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He’s handled feral shifters, territorial alphas, and near-death missions. Nothing prepared him for cheekbones and combat boots.

Karl Griffin is a man of rules—keep calm, keep sharp, and for the love of God, keep away from cats. He doesn’t do emotional entanglements. And he definitely doesn’t do Leon Fitzroy—cat-shifter, walking attitude problem, and possibly the most annoying creature alive.

Leon Fitzroy has survived exile, scandal, and being born the wrong kind of cat. He’s not about to fall for a growly, emotionally constipated wolf with a hero complex.

But when they’re stranded together in the wilderness, Leon steps up—because someone has to. And somewhere between the bickering and the incident that neither of them is going to mention ever again, Leon starts to wonder if there’s more to Karl than scowls and vigilance.

What starts as mutual aggravation begins to shift into something suspiciously like feelings. But if Karl can’t stop pushing people away, and Leon can’t believe someone might choose him, they’ll lose more than just each other. They’ll lose the chance to change everything.

Lone Wolf is the sixth and final book in Strength of the Pack—a series of character-driven MM fated-mates romances with standalone love stories, an overarching series plot, slow-burn tension, and shifters who absolutely do not talk about their feelings (until they do).

Content note: This series includes material that some readers may find upsetting. Full details are available on the author’s website, with a link at the beginning of the book.

Note: This novel is a substantially reworked and expanded new edition of the novella originally published by Siren Bookstrand.

ebook

Published March 5, 2026

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About the author

Joy Lynn Fielding

17 books63 followers
Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she nurtures passions for vintage aircraft, horses and gardening. An avid researcher for her books, she delights in uncovering unusual facts and sharing them with anyone within earshot. She insists this has never led to anyone hiding behind the furniture.

Joy writes at the pace her health allows, powered by enthusiasm, optimism and, above all, coffee. She hopes her books offer good company to anyone navigating their own winding paths.

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5 stars
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20 (54%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,050 reviews450 followers
March 26, 2026
Saved the best in a most excellent series to the end!

I've been wanting Karl's story since the beginning and Joy did not disappoint, giving me not only a beautiful romance, but also insight into what made him such a fascinating character.

It makes perfect sense that the only mate that would understand him completely should be a cat shifter and Leon is perfect for him, the right amount of aloofness, the right amount of confidence and the right amount of competence for someone who is, himself, the best.

I loved the plotline that drives this story too, it follows on from the events of book five, but in a fashion that might, at first, seem unusual.

But, for me, everything about it made sense once Dave and Christian had discovered what happened to Jessie's old pack in New Mexico.

I know this is the end of the series, but I really hope Joy does return to Elk Ridge, because I'd love to see how this universe is faring after the revelations of Lone Wolf!
Profile Image for LA.
63 reviews
May 15, 2023
For such a short book, it packed a lot of action. I am a fan of enemies to lovers and fated mates, and although this was more of a strong dislike/distrust to lovers, I enjoyed this dynamic immensely.

Both Karl and Leon have strong personalities which made them clash in the beginning of the book. Add the fact that Karl is a wolf shifter and Leon a cat shifter and the tensions are high. When both are sent to explore a potential danger, they have to rely on each other to survive. I liked the way they begrudgingly relied on each other which made them realize that the other might not be as bad as they originally believed. Finally, there were sweet and heartfelt moments throughout the book.

I have not read the other books in the series, but that didn’t really bother me nor did it become a problem for the plot of the book. I would imagine that if you have read the other books, it’s better but I don’t think it’s necessary to enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,213 reviews522 followers
June 16, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


Lone Wolf is a part of Joy Lynn Fielding’s Strength of the Pack series but can, somewhat, be read as a standalone, as it’s focus isn’t on the politics or the overarching story of shifters going public, but instead on Karl and Leon as they chase down humans, save a wolf pup, and find themselves in trouble. I found there’s enough sketched out plot to the sides to keep the story feeling like it belongs to a greater series, without needing to have read the series to enjoy the story.

This is a novella more than a novel, so the pace was fairly brisk, going from animosity to true love fairly quickly, but it was written well and everything felt well supported by the plot and the world building. Both characters were always themselves, and the final reveal felt earned. All in all, I’ll probably pick up other books by this author, if only to know how the main series went.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2,247 reviews19 followers
May 10, 2023
This book appears to wrap up this series. Karl, a wolf shifter and Leon, a panther shifter strike sparks off each other. Contempt turns to respect which becomes love. This is a short but delightful novel that shows when you find your mate, it all works out. I enjoyed this story with little angst. I received a copy of this book through BookSirens and this is my voluntary opinion.
1,117 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
February 9, 2026
I'm very sad to see this series come to an end, I've been enjoying this interesting shifter world full of such lovely
characters! What a way to end it though.

I have absolutely loved the found family component, you could tell that these men are family no matter what, even the packmates who are new have become family and that is SO beautiful!

That's something you could really tell in this book specifically. Karl has always kept himself slightly outside of the pack, caring deeply for the others but not letting himself be cared for. Not until an arrogant cat shows up on his doorstep and helps him learn that it's okay to let people in again. To live, and to love fully.

Karl and Leon at first glance are polar opposites, however, the more you read about them you'll see they are actually alike in several ways. Both are extremely protective of their family, both are hyper vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times, and while Leon isn't as caring about others as Karl is, both steps up and does the hard things to take care of others.

These men are.. explosive together. There is no other word that accurately describes the dynamic they have together. Their story is very much an enemies to lovers romance; for the first half of the book they hate each other, and the other half of the book they still kinda hate each other while also realizing they are mates and may just love each other too.

It was a joy reading about all of these pack members getting their hard fought HEA, but I think Karl finding his mate and finally letting people in was really special in a different way from the other books. I liked that we could finally know why the man keeps to himself, why he's so hyper vigilant all the time, and never relaxes or takes a break. And now we know why 💔.

Thankfully Leon helps him with coping with his past while also trying to create a better future. I liked these two together, they never gave each other an inch. Even when they hated each other you could tell there was respect between them as well. It's safe to say that I liked this story and these characters!

Now as for the main plotline, aka, the mystery of the Argents.. I think Joy did a really fantastic job with wrapping everything up. I think it was a bit too neatly wrapped, as far as it was kinda convenient that a certain pack was so close to Elk Ridge. However, having said that, I did still enjoy this book and how this series ended. I'm still sad this series is over but I'm really happy with all of the books that are apart of it.

I'm so glad that everyone got their happy ending, and I am so ecstatic for Jesse. Once you read this book, you'll understand what I'm talking about.

~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~
Profile Image for Taylin Clavelli.
Author 12 books11 followers
June 28, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.5 hearts.
The discovery of an Argent (sacred) wolf threatens the stability of the shifter world. Wolves and cats decide to work together, but neither particularly likes the other. Leon and Karl’s first meetings are somewhat hostile. But a threat forces them to work together. Their situational proximity and professionalism opened their eyes to a few more attributes than expected.
Lone Wolf is book six in the Strength Of Pack series. As a newbie to the series, I can confirm that the story can be read as a standalone tale - and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Leon and Karl. Physical worldbuilding is mainly forest-based though plenty of emotional background influences actions. The packs have their place in the story, but once the focus is on Leon and Karl, the tale stays true to the boys and their encounters, which, from a writing perspective can be difficult – so, kudos to the author.
Within their packs, Leon and Karl are loners – and with good reasons that are tastefully written, in keeping with the protagonists' personalities. Neither man go OTT with emotions, internalizing much. Their past experiences make them experts in their field. Yet, they need something that their packs partly provide but not wholly.
Traditionally cats and dogs don’t get on, so many preconceptions exist. As Leon and Karl work together, both adjust their views, learning tolerance, acceptance (with niggly bits) and eventually something else. Neither Karl nor Leon expected to find their missing pieces in the other. However, their packs’ safety is prime, and, to that end, they face drama, hurt, deception, suspicion, injury, comfort and more.
Leon and Karl’s journey was a delight to read. However, given their backgrounds and what was at stake, I think the author could have been more daring with the dangers of the wilderness and the meaning of acceptance. Other than that, I found Lone Wolf to be a super read.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Profile Image for Anette.
72 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2023
Full disclaimer; I recievevd this book as an ARC. When I first got the book I was mistakenly under the impression that it was the first book in a series, but quickly discovered that it was in fact book 6. Some of the issues I had with this book might not be an issue for those who have read the other books.

I didn't hate the book, far from it, but it didn't quite do it for me. The first 10% (this part could be because I haven't read the other books) and the last 15% felt very rushed, and I couldn't quite follow along with the rapid progression of their relationship. It went from "I hate him so much" to "okay, you're hot so lets fool around" to "I love you, you're my entire life" in just a few days, and especially the last transition just happened a bit too fast for me, it didn't give me time to get invested in their relationship. We didn't even get a proper description of the main characters other than them having an attractive body and Leon having hair that was long enough to need tucking behing his ears.. Personally, I see everything like a movie inside my head when I read, so not knowing the main characters' looks really threw me off.

There were a few spicy scenes, but the really hot ones were really just one of them thinking about what they wanted to do to the other, so that was a bit of a let down to be honest.

Those who have read the other five books might have gotten a description of Karl in one of those, but I got the sense that the cat shifters were introdused in this book, and other than them being imaculate at all times, I don't really know what they look like..

That being said, the book wasn't really bad. The writing was good, I enjoyed the main part of the plot and could follow along easily without having read the other books. I just wish there was a bit more focus on building up the relationship between the main characters, because I feel like it really had potential, but by the end of the book I don't feel like I know them at all, nor do they really know each other.
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,432 reviews62 followers
July 1, 2023
I almost didn't read this
However...
I pushed forward and I'm glad I did because the end??
I had happy tears - actual water eyes

Lone Wolf is the sixth book in the Strength of the Pack series, but it can easily be read as a standalone novel. I know this because I dropped in with Karl and Leon's story.

Karl is a wolf shifter who is in charge of security for his pack. He is a skilled fighter and tracker, a bit of a grumpy pup but that could be the ghosts he carries from his past that are currently haunting his days.

Leon is a cat shifter and the assigned protector of the queen. At first, I was not a big fan of Leon. He was a bit impulsive, a little rude, and didn't really think things through before he leaped.
And that ego.
Though as the story progressed and his walls crumbled at Karl's feet ...
He is just a cuddly wittle thing with some really big claws

These two clashed hard at first, I think it was the combustible chemistry between them but *shrugs. They are sent together to check out a breach in the pack's security. Just when they think things are under control everything goes f u bar. Now they must rely on each other if they want to survive.

This was fast-paced and at times suspenseful with all kinds of sweet heat. After I got past my initial dislike of Leon I was all in. I was left very curious about some of the supporting cast and the ongoing stories so I will be going back and grabbing the previous books as well as looking forward to what lies ahead
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,867 reviews32 followers
July 1, 2023
Good story.

Lone Wolf is the first book I’ve read by Joy Lynn Fielding and I enjoyed reading it. The blurb says that it can be read as a standalone and I don’t totally disagree with that. However, I do think I would have enjoyed this more if I’d read the other books in this series. I was a bit confused for the first few chapters but then I was able to settle into the story.

After Leon makes Karl angry (see the blurb) they go out hunting for someone who has been spying on Karl’s pack. They get more than they bargained for when Karl does something that seems pretty stupid at the time (saying what would be too much of a spoiler). Karl gets injured and Leon has to make decisions that he wasn’t prepared for.

There is so much more I’d like to say about this book but I think it would spoil things too much. Karl and Leon do get their HEA and I liked the way things were resolved. I’m sure if I had read the other books the epilogue would have been even more moving. As it was, it brought tears to my eyes (happy ones). I would read more from this author.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
912 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 21, 2026
4.5/5 It was so satisfying seeing the last member of Matt’s pack get his mate. Karl’s had sharp edges and wounds visible from book 1, so seeing him get his mate and relax into his place was the best—but I wasn’t expecting a cat! LOL

There’s definitely some prejudice between the cat and wolf shifters, but it’s equally clear that they don’t spend much time together as species. I liked the way Matt and Luna wanted to make it work and kind of started a trickle-down effect as the pack and pride had to work together and actually get to know one another.

Leon has lots of abandonment issues, and I loved seeing Karl get in beneath his guard, even as the two of them are sniping and snarking and protecting the people they love their way. Each softer moment was to be cherished.

I wasn’t expecting what happened in the woods, but I really like how it resolved the overall series.

I loved looking at how everyone was at the end of this book compared to the beginning of book 1. They’ve been through a heck of a lot, but they gained so much at the same time!

I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Janireadsmm.
157 reviews7 followers
June 28, 2023
Ugh such a great shifter romance read, it's a short book so you get through it quickly. Leon's been different his whole life, a black panther in a cougar pride. Kurt is feeling overwhelmed trying to keep his pack safe and himself together with PTSD issues from his time serving re-surfacing. Forced to work together they start to see each other in a different light, and have to rely on each other if they want to survive a dangerous pack. The last book in the series is so sweet, Leon is so different from Kurt but they start to love the things that annoyed them to begin with as they come to understand each other. There's a bit of enemies to lovers vibes with some hurt/comfort thrown in as well if you like those tropes. I only wanted more, a bit more plot and more at the end of the story (I wasn't ready to say goodbye!), but it did tie the series up nicely as the sixth book. I love a shifter romance and this was a great one! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for R.
2,134 reviews
June 6, 2023
Karl. the protector of his pack wasn’t happy that they were hosting a group of CATS! Leon, a panther shifter was there to protect his sister from the wolves. He was an outcast from his pride, always on the outside. Both men were certain the other was not worth their time. Only when they went on a reconnaissance mission did their feelings change.

I love shifter/fated mate books. I really liked the way Karl and Leon disliked the other in the beginning. It always makes the connection between them that much more delicious. There was steam between them but I felt that their chemistry was more the story here. Their fairly quick acceptance of each other got the pesky “I hate you” out of the story sooner.

This is the last book in a six book series, but other than all the names thrown out I didn’t really feel lost. I feel it stands alone.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Profile Image for ....
2,150 reviews16 followers
March 11, 2026
Happy sigh. 🥰 I'm sure it could be argued that this series wasn't perfect, but having just binged the whole thing in a few days, I can honestly say that the author nailed the found family vibe in a way that makes my heart so deeply, profoundly happy that I'm more than willing to forgive other quibbles. I absolutely loved Karl and Leon for each other, and - with the glaring exception of who STILL disappoints me every time I think about his fated-mate reveal again 🤬 - I really, REALLY loved the way she wrote fated mates: the perfect combination of NOT insta-love, but emotions that were real and grew between each couple, combined with the kind of insta-devotion that makes the trope so addictive. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves both those Fs - found family & fated mates - and suspect it might even be something I come back to for a reread in the future, too 😊
Profile Image for Helen Smith.
486 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 9, 2026
I loved this entire series, but this final book might be my very favorite, and I wish I could rate it 6 stars. The cats-and-dogs banter and snark were absolutely delightful from start to finish and kept me laughing all the way through. Both Karl and Leon were wounded by past events, but through sharing those damaged parts of themselves with their mate, they found healing together. It was also a pleasure spending time with each member of the pack and seeing them all settling into their HEA. And finally, lingering questions raised throughout the series were resolved. As usual Joy Lynn Fielding’s pacing was spot-on and every emotional shift was believable and grounded in a natural progression. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Don’t miss this wonderful book and series!
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,628 reviews48 followers
July 3, 2023
I enjoyed this story of two loners, one feline and one canine shifter, forced to work together by their respective packs when a job requires both their individual skill sets. Once the plot gets rolling, it becomes a story of survival in the wilderness and those trials allow Karl and Leon to see each other for who they truly are. That understanding leads to feelings neither expected. I didn't have any trouble stepping into the series with this book, but there are some interesting hints at the world building that occurred in the previous books and some tensions that make me want to read the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Cheryl_cajun .
1,214 reviews30 followers
May 6, 2023
Thank you forthe ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.
A case of the legendary Argent making a modern day appears. That made Luna on the move to investigate, meaning Leon had to trail along as her un-official protection detail. Oh tensions is on  high alert what with the treat already placed on Jesse, now the added bonus of Cats too. Karl is one fuse away from throwing down with the smug panther. Trapped and hurt Karl is in the hands of another pack, it's up to Leon to get to him safely.  
77 reviews
May 26, 2023
This the first time that I have read a book by Joe Lunn Fielding and I plan on reading many more. The Lone Wolf is an excellent read. I love a book that jumps right into action and doesn't stop until the end. Karl is a wolf and Leon is a Panther and when the two get together the sparks start flying. The adventure that they have tracking two people who were considered to be dangerous to the silver wolf is very interesting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,993 reviews19 followers
June 4, 2023
This is the first book by Fielding that I have read but it will not be my last. I loved the story and how strong both Leon and Karl are but at the same time leery of each other. An unexpected love between two different species of shifters is a unique twist that has turned into a great story, that is definitely worth reading. I would have liked to have seen more of Jesse with his pack but hopefully that story will be coming soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for stardragon.
1,357 reviews7 followers
June 18, 2023
Karl is a wolf shifter and security for the Elk Ridge pack, he suffers some PTSD and isn’t happy. Leon is a jaguar/panther shifter, his sister Luna is queen of the cat shifters, Leon is head of her security team. They are headed to Elk Ridge for a meeting about recent incidents that have endangered the pack and shifters. This book is very sad in parts but very heartwarming in others. There is danger, drama, kidnapping, heroics, misconceptions and a mystical silver wolf called an Argent who is the alphas mate. Never a dull moment throughout and leaves you craving for more
Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 26 books340 followers
June 30, 2023
I signed up to read and review since the cover grabbed my attention. I didn’t realize I was jumping into the middle of the series, but this book can work as a standalone since it focuses on the two main characters.

I will admit I found Leon a bit too arrogant at the beginning of the novel. Sort of full of himself and too confident in his abilities, but I began to warm to him the longer I read. As for Karl, his personality really didn’t shine until the novel got going.

Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-9Y0
Profile Image for Shelia.
723 reviews5 followers
June 6, 2023
Will the wolf and panther be able to work together to keep all on the pack lands safe including the Queen of the cats? This is a great story of how they must work together to find answers to the questions confronting all shifter-kind and keep everyone safe. Oh, they must do this while figuring out how they are mates! This is a good book that is another part of a good series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,015 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2023
Leon arrives with his alpha as support and security. He’s the only panther in a see of wolves. Karl is a wolf and from their first meeting neither really like each other but are attracted to each other. The progression between hate to let’s have sex is fast.

I enjoyed this but I wish I had read the others in the series first. And I probably will do that!

I received an arc of this book from Book Siren and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Helen Smith.
486 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 9, 2026
I loved this entire series, but this final book might be my very favorite, and I wish I could rate it 6 stars. The cats-and-dogs banter and snark were absolutely delightful from start to finish and kept me laughing all the way through. Both Karl and Leon were wounded by past events, but through sharing those damaged parts of themselves with their mate, they found healing together. It was also a pleasure spending time with each member of the pack and seeing them all settling into their HEA. And finally, lingering questions raised throughout the series were resolved. As usual Joy Lynn Fielding’s pacing was spot-on and every emotional shift was believable and grounded in a natural progression. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Don’t miss this wonderful book and series!
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,163 reviews93 followers
May 5, 2023
A cute story with all the feels. I loved the characters and enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and grow over the progression of the story. The story itself had a bit of steamy, sass, adventure, and sweetness all packed into one.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,314 reviews26 followers
June 4, 2023
I'm rounding this up from 3.5. I did enjoy this one but not quite as much as the previous stories. It is the final book of the series and many things were wrapped up but it did feel a bit rushed at the end.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,826 reviews38 followers
July 3, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. This is a short, action filled story with great characters. I will be going back to read the rest of the series now.
189 reviews
January 19, 2024
Seemed like a slow start. Introducing the scene takes time. Liked the characters and the setting. New to this author but sill return. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
2,505 reviews35 followers
June 28, 2023
this was an intense pack book with the characters tying to protect their packs and build trust in their relationship
Profile Image for juli✨.
1,239 reviews144 followers
March 19, 2026
I wanted a bit more from Lone Wolf. Also, I felt like the transition from enemies-to-lovers was a little clunky… However, I will say, I did enjoy the big-cat and wolf pairing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews