A Den of Howls & Discontent

Lunaria Realms #4

by Alex Frost

A BARGAIN I NEVER CHOSE. A FATE I NEVER WANTED. A PACK I’LL NEVER ACCEPT.

I fought against my destiny for as long as I could. But to protect my friends and keep war from breaking out, I had to join the notoriously cruel and vicious Alpha Pack.

Politics forced us to be together, but that doesn’t make us a pack. I don’t like them, and they don’t trust me. Cade and Bastian tolerate my presence, but there is a cold distance between us. Warrick is actively plotting my death. And Ryker… he wants to own me.

I will not be owned.

What I need is a way out. A way to bargain for my fate. And to do that, I need something valuable to offer. The wraiths that serve the Seelie King are searching for something in the mountains. The Alphas are hunting for it too.

I’m going to find it first.

Dive into the second trilogy of the why choose romantasy series, Lunaria Realms. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, rivals/enemies to lovers, with fast-burning spice and slow burning romance.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Alex Frost is… actually Maddox Grey. Dun dun duuuuun!

Okay probably not that dramatic of a reveal since it isn’t exactly a closely guarded secret. The pen name Alex Frost was created to publish the spicier fantasy series that fall under the “Why Choose” genre.

Why Alex Frost? Because Maddox is a freaking nerd. After being trained by local baristas to respond to the name “Alex” instead of Maddox, it seemed like the perfect pen name. Half of it anyway.

Since Maddox already shares their last name with Jean Grey of the X-Men, it seemed fitting to borrow Emma Frost’s last name for their other persona.

If you know, you know. (insert smirking face)

Reviews

[Books &Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Den of Howls and Discontent is a fast-paced, spicy why-choose romantasy with banter that will have you kicking your feet. I genuinely had such a fun time reading this.

Rynn is forced into a pack that refuses to accept her and the relationship between her and each of the men varies wildly. Watching how those differences played out, kept things quite entertaining.

This was my first book by this author and I went in thinking I could jump in without reading the earlier books. While that is technically possible, I did find myself a bit lost at times. There are a lot of characters that seemed to be carried over from previous books and I had to flip back to the character list more than once to keep track of them. Personally, I think I would have enjoyed this book even more if I had started from book one and gotten to know everyone a bit more organically.

That being said, I can absolutely see the potential for this to be a five-star read with that background. The writing is strong and I’m definitely intrigued by the story enough to go back and start from the beginning of the series.

I’m excited to read the next book when it comes out and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Release Date: May 19, 2026

Tropes ✨:
Why choose
Shifters
Forced proximity
Hate to lovers
Slow burning romance 
Fast burning spice
Unhinged love interest
Feisty axe wielding FMC
Only one bed

🖤: “I might have been a bit hasty in my actions last night. Next time I stab you, I’ll make sure you deserve it first.”

Thank you to the author and Behind the Pages for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Ashley Cave · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this book! I haven’t read the previous trilogy yet, but now I cannot wait to read it. The creatures in this world are super interesting, and the spice in this book was top-notch 🥵🥵

I loved the multiple points of view from each character. All of the characters were so diverse and interesting, and the tension between everyone was perfect.

I cannot wait for the next two books in this trilogy. I can already tell they’re going to be amazing based on how this book ended.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. This book was a lot of fun and there was a lot I liked about it

What I liked:
-Rynn’s dynamic with the guys. It broke my heart for her but made me want to keep reading
-Some good action scenes
-Bastien and Ryker really stood out to me and each had their own distinct personalities and dynamics with Rynn
-Rynn’s dry sense of humor
-Interested in Selene and how she will fit in with the pack in future books

What I didn’t like:
-Some of the characters world building, and politics were hard to remember/keep up with at times
-Cade and Warrick were hardly on the page.
-I get that this is a series but seeing it marketed as why choose made me expect some spicier scenes. Hopefully the spice will increase and Cade and Warrick’s presence as the series goes on.

Overall, this was really enjoyable and I flew through it quickly.

[Margielalalovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

****ARC Review****

A Den of Howls & Discontent by: Alex Frost

An entertaining shifter romance with tons of political intrigue.

When Rynn was just child she was promised to the Alpha pack as a way to prevent war from breaking out between the orders of the Velesians (Narchis, Avala, and Fervis). But the Alpha pack never wanted her and certainly did not trust her.

For years, she has tried and failed to find a way to prevent being sent away to a pack she does not want to be a part of. For several months, she has tried to stay out of the way, keep to herself while she tries to find a way to be traded in a way that will maintain peace amongst the orders and allow the Alpha pack to save face.

The dysfunction within the house grows to a crescendo as Cade (Leader of the Pack) and Bastian (Second in Command) try to paint the facade that they are a happy Pack, Ryker (the youngest and hot-tempered) grows obsessive and territorial over Rynn, and Warrick (the most protective and violent member) threatens to kill Rynn at any chance he gets.

I really had a wonderful time reading this book. I had so much sympathy for Rynn. She held herself together even in the face of the loneliness and abandonment she had experienced. I was rooting for her happiness and praying that the pack would finally accept her as one of them.

But my favorite character by far has to be Ryker.
Is he unhinged? Yes.
Is he terrifying? Yes.
Do I love him? Unequivocally, yes.

A Den of Howls & Discontent is the fourth book in the Lunaria Realms series, and I am obsessed. I have not read the trilogy that precedes this book, but I will absolutely pick it up as soon as possible. Reading the trilogy before this book is not entirely necessary, as the author does an amazing job of filling you in on the history, backstory, politics, and magic system without overwhelming or confusing readers.

If you are looking for an entertaining shifter romance with tons of political intrigue, do not sleep on Alex Frost and A Den of Howls & Discontent.

[Maria P · Rating 3 out of 5]

° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓛;𝓓𝓡 ✧˖°
An in-depth, political shifter romantasy perfect for readers looking for the slowest of romantic burns with uniquely spicy moments, distinct love interests, and a darkly vivid world.

° ˖✧ 𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
3 ⭐
3 🌶️

° ˖✧ 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
"It can be difficult to help others when it feels like you yourself are drowning..."

"I have zero interest in Bastian and his misshapen abs."
"I do not have mishap-"

"You make a beautiful monster, Bastian."

I stared at Ryker. "You came."
"You needed me," he said simply.

° ˖✧ 𝓢𝔂𝓷𝓸𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ✧˖°
With threats of war looming, feisty Rynn joins the vicious Alpha pack. She doesn’t need to like them to protect her friends, but the wolves are not what she expected. To change her fate, she needs to find something worth bargaining for.

° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn Why Choose
🐺 Shifter Romance
💘 Rivals to Lovers
🔗 Forced Proximity
🫶 Mating Bonds
🧐 Political Intrigue

° ˖✧ 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 ✧˖°
🌶️ Sexually Explicit Content
👀 Non-Con Voyeurism
🩸 Violence
🥊 Past Domestic Abuse

° ˖✧ 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
+ Engaging Action
+ Distinct Main Characters
+ Ryker and Bastian's Soft Sides
+ Intimacy Scenes
+ Creative Monsters

° ˖✧ 𝓓𝓲𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮𝓼 ✧˖°
- Heavy Info-Dumping
- Main-Character Syndrome
- Conflicts felt Weak and Inconsistent
- Strange Time Skip Choice
- Felt like a Love Triangle instead of a Why Choose
- Not enough time spent on all Main Characters and Group Dynamics
- Too Many Side Characters

° ˖✧ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ✧˖°
I had high hopes for this one but it unfortunately just missed the mark. On the surface it has a lot of tropes I enjoy (why choose, rivals, slow burn, shifters), but I couldn't connect with the book.

The story immediately drops you in a significant amount of backstory. As the second trilogy in an ongoing series, it's mentioned that you don't need to know the previous plot, but I think the author overcompensated trying to bring readers up to speed.

The introduction of Rynn felt cheesy. She has Main‑Character‑Syndrome with unique qualities like different eye colours yet a massive insecurity complex. It's heavily shown she's meant to be “alone” and hated by her family, but she has plenty of friends throughout the book, including her brother.

The early time skip also felt strange. We miss months of initial interactions between Rynn and the pack before the story actually starts with an interesting meeting with a rival clan. It felt like the story should've started there and skipped the setup. The info‑dumping continues throughout, and I skimmed several sections to reach the parts I enjoyed.

There were some great moments: intriguing action sequences with wild, horrifying creatures. I also loved the alpha pack members. Each character felt distinct with their own issues, and I enjoyed their interactions. Though it was frustrating that everyone kept saying Rynn would never be part of the pack, and that seemed to be the only blocker to them connecting.

Ryker was a favourite - rough around the edges but an innocent softie who always put Rynn first. Bastian was also fun as the flirt but with a deeper sadness. Bas, Ryker, and Rynn had one of the hotter intimacy scenes and some soft moments.

However, given the Why Choose label, I expected more polyamorous spice. There isn't a scene with more than two characters intimately together. The spice was good (though rougher), but I wanted more throuple action and it felt more like a love triangle as a result.

Cade and Warrick were barely present in the plot and romance, which was disappointing. I believe they'll be more present later, but the marketing made me expect more. Yet there were also far too many characters. I imagine some were throwbacks to the original series (and I loved Remy), but it made an already complex political plot harder to follow. I wish more time had been given to the main characters instead.

I do think this book will appeal to readers who appreciate a slower, more in‑depth plot - it just wasn't what I expected based on the blurb.

Thank you to Alex Frost and Behind the Pages for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. Actual rating 3.5/5.

This is my first book by Alex Frost, and thus, first time reading a book in this series. A Den of Howls & Discontent is the next storyline in an interconnected world focused on Rynn, our FMC.

The story overall is a pretty easy read, and despite there being violence and action, it felt relatively lighthearted and low stakes. Not quite cozy because of the battles, but I never got the vibe that the situations were ever truly life or death.

Because this is the fourth book in the series, I did feel like I was missing something throughout the entire time I was reading. The world and the characters were all presented on a superficial level in which we are told most of their history and what their behavior trends towards versus seeing the development of it. There was a lot of alluding to past events, which anything related to the Moroi characters, who I assume were central in the first three books, didn't get a lot of deep background on, but there were also multiple references to the current pack members' backgrounds and histories. I felt slightly lost because I couldn't tell if those events were something from the previous books, or just not shown to the reader and told to us as an afterthought.

Progression of the plot points seemed to just happen relatively conveniently, where items and solutions were readily found, and places were readily traveled to and reached. There's an 8 month time jump in the beginning, in which I think was a missed opportunity to show the transition of Rynn to the pack of Alphas as well as build, for the reader, the relationship dynamics between Rynn and the members of the Alpha pack. Overly redundant throughout the entire book is the repeated mention of how Rynn is not a true member of the pack. Unless I missed something in the first three books, I felt that this was also underexplained and bit of a loose reason to base the entire plot on. The pack dynamics could have been better developed, and the mention that Rynn was technically not part of the pack doesn't make sense. It wasn't ever thoroughly explained how that "decision" was made to isolate her as non-member. Yeah, I get how the core members are protective of each other, but if they don't allow any females or new members because EVERYONE ELSE is an outsider, they can't have any growth of the pack. Truly, at what point will they actually feel safe and secure to do that?

When there was the talk of mate bonds, it was repeatedly mentioned that all of the members have to accept the bond. I found this vague in which I wondered, does that mean the specific characters feeling the bond or all members of the pack? The phrasing and the character(s) saying it made it sound like it was all the pack members, which in my mind doesn't make sense. Building off of this, I found that some of the word choices used and inferences were not overly intuitive in such that I found myself uncertain as to what the characters were trying to get across or hint at in their discussions.

As far as the characters, I generally liked them. However, I found it frustrating that Rynn, who came off as a sassy, independent, if not a stubborn character, caved SO easily to any form of inquiry or questioning. It almost seemed excessive on how easily she was able to be manipulated. Furthermore, we get a whole new character with her POV at 80% in the book. Her character, while briefly mentioned earlier on, is thrown into the mix and is quickly integrated into an "outsider" position in the pack. Similarly, we don't really see her relationship with them grow, but she's already claiming kitchen rights, talking back, and being dear friends with Rynn.

I like what the author was trying to do with the story as a whole, and I like the type of characters she's placed into this world. I think the execution could be a little better, but I am certainly interested in seeing where she takes things in this series.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐ | 🌶️🌶️

This book had SO much potential for me, but unfortunately it ended up being a miss. The story follows Rynn, who’s forced into a cruel Alpha Pack to prevent war and must find a relic before the wraiths and Alphas get to it first… her only chance at freedom.

The premise sounded right up my alley, but the pacing really struggled for me. It felt like we’d get a tiny bit of plot progression, then pages and pages of history, backstory, politics, and internal monologues before moving forward again. Around 100 pages in, the plot finally started to pick up a little, and then it slowed right back down. I kept waiting for this huge relic-hunting adventure, but instead the story focused heavily on world building and political intrigue. I actually was interested in parts of the political tension, but everything was explained in such extreme detail that I started losing the plot and found myself skimming.

Rynn also frustrated me at times with the constant “I’m not really part of the pack” back-and-forth, while the guys kept reinforcing it. I also didn’t feel like the relationships developed naturally enough. Most of the time it felt like everyone was just talking about how attractive each other was rather than building genuine emotional connections.

That said… Ryker absolutely carried this book for me 😭 His jealousy, possessiveness, and sweet obsession had me hooked. The fact that he sleeps outside her room?? I ate that up. I also loved Bastian’s flirty energy and the secret bed-sharing/cuddling scenes between him and Rynn. The moments where they pretended to be a loving pack in public gave me slight fake-dating vibes, and I honestly wanted SO much more of that tension.

I also really liked the dynamics between the pack members themselves. Warrick openly hates Rynn, Cade treats her like an inconvenient distraction while secretly enjoying her company, Bastian constantly teases her, and Ryker is completely obsessed. Cade’s quieter connection with her probably interested me the most emotionally, especially because he’s so afraid of getting attached after being hurt before.

Some parts of the story just didn’t fully work for me, though. Certain plot points felt random or underdeveloped, like the fae mystery that never really went anywhere. Talis, the sentient being living inside the rings, would randomly chime in with funny comments, but I never really understood the point of it being there. Selene also felt more like a convenient plot device than a meaningful character, especially when she suddenly knew exactly where the artifact was.

I was also confused by a few character choices. Bastian supposedly has this incredibly gifted intuition, yet he somehow completely misses major things involving Ryker and Rynn? That drove me nuts. And while this is marketed as a why choose romance, this first book barely felt like one to me.

Overall, this just wasn’t the right fit for my reading taste, but I can absolutely see other people loving it if they enjoy extremely detailed world building, heavy backstory, political intrigue, and slower-moving fantasy romance. I personally wanted more relationship development, more tension, and way more actual plot progression.

Also… I’m still a little confused by that ending 😅

Thank you to the author for my early copy! 🫶

[Lauren Kitts · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC received in exchange for my honest review*

This was my first time reading anything by this author and I was kindly gifted an e-Arc, which I appreciated.
I had high hopes for this one, as it has a lot of my favourite tropes, but I just didn’t connect with the book.
Firstly, this is the 1st book in a new trilogy, with 3 books pre-dating this one, following another character who is integral to Rynn’s story. As I hadn’t read these, I felt like I was dropped into a lot of backstories that I didn’t quite understand. The author does well to try to bring you up to speed with how these characters fit in with each other, but personally, I felt like I should have probably read these before diving in. I’m hopeful that if I had, I would have disliked the main FMC, Rynn, less!.

Immediately, you know Rynn is going to be main character, because she has all the tell-tale signs, different coloured eyes, chronic self-doubt and an inability to feel like she ‘belongs’ anywhere. I didn’t feel the authors portrayal of Rynn being ‘alone’ rang true. She was constantly surrounded by people wanting to help her and had very devoted friends.

The storyline at times feels stilted, or rushed over, and we miss months of vital information of Rynn trying to integrate with the pack, but then what seems like an unnecessary number of interactions where it is repeatedly stated that ‘Rynn will never be a part of the pack’. Right, I get that, but it isn’t even hinted at about WHY she won’t be part of the pack. I knew logically that there is going to be a reason and there will probably be a big reveal/secret uncovered in future books, but there didn’t seem to be any sense of suspense, or anything leading up to more information being given, which was disappointing.

There were definitely some moments of high stakes action and some good character growth and you can definitely tell that the author is building up to something.
Rynn as an FMC, wasn’t likeable for me, but I appreciate that if I had a bit more backstory about her, I might have liked her more.
Bastian was my favourite out of the Alpha’s, with Ryker a close second. Warwick and Cade barely feature in any real depth so I will reserve judgement on them for now. There was some great banter between characters and Bastian played the charming lothario who is secretly lovesick for a member of the Alpha pack, well.

As it had been labelled a polyamorous spice, I expected some, but there was barely any. A brief scene where there is intimacy with more than 2 people, but it was brief and not really explored in any great detail. At the end of the book, I felt it was more of a complicated love triangle (with the potential of it being a love square!), as opposed to a ‘why-choose’

I think this book will appeal to readers who appreciate a slower, more in depth plot. I did like what the author was doing with building the story as a whole, the premise of the story is intriguing, but based on the info in the blurb, it just didn’t resonate with me like I was expecting it to.
I will read the rest of the series because I feel invested now and I want to see some character progression and the possibility of a HEA, but I won’t be chomping at the bit to get to it, if that makes sense?

Thank you to the author and Behind the Pages for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[paperandspirals · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely do not even know what to say other than: I NEED THE NEXT BOOK IMMEDIATELY.

That’s honestly my biggest issue with this book — it’s only the first book in the trilogy, and now I have to wait 😭 I read this in a single day because I physically could not stop reading.

I already love why choose romances, but I also have to admit that not all of them are well-developed. Sometimes the relationships feel rushed, the characters blur together, or the emotional dynamics aren’t explored deeply enough. That was absolutely not the case here.

What I loved most about this book was how intentional the relationship development felt. This is a multiple POV story (which I LOVE in why choose romances), and the author really takes the time to build the connections between the FMC and each individual character instead of throwing everyone together all at once.

In this first book, the focus is mainly on two of the four MMCs, and I honestly think that was such a smart choice because it allowed those relationships to actually breathe and develop naturally. I’m assuming the following books will focus more on the other characters, and if that’s the case, I’m even more excited for what’s coming next.

And the FMC? I adored her. She’s strong and capable, but also incredibly soft underneath everything. More than anything, she’s just searching for connection, belonging, and a place that truly feels like home. That emotional core made her feel so relatable and easy to root for.

I also really appreciated that her situation with the pack wasn’t handled in the typical “I hate everyone and want to escape immediately” kind of way. Instead, she genuinely tries. She wants to build friendships, trust, and maybe even a family despite the circumstances, and that made me love her even more.

Now… the men frustrated me SO much 😭

But in the best possible way.

Because unlike in some books where the MMCs are cruel for no real reason, their reactions and mistrust actually made sense here. Their concerns felt believable given the situation, which somehow made it even more painful to watch her constantly being pushed aside when we as readers already know how good and loyal she truly is.

I just wanted to hug her the entire time.

And I need these men to GROVEL in the next books. Desperately.

(Except Ryker. Ryker is innocent. Ryker gets protection at all costs.)

The side characters were also amazing. The FMC’s two best friends were absolutely everything to me — fiercely loyal, powerful, protective, and fully ready to start a war for her if necessary. I loved seeing female friendships portrayed with so much loyalty and strength.

And now I absolutely need to go back and read the author’s previous trilogy about the first best friend because I am officially obsessed.

[Lizinfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why choose MMMMF
Shifters
Hate to love
Banter
Rejecting Bonds

This was such a great surprise, at first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this, especially because there was such a large time jump, and a chunk taken out of the beginning of the book. Basically at the beginning of the book Rynn comes to the new pack and then it goes to an eight month time jump so I was a little bit like I don’t know how I feel about that but it ended up being really good and I really enjoyed the overall plot in story and the tension between the characters was excellent. Rynn is looking for something and she’s basically trying to figure out a way that she can get out of this pack and not cause a war, but there is a lot of trust issues within the Pack so the Pack has said that they will not ever let her fully join the Pack and have basically told her that she’s not really a real member of their pack, but she will be safe and she can live there and all of those things but one of the things that Rynn has always desired is to have her own Pack and I feel loved and accepted because when her original family Pack made this deal with the alpha Pack when she was 15 years old, they basically immediately ended up, shunning her from the pack and as a shifter, especially a wolf shifter she desires, family, and bonding and Touch. It’s super important for her species. Now I have not read the first trilogy of this series and I’m assuming that there’s gonna be a lot more world building in that since it is the first of all of these you know interconnected trilogies, but I still felt like the world building was really good and I did understand kind of the different dynamics of the different beings and species in this world. I thought the author just made things really clear and easy to follow along even though there was a lot going on in this book.
I’m really excited for the next two books in this trilogy and this is one of those books that even though I have not read the previous books I’m excited to pick up those books now because I have not read them because I think this authors writing is really excellent.

[Ashton V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been an arc reader for this series from the beginning of the first trilogy so I am so excited the author decided to continue the series with Rynn's story! Since the very first book from the Lunaria Realms series I have been wanting more of Rynn and her story. Rynn is a fiery, witty, and intelligent shifter FMC but fate has dealt her a poor hand. From a young age she has been promised to the Alpha pack and raised to know she will have no true place with them or her family any longer. All she wants is a place where she truly belongs and even though she has a place with her best friends it isn't the same as having a pack of her own.

What I loved about this first book in the series is all of the build up for what's to come! First, we see some amazing development between Rynn and the Alpha pack. We begin to learn more about each alpha and slowly learn the dynamics Rynn has with each of them. We see a vulnerability from her when she's around the alphas, thus leading to them manipulating her at times. This was hard to read about but absolutely leads to some important development among the characters which I loved. Outside of the relationships we also have some fantastic build up for the overarching plot that began in the first trilogy from this series. This world is complex and we are continuing to learn more and more about it. I loved seeing more monsters and secrets of the fae throughout the book. I am so excited for everything to come together and can't wait to see where the author takes this!

Overall I really enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end! I read this in less than 24 hours and honestly don't really have any complaints. Even though these books are slightly longer it's a quick read that keeps me invested from the very first page. You don't need to read the original trilogy to understand what's happening in this book but I do recommend starting with it since it really sets the stage for this world and plot. Plus there are some incredible characters with such interesting backstories that you will meet in this book that the first trilogy focuses on. You don't want to miss out!

Thank you to the author and Behind the Pages for an advanced copy!

[A Court of Sprayed Edges · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - Provided by Author and Behind the Pages PR <3

Rating: 4.5/5

A Den of Howls and Discontent is the fourth installment in the Lunaria Realms series, but it serves as book one in Rynn’s trilogy, making it an easy entry point for new readers. I didn’t read the first three books before this one, and I had no trouble understanding the world or the stakes — though I now fully intend to go back.

Rynn, a wolf shifter, is forced into the home of four powerful male shifters known as the Alphas: Cade, Ryker, Bastian, and Warrick. Her placement is a political move meant to maintain peace within the Valerian realm, but it comes at a personal cost.

Rynn is strong, intelligent, and determined to survive in a pack where she knows she isn’t truly wanted. Her resilience made her incredibly easy to root for, and my heart broke for her more than once as she navigated betrayal, disappointment, and uncertainty.

Each Alpha brings something distinct to the story:

• Cade — the stoic, steady bear shifter and reluctant leader
• Ryker — the volatile wolf shifter with a fierce temper
• Bastian — the cold, calculating panther shifter whose motives are impossible to read
• Warrick — the enigmatic eagle shifter who remains the biggest mystery

Their dynamic with Rynn is tense, layered, and full of potential. And as for the romance… let’s just say I now understand why readers adore why‑choose stories.

The book blends political intrigue, shifter lore, slow‑burn tension, and a growing mystery that raises more questions than answers. It’s a compelling start to Rynn’s arc and sets the stage for an even more intense trilogy.

If you enjoy romantasy with shifters, high stakes, complex pack dynamics, and a heroine who refuses to break, this is a fantastic addition to your TBR.

[Stephanie Rhamstine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Behind the Pages PA for this eARC.

This book had SO much potential for me because on paper it checks a lot of my boxes… why choose, rival packs, slow burn tension, shifters, politics?? absolutely sign me up 😂
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t fully land for me.
The biggest struggle was honestly the pacing and amount of information thrown at the reader right away. Since this is technically the second trilogy in an ongoing world, the author mentions you don’t need to read the previous books first, but personally I think it would’ve helped a lot. There are SO many names, places, histories, politics, and past events constantly being referenced that it became difficult to keep track of everything.
I also think the story started in the wrong place. There’s an early time skip that skips over months of Rynn first interacting with the Alpha Pack, which honestly sounded more interesting than some of the setup we did get. I kept wishing we could’ve experienced more of that relationship building firsthand because the emotional connections never fully clicked for me.
Rynn herself was a mixed bag. At times I liked her determination, but other times she felt very “special chosen girl” while simultaneously being told she was hated and alone… despite having several people around her who clearly cared about her. It made some of the emotional conflict harder for me to fully buy into.
That said, there were moments I enjoyed. The rival pack dynamics had potential, the darker atmosphere was interesting, and I can definitely see this working better for readers who are already familiar with the world from the first trilogy.
Overall, this wasn’t a terrible read for me, but it felt weighed down by info-dumping and missed opportunities for stronger character development and chemistry.

[Lumley Little Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt myself heading for a slump but this book grabbed a firm hold of me and said oh no you don't.

I came to this as a reader new to Alex Frost and didn't read the original trilogy. Normally, when writers say you don't need to have read the prior books, I tend to find I'm still missing out. Not so in this case. It was super easy to get into the world and story without missing a beat.

In fact, this has made me want to go back and read the original trilogy just because I am desperate for more after finishing this book! I'd love to know more about Samara and her mates who our FMC is best friends with but only briefly interacts with in this book.

Rynn is a savvy and intelligent FMC but is also heartbreakingly desperate for a place to feel a sense of true belonging. That sometimes leaves her vulnerable around the Alpha pack she has been forced to live with; it's hard to watch her manipulated because of this vulnerability, though it's oh-so-delicious to see this slowly transforming into something more genuine.

The relationships between Rynn and her pack are built up well through the book. The spice is quick but the romance is slow which is a great balance imo. It keeps this interesting, for sure!

My only complaint is that the book ended too quickly. I felt like it was just building up to some type of big reveal or cliff hanger ending but then ended before it really got there. It could have just done with another 50 pages to tease something more that would have had me desperate for book 2. Don't get me wrong, the ending was still good and did set up something very intriguing for the next book (which I very much do want to read) but it just didn't leave me gasping.

[Bari Mariani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shifter romance
Why choose
Fated mates
Slow burn
Forced proximity

This was unfortunately a struggle for me. I was excited and originally drawn in to this story by the tropes and the blurb. The author did say that we did not have to read the first trilogy but I think it would have been helpful. Even though she provides the reader with a summary of what happened to lead up to this story, there is just alot that happened in this world and it’s hard to keep track of names/places/etc.

This was not your average shifter romance.
This pack consists of:
a bear shifter, an eagle shifter, a wolf shifter, and a panther shifter.
It is not enough that these men have their own issues so let’s add in the FMC wolf shifter who was promised to them ,but she is DEFINITELY not part of their pack.
So naturally, drama ensues and feelings get involved.


This is the slowestttttt of burns between only a couple of our characters. But oh boy… when the spice hits it is 🔥🔥🔥

There was ALOT of details and world building and I found myself skimming through parts of the story.

One of things that frustrated me so much in this books was how many times we were reminded she wasn’t one of them. There was so much emphasis on her always being alone and not belonging anywhere, but I feel like she also didn’t help herself.

There was no real heart stopping or OMG type of moment and even though the ending was a cliffhanger, it wasn’t mind blowing.

I wish we learned more about our Men. We get bits and pieces and I can see where the author is going and how she’s setting up the series but I was just left wanting more.

Thank you to the author for the early copy of this book.

[Betweenthecoversza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy Received

I just finished A Den of Howls and Discontent and WOW… this was genuinely one of my most fun reads in a while.

First things first, this is set in the Lunaria Realms, but I went into this without reading the first trilogy and didn’t feel lost at all. You can 100% start here. That being said… I will be going back to read the original series because I’m not ready to leave this world or these characters.

Speaking of characters… I’m obsessed. Every single one feels so distinct, so sassy, so stubborn in the best way. The friend group? ELITE. The fact that they all met at university and built this ride-or-die bond?? You can really feel that loyalty and love the way they protect each other, stand up for each other, and it just adds so much depth to the story.

And then… the romance 👀
Enemies to lovers with an Alpha pack?? Say less.

The tension??? INSANE.

Ryker… I need to talk about him. That man has my whole heart. He’s been THROUGH it, and I already know the moment that bond gets accepted is going to absolutely destroy me.

The banter across the board was top tier!! Genuinely laugh-out-loud at times and it made the whole reading experience so fun and addictive. Add the magic, the world-building, and the underlying plot (because WHAT is going on with the mirror??), and I was completely hooked.

✨ Overall: one of my most enjoyable reads recently
✨ Perfect for: enemies-to-lovers and anyone who lives for tension-filled fantasy romance

I’m already counting down to book two.

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the first trilogy, I think I’m going to love Rynn’s books even more. She’s got plenty of troubled history and is now immersed in a pack who won’t trust her but also won’t stay away from her.

You dive into the same world, this time following the FMC Rynn post what happened in the first trilogy, with her back with the Alpha pack that won’t let her in, even though they won’t let her leave. She is looking for any way out of this agreement, even if it means leaving behind the bonds she’s starting to form with them, so she can stop being used as a pawn and start her own life. This means she might be taking advice from some enemies and hunting for magical objects that she’s not entirely sure what they will do. All of this comes to a head as she must face the fact that even if they want her, she will never truly be a part of their pack and will always pick each other over her, at least that’s what the keep telling her.

I felt so much for Rynn this whole book, she’s struggled for so long to find a place she truly belonged like she’s seen her best friend do, and getting more of the background of her family history made me so upset on her behalf. I kept wanting to butt several of the characters heads together and just get them to communicate properly and so much could be solved but they’re all so stubborn that it may never happen. I can’t wait to see how everything that happened at the end will shake out in the next book! My rating 4.7/5!

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[kingdoms.of.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this ARC read. This is the 4th book in the Lunaria Realms series. However, this is the first book I read in the series. The author did a great job of interweaving some of the past characters and situations in the first few chapters so I did not feel lost when I started this book. After my positive reaction to this book, I do want to read the first three books in the series. I want to know more about Samara and her mates. Samara is the main focus in the first books.

I loved the world building, the main characters and the side characters. There were characters to love and villains to hate. There is love, betrayal, bargains, monsters, threats of wars, political intrigue, fated mates, true friendships, rivals and enemies.

I loved that this was a multi-POV which ensured a depth and richness to the writing and the characters. I enjoyed the author's writing style.

The FMC in A Den of Howls and Discontent was loveable, sassy, st@bby (more like axey), smart and resourceful. Rynn was a political bargaining chip thrust into a shifter pack that would never view her as one of them. She navigated the dangerous territory and relationships forced upon her.

There were some suspenseful and exciting scenes with dreadful monsters that had me holding my breath.

Forced proximity
One bed (multiple nights)
Fated mates
Why choose romantasy
Rivals/enemies to lovers
Yearning and desire
Fast burning spice
Political intrigue
Mulit-POV

[Mandy Enchantedbookduo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating
4 💎
2 🌶️

Quick Summary
This book delivers pure enemies‑to‑lovers fire. The tension is thick, the hate is real, and it makes every shift toward desire hit. Each male stands out with his own personality, adding layers to the dynamic, while the broader world continues brilliantly from the first three books. Rynn is a total badass, refusing to bow to any of the four alphas. The chemistry builds perfectly, and when the spice hits, it’s flawless.

While Reading Thoughts
📗Wow talk about enemies to lovers, there is some serious tension in this book and a lot of it is hate
📗I love how each male is unique and they all have different personalities
📗The broader world is brilliant and love the continuation from the first 3 books.
Rynn is badass and she is not taking any crap from these 4 alphas.
📗The chemistry as it unfolds through the book is spot on and the spicy scenes are perfect.

Words that linger
🍷He will never choose you over them.
🍷 Sorry, Princess. I’m not the knight in those ridiculous Fae stories you love to read. I’m the villain.
🍷 “You may not have noticed, but we’re a bit dysfunctional around here when it comes to social etiquette,”
🍷 “Would you want me to hunt you, Rynn? To hunt you down?”
🍷 “It’s almost like you’ve never been between two gorgeous men before”.

Tropes
🐺Why choose
🐺Enemies to lovers
🐺Forced proximity
🐺Slow & fast burn
🐺One bed


Thank you Alex for the early copy.

[FloofyMooseReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Den of Howls and Discontent is the fourth book in the Lunaria Realms series and marks the beginning of Rynn’s trilogy within the series. Each trilogy within the series can be read and enjoyed on it’s own. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.

Tropes and themes include:
✨Epic fantasy romance
✨Growing why choose (mfmmm)
✨Arranged marriage
✨Forced proximity
✨Rivals/enemies to lovers
✨Slow burn romance but fastburn spice
✨Neurodivergent coded FMC
✨Shifters, vampires & furies
✨Only one bed
✨Political intrigue
✨Mating bonds
✨Banter
✨Multi, first person POV

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Nickname: Princess

The Lovely: I’ve been bouncing on my toes waiting for the start of Rynn’s (the FMC) story and this definitely didn’t disappoint. It was a fun and wild time, and this was only the first book of her trilogy. Some of the FMC’s quips and thoughts had me snort-laughing. And, Roth is still the coolest.

Recommendation: A little fun chaos, some sinfully hot characters and everyone is keeping secrets. Whatever could go sideways? Oh, and a monster creature near the end that will be causing me a week of nightmares, no doubt. If you’re in the mood for a why choose epic fantasy with spice, banter and chaos, I think you would like this book.

[Steph B · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ - 1.5 🌶️

I loved this book even without having read the prior trilogy although now it has to be put on my TBR because I felt like I was a little thrown into the mix of a storyline I really should have known more about. Fast paced and full of action.

This was a second for me with nonbinary reading that I was able to finish (I was unaware Alex Frost was Maddox Gray - I was aware that Maddox typically wrote genres like this so when I got to the end I was pleasantly surprised) and it is tastefully done in a way that isn't as confusing as prior reads I've had to DNF for that reason. - So if these reads typically make you uncomfortable/ out of the loop, I feel this is important to mention.

Now - for the actual book - not knowing the last trilogy it took me about 50 pages in to finally understand some things and my heart went out to Rynn. This moves at a fast pace with not a ton of world building but does huge character building which is appreciated.

Most of them MMCs pissed me off. But I love Ryker and can't wait to see what happens next with him and his path with Rynn. I think he's going to be something special in Rynn's journey. I'll be interested to see what book two has in store for us. Bastian is still up for debate!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Den of Howls & Discontent is the perfect blend of world building, plot driven, spice, and character building that draws you in and keeps you wanting more. Even though this is technically book four in the Lunaria Realms series, I really enjoyed that you can start here at Rynn's story without reading for previous three (but after reading, I have already added the others to my TBR and will be reading those until book five is released).

Alex Frost did a great job at catching readers up on story lines from previous books without it being overwhelming. It actually made me more interested in learning more about those other characters and the journey they had been through together.

Rynn, FMC, is a lycanthrope who wants more than anything to belong to a pack but it seems luck is not on her side. As she devises a plan to settle on the life of her choice, fate has a different say in the matter and living with the Alpha pack doesn't make it any easier.

I thoroughly enjoyed how the spice scenes added to the overall story and the characters development. It made it relevant to the story and not like it is being thrown.

If you like to be left wanting for more then this is the perfect book to jump into!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. My opinions are independent and my own.

I hadn’t read the first trilogy so I was walking in pretty blind. Also, shifter fantasy is not my usual go-to. I am SO glad I stepped out of my comfort zone on this one because it did not disappoint!!

The FMC is thrust into a pack that is not her own and it’s clear from the start that she is not welcome. But she tries to make the best of it until some ugly truths drop that alter the course of her story. Major warming: this book ends on a gnarly cliffhanger so proceed with caution.

The story itself was intriguing and I appreciated the multi-layered complexity of the characters. The relationships were well done and the push and pull between them all was brilliantly written.

Everyone is this story is gray. Our FMC Rynn is feisty, smart, and isn’t afraid of a fight. Our boys are all varying degrees of dark gray which made for amusing, witty banter with some zing.

Also, the spice? Was SPICY. It’s a “why chose” with reverse harem vibes that I ate up.

I am absolutely committed to this story line now and cannot wait for the next book to drop!

[Taylen · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Read
4.25⭐️

I think reading the first trilogy prior to starting this new one probably would’ve given me more context into the complexity of this world. However, you can definitely read this independently.

Rynn (our FMC) is forced to join a cruel Alpha Pack to prevent war, despite disliking them and them not trusting her. She must find a way to bargain for her freedom by finding a valuable item that both her new pack and the Seelie King's wraiths are searching for.

This was such a fun why choose shifter fantasy romance storyline. The characters are all so interesting and we get their POV throughout that provides so much to the storyline. You get some slow burn romance, fast burn romance, and tension galore between Rynn and her packmates. The banter between them all made me giggle 🤭.

Outside of the romancing, the plot itself moves along at a fast pace. The realm is unsettled and many monsters are hiding in the corners while Rynn tries to find the one thing that provides her the freedom she so desperately wants.

Political unrest with a side of tension, lies, and betrayals!

Highly recommend! One day I’m going to go back and read the first three books because I’m a little hooked!

[Tara Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a complete surprise and a complete delight. I have NOT read books 1-3 of this series, where I’m sure the bulk of the worldbuilding happened, but that in no way diminished my understanding or enjoyment of this delicious shifter why choose.

Rynn has been placed with the Alpha pack as a political alliance that has been in the works for a decade. The guys don’t trust her and believe she’s a spy, she is just looking for a place to belong.

A lot of miscommunication and angst over the dynamics of the household, there’s a lot for ALL of them to navigate. Something is happening in the realms, the Seelie fae king is up to something, the pack needs to work together to bring the realms together.

I CANNOT WAIT for the next books in this series. The writing is fantastic, the banter is great, the tension between the entire group is superb. This is top tier shifter why choose. Gimme more!!!

[Megan Toofan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Den of Howls and Discontent from Behind the Pages and the author. This is my honest review.

Loved this one!

This is the first book in a new trilogy, but it’s connected to the previous trilogy, A House of Fangs & Deceit. You can definitely read this one without reading the earlier series first, but since this story picks up after the events of that trilogy, reading it beforehand helps provide more context around the politics, relationships, and dynamics between characters.

The Alpha pack is basically a group of hot-mess hotties, and I mean that in the best way possible.

Rynn is a strong and fiery FMC, and I really loved the friendships and pack dynamics throughout the story. And Ryker and Bastian? 🔥

I also really enjoyed the shifter elements, especially the mates and multiple mates dynamics woven into the story.

Overall, this was such a fun and engaging start to the new trilogy, and I’m already excited to see where the series goes next.

[Emm · Rating 3 out of 5]

🐺 A Den of Howls & Discontent 🐺
Rynn is a political pawn, forced to join the Alpha pack that includes Cade, Bastian, Warrick, and Ryker. While things are happening in the pack, outside the wraiths that serve the Seelie King are looking for something. Rynn finds out the Alphas are looking for it too, so she decides she must find it first.

Publication date: 5/19/26
Rating: 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wish I had read the first book before reading this as I think it would have made me connect with the world more.

I liked the political aspects in this book. I also thought that the packing being made up of different types of shifters was fun!

I struggled a little bit getting though this due to the info dumping. I think the plot gets bogged down by all the information being used to world build.

I recommend this book for readers who like why choose romance, shifter romance, romantasy.

Thank you so much to Behind the Pages and the author for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from publisher

SO MANY SECRETS.

This was a fun read, regardless of the fact that I have not read books 1-3. The author maintains that it's not necessary to read books 1-3 before reading this one, although I do think a lot of the world-building probably happened in those books.

Rynn is a shifter being used as a political pawn. Placed with the Alpha pack against her instincts, she tries to make the best of it, but secrets and mistrust run rampant. The pack dynamics are complicated, even more so now that she's there. Beyond that, there is a danger lurking in the realms and something that threatens to bring them all down.

This is definitely a spicy why choose, and it ends in a cliffhanger- both details leave you wanting more!

[Liz (this_scorpioreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

Having listened to the audiobooks for the first three books in the series, I was so excited for Rynn’s story and this did not disappoint.

Rynn is fearless, she’s loyal and determined, despite the situation she’s found herself in.

A deliciously spicy why choose, I loved learning about the Alpha pack, and its damaged and sexy Alpha’s, especially the possessive Ryker!!!

I raced through this book, and can’t wait to continue the series.

It could be read as a standalone but I would absolutely recommend reading the first three books first as it gives so much more detail on this darkly deadly world and the ongoing realm politics.

Thanks to the author and Behind the Pages PA for the advance copy to review

[Annie (Houseofbooksandboardgames) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

I loved this book! So excited to be back in this world for Rynn's story. I adored the original trilogy and so far this is off to just as good of a start.

As usual the yearning is fantastic and relationship dynamics are very complex.

The world building continues to be great as we expand into the shifter side of things. While you could read this one without having read the first trilogy, I wouldn't recommend it as there is a lot of character overlap as well as the overarching plot that are much more enjoyable with the full picture.

I would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a fantastic why choose romantasy with unique world building. I am already eagerly awaiting th next book!

Thanks to Behind the Pages and Alex Frost for the ARC!