice now so this should tell you a lot.
What I enjoyed the least was the sheer amount of characters who were somehow all related or connected but I could not keep track of how and ultimately it didn't matter. The mystery plot was kind of a let down, the people who were responsible didn't seem like much of a shocking reveal, and the book would probably be better without all that mess.
I also wish the wolves from another dimension and the different types of wolves got more page time and explanation. This is book one of the series this is the time to do it! But it was mentioned in passing as if we already know all this background info.
Overall a decent romance and a forgettable book despite an interesting premise.
Edit: I just remembered the main characters' names are Axe and Caden. You're welcome.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
This was yet another take on the mail order bride (or alpha) (or mate) (or whatever) trope but this time it was a werewolf shifter contractually obligating a witch who doesn't know he is a witch yet into being his mate for...job security? I don't know the details are already lost to me and I read this like a day ago.
What I enjoyed the most was the praise kink and caretaking the werewolf character gives to the witch character. I enjoyed their dynamic a lot especially as they got to know each other. I could have done without the dramatique running away in the woods crap from the witch guy but him being rescued by his mate was cute. By the way, I would use the character's names if I could remember them but I have already forgotten almost everything about this book which I have said twice now so this should tell you a lot.
What I enjoyed the least was the sheer amount of characters who were somehow all related or connected but I could not keep track of how and ultimately it didn't matter. The mystery plot was kind of a let down, the people who were responsible didn't seem like much of a shocking reveal, and the book would probably be better without all that mess.
I also wish the wolves from another dimension and the different types of wolves got more page time and explanation. This is book one of the series this is the time to do it! But it was mentioned in passing as if we already know all this background info.
Overall a decent romance and a forgettable book despite an interesting premise.
Edit: I just remembered the main characters' names are Axe and Caden. You're welcome.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
June 22, 2022
Great start to a new series by Kiki Burrelli. Then again I'm not surprised, I always love this authors wolves. The worldbuilding is pretty cool. These wolves are in SPACE, well another planet that is. There's also mages and magic which always brings the fun.
Caden is sassy AF, while Axe is the rock. They shouldn't work on paper and have quite the unconventional start, but their relationship works. It was actually pretty sweet interspersed with some hot AF steamy, knotty moments. On top of that there's also some politics to navigate.
I liked the side characters and am hoping for some of their books in the future. The next book is Huxley and I have some ideas sparking in my head about who his mate may be, but I also may be wrong based on the little we are given as a hint at the end of Pressure. Enemies to lovers is totally my jam so wishful thinking on my part may also be the culprit. Time will tell!
Caden is sassy AF, while Axe is the rock. They shouldn't work on paper and have quite the unconventional start, but their relationship works. It was actually pretty sweet interspersed with some hot AF steamy, knotty moments. On top of that there's also some politics to navigate.
I liked the side characters and am hoping for some of their books in the future. The next book is Huxley and I have some ideas sparking in my head about who his mate may be, but I also may be wrong based on the little we are given as a hint at the end of Pressure. Enemies to lovers is totally my jam so wishful thinking on my part may also be the culprit. Time will tell!
July 23, 2022
This book is 385 pages long, but somehow felt like twice that length. It took me way too long to read and some parts bored me to hell. I'm still glad I read it and would consider this a positive read, because the parts where I wasn't bored, the ones that actually focused on the romance? Amazing. (On a related note, why are so many shifters books centered around politics and characters talking about X and Y, and not about them getting into pew-pew magical fights or whatever? I'm so tired of those suit-wearing shifters sitting around conference tables).
What really makes this book is the dynamic between Axe and Caden. The caretaking and the praise kink was honestly so good that I'm willing to (almost) forget about the things I didn't like. I thought the romance part was done really well and I really felt the connection between the two of them. It was very instalove-y and instalust-y, which I usually don't love, but I thought it fit here. Also, I just love age gap romance with a young, insecure MC who grows to love himself. Even though Caden was annoying at times with the immaturity and the tantrums, his overall character arc was satisfying to me. Axe was also a good character. One thing I usually like about shifter books is the "oops wolf instincts" excuse to have possessive and growly characters, and Axe has plenty of moments like that. He's never a complete asshole though and he respects Caden boundaries; there's a lot of focus on consent in their relationship and the overall dynamic is very tender. And it didn't prevent the sex scenes from being a little kinky, and in a way that serves the relationship development and fits the characters.
Now, as for the rest... The first chapter was the longest info-dumping chapter I've ever read. And apparently, there's a prequel you need to read to understand all the world-building? Which I just learned about while reading other reviews. It might explain why all the "mystery" plot just went over my head. I just didn't care about all the scenes of Axe dealing with politics stuff, and there were a lot of them.
Overall, a good book that I really wish focused more on the romance, which was great, and cut maybe 100 pages of underwhelming mystery plot.
I received a free copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
What really makes this book is the dynamic between Axe and Caden. The caretaking and the praise kink was honestly so good that I'm willing to (almost) forget about the things I didn't like. I thought the romance part was done really well and I really felt the connection between the two of them. It was very instalove-y and instalust-y, which I usually don't love, but I thought it fit here. Also, I just love age gap romance with a young, insecure MC who grows to love himself. Even though Caden was annoying at times with the immaturity and the tantrums, his overall character arc was satisfying to me. Axe was also a good character. One thing I usually like about shifter books is the "oops wolf instincts" excuse to have possessive and growly characters, and Axe has plenty of moments like that. He's never a complete asshole though and he respects Caden boundaries; there's a lot of focus on consent in their relationship and the overall dynamic is very tender. And it didn't prevent the sex scenes from being a little kinky, and in a way that serves the relationship development and fits the characters.
Now, as for the rest... The first chapter was the longest info-dumping chapter I've ever read. And apparently, there's a prequel you need to read to understand all the world-building? Which I just learned about while reading other reviews. It might explain why all the "mystery" plot just went over my head. I just didn't care about all the scenes of Axe dealing with politics stuff, and there were a lot of them.
Overall, a good book that I really wish focused more on the romance, which was great, and cut maybe 100 pages of underwhelming mystery plot.
I received a free copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
July 16, 2022
DNF
Could not finish. Cadence has no personality and his defining characteristics seem to be that his family verbally abuses him, he's an airhead, and he accomplished nothing. Right off the bat it felt like all he could do was whine and wring his hands, helpless to do anything. And I mean anything. He doesn't feed himself, he can't seem to unpack his own stuff and put it away, he can't even find a pen or read a few pages of a contract. His definition of trying is to do it for a few seconds until his mind wanders.
His timidity makes sense, and his low self esteem, what with the abuse he's endured. But frankly, he's not an interesting or likable character because he is all victim and no personality.
Basically, this reads like a delicate, helpless, brainless little butterfly being rescued and coddled by his protector/lover. Caden continues to be dependent on another outside himself to give him worth, which doesn't actually solve his self worth issues or teach him how to be a functioning adult. He needs to.deal with his issues and grow up in order to have a healthy, functioning relationship but over 100 pages in and there still isn't anything meaningful about him.
Could not finish. Cadence has no personality and his defining characteristics seem to be that his family verbally abuses him, he's an airhead, and he accomplished nothing. Right off the bat it felt like all he could do was whine and wring his hands, helpless to do anything. And I mean anything. He doesn't feed himself, he can't seem to unpack his own stuff and put it away, he can't even find a pen or read a few pages of a contract. His definition of trying is to do it for a few seconds until his mind wanders.
His timidity makes sense, and his low self esteem, what with the abuse he's endured. But frankly, he's not an interesting or likable character because he is all victim and no personality.
Basically, this reads like a delicate, helpless, brainless little butterfly being rescued and coddled by his protector/lover. Caden continues to be dependent on another outside himself to give him worth, which doesn't actually solve his self worth issues or teach him how to be a functioning adult. He needs to.deal with his issues and grow up in order to have a healthy, functioning relationship but over 100 pages in and there still isn't anything meaningful about him.
April 8, 2024
This has a lot of the guilty pleasure werewolf tropes that I enjoy, like the OTT possessiveness and protectiveness!
I felt the plot got in the way of my enjoyment though. The crescent city politics were confusing - I still have no idea who part of which pack/family and affiliated with whom etc.
Additionally, I did not like how conflict/tension was built. There was a whole lot of yelling and flinging of baseless accusations, and to me, the resulting conflicts were just annoying and stressful instead of exciting.
I like silly misunderstandings and miscommunication angst, but due to the sheer amount of plot-related miscommunications and yelling by non-MCs, I got very burnt out on it.
I felt the plot got in the way of my enjoyment though. The crescent city politics were confusing - I still have no idea who part of which pack/family and affiliated with whom etc.
Additionally, I did not like how conflict/tension was built. There was a whole lot of yelling and flinging of baseless accusations, and to me, the resulting conflicts were just annoying and stressful instead of exciting.
I like silly misunderstandings and miscommunication angst, but due to the sheer amount of plot-related miscommunications and yelling by non-MCs, I got very burnt out on it.
September 30, 2022
It was really good. I do wish we'd had a bit of "this is the world we live in" exposition, though it might have happened in the novella that I skipped. I need to get that novella.
June 13, 2022
Kiki has been one of my favorite Mpreg authors for a while, and her first foray into non-mpreg shifter just cements the fact that she can write any story and I will devour it! I already knew her worldbuilding was top notch for me, and there was no exception here. I literally could not put it down, and I fell for the characters and world to such an extent I'm on edge waiting for the next book in this amazing series! Caden was kind of a mess when we started out, but he really came into his own throughout the story. And Axe seemed so stoic and emotionless to everyone who knew him, but getting in his head was a true joy as he felt so much. Great magic, shifters, characters, lore, seriously it was just a win in every way imaginable.
September 12, 2024
Well, once again I listened to this because it is narrated by Chris Chambers, and because I already knew I liked the book. Dig this series a lot, and love Chris Chambers' voice.
June 19, 2022
So many different things to learn about the wolves
I'm not gonna lie, there were parts of this story that made me want to chuck my kindle across the room. These were the most OTT wolves and witches I have ever read about and I didn't even get a babby out of it.
So in here we have three sets of wolves that somehow ended up in the same place. I do not know how this happened as I was not aware that I needed to read a story before this to understand. That should not happen, but I digress. Axe was basically abused for most of his life after his father was killed and Caden was abused just because his parents were horrible witches. These two make a deal where Caden agrees to be his mate and Axe will pay for Caden's grandfather's care. On top of this bad things are happening within crescent city and there is a lone wolf in the woods.
Bad things in crecent city happen, Axe is being blamed for things cause his family, who killed his dad, want him dead, Caden becomes super witch, they fall in actual love, and thanks to Caden being the hero, finally get it all resolved.
The new world was interesting, which is why my rating is so high, and parts of the narrative was really funny. It just didn't gel together very well. I found the group of wolf agents, whom I'm gonna assume will make up future books, interesting.
I'm not gonna lie, there were parts of this story that made me want to chuck my kindle across the room. These were the most OTT wolves and witches I have ever read about and I didn't even get a babby out of it.
So in here we have three sets of wolves that somehow ended up in the same place. I do not know how this happened as I was not aware that I needed to read a story before this to understand. That should not happen, but I digress. Axe was basically abused for most of his life after his father was killed and Caden was abused just because his parents were horrible witches. These two make a deal where Caden agrees to be his mate and Axe will pay for Caden's grandfather's care. On top of this bad things are happening within crescent city and there is a lone wolf in the woods.
Bad things in crecent city happen, Axe is being blamed for things cause his family, who killed his dad, want him dead, Caden becomes super witch, they fall in actual love, and thanks to Caden being the hero, finally get it all resolved.
The new world was interesting, which is why my rating is so high, and parts of the narrative was really funny. It just didn't gel together very well. I found the group of wolf agents, whom I'm gonna assume will make up future books, interesting.
July 24, 2022
usually i give three stars for when the book is an absolute snooze fest but this time i really can't decide if i like this or not💀. the starting was hell and it got slightly better before it confused the hell out of me. i loved the dynamic axe and caden had going on by the end though.
February 10, 2023
bad books are fine, annoying books are unforgivable…..ugh the writing was so childish like honestly every issue was caden jumping to conclusions on the moon and acting like he must be correct instead of talking to axe…..and don’t even get me started on the whole contrived failed mate day where everyone acted like 2nd graders…..so you’re telling me you’ve got people running the city that hear one person say something and immediately decide they’re right without any investigation or hearing things from the other side ??? HUHUHHHH⁉️ normally i’d DNF a book like this and almost did twice but i’m in a book slump so i couldn’t find anything else to read and resorted to opening this book back up but i was under duress the entire time……honestly the one interesting thing in this book was linus but that went nowhere bc he didn’t end up friends with everybody and invited to the pack, they just bought him a house in the woods🤦♀️🤦♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
oh, this one was a great read and I would like say a great surprise, but realistically Kiki Burrelli is most of the time a save bet.
the start was a bit difficult as Caden is a real all over the place at the beginning and therefore it was difficult to be sympathetic for him. But I really loved how he developed during the book. He was great at the end.
Axe on the other hand was a favorite of mine from the start on ... I am a sucker for the strong and silent type and he fits that to a T.
the story was well done (except one too many hot-cold-changes in the middle) but I enjoyed it. normally I am not a fan of pretend relationships but this here was well done. the mystery that linked it together was good and I enjoyed it.
I really like Axe and Caden together and I would have liked it if the next book would have these two as MCs as well but as promised in the end, the next one will be about Huxley .... which will be nice as well. maybe he and Zayne together ... :-)
all in all, this is a great beginning of a new series and I am looking for the next one
an ACR was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
the start was a bit difficult as Caden is a real all over the place at the beginning and therefore it was difficult to be sympathetic for him. But I really loved how he developed during the book. He was great at the end.
Axe on the other hand was a favorite of mine from the start on ... I am a sucker for the strong and silent type and he fits that to a T.
the story was well done (except one too many hot-cold-changes in the middle) but I enjoyed it. normally I am not a fan of pretend relationships but this here was well done. the mystery that linked it together was good and I enjoyed it.
I really like Axe and Caden together and I would have liked it if the next book would have these two as MCs as well but as promised in the end, the next one will be about Huxley .... which will be nice as well. maybe he and Zayne together ... :-)
all in all, this is a great beginning of a new series and I am looking for the next one
an ACR was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
April 11, 2024
The narration quickly had me hooked into the story. The tone and voices for each character were distinguishable from each other pretty easily and it made it a good listening experience. The narration worked well with the story, never overpowering it, and letting me just enjoy the story.
I really liked the character development of Caden in particular. He went from this almost shallow party boy to someone really kind and caring. His treatment of the lone wolf cemented my like of him. Axe gave Caden everything he needed to flourish, a safe space, solid boundaries, consequences that were fair. Their arrangement quickly becomes real as they learn more about each other. Plenty of outside drama which I loved. I like steam, but I also prefer there to be a good plot - this had both in spades.
I really liked the character development of Caden in particular. He went from this almost shallow party boy to someone really kind and caring. His treatment of the lone wolf cemented my like of him. Axe gave Caden everything he needed to flourish, a safe space, solid boundaries, consequences that were fair. Their arrangement quickly becomes real as they learn more about each other. Plenty of outside drama which I loved. I like steam, but I also prefer there to be a good plot - this had both in spades.
October 6, 2022
I read the prequel to this series a while ago and finally got around to reading the first book in the series. So happy I did! This book was longer than I typicall read but I thoroughly enjoyed every page. It’s such a well written, well thought out universe and story! Caden was automatically likable and Axe was the dreamy, grouchy, dominant werewolf that gives you tingles. Can’t wait to continue the series!
June 14, 2022
I love the books by Kiki Burrelli. They are original and every one a page-turner. Also...she has a thing about wolf shifter/werewolves. Regardless of her many shifter books she always creates a new and original storyline, something that only a very skilled writer can do. She almost always writes books that are a series. That totally rocks because there is one story continued through many books as seen and experiences by different protagonists. There are also some really mean psycho wolves...grrrr. You just want to punch them...metaphorically of course.
This book, Pressure, is the first in the Lunar Wolves series. It is the story of three species of wolves who live in an experimental city created to allow pack members from the very different species to live together in harmony. Well at least as much harmony as possessive and arrogant wolves can live. Oh...and the wolves have to be mated to witches or else they end up with some seriously bad juju. Yikes.
It is a fascinating story with lots of angst and drama. Of course there are Burrelli's signature snarky characters who always provide a bit of comic relief in the otherwise dramatic as well as engrossing story. So...snark, sexy-time, drama, secrets, betrayal, lots of anxious moments, romance and a happily-ever-after...hopefully...ending. What more could you ask for? There is a FREE prequel, Gravity, which is worth reading and can be obtained from Ms. Burrelli's website. It is about a two hour read and gives a lot of the backstory.
I look forward to the next book which is due out in October of 2022.
This book, Pressure, is the first in the Lunar Wolves series. It is the story of three species of wolves who live in an experimental city created to allow pack members from the very different species to live together in harmony. Well at least as much harmony as possessive and arrogant wolves can live. Oh...and the wolves have to be mated to witches or else they end up with some seriously bad juju. Yikes.
It is a fascinating story with lots of angst and drama. Of course there are Burrelli's signature snarky characters who always provide a bit of comic relief in the otherwise dramatic as well as engrossing story. So...snark, sexy-time, drama, secrets, betrayal, lots of anxious moments, romance and a happily-ever-after...hopefully...ending. What more could you ask for? There is a FREE prequel, Gravity, which is worth reading and can be obtained from Ms. Burrelli's website. It is about a two hour read and gives a lot of the backstory.
I look forward to the next book which is due out in October of 2022.
May 16, 2024
Omg luved this book from start to finish.... I just wish it was longer and more detailed cause I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read the next book
June 16, 2022
Caden basically a looser. He has trouble concentrating, his thoughts are all jumbled. Then he gets mated to Axe. Good or bad, he just doesn’t know.
Axe, Chief of the Lunar Council Enforcement Agency, working hard at keeping his city from being run over by feuding groups of werewolves. He has to mate or be forced into being a lone wolf. Caden is his salvation… or not. Only time will tell.
Fairly angsty, hot times abound. A man who is not exactly sure about stepping into his new life with a werewolf. A werewolf who just wants peace for his city and his human mate. Not necessarily in that order.
Different species of werewolves was interesting. Lunar, Solar, and Celestial. I’m not sure about the differences in the species but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story. I was really intrigued by the concept.The witch and werewolf mating was interesting also.
Lots of great supporting characters. I liked that Caden was welcomed with open arms, poor guy needed the love.
Nice story, the next book is a ways away but I’m looking forward to Huxley’s story.
I received an arc of this book.
Axe, Chief of the Lunar Council Enforcement Agency, working hard at keeping his city from being run over by feuding groups of werewolves. He has to mate or be forced into being a lone wolf. Caden is his salvation… or not. Only time will tell.
Fairly angsty, hot times abound. A man who is not exactly sure about stepping into his new life with a werewolf. A werewolf who just wants peace for his city and his human mate. Not necessarily in that order.
Different species of werewolves was interesting. Lunar, Solar, and Celestial. I’m not sure about the differences in the species but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story. I was really intrigued by the concept.The witch and werewolf mating was interesting also.
Lots of great supporting characters. I liked that Caden was welcomed with open arms, poor guy needed the love.
Nice story, the next book is a ways away but I’m looking forward to Huxley’s story.
I received an arc of this book.
June 26, 2022
Axe and Caden's story had its fair share of drama and suspense, but what I found most compelling was the delightfully steamy romance building between two people who never thought they'd find a love connection. At first, Caden and Axe seemed about as opposite as can be. Axe was a detail-oriented, methodical planner and authority figure while Caden flitted from one half-baked impulse to another. Watching their lives collide was as entertaining as it was messy, and their unexpected chemistry only made me more intrigued. I half expected Axe and Caden's mating to end in total disaster, whether from Caden putting his foot in his mouth or Axe getting fed up with Caden's whirlwind energy, but the two of them ended up being a fantastic match in and out of the bedroom. Caden lit a fire in Axe in a way that no one else ever had, and Axe provided some much needed stability to Caden's chaos. Their relationship may have been fake at the start, but it didn't take long at all for me to see how real their feelings were. Of course, they struggled with the usual communication issues, misunderstandings, flare-ups of jealousy, and the like, but even during their worst fight I never doubted that they'd make peace and stay together. It was honestly kinda hot every time Axe got all growly and possessive over Caden, and boy did it lead to some heated claiming when all was said and done. In parallel to their growing romance, Axe and Caden found themselves in the middle of a shocking and dangerous conflict between species that kept me guessing all the way until the big reveal. As if that wasn't enough to pack into this story, there was also pack drama, family drama, self-exploration, growing friendships, and surprise betrayals to contend with before the happily ever after. I'm already very excited to see what happens next in this universe because I get the sense we've only just scratched the surface of the stories that are waiting to be told.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 16, 2023
2.7
Extremely disjointed. Rushed. Almost an incomprehensible backstory that is never properly explained. It feels like there was a first book that explained the world, so the author didn't bother in this one.
But this IS the first book, so she made a terrible job in introducing her world, all the factions, politics, that werewolves apparently are from different dimensions, is mentioned in passing, like that's totally normal and not confusing at all. Why? How?
Even the basic premise of this story is NEVER explained satisfactory. The Alpha NEEDS to have a mate to keep his job, because why? No seriously.. Why?!
It's very important, like life or death important.. But never explained?!
There is some rambling about a pact the wolves made a long time ago with the witches, but it's never clearly explained. Especially not why he would loose his job and be exiled or killed without it?!
What the hell is happening?!
And there are apparently enormous differences between the different werewolf-factions (who each comes from a diffrent dimension) that are never really explained.
Why did they come here?
Why did they stay?
I certainly don't know, because it's never bloody explained!
Their city is carved up in different territories too, but that is never really explained too clearly either, especially not the muddled hierarchy.
There's lots of talk of building gates, some people are for it, and some are against, but it's never really explained what building a gate would mean, so I have no clue if I should cheer or abhor the decision?! I need some god damn information. Everything is just so half-formed.
And there's way too many diffrent factions and bosses, and the hierarchy is really confusing, I never understood even in the end when it was really important, who had more power, or why?! There was just too many diffrent titles that where never properly explained, just like the rest of this mess.
Also, everyone including the leaders are extremly reactive, and honestly acting like children. Everyone is so god damn sensitive, they are constantly on the verge of ripping each others throats out.
People can't live like this, they would have killed off eachother a long time ago.
And what kind of leader hears one person speak, asks no one else, makes no investigation whatsoever, and immediately sentences people basically to death over one persons story, with no opportunity whatsoever to explain themselves?! This isn't sustainable. Its very irritating when grownups act worse then children.
And the scheming from the evil guys was laughably mustache-twirling and obvious. Seriously..
But mostly I just felt really stressed while reading it. Something in the writing style was just constantly rambling, and it made me stressed beyond belief. Is seriously affected my breathing while reading it, that half incoherent style is horrible.
Despite that, I mostly liked the characters, the Alpha was grumbly and possessive, even though I wished that he would have been much stricter. I actually feel a little tricked.
The blurb made me think this would be something of a D/s tale, but there was really NONE of that. The rules played no role whatsoever. I feel cheated! I wanted the Alpha to be a hard-ass, who would punish his mate when he acted out or broke the rules.
That was teased in the blurb!
There was also two or three completly idiotic misunderstandings, that could've been avoided with one grownup conversation, but instead the bottom ran away like I child, and most infuriating of all, the Alpha ended up apologizing, even though he hadn't really done anything wrong!
Jesus, just spank the brat!
But despite all my complaints, I actually finished the story. (Even if it was touch and go) and that in itself tells me that the plot had to be at least moderately entertaining.
The sex was okay/good, a little rough, a little worshipfull, mostly described explicitly in a way I liked, but it could've been much rougher, and I prefer that the top isn't just in control, but that he uses that control to totally dominate, order around, and that he from time to time;
- primally takes the bottom almost violently. It was too short and too sweet, even if it was a little rough at times. It was teasing me with what could've been. Close but no cigar.
So to sum up, it was stressed, disjointed, at times a garbled mess, the background was severely lacking.. But I liked the main characters, the plot was reasonably satisfactory, and the sex was close to good.
This reads like a first attempt by a new author, who hasn't learned the tricks of the trade yet. I was chocked to realize this is far from their first novel. If it had been, I could've held out hope that she could've gotten better with time, but it's hard to excuse the problems away with such a seasoned author, and even harder to hold on to hope that she could get better with more practice..
I could give this author one more try, but I am very sceptical. And even if I liked the growly werewolf parts, the Alpha was way to sweet and accommodating in the end.
So I am sceptical, but I might try one more book someday when I'm in a slump. But overall I'm very disappointed.
It's like all the ingredients where there, they just aren't mixed right.
Extremely disjointed. Rushed. Almost an incomprehensible backstory that is never properly explained. It feels like there was a first book that explained the world, so the author didn't bother in this one.
But this IS the first book, so she made a terrible job in introducing her world, all the factions, politics, that werewolves apparently are from different dimensions, is mentioned in passing, like that's totally normal and not confusing at all. Why? How?
Even the basic premise of this story is NEVER explained satisfactory. The Alpha NEEDS to have a mate to keep his job, because why? No seriously.. Why?!
It's very important, like life or death important.. But never explained?!
There is some rambling about a pact the wolves made a long time ago with the witches, but it's never clearly explained. Especially not why he would loose his job and be exiled or killed without it?!
What the hell is happening?!
And there are apparently enormous differences between the different werewolf-factions (who each comes from a diffrent dimension) that are never really explained.
Why did they come here?
Why did they stay?
I certainly don't know, because it's never bloody explained!
Their city is carved up in different territories too, but that is never really explained too clearly either, especially not the muddled hierarchy.
There's lots of talk of building gates, some people are for it, and some are against, but it's never really explained what building a gate would mean, so I have no clue if I should cheer or abhor the decision?! I need some god damn information. Everything is just so half-formed.
And there's way too many diffrent factions and bosses, and the hierarchy is really confusing, I never understood even in the end when it was really important, who had more power, or why?! There was just too many diffrent titles that where never properly explained, just like the rest of this mess.
Also, everyone including the leaders are extremly reactive, and honestly acting like children. Everyone is so god damn sensitive, they are constantly on the verge of ripping each others throats out.
People can't live like this, they would have killed off eachother a long time ago.
And what kind of leader hears one person speak, asks no one else, makes no investigation whatsoever, and immediately sentences people basically to death over one persons story, with no opportunity whatsoever to explain themselves?! This isn't sustainable. Its very irritating when grownups act worse then children.
And the scheming from the evil guys was laughably mustache-twirling and obvious. Seriously..
But mostly I just felt really stressed while reading it. Something in the writing style was just constantly rambling, and it made me stressed beyond belief. Is seriously affected my breathing while reading it, that half incoherent style is horrible.
Despite that, I mostly liked the characters, the Alpha was grumbly and possessive, even though I wished that he would have been much stricter. I actually feel a little tricked.
The blurb made me think this would be something of a D/s tale, but there was really NONE of that. The rules played no role whatsoever. I feel cheated! I wanted the Alpha to be a hard-ass, who would punish his mate when he acted out or broke the rules.
That was teased in the blurb!
There was also two or three completly idiotic misunderstandings, that could've been avoided with one grownup conversation, but instead the bottom ran away like I child, and most infuriating of all, the Alpha ended up apologizing, even though he hadn't really done anything wrong!
Jesus, just spank the brat!
But despite all my complaints, I actually finished the story. (Even if it was touch and go) and that in itself tells me that the plot had to be at least moderately entertaining.
The sex was okay/good, a little rough, a little worshipfull, mostly described explicitly in a way I liked, but it could've been much rougher, and I prefer that the top isn't just in control, but that he uses that control to totally dominate, order around, and that he from time to time;
- primally takes the bottom almost violently. It was too short and too sweet, even if it was a little rough at times. It was teasing me with what could've been. Close but no cigar.
So to sum up, it was stressed, disjointed, at times a garbled mess, the background was severely lacking.. But I liked the main characters, the plot was reasonably satisfactory, and the sex was close to good.
This reads like a first attempt by a new author, who hasn't learned the tricks of the trade yet. I was chocked to realize this is far from their first novel. If it had been, I could've held out hope that she could've gotten better with time, but it's hard to excuse the problems away with such a seasoned author, and even harder to hold on to hope that she could get better with more practice..
I could give this author one more try, but I am very sceptical. And even if I liked the growly werewolf parts, the Alpha was way to sweet and accommodating in the end.
So I am sceptical, but I might try one more book someday when I'm in a slump. But overall I'm very disappointed.
It's like all the ingredients where there, they just aren't mixed right.
March 22, 2023
a likable couple but missing a world building
Rating: 3.25🌈
I picked up Pressure hoping by reading the first of the Lunar Wolves books I’d get a better understanding of the universe and setting for Burrell’s stories and characters.
Unfortunately, the answer is not really. I still don’t know if the world the events take place in belongs to humans AND lunar wolves originally, or if lunar wolves came later.
Also unanswered is the question of how and why the solar and celestial wolves clans or species came to this world or dimension. And who they are exactly. They appear to have, at least the solar wolves do, a very specific and rigid culture.
But this is a lunar wolf series. Where’s their rich background? Are there other series I’m missing?
At any rate, once again, I enter a story with a incomplete picture of the world and it’s cultural history and current affairs. That lack of information will have the reader try to piece together essential bits of storylines and failing because we just can’t make sense of them.
If you can toss aside the backstory and concentrate on just the relationship of Axe Landry, Chief of LCEA, and Caden Borealis, only son of a isolated witch clan, then the story is very interesting. I like the main characters as they met and finally agreed to mate. A messy path indeed.
Axe has a hidden secret (one the reader doesn’t know until later), but he must obtain a mate to continue on in his job.
All wolves ,apparently, must mate with a witch, due to The Sacred Pact. That’s actually spelled out for the reader and Caden. Otherwise, they go primal, lone, and wild.
So arranging for a mate is a common practice among clans of witches and wolves.
Caden is a different sort of person. He’s headed towards being a drug dealer, with a sleazy boyfriend and loser attitude. I like how this turns out.
Burrell could have spent the entire storyline on the adjustments both Caden and Axe had to make to each other, to the surprises inherent in their relationship and mate bond. Also to Caden’s reaction to Crescent City and the paranormal world. It would have been a excellent time to get those pesky things like background elements and foundation building in.
But instead there’s a mystery and murder to investigate too.
For myself, that took away from character development and pushed the story toward more threads than it could possibly handle.
Did I enjoy Pressure? Yes. Did I feel I had read a story that had a firm foundation of its universe set out for its readers? No. Likable characters and romantic relationships are engaging but within a story where we don’t have a complete picture of the world around them.
That’s a tad frustrating. Where did those solar wolves come from?
So if you’re a Burrell fan and have the answers, then I’m sure you will be picking up this book. All others make your own choices.
Lunar Wolves series (no mpreg):
- [x] Pressure #1
- [ ] Tension #2
- [ ] Force #3
- [ ] Thrust #4
Rating: 3.25🌈
I picked up Pressure hoping by reading the first of the Lunar Wolves books I’d get a better understanding of the universe and setting for Burrell’s stories and characters.
Unfortunately, the answer is not really. I still don’t know if the world the events take place in belongs to humans AND lunar wolves originally, or if lunar wolves came later.
Also unanswered is the question of how and why the solar and celestial wolves clans or species came to this world or dimension. And who they are exactly. They appear to have, at least the solar wolves do, a very specific and rigid culture.
But this is a lunar wolf series. Where’s their rich background? Are there other series I’m missing?
At any rate, once again, I enter a story with a incomplete picture of the world and it’s cultural history and current affairs. That lack of information will have the reader try to piece together essential bits of storylines and failing because we just can’t make sense of them.
If you can toss aside the backstory and concentrate on just the relationship of Axe Landry, Chief of LCEA, and Caden Borealis, only son of a isolated witch clan, then the story is very interesting. I like the main characters as they met and finally agreed to mate. A messy path indeed.
Axe has a hidden secret (one the reader doesn’t know until later), but he must obtain a mate to continue on in his job.
All wolves ,apparently, must mate with a witch, due to The Sacred Pact. That’s actually spelled out for the reader and Caden. Otherwise, they go primal, lone, and wild.
So arranging for a mate is a common practice among clans of witches and wolves.
Caden is a different sort of person. He’s headed towards being a drug dealer, with a sleazy boyfriend and loser attitude. I like how this turns out.
Burrell could have spent the entire storyline on the adjustments both Caden and Axe had to make to each other, to the surprises inherent in their relationship and mate bond. Also to Caden’s reaction to Crescent City and the paranormal world. It would have been a excellent time to get those pesky things like background elements and foundation building in.
But instead there’s a mystery and murder to investigate too.
For myself, that took away from character development and pushed the story toward more threads than it could possibly handle.
Did I enjoy Pressure? Yes. Did I feel I had read a story that had a firm foundation of its universe set out for its readers? No. Likable characters and romantic relationships are engaging but within a story where we don’t have a complete picture of the world around them.
That’s a tad frustrating. Where did those solar wolves come from?
So if you’re a Burrell fan and have the answers, then I’m sure you will be picking up this book. All others make your own choices.
Lunar Wolves series (no mpreg):
- [x] Pressure #1
- [ ] Tension #2
- [ ] Force #3
- [ ] Thrust #4
June 26, 2022
Axe was the son of the alpha of his pack and was supposed to become the next alpha. When he was nine years old, his uncle challenged his father for the position of alpha because of his father's "uncontrollable rages". His uncle was successful and wanted to eliminate Axe too but the pack would have revolted at killing an innocent child. Ever since then his uncle and cousin has been trying to force Axe to lose control so they can kill him. They even had Axe appointed to Chief of the Lunar Council Enforcement Agency thinking the stress and conflict would crack him. So far Axe has kept his cool. Now everyone around him is pressuring him to find a witch mate before he snaps because of his wolf being alone. If he doesn't mate, he will be kicked out of his job and either killed or become a lone wolf. Lone wolves often go crazy and feral without a pack. Axe has approached many families but has had no luck finding a mate. Then he reaches out to a small splinter of the Borealis witch family and they eagerly sign a contract with him. Axe is please that he will finally have a mate and keep his job. He has no intention of having feelings for his mate. Then when Alex goes to pick up his intended mate, he learns that things aren't quite what they seem. His mate had no idea of the arrangement.
Caden Borealis is 23 years old and has had no luck supporting himself. He lives with his boyfriend who is a drug dealer in an open relationship. His parents are self-absorbed and only notice Caden to yell at him. The only person to ever show him love is his grandfather. However his grandfather is very sick in a coma and the money for his treatments have run out. When Caden goes to beg his parents to keep his grandfather at home, he learns that they have been keeping other secrets. They had sold him off to a werewolf to be his mate. Caden is disgusted with his parents but ends up going along with the mating as long as the money goes to his grandfather's treatment. Caden is shocked when he learns that he has been chosen to mate Axe because he was a witch. Caden had no clue he had witch powers or that his family were witches. His lack of power explains why his parents were so disappointed in him. Somehow Caden will have to convince everyone that he and Axe are a love match and that he is a witch when he has no clue about the world of werewolves and witches.
Caden Borealis is 23 years old and has had no luck supporting himself. He lives with his boyfriend who is a drug dealer in an open relationship. His parents are self-absorbed and only notice Caden to yell at him. The only person to ever show him love is his grandfather. However his grandfather is very sick in a coma and the money for his treatments have run out. When Caden goes to beg his parents to keep his grandfather at home, he learns that they have been keeping other secrets. They had sold him off to a werewolf to be his mate. Caden is disgusted with his parents but ends up going along with the mating as long as the money goes to his grandfather's treatment. Caden is shocked when he learns that he has been chosen to mate Axe because he was a witch. Caden had no clue he had witch powers or that his family were witches. His lack of power explains why his parents were so disappointed in him. Somehow Caden will have to convince everyone that he and Axe are a love match and that he is a witch when he has no clue about the world of werewolves and witches.
June 24, 2022
ARC received from GRR for an honest review.
Axe Landry is living day to day with the knowledge that one wrong move will cost him everything he has left. He lost his mother and father when he was a small kid and is barely tolerated from the pack that was supposed to love and care for him. He needs a mate fast to secure his place as Chief of the LCEA. He's controlled so that he never makes a mistake and everyone mistakes that for stuffy and unfeeling. His last chance for a mating falls onto Caden Borealis a descendent of the Borealis witch clan.
Caden is barely making it through each day. He constantly feels like a failure thanks to his mother and father. He's doing his best to see that his grandfather is taken care of. When he finds out that the money to take care of him is gone and that his parents are trying to sell him, he's about to lose what little sense his has left. He finds out that there are things that go bump in the night, like witches and werewolves. A bad move on his part ends him in a vicarious position that Axe ends up saving him from. He then decides that mating a stranger to save his grandfather isn't so bad and agrees to all of Axe's rules.
While Axe and Caden are navigating day to day life there are forces around them that want them to fail. There's also someone who wants the solar wolves to fail in their attempt to build a portal that will take them home. Will Axe and Caden figure out what's going on and who's behind it before it's too late?
This is a well written story that had my attention from page one. I really liked the story line and the way that Axe and Caden are brought together. I really liked that Axe and Caden were able to bring out the best in each other and make their mating a love match instead of just a deal. I like the surprise that happens to Caden and ultimately makes him come into himself. I liked that the men that are Axe's subordinates at work also had his back. The leaders of Crescent City are fair and on Axe's side. There was two parts in the book that had me crying my eyes out, so be advised that there's some sad parts. This was a little long and drawn out IMO and a few times was hard not to skip ahead but ultimately an enjoyable book. Looking forward to book two.
Axe Landry is living day to day with the knowledge that one wrong move will cost him everything he has left. He lost his mother and father when he was a small kid and is barely tolerated from the pack that was supposed to love and care for him. He needs a mate fast to secure his place as Chief of the LCEA. He's controlled so that he never makes a mistake and everyone mistakes that for stuffy and unfeeling. His last chance for a mating falls onto Caden Borealis a descendent of the Borealis witch clan.
Caden is barely making it through each day. He constantly feels like a failure thanks to his mother and father. He's doing his best to see that his grandfather is taken care of. When he finds out that the money to take care of him is gone and that his parents are trying to sell him, he's about to lose what little sense his has left. He finds out that there are things that go bump in the night, like witches and werewolves. A bad move on his part ends him in a vicarious position that Axe ends up saving him from. He then decides that mating a stranger to save his grandfather isn't so bad and agrees to all of Axe's rules.
While Axe and Caden are navigating day to day life there are forces around them that want them to fail. There's also someone who wants the solar wolves to fail in their attempt to build a portal that will take them home. Will Axe and Caden figure out what's going on and who's behind it before it's too late?
This is a well written story that had my attention from page one. I really liked the story line and the way that Axe and Caden are brought together. I really liked that Axe and Caden were able to bring out the best in each other and make their mating a love match instead of just a deal. I like the surprise that happens to Caden and ultimately makes him come into himself. I liked that the men that are Axe's subordinates at work also had his back. The leaders of Crescent City are fair and on Axe's side. There was two parts in the book that had me crying my eyes out, so be advised that there's some sad parts. This was a little long and drawn out IMO and a few times was hard not to skip ahead but ultimately an enjoyable book. Looking forward to book two.
May 29, 2023
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I liked the concept, there being more than one kind of wolf shifters, all of them from different worlds. It's interesting for there to be not only lunar wolves but also solar and celestial ones, even if it was kinda confusing at first and I believe we need more info about them in the next books.
Our MC is the chief of Crescent City, a place where cohabitate all thee kind of shifters. Ace has had a traumatic past due to the death of his parents, that led him to be nearly ostracized by his pack. And lone wolfs go crazy pretty fast, so when he found his place in Crescent City he set his mind on keeping the job, whatever the cost.
And so he decides to pay for his intended mate, because if he doesn't mate soon he will be removed from the Chief position and be forced to go back to his pack, where he will be either killed or go insane from loneliness.
Caleb is the witch he "buys", even if Axe believe it's more like a paid arranged marriage and doesn't know the poor guy doesn't know about anything going on: not about his parents accepting money in exchange of him mating with Axe, and not about him supposedly being a witch.
I liked how Caleb and Axe formed their bond. Their relationship has ups and downs and it's not a smooth ride, and that was fine since they had to get to know each other and fall in love.
Also, Caleb discovering his magic and getting more comfortable and confident about himself was cool, too.
What I could have gone without was the drama that I saw coming but hoped for it not to happen hahaha I don't dislike drama from time to time, but dread those plots where you know things will go to hell before everything gets fixed. And that's what we got here: that horrible moment when every secret gets revealed and things go down just when everything was perfect for our couple.
Overall, it was a good first book and I came to like Axe's partners, which at first I didn't see coming, really. So I will definitely continue reading the series and see what's coming for them, too!
I liked the concept, there being more than one kind of wolf shifters, all of them from different worlds. It's interesting for there to be not only lunar wolves but also solar and celestial ones, even if it was kinda confusing at first and I believe we need more info about them in the next books.
Our MC is the chief of Crescent City, a place where cohabitate all thee kind of shifters. Ace has had a traumatic past due to the death of his parents, that led him to be nearly ostracized by his pack. And lone wolfs go crazy pretty fast, so when he found his place in Crescent City he set his mind on keeping the job, whatever the cost.
And so he decides to pay for his intended mate, because if he doesn't mate soon he will be removed from the Chief position and be forced to go back to his pack, where he will be either killed or go insane from loneliness.
Caleb is the witch he "buys", even if Axe believe it's more like a paid arranged marriage and doesn't know the poor guy doesn't know about anything going on: not about his parents accepting money in exchange of him mating with Axe, and not about him supposedly being a witch.
I liked how Caleb and Axe formed their bond. Their relationship has ups and downs and it's not a smooth ride, and that was fine since they had to get to know each other and fall in love.
Also, Caleb discovering his magic and getting more comfortable and confident about himself was cool, too.
What I could have gone without was the drama that I saw coming but hoped for it not to happen hahaha I don't dislike drama from time to time, but dread those plots where you know things will go to hell before everything gets fixed. And that's what we got here: that horrible moment when every secret gets revealed and things go down just when everything was perfect for our couple.
Overall, it was a good first book and I came to like Axe's partners, which at first I didn't see coming, really. So I will definitely continue reading the series and see what's coming for them, too!
June 19, 2022
This is such a great new series! I love the world that Kiki has created in this paranormal setting with wolves and witches living and mating together but with tension rising with a new portal attempting to be built.
There's several layers to this story as there is a political/mystery plot going on whilst the two MC's also are trying to arrange/carry out a mating that starts off one way and ends up something completely different.
Axe is quite hard but also fair when it comes to his job as chief of Lunar Council Enforcement Agency. There always seems to be someone trying to undermine him or cause trouble, whether from a different pack or a disgruntled associate. His biggest worry is having to deal with his home pack and what they may possibly want to happen to him. Caden's story starts off very sorrowful but he has a chance to save himself and his grandpa with Axes offer to be his mate. It's the first choice he makes for himself that he is at least somewhat positive about. It takes a lot of getting used to, especially as he has no idea what he's in for with secrets being kept from him for his whole life. Rather quickly, the two build a bond that goes beyond the scope of what they were expecting with attraction and feelings getting involved. However, they both also have a bad habit of second guessing and negative thoughts but learning to trust each other and the growing group of trusted friends around them has them fighting for each other, quite literally.
The cast of this book is entertaining, with high quality good and bad guys. They have a surprising number of supportive people around them and they really go to bat for them as well, which is clear by the end of the story. Caden's cheer and endearing charm draws people in and though Axe was rather stand offish, he changes somewhat with Caden's influence and those who followed and trusted him before soon came to see him and friendly as well.
I really enjoyed all aspects of this story, having a slow burn, kind of forced proximity romance as well as a strong suspenseful plot.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
There's several layers to this story as there is a political/mystery plot going on whilst the two MC's also are trying to arrange/carry out a mating that starts off one way and ends up something completely different.
Axe is quite hard but also fair when it comes to his job as chief of Lunar Council Enforcement Agency. There always seems to be someone trying to undermine him or cause trouble, whether from a different pack or a disgruntled associate. His biggest worry is having to deal with his home pack and what they may possibly want to happen to him. Caden's story starts off very sorrowful but he has a chance to save himself and his grandpa with Axes offer to be his mate. It's the first choice he makes for himself that he is at least somewhat positive about. It takes a lot of getting used to, especially as he has no idea what he's in for with secrets being kept from him for his whole life. Rather quickly, the two build a bond that goes beyond the scope of what they were expecting with attraction and feelings getting involved. However, they both also have a bad habit of second guessing and negative thoughts but learning to trust each other and the growing group of trusted friends around them has them fighting for each other, quite literally.
The cast of this book is entertaining, with high quality good and bad guys. They have a surprising number of supportive people around them and they really go to bat for them as well, which is clear by the end of the story. Caden's cheer and endearing charm draws people in and though Axe was rather stand offish, he changes somewhat with Caden's influence and those who followed and trusted him before soon came to see him and friendly as well.
I really enjoyed all aspects of this story, having a slow burn, kind of forced proximity romance as well as a strong suspenseful plot.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
September 19, 2024
So, it took me a while to get warmed up to this story. The love and attraction was so insta that I was sure this was a fated mates story, but nope, it's not.
There was a lot of characters, all related and connected in some way or the other, but all of that just flew right over my head.
The world-building and plot were intriguing enough, but as I already said, it took me a while to get into romance between the two characters.
But there were many things I did like, such as:
-How gentle and understanding Axe was with Caden
-Caretaking and praise was *chef's kiss*
-How Caden treated the lone wolf
-that scene (I won't spoil it!) with Caden screaming with everything he had, I quote, "like a terrified goat."
-Huxley, Zayden and Cy. They were great characters and I'm so excited for their books.
-the banter was really good. Caden is quite witty and made me laugh a couple of times.
-as shitty as Caden's parents were, they were quite entertaining. I howled when they found themselves in the middle of chaos and Caden's dad just showed Caden's mom in front of him, to protect himself.
-And the way the book ended was really sweet. That very last scene, the last paragraph. I really liked it.
(Caden screaming)
"What the hell is that?" Zayden asked. "A dying sasquatch?"
"You heard my scream."
"Hard not to," Zayne commented over his shoulder. "Sounded like a cat in heat being forced into a bathtub."
°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*
*General Notes*
-human witch x werewolf, hurt/comfort, arranged bonding
-gentle werewolf, clumsy human
*Intimacy Notes*
-Top/bottom/verse:
-Kinks: praise, knotting... (will add more if I remember)
-Other: foodtimacy (Axe likes to cook for Caden), possessiveness and protectiveness, scenting, mating bite...
There was a lot of characters, all related and connected in some way or the other, but all of that just flew right over my head.
The world-building and plot were intriguing enough, but as I already said, it took me a while to get into romance between the two characters.
But there were many things I did like, such as:
-How gentle and understanding Axe was with Caden
-Caretaking and praise was *chef's kiss*
-How Caden treated the lone wolf
-that scene (I won't spoil it!) with Caden screaming with everything he had, I quote, "like a terrified goat."
-Huxley, Zayden and Cy. They were great characters and I'm so excited for their books.
-the banter was really good. Caden is quite witty and made me laugh a couple of times.
-as shitty as Caden's parents were, they were quite entertaining. I howled when they found themselves in the middle of chaos and Caden's dad just showed Caden's mom in front of him, to protect himself.
-And the way the book ended was really sweet. That very last scene, the last paragraph. I really liked it.
(Caden screaming)
"What the hell is that?" Zayden asked. "A dying sasquatch?"
"You heard my scream."
"Hard not to," Zayne commented over his shoulder. "Sounded like a cat in heat being forced into a bathtub."
°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*
*General Notes*
-human witch x werewolf, hurt/comfort, arranged bonding
-gentle werewolf, clumsy human
*Intimacy Notes*
-Top/bottom/verse:
-Kinks: praise, knotting... (will add more if I remember)
-Other: foodtimacy (Axe likes to cook for Caden), possessiveness and protectiveness, scenting, mating bite...
August 1, 2022
Love this book!
I'm so excited for this series! I've read a lot of Kiki's books and before reading Pressure, I would have firmly placed what I've read in the comfort/beach reads column in my mind. However, Pressure veered from what I'm used to from Kiki and I am LOVING it. Not to take away from everything else I've read, but it's just different, but hard for me to describe. Maybe more mature? Deep/developed? Sorry, I tried. I really enjoyed the world-building, character development, romance, action, and drama. Everything is well balanced and the pacing is great. This is a long book, but I never once got distracted or wanted to put it down.
I love the dynamic between Axe and Caden. They're both learning what it's like to be with someone that cares and wants what is best for the other. Caden is so sensitive and just wants to be loved for who he is. The tension and push/pull with these two. Caden is kind of a mess in the beginning, but he's had no love or guidance from good people other than his grandfather who is very sick. I really felt for him. Axe is just trying to live his life and keep the job he loves. And although his connection with Caden is unexpected, he doesn't really shy away from it, which I loved. He's possessive and very protective...two traits that I love reading in my romance (when done right). This book took me through all the emotions...I even shed some tears during a scene with Caden and his grandfather. It's so well written and I am craving book two already. There's a prequel novella that I can read in the meantime.
I'm so excited for this series! I've read a lot of Kiki's books and before reading Pressure, I would have firmly placed what I've read in the comfort/beach reads column in my mind. However, Pressure veered from what I'm used to from Kiki and I am LOVING it. Not to take away from everything else I've read, but it's just different, but hard for me to describe. Maybe more mature? Deep/developed? Sorry, I tried. I really enjoyed the world-building, character development, romance, action, and drama. Everything is well balanced and the pacing is great. This is a long book, but I never once got distracted or wanted to put it down.
I love the dynamic between Axe and Caden. They're both learning what it's like to be with someone that cares and wants what is best for the other. Caden is so sensitive and just wants to be loved for who he is. The tension and push/pull with these two. Caden is kind of a mess in the beginning, but he's had no love or guidance from good people other than his grandfather who is very sick. I really felt for him. Axe is just trying to live his life and keep the job he loves. And although his connection with Caden is unexpected, he doesn't really shy away from it, which I loved. He's possessive and very protective...two traits that I love reading in my romance (when done right). This book took me through all the emotions...I even shed some tears during a scene with Caden and his grandfather. It's so well written and I am craving book two already. There's a prequel novella that I can read in the meantime.
January 8, 2023
Technically the 2nd installment in this series and a great continuation (or beginning) to it.
Axe Landry is the adorable possessive, passionate but trying to control himself alpha we all love but more than the cliché or the trope. His background story was intriguing from the start and while it could be easy to guess it was still good to read and endeared him more to me and made his relationship, his love for Caden even sweeter and real.
Caden was AMAZING! Not a pristine, brave and daring character but instead a bit of a coward, annoyingly immature and impulsive (relatable) and so hurt by the trauma he's lived throughout his life (I smell CPTSD). Caden was flawed yet the way his story went made this work for his growth, happiness and commitment to be real, emotional... I was so connected to him by the end of the book I just wanted him to have his HEA.
There's sarcasm, magic, hot sexy scenes... and so much more like action, suspense, drama and bit of tragedy that twisted my heart oh so terribly. It's pleasant when a story drives to talk to the characters like a crazy person and I was constantly doing that.
Pressure get's a 4.5 out of 5. Another enjoyable story I 100% recommend and while you could read it as a stand alone to book 0.5 I recommend reading that one before cause it starts the world building (that gets better here) and a feel to how the writing is gonna be. Do buy, read and please share and review this book cause we need more authors growing and publishing more books like this one
Axe Landry is the adorable possessive, passionate but trying to control himself alpha we all love but more than the cliché or the trope. His background story was intriguing from the start and while it could be easy to guess it was still good to read and endeared him more to me and made his relationship, his love for Caden even sweeter and real.
Caden was AMAZING! Not a pristine, brave and daring character but instead a bit of a coward, annoyingly immature and impulsive (relatable) and so hurt by the trauma he's lived throughout his life (I smell CPTSD). Caden was flawed yet the way his story went made this work for his growth, happiness and commitment to be real, emotional... I was so connected to him by the end of the book I just wanted him to have his HEA.
There's sarcasm, magic, hot sexy scenes... and so much more like action, suspense, drama and bit of tragedy that twisted my heart oh so terribly. It's pleasant when a story drives to talk to the characters like a crazy person and I was constantly doing that.
Pressure get's a 4.5 out of 5. Another enjoyable story I 100% recommend and while you could read it as a stand alone to book 0.5 I recommend reading that one before cause it starts the world building (that gets better here) and a feel to how the writing is gonna be. Do buy, read and please share and review this book cause we need more authors growing and publishing more books like this one
June 30, 2022
First start of series with “fake’ yet fated mates. Kiki Burrelli is a new author for me and I am ready for more. I love paranormal, I consider it my palate cleanser when I spend too long in other genres. Axe and Caden were everything I wanted in a read right now. On the surface the couple are opposites and their mating of convenience worked for both of them. Caden has been mistreated his entire life, the casual indifference of his parents; a drug dealer that had no problem with trading Caden’s body for more security for his drug trade. Axe comes from a family that was once exalted, that ended in disgrace and tragedy. Looking for a way to maintain his hard-won reputation and new life, he decides to look for a mate the shady way; a fake mate. His initial meeting with Caden went, well off the rails. Once Axe can get Caden to listen to his reasoning, fake mates make sense. Axe warns Carden to read the contract and Caden doesn’t, he just wants a way out.
I savoured this book. I enjoyed her world building, I cared about the secondary characters. The relationship of Axe and Caden worked. I was invested in the growth of their relationship, trying to maintain they are “fake” mates but not true mate. Caden’s growing confidence and Axe’s losing hold of his ridged control of everything in his life. I will be checking out more of this author’s book. I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews, this my review
I savoured this book. I enjoyed her world building, I cared about the secondary characters. The relationship of Axe and Caden worked. I was invested in the growth of their relationship, trying to maintain they are “fake” mates but not true mate. Caden’s growing confidence and Axe’s losing hold of his ridged control of everything in his life. I will be checking out more of this author’s book. I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews, this my review
June 24, 2022
This is the first book in the Lunar Wolves series and it started with a bang. The Chief of the Lunar Council Enforcement Agency, Axel, needs to be mated to a witch before the next full moon or he could be a risk and lose everything he has worked for. Caden is a mess, can't hold a job, trips on nothing, and can't seem to make any good decisions at all. When his parents call him to eat brunch, he is suspicious, but after learning that his grandad could be moved to a home he decides to show up. There he learns that his parents had made a deal with Axel to become his. Caden escapes, but after another mess, he contacts Axel and makes the deal himself to pay for his grandad's treatment. Going no contact with his family, Caden moves to Crescent City with Axel and it's the start of their journey to discover love and friendship.
I really liked this book, it was well written and the story was intriguing and engaging. It bothered me a little that at times Caden seems to be TSTL but he won me over. He has been hurt over and over again and he finally sees the light at the end and is just so endearing that it's impossible to hate. I love how he makes Axel lose control and messes up his orderly controlled life. I really can't wait to read the story for the team members of the enforcement agency.
I really liked this book, it was well written and the story was intriguing and engaging. It bothered me a little that at times Caden seems to be TSTL but he won me over. He has been hurt over and over again and he finally sees the light at the end and is just so endearing that it's impossible to hate. I love how he makes Axel lose control and messes up his orderly controlled life. I really can't wait to read the story for the team members of the enforcement agency.
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