Chauncey Waters, a Beta from the King's Cove pack, is aware that his destined partner doesn't belong to any known pack. As the owner of a nightclub and head of security for King’s Cove, his playboy lifestyle fails to fulfill him. Upon launching his second club, he encounters Deja, a woman with the power to transform his emotions and awaken the beast within. Deja Sweets has endured a relationship devoid of support for her artistic passion, a deep-rooted love shared with her grandmother. A heated argument with her ex in a parking lot serves as a catalyst, introducing her to a life-altering encounter with a man whose true nature she remains oblivious to. He’s a wolf shifter. Will Chauncey's authentic nature as a wolf shifter impact his potential to form an unbreakable bond with his destined mate? Will Deja gaze deeply into the wolf's eyes and discern the genuine affection and devotion that Chauncey has for her, transcending the confines of his dual identity? The outcome of their tale remains uncertain, but one thing is for their hearts are intertwined, and the bond of fated mates is not easily broken.
Take me to the compound please! Chauncey definitely made the book bae list! This was a very enjoyable, paranormal romance, where the MMC was a wolf shifter. I absolutely love Chauncey’s character, from the very beginning he was direct & honest with a personality that was infectious. This story had several lovable characters, as well as some unlikable ones. While most readers will love Chauncey & Deja, they will probably not be so crazy about characters like Tyrone and Sierra & Zach.
When Chauncey and Deja finally meet, I instantly felt their connection. They face many challenges to be together, and in my opinion this made their love even more palpable. Overall, a solid read that makes me want to dive more into this author‘s catalogue. The story was well written, the characters were well developed, and I am looking forward to book 2.
Chauncey, the Beta of the King’s Cove Pack, is a wolf shifter tired of meaningless flings and waiting for the mate meant for him. When he meets Deja, a hardworking waitress and painter, he knows right away she’s the one. Deja has just walked away from a boyfriend full of empty promises, and the spark between her and Chauncey is instant. He’s protective, loving, and clear about what he wants. His family welcomes Deja without hesitation, and their bond grows fast while danger stirs inside the pack.
Deja’s best friend China moves in after leaving her ex-boyfriend and manager, a gaslighter and narcissist who tried to dim her light by body shaming her. Now that she’s proving she doesn’t need him, he can’t stand it and keeps trying to pull her back.
Baron, an alpha from outside the King’s Cove Pack, brings even more intrigue. His father, the alpha of Tatum Town, was betrayed and forced to flee with Baron’s pregnant mother. After years without a pack, Baron has waited for the right moment to reclaim what belongs to his family. When he stops by Chauncey’s club, he finds China and realizes she’s his mate. Their story begins here and sets up the next book.
The biggest threat inside the pack comes from Sierra, a wolf shifter who refuses to accept reality. She was never Chauncey’s mate—just a pastime—but she can’t let go. His true mate is Deja, a human, and Sierra’s jealousy, obsession, and delusion push her to betray the very pack she should protect. Outside the pack, Zach, the alpha of Tatum Town, plots to take territory from King’s Cove. And Tyrone, Deja’s ex, can’t take the hint that they’re done and turns into a stalker with abusive behavior.
I wanted more depth in the mate bond and pack life. Chauncey’s love and commitment are beautiful, but the relationship moves so quickly it’s hard to feel the connection. Even the sex scenes feel rushed. It’s also confusing that the author calls Chauncey the alpha more than once even though he’s clearly the beta.
Even with those issues, the story keeps you hooked. There’s heat, drama, and mystery that make you want the next book, especially to see more of Baron and China.
Note: Thank you to Grand Penz Publications for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Deja delivers passion, heart, and the magic of fated love. It’s the kind of story that will make you believe in destiny, leave you breathless, and keep you turning the pages.
Deja is a creative soul with a deep love for the arts, but her relationship lacks the same fire she pours into her passions. One pivotal moment changes everything and sets her life on a new path.
Chauncey, a beta wolf shifter without his fated mate, fills the void with a playboy lifestyle. Although he is thriving in his career as both a beta and an entrepreneur, he still longs for something more.
When Deja and Chauncey meet in a chance encounter, the pull between them is undeniable. Their journey takes them through passion, attraction, jealousy, betrayal, and even pack wars.
And it’s not just the main characters who shine. The side characters bring just as much compassion, charm, and depth. Deja was definitely a captivating read!
Do I recommend? With A Growling Yes…
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Disclaimer: This is an ARC copy of Deja from Grand Penz Publications in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Grand Penz Publications for providing early access to this book!
Title: Deja Publication Date: 9/21/25 Genre: SciFi/Romance Pages:201 Format: 📖
✨Thoughts✨
The backdrop of the nightlife scene intertwined with supernatural elements adds a nice little twist that sets this book apart from typical romance novels.
The characterization is well-done, with both protagonists fleshed out and sumptuously layered, each carrying their own pasts and struggles.
This story was an average read for me. It wasn't great but it also wasn't horrible. I love the protectiveness of the pack. Chauncy definitely didn't play about Deja. Interested in seeing more from Barron and China though.
Deja, an unappreciated artist, breaks free from her unsupportive boyfriend Tyrone, only to find he’s not ready to let her go. Meanwhile, club owner Chauncey is tired of empty flings and is searching for something real. He also has a delusional bedmate who refuses to let go.
As a fan of paranormal romance, I’m used to insta-love—but there still needs to be believable chemistry, and I didn’t feel that with Deja and Chauncey. Their connection felt flat, and not enough time was spent developing it. I was actually more drawn to China (Deja’s best friend) and Barron (a wolf who shows up to help).
The writing leaned heavily on telling rather than showing, which made it hard to get fully immersed in the story. Scene transitions were confusing, and there were several editing issues—missing or extra words, incorrect details like the wrong color for Chauncey’s fur, etc.
Although this is a standalone, not reading the previous book (Mated to a Boss) didn’t affect my understanding of the story.
Thank you to Grand Penz Publications for this advanced reader copy for an exchange of an honest review. I’m usually a fan of quick reads but in this instance I wanted more. I wanted more character development and there were gaps in the story where time elapsed and there was no warning. To the point I had to go back to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
But for the most part this story had me intrigued. Chauncey, Chauncey, Chauncey had me smitten from the beginning. Who doesn’t love a man that takes charge and stands on business exuding plenty of BDE?! I love the fact that Deja was such a go getter and not just some heart broken damsel in distress. And Barron?! Yes and yes! I loved the cloud of mystery surrounding him and the setup for his story.
But before I end this review, we know that Sierra was helping Zach. But he mentioned that there was someone else who was helping him. Who can that be???
I received a free copy of this book from Grand Penz Publications in exchange for an honest review.
This paranormal romance follows a powerful wolf shifter(Chauncey) whose life changes forever when he unexpectedly mates with a human woman(Deja). The story heats up when one of Chauncey’s former lovers, jealous and determined to tear them apart, challenges his mate, leading to a tense and dramatic showdown.
Deja’s best friend also finds love with another wolf shifter(Barron), creating a tight-knit group whose loyalty and courage are tested as they stand together to help Barron reclaim his lost territory.
With a perfect mix of romance, rivalry, and action, this story delivers both heart-pounding battles and tender emotional moments. I can’t wait for Barron’s story. I hope it’s next.
While I wanted to really enjoy Deja: A Shifter’s Desire by Essence Devyne, it just didn’t hit for me. The storyline wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t particularly strong either, just somewhere in the middle. It had all the elements of a great romance: passion, fated lovers, and shifter intrigue, but the execution felt a bit flat. The chemistry between the characters was there, and the fated mate trope had potential, but the plot itself lacked the depth or twists to really pull me in. It wasn’t a bad read by any means, it just didn’t leave a lasting impression.
If you’re into steamy, fast-paced shifter romances with destined connections, this might still be worth a try. It just didn’t fully deliver for me
I truly loved this story !! The build up was exactly what we needed to truly feel the love, the need, the DESIRE, how they didn’t play about each other ! Chauncey was going against whoever about his mate !!! Sierra got exactly what she deserved!! She was warned too many times that Chauncey didn’t want her and Deja was really HER!!
Paranormal is my favorite trope and this author did not disappoint!!! The way Deja already felt a connection to his wolf before she even knew it was him . She was never scared and both of their willingness to make each other comfortable with the different worlds they come from !!!
I recently read the first book a month ago (Mated to a Boss) & didn’t know that this book correlates to the first book. I can be a standalone but it’s nice to read the first one as well to understand Roan & Storm.
This book is kind of similar to the first one. Shifter crazy over their mate & don’t like repeating themselves so they prove it. Crazy, obsessed ex’s because the shifter doesn’t want them because they find their mate & true love. Love how Chauncey loved on my girl Deja. She’s so strong & not taking nobody bs. I can’t wait to read about China & Barron !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received an advanced reader copy of the book. This book was good but I felt the characters were a little under developed. I wasn’t emotionally attached to anyone which is what normally keeps me invested in the story. I didn’t see where the romance blossomed between the two main characters and I thought it was a little far fetched that the first time she saw a wolf she welcomed it and pet it. Show me a wolf and I’ll show you FLO-JO!
This was a decent read. I did like how Chauncey was very protective of Deja and didn’t play when it came to her. I would have liked a little more background on the characters because in some areas it felt rushed. This was an ARC from Grand Penz Publications in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️ This story honestly took me longer to read due to the pace of it. Some of the scenes were hard to follow and confusing on how the characters got so deep so fast. The plot was really good and the first few chapters were intriguing. Overall the story has great bones and I enjoyed certain scenes too!
This was a pretty good read. I love this genre and there was plenty of drama, and a bit of spice. The characters needed a little more development and there were gaps in the storyline. Regardless, it was a good read.
Nice story with good plot. Loved getting two couples meeting their mates. The transitions were confusing at times, and some descriptions were over the top. Overall a good read.
Love me a wolf shifter story. Deja accepted being Chauncey’s mate. Patiently waiting for Barron and China’s story of their own pack life trails and tribulations
This was such a good story, I was glued from the beginning to the end and I do look forward to reading about Barron and China. Kudos to the author well done