Imprinted By The Alpha

The Marked One #1

by Jocelyn Thomas

Imprinted By The Alpha - The Marked One Book 1

NOTE: BOOK DOES CONTAIN A CLIFFHANGER!

Ava is drawn back to her hometown just weeks before her 21st birthday and she has no idea why. After meeting Alpha Wolf Caleb, she’s content with the small town living she’d known before, but her best friend Kelly will reveal Willow Falls is a town with many faces.

When Ava’s mother reveals a secret prophecy, she is faced with a future far removed from the one she expected.

She must navigate her new love while facing a responsibility she doesn’t feel prepared for. Whether she is ready or not, everything she knows about Willow Falls is changing - including her.

This is the first book of an ongoing serial and does contain a cliffhanger.
This story is for ages 18+ and is not intended for readers uncomfortable with sexual scenarios.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Supernatural, Vampires

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2014

About the author

I am a wife to my high-school sweetheart and mother to two rambunctious boys. I love writing titillating stories about gorgeous sexy men and women. Aside from being an outlet for my creativity, being an author gives me the flexibility to be the mother and wife my family deserves.

I love to read paranormal romances as much as I love to write them. Paranormal romances are my favorites, but I'm into all kinds of books.In fact when I'm not writing (or carpooling and such) I will normally have a nice cup of coffee and my head buried in a book.

Reviews

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I wish it was longer, but it was interesting and suspenseful. Can't wait for the next books to come out.

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava returns home, meets an alpha wolf named Caleb and thinks everything is going great and then her mom informs her of a prophecy that will turn her world upside down in this captivating paranormal romance.

A fast pace and smooth flowing plot captivates readers with suspense, excitement and romance. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and the strong compelling characters grab the reader’s attention while the well orchestrated suspense draw the readers deeper into the story and ensures that they want to know more.

Ava and Caleb’s attraction burns hot from first meeting and the sex scenes are scorching and the relationship is just getting started. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the story as Ava attracts danger from the very beginning, the prophecy is revealed and Ava’s world turns into a very complicated one. The characters are easily related to and have a vibrant intensity that pulls the reader in their adventure.

Being that this is a serial, be prepared for a cliffhanger, but I have to say that it is a great start to what promises to be a fascinating story with some interesting elements and characters and I am looking forward to the next one.

[Lis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ★★1/2☆☆
Review: I really thought I'd like this one since it had all my fav elements: shifters, sexy alpha hero, smexy scenes, mysterious plot, set in Louisiana. Then about of the third of the way in it started downhill for me... I think it was about the time the insta love hit after two short encounters and the Alpha decided that he "Imprinted" on the heroine Ava. He would be anything she needed, friend, lover, blah blah.. Almost Twilight verbatim! Then our imprinted alpha pretty much disappears, wth! The additional backstories were chunked in without any real flow or segue. Still had some potential but not sure I will continue series especially since it left us in cliff hanger...

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my mind I start every book with a 3 rating from the cover to the synopsis and go from there. Jocelyn Thomas is a new to me author. As I started reading I wasn't real sure if it would capture me, in the middle of the book I found I was intrigued, at the end of the book I wanted more.. (pssst is a cliffy be warned) I wavered between 4 and 5 stars – I chose 4 I loved her concept of Imprinting: When a shape-shifter imprints on a specific person, he becomes unconditionally bound to her for the rest of his life
As much as I enjoyed the story Cliff Hangers makes me want to chew on nails (smiles) and the wee bit of struggle at the first of the book. I'm such a shifter fan and I read various authors, I'll have to put this one on my fav's list.
The sleepy little town of Willow Falls is a town as no other its time to come home it calls.
Ava's whole little world is about to change for her when she reaches her majority. Her home town seemed to call her back after college, she thinks she was just missing her mom that has to be the pull. Then there is Caleb a Alpha of his wolf pack, also felt the need to bring his pack home to Willow Falls. When at a outside party Ava and Caleb meet for the first time and sparks zing around both of them.
This town as a story to tell... but so do a few of its inhabitants, Sarah Ava's mother is forced to speak on the past,present and future before she wants to. Sarah can feel her time running out. The Prophecy is coming...
A decent length story, the author does warn of the cliff hanger. I loved the different “beings” The small wrinkle for me was how the story went into the Vampires, but easy enough to read through. The sex was pretty hot for the length of the book. (yes it makes a difference :) ) Again yep on my favorites lists and I cant wait for the second one. Id gladly recommend this to anyone that enjoys shifter stories.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.



Ava left her small home town of Willow Falls behind her but weeks before her 21st birthday she finds herself drawn back, then she meets Caleb and discovers his family have been pulled back as well. Her attraction to Caleb is instant and all consuming despite the fact that he's a werewolf or maybe because of it.
Ava's mother has been sitting on a secret, a secret she's tried to shelter Ava from but time is running out and she reveals the prophecy and Ava's life will never be the same.
I enjoyed this book the story is interesting and the characters are great, I'm not a fan of short serial reads, apparently there's 5 books in this series and it's December so they should all be out but I can only find 3, I'd like to continue on with this and see where it goes but I'm going to wait and see if they're released as a box set.

[Veronica Shields · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author could really use a lesson in "show, don't tell." The pacing and prose could also use some refinement. What elevated it above a lot of novels in this genre is that the author put obvious effort into fleshing out the story. Yes, there's general sexy sex going on, but it doesn't overwhelm the story. I wasn't thrilled about some of the gendered character choices (meet cute from rape rescue, a woman being irritable due to menses), but I did appreciate that the book passed Bechdel like a boss. The relationships between the female characters mattered, and they remained important after The Boy entered and problems arose that caused tension - but it was meaningful tension, and that makes a big difference.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imprinted by a Hot Wolf!

Very intriguing and enticing story.

Ava doesn't know what awaits her. After having had the most amazing night of passion with a werewolf, her life will never be the same...He has imprinted her and that's ok cause he is so hot!

What she learns of her heritage is another thing, at 21 she will come into powers she only thought were fairy tales told to her as a child.

What will happen to her now that a sadistic werewolf has gotten his hands on her? Can't wait to read on.

Lots of mystery awaits you in this gripping story

[Myisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by the author I was given a copy for a honest review. This book was amazing it held my attention from the beginning all the way to the very end. It's based on a small town full of secrets and myths or so people thought. Caleb's a very sexy werewolf who was instantly attracted to Ava and vice versa to him.

As the story unfolds truths will come to light. It does have a cliffhanger that will have you jumping for book 2 in the Marked One Series to see whats next to come for Ava and Caleb. This book is a absolute must read I highly recommend it.

[Bridget Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Nice flow, intriguing, leaves you want more. If your looking for a twist on shifters and the paranormal, this is definitely the book to read. This book has such a well written story line. You get to know the characters, their back story and their present. Ava and Caleb are a perfectly matched couple.
I don't want to give too much about the book away. It involves myths, legends, hot sexy werewolves and so much more. You will yearn to read book 2.
I promise you will not be disappointed.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

This is a "shifter" romance but it actually has a story, not just a story about a girl meeting a werewolf, falling into bed with him and living happily ever after. The characters are well written, the story has a mystery along with other paranormal aspects. I recommend this book to any who likes shifters and witches and a little suspense

[Priscilla Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOT A COMPLETE STORY

I was starting to really enjoy the storyline and than it was over. I not a fan of the serial series and prefer for a complete story to happen and the next in the series involve either supporting characters or a different plot. I enjoyed this but I'm not sure if I can wait if the whole storyline is published yet. This will decide if I finish the series.

[Charlie Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

A bit different than other paranormal romances I have read, but in a good way. No 'fated' mate concept which was intriguing. Liked the storyline and will definitely read the follow up book.

[Mary Winstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava left town to go to college but after one semester something pulls her back. Caleb is a werewolf imprinted to Ava. Ava' s mother is worried about Ava for her life is complicated. When she turns 21 she'll have the mark to be there Oracle. Ava and Caleb have to fight to stay together. Good read.

[J.W. Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soft writing and cheesy sex scenes, but i do really enjoy the world, and the species and characters/
Louisana is always a good place to set a supernatural story.
The Wolf vs Vampire is cliche but a strong one to use. Add in the Oracle spin, and I'm intrigued.

[the_bibliophagist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read any books by Jocelyn, but I was pleasantly surprised.

**“Ava is drawn back to her hometown just weeks before her 21st birthday and she has no idea why. After meeting alpha wolf Caleb, she’s content with the small town living she’d known before, but her best friend Kelly will reveal Willow Falls is a town with many faces.

When Ava’s mother reveals a secret prophecy, she is faced with a future far removed from the one she expected.

She must navigate her new love while facing a responsibility she doesn't feel prepared for. Whether she is ready or not, everything she knows about Willow Falls is changing - including her. “**

Ava had to return to her hometown of Willow Falls to take care of her mother. In order to make some money she returns to her former job at Coyote Bar & Grill were her best friend Kelly works. She also meets one of her bosses, Caleb. As soon as Caleb looks into Ava’s eyes he imprints on her.

“Every werewolf will imprint on someone in their lifetime. It’s involuntary and it happens the first time that werewolf meets the person. When it happens to us, the universe stops expanding, everything goes silent, and our minds clear. It’s like a gravitational pull that unconditionally binds the werewolf to that one person for life. Any other connections to other people are completely undone.”

Caleb and Ava have an instant connection. Ava struggles with this connection throughout most of the story. It does get a little annoying because Caleb shows multiple times that he is trustworthy and basically in love with her.

“Ava, you should know that I’m here now to protect you. For as long as you still have a pulse, with blood pumping through your veins, I’m here for you. It’s my destiny now, and there is no turning away from it.”

Most of the plot is about the Ava and Caleb relationship, but a majority of it is how Ava learns that she is something more than a normal human and how to deal with it.

Of course there is a cliffhanger. I enjoy her writing but in some parts she gets to descriptive. She makes the heat between Caleb and Ava off the charts. When they do get together is phenomenal with the way she wrote it.

Obviously, I’ve never made love to a werewolf before. That was amazing!!’

I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I did like it some much that I have to read the next one.

[Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
I have never read any books by Jocelyn, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Ava had to return to her hometown of Willow Falls to take care of her mother. In order to make some money she returns to her former job at Coyote Bar & Grill were her best friend Kelly works. She also meets one of her bosses, Caleb. As soon as Caleb looks into Ava’s eyes he imprints on her.

“Every werewolf will imprint on someone in their lifetime. It’s involuntary and it happens the first time that werewolf meets the person. When it happens to us, the universe stops expanding, everything goes silent, and our minds clear. It’s like a gravitational pull that unconditionally binds the werewolf to that one person for life. Any other connections to other people are completely undone.”
Caleb and Ava have an instant connection. Ava struggles with this connection throughout most of the story. It does get a little annoying because Caleb shows multiple times that he is trustworthy and basically in love with her.
“Ava, you should know that I’m here now to protect you. For as long as you still have a pulse, with blood pumping through your veins, I’m here for you. It’s my destiny now, and there is no turning away from it.”
Most of the plot is about the Ava and Caleb relationship, but a majority of it is how Ava learns that she is something more than a normal human and how to deal with it.
Of course there is a cliffhanger. I enjoy her writing but in some parts she gets to descriptive. She makes the heat between Caleb and Ava off the charts. When they do get together is phenomenal with the way she wrote it.
“Obviously, I’ve never made love to a werewolf before. That was amazing!!’
I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I did like it some much that I have to read the next one.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this author on Facebook when she generously offered the book for free! Any author who offers the first book in a series for free gets a big plus from me. The cover and synopsis also grabbed my attention. Two more pluses! I also appreciated her honesty on the facts that this was part of series, the first book ends in a cliffhanger (so I can emotional prepare myself) and it is for mature audiences. Plus, plus, plus ! She had me sold at this point and I had not even read the book yet! Okay, now for the book We start off with Ava coming back home. She goes to her old job and meets Lil the new owner of the Coyote Bar and Grill. The minute I met Lil I loved her! She is a tough chick that doesn't take crap from anyone. We then meet Kelly, Ava's friend and coworker. Kelly fills her in on the Minors, which is the local werewolf family according to Kelly. Fast forward to where Ava meets Caleb! The minute they meet they have an instant connection! The chemistry between them was so intense! I'm not going to into further detail because I sincerely believe that you need to read this for yourselves. Just know that it is not your typical paranormal shape shifter book. The characters and plot are detailed and that only leaves the readers wanting more!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as a kindle freebie. I enjoyed it at the start. As the book moved along I was still interested and had some high points and low points. Towards the end I just felt it was rushed to get to the climax.

Ava has a future that she knows nothing about. Her mother has to tell her because her powers will come to light on or after her 21st birthday.

Ava did not know that supernatural beings were real and that she is one. She is the Oracal. She will have powers, visions and the ability to end some supernatural beings.

Ava meets Caleb who is a were wolf and this is her first introduction to the supernatural world and before she knows anything about herself. Caleb is drawn to her, imprints her and will always be there to protect her.

Where is Caleb at the end of this book? He isn't there to protect her. Will he show up at the start of the next book? Those are some of the questions I was left with. Will Ava survive Caleb's step brother? Who knows. I will look into possibly reading the next book if I can find a way to borrow the book.

[Bernadette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm never too sure what to expect from free books but I'm glad I found this one. So much so, I've just bought the box set! I've only given it 3 stars as I'm not sure about the writing style but the storyline kept me interested which isn't easy as I have MS and am going through brain fog at the moment. I'm hoping that I will be able to give more stars as the story progresses.

Caleb is the alpha and he has brought his pack back home to Wolf Creek. Ava is his mate but unbeknownst to Caleb, she is also the 'marked one'. Ava also learns that she is descended from a long line of witches and that her mother is an Oracle. A war is looming between good and evil with Caleb's pack, Ava, her mother and her best friend Kelly on one side and his older estranged brother Blaez on the other side. Ava is struggling to come to terms what and who she is and it isn't helped by Caleb being distant which makes her question the promises he made her.

The book ends on a cliff hanger which leaves the reader hungering for more. I can only hope that the ensuing books don't loose my interest.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the first book in a 4-book serial. It was only okay. I may read the others just to see what happens, but I wasn't a fan of the story-line overall. I felt the lead characters fell too hard and too fast for one another, which is a huge cliche in romance anymore. The acceptance of the supernatural world within the real world was also a little too flippant. I would have liked to see Ava be a little less accepting and a little more scared at first. I mean, you watch a cute guy turn into a wolf and that's not slightly terrifying? Even for fiction, this doesn't seem very realistic.

The characters weren't very relatable either. I just had trouble connecting with them.

I'll also admit that I bought this was a paranormal Coyote Ugly fanfic-type deal what with the bar being called "Coyote Bar & Grill" and the owner's name being "Lil." Glad that wasn't the case.

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★
Ava has come back to her home town, because she felt she needed to. Things have not really changed but now she notices things she didn't before. She discovers that werewolves are real and a pack has come to live in the area. There is even magic in her own family that she knew nothing about.
Caleb is the Alpha of the pack, they have returned to the town of their ancestors. He is drawn to Ava, but has many problems to sort out in the area.
I loved this story, the only reason it's not got 5 stars is because it has a cliffhanger ending. I think that is just mean. I don't like to wait. The characters are all fun, and it's a good sexy read. Now i need to read the next story a.s.a.p. For the first in a series it does it's job and pulls you in.

[Tanielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alright read was kind of tired of all the wait with nothing happening. I really wanted to see Ava suck it up and do something and I wanted to read more about Caleb. At a point I thought I was reading Twilight seeing it was so close to the whole imprint thing. I was hoping the author pulled something fresh out but I guess not. Not sure about the vampire guy seems like whatever his problem is once he shows up it will be over before you know it. I thought the brother was going to really be something but so far it doesn't seem like it will be much seeing he shouldn't have even been an alpha in his own clan. I'd read the next one just to see what happens with Ava and also if her mother makes it.

[Susannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously? How can this have so many positive reviews? It was so bad I barely finished it, but I somehow did. I ended up skimming a few parts because it was SO predictable and to be honest, even the sex scenes were *yawn* inducing.

My favorite part in particular is how her mother has kept a secret from her for 21 years, but after a day of Ava asking questions, her mother is described as "exasperated."

Um, I'm sorry, but really? The character just accepts these outrageous circumstances with little to no shock, and she isn't expected to be the slightest bit curious?

Also, the "twist" and "cliffhanger" was on par with poor fanfiction.

Just bloody awful, please do not read this trash.

[Sheryl Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imprinted By The Alpha by Jocelyn Thomas is the first book in the Marked One's series. If you like intrigue, romance, shifters, vampires, witches and other paranormal beings then this is the book for you. Ava moves back from college to the sleepy little Louisiana town that she grew up in, not realizing that the pull she felt to move home was her destiny calling. Secrets abound aplenty in Willow Falls. This little peaceful town is about to become a focal point for supernatural beings. I gave this book 5 out of five stars and look forward to the next in the series as these secrets, new found powers, and supernatural alignments come to light.

[Yvonne Baumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Werewolves and The Chosen One

Ava is turning 21 and has found out from he's wicked mother Sara that she is the chosen one. She holds the cure for the werewolves and they are not thrilled yet one of the pack leAder is imprinted her therefore will protect her. This is yet to come and the extent of her powers has not been revealed. As in most of these free books, it ends before giving out the information to encourage the reader to buy the next book. I don't like that takes tic. Kind of dishonest marketing in my view. Might be a good story but unless you buy the rest of the books you don't know.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alright, it started out pretty good. A bit of a Twilight mix-up, but not bad for all of that. Then the secrets start coming out, and she's from a long line of...blah, blah, blah. Why can't parents just tell their kids, 'You're destined to do X, Y, Z" have fun with that. Nah, it's all about secrets and things coming out at the worst possible times..so on and so forth. It isn't too bad of a book though I hate the ending and will not read on because of it. I know some people like cliff-hangers but it just ticks me off. If you like that on the edge feeling then go for it. Otherwise I would give this one a miss.

[Janejellyroll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Generic shifter cliffhanger, but it does have a character named "Blaez" (who I presume will find a mate in a future book or perhaps be the bad guy, it's unclear).

Warning: a plot element involves the MMC taking an inheritance from his older brother and justifying it because his older brother is adopted.

"He hated Blaez feeling slighted, but the order couldn’t be changed, and while Caleb accepted his adopted brother as true family, the bloodline had to remain intact. Blaez was not his father’s son, and Caleb refused to feel guilty for taking his rightful place as Alpha."

(In other words, he doesn't accept his brother as "true family").

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a halfway decent plot, but for me she killed it with the partying and whatnot. I get that the author wanted to make the 21st birthday the pivotal moment, but maybe she should consider sending a better message to those who read her books? Just a thought. I felt that things moved too fast in the book. Meet the guy. Let's have sex. Stay the night and think of the future? Hello? Doesn't even seem realistic. I'm glad the book was free and I'm interested enough in the plot to see what's going on in the next book, but if it doesn't pick up, I'm not going to continue the series.

[Claire Simmonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

hate it when i dont look to see how many pages are in a book and i start to read it get right into the story then it ends and i need the next one so i purchase it and then that finishes quick to top it off i see it as a boxset lol oh my days any way i like the way this book is going its got wolves vampires hot sex and some witchy stuff in it like ava i think she is going to be a bad ass as soon as she figures her powers out and caleb well lets just say have a spare pair of panties on hand that man is hot as hell now im off to devour the rest of the books

[Virgen Caraballo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and it was a great book to read. Ava doesn't even know what she really is about to find out. Her best friend Kelly is always by her side and danger is lurking so close to Ava. She meets the hunky Caleb who happens to be a werewolf that imprints on Ave even though she doesn't believe it at first. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading paranormal romance for it is a very good book to read and once you start reading it you won't want to stop until you finish it.