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Marked by Instinct
Fated by Blood, Bound by Stars
Summer break for Erin Storm involves photography, hanging out with friends, and cramming as much partying as he can into three months before the final year of university starts. However, meeting Black Hill’s mysterious and handsome newcomer, Victor Lovelace, at a party throws a wrench in those plans as Erin is introduced to a supernatural world driven by two things – fate and instinct.
Secrets are threatened.
Wars are waged.
The Moon weeps.
How much is Victor willing to sacrifice to be with Erin?
Will Erin be able to overlook the absurdity of werewolves being real?
Fate and Instinct play a dangerous game, lurking beneath the surface of the boys' relationship as they take bets on which side will win the brewing battle ... again.
---
They’re beautiful, like twin moons reflected in ocean water. Erin feels no sense of shame in being caught openly staring. Instead, something inside him begins to burn. It starts deep in the very pit of his stomach, before spreading up his throat and across his limbs. His heart shudders, and he holds his breath. There’s a burn behind his eyes, forcing his throat to close in tandem. The feeling is almost ... nostalgic, mixed with intense desire and longing that is very quickly coursing its way throughout his whole body like a wild jackrabbit. He’s seen plenty of good-looking men before, but this...
He can’t look away.
He doesn’t want to look away.
For lovers of T.J. Klune's Wolfsong, Ali Hazelwood's Bride, and C.S. Pacat's Dark Rise
This novel, Marked by Instinct, explores thought-provoking themes of self-discovery, hope, and love through the use of these beloved tropes - wolf shifters, MxM romance, forbidden love, family secrets, moderate-level spice, multiple pov, love at first sight, reincarnation, and, of course, magic.
Summer break for Erin Storm involves photography, hanging out with friends, and cramming as much partying as he can into three months before the final year of university starts. However, meeting Black Hill’s mysterious and handsome newcomer, Victor Lovelace, at a party throws a wrench in those plans as Erin is introduced to a supernatural world driven by two things – fate and instinct.
Secrets are threatened.
Wars are waged.
The Moon weeps.
How much is Victor willing to sacrifice to be with Erin?
Will Erin be able to overlook the absurdity of werewolves being real?
Fate and Instinct play a dangerous game, lurking beneath the surface of the boys' relationship as they take bets on which side will win the brewing battle ... again.
---
They’re beautiful, like twin moons reflected in ocean water. Erin feels no sense of shame in being caught openly staring. Instead, something inside him begins to burn. It starts deep in the very pit of his stomach, before spreading up his throat and across his limbs. His heart shudders, and he holds his breath. There’s a burn behind his eyes, forcing his throat to close in tandem. The feeling is almost ... nostalgic, mixed with intense desire and longing that is very quickly coursing its way throughout his whole body like a wild jackrabbit. He’s seen plenty of good-looking men before, but this...
He can’t look away.
He doesn’t want to look away.
For lovers of T.J. Klune's Wolfsong, Ali Hazelwood's Bride, and C.S. Pacat's Dark Rise
This novel, Marked by Instinct, explores thought-provoking themes of self-discovery, hope, and love through the use of these beloved tropes - wolf shifters, MxM romance, forbidden love, family secrets, moderate-level spice, multiple pov, love at first sight, reincarnation, and, of course, magic.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2025
4 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Anisa Worthington
1 book2 followersStories are everywhere in this world, timeless constructs that help society develop and grow. So, it's about time we listened, don't you think?
Anisa Worthington is a fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She writes stories that are inherently about magic and love, weaving one or, often, both elements into her stories. Because that’s what she believes storytelling is. Magic. Ever since she was young, she’s had this unwavering belief. She credits Rick Riordan, Shakespeare, and the many musicals her mother would play on repeat for this belief, too.
From growing up in Texas, USA, to settling in Sydney, NSW, reading, analysing, and imagining stories has been a constant in Anisa’s life. If she isn’t sitting beside her dog with her nose buried in a book – either reading or providing an editing service – she’s listening to music and daydreaming about future fantastical adventure stories.
Anisa Worthington is a fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She writes stories that are inherently about magic and love, weaving one or, often, both elements into her stories. Because that’s what she believes storytelling is. Magic. Ever since she was young, she’s had this unwavering belief. She credits Rick Riordan, Shakespeare, and the many musicals her mother would play on repeat for this belief, too.
From growing up in Texas, USA, to settling in Sydney, NSW, reading, analysing, and imagining stories has been a constant in Anisa’s life. If she isn’t sitting beside her dog with her nose buried in a book – either reading or providing an editing service – she’s listening to music and daydreaming about future fantastical adventure stories.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 6, 2025
This was a MM paranormal romance following Erin and Victor. Fate draws them together and now they can't stay away, but Victor has secrets and duties and it seems Erin doesn't belong in his world.
With fated mates, second chances and reincarnation, this was definitely a win for me.
I loved all the themes of fate, destiny and love being eternal, and how the story pieces together over time, including flashbacks to the past and their origins.
Erin is absolutely the best character, I loved his energy and passion, and his close bonds with his friends and adopted parents.
I liked seeing Victor's growth and the conflict he faces between his duties to his pack and the desires of his heart.
Erin and Victor's relationship isn't easy, they have to work for it and fight the odds, but their connection is destined and their love is determined.
This also explores how events can be twisted into a destructive narrative, all for greed, ambition and power, and shows a top tier villain and master of manipulation.
"I want every wolf within a five-mile radius to know who you belong to"
"We were always meant to be together, and I won't let anything or anyone tear us apart"
"We are not cursed. Our love is a blessing"
With fated mates, second chances and reincarnation, this was definitely a win for me.
I loved all the themes of fate, destiny and love being eternal, and how the story pieces together over time, including flashbacks to the past and their origins.
Erin is absolutely the best character, I loved his energy and passion, and his close bonds with his friends and adopted parents.
I liked seeing Victor's growth and the conflict he faces between his duties to his pack and the desires of his heart.
Erin and Victor's relationship isn't easy, they have to work for it and fight the odds, but their connection is destined and their love is determined.
This also explores how events can be twisted into a destructive narrative, all for greed, ambition and power, and shows a top tier villain and master of manipulation.
"I want every wolf within a five-mile radius to know who you belong to"
"We were always meant to be together, and I won't let anything or anyone tear us apart"
"We are not cursed. Our love is a blessing"
August 29, 2025
Thank you kindly to the author for giving me an E-Arc of this book in exchange for a review.
What I liked:
* Fated Mates: one of my favourite tropes in a book, the relationship between Erin & Victor is one of my favourites so far. I loved the undertones of destiny, the pull of fate and how their relationship develops throughout family secrets.
* Theory’s of reincarnation really helped to solidify the fated mate bond & helped to romanticise Erin & Victors relationship.
* Wolf shifters: I love the lore, the world building and the depth that the author has put into making it as believable as possible.
* Multiple POVS: again this is something I really enjoy as part of my reading experience and I like getting to know the different characters and how their minds work as well as reading about things from their perspectives. The author did this brilliantly and it really helped me develop an emotional connection with each of them.
* The characters Erin & Victor. Strong, formidable & vulnerable. I love them and their relationship it honestly made me cry happy tears.
* Erin’s Parents: the most supportive and genuine people ever. We need more people like this in the world and their way of thinking.
* THE EPILOGUE. I didn’t see it coming and what a way to end the book. Perfectly executed (I’m still thinking about it now?!)
I really enjoyed the authors writing style, it flowed really well and I quickly developed emotional connections with each of the characters. The story itself blends the right balance of emotional impact, action and story development which feels natural and easy to follow. Will definitely be on the lookout for other books by them.
What I liked:
* Fated Mates: one of my favourite tropes in a book, the relationship between Erin & Victor is one of my favourites so far. I loved the undertones of destiny, the pull of fate and how their relationship develops throughout family secrets.
* Theory’s of reincarnation really helped to solidify the fated mate bond & helped to romanticise Erin & Victors relationship.
* Wolf shifters: I love the lore, the world building and the depth that the author has put into making it as believable as possible.
* Multiple POVS: again this is something I really enjoy as part of my reading experience and I like getting to know the different characters and how their minds work as well as reading about things from their perspectives. The author did this brilliantly and it really helped me develop an emotional connection with each of them.
* The characters Erin & Victor. Strong, formidable & vulnerable. I love them and their relationship it honestly made me cry happy tears.
* Erin’s Parents: the most supportive and genuine people ever. We need more people like this in the world and their way of thinking.
* THE EPILOGUE. I didn’t see it coming and what a way to end the book. Perfectly executed (I’m still thinking about it now?!)
I really enjoyed the authors writing style, it flowed really well and I quickly developed emotional connections with each of the characters. The story itself blends the right balance of emotional impact, action and story development which feels natural and easy to follow. Will definitely be on the lookout for other books by them.
August 26, 2025
Yays:
- I love reincarnated soulmates!! A fave trope of mine
- Liked the multiple POVs, especially when it revealed things from the past throughout the book
- Erin!! Such a strong character throughout the book
- Erin’s parents!! We love supportive and loving parents
- The reveal in the epilogue was something I actually didn’t expect
Nays:
- Stella’s character was confusing to me especially near the beginning. She complained about inviting the humans to work on the house and then being mad about humans on her property when she’s the one that hired them?? Sometimes I felt like Stella was a caricature and over exaggerated, especially in her POV
- I wish we got more of Fletcher and Layla!! More of Ben and Beatrice!!
- I will say I do think the love at first sight, and later on the big revelation, took away a bit of the magic in the book. I would have loved to read them falling in love with each other again instead of the more instant love that we got
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC!
- I love reincarnated soulmates!! A fave trope of mine
- Liked the multiple POVs, especially when it revealed things from the past throughout the book
- Erin!! Such a strong character throughout the book
- Erin’s parents!! We love supportive and loving parents
- The reveal in the epilogue was something I actually didn’t expect
Nays:
- Stella’s character was confusing to me especially near the beginning. She complained about inviting the humans to work on the house and then being mad about humans on her property when she’s the one that hired them?? Sometimes I felt like Stella was a caricature and over exaggerated, especially in her POV
- I wish we got more of Fletcher and Layla!! More of Ben and Beatrice!!
- I will say I do think the love at first sight, and later on the big revelation, took away a bit of the magic in the book. I would have loved to read them falling in love with each other again instead of the more instant love that we got
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC!
September 10, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Marked by instinct. This novel presents a compelling blend of romance, mythology, and intricate world building that results in a highly engaging reading experience.
The fated mates trope is employed with notable depth through the relationship between Erin and Victor. Their bond is underscored by themes of destiny and family legacy, which lend the narrative both tension and emotional resonance. The incorporation of reincarnation theory further strengthens the inevitability of their connection, providing a sense of timelessness that enriches the romantic arc.
The author demonstrates considerable skill in world-building, particularly within the lore of wolf shifters. The setting is constructed with enough detail and internal consistency to create a believable and immersive environment. The use of multiple narrative perspectives is another strength, offering insight into the psychology of each character and encouraging a deeper emotional connection between the reader and the cast.
Erin and Victor emerge as multidimensional protagonists simultaneously strong, vulnerable, and emotionally authentic. Their relationship is developed with nuance, culminating in moments of genuine poignancy. Equally noteworthy are the portrayals of Erin’s parents, whose warmth and steadfast support provide a refreshing and uplifting dynamic rarely seen in the genre.
The novel concludes with a striking epilogue, executed with precision and emotional impact. Its unexpected nature serves as both a powerful narrative resolution and a lasting impression on the reader.
Overall, this novel masterfully combines romance, destiny, and lore into an unforgettable reading experience. 💛
The fated mates trope is employed with notable depth through the relationship between Erin and Victor. Their bond is underscored by themes of destiny and family legacy, which lend the narrative both tension and emotional resonance. The incorporation of reincarnation theory further strengthens the inevitability of their connection, providing a sense of timelessness that enriches the romantic arc.
The author demonstrates considerable skill in world-building, particularly within the lore of wolf shifters. The setting is constructed with enough detail and internal consistency to create a believable and immersive environment. The use of multiple narrative perspectives is another strength, offering insight into the psychology of each character and encouraging a deeper emotional connection between the reader and the cast.
Erin and Victor emerge as multidimensional protagonists simultaneously strong, vulnerable, and emotionally authentic. Their relationship is developed with nuance, culminating in moments of genuine poignancy. Equally noteworthy are the portrayals of Erin’s parents, whose warmth and steadfast support provide a refreshing and uplifting dynamic rarely seen in the genre.
The novel concludes with a striking epilogue, executed with precision and emotional impact. Its unexpected nature serves as both a powerful narrative resolution and a lasting impression on the reader.
Overall, this novel masterfully combines romance, destiny, and lore into an unforgettable reading experience. 💛
September 16, 2025
Okay, full disclosure: this isn’t usually the type of book I’d pick up. But I decided to throw caution to the wind and signed up for this ARC—and wow… I am so glad I did.
From page one, I was hooked. This story is rich with depth and storytelling, it was brimming with mystical world-building that I absolutely adored, and packed with everything that makes my heart race: reincarnation, a fated mate, and feelings so visceral, so bone-deep, you can practically feel them pulsing in your own chest. It’s needy, it’s urgent, it’s consuming in the best way possible.
And the spice? Oh, the spice. Romantic, intense, and yes… literally feral. I mean, come on, two werewolves?
Of course there’s knotting involved 😍😍.
The chemistry between Erin and Victor is wild, magnetic, and completely unputdownable. I found myself simultaneously swooning, laughing, and occasionally clutching my chest because the tension and longing hit so hard.
Overall, while I didn’t expect to love this book, it turned out to be such a delight. I got fully immersed in the fantasy, the magic, the danger, and—most of all—the love that burns like wildfire between these two. It’s playful, intense, and addictive, and I’m already dreaming about wishing I could revisit this world.
Finally, I want to say how extremely grateful I am to Anisa Worthington for giving me this ARC. She was so understanding when I told her I was running behind and graciously allowed me to post my review after the release date—and read at my pace.
Seriously, she is an absolute gem ❤️
From page one, I was hooked. This story is rich with depth and storytelling, it was brimming with mystical world-building that I absolutely adored, and packed with everything that makes my heart race: reincarnation, a fated mate, and feelings so visceral, so bone-deep, you can practically feel them pulsing in your own chest. It’s needy, it’s urgent, it’s consuming in the best way possible.
And the spice? Oh, the spice. Romantic, intense, and yes… literally feral. I mean, come on, two werewolves?
Of course there’s knotting involved 😍😍.
The chemistry between Erin and Victor is wild, magnetic, and completely unputdownable. I found myself simultaneously swooning, laughing, and occasionally clutching my chest because the tension and longing hit so hard.
Overall, while I didn’t expect to love this book, it turned out to be such a delight. I got fully immersed in the fantasy, the magic, the danger, and—most of all—the love that burns like wildfire between these two. It’s playful, intense, and addictive, and I’m already dreaming about wishing I could revisit this world.
Finally, I want to say how extremely grateful I am to Anisa Worthington for giving me this ARC. She was so understanding when I told her I was running behind and graciously allowed me to post my review after the release date—and read at my pace.
Seriously, she is an absolute gem ❤️
September 3, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC!
This is my first review of an arc, so I hope I can accurately covey how much I loved this book!
*spoilers below so be warned*
This was such a fun read for me, i absolutely love fated lovers tropes especially when they’re like “I will love you in this life and find you, to love again, in all others”.
Every character was written so well but I wish we could’ve seen more of Fletcher and Layla, and see Ben get his love too.
As said in another review about Victor & Erin’s love, it would have been nice to see them slowly fall in love, through spending time together & learning about one another maybe then realising they’re mates, rather than an instant attraction & Victor knowing they were mates off the bat- but I also get that the instant attraction was due to them being mates. Regardless, their love was so wholesome and you could really feel it throughout the book (minus the one instance of Victor being a *… to Erin).
Stella’s character was well written as she annoyed me so much throughout the book (as an antagonist should) and had me screaming at Victor HOW CAN YOU BE SO BLIND? Her ending was satisfying after all she had done.
I couldn’t put this book down and would love to see more from this universe (which might be slightly hinted through Liri and her ‘warriors’👀)
This is my first review of an arc, so I hope I can accurately covey how much I loved this book!
*spoilers below so be warned*
This was such a fun read for me, i absolutely love fated lovers tropes especially when they’re like “I will love you in this life and find you, to love again, in all others”.
Every character was written so well but I wish we could’ve seen more of Fletcher and Layla, and see Ben get his love too.
As said in another review about Victor & Erin’s love, it would have been nice to see them slowly fall in love, through spending time together & learning about one another maybe then realising they’re mates, rather than an instant attraction & Victor knowing they were mates off the bat- but I also get that the instant attraction was due to them being mates. Regardless, their love was so wholesome and you could really feel it throughout the book (minus the one instance of Victor being a *… to Erin).
Stella’s character was well written as she annoyed me so much throughout the book (as an antagonist should) and had me screaming at Victor HOW CAN YOU BE SO BLIND? Her ending was satisfying after all she had done.
I couldn’t put this book down and would love to see more from this universe (which might be slightly hinted through Liri and her ‘warriors’👀)
February 28, 2026
Marked By Instinct is a wolf shifter MM romance filled with lots of world building, yearning, family secrets and reincarnation This book is written in third person, dual POV and shifts between past and present.
Erin runs into a mysterious and handsome newcomer at a party and not long into this he is thrust into a supernatural world driven by both fate and instinct. These two have a connection that can only be described as 'meant to be' but how much is newcomer Victor willing to sacrifice to be with him?
This book is lengthy, filled with lots of world building. It is heavy on fighting an attraction to someone who you feel like you are mean't to be with but having someone else in the background stopping them from being together. Anisa does a really good job with describing the characters and expressing how they are feeling and what they are going through. Both characters are very family orientated and will do anything for their family. They both have loving, caring personalities and that definitely shines through in the story. Glad I picked this book up and recommend it to those that love a wolf shifter romance.
Erin runs into a mysterious and handsome newcomer at a party and not long into this he is thrust into a supernatural world driven by both fate and instinct. These two have a connection that can only be described as 'meant to be' but how much is newcomer Victor willing to sacrifice to be with him?
This book is lengthy, filled with lots of world building. It is heavy on fighting an attraction to someone who you feel like you are mean't to be with but having someone else in the background stopping them from being together. Anisa does a really good job with describing the characters and expressing how they are feeling and what they are going through. Both characters are very family orientated and will do anything for their family. They both have loving, caring personalities and that definitely shines through in the story. Glad I picked this book up and recommend it to those that love a wolf shifter romance.
September 9, 2025
let me just sigh (in like the daydreaming, in love type of sigh) and sob because this was just an absolute beaut to read 🥹
the mythology weaved in with the werewolf lore and reincarnation, is just 🥹🥹🥹🥹🫶🫶🫶🫶 i cannot count the amount of times i cried (both happy and sad tears) because of everything Erin and Victor go through 😭
this has been my first MxM book ever read, although i am familiar with it because i read tons of fanfics. but Anisa's approach is just so beautifully written that i can't help but feel so much from the start of their relationship up to present time.
this is just giving so much Romeo and Juliet vibes, but with slow burn and heartache deeply intertwined that's gonna make you cry and laugh and shout and just go through all the emotions 🥹
Mother Goddess will always be my fave, her gentle and loving nature is just so touching and her husband's devotion, the God of Stars, and his quiet strength and support is just 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶
this was just such a lovely read with an amazing story where love just conquers all. 🥹🫶💗
the mythology weaved in with the werewolf lore and reincarnation, is just 🥹🥹🥹🥹🫶🫶🫶🫶 i cannot count the amount of times i cried (both happy and sad tears) because of everything Erin and Victor go through 😭
this has been my first MxM book ever read, although i am familiar with it because i read tons of fanfics. but Anisa's approach is just so beautifully written that i can't help but feel so much from the start of their relationship up to present time.
this is just giving so much Romeo and Juliet vibes, but with slow burn and heartache deeply intertwined that's gonna make you cry and laugh and shout and just go through all the emotions 🥹
Mother Goddess will always be my fave, her gentle and loving nature is just so touching and her husband's devotion, the God of Stars, and his quiet strength and support is just 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶
this was just such a lovely read with an amazing story where love just conquers all. 🥹🫶💗
November 28, 2025
Marked by Instinct was a fun, addictive read that blends romance, fate, and the supernatural in a way that kept me turning pages. Erin is a very relatable college student just trying to enjoy his summer, and watching his normal world collide with the mysterious arrival of Victor was instantly intriguing. The chemistry between them is intense from the start and really carries the story.
I enjoyed how the werewolf mythology is woven into the plot without overwhelming the emotional side of the relationship. The themes of fate versus free will, sacrifice, and instinct add real tension to the romance, and the looming sense of danger keeps the stakes high. Victor’s struggle between duty and desire is especially compelling.
This book is a great mix of steamy, emotional, and suspenseful. If you enjoy supernatural romance with strong chemistry, mysterious secrets, and a touch of destiny, Marked by Instinct is definitely worth the read.
I enjoyed how the werewolf mythology is woven into the plot without overwhelming the emotional side of the relationship. The themes of fate versus free will, sacrifice, and instinct add real tension to the romance, and the looming sense of danger keeps the stakes high. Victor’s struggle between duty and desire is especially compelling.
This book is a great mix of steamy, emotional, and suspenseful. If you enjoy supernatural romance with strong chemistry, mysterious secrets, and a touch of destiny, Marked by Instinct is definitely worth the read.
September 5, 2025
Absolutely loved this book and uhmmmm Victor in striped pajama shorts… need I say more?! This image lives rent free in my head especially late at night hahaha.
In all seriousness, I adore this author and her writing style. Being an editor herself, she clearly knows what she’s doing, and it shows in the quality of the book—both in the plot and the writing. I absolutely loved the main characters, and I especially enjoyed how the story is written from two POVs. Each POV has a distinct voice, which makes the reading experience fun, engaging, and varied. The book also has a wonderfully cozy feel, and I enjoyed every moment of it. On top of that, the main romance adds a lovely layer of refreshing diversity and depth to the story. Highly recommend!
In all seriousness, I adore this author and her writing style. Being an editor herself, she clearly knows what she’s doing, and it shows in the quality of the book—both in the plot and the writing. I absolutely loved the main characters, and I especially enjoyed how the story is written from two POVs. Each POV has a distinct voice, which makes the reading experience fun, engaging, and varied. The book also has a wonderfully cozy feel, and I enjoyed every moment of it. On top of that, the main romance adds a lovely layer of refreshing diversity and depth to the story. Highly recommend!
September 9, 2025
I’m obsessed with Erin and Victor!
Victor’s brooding strength creates a beautiful contrast with Erin’s wit and warmth, creating a dynamic that feels both electric and grounded. Anisa captures the push and pull of attraction—the hesitant glances, the unspoken longing, the small acts of care—before gradually unfolding into a love that feels destined, yet still deeply chosen.
If you love couples that make you scream “just kiss already!!” and then break your heart with how sweet they are, this is the one.
As Phoebe would say... “He’s his lobster!”
PS. But don’t think for a second that it’s all lovey-dovey romance...noooo... there’s plenty of tension and drama too!
I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.
Victor’s brooding strength creates a beautiful contrast with Erin’s wit and warmth, creating a dynamic that feels both electric and grounded. Anisa captures the push and pull of attraction—the hesitant glances, the unspoken longing, the small acts of care—before gradually unfolding into a love that feels destined, yet still deeply chosen.
If you love couples that make you scream “just kiss already!!” and then break your heart with how sweet they are, this is the one.
As Phoebe would say... “He’s his lobster!”
PS. But don’t think for a second that it’s all lovey-dovey romance...noooo... there’s plenty of tension and drama too!
I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 25, 2026
Was my first MM romance and I loved it! There’s such a great bond between friendships, very cute, fun and involve wolves. Really enjoyed trying to figure out the family secrets and reincarnations from the different POVs throughout the book.
September 9, 2025
I will say this book is among a few paranormal romance books that I found very very interesting and amazing. I loved the plot and the characters in it. Such an amazing read
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews