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Portland Pack #1
Loveblood: NULL
Max Appleton and his mother Celia are on the run, hiding from an abusive father and husband who’s also a notoriously bad pack leader. When Max hit puberty and it became obvious he’d never make an alpha wolf, his father turned the brunt of his anger toward his inferior son and his beta wolf wife for producing him. Max and Celia find sanctuary in a garden cottage at Holly Court, the sprawling estate where Celia's oldest friend lives with her pack alpha husband, three daughters, and teenaged son Jonah. Jonah Spellman has what seems like the perfect life. His family is close, his dad is respected by their whole pack, and he's been groomed to take over for as long as he can remember. Everything is set, his whole life planned, and Jonah works hard to be exactly what everyone expects. He's under enough pressure without a runaway from a bad pack complicating his life. When two teenaged werewolves from very different worlds meet one snowy January day, both of their worlds get turned inside out. From the moment they meet, nothing will be the same for Jonah or Max ever again.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2014
70 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
M.J. O'Shea
86 books946 followersMJ O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms
and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and
more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.
She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there
and loves it, MJ has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all
her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her
books.
Except for every once in a while when she does what all
travelers have to do on occasion… come home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
July 25, 2019
3.75 Soulbonded Stars
This story exhausted me, drained me emotionally, the push and pull, but it was what I needed. It was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed this (considering I’m not really into YA books). Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. It’s an emotional/intense read (LOVED the tension between MCs), a bit angsty and there is insta-attraction. Overall, had a good time reading this and hope you like it as well!
This story exhausted me, drained me emotionally, the push and pull, but it was what I needed. It was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed this (considering I’m not really into YA books). Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. It’s an emotional/intense read (LOVED the tension between MCs), a bit angsty and there is insta-attraction. Overall, had a good time reading this and hope you like it as well!
September 8, 2014
3.5 stars
O'Shea's Loveblood is a sweet and intense YA shifter story. I love this author's writing and found this to be a very entertaining, enjoyable, fast-paced read.
I liked all the cuddling and hugging, but the wait for Max and Jonah to get together was torturous and went on way too long. Jonah's parents also seemed to have a quick change of heart. It was exasperating that they wouldn't let Jonah out of his pact with Zoe when he first came to them, despite the fact that Jonah and Max were clearly suffering being apart.
Jonah's promised bloodmate, Zoe, was infuriating, and her last-breath speech sounded false. Jonah was so wishy-washy when dealing with her. I hated what he put Max through, and I hated Zoe with a passion. I know I'm a terrible person, but .
I liked Jonah's sister, Bethie, and Max's mom, but the other secondary characters weren't terribly well developed.
For how much was made of the rutting, I really did not appreciate it fading to black and being off page during Max and Jonah's first time. The sexual tension was cranked way up, but the steam was mild.
I did like the relationship between the MCs, their soulbond, and mating, but too many loose ends were conveniently wrapped up by .
O'Shea's Loveblood is a sweet and intense YA shifter story. I love this author's writing and found this to be a very entertaining, enjoyable, fast-paced read.
I liked all the cuddling and hugging, but the wait for Max and Jonah to get together was torturous and went on way too long. Jonah's parents also seemed to have a quick change of heart. It was exasperating that they wouldn't let Jonah out of his pact with Zoe when he first came to them, despite the fact that Jonah and Max were clearly suffering being apart.
Jonah's promised bloodmate, Zoe, was infuriating, and her last-breath speech sounded false. Jonah was so wishy-washy when dealing with her. I hated what he put Max through, and I hated Zoe with a passion. I know I'm a terrible person, but .
I liked Jonah's sister, Bethie, and Max's mom, but the other secondary characters weren't terribly well developed.
For how much was made of the rutting, I really did not appreciate it fading to black and being off page during Max and Jonah's first time. The sexual tension was cranked way up, but the steam was mild.
I did like the relationship between the MCs, their soulbond, and mating, but too many loose ends were conveniently wrapped up by .
September 26, 2014
Escape.
Sometimes I just need to escape. I don’t have the luxury of hopping on a jet plane and running away, but I DO have my kindle. Paranormal romance is one of my favorite escapes and shifters usually make me oh-so-happy. These adorable wolves were no exception and they both desperately longed for an escape as well.
Max and his mother flee from his abusive father and seek shelter with a new pack. A completely foreign life awaits Max and he’s anxious to meet the family. Max is small, poor, and a beta waiting to go into heat. When Jonah steps into his life he doesn’t understand what has changed, just that everything has changed.
Jonah is the son of a great pack leader. He’s an alpha, wealthy, and has his life mapped out for him. He has been bloodbonded to a gorgeous wolf, predestined to mate with her and take over the pack after his father. Life has been good so far, but it quickly takes a complicated turn. He has no idea why Max holds a mysterious power over him, he simply does.
Soulbonded.
This is the secret. Two souls born on the same day are split into two beings. They are made for one another. They are extremely rare and their bond cannot be denied. Isn’t this a fun twist? I loved it. Leaders try and battle against destiny and the price is great. Sacrifices and suffering aplenty.
A few of my favorite themes come together:
Hot sexual chemistry and tension.
Coming of age and first times.
Alpha wolf claiming and their crazy possessiveness.
And cuddles. Lots and lots of cuddles and snuggles, it was so darn sweet.
I am absolutely smitten with both Max and Jonah, and together? Be still my heart!
*sigh*
But, the pacing became frantic near the end. The build and anticipation…everything that was working so well, blew up. I enjoyed the suspense and drama up to a certain point. Then I wanted it to stop. It became too much. I wanted the tender lovin’ and slow kisses back.
Despite the turbulent ending, I really really enjoyed these sweet, innocent and desperately in love wolves.
I hope you do too.
*4 super-snugly-shifting stars*
Sometimes I just need to escape. I don’t have the luxury of hopping on a jet plane and running away, but I DO have my kindle. Paranormal romance is one of my favorite escapes and shifters usually make me oh-so-happy. These adorable wolves were no exception and they both desperately longed for an escape as well.
Max and his mother flee from his abusive father and seek shelter with a new pack. A completely foreign life awaits Max and he’s anxious to meet the family. Max is small, poor, and a beta waiting to go into heat. When Jonah steps into his life he doesn’t understand what has changed, just that everything has changed.
Jonah is the son of a great pack leader. He’s an alpha, wealthy, and has his life mapped out for him. He has been bloodbonded to a gorgeous wolf, predestined to mate with her and take over the pack after his father. Life has been good so far, but it quickly takes a complicated turn. He has no idea why Max holds a mysterious power over him, he simply does.
Soulbonded.
This is the secret. Two souls born on the same day are split into two beings. They are made for one another. They are extremely rare and their bond cannot be denied. Isn’t this a fun twist? I loved it. Leaders try and battle against destiny and the price is great. Sacrifices and suffering aplenty.
A few of my favorite themes come together:
Hot sexual chemistry and tension.
Coming of age and first times.
Alpha wolf claiming and their crazy possessiveness.
And cuddles. Lots and lots of cuddles and snuggles, it was so darn sweet.
I am absolutely smitten with both Max and Jonah, and together? Be still my heart!
*sigh*
But, the pacing became frantic near the end. The build and anticipation…everything that was working so well, blew up. I enjoyed the suspense and drama up to a certain point. Then I wanted it to stop. It became too much. I wanted the tender lovin’ and slow kisses back.
Despite the turbulent ending, I really really enjoyed these sweet, innocent and desperately in love wolves.
I hope you do too.
*4 super-snugly-shifting stars*
April 5, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ The clingy and possessive mate, mate, mate, I can smell you, I can sense you, I have to be near you and touching you feelz were on point.
Like please just let these boys bite each other already! Their (ridiculously intense) longing was my longing. Author really made them work for that satisfying HEA though.
New boy (wolf) in town
Rich boy/poor boy
High school drama
Wolf shifter pack politics
Fated mates
Lots of sleepy cuddles
Like please just let these boys bite each other already! Their (ridiculously intense) longing was my longing. Author really made them work for that satisfying HEA though.
New boy (wolf) in town
Rich boy/poor boy
High school drama
Wolf shifter pack politics
Fated mates
Lots of sleepy cuddles
April 12, 2017
4.5 Stars
He wanted to surround him, touch him, smell him, taste him, claim him… He wanted to feel all of (his) skin and bite him, mate him, and bond with him so nobody else touched him ever, mark him with his scent and never let go. (He) was his. His.
Uh, I’m kinda kicking myself for not reading this sooner. I’m also surprised not more of my friends have read this. You see that quote up there?? Basically that’s what this whole book was about. It is shifter dynamics times a hundred, and tickle me pink when this also turned into A/B/O.
Max and his mom have left their abusive alpha and find refuge in another pack. Upon meeting Jonah, their new alpha’s son, his and Max’s connection is immediate, all consuming, and like coming home to a home they didn’t know was missing. There’s only one explanation - they’re soulbonded - which is a divine, rare occurrence to be celebrated, but of course there’s a wrench. This only happens between an alpha and an omega. Jonah is an alpha but Max is a beta - their “bond” can’t be. They’re just really, really, really good friends. Right? Riiiiiight. Denial runs rampant, and the torture magnifies as certain pack politics make it even more difficult for these two to have their happy ending. Just so you know, there’s a lot of emotional (and quite a bit physical) suffering these two go through.
So it’s understandable that lovers of the paranormal might be hesitant due to the YA aspect - these boys are basically 16 going on 17, but the emotional weight to this was very heavy, the desire and yearning and UST quite intense. The smex is there, it’s just not protracted in the details. As a bit of a warning, their separation (no time jumps) was drawn out extensively, which might not sit well with some. Despite being unbelievably frustrating, it was understandably realistic due to perhaps their age and definitely due to circumstance.
Basically though, this pretty much had it all for me. This is where the mating, claiming, and insta-love worked perfectly. Add in the heady mix of first love and it was so very sweet, swoony, and romantic - just with a huge dollop of heartfelt angst.
He wanted to surround him, touch him, smell him, taste him, claim him… He wanted to feel all of (his) skin and bite him, mate him, and bond with him so nobody else touched him ever, mark him with his scent and never let go. (He) was his. His.
Uh, I’m kinda kicking myself for not reading this sooner. I’m also surprised not more of my friends have read this. You see that quote up there?? Basically that’s what this whole book was about. It is shifter dynamics times a hundred, and tickle me pink when this also turned into A/B/O.
Max and his mom have left their abusive alpha and find refuge in another pack. Upon meeting Jonah, their new alpha’s son, his and Max’s connection is immediate, all consuming, and like coming home to a home they didn’t know was missing. There’s only one explanation - they’re soulbonded - which is a divine, rare occurrence to be celebrated, but of course there’s a wrench. This only happens between an alpha and an omega. Jonah is an alpha but Max is a beta - their “bond” can’t be. They’re just really, really, really good friends. Right? Riiiiiight. Denial runs rampant, and the torture magnifies as certain pack politics make it even more difficult for these two to have their happy ending. Just so you know, there’s a lot of emotional (and quite a bit physical) suffering these two go through.
So it’s understandable that lovers of the paranormal might be hesitant due to the YA aspect - these boys are basically 16 going on 17, but the emotional weight to this was very heavy, the desire and yearning and UST quite intense. The smex is there, it’s just not protracted in the details. As a bit of a warning, their separation (no time jumps) was drawn out extensively, which might not sit well with some. Despite being unbelievably frustrating, it was understandably realistic due to perhaps their age and definitely due to circumstance.
Basically though, this pretty much had it all for me. This is where the mating, claiming, and insta-love worked perfectly. Add in the heady mix of first love and it was so very sweet, swoony, and romantic - just with a huge dollop of heartfelt angst.
August 8, 2014
It feels like I've been waiting all my life for Max and Jonah's story. Everything just felt so right. If I had known there was a story being written only for me...
Those boys! *squee* Jonah and Max are both way too adorable.
A love so young, so innocent, so emotional and so overwhelming.
I was in H-E-A-V-E-N.
I really do love my boys this sweet, caring and super-duper cuddly!
There was this huge amount of cuddling–warming my heart to the core–yet I still wanted more.
Ah, I don't want to say good-bye to Max and Jonah just yet :(
*sniff*
Thank you, M.J. O'Shea! This was a wonderful story!
Those boys! *squee* Jonah and Max are both way too adorable.
A love so young, so innocent, so emotional and so overwhelming.
I was in H-E-A-V-E-N.
I really do love my boys this sweet, caring and super-duper cuddly!
There was this huge amount of cuddling–warming my heart to the core–yet I still wanted more.
Ah, I don't want to say good-bye to Max and Jonah just yet :(
*sniff*
Thank you, M.J. O'Shea! This was a wonderful story!
October 28, 2016
4.5 Stars
I’ve spent the past week processing my feelings about this story, and in the end, even though this was by no means a perfect read, I’ve decided that it was a pretty damn perfect read for me.
Escaping an abusive father (and pack Alpha), 16 year old Max and his mother, Celia, run away from home and seek refuge with the Spellman family in a neighbouring wolf pack. Upon their arrival, Max meets Jonah, the oldest Spellman child and the future Alpha of the pack. Sparks fly immediately between the two boys. They experience an almost visceral reaction to one another and swiftly form a bond that is stronger than either have ever experienced before.
Jonah interprets what he feels for Max as friendship; Max knows it means much more.
In this particular shifter lore there is a rare bond that two wolf shifters can experience called a soulbond. Soulbonded pairs share one soul which has been split into two bodies. They are literally born to be together. It is all wildly romantic, and, to me, it’s the epitome of the fated mates trope in any of the many shifter story I’ve read.
The obstacles Max and Jonah face in their need to be together are plentiful and often frustrating in nature. Most troublingly, Jonah, as the future pack leader, is already mated (with a thing called a bloodbond) to a girl named Zoe. This sucks for everyone involved, but puts an interesting spanner in the works in order to keep the longing and anguish going for a good long while, building a delicious slow-burn romance that had me yearning for an end to the boys' suffering and demanding they reach a well-deserved HEA.
I found this story to be fairly emotionally intense, to the point that I felt tense and sad for most of the read. But the fact that I had such a strong reaction to Max and Jonah’s hard fought romance only solidified how special this story was for me.
If you enjoy M/M shifter romances and don’t mind a bit of teenage angst, then I highly recommend giving this beautiful story a go. It’s easily been my favourite O’Shea book to date – which is a big deal, seeing as I’m already a bit of a fan anyway.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
I’ve spent the past week processing my feelings about this story, and in the end, even though this was by no means a perfect read, I’ve decided that it was a pretty damn perfect read for me.
Escaping an abusive father (and pack Alpha), 16 year old Max and his mother, Celia, run away from home and seek refuge with the Spellman family in a neighbouring wolf pack. Upon their arrival, Max meets Jonah, the oldest Spellman child and the future Alpha of the pack. Sparks fly immediately between the two boys. They experience an almost visceral reaction to one another and swiftly form a bond that is stronger than either have ever experienced before.
Jonah interprets what he feels for Max as friendship; Max knows it means much more.
In this particular shifter lore there is a rare bond that two wolf shifters can experience called a soulbond. Soulbonded pairs share one soul which has been split into two bodies. They are literally born to be together. It is all wildly romantic, and, to me, it’s the epitome of the fated mates trope in any of the many shifter story I’ve read.
The obstacles Max and Jonah face in their need to be together are plentiful and often frustrating in nature. Most troublingly, Jonah, as the future pack leader, is already mated (with a thing called a bloodbond) to a girl named Zoe. This sucks for everyone involved, but puts an interesting spanner in the works in order to keep the longing and anguish going for a good long while, building a delicious slow-burn romance that had me yearning for an end to the boys' suffering and demanding they reach a well-deserved HEA.
I found this story to be fairly emotionally intense, to the point that I felt tense and sad for most of the read. But the fact that I had such a strong reaction to Max and Jonah’s hard fought romance only solidified how special this story was for me.
If you enjoy M/M shifter romances and don’t mind a bit of teenage angst, then I highly recommend giving this beautiful story a go. It’s easily been my favourite O’Shea book to date – which is a big deal, seeing as I’m already a bit of a fan anyway.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
August 7, 2022
Really slow burn, it takes time to understand their connection.
I liked it
I liked it
September 7, 2014
I really, really enjoyed the first half of the book. These two boys were just so cuddly-sweet and absolutely adorable together. Filled me up with the warm fuzzies...<3
But after the halfway mark, the central conflict just started to drag on and on and things became a hot mess. I just became SO frustrated with Jonah and his parents' continual denial to acknowledge his obvious mating bond to Max and DO something about it. After all, they were literally wrapped up in each other 24/7. Plus supposedly everybody could smell their attraction to each other. They were even both in almost unbearable And Jonah himself kept saying how miserable he was being stuck in an . Even though she was made out to be spoiled and annoying, I only felt sorry for her. He treated her like shit. This went on for -months-, with Jonah and Max insisting on GAHH. It just was unnecessary melodrama for the sake of dragging out the story.
But the jealousy and possessiveness made for some really cute moments. And the sexual tension was great, even though the culmination didn't live up to all the build-up for over half the book. Too short after such a long tease!
Other niggles: The last 15% tried to pack in some action but was way too rushed. The pack didn't really react or feel like a close-knit wolf pack should.
In the end, 3 stars because I enjoyed the first half, wished it stayed that way.
But after the halfway mark, the central conflict just started to drag on and on and things became a hot mess. I just became SO frustrated with Jonah and his parents' continual denial to acknowledge his obvious mating bond to Max and DO something about it. After all, they were literally wrapped up in each other 24/7. Plus supposedly everybody could smell their attraction to each other. They were even both in almost unbearable And Jonah himself kept saying how miserable he was being stuck in an . Even though she was made out to be spoiled and annoying, I only felt sorry for her. He treated her like shit. This went on for -months-, with Jonah and Max insisting on GAHH. It just was unnecessary melodrama for the sake of dragging out the story.
But the jealousy and possessiveness made for some really cute moments. And the sexual tension was great, even though the culmination didn't live up to all the build-up for over half the book. Too short after such a long tease!
Other niggles: The last 15% tried to pack in some action but was way too rushed. The pack didn't really react or feel like a close-knit wolf pack should.
In the end, 3 stars because I enjoyed the first half, wished it stayed that way.
November 26, 2014
1.5. I usually adore the way M.J. O'Shea does YA. She's a go-to for cute and cuddly MCs. I loved "Catch My Breath" and "Things I'll Never Say." But this book ended up being a challenge for me to finish. The cheating and the way a teenage girl was treated pissed me off.
I did not like Jonah. Despite the great pains to portray Zoe as wild and bitchy to justify Jonah's bad behavior, I still felt terrible for her. This was a girl that apparently grew up with Jonah and they were bloodbonded. And she was used as the (sexual) cure for when he went into "rut." She was Jonah's girlfriend (his supposed mate), but once Max came on the scene she became an annoying problem.
She had to watch her boyfriend plastered all over Max at school while barely tolerating her existence. Jonah never had one conversation with Zoe about how dissatisfied he was with the relationship or that he wanted out. Because of this, when Max and Jonah finally got to be together (way past the 50 percent mark, so this dragged on and on), I could not enjoy one moment of it.
Jonah's treatment of Max was also bad. His selfish behavior hurt Max too. He knew Max had feelings for him, but didn't tell Max of Zoe's existence right away. Despite being mated to another, he behaved as if he were Max's boyfriend. He insisted they sleep in the same bed, do homework together and generally stay clued to each other's side. He got jealous whenever Max got too close to anyone else.
And the way Zoe situation was ultimately resolved was a cop out. The parents all of a sudden do an about face, and Zoe became the pack leader's "problem." Zoe's ultimate fate made me so angry. Wasn't enough done to malign her without adding that one final jab? By that point, I couldn't wait to delete this from my Kindle.
I did not like Jonah. Despite the great pains to portray Zoe as wild and bitchy to justify Jonah's bad behavior, I still felt terrible for her. This was a girl that apparently grew up with Jonah and they were bloodbonded. And she was used as the (sexual) cure for when he went into "rut." She was Jonah's girlfriend (his supposed mate), but once Max came on the scene she became an annoying problem.
She had to watch her boyfriend plastered all over Max at school while barely tolerating her existence. Jonah never had one conversation with Zoe about how dissatisfied he was with the relationship or that he wanted out. Because of this, when Max and Jonah finally got to be together (way past the 50 percent mark, so this dragged on and on), I could not enjoy one moment of it.
Jonah's treatment of Max was also bad. His selfish behavior hurt Max too. He knew Max had feelings for him, but didn't tell Max of Zoe's existence right away. Despite being mated to another, he behaved as if he were Max's boyfriend. He insisted they sleep in the same bed, do homework together and generally stay clued to each other's side. He got jealous whenever Max got too close to anyone else.
And the way Zoe situation was ultimately resolved was a cop out. The parents all of a sudden do an about face, and Zoe became the pack leader's "problem." Zoe's ultimate fate made me so angry. Wasn't enough done to malign her without adding that one final jab? By that point, I couldn't wait to delete this from my Kindle.
February 20, 2016
Max Appleton and his Mother Celia run away from home to escape his abusive father and husband who also happen to be a bad pack leader. They found their sanctuary in Holly Court, a garden cottage offered by Celia’s oldest friend who lives with her pack alpha husband, three daughters, and teenaged son Jonah.
Jonah Spellman’s life has been mapped out for him since his birth. He was born to be the next Alpha and continue his father’s legacy to lead their pack. When the runaway mother and son came into his life, everything from his world turned inside out. Max and Jonah had something that will change everything upon meeting at first sight.
I am totally in love with Max and Jonah and I just loved the whole Teen Wolf thing going on with it. I loved their chemistry and their connection was just totally electrifying.
I totally adore how M.J. O’Shea created this cute-love connection between Max and Jonah. It was totally swoon-worthy and the underlying sexual tension was too much at one point and I’m like screaming in my head – just fucking do it already! Damnit!
I really am hoping that there’ll be a second book although this clearly is a standalone but really, it’s so good that I want to read more about Jonah and Max and their foray to college and adulthood! How’s that yeah?
This is a must-read book for everyone into YA and shifters’ story. Another five stars for the author no less! Thank you M.J. O’Shea!!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Jonah Spellman’s life has been mapped out for him since his birth. He was born to be the next Alpha and continue his father’s legacy to lead their pack. When the runaway mother and son came into his life, everything from his world turned inside out. Max and Jonah had something that will change everything upon meeting at first sight.
I am totally in love with Max and Jonah and I just loved the whole Teen Wolf thing going on with it. I loved their chemistry and their connection was just totally electrifying.
I totally adore how M.J. O’Shea created this cute-love connection between Max and Jonah. It was totally swoon-worthy and the underlying sexual tension was too much at one point and I’m like screaming in my head – just fucking do it already! Damnit!
I really am hoping that there’ll be a second book although this clearly is a standalone but really, it’s so good that I want to read more about Jonah and Max and their foray to college and adulthood! How’s that yeah?
This is a must-read book for everyone into YA and shifters’ story. Another five stars for the author no less! Thank you M.J. O’Shea!!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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dnf
August 7, 2023Dnf @36%
Started good, had likable main characters and a good story setup. Unfortunately the plot stalled and turned repetitive, so I lost interest.
Started good, had likable main characters and a good story setup. Unfortunately the plot stalled and turned repetitive, so I lost interest.
August 31, 2014
Glad that I finished this. Finally. It's not that I didn't enjoy reading it. I did. At the beginning.
Even when the characters' selfish acts hurt people around them including themselves (teens, what do you expect), because I want to see how these angsty problems solved. And then it dragged. And then the conclusion. Not. Then there's trouble. Some respite. Another trouble. Solution. Then the war. The end.
And I got: Huh, that's it? and closed the book.
I reasoned with myself, this was story of teenagers, pups, on the verge of becoming young adults, facing their problems and responsibilities. They could be mercurial, prone to react and change so suddenly, thus the jumps of the storyline.
That said, I still don't buy it. So I guess this was just an okay for me.
Even when the characters' selfish acts hurt people around them including themselves (teens, what do you expect), because I want to see how these angsty problems solved. And then it dragged. And then the conclusion. Not. Then there's trouble. Some respite. Another trouble. Solution. Then the war. The end.
And I got: Huh, that's it? and closed the book.
I reasoned with myself, this was story of teenagers, pups, on the verge of becoming young adults, facing their problems and responsibilities. They could be mercurial, prone to react and change so suddenly, thus the jumps of the storyline.
That said, I still don't buy it. So I guess this was just an okay for me.
August 11, 2014
I do love Max and Jonah, but the pacing seemed a little off. It took ages for their soulbond to be recognised, and then WOW so much crap goes down in the last third of the book.
I could predict the way Zoe would act out, I just imagined it happening sooner, and allowing the drama, the angst, the horrible bits to happen more naturally.
As a romance, and as a book about teenagers, the angst is pretty much spot on. Max is percieved as weak and passive, but nothing could be further from the truth. His support of Jonah shows strength. Jonah's attempts to remain loyal to Zoe were appreciated and shows his moral fortitude.
I wonder if there will be more?
I could predict the way Zoe would act out, I just imagined it happening sooner, and allowing the drama, the angst, the horrible bits to happen more naturally.
As a romance, and as a book about teenagers, the angst is pretty much spot on. Max is percieved as weak and passive, but nothing could be further from the truth. His support of Jonah shows strength. Jonah's attempts to remain loyal to Zoe were appreciated and shows his moral fortitude.
I wonder if there will be more?
July 16, 2021
***3.75 stars***
October 2, 2014
Max and his mother have to leave their pack because Max’s dad is physically abusive to both of them. They find shelter with one of his mother’s friends who lives a little ways away. Max’s father is an alpha, but a terrible and abusive one. They run to another Alpha, but he is awesome, kind and fair.
Jonah is the son of the new Alpha and he is a sweetheart. Everyone loves him, he’s student body president and all around nice guy.
When the two boys meet there is instantly an attraction that the boys can’t deny. They don’t name it for what it is, at least not right away, but they do know they can’t seem to stand to be apart.
Everything seems like a dream come true for Max, he’s left his abusive father to be welcomed into a new family and now he has a new…friend? (He has suspicions there is more to their relationship than friendship, but they are only 16 and boys after all, so a little bit of denial is natural.) This all comes to a crashing halt when school starts back up and Max realizes his new friend is already mated to Zoe and has been since he was 11.
The bulk of the book is Jonah and Max growing more and more close to one another while trying to figure out what to do with these feelings. Zoe senses that the boys are more than friends and she (predictably) begins to cause trouble.
Finally, in a very bloody and sad finale, the issue of mates is resolved, the evil dad taken care of and the very strong beginning for a happily ever after is in place.
I looooved this book!!! MJ O’Shea’s version of shifters is awesome.
This was such a perfect shifter book. I loved the instant, overwhelming attraction, dictated by smell and matched by total compatibility. True soul mates, born on the same day with the same eye color and tastes. It was instantly sizzling chemistry and it was fantastic.
I loved the twist with the omegas and though there were times when I scratched my head at some of the biology, I adored what freedoms it allowed the couple.
I thought that the way the relationship formed was really consistent with teen-agers: sometimes amazingly hot and heavy and sometimes slowed down to just cuddling and hand-holding.
The villains were properly villainous. Just bad enough to cause trouble, but not so overwhelming that they detracted from the love story. Perfect.
The family’s reactions to things was a little odd. But – hey – they’re shifters right? With shifter moralities and traditions. So though it felt strange that the boys slept with one another (just sleeping) every night from pretty much day one and that no one blinked when the two (one of whom was straight and mated to a girl) hung all over each other and no one said anything. It was nice to allow their relationship to unfold slowly even though they were under the strain of the soulbond attraction right from the start.
I loved the sexual tension caused by rut/heat. It made for some compellingly hot reading.
I have no idea if there are more books like this planned, but I really hope there are. MJ is a terrific writer and this shifter-universe she describes is fantastic.
(There were some future stories hinted at – Andy for one…)
I really recommend this book and give it 6 of 5 hearts.
Jonah is the son of the new Alpha and he is a sweetheart. Everyone loves him, he’s student body president and all around nice guy.
When the two boys meet there is instantly an attraction that the boys can’t deny. They don’t name it for what it is, at least not right away, but they do know they can’t seem to stand to be apart.
Everything seems like a dream come true for Max, he’s left his abusive father to be welcomed into a new family and now he has a new…friend? (He has suspicions there is more to their relationship than friendship, but they are only 16 and boys after all, so a little bit of denial is natural.) This all comes to a crashing halt when school starts back up and Max realizes his new friend is already mated to Zoe and has been since he was 11.
The bulk of the book is Jonah and Max growing more and more close to one another while trying to figure out what to do with these feelings. Zoe senses that the boys are more than friends and she (predictably) begins to cause trouble.
Finally, in a very bloody and sad finale, the issue of mates is resolved, the evil dad taken care of and the very strong beginning for a happily ever after is in place.
I looooved this book!!! MJ O’Shea’s version of shifters is awesome.
This was such a perfect shifter book. I loved the instant, overwhelming attraction, dictated by smell and matched by total compatibility. True soul mates, born on the same day with the same eye color and tastes. It was instantly sizzling chemistry and it was fantastic.
I loved the twist with the omegas and though there were times when I scratched my head at some of the biology, I adored what freedoms it allowed the couple.
I thought that the way the relationship formed was really consistent with teen-agers: sometimes amazingly hot and heavy and sometimes slowed down to just cuddling and hand-holding.
The villains were properly villainous. Just bad enough to cause trouble, but not so overwhelming that they detracted from the love story. Perfect.
The family’s reactions to things was a little odd. But – hey – they’re shifters right? With shifter moralities and traditions. So though it felt strange that the boys slept with one another (just sleeping) every night from pretty much day one and that no one blinked when the two (one of whom was straight and mated to a girl) hung all over each other and no one said anything. It was nice to allow their relationship to unfold slowly even though they were under the strain of the soulbond attraction right from the start.
I loved the sexual tension caused by rut/heat. It made for some compellingly hot reading.
I have no idea if there are more books like this planned, but I really hope there are. MJ is a terrific writer and this shifter-universe she describes is fantastic.
(There were some future stories hinted at – Andy for one…)
I really recommend this book and give it 6 of 5 hearts.
August 11, 2014
Jonah and Max are two young shifters who were born on the same day. Jonah is an alpha in his pack (and will take over the pack one day when his father dies): Max is thought to be a beta, but he may be an omega (the submissive mate of an alpha). Although unusual, they develop an immediate soul connection. Here is the problem -- at 16 years old, Jonah is already betrothed to a super-bitch named Zoe. She takes care of certain "needs" that Jonah has (if you get what I mean), but other than that there is really no connection between the two of them.
Here is additional problem, Jonah claims that he had no idea that he was gay until Max shows up, and his parents want no part of that. Even when Jonah cries out for Max to satisfy his monthly sexual urges, Jonah's parents will not permit Max to relieve their son's suffering. The parents' position is that Jonah should have a terrible life with a woman he does not love so he can be the future alpha of the pack, rather than having a future with Max, his soulmate.
Well . . . Back to the story . . . Everyone knows by the smell of the pheromones coming off of Jonah and Max, that they are a couple. It is made abundantly clear over and over and over and over and over again that these two were meant to be together. We are beaten over the head with that fact every page or every other page. The story tends to get a little whiny with the same unrequited love being mentioned over and over -- it becomes a broken record.
Time to talk about some things that really burned my butt in this story since they make no sense: Every wolf shifter in the entire book can smell the sexual connection between Jonah and Max. Similarly, everyone can smell the lack of connection between Jonah and Zoe. Does it take a brain surgeon for Jonah's parents (the present alphas of their pack) to put two and two together to realize that their son is gay and his soulmate is another boy? It took nearly 200 pages of the book before Jonah's mother reveals that everyone knew he and Max were soulmates -- that is 200 pages of useless drama building up to an anticlimactic resolution.
This book has a lot of wolves that are called "alphas" all through the story. Whenever there is an asshole with a strong will, the author decides that the wolf is an alpha. Well, in reading shifter novels, there is only one top dog. There may be lots of assholes in the pack, but can we keep a little consistency within the genre please. There is one top dog, and a lot of wannabes.
Everyone knows that Jonah is the alpha of his pack. So where do all of his underlings come across being an asshole to him? As the alpha, all of the other dogs in the pack owe complete allegiance to him. In this book, that rule seems to fly out the window.
With these peeves out of the way, I think this was an OK shifter novel. The ending (which I won't discuss here) leaves open the possibility of a sequel. And I think that the two main characters may have something more to say in another book, but it is a close call.
Overall, I give the book 3 stars.
Here is additional problem, Jonah claims that he had no idea that he was gay until Max shows up, and his parents want no part of that. Even when Jonah cries out for Max to satisfy his monthly sexual urges, Jonah's parents will not permit Max to relieve their son's suffering. The parents' position is that Jonah should have a terrible life with a woman he does not love so he can be the future alpha of the pack, rather than having a future with Max, his soulmate.
Well . . . Back to the story . . . Everyone knows by the smell of the pheromones coming off of Jonah and Max, that they are a couple. It is made abundantly clear over and over and over and over and over again that these two were meant to be together. We are beaten over the head with that fact every page or every other page. The story tends to get a little whiny with the same unrequited love being mentioned over and over -- it becomes a broken record.
Time to talk about some things that really burned my butt in this story since they make no sense: Every wolf shifter in the entire book can smell the sexual connection between Jonah and Max. Similarly, everyone can smell the lack of connection between Jonah and Zoe. Does it take a brain surgeon for Jonah's parents (the present alphas of their pack) to put two and two together to realize that their son is gay and his soulmate is another boy? It took nearly 200 pages of the book before Jonah's mother reveals that everyone knew he and Max were soulmates -- that is 200 pages of useless drama building up to an anticlimactic resolution.
This book has a lot of wolves that are called "alphas" all through the story. Whenever there is an asshole with a strong will, the author decides that the wolf is an alpha. Well, in reading shifter novels, there is only one top dog. There may be lots of assholes in the pack, but can we keep a little consistency within the genre please. There is one top dog, and a lot of wannabes.
Everyone knows that Jonah is the alpha of his pack. So where do all of his underlings come across being an asshole to him? As the alpha, all of the other dogs in the pack owe complete allegiance to him. In this book, that rule seems to fly out the window.
With these peeves out of the way, I think this was an OK shifter novel. The ending (which I won't discuss here) leaves open the possibility of a sequel. And I think that the two main characters may have something more to say in another book, but it is a close call.
Overall, I give the book 3 stars.
August 25, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.25 Stars
I’m on a bit of a shifter splurge at the moment and this one just hit the spot.
This is about two teenagers and is full of angst, feelings and raw emotion.
Max Appleton has fled the family home with his mother to escape his abusive alpha father. The young beta wolf hasn’t known a great deal of happiness in his short life. He worries that all wolf packs are as bad as the one he is running from and is not looking forward to having to start his life over in a new pack and being the new kid in town.
They are going to stay with one of his mothers oldest friends who is the wife of their new pack alpha. The couple have 3 daughters and a son Jonah. From the minute Jonah and Max meet there are pheromones, emotions and an unexplained pull towards each other.
This is where the angst starts. Max knows he is gay and can appreciate that Jonah is good looking guy so can understand his immediate attraction. For Jonah things are very different. In the space of a weekend he goes from not looking forward to the arrival of a new kid to the pack to not being able to stay away from him. His smell is enticing, he feels the need to touch him constantly, he finds himself wanting to protect Max from any danger and he just wants to spend every available minute with him. He has no idea why.
Jonah’s life has been set out for him and he not only knows that he will one day be alpha, he is already promised to Zoe by a blood bond. Zoe is a nightmare, conniving and all round not nice person. Their parents bound them together years ago for the good of the pack, a bit like an arranged marriage, and it is definitely not working out. She is more than prepared to fight dirty though to keep her role as alpha mate.
The only thing that can override a blood bond is a soul bond. This is where the angst comes in. Max and Jonah are so obviously meant to be together but it seems their feeling don’t count for much when everything needs to be about the pack. That decision may literally kill them. Nobody seems to want to acknowledge this fact until it is almost too late. Then the shit really hits the fan when Zoe makes a play for revenge and gets totally out of her depth.
I loved the interaction between Max and Jonah. Their struggles were painful and long and they came through considerably well given their ages. Jonah was possessive, confused, resilient, scared and so in love with Max; he was everything a young alpha and young lover should be. Max was the perfect gent and the perfect mate for his alpha even after finding out about his true standing within the pack.
4.25 Stars
I’m on a bit of a shifter splurge at the moment and this one just hit the spot.
This is about two teenagers and is full of angst, feelings and raw emotion.
Max Appleton has fled the family home with his mother to escape his abusive alpha father. The young beta wolf hasn’t known a great deal of happiness in his short life. He worries that all wolf packs are as bad as the one he is running from and is not looking forward to having to start his life over in a new pack and being the new kid in town.
They are going to stay with one of his mothers oldest friends who is the wife of their new pack alpha. The couple have 3 daughters and a son Jonah. From the minute Jonah and Max meet there are pheromones, emotions and an unexplained pull towards each other.
This is where the angst starts. Max knows he is gay and can appreciate that Jonah is good looking guy so can understand his immediate attraction. For Jonah things are very different. In the space of a weekend he goes from not looking forward to the arrival of a new kid to the pack to not being able to stay away from him. His smell is enticing, he feels the need to touch him constantly, he finds himself wanting to protect Max from any danger and he just wants to spend every available minute with him. He has no idea why.
Jonah’s life has been set out for him and he not only knows that he will one day be alpha, he is already promised to Zoe by a blood bond. Zoe is a nightmare, conniving and all round not nice person. Their parents bound them together years ago for the good of the pack, a bit like an arranged marriage, and it is definitely not working out. She is more than prepared to fight dirty though to keep her role as alpha mate.
The only thing that can override a blood bond is a soul bond. This is where the angst comes in. Max and Jonah are so obviously meant to be together but it seems their feeling don’t count for much when everything needs to be about the pack. That decision may literally kill them. Nobody seems to want to acknowledge this fact until it is almost too late. Then the shit really hits the fan when Zoe makes a play for revenge and gets totally out of her depth.
I loved the interaction between Max and Jonah. Their struggles were painful and long and they came through considerably well given their ages. Jonah was possessive, confused, resilient, scared and so in love with Max; he was everything a young alpha and young lover should be. Max was the perfect gent and the perfect mate for his alpha even after finding out about his true standing within the pack.
November 26, 2014
3.5 stars
I’m usually selective when it comes to reading YA books. They tend to go all wrong for me. I gave this one a chance based on it being a paranormal book. It wasn't the best or the worst really. I think it was relatively sweet maybe too much. I did like the paranormal aspect. I liked the heat and rut themes as well. I would really have enjoyed it if it would have been an mpreg book. I do think it was instant love, and I was fairly okay with that. I did find myself rolling my eyes a lot, but I tend to do those during YA books.
Max was definitely a fierce little wolf. His mother decided to move them down to Portland after years of abuse. They end up at Celia’s best friend from her home pack estate. Instantly there’s a connection between Max and Jonah. Jonah who is the son and future alpha of Holly Court’s pack. In the beginning Jonah seems like a nerd or a closed off kid. Well that changes quickly with the introduction of his future mate.
It was cute, all the cuddling, and closeness so quickly. Max and Jonah relationship started quickly. Max was so enthralled with Jonah that he forgot about school starting. He forgot about other people, a new school and everything else. Jonah was so wrapped up in Max he forgot about Zoe. He girlfriend, future mate who he was blood-bonded with since childhood. It wouldn't be High School without bullies, frenemies, chosen sides, and unrequited love typical YA books.
There is a ton of jealously, lust, betrayal, fondling,and a plethora of more emotions. I did think that it was stupid of Jonah's parents to be against Jonah being bonded to him because of pack disorder.Of course we had to have the fall out of Max and his mother’s urgent departure from their home pack. They brought the cliché destruction.
It was okay in the end. They got together. Death, destruction and mayhem was just a prerequisite before they got together it seems.
I’m usually selective when it comes to reading YA books. They tend to go all wrong for me. I gave this one a chance based on it being a paranormal book. It wasn't the best or the worst really. I think it was relatively sweet maybe too much. I did like the paranormal aspect. I liked the heat and rut themes as well. I would really have enjoyed it if it would have been an mpreg book. I do think it was instant love, and I was fairly okay with that. I did find myself rolling my eyes a lot, but I tend to do those during YA books.
Max was definitely a fierce little wolf. His mother decided to move them down to Portland after years of abuse. They end up at Celia’s best friend from her home pack estate. Instantly there’s a connection between Max and Jonah. Jonah who is the son and future alpha of Holly Court’s pack. In the beginning Jonah seems like a nerd or a closed off kid. Well that changes quickly with the introduction of his future mate.
It was cute, all the cuddling, and closeness so quickly. Max and Jonah relationship started quickly. Max was so enthralled with Jonah that he forgot about school starting. He forgot about other people, a new school and everything else. Jonah was so wrapped up in Max he forgot about Zoe. He girlfriend, future mate who he was blood-bonded with since childhood. It wouldn't be High School without bullies, frenemies, chosen sides, and unrequited love typical YA books.
There is a ton of jealously, lust, betrayal, fondling,and a plethora of more emotions. I did think that it was stupid of Jonah's parents to be against Jonah being bonded to him because of pack disorder.Of course we had to have the fall out of Max and his mother’s urgent departure from their home pack. They brought the cliché destruction.
It was okay in the end. They got together. Death, destruction and mayhem was just a prerequisite before they got together it seems.
September 23, 2014
3.0 Stars
I love M.J. O'Shea. Her books have a way with sticking with me long after I've finished them. Catch My Breath still crosses my mind from time to time, especially the music.
Likewise, I was enchanted with this book from the get-go. If you know me, that says a lot because I am not a fan of YA fiction. Just not my bag. I like my MCs more mature. But I find myself enchanted by M.J. O'Shea's characters. All was swell with this story and I was truly enjoying myself until ... about 80% of the way in, when things went kaput. What happened!?!? Everything was going along smoothly and then ... down the way of the do-do. Bummer.
Bottom line: Fumble on the 20 year-line.
I love M.J. O'Shea. Her books have a way with sticking with me long after I've finished them. Catch My Breath still crosses my mind from time to time, especially the music.
Likewise, I was enchanted with this book from the get-go. If you know me, that says a lot because I am not a fan of YA fiction. Just not my bag. I like my MCs more mature. But I find myself enchanted by M.J. O'Shea's characters. All was swell with this story and I was truly enjoying myself until ... about 80% of the way in, when things went kaput. What happened!?!? Everything was going along smoothly and then ... down the way of the do-do. Bummer.
Bottom line: Fumble on the 20 year-line.
June 29, 2019
rating: 3.5 stars
I think I liked this book a bit better the first time I read it. The second time around I noticed the flaws a bit more. The kids were way too young to be drinking and the parents were way too lenient. Also, the situation with Zoe and Jonah went on way too long. I know the author made Zoe out to be unlikeable but still she didn't deserve how she was treated. I blame Jonah's parents way more that I blame Jonah(though he wasn't without blame.) I also felt sorry for Max. He didn't deserve to be treated the way he was either. The other flaw was the ending. Way too abrupt and frankly I wouldn't call it much of a HEA. So while I did enjoy the book for the most part, it wasn't without it's flaws.
I think I liked this book a bit better the first time I read it. The second time around I noticed the flaws a bit more. The kids were way too young to be drinking and the parents were way too lenient. Also, the situation with Zoe and Jonah went on way too long. I know the author made Zoe out to be unlikeable but still she didn't deserve how she was treated. I blame Jonah's parents way more that I blame Jonah(though he wasn't without blame.) I also felt sorry for Max. He didn't deserve to be treated the way he was either. The other flaw was the ending. Way too abrupt and frankly I wouldn't call it much of a HEA. So while I did enjoy the book for the most part, it wasn't without it's flaws.
March 18, 2016
I don't have any appropriate words that fully capture how much I loved this book. It had all the elements of a shifter story that I absolutely love. I even was able to overlook how much Jonah was annoying me with his treatment of Zoe because, come on...they are sixteen. Teenage angst allows me to cut them some slack.
I'm not sure what to say without giving away some of the plot, but I was totally sucked in and shamefully spent the whole day at my desk reading instead of getting work done. I just couldn't put this book down. I'm such a fan of M.J. and her sweet, lovable characters!
I'm not sure what to say without giving away some of the plot, but I was totally sucked in and shamefully spent the whole day at my desk reading instead of getting work done. I just couldn't put this book down. I'm such a fan of M.J. and her sweet, lovable characters!
August 6, 2015
This one was sweet and very entertaining with a tiny bit of angst on the side.
Recommended if you love YA and shifter stories.
September 8, 2022
3.5 stars
The beginning was so promising... Sadly, it went downhill for me pretty quickly. The constant back-and-forth really irked me.
The beginning was so promising... Sadly, it went downhill for me pretty quickly. The constant back-and-forth really irked me.
April 29, 2019
There are aspects of this that I absolutely loved, and there are others that drove me crazy (and are still bugging me). Because I love angst and resolution, I'm keeping this at 4 stars, but the stuff that bugged me is super irritating. ;)
What I loved:
~ The angst -- I really do enjoy angst and all the emotive feels. MJ O'Shea did a great job with that, in my opinion.
~ Max -- he's an awesome character. I loved everything about him, I think.
What was okay:
~ The world building -- I'm not a huge shifter-tale reader, so I don't necessarily have the canon ideas here, but this seemed to be off from other shifter books I've read. For one, every other person was an alpha, and I always understood that there was one alpha (the leader) and then the crown-prince alpha (for lack of a better term). That wasn't the case here, and I found it pretty confusing. Along with that, the whole political dynamics seemed too complicated, especially for the younger generation. It wasn't horrible world building, but I did find it confusing in places.
~ The secondary characters -- some of them were nicely done, but others were pretty two-dimensional. Plus, a couple seemed to have more importance than I understood like
What didn't work for me (and drove me crazy):
~ Jonah -- argh!!!!
~ The whole soulbond thing -- I'm sorry, but if there's such a thing as a soulbond, wouldn't the alpha of the pack have a better understanding of it? I couldn't suspend my disbelief at that huge hole...Jonah's dad should have immediately recognized it instead of fighting against it. Plus, how is it that Max -- who supposedly had been raised in a dysfunctional pack -- knew more about soulbonds than Jonah? It simply wasn't well done, imo.
~ The weak resolution to everything --
So yeah...Max was awesome, but he deserved better than Jonah. Thing is, I liked Jonah in many ways, but I couldn't get past how he treated Max and Zoe. I think he'd make a terrible leader, and honestly, it seems like maybe he got that from his own father...?
I enjoyed parts of this a lot, but the downsides were equally awful. Still, I'll stick with 3.5 rounded up to 4 simply because of Max.
What I loved:
~ The angst -- I really do enjoy angst and all the emotive feels. MJ O'Shea did a great job with that, in my opinion.
~ Max -- he's an awesome character. I loved everything about him, I think.
What was okay:
~ The world building -- I'm not a huge shifter-tale reader, so I don't necessarily have the canon ideas here, but this seemed to be off from other shifter books I've read. For one, every other person was an alpha, and I always understood that there was one alpha (the leader) and then the crown-prince alpha (for lack of a better term). That wasn't the case here, and I found it pretty confusing. Along with that, the whole political dynamics seemed too complicated, especially for the younger generation. It wasn't horrible world building, but I did find it confusing in places.
~ The secondary characters -- some of them were nicely done, but others were pretty two-dimensional. Plus, a couple seemed to have more importance than I understood like
What didn't work for me (and drove me crazy):
~ Jonah -- argh!!!!
~ The whole soulbond thing -- I'm sorry, but if there's such a thing as a soulbond, wouldn't the alpha of the pack have a better understanding of it? I couldn't suspend my disbelief at that huge hole...Jonah's dad should have immediately recognized it instead of fighting against it. Plus, how is it that Max -- who supposedly had been raised in a dysfunctional pack -- knew more about soulbonds than Jonah? It simply wasn't well done, imo.
~ The weak resolution to everything --
So yeah...Max was awesome, but he deserved better than Jonah. Thing is, I liked Jonah in many ways, but I couldn't get past how he treated Max and Zoe. I think he'd make a terrible leader, and honestly, it seems like maybe he got that from his own father...?
I enjoyed parts of this a lot, but the downsides were equally awful. Still, I'll stick with 3.5 rounded up to 4 simply because of Max.
April 28, 2019
3.5 Stars
This was super sweet and MJ really knows how to create those intense i-have-to-have-you-now feelings that I love, but I feel like it drug a bit on them actually getting together, and that the end felt rushed and grim compared to the rest of the story.
This was super sweet and MJ really knows how to create those intense i-have-to-have-you-now feelings that I love, but I feel like it drug a bit on them actually getting together, and that the end felt rushed and grim compared to the rest of the story.
May 27, 2022
Liked, but ended abruptly. Would have liked a 2nd book and one of the other characters. 3.5.
September 18, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
As I read I wondered, how Jonah and Max’s parents could not notice or do anything when their boys, for all intents and purposes, were falling apart? During the two months Max stayed as far away from Jonah as possible, their appearance and scent indicating something big was going on, and yet nothing was done to understand or support these two great young men. As a result, I found myself rather disappointed in the werewolf mythology.
The freedom given to the pack teens was interesting. Beer, pot, and inattentive parenting seems to be the norm. To me, this version of a pack leaves both the the pack and individuals isolated, weak, and vulnerable. There is also a lot of pressure on two sixteen year-olds, especially Jonah, who is an Alpha wolf and in charge of his own “sub-pack.” It’s like he feels he needs to deal with everything himself when the reality is that he should be going to his alpha, who happens to be his father.
The strain of needing Max and having to keep their relationship as “just friends” is physically and emotionally painful, and I kept thinking that this is the type of situation that could lead to suicide. I actually found the struggle for control, understanding, and relief between Jonah and Max to be very well addressed in the book. As a word of warning, although this is a YA title, there is some sex, both openly discussed between the pack members, but also between our boys where we are privy to sweet, tender lovemaking, filled with caring and an obvious connection between Jonah and Max.
The overall story was good, and taking into account how the pack dynamic frustrated me at times, I would still recommend Loveblood to you werewolf fans if for no other reason than Jonah and Max and the soulbond concept, which was really cool and somewhat unique to me.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
As I read I wondered, how Jonah and Max’s parents could not notice or do anything when their boys, for all intents and purposes, were falling apart? During the two months Max stayed as far away from Jonah as possible, their appearance and scent indicating something big was going on, and yet nothing was done to understand or support these two great young men. As a result, I found myself rather disappointed in the werewolf mythology.
The freedom given to the pack teens was interesting. Beer, pot, and inattentive parenting seems to be the norm. To me, this version of a pack leaves both the the pack and individuals isolated, weak, and vulnerable. There is also a lot of pressure on two sixteen year-olds, especially Jonah, who is an Alpha wolf and in charge of his own “sub-pack.” It’s like he feels he needs to deal with everything himself when the reality is that he should be going to his alpha, who happens to be his father.
The strain of needing Max and having to keep their relationship as “just friends” is physically and emotionally painful, and I kept thinking that this is the type of situation that could lead to suicide. I actually found the struggle for control, understanding, and relief between Jonah and Max to be very well addressed in the book. As a word of warning, although this is a YA title, there is some sex, both openly discussed between the pack members, but also between our boys where we are privy to sweet, tender lovemaking, filled with caring and an obvious connection between Jonah and Max.
The overall story was good, and taking into account how the pack dynamic frustrated me at times, I would still recommend Loveblood to you werewolf fans if for no other reason than Jonah and Max and the soulbond concept, which was really cool and somewhat unique to me.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
April 13, 2017
That was....disappointing.
Maybe because I had great expectations, it was a lovely story in the beginning....
However, I can summarise everything for me like this:
Love both MC at fist sight.
Love Alex.
Love Jo.
Hate Zoe.
Get annoyed with Jo.
Support Alex.
Love both MCs together again.
Continue loving them.
It gets boring.
Gets even boring....
All shit broke loose and people die.
The end.(WTF?)
So It got very boring and repetitive in the middle and I shameless confess I've skipped a good part towards the end. Which I can put as a HFN and not a HEA btw.
Yeah. Definitely in my DNF shelve at about 60%.
Pity but won't pick up again.
Maybe because I had great expectations, it was a lovely story in the beginning....
However, I can summarise everything for me like this:
Love both MC at fist sight.
Love Alex.
Love Jo.
Hate Zoe.
Get annoyed with Jo.
Support Alex.
Love both MCs together again.
Continue loving them.
It gets boring.
Gets even boring....
All shit broke loose and people die.
The end.(WTF?)
So It got very boring and repetitive in the middle and I shameless confess I've skipped a good part towards the end. Which I can put as a HFN and not a HEA btw.
Yeah. Definitely in my DNF shelve at about 60%.
Pity but won't pick up again.
November 12, 2014
I really love YA M/M books... This was very enjoyable to read... I loved the sexual tension between the MC's...good storyline...I loved the whole idea of when the wolves go into heat...the way that was described was pretty hot...(the smells) I do think it was a little too long and could have wrapped up the story sooner but all in all it was enjoyable.
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