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Wolves of FMU #1
Quarterback Sneak
He’s the star quarterback everyone wants. She’s the freshman who just wants to lay low. But when an enemy targets her, he’ll risk more than his position as quarterback to keep her safe.
Evie thought college would finally be her fresh start. After convincing her mom to leave her father, she’s ready to put the past behind her—new town, new school, new life. Making a friend her first week feels like a good sign. Jace is charming, easy to talk to, and seems to understand her loneliness. But something about him doesn’t feel quite right.
Then there’s Zane Blackwood—junior, star quarterback of FMU’s Barracudas, and the kind of guy who turns heads wherever he goes. He’s confident, protective, and always seems to show up when she needs him most. But Zane has secrets—dangerous ones. Secrets about who he really is…and who Evie is to him. When Jace’s friendly façade changes into something far more sinister, Evie discovers she’s stumbled into a world of danger, dark magic, and a bond she never could have imagined. Now she’s caught between a predator who won’t let her go and the wolf who was born to protect her.
Each book in the Wolves of FMU series will feature a different couple. They can be read as a stand-alone as each book will have its own HEA, but the storyline will continue through the entire series. For the best reader experience, consider reading them in order. The Wolves of FMU are focused, intense, and wholly focused on their individual sports...until they find their mates. Each book is intense and full of sizzling fade-to-black romance.
Evie thought college would finally be her fresh start. After convincing her mom to leave her father, she’s ready to put the past behind her—new town, new school, new life. Making a friend her first week feels like a good sign. Jace is charming, easy to talk to, and seems to understand her loneliness. But something about him doesn’t feel quite right.
Then there’s Zane Blackwood—junior, star quarterback of FMU’s Barracudas, and the kind of guy who turns heads wherever he goes. He’s confident, protective, and always seems to show up when she needs him most. But Zane has secrets—dangerous ones. Secrets about who he really is…and who Evie is to him. When Jace’s friendly façade changes into something far more sinister, Evie discovers she’s stumbled into a world of danger, dark magic, and a bond she never could have imagined. Now she’s caught between a predator who won’t let her go and the wolf who was born to protect her.
Each book in the Wolves of FMU series will feature a different couple. They can be read as a stand-alone as each book will have its own HEA, but the storyline will continue through the entire series. For the best reader experience, consider reading them in order. The Wolves of FMU are focused, intense, and wholly focused on their individual sports...until they find their mates. Each book is intense and full of sizzling fade-to-black romance.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
About the author
A.J. Manney
32 books159 followersA. J. Manney lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and four kids. Some of her favorite things to do include reading, family days, being a pastor's wife, and watching football on Sunday afternoons with her family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 1, 2026
Oh I loved this!!! I had so much fun, need ten more thank you!!
Did Not Finish
December 17, 2025Just a personal note, stop being excited and then disappointed when you start to read it and find out it's a clean romance 😖
November 15, 2025
Oh man.. I read this on my kindle for such a long stretch that I triggered my vertigo. THAT is how much I loved it. It is late and I am tired so let's go through this review together, shall we?
No but seriously.. okay, so, AJ has a way of writing such sweet, tender men who will also rip your head off for the ones they love. True touch her and die vibes, you know? I am a sucker for fated mates and wolves. Put both into one story, and I am sold. Even with this book being fated mates, it was still fairly slow burn. 🐌
There was a healthy dose of action. Unpredictable, eventful, and entertaining. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance flowed so smoothly. He worked so hard to earn her trust and really SHOW her, not just tell her, how special she is to him. *ahem* .. if he wanted to, he would, crowd. 🩷
🎀FMC is not a weak pushover🎀
I want to talk about the banter and humor all throughout this book. I laughed out loud a few times. Each side character has their own distinct personality. You really see each of them in their own uniqueness. You have feelings for each one that vary and possibly change as the story goes on. The jokes, the sass, the swoon, the action, the growth, the banter.. amazing. 👏🏻
I enjoy every book I have read of AJ's. I think I have read all of them except for the upcoming books and two hockey romances. I highly recommend her books. If you don't know which to start with, my dms are open AND you can ask her! She is so kind. She will help you decide.
God bless and goodnight!
No but seriously.. okay, so, AJ has a way of writing such sweet, tender men who will also rip your head off for the ones they love. True touch her and die vibes, you know? I am a sucker for fated mates and wolves. Put both into one story, and I am sold. Even with this book being fated mates, it was still fairly slow burn. 🐌
There was a healthy dose of action. Unpredictable, eventful, and entertaining. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance flowed so smoothly. He worked so hard to earn her trust and really SHOW her, not just tell her, how special she is to him. *ahem* .. if he wanted to, he would, crowd. 🩷
🎀FMC is not a weak pushover🎀
I want to talk about the banter and humor all throughout this book. I laughed out loud a few times. Each side character has their own distinct personality. You really see each of them in their own uniqueness. You have feelings for each one that vary and possibly change as the story goes on. The jokes, the sass, the swoon, the action, the growth, the banter.. amazing. 👏🏻
I enjoy every book I have read of AJ's. I think I have read all of them except for the upcoming books and two hockey romances. I highly recommend her books. If you don't know which to start with, my dms are open AND you can ask her! She is so kind. She will help you decide.
God bless and goodnight!
December 19, 2025
OMG IM SO TORN ON THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!! I LOVED the story line, the characters and their personalities, the diverse characters, but what made me love this book was Zane's love for Evie, how much he loves her, how protective he is over her (Manney did an AMAZING job on the romance part), and that I was able to relate SO MUCH to Evie. I will admit though, I was at first kinda annoyed at how many times the words "alpha" and "beta" were used, but you get used to it eventually lol. I did think that some phrases were repeated one too many times, but I'm not gonna change my star review because of that, the book itself was still overall AMAZING. I love to finally be able to read a book where the main character and I have similar experiences and feelings; I've never read a book with a character I could relate to so much, I think thats why I loved it SO MUCH.
October 30, 2025
It’s finally here! Another beautiful series starter from A.J. Manney, and it’s out at just the right time. In the mood for a new adult/college romance? Pick up this gem. Sports romance? Yep, it hits that, too. Fated mates and shifters? You got it! Mystery, intrigue and danger? Yes, to all of the above! Once I started reading Quarterback Sneak, I simply could not put it down. I adored Evie’s tender, anxious, and yet brave and tenacious heart. Zane I felt for, so much. His immediate protectiveness and desire to learn everything he could about Evie while being patient with her heart, as well as the human nature preventing her from recognizing their mate bond was so precious. He chose to be a friend when he couldn’t yet be more, providing for her in every way he could and putting her needs and desires above his own made him the MVP of the story.
Their journey to finally being together was definitely filled with twists and dangerous turns that while semi expected, were still very surprising.
As a FYI for sensitive readers, Evie does find herself in some dangerous situation. There is also some (very negative) mention of dark magic being used by the villains.
Be sure to grab your copy of Quarterback Sneak, book one of the Wolves of FMU today!
I was given a complimentary e-copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Their journey to finally being together was definitely filled with twists and dangerous turns that while semi expected, were still very surprising.
As a FYI for sensitive readers, Evie does find herself in some dangerous situation. There is also some (very negative) mention of dark magic being used by the villains.
Be sure to grab your copy of Quarterback Sneak, book one of the Wolves of FMU today!
I was given a complimentary e-copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2025
This book was EVERYTHING! Honestly, Amanda is the QUEEN of sweet, clean romance, especially with fated mates and wolf shifters. This book had all of the feels, all of the tenderness, and absolutely nothing too explicit besides kissing. I've never been a football (rugby) fan - or any sports fan either - but I absolutely loved how AJ Manney incorporated so much of the sport into the novel and I was able to understand most of it. Her writing was so good, I was even able to get swept away in the matches, even though I didn't fully understand it. I 100% love Zane and how loving he was towards Evie. The book was honestly so sweet and fulfilling, and I just loved how Zane took care of Evie and always made sure she was taken care of. Zane's sister, Riley, is also really amazing and I can't wait to read her book! I loved the characters, the relationships, the plot, and just absolutely everything about this book! I've read all of AJ Manney's wolf shifter romances and I can honestly say that this one surpasses them all (which I didn't even think was possible)! I cannot wait for the next book!
April 4, 2026
AJ Manney is my favorite author for wolf shifter romances.
I love that in her series, each couple gets their own book but there is an underlying story that threads through the entire series - a threat against the wolf pack.
Zane and Evie were soo cute! I love a protective and caring MMC. He worked so hard to woo her, earn her trust and make her feel safe. I’m not a huge fan of when the MMC calls the FMC “baby” - that would be the only thing I would change.
This book is also part sports romance (football). AJ Manney describes a lot of the plays and highlights from the game. This felt really unique to me and stood out. I was able to clearly picture what was happening in the game.
I’m excited to learn why, as a human, Evie is Zane’s fated mate. I’m assuming there’s a reason for it, which we’ll learn in a future book.
Now onto Slater and Tessa’s story, which comes out later this month!
I love that in her series, each couple gets their own book but there is an underlying story that threads through the entire series - a threat against the wolf pack.
Zane and Evie were soo cute! I love a protective and caring MMC. He worked so hard to woo her, earn her trust and make her feel safe. I’m not a huge fan of when the MMC calls the FMC “baby” - that would be the only thing I would change.
This book is also part sports romance (football). AJ Manney describes a lot of the plays and highlights from the game. This felt really unique to me and stood out. I was able to clearly picture what was happening in the game.
I’m excited to learn why, as a human, Evie is Zane’s fated mate. I’m assuming there’s a reason for it, which we’ll learn in a future book.
Now onto Slater and Tessa’s story, which comes out later this month!
Read
October 30, 2025Touchdown for Manney! Lighter then her recent books this book was exactly the escape I needed right now!
I loved the football! This book had just enough sports to keep the sports fans and non sports fans happy alike.
Fated mates but he falls first. I love how he takes the time to love her for more then just their bond. Evie is a realitic mix of vulnerable and tough. She's confident and fun while also being young and inexperienced. Loved Evie and Zane is such a cinnamon roll but only for her.
The roommate and his family found family was so great and I loved the friendship dynamics.
Low spice/clean but with such great tension and sizzle.
I was ready for the rest of the series before i even finished the book.
I loved the football! This book had just enough sports to keep the sports fans and non sports fans happy alike.
Fated mates but he falls first. I love how he takes the time to love her for more then just their bond. Evie is a realitic mix of vulnerable and tough. She's confident and fun while also being young and inexperienced. Loved Evie and Zane is such a cinnamon roll but only for her.
The roommate and his family found family was so great and I loved the friendship dynamics.
Low spice/clean but with such great tension and sizzle.
I was ready for the rest of the series before i even finished the book.
February 4, 2026
This book was amazing. Evie and Zane are chefs kiss. Evie is a freshman and just moved to Florida and is on her own for the first time. She meets Jace who is creepy. Sam her so called friend feels a little off at first too. You find out why soon. Zane is a wolf shifter who plays football. He scents her on the field and his wolf starts to surface. He looks for her everywhere. He finally sees her at the coffee shop where she works. She doesn’t know about wolf shifters so he has to take it slow with her even though it’s hard for him. The mate bonds are intense with these wolves. Evie is being targeted and Zane does everything to protect her along with his friends. This book is so good. I cannot wait for the next book!!
March 16, 2026
Let me preface by saying that I'm not usually one to pick up a shifter story so I'm definitely not the target audience. For those who really enjoy shifter romance, I think they would really enjoy this. Manney did a good job with the story itself. My biggest struggle while reading was how the dialogue was formatted. Numerous times dialogue for one character was in the same line as body language from the other character so I would get confused on who was speaking. I'd have to back up a few sentences to try and figure it out. It was enough that it pulled me out of the story several times. Otherwise, a clean shifter romance with an HEA 👍🏻
November 9, 2025
So excited for A.J. Manney to dive back into the world of wolves. Also, how cool is it that she is combining two great genres into one book?! Adding wolves into a sports romance is something that only Manney could execute perfectly. I felt that it took a minute for me to get invested in the story, but once I did, I loved it. Zane and Evie are truly lovely. This book is the first in a new series of interconnected standalones. I also liked the side characters and cannot wait for the next book to come out.
Content: closed-door
These are my own opinions.
Content: closed-door
These are my own opinions.
February 16, 2026
one of the best PNR I have ever read
I loved loved loved this book! It has it all, good characters, interesting story line and action (but not so much it over powers the story). Evie and Zane are adorable and I really enjoy how it’s not just insta love it’s a relationship that is built. The wolf part is super fun and I love the friendships of everyone has. I can not wait for the next book to come out! Thankfully this one has is a satisfying conclusion so we are not just waiting on a cliff hanger. I just want more of this world!
I loved loved loved this book! It has it all, good characters, interesting story line and action (but not so much it over powers the story). Evie and Zane are adorable and I really enjoy how it’s not just insta love it’s a relationship that is built. The wolf part is super fun and I love the friendships of everyone has. I can not wait for the next book to come out! Thankfully this one has is a satisfying conclusion so we are not just waiting on a cliff hanger. I just want more of this world!
November 5, 2025
Good
Unlike her first wolf book, an actual relationship developed between the protagonists. The storyline was interesting as were the characters. I admired the insight into Evie's thought processes as it so mirrored what mine might have been. Thid added depth to the story. It was a cute little read. My overarching criticism is too much detail on those football scenes but that may be because I am not a fan of football.
Unlike her first wolf book, an actual relationship developed between the protagonists. The storyline was interesting as were the characters. I admired the insight into Evie's thought processes as it so mirrored what mine might have been. Thid added depth to the story. It was a cute little read. My overarching criticism is too much detail on those football scenes but that may be because I am not a fan of football.
November 5, 2025
Fun Wolf Shifter Romance
This is just what I was looking for when I downloaded it. Entertaining, fast pace, kept me engaged, wanted to smack the FMC a couple of times 😂, protective MMC that AJ Manney’s books ALWAYS deliver. 🚫🤬🚫🌶️
But there may be some wolf biting along the way…
This is a quick, easy read and a good start to a new series. I really liked the teaser for the 2nd book and was so sad to see it doesn’t come out till next April (2026).
This is just what I was looking for when I downloaded it. Entertaining, fast pace, kept me engaged, wanted to smack the FMC a couple of times 😂, protective MMC that AJ Manney’s books ALWAYS deliver. 🚫🤬🚫🌶️
But there may be some wolf biting along the way…
This is a quick, easy read and a good start to a new series. I really liked the teaser for the 2nd book and was so sad to see it doesn’t come out till next April (2026).
November 16, 2025
Fun story, technical issues
I enjoyed the story, which really helps when the writing is less than perfect. Some grammatical errors, and needs a little more research on the area of football. I recommend running a draft by a fan of whatever sport you are featuring so the details will be more accurate. But overall, I am glad I set aside those issues because I enjoyed the story. Keep writing and honing your craft.
I enjoyed the story, which really helps when the writing is less than perfect. Some grammatical errors, and needs a little more research on the area of football. I recommend running a draft by a fan of whatever sport you are featuring so the details will be more accurate. But overall, I am glad I set aside those issues because I enjoyed the story. Keep writing and honing your craft.
January 29, 2026
it’s good
It’s a good read, more for young innocent readers. But the intensity is what kept me captivated. I also enjoyed the parts that made you smile or laugh. I went ahead and got the bonus chapter which seemed to rush the story to give it their happily ever after part.
I will read the others Tessa story with Slate and Reid and Riley’s. If it goes over 5 books I check out. I prefer trilogy not a never ending story.
It’s a good read, more for young innocent readers. But the intensity is what kept me captivated. I also enjoyed the parts that made you smile or laugh. I went ahead and got the bonus chapter which seemed to rush the story to give it their happily ever after part.
I will read the others Tessa story with Slate and Reid and Riley’s. If it goes over 5 books I check out. I prefer trilogy not a never ending story.
November 14, 2025
A delightful werewolf/football story with fated mates
The chemistry between Evie and Zane is so good. I enjoyed the way the relationship builds between them. The tension with Jace was a good storyline, and just when I was wondering if there was going to be any more of that part of the story - there was a whirlwind ending and the scene is set for the next book.
The chemistry between Evie and Zane is so good. I enjoyed the way the relationship builds between them. The tension with Jace was a good storyline, and just when I was wondering if there was going to be any more of that part of the story - there was a whirlwind ending and the scene is set for the next book.
February 7, 2026
I found myself really liking this book! Yes, it’s similar to the Twilight idea, but it worked. There were some cheesy parts that very much spoke to YA (we get it, she likes chicken), and some of the big scenes were really short. Overall I really liked it and found myself disappointed that I have to wait for book 2!
April 13, 2026
Love it
Okay, I love this so much! I don't even like football, but I thoroughly enjoyed I love the love story, but the action in this one is sooo good too! Love itso much! So good!!! AJ Manney is now officially a true must read, auto but/read for me!! Recommend this most definitely a!
Okay, I love this so much! I don't even like football, but I thoroughly enjoyed I love the love story, but the action in this one is sooo good too! Love itso much! So good!!! AJ Manney is now officially a true must read, auto but/read for me!! Recommend this most definitely a!
April 24, 2026
I need a Zane in my life!!!
FINALLY A CLEAN SHIFTER ROMANCE BOOK! I loved the relationship between Evie and Zane!!! They had be giggling every time they were together. 4 out of 5 stars because Evie kinda frustrated me at the beginning, but still actually REALLY liked it!! Can’t wait for Tessa’s story! She is honestly my favorite!!
FINALLY A CLEAN SHIFTER ROMANCE BOOK! I loved the relationship between Evie and Zane!!! They had be giggling every time they were together. 4 out of 5 stars because Evie kinda frustrated me at the beginning, but still actually REALLY liked it!! Can’t wait for Tessa’s story! She is honestly my favorite!!
May 22, 2026
This is a fun clean shifter read. Over protective MMC and strong MFC.
This was my first time reading this author and it was a fun change up. My absolute favorite is paranormal shifter books. This one is definitely one that will clean the palette. It keeps momentum and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This one ends on a HEA but the story continues with the next couple.
This was my first time reading this author and it was a fun change up. My absolute favorite is paranormal shifter books. This one is definitely one that will clean the palette. It keeps momentum and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This one ends on a HEA but the story continues with the next couple.
May 30, 2026
Gosh, I love Manney’s shifter books! The fated mates, super protective MMCs and touch of suspense! Also, in this book I especially loved the relationship between the pack mates and the gentle, loving relationship between Zane and his alpha father. And how his family just takes in and accepts sweet Evie.
Content: kisses only, no swearing
Content: kisses only, no swearing
October 3, 2025
I love EVERYTHING A. J. Manney writes and Quarterback Sneak was no exception! This book is adorable! I love a good college romance. Add in shifters, fated mates AND sports? I’m SOLD!
I love the added story lines and mystery that will come into play as the series progresses. Can’t wait for book two!
(I was given an advanced read copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.)
I love the added story lines and mystery that will come into play as the series progresses. Can’t wait for book two!
(I was given an advanced read copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.)
October 11, 2025
I really loved this one. The dual POV was really solid. AJ puts something in her stories that makes them an auto read for me every time. Evie and Zane's chemistry had me kicking my feet. And I don't think I've hated a bad guy in a while as much as I hated Jace.
October 30, 2025
Zane and Evie! 🥰
I absolutely loved Quarterback Sneak! The story was wonderful and really reminded me of Quinn Loftis’ books. I’m such a sucker for fated mates, and Zane and Evie’s story was done so well. I can’t wait to read the next one!
I absolutely loved Quarterback Sneak! The story was wonderful and really reminded me of Quinn Loftis’ books. I’m such a sucker for fated mates, and Zane and Evie’s story was done so well. I can’t wait to read the next one!
November 9, 2025
Love all the characters
Such a fun book and the interaction with Zane and Evie is just lovely. I love his friends and pack mates. I am looking forward to the next one in the series and with Slate and Tessa no less how perfect!!
Such a fun book and the interaction with Zane and Evie is just lovely. I love his friends and pack mates. I am looking forward to the next one in the series and with Slate and Tessa no less how perfect!!
November 13, 2025
Great reading
I really enjoyed this book. I love soulmates stories and wolfs and this had both. I loved characters and all the story. Writing was so easy going and got me hooked from the beginning. Can't wait the next part!
I really enjoyed this book. I love soulmates stories and wolfs and this had both. I loved characters and all the story. Writing was so easy going and got me hooked from the beginning. Can't wait the next part!
November 18, 2025
so good!!
This book is a clean sports/paranormal romance. I am not big into sports and admit I skipped some of the descriptions of the games haha, but I loved the book just as much as I’ve loved the other paranormal romance books from this author! So excited for the next book!
This book is a clean sports/paranormal romance. I am not big into sports and admit I skipped some of the descriptions of the games haha, but I loved the book just as much as I’ve loved the other paranormal romance books from this author! So excited for the next book!
December 10, 2025
Great read!
I really enjoyed the book. I’ve been reading a lot of heavy stuff lately and it was just what I needed. The only reason I marked it a 4 was because it still needs a lot of proofing. ( Awkward sentences and word repeats.)
I really enjoyed the book. I’ve been reading a lot of heavy stuff lately and it was just what I needed. The only reason I marked it a 4 was because it still needs a lot of proofing. ( Awkward sentences and word repeats.)
January 5, 2026
Zane and Evie
I loved everything about this story...I'm a newbie to the shifter world, and I absolutely loved this story from the start. I loved the mystery within the story, the love Zane showed towards Evie, and the friendships made. I can't wait for the 2nd book!
I loved everything about this story...I'm a newbie to the shifter world, and I absolutely loved this story from the start. I loved the mystery within the story, the love Zane showed towards Evie, and the friendships made. I can't wait for the 2nd book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews