What do you think?
Rate this book
Five Packs #6
Ravaged Wolf
They tell the story of our mating as a warning…
Izzy
In my pack, I’m a cautionary tale, the female who made her mate wait too long and drove him into rut.
After that terrible night, Trevor was exiled, and I became a lesson to others that Fate always wins. Fight, and you’ll lose.
But maybe I don’t want my life to be a lesson to others. Or a tragedy.
Some wounds can’t be healed, but what if I tried?
Would Trevor try, too?
Or would he run again from the female who turned him into a monster?
Trevor
The night I attacked my mate destroyed me. Until then, I had believed that I was a good male.
In the end, I was an animal.
If not for Izzy—and the bond aching in my chest that tells me she’s still alive, still fighting—I would’ve given up years ago, but I can’t abandon her.
I can’t face her, either.
But then, by a twist of Fate, our paths cross, and I don’t have a choice. She’s standing in front of me, scared and shaking, but she’s not running away.
And I have no idea what to do—or how to even begin fixing the unfixable.
This story contains scenes that may be difficult for some readers. Please check the author’s note before you read! Intended for adult readers only.
Izzy
In my pack, I’m a cautionary tale, the female who made her mate wait too long and drove him into rut.
After that terrible night, Trevor was exiled, and I became a lesson to others that Fate always wins. Fight, and you’ll lose.
But maybe I don’t want my life to be a lesson to others. Or a tragedy.
Some wounds can’t be healed, but what if I tried?
Would Trevor try, too?
Or would he run again from the female who turned him into a monster?
Trevor
The night I attacked my mate destroyed me. Until then, I had believed that I was a good male.
In the end, I was an animal.
If not for Izzy—and the bond aching in my chest that tells me she’s still alive, still fighting—I would’ve given up years ago, but I can’t abandon her.
I can’t face her, either.
But then, by a twist of Fate, our paths cross, and I don’t have a choice. She’s standing in front of me, scared and shaking, but she’s not running away.
And I have no idea what to do—or how to even begin fixing the unfixable.
This story contains scenes that may be difficult for some readers. Please check the author’s note before you read! Intended for adult readers only.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2025
542 people are currently reading
1990 people want to read
About the author
Cate C. Wells
28 books2,989 followersSecret question: what is your favorite thing about this time of year?
CATE C. WELLS writes gut-wrenching paranormal and contemporary romance. Whatever the world, readers can expect character-driven stories that are raw, real, and emotionally satisfying. Cate's into messy love, flaws, long roads to redemption, grace, and happy ever after, in fiction and in life.
As well as books, Cate has collected a husband, two daughters, and a cat along the way. She lives in Baltimore when she’s not out exploring with the family.
Want a heads up on new releases and bonus content? Sign up for Cate's newsletter at catecwells.com
Facebook: @catecwells
IG: @authorcatecwells
TT: @authorcatecwells
Threads: @authorcatecwells
Bookbub: @catecwells
CATE C. WELLS writes gut-wrenching paranormal and contemporary romance. Whatever the world, readers can expect character-driven stories that are raw, real, and emotionally satisfying. Cate's into messy love, flaws, long roads to redemption, grace, and happy ever after, in fiction and in life.
As well as books, Cate has collected a husband, two daughters, and a cat along the way. She lives in Baltimore when she’s not out exploring with the family.
Want a heads up on new releases and bonus content? Sign up for Cate's newsletter at catecwells.com
Facebook: @catecwells
IG: @authorcatecwells
TT: @authorcatecwells
Threads: @authorcatecwells
Bookbub: @catecwells
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
December 10, 2025
2 Stars
The two main leads had zero chemistry and and i just wasn't invested in them or their story. To be blunt, I was bored. This focused mainly on them both healing from the events of the beginning and I just found myself not caring.
I'm not sure what's happening with me and this series. I didn't love the last one either. Oh well.
The two main leads had zero chemistry and and i just wasn't invested in them or their story. To be blunt, I was bored. This focused mainly on them both healing from the events of the beginning and I just found myself not caring.
I'm not sure what's happening with me and this series. I didn't love the last one either. Oh well.
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 8, 2025
⤅ This was ALMOST there. 3.5 stars, rounded down.
I'll probably sound harsh, but I'm a little frustrated because - as so often with Cate C Wells's writing - only relatively minor adjustments, well within her (clearly extensive) capabilities as a writer, would elevate this narrative from merely decent to actually great.
This is only a short book, so a short summary will suffice. Essentially, five years ago 18-year-old Izzy discovered that her fated mate is 19-year-old Trevor, a low-ranking shifter whom her parents will never let her mate. They manage to steal some moments together, but her abusive father separates them for so long that Trevor's wolf is sent into rut, and he ends up (completely mindlessly) raping her. He's exiled and she later discovers that he now is a member of the Old Den Pack or whatever they're called, the one started by Cadoc and Rosie in book 2. Izzy gets herself sent to the pack on an exchange so she can see him again, and after some emotional fumbling they find their way back to each other with relative ease.
So, here's a missed opportunity for you: I really think this book could have been SO much more impactful if Izzy had actually rejected Trevor out of snobbery. But you'll note that this is the first book in the series without 'rejected mate' in the title, and that's because Izzy is actually totally on board with having Trevor. It's her evil father who's the hindrance, and he is in fact cartoonishly evil, which is a quality I always hate in a villain. Had Izzy been the stumbling block, it could have made their journey back to each other a lot deeper and more meaningful as she overcomes her biases and gets to know her future mate, but that would have taken much more page time than is devoted to this couple. Even the epilogue is overshadowed by the mating of a totally different couple, and it just reinforces that Izzy and Trevor so rarely get their chance to actually shine.
My second issue is that Trevor is REALLY passive. REALLY. To the point I can't believe he and Izzy are actually mates. I appreciate that he hates himself for having done something while he was entirely not in control of his mind or body, but to then basically not do a single thing to fight his way back to her? Even just to say he's sorry? Unlike with Mari and Darroch, Trevor doesn't even try to keep mild tabs on what Izzy has been up to for five whole years, just moves on and tries to live the rest of his life without her. I appreciate that his personality is written to be 'beta' in this sense - and I mean beta as factually / descriptively as possible, not derogatorily - but I mean, they are still mates. Izzy being the one who was traumatised by him AND having to do all the pursuing on top of that didn't really sit right with me, though I give her huge credit for indeed doing the chasing.
Also, this is more of a side comment and not at all about Izzy/Trevor, but I'm kind of entertained at how we're specifically told the Old Den female shifters don't believe in shaving, or apparently basic hygiene, so it all 'smells musty.'
I'll end the review here, as I have far too many other books I need to be reviewing too, but I remain saddened that this series has expanded to be six books long without a) yet focussing on the couples I actually cared about (Kennedy/Tye, Seth/Drona, Nia/Pritchard) or b) featuring characters who are genuinely bad people that need to be redeemed, rather than being constant victims of external villains.
August 21, 2025
I just finished this one and I'm completely unable to function 😭 The book opens and immediately drops the reader into an impossible situation: back at Moon Lake and Izzy, the daughter of an affluent shifter, and Trevor, the son of basically The Help, discover they are mates. Her awful parents forbid their mating and what happens next destroys everyone's lives and separates them for years.
This is not an easy read and I strongly suggest checking out the author's content warning if you have any triggers. I won't lie, I started this one with a lot of trepidation but if there's one author that can take a flaming turd burger of a situation and turn it into one of the most emotionally satisfying romances I've read in a while, it's this one. Slow burns only work for me when things are burning, nothing really burned here for a while because of the Event at the start of the story, but because the story was so emotionally driven, I didn't even notice. Once the spice hits, it's so satisfying because these two went through literal hell and back to get there. My only quibble is that Izzy never found out Trevor was sending her comforting images through the bond.
I adored this one, and that's saying a lot because this has been such a strong series from the beginning. Highly recommend! But don't start here, read in order or at least read book 2 to get some background.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Omegaverse
Class Difference
Second Chance
I received an ARC from the author for review. All opinions are my own.
CW: SA. Check the author's note!
This is not an easy read and I strongly suggest checking out the author's content warning if you have any triggers. I won't lie, I started this one with a lot of trepidation but if there's one author that can take a flaming turd burger of a situation and turn it into one of the most emotionally satisfying romances I've read in a while, it's this one. Slow burns only work for me when things are burning, nothing really burned here for a while because of the Event at the start of the story, but because the story was so emotionally driven, I didn't even notice. Once the spice hits, it's so satisfying because these two went through literal hell and back to get there. My only quibble is that Izzy never found out Trevor was sending her comforting images through the bond.
I adored this one, and that's saying a lot because this has been such a strong series from the beginning. Highly recommend! But don't start here, read in order or at least read book 2 to get some background.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Omegaverse
Class Difference
Second Chance
I received an ARC from the author for review. All opinions are my own.
CW: SA. Check the author's note!
August 15, 2025
Throughout the entire Five Packs series, Izzy and Trevor are held up as cautionary tales of what happens when the mating bond is denied for too long (he went into rut and was exiled, she went to the infirmary and then wasn't seen for years). It's been mentioned throughout that Izzy didn't like that Trevor was lower rank than her, and made him wait. Like most gossip, the real story is more nuanced and heartbreaking.
Moon Lake is the pack that lives closest to a human existence, and "everyone at Moon Lake is rank-conscious." Izzy's family is thisclose to the top of the heap, and an opportunity looms for them to move up more. Her parents are fully awful and emotionally abusive (with a constant threat of physical), and they enlist the number two of their pack to enforce that mating will have to wait for weeks (which is simply too long). Izzy was a sacrifice to her father's ambition, and had been cowed by a lifetime of obedience and wariness to go along. The result is painfully predictable.
The assault is rough to read, but not gratuitously so. More rough is the aftermath, and the guilt and shame they both carry, with despair and emptiness for years. Izzy is "no different than I used to be, but also, I've never been the same since." She lives at home in her windowless room (her father has the real second bedroom as his office) in a sort of stasis until one day she goes for a walk, and with a strong meddle from Abertha finds her calling and is trained as a healer. We (and Izzy) need this time jump, the years of nothing followed by a year of "what if?"
It's because of the confidence from this new role (and plenty of Abertha Meddling) that Izzy wants to see Trevor again. She's become a "big believer in taking a first step and seeing what happens." Wells does lovely work her talking about forgiveness and fear, and taking a leap of faith. Trevor blames himself for the assault, even though he was out of his and his wolf's control. Izzy blames herself for obeying her parents and making him wait. "Can I forgive him? I don't know. Sometimes, I think I'm more to blame. Can I forgive myself?" They both take on the mantle of blame, and both are terrified and haunted by their time together. I'm so impressed by the balance Wells has found here, showing the ways Trevor and Izzy chose to deal individually, and how they approach the past together. The memories and triggered flashbacks go from constant and insurmountable to manageable, as they are combined with the good moments that build their lives together. It's like they are the shared past, but they are also the present of care and extending of hands, and tender caution.
Once Izzy and Trevor have found their place together, Wells draws back the focus to see the bigger impact of his exile. The themes of blame and forgiveness loop around again. We see the years of loss and pain his exile brought to his family, and "fault and blame hover over everything." The scenes with his family, the way Izzy is out-grouped in their reminiscences as they catch up on lost years with no effort to include her, were so powerful. "Everyone is laughing, and I'm making myself smile and trying to remember to stop when the laughter dies down." They haven't had time and opportunity to do the hard work that Izzy and Trevor have, and (understandably) resent her while embracing Trevor. "She's not saying it was my fault, but that's what they all think. It's clear as day. They're too polite - or they love Trevor too much to say it - but they're honest people. Their faces don't lie." Wells reminds us that an HEA involved more than the couple, particularly in a pack society. If I had one wish for this book, I would want more time on page with this extended relationship as well.
Wells has a deep immersion in the universe she's created that makes reading this series so rewarding. This comes out in delightful ways, like a brief glimpse of Enid and Derwyn (the sweet dumb Travis Kelce of the shifter world), or just tiny notes, like Izzy referring to their connection as being "like a seventh sense when our eyes are locked" reminding us that shifters have six ordinarily. She must have either the world's best memory or a heck of a murder wall, that she can slip obscure details from past books into the background.
Apart from The Tyrant Alpha's Rejected Mate, which seemed to have emerged fully formed, like Athena from Zeus, setting up series lore and the basis of the universe (this is where I marvel AGAIN that the author meant it as a stand-alone), the latter books of the Five Packs have been my favorites. I know we can't stay here in First Pack or Old Den forever (there's lore to learn! what happened in the epilogue for Wild Wolf??) but I really appreciate the work the author did to make this tough subject one a reader feels safe embracing.
Thank you to the author for an arc.
Moon Lake is the pack that lives closest to a human existence, and "everyone at Moon Lake is rank-conscious." Izzy's family is thisclose to the top of the heap, and an opportunity looms for them to move up more. Her parents are fully awful and emotionally abusive (with a constant threat of physical), and they enlist the number two of their pack to enforce that mating will have to wait for weeks (which is simply too long). Izzy was a sacrifice to her father's ambition, and had been cowed by a lifetime of obedience and wariness to go along. The result is painfully predictable.
The assault is rough to read, but not gratuitously so. More rough is the aftermath, and the guilt and shame they both carry, with despair and emptiness for years. Izzy is "no different than I used to be, but also, I've never been the same since." She lives at home in her windowless room (her father has the real second bedroom as his office) in a sort of stasis until one day she goes for a walk, and with a strong meddle from Abertha finds her calling and is trained as a healer. We (and Izzy) need this time jump, the years of nothing followed by a year of "what if?"
It's because of the confidence from this new role (and plenty of Abertha Meddling) that Izzy wants to see Trevor again. She's become a "big believer in taking a first step and seeing what happens." Wells does lovely work her talking about forgiveness and fear, and taking a leap of faith. Trevor blames himself for the assault, even though he was out of his and his wolf's control. Izzy blames herself for obeying her parents and making him wait. "Can I forgive him? I don't know. Sometimes, I think I'm more to blame. Can I forgive myself?" They both take on the mantle of blame, and both are terrified and haunted by their time together. I'm so impressed by the balance Wells has found here, showing the ways Trevor and Izzy chose to deal individually, and how they approach the past together. The memories and triggered flashbacks go from constant and insurmountable to manageable, as they are combined with the good moments that build their lives together. It's like they are the shared past, but they are also the present of care and extending of hands, and tender caution.
Once Izzy and Trevor have found their place together, Wells draws back the focus to see the bigger impact of his exile. The themes of blame and forgiveness loop around again. We see the years of loss and pain his exile brought to his family, and "fault and blame hover over everything." The scenes with his family, the way Izzy is out-grouped in their reminiscences as they catch up on lost years with no effort to include her, were so powerful. "Everyone is laughing, and I'm making myself smile and trying to remember to stop when the laughter dies down." They haven't had time and opportunity to do the hard work that Izzy and Trevor have, and (understandably) resent her while embracing Trevor. "She's not saying it was my fault, but that's what they all think. It's clear as day. They're too polite - or they love Trevor too much to say it - but they're honest people. Their faces don't lie." Wells reminds us that an HEA involved more than the couple, particularly in a pack society. If I had one wish for this book, I would want more time on page with this extended relationship as well.
Wells has a deep immersion in the universe she's created that makes reading this series so rewarding. This comes out in delightful ways, like a brief glimpse of Enid and Derwyn (the sweet dumb Travis Kelce of the shifter world), or just tiny notes, like Izzy referring to their connection as being "like a seventh sense when our eyes are locked" reminding us that shifters have six ordinarily. She must have either the world's best memory or a heck of a murder wall, that she can slip obscure details from past books into the background.
Apart from The Tyrant Alpha's Rejected Mate, which seemed to have emerged fully formed, like Athena from Zeus, setting up series lore and the basis of the universe (this is where I marvel AGAIN that the author meant it as a stand-alone), the latter books of the Five Packs have been my favorites. I know we can't stay here in First Pack or Old Den forever (there's lore to learn! what happened in the epilogue for Wild Wolf??) but I really appreciate the work the author did to make this tough subject one a reader feels safe embracing.
Thank you to the author for an arc.
August 25, 2025
This book is not gonna be easy for anyone to get through. I felt physically ill a few times myself. However, no one can bring me through emotions and pain like Cate C Wells can. No one can give you such a bright, hopeful future after devastation like she does after the Hell these two young wolves go through.
The conflicting feelings are palpable. Like this:
"I'm supposed to hate him. Fear him. I'm afraid when I remember that night, and I hate what he *did*, but I don't hate him. I don't even know him. I never got the chance."
It's a travesty what happened to these young people and their wolves. When outside forces keep them apart and stop nature from living out fate. There's a reason why this one is called "Ravaged Wolf", and not a Rejected Mate title. They never even got the choice.
"Holding his gave is like holding my palm over an open flame, but I can't look away any more than I could pluck out my own eye."
Even through years is separation and shame, they are called to one another. And when Izzy finally gets the push she needs to reach out... Trevor has to face the pain he sees in her eyes and his own soul. The bravery it takes for BOTH of them to move forward is... well, it's epic stuff.
This won't be for everyone, it was hard and it hurt. But it also didn't drag on too long and it hit all the important points you need to, for the weight of this story. And then there was the beautiful hope of the future.
"I'm happy to be grubby with you, we're both a mess, so it's okay."
4.5 Stars
1.5 on the spice scale
CW: MMC assaults the FMC in rut, author includes exact placement in the authors note. PTSD flashbacks, Domestic violence (parent), kidnapping
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
The conflicting feelings are palpable. Like this:
"I'm supposed to hate him. Fear him. I'm afraid when I remember that night, and I hate what he *did*, but I don't hate him. I don't even know him. I never got the chance."
It's a travesty what happened to these young people and their wolves. When outside forces keep them apart and stop nature from living out fate. There's a reason why this one is called "Ravaged Wolf", and not a Rejected Mate title. They never even got the choice.
"Holding his gave is like holding my palm over an open flame, but I can't look away any more than I could pluck out my own eye."
Even through years is separation and shame, they are called to one another. And when Izzy finally gets the push she needs to reach out... Trevor has to face the pain he sees in her eyes and his own soul. The bravery it takes for BOTH of them to move forward is... well, it's epic stuff.
This won't be for everyone, it was hard and it hurt. But it also didn't drag on too long and it hit all the important points you need to, for the weight of this story. And then there was the beautiful hope of the future.
"I'm happy to be grubby with you, we're both a mess, so it's okay."
4.5 Stars
1.5 on the spice scale
CW: MMC assaults the FMC in rut, author includes exact placement in the authors note. PTSD flashbacks, Domestic violence (parent), kidnapping
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
September 28, 2025
bez komentarza 😂
August 25, 2025
I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I almost DNF’d this one.
It’s NA, which doesn’t usually bother me with this series, but this one it did. Once I started the book, I realized the blurb didn’t fit the story. Is she a cautionary tale or are her parents? Ultimately, it’s her father’s fault that she was attacked by her mate.
Edited to add (posted in a comment and decided it should be part of the review): I was anticipating something different, since it’s the pack with the strict hierarchy, I was expecting her to be the issue—that he wasn’t good enough—that would have created a real cautionary tale. Instead we got a sweet girl who was bullied and intimidated by her parents.
2 I’m disappointed that this one didn’t work for me stars.
It’s NA, which doesn’t usually bother me with this series, but this one it did. Once I started the book, I realized the blurb didn’t fit the story. Is she a cautionary tale or are her parents? Ultimately, it’s her father’s fault that she was attacked by her mate.
Edited to add (posted in a comment and decided it should be part of the review): I was anticipating something different, since it’s the pack with the strict hierarchy, I was expecting her to be the issue—that he wasn’t good enough—that would have created a real cautionary tale. Instead we got a sweet girl who was bullied and intimidated by her parents.
2 I’m disappointed that this one didn’t work for me stars.
September 6, 2025
4.5 STARS!
Izzy and Trevor's story was harrowing and poignant at the same time.
Be warned that this story revolves around a big trigger.
"I don't want what other people have," he finally says. "I want you."Sigh. 😍 CCW's writing seems so effortless. I always love every word, and this was no exception.
Izzy and Trevor's story was harrowing and poignant at the same time.
"What do we do if we're both unforgivable? Die alone?"I couldn't give it 5 full stars because I needed a higher revenge factor against . Yeah, I know, I'm bloodthirsty like that, lol.
Be warned that this story revolves around a big trigger.
August 25, 2025
If Cate C Wells wants to write a rejected mate series, she doesn’t let off the gas. This entire series is full of very intense and devastating rejections with a cautionary tale woven through it: the worst rejection of all. A male who was denied his mate because he was lower class, going into rut and attacking his mate. The female then spending time in the infirmary and then never seen again. Trevor and Izzy are the gossiped and whispered about harrowing tale of what not to do. Look at how devastating that was, no HEA there, but do whatever it takes not to be them!
Okay but then they get their own book and we get to see this unfold and yaaaaaaaaaall. Ugh. Cate C Wells. Trevor. Izzy. I flipping loved this book. The trigger warning is pretty damn fat and big right from the start so just be warned. This book is very much a romance and very much the story of Izzy rebuilding her life and strength and learning to live for herself and Trevor doing the same.
It’s flipping magical.
I think romance books these days don’t ever want to take their characters too far with good reason. You don’t want reconciliation to be something you’re rooting against! I feel like forgiveness as a theme in romance books isn’t typically this huge undertaking. It’s a conversation and some tears and we good. This book is so wonderful because it’s not like one party is having to beg for forgiveness and prove something the entire time. This is a journey these take together and it’s juuuuuuuuuuust spectacular. It shows how resilient and strong forgiveness is and how it’s worth fighting for.
I loved it. Izzy was awesome. Trevor is squishy and sweet and amazing and I want to hug these two and cry for them.
Also I need 800 more wolf shifter books from Cate C Wells. Cate!! We need more!! We love these books!!
Okay but then they get their own book and we get to see this unfold and yaaaaaaaaaall. Ugh. Cate C Wells. Trevor. Izzy. I flipping loved this book. The trigger warning is pretty damn fat and big right from the start so just be warned. This book is very much a romance and very much the story of Izzy rebuilding her life and strength and learning to live for herself and Trevor doing the same.
It’s flipping magical.
I think romance books these days don’t ever want to take their characters too far with good reason. You don’t want reconciliation to be something you’re rooting against! I feel like forgiveness as a theme in romance books isn’t typically this huge undertaking. It’s a conversation and some tears and we good. This book is so wonderful because it’s not like one party is having to beg for forgiveness and prove something the entire time. This is a journey these take together and it’s juuuuuuuuuuust spectacular. It shows how resilient and strong forgiveness is and how it’s worth fighting for.
I loved it. Izzy was awesome. Trevor is squishy and sweet and amazing and I want to hug these two and cry for them.
Also I need 800 more wolf shifter books from Cate C Wells. Cate!! We need more!! We love these books!!
November 17, 2025
1.5 ⭐
I'm sorry, but I kind of... hated it? I also happened to fall asleep twice while reading it, and it never happened to me before. So it says a lot.
My issue here wasn't the rape per se but the rest. Well, yes, it bothered me a little because I didn't know how both MCs could recover from this, as a couple. And I still don't. I don't know why they love each other, especially with how the FMC decided it was time to find her mate after 6 years apart. It almost felt like he was her only option in life. Not only I didn't feel the chemistry between them, but I couldn't care less about these characters: all we know is she's discreet and mundane, and he has blond curl and... he's nice, if we forget about the rape?
At least, for once, I didn't hate the MMC. I just didn't like anyone.
I'm sorry, but I kind of... hated it? I also happened to fall asleep twice while reading it, and it never happened to me before. So it says a lot.
My issue here wasn't the rape per se but the rest. Well, yes, it bothered me a little because I didn't know how both MCs could recover from this, as a couple. And I still don't. I don't know why they love each other, especially with how the FMC decided it was time to find her mate after 6 years apart. It almost felt like he was her only option in life. Not only I didn't feel the chemistry between them, but I couldn't care less about these characters: all we know is she's discreet and mundane, and he has blond curl and... he's nice, if we forget about the rape?
At least, for once, I didn't hate the MMC. I just didn't like anyone.
August 25, 2025
Ravaged Wolf features Izzy and Trevor, both shifters. When Izzy and Trevor recognize each other as mates, Izzy’s dad steps in and keeps them apart. This results in terrible trauma (please check trigger warnings) and a lengthy separation. Now, in the present, Izzy is determined to move on and find Trevor again.
I really love this series, bur unfortunately this instalment just didn’t work for me. The best thing about these books is the grovelling, in my opinion and this one just didn’t have it. Trevor wronged Izzy (inadvertently but still traumatically) and then she does all the work to get them back together. I did enjoy seeing other characters from past books, but this just didn’t hit the spot for me.
Overall, still a fun series and I am eagerly anticipating the next book!
I really love this series, bur unfortunately this instalment just didn’t work for me. The best thing about these books is the grovelling, in my opinion and this one just didn’t have it. Trevor wronged Izzy (inadvertently but still traumatically) and then she does all the work to get them back together. I did enjoy seeing other characters from past books, but this just didn’t hit the spot for me.
Overall, still a fun series and I am eagerly anticipating the next book!
September 2, 2025
One thing I love about Cate C Wells' books are that they all have a very common theme: Real Raw Emotion. Whew, this book is no exception. It just grips your heart and doesn't let go until the end. Please note that this book has SA on page, and its what the whole story revolves around that one horrific event. There is an HEA, but there is a lot of struggle and healing to get to that point. I just felt for the struggle that these two characters went through.
Izzy and Trevor learn early on that they are fated mates, but because of a ranking system within this shifter community, Izzy's parents are not thrilled that their daughter is fated to a lower class guy, so they try to keep the two apart, even though their biology is desperately trying to bring them together. Well, biology wins, and not in a nice way. Its so sad because Trevor and Izzy are both so sweet, and in the beginning you see a tiny bit of what could be. There is no easy path for these two, as in the norm for this author.
I have enjoyed every book from this series. Its really not very often where I stick with a series for this long - I tend to get bored. Not with this one. You get a little bit of the past characters interwoven with the new couple and hints of future couples. You could probably read this as a standalone, but there are past characters involved, so if keep that in mind. Honestly, I recommend the whole series. They are short books that pack a punch.
MF Paranormal
Wolf Shifters
Hurt / Comfort
Class Difference
Sweet MMCs
HUGE Redemption
Found Family
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Izzy and Trevor learn early on that they are fated mates, but because of a ranking system within this shifter community, Izzy's parents are not thrilled that their daughter is fated to a lower class guy, so they try to keep the two apart, even though their biology is desperately trying to bring them together. Well, biology wins, and not in a nice way. Its so sad because Trevor and Izzy are both so sweet, and in the beginning you see a tiny bit of what could be. There is no easy path for these two, as in the norm for this author.
I have enjoyed every book from this series. Its really not very often where I stick with a series for this long - I tend to get bored. Not with this one. You get a little bit of the past characters interwoven with the new couple and hints of future couples. You could probably read this as a standalone, but there are past characters involved, so if keep that in mind. Honestly, I recommend the whole series. They are short books that pack a punch.
MF Paranormal
Wolf Shifters
Hurt / Comfort
Class Difference
Sweet MMCs
HUGE Redemption
Found Family
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
August 27, 2025
Emotions...so many of them reading this. What Trevor and Izzy went through was unbelievably hard. Her family was the worst they should have been able to be together. For Izzy to be able to heal and forgive Trevor even when he knew he didn't deserve it took amazing strength. He did everything he could to prove that she didn't make a mistake and would do absolutely anything to make her happy and she deserved the world.
Please be aware of TW before reading this book
Please be aware of TW before reading this book
August 17, 2025
ARC read today (8/16/25). Thank you so much, Cate for the opportunity! This book was so well-written. The prose was beautiful, as was the message. I couldn’t put it down.
It was so horrific what Izzy’s parents did to her. I loved that her new pack was so supportive. I loved her journey to empowerment. There were a lot of valuable self-help affirmations sprinkled throughout this book!
My heart broke for Trevor. He lost everything and it was so senseless! I was rooting for both characters. I loved the found family theme and I enjoyed revisiting former main characters.
“I don’t know what happens after you die, but so help me, whatever the next world is like, I’ll make it home for her. I’ll build her shelves. I’ll build her castles. I’ll find Fate and make her tell me how to fix what I’ve done.”
Excerpt From
Ravaged Wolf
Cate C. Wells
This material may be protected by copyright.
It was so horrific what Izzy’s parents did to her. I loved that her new pack was so supportive. I loved her journey to empowerment. There were a lot of valuable self-help affirmations sprinkled throughout this book!
My heart broke for Trevor. He lost everything and it was so senseless! I was rooting for both characters. I loved the found family theme and I enjoyed revisiting former main characters.
“I don’t know what happens after you die, but so help me, whatever the next world is like, I’ll make it home for her. I’ll build her shelves. I’ll build her castles. I’ll find Fate and make her tell me how to fix what I’ve done.”
Excerpt From
Ravaged Wolf
Cate C. Wells
This material may be protected by copyright.
August 13, 2025
Beta read
ARC READ 8/11/25 (thanks Cate!)
It’s been mentioned in previous books the nightmare that can happen when a male goes into rut. Trevor and Izzy are the afterschool special for all the packs on what not to do when you recognize your mate. We finally get to read what actually happened and their HEA.
Trevor was such a sweetheart it broke my heart what became of him in rut and the consequences he faced. He was so so broken.
Izzy was a quiet bad ass. She was mentally and physically damaged from what Trevor did to her but, with some ✨ help ✨ she finally finds her path in life and that leads her back to her mate.
I just loved how Izzy was a regular girl who didn’t let her victim status in Moon Lake define her. She went against her parents (finally) and went after what she wanted.
Trevor was just so sad, I mean I don’t blame him. He just kept trudging along with his life because he had to for the sake of Izzy.
Loved seeing all my old friends! Una, Nia, Pritchard- but for me, Seth and Drona steal the show! He’s such a grumpy possessive dude and Drona is like the mama of the pack! Throw in that they’re not even mates and he’s so smitten! 😍
Ughh the epilogue was so sweet! How loved and blessed by the pack Trevor and Izzy were, I honestly had tears in my eyes.
Another amazing read by Cate! But be careful guys, this one is heavy.
ARC READ 8/11/25 (thanks Cate!)
It’s been mentioned in previous books the nightmare that can happen when a male goes into rut. Trevor and Izzy are the afterschool special for all the packs on what not to do when you recognize your mate. We finally get to read what actually happened and their HEA.
Trevor was such a sweetheart it broke my heart what became of him in rut and the consequences he faced. He was so so broken.
Izzy was a quiet bad ass. She was mentally and physically damaged from what Trevor did to her but, with some ✨ help ✨ she finally finds her path in life and that leads her back to her mate.
I just loved how Izzy was a regular girl who didn’t let her victim status in Moon Lake define her. She went against her parents (finally) and went after what she wanted.
Trevor was just so sad, I mean I don’t blame him. He just kept trudging along with his life because he had to for the sake of Izzy.
Loved seeing all my old friends! Una, Nia, Pritchard- but for me, Seth and Drona steal the show! He’s such a grumpy possessive dude and Drona is like the mama of the pack! Throw in that they’re not even mates and he’s so smitten! 😍
Ughh the epilogue was so sweet! How loved and blessed by the pack Trevor and Izzy were, I honestly had tears in my eyes.
Another amazing read by Cate! But be careful guys, this one is heavy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
2.5 stars
I'm a big fan of this series, but Ravaged Wolf didn't quite hit the spot. Readers should know right away that there is on page sexual assault and related trauma and grief in this book. Please read with care.
I think my expectations just didn't align with the story. Not having "rejected" in the title should have been a big tip off for me, but I was still hopeful. I think because of the terrible violence in this one, the remainder of the book was extra soft. This is an emotional story about healing and surviving trauma. I felt for Izzy and Trevor and all they endured, but I didn't feel their chemistry/connection. Readers never really get a sense of who they are and honestly, what they really needed was a lot of therapy and time to grow up. The story just didn't flow well and there were a lot of random details about other pack members etc. Hopefully the next Cate C. Wells book will work better for me.
CW (from the author): "...detailed, on page description of the male main character sexually assaulting the female main character when in rut. The attack happens in chapter 3 and there are brief flashbacks in other chapters. The male main character also considers suicide."
I'm a big fan of this series, but Ravaged Wolf didn't quite hit the spot. Readers should know right away that there is on page sexual assault and related trauma and grief in this book. Please read with care.
I think my expectations just didn't align with the story. Not having "rejected" in the title should have been a big tip off for me, but I was still hopeful. I think because of the terrible violence in this one, the remainder of the book was extra soft. This is an emotional story about healing and surviving trauma. I felt for Izzy and Trevor and all they endured, but I didn't feel their chemistry/connection. Readers never really get a sense of who they are and honestly, what they really needed was a lot of therapy and time to grow up. The story just didn't flow well and there were a lot of random details about other pack members etc. Hopefully the next Cate C. Wells book will work better for me.
CW (from the author): "...detailed, on page description of the male main character sexually assaulting the female main character when in rut. The attack happens in chapter 3 and there are brief flashbacks in other chapters. The male main character also considers suicide."
August 20, 2025
If you have read the Five Packs you know the start to Trevor and Izzy story. What you don't know is the end of that story well that is until now. This book was brilliant I loved both Trevor and Izzy. Trevors trauma over what happened jumped off the page. Izzy's strength and determination to face the past had been crying into my tea. Do yourself a favor and read this book and if you haven't read the others in this series do that now as well.
You will also see all of your favorite characters from the previous books which is exciting.
You will also see all of your favorite characters from the previous books which is exciting.
August 20, 2025
***Arc Review***
Phew, this was a heavy one.
Probably half the book takes place back in the High Rise of the Moon Lake pack, and I gotta say, I did not miss it. This is a pack rife with politicking and rank supremacists, with all the power and value placed with those at the top. It's just as infuriating and frustrating as the first time we were introduced to the High Rise, but this time two young adults, Izzy and Trevor, are caught in the mix.
Seeing the two of them interact in the beginning of the book is so bittersweet, knowing from the blurb and the previous books what is going to happen. They're super endearing with each other - Trevor is patient, calm, and open with Izzy, who has been living in an extremely controlling household with her abusive parents. You can easily see what a good match they are for each other.
Like each of the other books in the series, Wells is so good at making you feel the emotions of the MCs. Neither of them had any real control over what happens, and it's heart wrenching. She also captures the complexity of the situation, and the conflicting feelings that go along with it. Good people can do bad things. Especially in this world, where their biological needs play a bigger role: You have these young adults, who maybe didn't make the best decisions, but were also trying to either operate under abusive parents, or protect each other and other family members, all while their matehood affects the politics of the entire pack. Then you throw the biology of shifters into the mix, with heat and then rut, where you as a human eventually have zero say in how things will play out if you're pushed far enough. Which they are. But then, after everything happens, you have both human and wolf trying to contend with everything that happened, losing your mate while still having a mate bond, while also knowing what each person was like before they were pushed beyond their limits. There's so much shame, guilt, sadness, and longing.
Ravaged Wolf is so good, but fair warning if you're a mood reader - there is not a lot of joy in this one. There are some happy moments, but they aren't really the focus of the book, and you definitely feel that. The subject material is really heavy and most of the book centers around a traumatic event, how Trevor and Izzy cope with it, and eventually work towards healing themselves and their relationship.
Edit: I realized I never explained the four star rating- the resolution between Trevor’s family and Izzy felt super rushed at the end of the book. One minute they felt and acted one way, and the next it was like everything was okay. The conflict didn’t actually feel resolved, it just seemed like it disappeared. It was really jarring since the rest of the book is dedicated to rebuilding a relationship, and giving the characters time to earn each other’s trust. If not for that, it would’ve been 5/5.
Phew, this was a heavy one.
Probably half the book takes place back in the High Rise of the Moon Lake pack, and I gotta say, I did not miss it. This is a pack rife with politicking and rank supremacists, with all the power and value placed with those at the top. It's just as infuriating and frustrating as the first time we were introduced to the High Rise, but this time two young adults, Izzy and Trevor, are caught in the mix.
Seeing the two of them interact in the beginning of the book is so bittersweet, knowing from the blurb and the previous books what is going to happen. They're super endearing with each other - Trevor is patient, calm, and open with Izzy, who has been living in an extremely controlling household with her abusive parents. You can easily see what a good match they are for each other.
Like each of the other books in the series, Wells is so good at making you feel the emotions of the MCs. Neither of them had any real control over what happens, and it's heart wrenching. She also captures the complexity of the situation, and the conflicting feelings that go along with it. Good people can do bad things. Especially in this world, where their biological needs play a bigger role: You have these young adults, who maybe didn't make the best decisions, but were also trying to either operate under abusive parents, or protect each other and other family members, all while their matehood affects the politics of the entire pack. Then you throw the biology of shifters into the mix, with heat and then rut, where you as a human eventually have zero say in how things will play out if you're pushed far enough. Which they are. But then, after everything happens, you have both human and wolf trying to contend with everything that happened, losing your mate while still having a mate bond, while also knowing what each person was like before they were pushed beyond their limits. There's so much shame, guilt, sadness, and longing.
Ravaged Wolf is so good, but fair warning if you're a mood reader - there is not a lot of joy in this one. There are some happy moments, but they aren't really the focus of the book, and you definitely feel that. The subject material is really heavy and most of the book centers around a traumatic event, how Trevor and Izzy cope with it, and eventually work towards healing themselves and their relationship.
Edit: I realized I never explained the four star rating- the resolution between Trevor’s family and Izzy felt super rushed at the end of the book. One minute they felt and acted one way, and the next it was like everything was okay. The conflict didn’t actually feel resolved, it just seemed like it disappeared. It was really jarring since the rest of the book is dedicated to rebuilding a relationship, and giving the characters time to earn each other’s trust. If not for that, it would’ve been 5/5.
September 3, 2025
Oh my- I was wondering if we'd ever get a story like this in the Five Packs world. Ravaged Wolf is the most emotional, painful, and heartwrenching of all the stories yet. Because this isn't truly a story of rejected mates (though that element plays out of course)....the root of this is a story where the pack does immense harm, and therefore so does our hero. It's a challenging topic, a gutsy narrative, and extremely complicated. A feral mate who assaults his mate when he's out of his mind in rut? Can they ever recover from that? Can I? Well, that's what Ravaged Wolf explores. The lore hinted at in other stories- the cautionary tale other mates hear about comes to play in this very real and gripping story.
I'll say this might not be for everyone. Some may debate nature vs. nurture- but Cate, and our characters, firmly stand in the camp of our hero being as much a victim of nature (and their messed up pack) and the heroine...though he commits an atrocity and traumatizes her. She forgives him...and here I think he earns it. In a way it's easier to swallow than some of the other conscience rejections in the series- because he never not wants her, he always exists just for her, which is why he leaves to let her heal, even though it was abjectly the wrong move.
Cate smartly builds the narrative strongly in the past- we see them BEFORE so we are charmed by their dynamic. His gentleness and patience and immediate love for her. That helps with our, and her, healing. Take the content warnings carefully though- the traumatizing incident happens on page, graphically. It truly is heartbreaking. A tragedy for them both. And we feel both of their pain. Dual trauma happens here, even if hers feels more "wronged."
I loved how gentle and sweet the future parts are. Our heroine has a lot of agency in their reconnection, which I think is important given their history. Though I wished he'd been more assertive, but I understand why he holds back so much- he's terrified of hurting her again. They both have to face their past, and find the courage to take a risk. Izzy truly takes the largest- and I felt for her so much. She gives up everything....and she's the one that has to forgive the most. But Trevor's healing felt the hardest, perhaps because of his guilt.
I really loved this- I just felt the ending felt SO rushed. I wished we had more marinating in their present mating and settling into their life- and the big finale at the end felt a bit disjointed from their broader journey, resolved a bit quick, and left a lot of things hanging. Perhaps that was on purpose. I did love though seeing so many of our past characters. I have a soft spot for the particular pack they end up in- and I loved getting to spend more time there.
I'll say this might not be for everyone. Some may debate nature vs. nurture- but Cate, and our characters, firmly stand in the camp of our hero being as much a victim of nature (and their messed up pack) and the heroine...though he commits an atrocity and traumatizes her. She forgives him...and here I think he earns it. In a way it's easier to swallow than some of the other conscience rejections in the series- because he never not wants her, he always exists just for her, which is why he leaves to let her heal, even though it was abjectly the wrong move.
Cate smartly builds the narrative strongly in the past- we see them BEFORE so we are charmed by their dynamic. His gentleness and patience and immediate love for her. That helps with our, and her, healing. Take the content warnings carefully though- the traumatizing incident happens on page, graphically. It truly is heartbreaking. A tragedy for them both. And we feel both of their pain. Dual trauma happens here, even if hers feels more "wronged."
I loved how gentle and sweet the future parts are. Our heroine has a lot of agency in their reconnection, which I think is important given their history. Though I wished he'd been more assertive, but I understand why he holds back so much- he's terrified of hurting her again. They both have to face their past, and find the courage to take a risk. Izzy truly takes the largest- and I felt for her so much. She gives up everything....and she's the one that has to forgive the most. But Trevor's healing felt the hardest, perhaps because of his guilt.
I really loved this- I just felt the ending felt SO rushed. I wished we had more marinating in their present mating and settling into their life- and the big finale at the end felt a bit disjointed from their broader journey, resolved a bit quick, and left a lot of things hanging. Perhaps that was on purpose. I did love though seeing so many of our past characters. I have a soft spot for the particular pack they end up in- and I loved getting to spend more time there.
August 14, 2025
I went into this book knowing it was going to be an emotional rollercoaster. Cate has been dropping hints about Trevor and Izzy right from Tyrant Alpha and I was ready for it.
This story hurt more than Annie’s story, and it was written beautifully. Nothing was fixed magically. They didn’t become different people. They accepted the trauma between them and they used it to make their relationship stronger.
“We say what we feel and we deal with it.”
That line was everything. Well done, Cate. Another book to add to my reread list (along with every single others of yours).
This book deals with triggering and distressing themes, so definitely read the trigger warnings.
This story hurt more than Annie’s story, and it was written beautifully. Nothing was fixed magically. They didn’t become different people. They accepted the trauma between them and they used it to make their relationship stronger.
“We say what we feel and we deal with it.”
That line was everything. Well done, Cate. Another book to add to my reread list (along with every single others of yours).
This book deals with triggering and distressing themes, so definitely read the trigger warnings.
October 20, 2025
Holy hell I am emotionally destroyed in the best way imaginable. Cate C. Wells writes absolute devastating magic.
Update: Full review written a month after reading
3 sentence synopsis: Wolf shifters in Moon Lake pack endure a society completely based on inherited rank. When higher rank Lizzy discovers her fated mate is a sweet, lower ranked shifter, her parents forbid her and Trevor from acting on the mating bond and, as a result, Trevor goes into rut and mindlessly attacks Lizzy. Five years later, Trevor is still exiled from the pack and Lizzy, healing from her trauma, volunteers to be in close proximity to Trevor to determine if they can rescue each other and their matehood.
I had to wait almost a month after finishing Ravaged Wolf to compose a comprehensive review because my initial response was just emotional word vomit. I was the embodiment of the meme of the cartoon person crying whilst lying on the floor.
Ravaged Wolf is book 6 in CCW’s The Five Packs wolf shifter series. The world building in the series is strong and I argue it’s read-in-order. From the interaction among the five packs, to the fracturing of Moon Lake, to shifter biology, CCW has created a phenomenal world filled with interesting, flawed characters. For me, Ravaged Wolf is tied with book 1 in the series (The Tyrant Alpha’s Rejected Mate) for best in the series. It’s that good.
Of note, Ravaged Wolf contains difficult and potentially triggering material and CCW is incredibly thoughtful in her content warnings. Please read them, particularly because there is on-page sexual assault between the MCs. I realize this is a no-go for some readers and that is completely valid. However, this book wouldn’t work without these scenes as they are central to the story. As someone who enjoys reading old school historical romance bodice rippers, Ravaged Wolf is decidedly not one.
Lizzy and Trevor’s story is an INTENSE emotional journey. The angst is dialed up to ten. It’s also beautiful and heart-wrenching and sweet. Their mutual healing from trauma had me rooting for them. CCW magically injects her books with raw emotion and pain that makes you feel for the characters.
Update: Full review written a month after reading
3 sentence synopsis: Wolf shifters in Moon Lake pack endure a society completely based on inherited rank. When higher rank Lizzy discovers her fated mate is a sweet, lower ranked shifter, her parents forbid her and Trevor from acting on the mating bond and, as a result, Trevor goes into rut and mindlessly attacks Lizzy. Five years later, Trevor is still exiled from the pack and Lizzy, healing from her trauma, volunteers to be in close proximity to Trevor to determine if they can rescue each other and their matehood.
I had to wait almost a month after finishing Ravaged Wolf to compose a comprehensive review because my initial response was just emotional word vomit. I was the embodiment of the meme of the cartoon person crying whilst lying on the floor.
Ravaged Wolf is book 6 in CCW’s The Five Packs wolf shifter series. The world building in the series is strong and I argue it’s read-in-order. From the interaction among the five packs, to the fracturing of Moon Lake, to shifter biology, CCW has created a phenomenal world filled with interesting, flawed characters. For me, Ravaged Wolf is tied with book 1 in the series (The Tyrant Alpha’s Rejected Mate) for best in the series. It’s that good.
Of note, Ravaged Wolf contains difficult and potentially triggering material and CCW is incredibly thoughtful in her content warnings. Please read them, particularly because there is on-page sexual assault between the MCs. I realize this is a no-go for some readers and that is completely valid. However, this book wouldn’t work without these scenes as they are central to the story. As someone who enjoys reading old school historical romance bodice rippers, Ravaged Wolf is decidedly not one.
Lizzy and Trevor’s story is an INTENSE emotional journey. The angst is dialed up to ten. It’s also beautiful and heart-wrenching and sweet. Their mutual healing from trauma had me rooting for them. CCW magically injects her books with raw emotion and pain that makes you feel for the characters.
Read
August 16, 2025Authors note.
Please note that this story contains a detailed, on-page description of the male main character sexually assaulting the female main character when in rut. The attack happens in chapter three and there are brief flashbacks in other chapters.
More details on author's website.
Please note that this story contains a detailed, on-page description of the male main character sexually assaulting the female main character when in rut. The attack happens in chapter three and there are brief flashbacks in other chapters.
More details on author's website.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
![Profile Image for Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1521418447i%2F78060090._UY200_CR25%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 10, 2025
3.5 stars
Couldn’t decide between 3 & 4 stars, but ultimately I just wanted a little more from this couple, perhaps a slightly longer book would’ve helped, so I’m going to round down.
I can’t believe I missed the release of this book 😵💫 I was considering rereading some or all of this series when I saw the new addition! I wish there was a bit of a refresher for this book, I don’t remember all the details of the Moon Lake hierarchy from book 2 so I was a little lost there but too anxious for a new story to go back and reread. We also hit up Salt Mountain and spent a lot of time in Old Den in this book so I needed refreshers for those I didn’t get either. Anyway, this couples story was quite sad. I was expecting more of a hermit living in the woods situation like another book in this series and I feel like him being integrated into another pack didn’t hit quite as hard as I wanted. He was also a little too sweety, I wanted a little more dominance, but I guess given the circumstances it was for the best. This couple was definitely cute and I liked revisiting lots of other couples, but I feel like I needed a bit more time to work through some stuff with these guys and truly believe they’re good. Also why the hell is grandad living with them? The explanation doesn’t make any sense, he has literal family in that pack lol but whatevs. He was kinda cute but then most of the time poor grandad was going to the elder cabin for one reason or another 🤷🏼♀️ so anyway, a good addition to the series and finally these packs are getting a little more fleshed out as we randomly jump around and occasionally revisit certain ones. Very curious to see where CCW takes this series next🙏
Couldn’t decide between 3 & 4 stars, but ultimately I just wanted a little more from this couple, perhaps a slightly longer book would’ve helped, so I’m going to round down.
I can’t believe I missed the release of this book 😵💫 I was considering rereading some or all of this series when I saw the new addition! I wish there was a bit of a refresher for this book, I don’t remember all the details of the Moon Lake hierarchy from book 2 so I was a little lost there but too anxious for a new story to go back and reread. We also hit up Salt Mountain and spent a lot of time in Old Den in this book so I needed refreshers for those I didn’t get either. Anyway, this couples story was quite sad. I was expecting more of a hermit living in the woods situation like another book in this series and I feel like him being integrated into another pack didn’t hit quite as hard as I wanted. He was also a little too sweety, I wanted a little more dominance, but I guess given the circumstances it was for the best. This couple was definitely cute and I liked revisiting lots of other couples, but I feel like I needed a bit more time to work through some stuff with these guys and truly believe they’re good. Also why the hell is grandad living with them? The explanation doesn’t make any sense, he has literal family in that pack lol but whatevs. He was kinda cute but then most of the time poor grandad was going to the elder cabin for one reason or another 🤷🏼♀️ so anyway, a good addition to the series and finally these packs are getting a little more fleshed out as we randomly jump around and occasionally revisit certain ones. Very curious to see where CCW takes this series next🙏
August 23, 2025
I loved Izzy and Trevor. I thought they were both so sweet and their little moments in the beginning were so cute! I especially liked how cautious Trevor was around Izzy and the little things he did to make himself seem less imposing.
But I do think Izzy and Trevor’s horrific incident was a little more glossed over than I would’ve liked. I don’t think things would’ve been that easy for either of them to get over and would’ve appreciated a little more healing from the both of them.
I was also disappointed that the weird tension and dismissiveness from Trevor’s family wasn’t properly addressed. I felt that it deserved a bigger moment and more discussion between Izzy and his family.
I do really admire Izzy’s strength and her dedication to change things for herself though. She was very brave in making the first steps to rekindling her relationship with Trevor and standing up to her parents.
But I do think Izzy and Trevor’s horrific incident was a little more glossed over than I would’ve liked. I don’t think things would’ve been that easy for either of them to get over and would’ve appreciated a little more healing from the both of them.
I was also disappointed that the weird tension and dismissiveness from Trevor’s family wasn’t properly addressed. I felt that it deserved a bigger moment and more discussion between Izzy and his family.
I do really admire Izzy’s strength and her dedication to change things for herself though. She was very brave in making the first steps to rekindling her relationship with Trevor and standing up to her parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
Wow, this was an emotional rollercoaster for sure. What a brutal beginning that Trevor and Izzy were forced into, and I loved seeing them work through the trauma and pain.
I just absolutely loved Trevor. This sweet young man who was forced to become a monster. I cried as my heart broke for him. Then poor Izzy and what she had to deal with from her selfish, self-centered demonic parents. My heart broke for these two and for their mating that seemed doomed from the beginning.
The HEA was hard fought and won. I just fell in love with these two as they struggled with the past and PTSD to finally be free to love themselves and each other.
There's a reckoning coming. Moon Lake, Salt Mountain, and North Border's downfalls are already in the works, I feel. Evil eats its own and destroys everything in the end. I think there will be several uprisings or takeovers coming in the books ahead...and I'm here for it.
*Trigger warning!! This is dark. There is rape on the page and physical trauma.
I just absolutely loved Trevor. This sweet young man who was forced to become a monster. I cried as my heart broke for him. Then poor Izzy and what she had to deal with from her selfish, self-centered demonic parents. My heart broke for these two and for their mating that seemed doomed from the beginning.
The HEA was hard fought and won. I just fell in love with these two as they struggled with the past and PTSD to finally be free to love themselves and each other.
There's a reckoning coming. Moon Lake, Salt Mountain, and North Border's downfalls are already in the works, I feel. Evil eats its own and destroys everything in the end. I think there will be several uprisings or takeovers coming in the books ahead...and I'm here for it.
*Trigger warning!! This is dark. There is rape on the page and physical trauma.
October 8, 2025
i don't know why it threw me off so much that the heroes scent was gravy. i might need to go read the rest of these books to know if any of the other mmc's got wild descriptors like that. anyway i liked the plot of this but i wanted the emotions and follow through to be explored a bit deeper
November 3, 2025
An easy 5 star from me! And my first for this series!
I felt it was the first book that wasn’t either too dramatic or too … underwhelming. The story broke my heart but what was brilliant about this book is that it could do that.
That fact it did that to me is a sign of a good book, when you get those gut reactions.
The MMC Trevor he was such a Labrador and I felt for him so much as a teenager. The cherry cola and the apartment scene 😭😭😭
The only thing that really really annoyed me was Trevor’s reaction to Izzy in the reunion. I was super underwhelmed and expected more from them as a “loving” family. I know they came around but this for me was super disappointing! 😭
I felt it was the first book that wasn’t either too dramatic or too … underwhelming. The story broke my heart but what was brilliant about this book is that it could do that.
That fact it did that to me is a sign of a good book, when you get those gut reactions.
The MMC Trevor he was such a Labrador and I felt for him so much as a teenager. The cherry cola and the apartment scene 😭😭😭
The only thing that really really annoyed me was Trevor’s reaction to Izzy in the reunion. I was super underwhelmed and expected more from them as a “loving” family. I know they came around but this for me was super disappointing! 😭
August 24, 2025
miss wells could write a thousand of these rejected werewolf romances and I would read every single one.
October 25, 2025
Ugh so emotional. I love how the author showed Trevor having trauma too. They both went through something horrific. Seeing them find one another again and build trust was so heartwarming.
August 16, 2025
“I’m just a walking, talking decaying albatross.”
angst? check.
adorable dynamic between the FMC and MMC? check.
Abertha up to her old tricks? check.
My first ARC by my most favorite author. Thank you, Cate, for the opportunity to read this beautiful book early. While the other books in the Five Packs pull at the heart strings with the bitter sting of rejection, Ravaged Wolf hits a little differently. But it still fills that craving for an angsty, gut-wrenching love story. And oh my goodness, Trevor is so lovable. The dynamic and goofiness between Izzy and Trevor is adorable and sweet and raw. I loved it so much.
If you are looking for a beautiful story of growth, of learning to listen to your inner voice, and of forgiveness—both of yourself and of others—this is your huckleberry.
And you also get to see more of Nia and Pritchard, whom I love.
Mind the triggers on this one!
angst? check.
adorable dynamic between the FMC and MMC? check.
Abertha up to her old tricks? check.
My first ARC by my most favorite author. Thank you, Cate, for the opportunity to read this beautiful book early. While the other books in the Five Packs pull at the heart strings with the bitter sting of rejection, Ravaged Wolf hits a little differently. But it still fills that craving for an angsty, gut-wrenching love story. And oh my goodness, Trevor is so lovable. The dynamic and goofiness between Izzy and Trevor is adorable and sweet and raw. I loved it so much.
If you are looking for a beautiful story of growth, of learning to listen to your inner voice, and of forgiveness—both of yourself and of others—this is your huckleberry.
And you also get to see more of Nia and Pritchard, whom I love.
Mind the triggers on this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews