What do you think?
Rate this book
Wildheart Pack #1
Forcing Fate
When your bully turns out to be your fated mate.
For the last eight years, I lived in hell. Hated by the entire pack, abused by my own family, and bullied relentlessly in school.
I never had much hope of escaping my nightmare of a life until I wake up on my eighteenth birthday to feel the mating bond pull me into the forest. For the first time since my mom died, I feel like something good is about to happen.
That is until I see my mate and realize it’s Cole Black, my biggest bully. He blames me for his parents’ death and has spent the last six years torturing me for it.
Now he looks at me like I’m his.
Finding my mate should have been the best day of my life, but instead of feeling whole, the world comes crashing down on me.
This is book one in the Wildheart Pack series, but can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed! The story contains dark themes that may be triggering to some. Find a full list of triggers inside the book.
For the last eight years, I lived in hell. Hated by the entire pack, abused by my own family, and bullied relentlessly in school.
I never had much hope of escaping my nightmare of a life until I wake up on my eighteenth birthday to feel the mating bond pull me into the forest. For the first time since my mom died, I feel like something good is about to happen.
That is until I see my mate and realize it’s Cole Black, my biggest bully. He blames me for his parents’ death and has spent the last six years torturing me for it.
Now he looks at me like I’m his.
Finding my mate should have been the best day of my life, but instead of feeling whole, the world comes crashing down on me.
This is book one in the Wildheart Pack series, but can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed! The story contains dark themes that may be triggering to some. Find a full list of triggers inside the book.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
33 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Rose
102 books383 followersDarcy Rose is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes about shy and innocent heroines, to match them up with dark and intense heroes who have only eyes for one girl.
If you like your books short, taboo, dark, and a bit (or a lot) kinky, then Darcy Rose is perfect for you.
If you like your books short, taboo, dark, and a bit (or a lot) kinky, then Darcy Rose is perfect for you.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 11, 2025
:
Where do I even begin with Nora's story? For years, she has been ensnared in a relentless nightmare. At home, her stepsiblings see her as an easy target for their aggression, while her father, who should be her protector, remains indifferent. This leaves Nora feeling isolated and hopeless. As a half-breed, she faces constant reminders of her differences from her full-blooded siblings, who take pleasure in tormenting her daily
It's heartbreaking to see how those who suffer abuse at home often seek refuge at school, only to find that Nora faces relentless bullying there as well. Among her tormentors, Cole and his twin sister Tara are particularly vicious, making her already unbearable life even worse. The cruelty she endures is a constant reminder of her isolation, leaving her with nowhere to turn for support.
And just when you think it couldn't get any more complicated, Nora discovers that one of her tormentors is actually her destined mate. Talk about a twist! To top it all off, the townspeople unjustly hold her responsible for the death of their alpha, intensifying her suffering and pushing her further away from the community. It's a tangled web of pain and confusion that leaves you wondering how she will ever find her way out. and just think she's barely turning 18 years old
As many of my friends are aware, I am gradually but diligently exploring new authors, and I've experienced a few highs and lows over the past few months. Well, guess what? This author has made it to my top 10 list of new authors! If you enjoy books that are short, taboo, and a bit kinky, then you've found the perfect spot. This author tells stories about shy and innocent heroines…… I need more from this author
There is so much packed into this small little novella
October 10, 2025
3 🌟for this short PNR.
This was another palate cleanser book for me: not too heavy, not too sweet, not too long-pretty much just right for a decent shifter book.
Readers should know there is a pretty significant non-con/SA piece of this involved here fated mate, which for many will likely make them DNF. For me, it seemed to fit with the story, because the forced mating was like the cherry on top of the shit cake she had been forced to eat by her family and the town for years and years. Her life improved after the mating, and she let him know she would never forget ALL of the harm she’d experienced at his hands.
In brief, a half human-half shifter who was bullied for years by most of the town and horribly abused by her family finds herself the fateed mate to the ring leader of that abuse. She’s got truckload of trauma to deal with and happily, the book doesn’t spend a lot of time there. It’s not ignored, either; it’s noted that she’ll be dealing with the effects of that for a long time, but TherapyCore this is not.
There’s some decent grovel and repair work and an HEA. All in all, a pretty satisfying new adult-ish fated mate story with an HEA.
This was another palate cleanser book for me: not too heavy, not too sweet, not too long-pretty much just right for a decent shifter book.
Readers should know there is a pretty significant non-con/SA piece of this involved here fated mate, which for many will likely make them DNF. For me, it seemed to fit with the story, because the forced mating was like the cherry on top of the shit cake she had been forced to eat by her family and the town for years and years. Her life improved after the mating, and she let him know she would never forget ALL of the harm she’d experienced at his hands.
In brief, a half human-half shifter who was bullied for years by most of the town and horribly abused by her family finds herself the fateed mate to the ring leader of that abuse. She’s got truckload of trauma to deal with and happily, the book doesn’t spend a lot of time there. It’s not ignored, either; it’s noted that she’ll be dealing with the effects of that for a long time, but TherapyCore this is not.
There’s some decent grovel and repair work and an HEA. All in all, a pretty satisfying new adult-ish fated mate story with an HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
“Forcing Fate” is the story of Nora and Cole.
I really enjoyed this book!
The heroine has a terrible life- bullied at school, abused at home- starved, broken, she prays for reprieve.
The night she turns 18, things take a turn. She finds her mate.. unfortunately it’s the man who is her biggest bully. She fights her mating bond but unfortunately it is consummated, and his apology and how he wins her heart forms the story.
Angsty, sexy, sweet.
Safe
4/5
I really enjoyed this book!
The heroine has a terrible life- bullied at school, abused at home- starved, broken, she prays for reprieve.
The night she turns 18, things take a turn. She finds her mate.. unfortunately it’s the man who is her biggest bully. She fights her mating bond but unfortunately it is consummated, and his apology and how he wins her heart forms the story.
Angsty, sexy, sweet.
Safe
4/5
September 21, 2025
It' been a while since I read a book by Darcy Rose and this reminded me why I liked her books in the past so much. 🥰 I also feel like Darcy's writing has improved since my last book of that author's.
Forcing Fate was a short and dark fated mate/shifter romance with some bully romance aspects, however, while the way her family treated our FMC was well in the presernt, the bullying aspects connected to the MMC and love interest were in the past and not really on screen, which I prefered. We do have some noncon/dubcon parts in the story, so I would definitely check the trigger warnings if you're unsure about such things.
All in all I found the book and MMC to be quite sweet though. There were reasons as to why the bullying happened in the past, however, the MMC shows regret immediately upon figuring out what really went down and he was doing everything in his power to atone for past behaviour which resulted in him being very doting towards his mate.
It is a novella, so the book is quite short, however, I still think the characters were well described and developed, which I really liked.
All in all I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting, which was a lot of fun. Definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series. 🥰
Forcing Fate was a short and dark fated mate/shifter romance with some bully romance aspects, however, while the way her family treated our FMC was well in the presernt, the bullying aspects connected to the MMC and love interest were in the past and not really on screen, which I prefered. We do have some noncon/dubcon parts in the story, so I would definitely check the trigger warnings if you're unsure about such things.
All in all I found the book and MMC to be quite sweet though. There were reasons as to why the bullying happened in the past, however, the MMC shows regret immediately upon figuring out what really went down and he was doing everything in his power to atone for past behaviour which resulted in him being very doting towards his mate.
It is a novella, so the book is quite short, however, I still think the characters were well described and developed, which I really liked.
All in all I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting, which was a lot of fun. Definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series. 🥰
October 12, 2025
*ARC Review*
'When your bully turns out to be your fated mate.'
I enjoyed this novella. Straight into the story, all grit and no messing around. There are trigger warnings included, so i would advise anyone who is unsure to check them.
This is maybe only my third or fourth Wolf shifter based read, and im really loving them. The pack mentality is so interesting, and its so cool how strong the mate bonding is too.
Nora has had theee shittest life, at home and at school. Her 'family' are scum, especially her so called father. Im so glad they got their comeuppance. I loved the fact Nora believed she couldnt shift (as she was half human) until Cole, her mate, was in danger.
I was a little uneasy with how Cole forced the mating bond, but I understood after as soon as i realised they only had one chance.
The ending was fab - I will definitely be reading the next instalment as I need to know how the hell they're going to work around Tara and her bear mate.. 👀
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Im so grateful to have received this ARC.
'When your bully turns out to be your fated mate.'
I enjoyed this novella. Straight into the story, all grit and no messing around. There are trigger warnings included, so i would advise anyone who is unsure to check them.
This is maybe only my third or fourth Wolf shifter based read, and im really loving them. The pack mentality is so interesting, and its so cool how strong the mate bonding is too.
Nora has had theee shittest life, at home and at school. Her 'family' are scum, especially her so called father. Im so glad they got their comeuppance. I loved the fact Nora believed she couldnt shift (as she was half human) until Cole, her mate, was in danger.
I was a little uneasy with how Cole forced the mating bond, but I understood after as soon as i realised they only had one chance.
The ending was fab - I will definitely be reading the next instalment as I need to know how the hell they're going to work around Tara and her bear mate.. 👀
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Im so grateful to have received this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
Forcing Fate might be a short story but it definitely packed a big punch.
The storyline was intense at times with bullying, physical/emotional abuse and noncon/dubcon interactions.
Nora's life has been a nightmare ever since her mother's death. The people who should love her and be her biggest supporters are the very ones who take joy in abusing her at every turn. Sadly she has no reprieve at school as she is bullied and shunned and all alone with no place to turn. Then on her 18th birthday she feels the strong pull of her mate as she runs into the forest. Unfortunately what she finds is Cole the bully whose mission in life was to make her life unbearable.
Though out the story you can feel her loneliness, pain and anguish. While her wolf feels the pull to be with Cole her mind won't let go of everything he put her through. Trust and love isn't easily earned it's a long hard battle of what was and what could be. Secrets and lies are exposed, danger, guilt and suspense are front and center.
I'm looking forward to Tara's story in Fighting Fate.
I received an ARC from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The storyline was intense at times with bullying, physical/emotional abuse and noncon/dubcon interactions.
Nora's life has been a nightmare ever since her mother's death. The people who should love her and be her biggest supporters are the very ones who take joy in abusing her at every turn. Sadly she has no reprieve at school as she is bullied and shunned and all alone with no place to turn. Then on her 18th birthday she feels the strong pull of her mate as she runs into the forest. Unfortunately what she finds is Cole the bully whose mission in life was to make her life unbearable.
Though out the story you can feel her loneliness, pain and anguish. While her wolf feels the pull to be with Cole her mind won't let go of everything he put her through. Trust and love isn't easily earned it's a long hard battle of what was and what could be. Secrets and lies are exposed, danger, guilt and suspense are front and center.
I'm looking forward to Tara's story in Fighting Fate.
I received an ARC from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
October 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 — feral, frustrated, and fully obsessed 😮💨🔥
This novella ATE. Darcy Rose’s writing 👏 is stunning — emotional, sharp, and addictive. The pacing?? Perfect. I blinked and it was over, but every page had me kicking my feet like I was 16 again and in love with a walking red flag 🚩 (that somehow looked green 👀).
BUT.
I needed more. More angst. More pain. More of that slow-burn emotional devastation that has me feral on a Tuesday night 😭 The way she forgave him so fast?? Girl, no. He should’ve been crawling through glass and begging like a man who knows he fumbled the divine feminine. 🫠
That said… the chemistry?? 🔥🔥🔥
The writing?? Beautiful. 🖤
The emotion?? All-consuming. 🩶
✨ Gorgeous prose (seriously, Darcy can WRITE)
✨ Pacing that slapped
💔 Needed more groveling + emotional damage
🔥 Chemistry that left scorch marks
Final thoughts: Loved it. Needed more. Still feral about it. Will absolutely reread and spiral again 🫡💅
This novella ATE. Darcy Rose’s writing 👏 is stunning — emotional, sharp, and addictive. The pacing?? Perfect. I blinked and it was over, but every page had me kicking my feet like I was 16 again and in love with a walking red flag 🚩 (that somehow looked green 👀).
BUT.
I needed more. More angst. More pain. More of that slow-burn emotional devastation that has me feral on a Tuesday night 😭 The way she forgave him so fast?? Girl, no. He should’ve been crawling through glass and begging like a man who knows he fumbled the divine feminine. 🫠
That said… the chemistry?? 🔥🔥🔥
The writing?? Beautiful. 🖤
The emotion?? All-consuming. 🩶
✨ Gorgeous prose (seriously, Darcy can WRITE)
✨ Pacing that slapped
💔 Needed more groveling + emotional damage
🔥 Chemistry that left scorch marks
Final thoughts: Loved it. Needed more. Still feral about it. Will absolutely reread and spiral again 🫡💅
September 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this story!! I find Wolf shifters so fascinating. They’re definitely some of my favorites to read about!! 🩶🖤 I enjoy learning about different pack rules, laws, and reading the very intense and romantic fated mates stories. I also really liked the characters, in this story, and I can’t wait for Tara’s story next!!
Poor Nora 💔 Her mother died when she was really young, and she hasn’t been able to catch a break since!! Her dad, stepmother and step siblings are terrible!! 😤 Nora’s dad just stood by while her step siblings brutally beat her, and her stepmother treated her like dirt. They also starved her and never gave her any freedom. Plus she was viewed as the lowest man on the totem pole in general, because she was half human, and had never shifted. My heart broke for Nora, especially when she would cry because she was unloved, and felt extreme loneliness 😢 Really, people just couldn’t make her feel much lower 😕 On top of that, Nora was bullied all through high school. Namely by Cole and his twin sister, Tara. They blamed her for their parents death. I was so mad at Cole and Tara in the beginning, because they seemed like mean spirited characters. Ironically Cole and Nora are fated mates. It wasn’t until after their mating bond, that I began to understand why Nora was blamed for Cole and Tara’s parents death (their father was the pack Alpha), and I actually began to like Cole and his family. Cole became very protective of Nora and his goal from there on out was to cherish and love her.
Definitely check your trigger warnings, because the author didn’t sugarcoat the abuse Nora endured. I felt like she did a really good job of writing those scenes!! It really gave me a clear understanding of the physical and emotional pain Nora went through. I also liked that Nora’s trauma and thoughts during and post-abuse, seemed very authentic to someone who had been through the level of abuse that she had experienced. The thoughts and fears didn’t just turn off after Nora’s mating bond with Cole, and I felt like that made the story seem more realistic. My heart just absolutely broke for Nora throughout the story!! I really enjoyed reading about Nora’s journey from beginning to end, and really enjoyed it when she got to start making her own decisions and discovering who she was, and not who people forced her to be 🩷
Plus that cliffhanger at the end….Bring on Book 2 🥳🥳
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🦋🩵
Poor Nora 💔 Her mother died when she was really young, and she hasn’t been able to catch a break since!! Her dad, stepmother and step siblings are terrible!! 😤 Nora’s dad just stood by while her step siblings brutally beat her, and her stepmother treated her like dirt. They also starved her and never gave her any freedom. Plus she was viewed as the lowest man on the totem pole in general, because she was half human, and had never shifted. My heart broke for Nora, especially when she would cry because she was unloved, and felt extreme loneliness 😢 Really, people just couldn’t make her feel much lower 😕 On top of that, Nora was bullied all through high school. Namely by Cole and his twin sister, Tara. They blamed her for their parents death. I was so mad at Cole and Tara in the beginning, because they seemed like mean spirited characters. Ironically Cole and Nora are fated mates. It wasn’t until after their mating bond, that I began to understand why Nora was blamed for Cole and Tara’s parents death (their father was the pack Alpha), and I actually began to like Cole and his family. Cole became very protective of Nora and his goal from there on out was to cherish and love her.
Definitely check your trigger warnings, because the author didn’t sugarcoat the abuse Nora endured. I felt like she did a really good job of writing those scenes!! It really gave me a clear understanding of the physical and emotional pain Nora went through. I also liked that Nora’s trauma and thoughts during and post-abuse, seemed very authentic to someone who had been through the level of abuse that she had experienced. The thoughts and fears didn’t just turn off after Nora’s mating bond with Cole, and I felt like that made the story seem more realistic. My heart just absolutely broke for Nora throughout the story!! I really enjoyed reading about Nora’s journey from beginning to end, and really enjoyed it when she got to start making her own decisions and discovering who she was, and not who people forced her to be 🩷
Plus that cliffhanger at the end….Bring on Book 2 🥳🥳
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 💙🦋🩵
October 3, 2025
This was such a good quick read! I loved the fated mates twist between two characters with a complicated past. He bullied her when they were younger—driven by reasons he didn’t fully understand—but once they meet again, the pull between them is undeniable. The wolf shifter dynamics, the tension, and the emotional payoff had me hooked from start to finish.
I’m already excited to dive into the next book in the series!
I’m already excited to dive into the next book in the series!
November 28, 2025
Enjoyed this dark romance that focused on fated mates Nora and Cole. There was a lot of history between both characers (Cole bullied Nora incessantly when they were younger) and Nora's family life was unstable and unsafe. When Nora turns 18, she is drawn to her mate, who turns out to be her bully (along with his twin sister) Cole. Nora wants to reject the mating, but Cole does not let her and forces himself on her (trigger: non-consent). While Nora is able to escape the awful and dangerous situation with her father and her step-family, she is thrown in with Cole and his family, who were just as bad. Nora feels the pull to Cole, as they are fated mates, but struggles with their shared past. Over time, the bond grows stronger and Nora learns to accept Cole and his family.
As with any dark romance, there was a lot of moments that were triggering (the non-con, bullying, and family abuse), but the author did a great job to not shy away from illuminating those dark corners and how they can impact relationships, even a fated mate situation. In the end, the shared past allowed for the love between Nora and Cole to grow. I was happy to see that Nora found her "home" with Cole.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As with any dark romance, there was a lot of moments that were triggering (the non-con, bullying, and family abuse), but the author did a great job to not shy away from illuminating those dark corners and how they can impact relationships, even a fated mate situation. In the end, the shared past allowed for the love between Nora and Cole to grow. I was happy to see that Nora found her "home" with Cole.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2025
Trust is hard to build, Love is harder to overcome when there is no trust and with blood treating you like gum on their shoe it's hard to even trust others let alone loving one that your can trust.
Nora, half human, day before turning 18. Her dad's family are hell on earth for her. Her half brother treats her like a punching bag, her step sister is as worse, her stepmother treats her like a slave, her dad wants her dead, even tried it, when he had to bring her into his home years prior. That night she got labeled as an alpha killer, since Alpha Black died that night and the alpha's youngest of his children, twins Cole and Tara tormented Nora all through school plus the pack treated her like poo.
Until she turned 18 and woke up feeling a mate bond and finding her mate Cole waiting for her but she fought to reject said bully but him being stronger refused to allow Nora to reject him and forced to tie the bond connecting Nora and him. But when he learns the truth of Nora and her past will he hate himself and try to right his wrongs or will he still hate Nora for what had happened????
Nora, half human, day before turning 18. Her dad's family are hell on earth for her. Her half brother treats her like a punching bag, her step sister is as worse, her stepmother treats her like a slave, her dad wants her dead, even tried it, when he had to bring her into his home years prior. That night she got labeled as an alpha killer, since Alpha Black died that night and the alpha's youngest of his children, twins Cole and Tara tormented Nora all through school plus the pack treated her like poo.
Until she turned 18 and woke up feeling a mate bond and finding her mate Cole waiting for her but she fought to reject said bully but him being stronger refused to allow Nora to reject him and forced to tie the bond connecting Nora and him. But when he learns the truth of Nora and her past will he hate himself and try to right his wrongs or will he still hate Nora for what had happened????
November 1, 2025
3.5 ✨ This poor h. (Possible spoilers ahead) I just wanted to hug h.
This poor h has been beat down and bullied by everyone in her life, so much that she thought of ending it at one point in her POV. Her family; dad, stepmom, stepbrother, and her stepsister beat her up all the time.
Then she’d go to school and get bullied by H and his sister. He would dump her lunch on her (sometimes it was the only food she had) and his sister would steal her clothes during gym, etc….. it was sad. H and his family bullied her because their dad was killed by the bears trying to save h when she got “lost” in the woods. Their mom couldn’t handle the grief and committed suicide. BUT we find out later, h’s dad actually took her to the woods and left her. He wanted her dead. SHE WAS 12 😱 No matter which situation, SHE WAS NOT AT FAULT!
The night h turns 18, H’s wolf starts acting funny and goes to follow a scent. Yep! h is his fated mate. She is scared and starts to reject him, but he won’t let her. I guess “you only get one chance” for your fated mate. He holds her down, marks her, then (Rapes??) her. Yes, her wolf submits, but she didn’t want any of this. Ugh ugh ugh. H takes her back to his house, undresses her, then sees all the bruises her family left on her body.
They were both virgins.
h is scared of H (tbh, I’d be too)
H goes with his brother (who is alpha) to banish the family. H’s whole family feels terrible for how they treated h. 🙄
h will spend 90% of this short book in H’s room because she’s scared to come out. H works hard(ish)to build her trust. H probably thanks his lucky stars for the mate bond or else I don’t think she would have ever hooked up with him.
He does do nice things for her
h feels H getting hurt one day and she finally comes out of the room. She gets her wolf for the first time. Her family is the villains hurting H and his sister. H’s brother kills h’s brother and h kills her 14 year old sister 😱
I liked it enough I want to read the next one.
I really do think this book should have been longer due to the heavy emotional turmoil h went through.
This poor h has been beat down and bullied by everyone in her life, so much that she thought of ending it at one point in her POV. Her family; dad, stepmom, stepbrother, and her stepsister beat her up all the time.
Then she’d go to school and get bullied by H and his sister. He would dump her lunch on her (sometimes it was the only food she had) and his sister would steal her clothes during gym, etc….. it was sad. H and his family bullied her because their dad was killed by the bears trying to save h when she got “lost” in the woods. Their mom couldn’t handle the grief and committed suicide. BUT we find out later, h’s dad actually took her to the woods and left her. He wanted her dead. SHE WAS 12 😱 No matter which situation, SHE WAS NOT AT FAULT!
The night h turns 18, H’s wolf starts acting funny and goes to follow a scent. Yep! h is his fated mate. She is scared and starts to reject him, but he won’t let her. I guess “you only get one chance” for your fated mate. He holds her down, marks her, then (Rapes??) her. Yes, her wolf submits, but she didn’t want any of this. Ugh ugh ugh. H takes her back to his house, undresses her, then sees all the bruises her family left on her body.
They were both virgins.
h is scared of H (tbh, I’d be too)
H goes with his brother (who is alpha) to banish the family. H’s whole family feels terrible for how they treated h. 🙄
h will spend 90% of this short book in H’s room because she’s scared to come out. H works hard(ish)to build her trust. H probably thanks his lucky stars for the mate bond or else I don’t think she would have ever hooked up with him.
He does do nice things for her
h feels H getting hurt one day and she finally comes out of the room. She gets her wolf for the first time. Her family is the villains hurting H and his sister. H’s brother kills h’s brother and h kills her 14 year old sister 😱
I liked it enough I want to read the next one.
I really do think this book should have been longer due to the heavy emotional turmoil h went through.
November 5, 2025
I love a good written short story/novella that covers full plot and doesn't leave anything hanging. Nora's beginning is rough. A family that doesn't love her and no is bullied all through school for something she didn't do. Especially by the MC Cole. But on her 18th birthday it changes.
This story isn't that dark but it does have some triggers so rake them seriously. I loved what the author did with all the main characters and Coles change and grovel was perfect along wirh Nora's strength. Highly recommend
This story isn't that dark but it does have some triggers so rake them seriously. I loved what the author did with all the main characters and Coles change and grovel was perfect along wirh Nora's strength. Highly recommend
November 10, 2025
Wow. What a fantastic story. A poor girl beaten daily by her family and also bullied terribly at school. Will she ever find happiness?
November 5, 2025
Nora (FMC) has been an outcast in her own pack. Abused both physically & mentally by her family as well as bullied for years by Cole and his family. Only for fate to make Cole her mate. I'll be honest I wasn't sure how Nora could forgive Cole and I understood why she was conflicted about it. My heart went out to her in this book. She definitely went had a great deal to cope with in it. It was a quick steamy read that I breezed through in one afternoon.
November 6, 2025
Rating: 3.7/5 ⭐️
Forcing Fate is an enjoyable Enemies-to-fated mate romance, and is a solid start to The Wildheart Pack series. Darcy Rose delivers a shifter romance with good pace and clear story progression.
The Hard Truth: This book delves into dark themes, specifically bullying, r8pe (within the shifter context) and domestic violence, exploring the full physical and emotional toll. The MMC is supportive and understanding once the FMCs truths are revealed. The majority of this book is set in the MMCs bedroom. Be prepared for a heavier read compared to some other shifter books.
What to Expect:
Pacing: Fast and clear.
Spice Level: Present, but nothing too out there.
Strengths: Great job handling the progression of the main relationship and the heavy emotional impact of trauma.
Room for Improvement: I would have liked more understanding through the bond, eg what FMC perceived through the bond with the MMC as they 'got to know' eachother. I also would have loved more conflict with the FMC's antagonistic family, perhaps some covert threats after the mating bond was established to raise the stakes.
Final Takeaway: A compelling shifter romance that handles difficult subjects with purpose.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Forcing Fate is an enjoyable Enemies-to-fated mate romance, and is a solid start to The Wildheart Pack series. Darcy Rose delivers a shifter romance with good pace and clear story progression.
The Hard Truth: This book delves into dark themes, specifically bullying, r8pe (within the shifter context) and domestic violence, exploring the full physical and emotional toll. The MMC is supportive and understanding once the FMCs truths are revealed. The majority of this book is set in the MMCs bedroom. Be prepared for a heavier read compared to some other shifter books.
What to Expect:
Pacing: Fast and clear.
Spice Level: Present, but nothing too out there.
Strengths: Great job handling the progression of the main relationship and the heavy emotional impact of trauma.
Room for Improvement: I would have liked more understanding through the bond, eg what FMC perceived through the bond with the MMC as they 'got to know' eachother. I also would have loved more conflict with the FMC's antagonistic family, perhaps some covert threats after the mating bond was established to raise the stakes.
Final Takeaway: A compelling shifter romance that handles difficult subjects with purpose.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2025
This was my first book by Darcy Rose.
I liked the fated mates story of Nora and Cole.
For a fast read, this story was gutwrenching yet well structured so I didn't feel like needing much more plot.
I love these fast paced novellas very much and can't wait for the next one in the series.. 🤩🥰
I liked the fated mates story of Nora and Cole.
For a fast read, this story was gutwrenching yet well structured so I didn't feel like needing much more plot.
I love these fast paced novellas very much and can't wait for the next one in the series.. 🤩🥰
October 15, 2025
This novella was like a funnel cake--delicious and enjoyable, but ultimately lacking substance. I could have easily devoured it in one sitting. There were a few captivating scenes that definitely made reading it worthwhile--the moment the mate bond is revealed is steamy and easily the best part of the story.
There's definitely potential here for something more, if the author ever decided to dig in and actually explore/explain the world that we find ourselves in. For example, the main characters are wolf shifters with an FMC who is half human. It is never made clear whether the shifters are living in secret among humans or if they're considered normal. Meanwhile it seems a pack of bear shifters have bordering territory and are painted as mortal enemies of the wolves, but we only get a single glimpse of one of these creatures. I would have loved a couple of chapters just surrounding the lore of this world.
The FMC Nora is the victim of years of abuse, which is pretty much her defining characteristic. On it's own this is always an interesting concept, especially since the MMC was one of her greatest tormentors. The explanation behind the hero's disdain is vague and blamed on Nora's family, one-note caricatures of abusers who are ultimately responsible for every bad thing that ever happened to her with little to no motivation provided. The speed with which her former bullies feel guilty and immediately accept her would give anyone whiplash, while Nora clinging to her distrust of the MMC is the main conflict of most of the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There's definitely potential here for something more, if the author ever decided to dig in and actually explore/explain the world that we find ourselves in. For example, the main characters are wolf shifters with an FMC who is half human. It is never made clear whether the shifters are living in secret among humans or if they're considered normal. Meanwhile it seems a pack of bear shifters have bordering territory and are painted as mortal enemies of the wolves, but we only get a single glimpse of one of these creatures. I would have loved a couple of chapters just surrounding the lore of this world.
The FMC Nora is the victim of years of abuse, which is pretty much her defining characteristic. On it's own this is always an interesting concept, especially since the MMC was one of her greatest tormentors. The explanation behind the hero's disdain is vague and blamed on Nora's family, one-note caricatures of abusers who are ultimately responsible for every bad thing that ever happened to her with little to no motivation provided. The speed with which her former bullies feel guilty and immediately accept her would give anyone whiplash, while Nora clinging to her distrust of the MMC is the main conflict of most of the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 29, 2025
Nora & Cole
Novella
Shifters
Fated Mates
Enemies to Lovers
This is a cute, wolf shifter, Fated mates novella
Cole has made Nora's life a misery for years due to circumstances that weren't her fault.
When he realises she's his Fated mate, he does everything he can to make it up to her ❤️
Novella
Shifters
Fated Mates
Enemies to Lovers
This is a cute, wolf shifter, Fated mates novella
Cole has made Nora's life a misery for years due to circumstances that weren't her fault.
When he realises she's his Fated mate, he does everything he can to make it up to her ❤️
October 22, 2025
This is a fated mates enemies to lovers, shifter romance story.
The FMC is part human/part shifter and her fated mate turns out to be one of the people who has bullied her for years for being different. Will she give into their fated bond and forgive him for how he's treated her.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The FMC is part human/part shifter and her fated mate turns out to be one of the people who has bullied her for years for being different. Will she give into their fated bond and forgive him for how he's treated her.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2025
Since the death of her mother, Nora, a wolf shifter, hasn't had it easy. She is bullied at home, and she was bullied in school too. When she turned eighteen, she found out her fated mate was her biggest bully in high school, but the pull between them is strong. Cole, a wolf shifter, has always blamed Nora for his parents' deaths, but when he finds out the truth, he's determined to protect Nora. I love how protective Cole was over Nora when he realized she was his fated mate and how they went from enemies to fated mates and got their happily ever after. Forcing Fate is book one and a great start in the Wildheart Pack series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
October 13, 2025
I received this book in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the story. It was a short, easy read that I found it easy to get lost in the story. I will definitely be reading the next book and I’m glad I don’t have to wait long as it comes out in November.
I thought the characters were interesting but I would have liked them to be a bit more padded out as I feel we didn’t get a lot of time with the characters other than the FMC and MMC.
I really liked the story and would have liked it to be a bit longer with more world building. The synopsis makes it sound like there would be more of a bully romance plot but it turned into instalove (on his part) a bit too fast. I would have liked more interaction between them before the mate bond kicked in. Overall a good read. Looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed the story. It was a short, easy read that I found it easy to get lost in the story. I will definitely be reading the next book and I’m glad I don’t have to wait long as it comes out in November.
I thought the characters were interesting but I would have liked them to be a bit more padded out as I feel we didn’t get a lot of time with the characters other than the FMC and MMC.
I really liked the story and would have liked it to be a bit longer with more world building. The synopsis makes it sound like there would be more of a bully romance plot but it turned into instalove (on his part) a bit too fast. I would have liked more interaction between them before the mate bond kicked in. Overall a good read. Looking forward to the next book.
October 15, 2025
I love these kind of books, instalove and mates. Although this was a little more complicated than instalove, but I liked that Cole with went it then the bullying he did (didn’t see in book). Now the way they mated, wasn’t the best decision, but I get why it happened. And there was remorse. Hell there was a lot more remorse from the pack. And honestly I was fine how Nora’s family ended up. They deserve worse than what they got. I look forward to the next one and I hope that the family is accepting of that mate as they were to Nora. Thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2025
Nora and Cole
FORCING FATE is book 1 of the Wildheart Pack series. It's a short and steamy, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, wolf shifter paranormal romance. Nora is a young girl who has been abused by her entire family since her mom died 10 years ago. Her father, stepmother, and stepsiblings abuse her on a daily basis and treat her like Cinderella. Cole is a hunky wolf shifter and her fated mate. He and his twin sister, Tara, were her bullies all through school as they blamed her for the death of their parents. But all is not as it seems. Cole wants the bond and forces it. Nora feels the bond but is very conflicted between wanting him and being hurt by him for so long. Cole was so sorry though. I am glad she was able to forgive him. They had great chemistry and the ending was so happy. I can't wait for Tara's book next!!!
FORCING FATE is book 1 of the Wildheart Pack series. It's a short and steamy, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, wolf shifter paranormal romance. Nora is a young girl who has been abused by her entire family since her mom died 10 years ago. Her father, stepmother, and stepsiblings abuse her on a daily basis and treat her like Cinderella. Cole is a hunky wolf shifter and her fated mate. He and his twin sister, Tara, were her bullies all through school as they blamed her for the death of their parents. But all is not as it seems. Cole wants the bond and forces it. Nora feels the bond but is very conflicted between wanting him and being hurt by him for so long. Cole was so sorry though. I am glad she was able to forgive him. They had great chemistry and the ending was so happy. I can't wait for Tara's book next!!!
October 20, 2025
DNF @ 65%
October 13, 2025
Forcing Fate by Darcy Rose
Cole blamed Nora for his parents' death. He and his twin sister, Tara, bullied Nora all through high school and turned all the other kids away from being her friend. Her father and stepmother were cruel to her, and her brothers and sisters were too. She had no one to turn to for help. This is a tear-jerker story, and I loved it and highly recommend reading this book. I also enjoyed the characters in this story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest opinion.
Cole blamed Nora for his parents' death. He and his twin sister, Tara, bullied Nora all through high school and turned all the other kids away from being her friend. Her father and stepmother were cruel to her, and her brothers and sisters were too. She had no one to turn to for help. This is a tear-jerker story, and I loved it and highly recommend reading this book. I also enjoyed the characters in this story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my honest opinion.
October 19, 2025
IF you like quick reads that are a bit spicy, a little taboo then you will like this.
September 28, 2025
Short but addictive so hang on you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. Trust is hard to build, and love is ever harder to accept, to trust, or assume it is meant for you when your own family has mistreated, bullied you all your life, started lies that led others to bully you and your only protection is you. Nora is a sweet abused half-human girl who was loved by her mom before she passed away but upon her passing she went live with her father’s family which treated her horribly bad she become everyone’s punching bag, slave, and her father took her into the leaving her there with no way to protect herself telling her she was a mistake but a man (the alpha) saved her protected her with his life from the bears and ultimately lost his life of course her family blamed her so they wouldn’t take the blame in front of the pack making her their punching bag especially the alpha’s twin whom were close to her age they blamed her for losing their dad. Cole sexy as all get out son of the alpha his twin sister Tara decided Nora needed to be reminded daily all throughout school that it was her fault they lost both their parents by bullying her every day, turning the school, the pack along with her family against her, until he she turns eighteen and her wolf comes in fate decided to make her his fated mate so when she goes to reject him he can’t …won’t allow it he has waited his whole life for his fated mate even if it is her so he forced her to accept the mate bond but will she always remember what he, his sister did to her, will they ever have the trust that is needed for a relationship to work, will there ever be love between them or just the bond that she wanted to reject, will her life get better than what she has lived through, and is there happiness maybe a little peace for our girl?
Read
October 12, 2025This story made my stomach turn. The heroine is tormented for years by the male lead, his family, and even her own family, yet the story expects her lifelong trauma to vanish because he declares they’re soulmates.
She resists forgiving him at first—which is the only shred of control she has—but that tiny bit of agency is ripped away the moment she gains her powers to save him, instantly forgiving him as if her suffering never mattered.
The narrative revolves entirely around his feelings, while her own are barely allowed to surface. Reading it felt like watching cruelty being romanticized; it left me nauseated and frustrated.
She resists forgiving him at first—which is the only shred of control she has—but that tiny bit of agency is ripped away the moment she gains her powers to save him, instantly forgiving him as if her suffering never mattered.
The narrative revolves entirely around his feelings, while her own are barely allowed to surface. Reading it felt like watching cruelty being romanticized; it left me nauseated and frustrated.
October 13, 2025
I received this as an arc read and am leaving this review voluntarily this novella is a short palate cleaning read enjoyable to read shifter romance past bully romance but not the main attraction I enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews