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Lunatics #1
The Lunatics
Layla Fitzpatrick lives a simple life, for a werewolf. And that's just how she likes it. Her childhood was less than ideal. She'd like to spend her adult years flying under the radar of more powerful preternatural creatures. Because she knows from experience what happens when they notice you. Everything changes one early summer night when she attends a ritual bonding ceremony meant to join two werewolves together for life. Midway through, the spell becomes corrupted and she finds herself unexpectedly mated to the stuffiest shifter she's ever laid eyes on.
Michael Kolbeck is more man than wolf. He spends his days in a skyscraper, building his family's empire. At night, he prowls the streets of Boston, a city where shifters, witches, and vampires walk a delicate tightrope of ceasefire masquerading as peace. Little do they know that Layla's arrival will act as the spark that ignites the fire, and that thin veneer of peace is about to vanish.
Michael Kolbeck is more man than wolf. He spends his days in a skyscraper, building his family's empire. At night, he prowls the streets of Boston, a city where shifters, witches, and vampires walk a delicate tightrope of ceasefire masquerading as peace. Little do they know that Layla's arrival will act as the spark that ignites the fire, and that thin veneer of peace is about to vanish.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2019
About the author
Navessa Allen
27 books25.2k followersNavessa Allen lives on a 200-year-old farm in rural New England with her husband, their cats, and an assorted collection of farm animals.
To keep up with her latest projects, check out her Patreon Page or subscribe to her website.
To keep up with her latest projects, check out her Patreon Page or subscribe to her website.
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November 24, 2019The Lunatics (Volume One) is now available on Amazon and Smashwords.
The official release date is November 26. As a reminder, you can read advanced chapters of it over on Patreon. This is fast-paced paranormal romance meets urban fantasy in serialized form, so each installment is between 70-80k words.
Volume One is the first 21 chapters, and Volume Two will start on Chapter 22. I plan to continuously post this series to the site, so anyone too impatient to wait for the release of the next installment doesn't have to!
The official release date is November 26. As a reminder, you can read advanced chapters of it over on Patreon. This is fast-paced paranormal romance meets urban fantasy in serialized form, so each installment is between 70-80k words.
Volume One is the first 21 chapters, and Volume Two will start on Chapter 22. I plan to continuously post this series to the site, so anyone too impatient to wait for the release of the next installment doesn't have to!
June 28, 2026
Thanks to Forever for the ARC. This is one of Navessa’s earlier books that was republished. Shifters are so fun! And I like the dynamic between the two main characters, but other than that, this was SO slow! And with the stakes being so high, I expected more electricity between the characters at times.
August 4, 2026
I'm a huge paranormal romance and urban fantasy fan so I knew going in that this was going to be just my kind of story but it's like Navessa Allen has been rooting around inside my head and plucked out every single item on my wish list for this kind of book then meshed it all together into The Lunatics. We have a strong, independent, intelligent heroine who knows what she wants from life and isn't afraid to go looking for it. Then there's a hero who is alpha without being over the top about it, he's sexy but in a more subtle way than a lot of heroes you read about and he doesn't mind when a woman is physically stronger than him. Throw in fantastic world building, a society where race, sexuality and gender seem to matter very little and a great cast of side characters and I'm hooked.
Layla and Michael are thrown together by circumstance, having a mate is not something either of them was ready for but they both accept the situation when they're accidentally bonded in a ceremony gone wrong. Neither of them is willing to rush into a relationship no matter how attracted they are to each other or how much their new bond is messing with their emotions but they're not pushing each other away or fighting it either. Instead they take time to get to know each other, they gradually build trust between them and they discuss the possibilities for their future like adults so that they're both fully on board with every choice they make. I love the slow build of their relationship, the chemistry is simmering along nicely in the background pretty much from first sight but it takes a long time before they're willing to take that step into a physical relationship.
Layla is really laid back and much more relaxed than Michael, she fully accepts her werewolf side and is happy to spend time both as a wolf and as a human. She enjoys spending time with her family and her pack and is happy to live a fairly simple life. Michael on the other hand has grown up learning how to suppress his wolf instincts, his family live in the city and they spend nearly all their time as humans. It's a careful balancing act in Boston with territory split between the werewolves, vampires and witches while the human population is completely oblivious to their very existence. For Layla living in the city is a real test, the sights, sounds and scents are completely overwhelming to her senses and she's walking on a tightrope over a field full of political landmines having no idea what wrong move could set off an explosion. Michael tries hard to help her fit in but it's fair to say his family are a nightmare and I think things are only going to get worse before they get better.
While the story doesn't end on a cliffhanger it did leave me desperate to get my hands on Volume Two so I'll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment. I have a feeling this is going to become one of my favourite series!
In interests of full disclosure I have to point out that Navessa is a very close friend of mine, however that hasn't affected this review or my rating. I purchased this book myself and these are my honest opinions of the story.
______________
One of my closest friends is officially a published author! Not that this is the first book that she's written, but it is the first one to go up on sale on Amazon. I'm so happy for her
Layla and Michael are thrown together by circumstance, having a mate is not something either of them was ready for but they both accept the situation when they're accidentally bonded in a ceremony gone wrong. Neither of them is willing to rush into a relationship no matter how attracted they are to each other or how much their new bond is messing with their emotions but they're not pushing each other away or fighting it either. Instead they take time to get to know each other, they gradually build trust between them and they discuss the possibilities for their future like adults so that they're both fully on board with every choice they make. I love the slow build of their relationship, the chemistry is simmering along nicely in the background pretty much from first sight but it takes a long time before they're willing to take that step into a physical relationship.
Layla is really laid back and much more relaxed than Michael, she fully accepts her werewolf side and is happy to spend time both as a wolf and as a human. She enjoys spending time with her family and her pack and is happy to live a fairly simple life. Michael on the other hand has grown up learning how to suppress his wolf instincts, his family live in the city and they spend nearly all their time as humans. It's a careful balancing act in Boston with territory split between the werewolves, vampires and witches while the human population is completely oblivious to their very existence. For Layla living in the city is a real test, the sights, sounds and scents are completely overwhelming to her senses and she's walking on a tightrope over a field full of political landmines having no idea what wrong move could set off an explosion. Michael tries hard to help her fit in but it's fair to say his family are a nightmare and I think things are only going to get worse before they get better.
While the story doesn't end on a cliffhanger it did leave me desperate to get my hands on Volume Two so I'll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment. I have a feeling this is going to become one of my favourite series!
In interests of full disclosure I have to point out that Navessa is a very close friend of mine, however that hasn't affected this review or my rating. I purchased this book myself and these are my honest opinions of the story.
______________
One of my closest friends is officially a published author! Not that this is the first book that she's written, but it is the first one to go up on sale on Amazon. I'm so happy for her
February 18, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
If you’ve followed my reading habits for any length of time, you know I’m a huge fan of the strangers marry trope. When I saw that The Lunatics is one step up from that with a forced mating of werewolf shifters, I was so in. That is my favorite trope but on steroids.
The Lunatics: Volume One is the first part of a serial story in a published format. It is the tale of how Layla and Michael, two very different kinds of werewolves, went to a mating ceremony to support someone close to them and ended up mated together against their will. Not only do they lead very different kinds of lives, neither was looking to complicate it with another person.
There seems to be some foul magic afoot either from the goddess herself, witches or maybe the vampires. But before any of that can be addressed, they have to go up against something else…their new in-laws.
Layla comes from a pack in the woods, they live simply and with the land. Michael’s pack is in the city, they have different rules, priorities and ideas about shifting. Each will have to make compromises for the other and find a way to balance between the wild of Layla and the control of Michael.
I enjoyed getting to know the two characters and getting some hints of the challenges they will be facing. Between the danger from other pack members, the witches and the Vamps there looks to be plenty of obstacles stacked against them.
The way the mating bond worked throughout the book was also interesting and I thought it was nuanced and added to the overall story. How would marriage be if you could really tell some of the thoughts and all of the feelings you spouse was really having?
This does end at a semi-dramatic place, not really a cliff hanger but something that would make you want to pick up the next chapters right away if they were available.
If you’ve followed my reading habits for any length of time, you know I’m a huge fan of the strangers marry trope. When I saw that The Lunatics is one step up from that with a forced mating of werewolf shifters, I was so in. That is my favorite trope but on steroids.
The Lunatics: Volume One is the first part of a serial story in a published format. It is the tale of how Layla and Michael, two very different kinds of werewolves, went to a mating ceremony to support someone close to them and ended up mated together against their will. Not only do they lead very different kinds of lives, neither was looking to complicate it with another person.
There seems to be some foul magic afoot either from the goddess herself, witches or maybe the vampires. But before any of that can be addressed, they have to go up against something else…their new in-laws.
Layla comes from a pack in the woods, they live simply and with the land. Michael’s pack is in the city, they have different rules, priorities and ideas about shifting. Each will have to make compromises for the other and find a way to balance between the wild of Layla and the control of Michael.
I enjoyed getting to know the two characters and getting some hints of the challenges they will be facing. Between the danger from other pack members, the witches and the Vamps there looks to be plenty of obstacles stacked against them.
“Then it will get out eventually,” Ronald said. “You know it’s better to get ahead of her. Put it out yourself. That way you can control the way it’s done and we won’t find ourselves in an unplanned shitstorm.”
I couldn’t help it. “Which is somehow better than a planned shitstorm?”
Ronald looked at me and nodded, expression flat. “At least in a planned one you know where to stand with the umbrella.”
The way the mating bond worked throughout the book was also interesting and I thought it was nuanced and added to the overall story. How would marriage be if you could really tell some of the thoughts and all of the feelings you spouse was really having?
This does end at a semi-dramatic place, not really a cliff hanger but something that would make you want to pick up the next chapters right away if they were available.
January 12, 2025
This book would be perfect if it didn't end on a cliff hanger, and get me excited to dive into book two, only to find out that I have to pay per chapter on patreon and it never got finished. My frustration is so real because I was really enjoying the story and characters.
May 12, 2020
11 May 2020: $0.99 on Kindle
24 January 2020: FREE on amazon this weekend!! Trust me, you want this book!’
24 January 2020: FREE on amazon this weekend!! Trust me, you want this book!’
April 20, 2021
This was a great beginning to the series. It had a slow burn between the mates we get introduced to and it has me salivating for the next entry.
I loved the idea of the accidental/forced bonding of these two wolves and I loved how they handled it and were so respectful to each other.
Well I find it hard to fully judge, since this very much is volume 1 of Michael and Layla's story, I highly recommend this book if you love Fated Mates and paranormal stories.
I loved the idea of the accidental/forced bonding of these two wolves and I loved how they handled it and were so respectful to each other.
Well I find it hard to fully judge, since this very much is volume 1 of Michael and Layla's story, I highly recommend this book if you love Fated Mates and paranormal stories.
April 17, 2026
Bruh. A half baked lore dump at the end with medicore smut and a man that's five foot NINE?
August 6, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Four Stars
🌶️ | Minimal Spice (but not none)
The Lunatics felt like that television series Lost Girl was remade as a Hallmark movie, which is not good or bad, just the vibe I took away from it.
Michael is a big city shifter detached from his roots, while Layla is your classic backwoods werewolf, and their worlds collide when a bonding ceremony neither meant to be a part of goes haywire and forces them into a fated bond of sorts. As the novel progresses, it feels like these two can't catch a break between the antagonistic factions of Boston and Layla's own mysterious past.
Edit: I did actually up my rating after thinking about it. Partially, I was considering the bonus chapters and what they added. I don't know if these were recently written or part of an older work, but they felt different and they add quite a bit to the story for me.
I will say, I am super compelled, and this is a republish of one of Navessa Allen's older works, so I will be devouring the next one when available. I love a good urban fantasy, and this is turning into something electric that brings together modern-feeling struggles with old-world grudges. As this isn't the complete story, I felt like the ending did a lot of work to raise the stakes considerably and make me really want more.
Layla and Michael meet immediate friction as a result of their drastically different lives and beliefs. Michael is portrayed as the sort of snob contrasted by Layla's laid-back country persona, though I often felt like she was the one behaving rather snobbishly. Michael makes a hell of a lot of concessions for her–or at least offers to–and while she does sacrifice for him, this felt a bit uneven overall. I do like their relationship and the way they get to know each other; that felt quite lovely and real and like they were both trying to be there for one another despite the insane predicament they found themselves in.
The mechanics of the mating bond were really fun and intriguing. I also loved the way Michael's complete lack of understanding and Layla's moderate understanding added to the developing mystery. That is a really clever bit of writing. It is funny reading this after being familiar with Navessa Allen's later books, because aspects of their attraction and romance felt restrained in a way that I thought took away from some things. That being said, I am deeply invested in how the rest of their story plays out and what lies ahead for these two.
This is a great book for fans of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, & folklore/shifting enthusiasts, and it's quite a quick and easy read for the amount of things that transpire over the course of a promising first part. I wasn't as blown away as I wanted to be, but I will definitely be checking out the rest of Michael & Layla's story.
Note: This book ends on a hefty cliffhanger (there are additional chapters in the newest version to ease the sudden drop-off). I find it a bit unclear if the follow-up is published yet. Goodreads says it was in 2020, but I'm not sure exactly.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
🌶️ | Minimal Spice (but not none)
The Lunatics felt like that television series Lost Girl was remade as a Hallmark movie, which is not good or bad, just the vibe I took away from it.
Michael is a big city shifter detached from his roots, while Layla is your classic backwoods werewolf, and their worlds collide when a bonding ceremony neither meant to be a part of goes haywire and forces them into a fated bond of sorts. As the novel progresses, it feels like these two can't catch a break between the antagonistic factions of Boston and Layla's own mysterious past.
Edit: I did actually up my rating after thinking about it. Partially, I was considering the bonus chapters and what they added. I don't know if these were recently written or part of an older work, but they felt different and they add quite a bit to the story for me.
I will say, I am super compelled, and this is a republish of one of Navessa Allen's older works, so I will be devouring the next one when available. I love a good urban fantasy, and this is turning into something electric that brings together modern-feeling struggles with old-world grudges. As this isn't the complete story, I felt like the ending did a lot of work to raise the stakes considerably and make me really want more.
Layla and Michael meet immediate friction as a result of their drastically different lives and beliefs. Michael is portrayed as the sort of snob contrasted by Layla's laid-back country persona, though I often felt like she was the one behaving rather snobbishly. Michael makes a hell of a lot of concessions for her–or at least offers to–and while she does sacrifice for him, this felt a bit uneven overall. I do like their relationship and the way they get to know each other; that felt quite lovely and real and like they were both trying to be there for one another despite the insane predicament they found themselves in.
The mechanics of the mating bond were really fun and intriguing. I also loved the way Michael's complete lack of understanding and Layla's moderate understanding added to the developing mystery. That is a really clever bit of writing. It is funny reading this after being familiar with Navessa Allen's later books, because aspects of their attraction and romance felt restrained in a way that I thought took away from some things. That being said, I am deeply invested in how the rest of their story plays out and what lies ahead for these two.
This is a great book for fans of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, & folklore/shifting enthusiasts, and it's quite a quick and easy read for the amount of things that transpire over the course of a promising first part. I wasn't as blown away as I wanted to be, but I will definitely be checking out the rest of Michael & Layla's story.
Note: This book ends on a hefty cliffhanger (there are additional chapters in the newest version to ease the sudden drop-off). I find it a bit unclear if the follow-up is published yet. Goodreads says it was in 2020, but I'm not sure exactly.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
November 14, 2024
this story grabbed my attention and held it. No grammatical issues, well thought out plot…only negative ended on a cliffhanger and no date for a next book considering this book was published in 2019..and I am not paying to join her platform to finish this story…
May 6, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up
Very fast paced first installment of an addictive urban fantasy/paranormal romance that totally got me hooked and ready for the rest. Both Layla and Michael are characters I liked and I am now cheering up for.
I'm totally on board with the paranormal world being built up here and I am completely into the whole werewolf pack wars and battles against evil vampires with magic on top of it. This is exactly the kind of reading I'm looking for right now.
My only two issues with it are that certain topics were introduced kinda in a preachy way, that I didn't appreciate. And that I'm uncomfortable with the way the romance and the relationship development is left in this book. Seeing as I am reading primarily for the romance, I am particularly disappointed by this, because Volume 2 isn't even written yet.
I am tentatively excited for the next part, hoping there's more romance to it.
Very fast paced first installment of an addictive urban fantasy/paranormal romance that totally got me hooked and ready for the rest. Both Layla and Michael are characters I liked and I am now cheering up for.
I'm totally on board with the paranormal world being built up here and I am completely into the whole werewolf pack wars and battles against evil vampires with magic on top of it. This is exactly the kind of reading I'm looking for right now.
My only two issues with it are that certain topics were introduced kinda in a preachy way, that I didn't appreciate. And that I'm uncomfortable with the way the romance and the relationship development is left in this book. Seeing as I am reading primarily for the romance, I am particularly disappointed by this, because Volume 2 isn't even written yet.
I am tentatively excited for the next part, hoping there's more romance to it.
June 20, 2026
Lunatics was a fun read. It reminded me of Twilight on steroids. I’m just so annoyed by that ending! I’m assuming there’s no second book in sight because I’ve read some of her newer stuff before.
August 10, 2026
3.25/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
1/5 🌶️
Want to Read
June 30, 2026A new (but not really new but also kind of new) Navessa Allen book??
consider my interest piqued. will she recover from the fumble that was books #2 and #3 of Into Darkness? Or will she fall even further... only time will tell
~~~~~
Into Darkness Series:
Lights Out (#1) - ★ 4.74 stars ★
Caught Up (#2) - ★ 3.36 stars ★
Game On (#3) - ★ 1.33 stars ★
consider my interest piqued. will she recover from the fumble that was books #2 and #3 of Into Darkness? Or will she fall even further... only time will tell
~~~~~
Into Darkness Series:
Lights Out (#1) - ★ 4.74 stars ★
Caught Up (#2) - ★ 3.36 stars ★
Game On (#3) - ★ 1.33 stars ★
November 28, 2023
really..
I would if given more stars. But the author should of mentioned from jump street that this story would end and in order to read the rest you had to download another app where you have to pay a mouthy fee to continue this story. Never seen this before and hope I never do again. DONT START THIS BOOK.
I would if given more stars. But the author should of mentioned from jump street that this story would end and in order to read the rest you had to download another app where you have to pay a mouthy fee to continue this story. Never seen this before and hope I never do again. DONT START THIS BOOK.
February 10, 2026
WHERE IS BOOK TWO?!
This had me hooked and I got left on a cliffhanger! Werewolves, vampires, witches. I have so many questions.
This had me hooked and I got left on a cliffhanger! Werewolves, vampires, witches. I have so many questions.
June 19, 2026
Werewolf - mate paranormal romance from one of my favourite dark rom com writers? Sign me up. I saw the cover was newly updated (and beautiful) and I’m hoping that means that volume 2 is more of a sure thing and complete.
This was fast paced and fun, but for me, missing depth - I found it just skimmed the surface of what the story can be. I love Layla as the FMC, and even Michael really grew on me as well. I just feel like I wanted more out of it.
Layla was only going to be an observer and support her best friend at her packs mating ceremony - when all of a sudden, she ends up getting magically pulled into the ceremony and unwillingly bonded to the stuffiest wolf shifter ever - Michael. They are like water and oil, city and small town, outspoken and reserved. But now irreversibly bonded, the two must figure out their connection and Layla will be thrown into a whole new world when she goes to the city with Micheal - werewolves, witches and vampires! Oh my.
This was fast paced and fun, but for me, missing depth - I found it just skimmed the surface of what the story can be. I love Layla as the FMC, and even Michael really grew on me as well. I just feel like I wanted more out of it.
Layla was only going to be an observer and support her best friend at her packs mating ceremony - when all of a sudden, she ends up getting magically pulled into the ceremony and unwillingly bonded to the stuffiest wolf shifter ever - Michael. They are like water and oil, city and small town, outspoken and reserved. But now irreversibly bonded, the two must figure out their connection and Layla will be thrown into a whole new world when she goes to the city with Micheal - werewolves, witches and vampires! Oh my.
July 19, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded up. This was a fun, fast-paced start to an urban fantasy/paranormal romance series that immediately pulled me in. I really liked Layla and Michael, and I'm already invested in seeing where their story goes. The world was easy to get hooked on. Between the werewolf pack conflicts, vampire threats, and magic woven throughout, it had everything I was in the mood to read. My only real complaints is that I wasn't satisfied with where the romance was left by the end. Anyways, I'm looking forward to continuing the series and hoping the romance takes center stage in the next installment.
July 27, 2026
This was FUN!!!!
Thank you Forever and Navessa Allen for the e-arc and physical copy.
This was entertaining!!! From the start, them accidently getting mated together - I was hooked. Especially with the whole “opposites attract” trope, I ate up their banter and butting heads, because I knew how great they’d be together.
I do think the story leaned much more fictional than romantic, but I did still have a good time overall!! I would love to read more like this from Navessa 🤭
Thank you Forever and Navessa Allen for the e-arc and physical copy.
This was entertaining!!! From the start, them accidently getting mated together - I was hooked. Especially with the whole “opposites attract” trope, I ate up their banter and butting heads, because I knew how great they’d be together.
I do think the story leaned much more fictional than romantic, but I did still have a good time overall!! I would love to read more like this from Navessa 🤭
November 23, 2019
Wow! What a story! I was super intrigued just from the synopsis, but I didn't realise how easily I'd fall into this story and world. And let's start there. The world created here was interesting and exciting. There was a lot to establish, but it wasn't done in an overwhelming way. It felt easy to follow and understand. The story was also a unique take on a shifter/paranormal story. Layla's eyes were a great vehicle to see this world through. She was a heroine who was strong, smart, and brave, but also realistic, understandable, and patient. I think her and Michael's relationship was one of my favourite parts of this book. They were honest, open, and respectful of each other. Also, their chemistry which bubbled in the background for the entire book was so well done. I also loved that this didn't fall into the cliché of women hating on women, of having the alpha male have to be the strongest at all times, and then feeling emasculated when a woman proved she could be much stronger. Michael is a hero that isn't intimidated by a strong woman and isn't threatened by one. Drool!! This clearly is an adult book written for adults! Plus there was so much humour! I craved Michael's smiles and amusement as much as Layla did, and his snarky lines always delivered.
So, I definitely recommend you picking up this book. The writing is sharp and easy to fall into, the plot is interesting and exciting, the romance is fun, the secondary characters well-rounded, and while it ends somewhat in the middle of the story, it doesn't feel like a frustrating cliffhanger. To me, it feels like a promise of the crazy things still to come. I can't wait for more!
So, I definitely recommend you picking up this book. The writing is sharp and easy to fall into, the plot is interesting and exciting, the romance is fun, the secondary characters well-rounded, and while it ends somewhat in the middle of the story, it doesn't feel like a frustrating cliffhanger. To me, it feels like a promise of the crazy things still to come. I can't wait for more!
February 9, 2020
First off, know that this is NOT a complete story, it is part one of an ongoing serial of which parts two and onward have not yet been released. I did not know this when I purchased it as no mention of being incomplete and part of a serial was made in the book description.
That being said, this was an intriguing story with interesting characters and drama. If this story ever gets completed published as a single book, I will buy it because it was that good, otherwise I will not as waiting for weeks/months/years to get the next chapter is not something I enjoy.
That being said, this was an intriguing story with interesting characters and drama. If this story ever gets completed published as a single book, I will buy it because it was that good, otherwise I will not as waiting for weeks/months/years to get the next chapter is not something I enjoy.
December 13, 2024
I wish I would have read the reviews before I started the book or at least notice that it was published on 2019 and the sequel is not out yet. This was half a book that was left on a cliffhanger to have people go to another app and pay a monthly fee to read the rest. Feels a little like I got scammed.
Want to Read
December 16, 2025I have no clue what this is, but am I going to read it?
YESSSSSSSSS
YESSSSSSSSS
June 24, 2026
Tropes: Paranormal Urban Romantasy, Werewolf Shifter, Corrupted Bonding/Accidental Mating, Grumpy & Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity, Fated Mates with a Twist
Review No Spoilers: Layla Fitzpatrick prefers a quiet, simple life running free in the woods of northern New Hampshire. After a difficult childhood, her goal is to fly completely under the radar of powerful supernatural beings.
Layla attends a ritual bonding ceremony strictly to support her best friend. Midway through the ritual, the spell becomes corrupted by an unexpected force. The corrupted magic seizes Layla and binds her to Michael Kolbeck, an arrogant, city-dwelling shifter who is completely her opposite. Layla is closely attuned to her wild, wolf instincts. Michael is "more man than wolf," spending his days in a pristine business suit running his family's corporate empire.
Layla is forced to move into Michael's territory in Boston. The overwhelming city environment and Michael’s nightmare inducing family present immediate challenges. Boston is under a fragile ceasefire where werewolves, witches, and vampires walk an uneasy tightrope. Layla and Michael's accidental, highly unusual bond acts as a spark that threatens to shatter the peace and ignite a massive supernatural war.
To survive the political landmines and keep the city from erupting, the two unlikely allies must find a way to navigate their forced connection and unlock the true power of their mating bond.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review No Spoilers: Layla Fitzpatrick prefers a quiet, simple life running free in the woods of northern New Hampshire. After a difficult childhood, her goal is to fly completely under the radar of powerful supernatural beings.
Layla attends a ritual bonding ceremony strictly to support her best friend. Midway through the ritual, the spell becomes corrupted by an unexpected force. The corrupted magic seizes Layla and binds her to Michael Kolbeck, an arrogant, city-dwelling shifter who is completely her opposite. Layla is closely attuned to her wild, wolf instincts. Michael is "more man than wolf," spending his days in a pristine business suit running his family's corporate empire.
Layla is forced to move into Michael's territory in Boston. The overwhelming city environment and Michael’s nightmare inducing family present immediate challenges. Boston is under a fragile ceasefire where werewolves, witches, and vampires walk an uneasy tightrope. Layla and Michael's accidental, highly unusual bond acts as a spark that threatens to shatter the peace and ignite a massive supernatural war.
To survive the political landmines and keep the city from erupting, the two unlikely allies must find a way to navigate their forced connection and unlock the true power of their mating bond.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 23, 2026
Thank you, Forever Publishing, for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
The lunatics follows Lyla, who goes to a bonding ritual ceremony with her friend in support… until the end of the ceremony, when all hell breaks loose, and she ends up mated with Michael Kolbeck, who’s an arrogant asshole with money. Forced into the bond, Lyla doesn’t know what she’s going to do; she can’t deny it. Forced to move closer to Michael in Boston, she learns more about herself and him. The more she learns about Michael, the more she can’t stay away from him. But they both have secrets they don’t want the other to know; will they tell each other? Or keep their secret hidden?
This was my first wolf shifter book, and I was pleasantly surprised with it. It was fast-paced, but I loved it! Nothing felt like it lingered too long, and the story had so much action that I was eating the pages up. I like that while this is a shifter romance, there were other creatures like vampires and witches with old magic. I loved the world that Navessa created! You could tell that she spent a lot of time researching each monster that was in the book, and she followed the lore while also making it her own!
At first I was skeptical about Michael because he seemed aloof, but he grew on me the more time he spent with Lyla. I love that the bond brought them closer together and that they were able to support each other. I felt so bad for Lyla when Michel’s mom told everyone her secret that she’d been hoping to keep from everyone. The end does leave you on a cliffhanger, but trust me, it’s going to make you want to read the next book asap!
The lunatics follows Lyla, who goes to a bonding ritual ceremony with her friend in support… until the end of the ceremony, when all hell breaks loose, and she ends up mated with Michael Kolbeck, who’s an arrogant asshole with money. Forced into the bond, Lyla doesn’t know what she’s going to do; she can’t deny it. Forced to move closer to Michael in Boston, she learns more about herself and him. The more she learns about Michael, the more she can’t stay away from him. But they both have secrets they don’t want the other to know; will they tell each other? Or keep their secret hidden?
This was my first wolf shifter book, and I was pleasantly surprised with it. It was fast-paced, but I loved it! Nothing felt like it lingered too long, and the story had so much action that I was eating the pages up. I like that while this is a shifter romance, there were other creatures like vampires and witches with old magic. I loved the world that Navessa created! You could tell that she spent a lot of time researching each monster that was in the book, and she followed the lore while also making it her own!
At first I was skeptical about Michael because he seemed aloof, but he grew on me the more time he spent with Lyla. I love that the bond brought them closer together and that they were able to support each other. I felt so bad for Lyla when Michel’s mom told everyone her secret that she’d been hoping to keep from everyone. The end does leave you on a cliffhanger, but trust me, it’s going to make you want to read the next book asap!
July 29, 2026
I didn’t realize this was another indie to trad re-release, but I looked into it and it appears this is one of the author;s earlier works dating back to 2018/2019. Unfortunately, it shows.
The writing for this isn't nearly as strong as the Lights Out series. The world-building is lackluster, and the book itself lacked urgency until everything was thrown at us in the last chapter or so.
One thing I did enjoy was the dynamic between Layla and Michael. They were both very mature in the way they handled a situation far outside their control. Their communication was strong, and they both did their best to be understanding of the other's circumstances. I also enjoyed their chemistry and bits of banter.
That being said, the cliffhanger at the end has the opposite of the intended affect because rather than make me want to pick up the next book it just left me annoyed. Why go to the trouble of having the vampire warn Layla not to trust Michael's family only to erase her memory of that part of the conversation so that she then falls for their trap? Nonsensical behavior.
Verdict: Perhaps for thee, but not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The writing for this isn't nearly as strong as the Lights Out series. The world-building is lackluster, and the book itself lacked urgency until everything was thrown at us in the last chapter or so.
One thing I did enjoy was the dynamic between Layla and Michael. They were both very mature in the way they handled a situation far outside their control. Their communication was strong, and they both did their best to be understanding of the other's circumstances. I also enjoyed their chemistry and bits of banter.
That being said, the cliffhanger at the end has the opposite of the intended affect because rather than make me want to pick up the next book it just left me annoyed. Why go to the trouble of having the vampire warn Layla not to trust Michael's family only to erase her memory of that part of the conversation so that she then falls for their trap? Nonsensical behavior.
Verdict: Perhaps for thee, but not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 19, 2026
Title: The Lunatics
Author: Navessa Allen
Series: Lunatics, 1
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Fantasy, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Layla (FMC) & Michael (MMC)
What to expect:
*Wolf shifter characters
*Fated mate romance
*Cliffhanger ending
Safety:
No OW/OM drama, some on page fighting and violence. No third act breakup.
Review:
I wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger ending, I just saw the Navessa Allen title and immediately requested the book. I wasn’t aware that this was a previously published book and the next part of the series isn’t available unless you subscribe to the authors Patreon.
Regardless of the second book issues, this title was very well written and entertaining. I love fated mates and wolf shifters so this was right up my alley! I loved the connection between the two main characters, they didn’t let the forced mating prevent them from finding their happiness with each other.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Author: Navessa Allen
Series: Lunatics, 1
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Fantasy, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Layla (FMC) & Michael (MMC)
What to expect:
*Wolf shifter characters
*Fated mate romance
*Cliffhanger ending
Safety:
No OW/OM drama, some on page fighting and violence. No third act breakup.
Review:
I wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger ending, I just saw the Navessa Allen title and immediately requested the book. I wasn’t aware that this was a previously published book and the next part of the series isn’t available unless you subscribe to the authors Patreon.
Regardless of the second book issues, this title was very well written and entertaining. I love fated mates and wolf shifters so this was right up my alley! I loved the connection between the two main characters, they didn’t let the forced mating prevent them from finding their happiness with each other.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read and review this title!
August 5, 2026
I LOOOOOOOOOVE the humor that Navessa Allen imbues into her books. Love it love it love it.
Even though this is an earlier works by her, I found myself just as equally delighted and engaged as I did reading her newer series.
• forced bonding
• werewolves v witches v vampires
• hidden powers
• truly cheeky and hilarious banter
• stoic and guarded MMC x sarcastic and spontaneous FMC
We get an opposites attract forced bonding that feels like it’s going to be a nightmare, but ends up proving that you can’t judge a book by its cover. I don’t want to give the plot away, but there are secrets and meddling goddesses, and villainous pack alphas and factions on the precipice of war with each other.
It was a really fun read! Certainly not perfect, but I had a darn good time all the way through.
Even though this is an earlier works by her, I found myself just as equally delighted and engaged as I did reading her newer series.
• forced bonding
• werewolves v witches v vampires
• hidden powers
• truly cheeky and hilarious banter
• stoic and guarded MMC x sarcastic and spontaneous FMC
We get an opposites attract forced bonding that feels like it’s going to be a nightmare, but ends up proving that you can’t judge a book by its cover. I don’t want to give the plot away, but there are secrets and meddling goddesses, and villainous pack alphas and factions on the precipice of war with each other.
It was a really fun read! Certainly not perfect, but I had a darn good time all the way through.
August 9, 2026
I guess now I am looking for book 2
Bestie… apparently wolf romance has me in a chokehold now. 🐺💕
I went into The Lunatics thinking this would just be a fun, slightly unhinged romance, but GIRL… I was INVESTED. 😂
The banter was hilarious, the chemistry was chemistry-ing 🔥, and the entire story was chaotic in a way that kept me completely entertained. It was one of those reads where I kept saying, “Okay, one more chapter…” and suddenly I needed to know EVERYTHING.
And then we got to the ending.
THE CLIFFHANGER. 😭
Bestie, I HATE a cliffhanger. You cannot have me this invested, drop THAT on me, and then just… END THE BOOK?! The audacity. 😂 I genuinely sat there like, “Ummm, Navessa? I think you forgot a few chapters.”
Now I have questions. I need answers. And apparently I need the next book immediately. 😩🐺
So congratulations, The Lunatics. You got me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
Wolf romance? Say less.
Cliffhangers? Straight to jail. 😂🐺
Bestie… apparently wolf romance has me in a chokehold now. 🐺💕
I went into The Lunatics thinking this would just be a fun, slightly unhinged romance, but GIRL… I was INVESTED. 😂
The banter was hilarious, the chemistry was chemistry-ing 🔥, and the entire story was chaotic in a way that kept me completely entertained. It was one of those reads where I kept saying, “Okay, one more chapter…” and suddenly I needed to know EVERYTHING.
And then we got to the ending.
THE CLIFFHANGER. 😭
Bestie, I HATE a cliffhanger. You cannot have me this invested, drop THAT on me, and then just… END THE BOOK?! The audacity. 😂 I genuinely sat there like, “Ummm, Navessa? I think you forgot a few chapters.”
Now I have questions. I need answers. And apparently I need the next book immediately. 😩🐺
So congratulations, The Lunatics. You got me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
Wolf romance? Say less.
Cliffhangers? Straight to jail. 😂🐺
July 31, 2026
3.5/5⭐
Prior to this book, I only read the Into The Darkness trilogy from Navessa Allen so I was not sure what to expect with this read. As always, I went in blind and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it! Compared to her other books, this one is an urban fantasy and story focuses so much on the politics and discourse among the species. I loved getting to know the supernatural side of this world while it's set in New England.
The plot is a little confusing at times because I'm still trying to figure out the world and everyone's motives, but overall super fun! I also really like both MCs. I feel like people may consider them boring but I just love the growth that they have throughout the book since they're both fairly closed off with each other. I love a good forced proximity trope and this book definitely met my expectations in that area!
I am looking forward to the second book and see where the political turmoil is going to head to next. Thank you so much Forever for the read!
Prior to this book, I only read the Into The Darkness trilogy from Navessa Allen so I was not sure what to expect with this read. As always, I went in blind and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it! Compared to her other books, this one is an urban fantasy and story focuses so much on the politics and discourse among the species. I loved getting to know the supernatural side of this world while it's set in New England.
The plot is a little confusing at times because I'm still trying to figure out the world and everyone's motives, but overall super fun! I also really like both MCs. I feel like people may consider them boring but I just love the growth that they have throughout the book since they're both fairly closed off with each other. I love a good forced proximity trope and this book definitely met my expectations in that area!
I am looking forward to the second book and see where the political turmoil is going to head to next. Thank you so much Forever for the read!
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