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Wolves of FMU #2
Striking Distance
He’s the soccer star with legendary focus. She’s the freshman who lives for the game. But when danger finds her, he’ll risk more than his future on the field to keep her safe.
Tessa Parker lives for college sports—especially FMU’s. She knows every player’s stats, every record, and every highlight reel. But none capture her attention quite like Slater Thorne, the university’s soccer legend with ice in his veins and a future as bright as his focus is unshakable. She’s his biggest fan—until she meets him.
Slater Thorne has spent his life mastering control—on the field and off. As the pack’s future enforcer, discipline is everything. But the moment Tessa barrels into his world—short, spirited, and entirely too talkative—his focus fractures. She’s chaos. Sunshine. And she singlehandedly turns his world upside down.
When their pack enemies resurface and begin hunting unmated females once again, Tessa becomes a target. Slater’s instincts roar to life and suddenly protecting her isn’t a choice—it’s primal. He’s the wall between her and a world she never knew existed. He’s her shield; she’s his undoing.
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.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
About the author
A.J. Manney
32 books179 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 40 reviews
May 15, 2026
4⭐️
“You are my mate. I want you today; I wanted you yesterday; and I will want you tomorrow and forever.”
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
💕friends to lovers
🐺 werewolf MMC x human FMC
💕 soccer (footballer) MMC x sports fan FMC
🐺 touch her and you die
💕 fated mates
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
The book was cute and fluffy. You have a growling MMC who is so obsessed with the FMC and would do anything to get a smile from her. He was so protective and possessive of her. The FMC was cute and just playful. I loved how she was a fan girl; she was so real for that. I can’t imagine getting to hang out with my celebrity crush, honestly. I loved how their relationship took time to be built. In reality, in the book, not much time has passed, but it just felt like it. It was built, not rushed; definitely not an insta love. Crushing definitely, but the MMC worked for her love. He was so attentive to her and very aware of her emotions. She also was there for him; she was extremely supportive and caring.
The side characters were funny, especially Quint; I can’t wait for his book. However, I think the next book will be about Riley, so I hope his would be next. Zane and Evie were so cute together (I think I’m going to read their book next).
All in all, this book was a fluffy, quick read for me.
“You are my mate. I want you today; I wanted you yesterday; and I will want you tomorrow and forever.”
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
💕friends to lovers
🐺 werewolf MMC x human FMC
💕 soccer (footballer) MMC x sports fan FMC
🐺 touch her and you die
💕 fated mates
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
The book was cute and fluffy. You have a growling MMC who is so obsessed with the FMC and would do anything to get a smile from her. He was so protective and possessive of her. The FMC was cute and just playful. I loved how she was a fan girl; she was so real for that. I can’t imagine getting to hang out with my celebrity crush, honestly. I loved how their relationship took time to be built. In reality, in the book, not much time has passed, but it just felt like it. It was built, not rushed; definitely not an insta love. Crushing definitely, but the MMC worked for her love. He was so attentive to her and very aware of her emotions. She also was there for him; she was extremely supportive and caring.
The side characters were funny, especially Quint; I can’t wait for his book. However, I think the next book will be about Riley, so I hope his would be next. Zane and Evie were so cute together (I think I’m going to read their book next).
All in all, this book was a fluffy, quick read for me.
April 26, 2026
Im always a sucker for some grumpy/sunshine fun
Read
June 4, 2026❤️🔥 fade to black romance: descriptive kissing, suggestive language
June 18, 2026
fun
A great author. She has a gift for storytelling and fantasy. Who doesn’t love a happily ever after story. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
A great author. She has a gift for storytelling and fantasy. Who doesn’t love a happily ever after story. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
May 1, 2026
If you love the first book, you will love this one too. Read them in order though! I loved Slater and Tessa’s relationship just as much but for different reasons than Evie and Zane. Same protective vibes and lots of soccer which is fun. Slater is so SO quiet and closed off in the first book it’s cool to see how he is with bubbly Tessa. I like how they tease and push each other’s buttons. I love the brotherhood of the pack. The romance is of course fast and intense but it fits right into the paranormal romance vibes.
SPOILERS and book notes:
Slate is sensitive to most fabrics so he hates clothes. He is the enforcer. He never talks to anyone so it’s so odd to everyone that he seeks Tessa out. Tessa works security on the night shift. I love that Tessa calls him by his first and last name always: Slater Thorne. So then he calls her Tessa Parker right back lol. His major is security (it works with him being the enforcer) and she is history. But she struggles with test taking. I LOVE that she wears his jersey and that he shows off for her and will play his very best bc she is watching. He calls her SHORTY and I love it!!! “Slater smirks. “You’re right, Shorty.” I glare at him. “I hope you fall asleep.” His eyebrows rise. “Why?” “So, I can draw on your face with a permanent marker.” I hear Quint snort out a laugh, but I ignore it. “You carry around permanent markers for drawing on people’s faces?” he asks. “Only everywhere I go.” “All right. I guess I won’t be going to sleep then.” “I guess not.” I huff and turn away from him, but I can’t quite hide my smile. Teasing and going toe to toe with Slater Thorne might just be my new favorite hobby. Well, after watching him tear it up on the soccer field, of course.” I LOVE THEIR FLIRTING. It’s fun and different than Zane and evie! Hehehe I love this about Tessa: ““I bet you make friends everywhere you go, Tessa. Don’t you?” I shrug. “You never know what somebody’s going through. I try to at least smile. Of course, some people you can’t cheer up, no matter what. They just walk through life frowning at anything and everything.” I love the road trip in the van with everyone to slater’s away game! And she has watched and had a crush on him for all his college years. Slate is quiet all the time except when it is around out her. I love that she calls him “pretty boy” just to bug him bc he is the opposite of that. After Conner hurts Tessa, slater puts him against a wall and threatens him. People record it and he is kicked off the team. But he would do it all over again to protect his mate. “Soccer is simply a sport. I love it, but it’s not my life. There will be life after college and after soccer, but Tessa is my entire life. Without her, there is nothing for me. I can sit out a few games and deal with the anger of my teammates. I may hate it, but I’ll survive.” What the alpha says: “I’m proud of you for what you did today. We protect our mates and our families at all costs. You’re going to be a great enforcer one day.” Yay! Tessa talks to the coach and gets him back on the team! This scene makes me lol: ““Nobody ever hears about what happened in there.” “You mean when the tiny mouse scared the tough security guard?” “Slater Thorne,” I reprimand. “Not. A. Word.” “But I have video footage,” he argues. I stop walking. “You do not. Do you?” “Maybe.” Look what this super tough bad boy soccer player does for his girl so emotional: ““Slater, why is there a big pink blanket on your bed and a pink throw pillow?” “If you think really hard, I bet you can figure it out. Now, come on.” He puts his hands on my shoulders and directs me towards the bed. I stop. “Wait. There’s fuzzy socks.” I stare down at the soft pink socks and blink back tears. “Slater?” He rubs a thumb over my right shoulder. “It’s for you. All of it’s for you.” The first time Tessa sees the wolf is when slate has to transform to protect her from a skinwalker!! Afterwords: “She turns around, and I don’t give her a chance to be afraid. I step right up to her, wrap my arms around her, and pull her against my chest, letting her feel the solidness of me. She needs to know that I’m strong, that I will fight to protect her every time, and that I will keep her safe. She needs to know that my wolf is a dangerous predator that will stop at nothing to keep his mate safe. I’ll tell her all that, but right now, my mate just needs a hug. She just needs to be held.” The only way to get slater to calm down is to kiss him. And she does and it’s their first one!!! Skinwalker Sam puts a silver bracelet on Tessa! Now if slate touches Tess it hurts her!! This no touching thing is killing me!! Slaters parents don’t approve that she is human. We find out slater hates being touched. By ANYONE but Tess. And getting the bracelet off is torturing her! And slater is fighting everyone to get them to stop. Oh my heck I LOVE this speech: “Right now, though, the priority is this game.” He shakes his head adamantly. “No, the priority is always you.” I straighten my shoulders and lift my chin. “Then you win this game. If I'm the priority, then you win this game. For me. You focus on nothing else but being the Slater Thorne that I love watching play soccer, and you win this game for me. You use that focus that you’re legendary for, and you Win. This. Game. Do you hear me?” I watch as his eyes flash dangerously. He steps forward until we’re almost touching. “Do you have any idea how hot that was?” I grin; I can’t help it. But I don’t look away from him. “Do this. For you. For your team. And for me.” Tess accepted the bond! ““Slater’s not dangerous,” I argue. Zane and Quint both laugh. “Slate’s the most dangerous of all of us,” Zane says.”
SPOILERS and book notes:
Slate is sensitive to most fabrics so he hates clothes. He is the enforcer. He never talks to anyone so it’s so odd to everyone that he seeks Tessa out. Tessa works security on the night shift. I love that Tessa calls him by his first and last name always: Slater Thorne. So then he calls her Tessa Parker right back lol. His major is security (it works with him being the enforcer) and she is history. But she struggles with test taking. I LOVE that she wears his jersey and that he shows off for her and will play his very best bc she is watching. He calls her SHORTY and I love it!!! “Slater smirks. “You’re right, Shorty.” I glare at him. “I hope you fall asleep.” His eyebrows rise. “Why?” “So, I can draw on your face with a permanent marker.” I hear Quint snort out a laugh, but I ignore it. “You carry around permanent markers for drawing on people’s faces?” he asks. “Only everywhere I go.” “All right. I guess I won’t be going to sleep then.” “I guess not.” I huff and turn away from him, but I can’t quite hide my smile. Teasing and going toe to toe with Slater Thorne might just be my new favorite hobby. Well, after watching him tear it up on the soccer field, of course.” I LOVE THEIR FLIRTING. It’s fun and different than Zane and evie! Hehehe I love this about Tessa: ““I bet you make friends everywhere you go, Tessa. Don’t you?” I shrug. “You never know what somebody’s going through. I try to at least smile. Of course, some people you can’t cheer up, no matter what. They just walk through life frowning at anything and everything.” I love the road trip in the van with everyone to slater’s away game! And she has watched and had a crush on him for all his college years. Slate is quiet all the time except when it is around out her. I love that she calls him “pretty boy” just to bug him bc he is the opposite of that. After Conner hurts Tessa, slater puts him against a wall and threatens him. People record it and he is kicked off the team. But he would do it all over again to protect his mate. “Soccer is simply a sport. I love it, but it’s not my life. There will be life after college and after soccer, but Tessa is my entire life. Without her, there is nothing for me. I can sit out a few games and deal with the anger of my teammates. I may hate it, but I’ll survive.” What the alpha says: “I’m proud of you for what you did today. We protect our mates and our families at all costs. You’re going to be a great enforcer one day.” Yay! Tessa talks to the coach and gets him back on the team! This scene makes me lol: ““Nobody ever hears about what happened in there.” “You mean when the tiny mouse scared the tough security guard?” “Slater Thorne,” I reprimand. “Not. A. Word.” “But I have video footage,” he argues. I stop walking. “You do not. Do you?” “Maybe.” Look what this super tough bad boy soccer player does for his girl so emotional: ““Slater, why is there a big pink blanket on your bed and a pink throw pillow?” “If you think really hard, I bet you can figure it out. Now, come on.” He puts his hands on my shoulders and directs me towards the bed. I stop. “Wait. There’s fuzzy socks.” I stare down at the soft pink socks and blink back tears. “Slater?” He rubs a thumb over my right shoulder. “It’s for you. All of it’s for you.” The first time Tessa sees the wolf is when slate has to transform to protect her from a skinwalker!! Afterwords: “She turns around, and I don’t give her a chance to be afraid. I step right up to her, wrap my arms around her, and pull her against my chest, letting her feel the solidness of me. She needs to know that I’m strong, that I will fight to protect her every time, and that I will keep her safe. She needs to know that my wolf is a dangerous predator that will stop at nothing to keep his mate safe. I’ll tell her all that, but right now, my mate just needs a hug. She just needs to be held.” The only way to get slater to calm down is to kiss him. And she does and it’s their first one!!! Skinwalker Sam puts a silver bracelet on Tessa! Now if slate touches Tess it hurts her!! This no touching thing is killing me!! Slaters parents don’t approve that she is human. We find out slater hates being touched. By ANYONE but Tess. And getting the bracelet off is torturing her! And slater is fighting everyone to get them to stop. Oh my heck I LOVE this speech: “Right now, though, the priority is this game.” He shakes his head adamantly. “No, the priority is always you.” I straighten my shoulders and lift my chin. “Then you win this game. If I'm the priority, then you win this game. For me. You focus on nothing else but being the Slater Thorne that I love watching play soccer, and you win this game for me. You use that focus that you’re legendary for, and you Win. This. Game. Do you hear me?” I watch as his eyes flash dangerously. He steps forward until we’re almost touching. “Do you have any idea how hot that was?” I grin; I can’t help it. But I don’t look away from him. “Do this. For you. For your team. And for me.” Tess accepted the bond! ““Slater’s not dangerous,” I argue. Zane and Quint both laugh. “Slate’s the most dangerous of all of us,” Zane says.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow wow wow!!! I was anticipating this book so much! Who doesn’t love a broody silent type with a sunshine and lollipops type!
So good! You can read it alone but I feel like it makes more sense and you’ll have a better understanding of the characters if you read Quarterback Sneak first.
✅ Serious, Tough, Intense and Silent MMC
✅ Resilient, Cheery, Optimistic and Talkative MFC
✅ She’s his biggest fan
✅ He falls hard
✅ Bad first impression
✅ In Denial that he could like her
✅ Sweet Kisses
✅ Jealous moments
✅ Super Protective MMC
✅ Consistency from MMC to MFC
❌ bad language
❌ explicit scenes
❌ cheating
She has adored him forever as a big sports fan of soccer. He had never seen her before but the moment they met in person…. Well he fell hard (part of the wolf thing) and due to being intense made her think he was a bit of a jerk. Sooooo he had to slowly change her mind about that and win himself back into her good graces.
She’s overworked and under slept, so is he but they help each other out in that way. She comes to understand who he is off the field and he slowly creeps into her heart unawares. She’s a little oblivious sometimes and seems to write off some things, in denial that he could actually adore her in that way.
At some moments Slater comes across as potentially on the spectrum.
-hates being touched
-gets peopled out in a big way
-struggles to sleep in the same room as someone else who may snore (has noise cancelling headphones) 🎧
-doesn’t talk much (except to Tessa)
-has to have a routine to wind down to sleep/struggles to sleep full stop
It just makes him all the more loveable though and how he seems to not have any of those struggles when it comes to Tessa. Super Sweet!
My main complaint… it ended 🥹😭 I wish I could have kept reading about them, they’re so stinking cute together. All I can say is I want more 😂
Looking forward to Reid and Riley, and any more of Slater and Tessa that I can get.
Great if you feel like something cozy and cuddly with a great romance (a few intense moments), then this is for you. This is a read that will keep your turning the pages late into the night if you’re not careful.
So good! You can read it alone but I feel like it makes more sense and you’ll have a better understanding of the characters if you read Quarterback Sneak first.
✅ Serious, Tough, Intense and Silent MMC
✅ Resilient, Cheery, Optimistic and Talkative MFC
✅ She’s his biggest fan
✅ He falls hard
✅ Bad first impression
✅ In Denial that he could like her
✅ Sweet Kisses
✅ Jealous moments
✅ Super Protective MMC
✅ Consistency from MMC to MFC
❌ bad language
❌ explicit scenes
❌ cheating
She has adored him forever as a big sports fan of soccer. He had never seen her before but the moment they met in person…. Well he fell hard (part of the wolf thing) and due to being intense made her think he was a bit of a jerk. Sooooo he had to slowly change her mind about that and win himself back into her good graces.
She’s overworked and under slept, so is he but they help each other out in that way. She comes to understand who he is off the field and he slowly creeps into her heart unawares. She’s a little oblivious sometimes and seems to write off some things, in denial that he could actually adore her in that way.
At some moments Slater comes across as potentially on the spectrum.
-hates being touched
-gets peopled out in a big way
-struggles to sleep in the same room as someone else who may snore (has noise cancelling headphones) 🎧
-doesn’t talk much (except to Tessa)
-has to have a routine to wind down to sleep/struggles to sleep full stop
It just makes him all the more loveable though and how he seems to not have any of those struggles when it comes to Tessa. Super Sweet!
My main complaint… it ended 🥹😭 I wish I could have kept reading about them, they’re so stinking cute together. All I can say is I want more 😂
Looking forward to Reid and Riley, and any more of Slater and Tessa that I can get.
Great if you feel like something cozy and cuddly with a great romance (a few intense moments), then this is for you. This is a read that will keep your turning the pages late into the night if you’re not careful.
April 24, 2026
Striking Distance Book 2
Striking Distance by AJ Manney had all the elements of a compelling shifter romance—protective alpha energy, a spirited heroine, and the promise of danger lurking just beneath the surface. Unfortunately, it never quite delivered on that promise.
Tessa was easily one of the highlights for me. Her personality, especially her deep love and knowledge of sports, made her feel unique and genuinely fun to read. She brought a lightness and charm that balanced well against Slater’s more controlled, intense nature. And Slater definitely carried that classic shifter vibe—possessive, focused, and protective in a way that fans of the genre will recognize and enjoy.
But the story struggled where it mattered most: tension and payoff.
There was a constant sense that something bigger was coming—that danger was building, that the stakes were about to rise, that we were heading toward a gripping, high-intensity moment. But that escalation never fully happened. The threats felt distant, the urgency never quite took hold, and when the story finally reached its climax, it lacked the impact and intensity it had been hinting at all along. Instead of a powerful turning point, it felt rushed and underdeveloped.
That’s what ultimately made this one fall flat for me. Not because it lacked potential—but because it never leaned into the danger and intensity it kept suggesting.
Even so, I still appreciate AJ Manney’s niche in writing clean, mature paranormal romance, and that alone keeps me interested in her work. While this wasn’t my favorite, I’d still pick up her next book hoping for a stronger emotional and action-driven payoff.
I give this book 3.5 ⭐️
Striking Distance by AJ Manney had all the elements of a compelling shifter romance—protective alpha energy, a spirited heroine, and the promise of danger lurking just beneath the surface. Unfortunately, it never quite delivered on that promise.
Tessa was easily one of the highlights for me. Her personality, especially her deep love and knowledge of sports, made her feel unique and genuinely fun to read. She brought a lightness and charm that balanced well against Slater’s more controlled, intense nature. And Slater definitely carried that classic shifter vibe—possessive, focused, and protective in a way that fans of the genre will recognize and enjoy.
But the story struggled where it mattered most: tension and payoff.
There was a constant sense that something bigger was coming—that danger was building, that the stakes were about to rise, that we were heading toward a gripping, high-intensity moment. But that escalation never fully happened. The threats felt distant, the urgency never quite took hold, and when the story finally reached its climax, it lacked the impact and intensity it had been hinting at all along. Instead of a powerful turning point, it felt rushed and underdeveloped.
That’s what ultimately made this one fall flat for me. Not because it lacked potential—but because it never leaned into the danger and intensity it kept suggesting.
Even so, I still appreciate AJ Manney’s niche in writing clean, mature paranormal romance, and that alone keeps me interested in her work. While this wasn’t my favorite, I’d still pick up her next book hoping for a stronger emotional and action-driven payoff.
I give this book 3.5 ⭐️
June 7, 2026
Slater and Tessa ❤️❤️😘 😘
Tropes:
He falls first
Sunshine x grumpy
Touch her and die
Wolf shifter fantasy
Slater is the hot shot soccer player. He is also a wolf shifter. He is to be the packs enforcer once he graduates. He meets Tessa for the first time when he is helping Evie who is Zane’s mate (from quarterback sneak) move out of her dorm. He scents her and he goes to get to her but the look in Slaters eyes makes Tessa think he’s going to murder her.
Tessa is a huge sports fan. Knows the stats of all the players and she has had a crush on Slater Thorne since he was in high school playing. As slater and Tessa are growing closer together their bond is growing. Then Sam shows up again and does something to Tessa that keeps her and Slater from touching. They have to figure out what to do in order to break the dark magic.
This was such a great book. Such a great second book in series. I can’t wait to read about Riley and Reid.
Tropes:
He falls first
Sunshine x grumpy
Touch her and die
Wolf shifter fantasy
Slater is the hot shot soccer player. He is also a wolf shifter. He is to be the packs enforcer once he graduates. He meets Tessa for the first time when he is helping Evie who is Zane’s mate (from quarterback sneak) move out of her dorm. He scents her and he goes to get to her but the look in Slaters eyes makes Tessa think he’s going to murder her.
Tessa is a huge sports fan. Knows the stats of all the players and she has had a crush on Slater Thorne since he was in high school playing. As slater and Tessa are growing closer together their bond is growing. Then Sam shows up again and does something to Tessa that keeps her and Slater from touching. They have to figure out what to do in order to break the dark magic.
This was such a great book. Such a great second book in series. I can’t wait to read about Riley and Reid.
April 24, 2026
I have been anticipating Slater and Tessa’s story, and it is finally here! Delivering on all the fun you can expect from a fated mates romance from A.J. Manney, along with the fun of a college sports romance and a grumpy sunshine romance where he is soft only for her, this story captured my attention from start to finish.
Of course, just because Slater and Tessa are fated mates, don’t make the mistake of thinking the story telling is lazy! While Slater is a shifter and understands fated mates, sweet and sunny Tessa is very human with no idea! Not to mention the danger headed her way from enemies determined to keep Slater from claiming his mate.
Striking Distance is a story of so much heart, action, and characters with the determination to fight for their well earned happy ending. Grab your copy today and dive in!
I was given a complimentary copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Of course, just because Slater and Tessa are fated mates, don’t make the mistake of thinking the story telling is lazy! While Slater is a shifter and understands fated mates, sweet and sunny Tessa is very human with no idea! Not to mention the danger headed her way from enemies determined to keep Slater from claiming his mate.
Striking Distance is a story of so much heart, action, and characters with the determination to fight for their well earned happy ending. Grab your copy today and dive in!
I was given a complimentary copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVE IT!!! There was implied language, and the romance is clean but 🔥🔥🔥.
I have been waiting for Slater’s story since it was revealed the next would be about him and Tess. And oh it delivered!
Fated mates
He’s the grump,
She’s the sunshine
He only softens for her 🥹
She makes him chatty
Touch her and 💀
I was smiling and squealing the whole book from their interactions. I can’t say much more cause then I’ll definitely be giving away spoilers. Just..chapter 26 🤭🔥🫠
It is technically a stand alone, but for best reader experience I would read book 1 first. They both have their own problem within the book but there is an overarching plot line that will be solved through the series.
Thank you AJ for letting me do an ARC for this one!!!
I have been waiting for Slater’s story since it was revealed the next would be about him and Tess. And oh it delivered!
Fated mates
He’s the grump,
She’s the sunshine
He only softens for her 🥹
She makes him chatty
Touch her and 💀
I was smiling and squealing the whole book from their interactions. I can’t say much more cause then I’ll definitely be giving away spoilers. Just..chapter 26 🤭🔥🫠
It is technically a stand alone, but for best reader experience I would read book 1 first. They both have their own problem within the book but there is an overarching plot line that will be solved through the series.
Thank you AJ for letting me do an ARC for this one!!!
April 24, 2026
A. J. Manney Scores Again!
This closed‑door romantasy was such fun, and this author has officially become one of my favorites. Tessa, our sports‑savvy FMC, knows every stat on Slater — the campus’ golden‑boy soccer star who also happens to be a werewolf. Their first meeting goes sideways, and the fun only builds from there. A.J. keeps the plot moving with great character development, fantastic chemistry between the leads, and just enough supernatural chaos to keep things exciting.
You can jump in without reading book one, but returning characters make it even better if you have. If you love college sports romance with a cozy fantasy twist and zero‑steam tension that still delivers all the feels, this is a must-have read.
This closed‑door romantasy was such fun, and this author has officially become one of my favorites. Tessa, our sports‑savvy FMC, knows every stat on Slater — the campus’ golden‑boy soccer star who also happens to be a werewolf. Their first meeting goes sideways, and the fun only builds from there. A.J. keeps the plot moving with great character development, fantastic chemistry between the leads, and just enough supernatural chaos to keep things exciting.
You can jump in without reading book one, but returning characters make it even better if you have. If you love college sports romance with a cozy fantasy twist and zero‑steam tension that still delivers all the feels, this is a must-have read.
July 13, 2026
totally worth the read
This book was even better than the first!! I absolutely love a grumpy x sunshine romance. Add in that it’s sports and has wolf shifters.. yeah it’s amazing! The characters, the romance, the plot, it was all so well written. Tessa is sunshine personified. She’s bubbly, sweet, kind to everyone even to her own detriment, easy going, courageous, and fun. She’s a huge fan of sports and remembers all stats for every player in each sport at her college. Slate is a soccer star. He’s dark and broody, protective, not very talkative, observant as heck, and super strong. Him and Tessa are absolutely perfect for each other. I could NOT put this book down. I’m so excited to read the next one!
This book was even better than the first!! I absolutely love a grumpy x sunshine romance. Add in that it’s sports and has wolf shifters.. yeah it’s amazing! The characters, the romance, the plot, it was all so well written. Tessa is sunshine personified. She’s bubbly, sweet, kind to everyone even to her own detriment, easy going, courageous, and fun. She’s a huge fan of sports and remembers all stats for every player in each sport at her college. Slate is a soccer star. He’s dark and broody, protective, not very talkative, observant as heck, and super strong. Him and Tessa are absolutely perfect for each other. I could NOT put this book down. I’m so excited to read the next one!
May 5, 2026
so cute!!
Ok less intense that the first book, but that makes sense since most of the world building happened in it. Still such a fun read! Slate was my favorite in the last book (I’m a sucker for grumpy guy) and I wasn’t disappointed when I finally read this. Ok it was a super long wait but I will admit i kept an eye on the release date..
I’m super thrilled that the fmc’s comic relief best friend got a good story! That she was such a huge sports fan seemed like a throw away but it was so cute in this story. I loved Zane and Evie but it maybe Eclipsed a little by Slater and Tessa. I’m excited for the next book but I really hope to see a happy ending for Quint as well!!
Ok less intense that the first book, but that makes sense since most of the world building happened in it. Still such a fun read! Slate was my favorite in the last book (I’m a sucker for grumpy guy) and I wasn’t disappointed when I finally read this. Ok it was a super long wait but I will admit i kept an eye on the release date..
I’m super thrilled that the fmc’s comic relief best friend got a good story! That she was such a huge sports fan seemed like a throw away but it was so cute in this story. I loved Zane and Evie but it maybe Eclipsed a little by Slater and Tessa. I’m excited for the next book but I really hope to see a happy ending for Quint as well!!
August 21, 2026
3.5 rounded up because I really liked the main characters.
Tessa was definitely a highlight from the last book and I loved how her Sunshine melted Grumpy Slade.
I think the only bummer of this series is it doesn’t lean enough into the shifter part of the stories.
The wolf aspects of the book kind of seem thrown in and super cheesy.
I wish there was more about the pack, shifting and even Tessa spending time with Slade in his wolf form.
Otherwise the story really doesn’t need all of that. It’s a sweet college sport romance that could stand on its own completely independent of all that which seems strange.
Overall still curious enough to read on!
Tessa was definitely a highlight from the last book and I loved how her Sunshine melted Grumpy Slade.
I think the only bummer of this series is it doesn’t lean enough into the shifter part of the stories.
The wolf aspects of the book kind of seem thrown in and super cheesy.
I wish there was more about the pack, shifting and even Tessa spending time with Slade in his wolf form.
Otherwise the story really doesn’t need all of that. It’s a sweet college sport romance that could stand on its own completely independent of all that which seems strange.
Overall still curious enough to read on!
May 31, 2026
Another fabulous, bingable book in the Wolves of FMU series! I love how the books have a continuing suspense/action thread but each pack member gets their own HEA with their fated mate at the end of each story. These books are a different kind of pacing to the romance and I love that! This one was about college soccer star Slater, and the best friend of book 1’s FMC, Tessa. Slater is grumpy and doesn’t like to be touched with everyone but Tess. The pack brothers’ bond and friendship is also so fun!
Looking forward to book 3!
Content: closed door, no swearing
Looking forward to book 3!
Content: closed door, no swearing
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was thankfully able to read this book in advanced! I just want to start by saying that I loved every book written by A.J Manney because it’s hard to find a good werewolf romance book without all the smut. Not only was she able to do that but she did it amazingly! Which comes to my review of Striking Distance, I loved it! I was so happy to read about Tessa and Slater’s story and I can’t wait until everyone else does too!
Note: I would love recommendations of books that are similar to hers!
Note: I would love recommendations of books that are similar to hers!
April 28, 2026
This was a well done read!
Their love story was adorable. AJ really nailed it with these two. The only things that were a bit iffy were dark magic thing, and not more on the master, but Im sure that action will take off well in the next book, no doubt!
Slate is so intense and to have Tessa challenge him is Cooley to read.
This is my favorite author of ALL time, so just letting her know that.
Their love story was adorable. AJ really nailed it with these two. The only things that were a bit iffy were dark magic thing, and not more on the master, but Im sure that action will take off well in the next book, no doubt!
Slate is so intense and to have Tessa challenge him is Cooley to read.
This is my favorite author of ALL time, so just letting her know that.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Soooo good! Everything i read from AJ Manney i fall in love with! I think Slater and Tessa are so good together! There is also some bad guy lurking in the background, that makes this also a bit actiony too, which is awesome! So good! Definitely recommend!
I was provided an advance reader copy by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I was provided an advance reader copy by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own
April 24, 2026
fantastic Book
I absolutely loved Tessa and Slater’s story! This series is so good, and their relationship was one of my favorite parts. I loved watching how they interacted and how their connection grew over time. A. J. Manney does such a great job pulling you into the story—I seriously couldn’t put it down!
I absolutely loved Tessa and Slater’s story! This series is so good, and their relationship was one of my favorite parts. I loved watching how they interacted and how their connection grew over time. A. J. Manney does such a great job pulling you into the story—I seriously couldn’t put it down!
April 24, 2026
Eeek! I loved this one! This couple starts off on the wrong foot of an already grumpy/ sunshine relationship. Tessa is so fun and i love when super fans get their man. Slater is, if possible, even more protective then Zane. No spice but so much amazing tension! Would definitely recommend reading the first one first but LOVED this one!
April 25, 2026
another hit from one of my favorite authors.
I love everything this author writes. I just wish it did not take so long for the next book to come out. I love these characters and the storylines in this series and hopefully there will be 2 more books since there are still two more couple to mate up. Get this author’s book they are all great and leave your reviews.
I love everything this author writes. I just wish it did not take so long for the next book to come out. I love these characters and the storylines in this series and hopefully there will be 2 more books since there are still two more couple to mate up. Get this author’s book they are all great and leave your reviews.
April 26, 2026
Werewolves and sports
I admit that soccer is my least favorite sport, but if you add werewolves and romance you've got my attention. The story was solid though there seemed to be some repeated information or suddenly Tessa knew things that hadn't been mentioned. But, I'm looking forward to the next book and i hope there is a fourth in the works for Quint.
I admit that soccer is my least favorite sport, but if you add werewolves and romance you've got my attention. The story was solid though there seemed to be some repeated information or suddenly Tessa knew things that hadn't been mentioned. But, I'm looking forward to the next book and i hope there is a fourth in the works for Quint.
May 22, 2026
Great for Soccer fans & Anyone who loves Wolves, Drama, Love and Angst.
Great story. Amanda, the author, gives each sports MMC his own separate story in each book, while continuing the back story threads throughout all the stories. We'll written, lovable characters, great storyline. Highly recommend.
Great story. Amanda, the author, gives each sports MMC his own separate story in each book, while continuing the back story threads throughout all the stories. We'll written, lovable characters, great storyline. Highly recommend.
June 17, 2026
LOVED IT!!!!
I am so loving this series!!!! I read through this book so quickly I didn't even realize I was at the end of the book, until I was AT. THE. END. OF THE. BOOK!!! The characters are so well written. I absolutely loved Tessa and the whole protective alpha male energy 🔥 🥵.
I am so loving this series!!!! I read through this book so quickly I didn't even realize I was at the end of the book, until I was AT. THE. END. OF THE. BOOK!!! The characters are so well written. I absolutely loved Tessa and the whole protective alpha male energy 🔥 🥵.
July 11, 2026
I absolutely looooooved Slater! He is my perfect protective MMC, and I really enjoyed the combo of Slaters quiet protectiveness and Tessa infectious vivaciousness. All round I just really enjoyed this book and it is in my opinion a must read if you like protective but not domineering MMC’s, shifter romance and sports romance.
July 30, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Just like Book 1, I enjoyed it a lot! I always love a grumpy + sunshine. Tessa was like Evie in that she seems super unaware of other boys sometimes 😂 but I loved how she stood up for him, I loved how he took care of her and I enjoyed watching the romance develop! SUPER excited for book 3!
Just like Book 1, I enjoyed it a lot! I always love a grumpy + sunshine. Tessa was like Evie in that she seems super unaware of other boys sometimes 😂 but I loved how she stood up for him, I loved how he took care of her and I enjoyed watching the romance develop! SUPER excited for book 3!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️!!!!!
A.J. Manney does it again! I loved this book, probably more than the first one. Slater is perfectly broody for his bubbly mate, Tessa.
There is still so much to learn in this series and I can’t wait to see how it progresses. VERY excited for book three with Riley and Reid!
A.J. Manney does it again! I loved this book, probably more than the first one. Slater is perfectly broody for his bubbly mate, Tessa.
There is still so much to learn in this series and I can’t wait to see how it progresses. VERY excited for book three with Riley and Reid!
April 26, 2026
I read all of A.J. Manner books and have loved them all! This one is one of my favorites. It has all of my favorites. Shifters, HEA, and is clean with no bad language or inapporoiate scenes. It is a book I can recommend to everyone, my girls, parents, and coworkers, without worry.
April 28, 2026
Fmu soccer king
Slate is a college soccer star and male wolf sifter. Tess a human meets Slate and book mate. But she knows nothing about shifters and something evil is hunting mates.
Slate is a college soccer star and male wolf sifter. Tess a human meets Slate and book mate. But she knows nothing about shifters and something evil is hunting mates.
May 8, 2026
4 ⭐️
In short— Is this book (and by extension this series) amazing? I wouldn’t say so. Is it enjoyable and engaging? Yes, it is, especially if you are looking for paranormal with clean content. I look forward to continuing the series.
In short— Is this book (and by extension this series) amazing? I wouldn’t say so. Is it enjoyable and engaging? Yes, it is, especially if you are looking for paranormal with clean content. I look forward to continuing the series.
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