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Expected 16 Sep 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
12 days and 09:49:25
50 copies available
U.S. only
Forced into the home of an unyielding Alpha, a grieving girl bent on revenge ignites a slow-burn werewolf romance where loyalty is law—and legends burn.
Her brother is dead.
Her freedom stolen.
And her greatest danger may be the Alpha werewolf sworn to guard her.
Aloka Tutten never asked to live among the pack. To them, she’s just a human girl—too small, too fragile, an unwanted liability. Her unwilling protector, Stark Lamont, makes no effort to hide that he doesn’t want her in his territory.
But the walls between them aren’t as strong as they should be. His quiet strength pulls her closer. His touch lingers too long. And beneath the heat of his gaze, the truth inside her threatens to break free.
Aloka isn’t what they believe.
And as war looms, her secret will rise—either to save them all…or set their world on fire, even if it burns her too.
Her brother is dead.
Her freedom stolen.
And her greatest danger may be the Alpha werewolf sworn to guard her.
Aloka Tutten never asked to live among the pack. To them, she’s just a human girl—too small, too fragile, an unwanted liability. Her unwilling protector, Stark Lamont, makes no effort to hide that he doesn’t want her in his territory.
But the walls between them aren’t as strong as they should be. His quiet strength pulls her closer. His touch lingers too long. And beneath the heat of his gaze, the truth inside her threatens to break free.
Aloka isn’t what they believe.
And as war looms, her secret will rise—either to save them all…or set their world on fire, even if it burns her too.
394 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 16, 2026
About the author
Izzy Barry
1 book87 followersHi, I’m Izzy, and I write paranormal and dark romance with love you’ll believe in. When I’m not writing, I’m spending time with my husband (my high school sweetheart of twelve years), coaching show jumpers, reading, talking to my dog about my characters, and picking up new hobbies. I may have a bit of a hobby problem.
My debut werewolf romance, Red releases September 16, 2026.
My debut werewolf romance, Red releases September 16, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
April 2, 2026
First and foremost, I am so incredibly thankful to receive an ARC of RED.
I honestly can’t remember a time a book hooked me this hard within the first two chapters. I started it on my travels to a week-long conference, and it was a distraction the entire time. All I wanted to do was get back to reading and find out what happened next.
I finished this book in 3 days, though I truly believe that if it wasn’t for life getting in the way (and reading way too late into the night; hitting myself in the face with my Kindle a few times before finally putting it down), I would have easily devoured it in one sitting.
There is something really special about the way that Izzy writes. It has everything I love about a political fantasy and dark romance, but without the dense, slow-moving world-building and politics. My usual complaint with a political fantasy is how slow it progresses, and sometimes it can feel like the political torment never ends. This was not the case here; Aloka’s story, character and relationships progressed naturally throughout the book, with enough story to keep you hooked without ever feeling dragged out.
This one is a slow burn, but the tension? Absolute chef’s kiss. So much so that I genuinely gaslit myself into the male love interest being someone else. You never really know what Aloka will choose to do next, or who she will choose to trust - and that unpredictably makes it impossible to put down.
As for the ending, I still can’t decide if the ending wrapped up too quickly or if I just did not want the book to end. What I do love is that RED doesn’t leave you on a brutal cliff hanger, especially with the duology not yet complete. There is enough closure to satisfy readers, but it still leaves plenty of room for readers to theorise and imagine what could happen next.
If you haven’t pre-ordered it yet, this is your sign
Also, read the acknowledgements. Congratulations, Izzy, in so soooo many ways. <3
I honestly can’t remember a time a book hooked me this hard within the first two chapters. I started it on my travels to a week-long conference, and it was a distraction the entire time. All I wanted to do was get back to reading and find out what happened next.
I finished this book in 3 days, though I truly believe that if it wasn’t for life getting in the way (and reading way too late into the night; hitting myself in the face with my Kindle a few times before finally putting it down), I would have easily devoured it in one sitting.
There is something really special about the way that Izzy writes. It has everything I love about a political fantasy and dark romance, but without the dense, slow-moving world-building and politics. My usual complaint with a political fantasy is how slow it progresses, and sometimes it can feel like the political torment never ends. This was not the case here; Aloka’s story, character and relationships progressed naturally throughout the book, with enough story to keep you hooked without ever feeling dragged out.
This one is a slow burn, but the tension? Absolute chef’s kiss. So much so that I genuinely gaslit myself into the male love interest being someone else. You never really know what Aloka will choose to do next, or who she will choose to trust - and that unpredictably makes it impossible to put down.
As for the ending, I still can’t decide if the ending wrapped up too quickly or if I just did not want the book to end. What I do love is that RED doesn’t leave you on a brutal cliff hanger, especially with the duology not yet complete. There is enough closure to satisfy readers, but it still leaves plenty of room for readers to theorise and imagine what could happen next.
If you haven’t pre-ordered it yet, this is your sign
Also, read the acknowledgements. Congratulations, Izzy, in so soooo many ways. <3
August 27, 2026
𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙧𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧
Red is a story of humans and Warewolves constantly bordering on war. Aloka has been sent to live with Alpha stark after her brother was killed by humans. Thrown into a house filled with warewolves who only see her as a fragile human, Aloka is on the brink. No longer allowed in her own home alone, she lives a life being hated by those around her while being drawn to Stark. But non of them realise she is probably the key to winning this war.
This was an un-putdownable read, I inhaled this book like oxygen. I loved the secrets being kept throughout, the plot of being on the brink of war.
Two things that had me screaming at the book
1. The miscommunication/ lack of communication trope, this always has me shouting. I fully understand the need for it in these pages, but it will still aggravate me (this coming from a gal who will not communicate, it’s called hypocrisy) but it did not take away from the enjoyment of reading.
2. Stark may be a very big attractive Alpha, but the way he didn’t add up all the signs had me calling this wolf some names! Again though, still enjoyed the book, even if he is missing some smarts.
This was a book where you can see where the plot is going but it is so enjoyable following along, it’s a gripping, intense and quick read, because once it has ahold of you, it’s not gonna let go.
Red is a story of humans and Warewolves constantly bordering on war. Aloka has been sent to live with Alpha stark after her brother was killed by humans. Thrown into a house filled with warewolves who only see her as a fragile human, Aloka is on the brink. No longer allowed in her own home alone, she lives a life being hated by those around her while being drawn to Stark. But non of them realise she is probably the key to winning this war.
This was an un-putdownable read, I inhaled this book like oxygen. I loved the secrets being kept throughout, the plot of being on the brink of war.
Two things that had me screaming at the book
1. The miscommunication/ lack of communication trope, this always has me shouting. I fully understand the need for it in these pages, but it will still aggravate me (this coming from a gal who will not communicate, it’s called hypocrisy) but it did not take away from the enjoyment of reading.
2. Stark may be a very big attractive Alpha, but the way he didn’t add up all the signs had me calling this wolf some names! Again though, still enjoyed the book, even if he is missing some smarts.
This was a book where you can see where the plot is going but it is so enjoyable following along, it’s a gripping, intense and quick read, because once it has ahold of you, it’s not gonna let go.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Slow Burn With Teeth
'Red' is a strong start to ‘The Myth That Burns’, combining werewolf shifters, hidden identities, pack politics and a slow burn romance that steadily builds tension without rushing the relationship.
Aloka is grieving, angry and determined to get revenge, only to find herself forced into the territory of a pack that sees her as a fragile human liability. Stark, the Alpha responsible for protecting her, makes it very clear that her presence is unwanted. Naturally, putting these two in close proximity is exactly the kind of situation that is bound to create problems.
The slow burn between Aloka and Stark is the strongest element of the story. Their chemistry develops gradually, with plenty of suspicion, frustration and restrained attraction along the way. The touch and die energy works particularly well because neither character simply gives in to their feelings. Every small shift in their relationship feels earned, and the tension keeps building throughout the story.
Aloka's hidden identity adds another layer of intrigue. There is clearly far more to her than the pack believes, and the mystery surrounding her past and abilities keeps the plot interesting. The pack politics and looming threat of war also give the story enough substance beyond the romance, while the found family element adds some warmth to an otherwise dangerous environment.
The pacing is not entirely flawless, however. The ending feels noticeably rushed compared to the careful build up throughout the rest of the book. Several developments happen in quick succession, where a little more space would have allowed the conclusion to feel more satisfying and better earned. It is a noticeable weakness, especially after such a deliberate build up.
Fortunately, the rest of the book more than makes up for it. The characters are compelling, the romantic tension is excellent, and the combination of secrets, werewolf lore and pack politics makes the story difficult to put down. There is also enough left unresolved to make the next instalment an easy addition to the reading list.
'Red' delivers a compelling heroine, an intriguing Alpha, a genuinely enjoyable slow burn and a world with plenty of room to expand. The rushed ending keeps it from being completely flawless, but it does not diminish how enjoyable the overall reading experience is.
ARC received from Books & Bloom as part of the book tour. This is my honest review.
Werewolf Shifters | Hidden Identity | Forced Proximity | Found Family | Slow Burn | Touch and Die Energy | Pack Politics
'Red' is a strong start to ‘The Myth That Burns’, combining werewolf shifters, hidden identities, pack politics and a slow burn romance that steadily builds tension without rushing the relationship.
Aloka is grieving, angry and determined to get revenge, only to find herself forced into the territory of a pack that sees her as a fragile human liability. Stark, the Alpha responsible for protecting her, makes it very clear that her presence is unwanted. Naturally, putting these two in close proximity is exactly the kind of situation that is bound to create problems.
The slow burn between Aloka and Stark is the strongest element of the story. Their chemistry develops gradually, with plenty of suspicion, frustration and restrained attraction along the way. The touch and die energy works particularly well because neither character simply gives in to their feelings. Every small shift in their relationship feels earned, and the tension keeps building throughout the story.
Aloka's hidden identity adds another layer of intrigue. There is clearly far more to her than the pack believes, and the mystery surrounding her past and abilities keeps the plot interesting. The pack politics and looming threat of war also give the story enough substance beyond the romance, while the found family element adds some warmth to an otherwise dangerous environment.
The pacing is not entirely flawless, however. The ending feels noticeably rushed compared to the careful build up throughout the rest of the book. Several developments happen in quick succession, where a little more space would have allowed the conclusion to feel more satisfying and better earned. It is a noticeable weakness, especially after such a deliberate build up.
Fortunately, the rest of the book more than makes up for it. The characters are compelling, the romantic tension is excellent, and the combination of secrets, werewolf lore and pack politics makes the story difficult to put down. There is also enough left unresolved to make the next instalment an easy addition to the reading list.
'Red' delivers a compelling heroine, an intriguing Alpha, a genuinely enjoyable slow burn and a world with plenty of room to expand. The rushed ending keeps it from being completely flawless, but it does not diminish how enjoyable the overall reading experience is.
ARC received from Books & Bloom as part of the book tour. This is my honest review.
Werewolf Shifters | Hidden Identity | Forced Proximity | Found Family | Slow Burn | Touch and Die Energy | Pack Politics
July 29, 2026
Teenage me who stayed up until 3 a.m. reading werewolf romances on Wattpad is absolutely LOSING HER MIND over this book.
The slow burn? SLOOOOOOOOW. Like, “please for the love of everything, just kiss already” slow. Every lingering look, every almost-touch, every ounce of tension had me internally screaming. But damn, is the yearning aaaamazing!!
And Stark… excuse me while I develop yet another fictional alpha obsession. He is the perfect protective, overbearing, “you’re staying where I can keep an eye on you” Alpha and I ate up every single second of it. The man growls and suddenly all my common sense leaves the building.
I loved watching Aloka find her footing in a world that refuses to accept her while still refusing to back down. The suspense within this book had me questioning everything I thought I knew about what was going to happen next. By the end, I was already desperate to know what happens in the next book.
If you grew up inhaling werewolf romances on Wattpad and have been chasing that feeling ever since… congratulations. You found it. This brought back every reason I fell in love with this genre in the first place but with stronger writing, incredible world building and characters I am not ready to say goodbye to.
Now excuse me while I go stare at a wall until I can get my hands on the next book.
A huge huge thank for to Izzy Barry for the gifted special arc. I will forever treasure being one of the first people to be able to physically hold this books in their hands.
The slow burn? SLOOOOOOOOW. Like, “please for the love of everything, just kiss already” slow. Every lingering look, every almost-touch, every ounce of tension had me internally screaming. But damn, is the yearning aaaamazing!!
And Stark… excuse me while I develop yet another fictional alpha obsession. He is the perfect protective, overbearing, “you’re staying where I can keep an eye on you” Alpha and I ate up every single second of it. The man growls and suddenly all my common sense leaves the building.
I loved watching Aloka find her footing in a world that refuses to accept her while still refusing to back down. The suspense within this book had me questioning everything I thought I knew about what was going to happen next. By the end, I was already desperate to know what happens in the next book.
If you grew up inhaling werewolf romances on Wattpad and have been chasing that feeling ever since… congratulations. You found it. This brought back every reason I fell in love with this genre in the first place but with stronger writing, incredible world building and characters I am not ready to say goodbye to.
Now excuse me while I go stare at a wall until I can get my hands on the next book.
A huge huge thank for to Izzy Barry for the gifted special arc. I will forever treasure being one of the first people to be able to physically hold this books in their hands.
May 16, 2026
First let me say that I loved the names for both MCs and im absolutely obsessed with this cover ! I’m always on the lookout for PR/ Shifter romance especially werewolves ones. RED has absolutely everything I love packed into one book, secrets, heartbreak and a bit of angst. ✋ Aloka lost the last person who knew the true her and her relationship with her brother is felt through the story despite him being gone which I loved the way that love and feelings were portrayed.
She’s now alone in a world that makes her feel unwelcomed and that broke my heart but thats usually what gets me, she’s not a person who lets her circumstances put her down.
Stark is such a broody alpha that I ended up warming up to through out the story. He wasn’t exactly a big jerk but he came off as one due to the confusion or let’s say circumstances that these two are in. We have lovable side characters that I wish I could jump in and hug for treating Alo with true kindness.
I honestly don’t know what to make of this ending but I will say it left me wanting MORE. ALSO, I read this in a day couldn’t put it down. So Izzy Barry thank you so much you now have a new fan who’s ready for when the next comes. 🤍
Aloka has been thrown into a bit of a predicament, she needs to keep herself hidden but wears her self thin doing so, with her brothers gone she has no one. Stark is left to protect her but it might be a bit more than just an obligation. With her brothers murder out there Aloka is determined to help out the ones that don’t see to welcome her for him, to protect the only place she’s ever known as home.
She’s now alone in a world that makes her feel unwelcomed and that broke my heart but thats usually what gets me, she’s not a person who lets her circumstances put her down.
Stark is such a broody alpha that I ended up warming up to through out the story. He wasn’t exactly a big jerk but he came off as one due to the confusion or let’s say circumstances that these two are in. We have lovable side characters that I wish I could jump in and hug for treating Alo with true kindness.
I honestly don’t know what to make of this ending but I will say it left me wanting MORE. ALSO, I read this in a day couldn’t put it down. So Izzy Barry thank you so much you now have a new fan who’s ready for when the next comes. 🤍
Aloka has been thrown into a bit of a predicament, she needs to keep herself hidden but wears her self thin doing so, with her brothers gone she has no one. Stark is left to protect her but it might be a bit more than just an obligation. With her brothers murder out there Aloka is determined to help out the ones that don’t see to welcome her for him, to protect the only place she’s ever known as home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
Stayed up until 4AM to read this book because it’s THAT good and this also got me out of my reading slump!!!
From the very first chapter, this book got me hooked and did not let me go. The premise is already so good. We have a very sheltered heroine forced to move to the Alpha’s house because her brother died and now she has to deal with a pack that pretty much hates her. It definitely sets it up for a lot of good drama.
I think what I love the most is how miscommunication is used here for really REALLY hilarious comedic beats. I mean, you have a very naïve heroine who doesn’t really know how pack life works. Now she’s forced to navigate pack with no one to help her.
But she’s also really feisty without being dumb. She’s sarcastic but not a bitch.
I really love her, and I also really love the alpha, Stark, because even though he is really possessive and protective right from the start, he is also such a quiet and steady presence, which I think Aloka really needed during such an unstable time for her.
He knew that he’s grieving and he gave her space to do so. Plus, he has a huge book collection that he shares with her!!!
Give me a hottie who loves to read anytime!!!
Seriously, they are idiots to lovers and I love that trope so much 😆
I laughed and giggled and grieved and cheered and ugh this book is AMAZING!
I can’t wait for book 2!!
_______
ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴀʀᴄ, ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ
From the very first chapter, this book got me hooked and did not let me go. The premise is already so good. We have a very sheltered heroine forced to move to the Alpha’s house because her brother died and now she has to deal with a pack that pretty much hates her. It definitely sets it up for a lot of good drama.
I think what I love the most is how miscommunication is used here for really REALLY hilarious comedic beats. I mean, you have a very naïve heroine who doesn’t really know how pack life works. Now she’s forced to navigate pack with no one to help her.
But she’s also really feisty without being dumb. She’s sarcastic but not a bitch.
I really love her, and I also really love the alpha, Stark, because even though he is really possessive and protective right from the start, he is also such a quiet and steady presence, which I think Aloka really needed during such an unstable time for her.
He knew that he’s grieving and he gave her space to do so. Plus, he has a huge book collection that he shares with her!!!
Give me a hottie who loves to read anytime!!!
Seriously, they are idiots to lovers and I love that trope so much 😆
I laughed and giggled and grieved and cheered and ugh this book is AMAZING!
I can’t wait for book 2!!
_______
ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴀʀᴄ, ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ
August 18, 2026
"Get In the truck..."
Red is the Werewolf Romance you didn't know you needed. Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down!
After her brother passes away Aloka is forced to reside in Stark's home alongside him. Aloka is thought to be a human while Stark is one of the strongest Alphas around. This story goes over why Aloka burns so hot and why she will stop at nothing to keep her secret.
There are times in this story I just want to smack both of these two and just kept wondering when they would learn to communicate. You can tell from the outside (just like good old Jocko could) that these two are meant for each other but we have to go THROUGH it to get there. We do have some spice here but it is a sloooooowwwwww burn. There is lots of tension and unexpected excitement, but I don't want to give out too many spoilers.
Overall this is one you won't want to miss!
🐺Werewolf shifters
🖤Hidden identity
🐺Forced proximity
🖤Found family
🐺Slow burn
🖤Touch-and-d!e energy (both ways)
🐺Pack politics
This was an ARC read.
Red is the Werewolf Romance you didn't know you needed. Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down!
After her brother passes away Aloka is forced to reside in Stark's home alongside him. Aloka is thought to be a human while Stark is one of the strongest Alphas around. This story goes over why Aloka burns so hot and why she will stop at nothing to keep her secret.
There are times in this story I just want to smack both of these two and just kept wondering when they would learn to communicate. You can tell from the outside (just like good old Jocko could) that these two are meant for each other but we have to go THROUGH it to get there. We do have some spice here but it is a sloooooowwwwww burn. There is lots of tension and unexpected excitement, but I don't want to give out too many spoilers.
Overall this is one you won't want to miss!
🐺Werewolf shifters
🖤Hidden identity
🐺Forced proximity
🖤Found family
🐺Slow burn
🖤Touch-and-d!e energy (both ways)
🐺Pack politics
This was an ARC read.
April 5, 2026
This book pop up on my algorithm on TikTok and just knew I had to read it .
Once I picked it up I didn’t want put it down.
forced proximity , hiding a secret , and Werewolf shifters had me hooked .
Aloka is FMC and she is determined , Brave ,fearless, Stubborn,a Mystery that need be solved
Her Brother died and wrote a letter for her to stay with young Pack Alpha Stark. - they all think she just another human.
🔥 She runs hot
🐺Werewolf shifters
🔥Slow burn
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🔪Touch and die (both)
I Loved the ending , can’t for next book 📕
Once I picked it up I didn’t want put it down.
forced proximity , hiding a secret , and Werewolf shifters had me hooked .
Aloka is FMC and she is determined , Brave ,fearless, Stubborn,a Mystery that need be solved
Her Brother died and wrote a letter for her to stay with young Pack Alpha Stark. - they all think she just another human.
🔥 She runs hot
🐺Werewolf shifters
🔥Slow burn
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🔪Touch and die (both)
I Loved the ending , can’t for next book 📕
Read
April 2, 2026Aloka is a fierce heroine. She is forced to stay with Stark. They have great chemistry together but you have Nikki who wants to be Stark’s mate.
This book had all the elements to draw the reader into this world. The reader will love how the author was able to combine it all. There is action, romance, mystery and angst. The reader will experience so many emotions as they follow Aloka on her journey.
This book had all the elements to draw the reader into this world. The reader will love how the author was able to combine it all. There is action, romance, mystery and angst. The reader will experience so many emotions as they follow Aloka on her journey.
April 3, 2026
I really loved Red by Izzy Barry. From the start, I found myself completely drawn to the characters—you can’t help but fall in love with them. Stark’s overprotective nature made me like him even more, and Aloka is so lovable and relatable that it was easy to connect with her.
Werewolf stories can be hard to get right, but this one felt fresh and enjoyable. For a first-time indie author, this is such a strong and heartfelt debut. I’m really excited to see what Izzy Barry writes next.
Werewolf stories can be hard to get right, but this one felt fresh and enjoyable. For a first-time indie author, this is such a strong and heartfelt debut. I’m really excited to see what Izzy Barry writes next.
April 9, 2026
Oh my word this book!!!! I could not put it down. I was up till 2 in the morning not being able to put it down because I had to know what going to happen next. I was laughing,crying in places, white knuckling my kindle to wanting to throw it across the room.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced Reader Copy and can honestly say I am not disappointed at all. Top tier read for me. I’m here for the vibes.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced Reader Copy and can honestly say I am not disappointed at all. Top tier read for me. I’m here for the vibes.
August 25, 2026
I love everything about this book. The characters are done really well and it is not some black and white world but the characters also come in shades of grey. I love the fact that there are „bad guys“ among the „good“ and „bad“ people in the story.
I can‘t stop swooning over Stark. He is the definition of broody and protective. I love that so much. He would burn the world down for Aloka and it shows. I really love him.
Aloka is an amazing person. She is caring and wants to help everybody no matter the price. She has been through so much heartbreak but still lets people in. Her chemistry with Stark is sizzling and the slow burn is real!
I also love Jocko! He deserves the world and especially his own book 😉
I can‘t stop swooning over Stark. He is the definition of broody and protective. I love that so much. He would burn the world down for Aloka and it shows. I really love him.
Aloka is an amazing person. She is caring and wants to help everybody no matter the price. She has been through so much heartbreak but still lets people in. Her chemistry with Stark is sizzling and the slow burn is real!
I also love Jocko! He deserves the world and especially his own book 😉
August 27, 2026
I don’t know where to start with this one!
I really enjoyed it, the pace was perfect the descriptions and world building were well written.
I absolutely adored Aloka and the chemistry between her and Stark was on fire!
I loved the forced proximity and there was a heavy dose of touch him/her and die too.
i am praying for a second book because I want to see where this goes!
I really enjoyed it, the pace was perfect the descriptions and world building were well written.
I absolutely adored Aloka and the chemistry between her and Stark was on fire!
I loved the forced proximity and there was a heavy dose of touch him/her and die too.
i am praying for a second book because I want to see where this goes!
April 28, 2026
ARC Review
Full review to follow - I finished this book in one day. I love the characters Aloka and Stark, and Jocko is someone I’d love to spend time with.
“My Mate, My House, My Rules”
Full review to follow - I finished this book in one day. I love the characters Aloka and Stark, and Jocko is someone I’d love to spend time with.
“My Mate, My House, My Rules”
June 11, 2026
Omggggg I loved this so much! I loved the beginning how chapter one was immediately beginning the story with a big amount of drama. It pulled me in right from the start and I already need book 2. The slow burn was sooooo hot 🥵 and I liked the push and pull dynamic between the main characters. Stark is my new book boyfriend.
Read
May 5, 2026I went into Red thinking I’d get a classic werewolf story… and it turned into so much more. The story follows Aloka, who’s forced into an Alpha’s territory after losing her brother, and from the start you can feel how out of place she is — surrounded by a pack that doesn’t trust her, and stuck with a protector who clearly doesn’t want her there 🐺
What really hooked me was the dynamic between Aloka and Stark. It has that perfect forced proximity + enemies-to-lovers + slow burn tension where everything feels restrained but intense at the same time. The way their relationship builds — through small moments, lingering touches, and all that unspoken tension — was so good 🖤
I also loved the underlying mystery around Aloka. You know from the beginning that she’s hiding something, and it adds this constant pressure to the story, especially with the threat of war getting closer. It’s very much “hidden identity” + “she’s more powerful than they think”, and I was completely invested in when everything would finally come to light.
By the end, I was hooked on both the emotional side and the bigger stakes. It’s intense, a little angsty, and exactly the kind of slow-burn paranormal romance I love 🔥
What really hooked me was the dynamic between Aloka and Stark. It has that perfect forced proximity + enemies-to-lovers + slow burn tension where everything feels restrained but intense at the same time. The way their relationship builds — through small moments, lingering touches, and all that unspoken tension — was so good 🖤
I also loved the underlying mystery around Aloka. You know from the beginning that she’s hiding something, and it adds this constant pressure to the story, especially with the threat of war getting closer. It’s very much “hidden identity” + “she’s more powerful than they think”, and I was completely invested in when everything would finally come to light.
By the end, I was hooked on both the emotional side and the bigger stakes. It’s intense, a little angsty, and exactly the kind of slow-burn paranormal romance I love 🔥
August 25, 2026
I love a good shifter romance. Give me werewolves, broody Alphas, pack dynamics, possessiveness, loyalty, and a slow-burn romance, and I am there. 🐺❤️ So when I read the premise of Red, I was genuinely excited to dive in.
Aloka had been raised to hide what she was. After losing her brother and being shaped by years of tragedy, isolation, and her mother’s warnings, she had learned to keep everyone at arm’s length. So when she was forced into the home of Stark Lamont, an unyielding Alpha who had been tasked with protecting her, the setup had everything I usually love. 🔥
Stark was everything I expected from a broody Alpha. Quiet, intimidating, protective, and clearly fighting feelings he didn’t want to acknowledge. 😏🐺 The tension between him and Aloka had some really good moments, especially as the walls between them slowly started to crack.
And the whole “she’s not what everyone thinks she is” mystery had me curious. With war looming, secrets surrounding Aloka’s identity, pack politics, and legends coming back into play, there was definitely a lot happening beneath the surface. 🔥🌙
Unfortunately, the pacing was where things started to lose me. Some sections felt like they dragged on, while other parts suddenly threw a lot of information at me. There were moments when certain details felt incredibly important, only for them to seemingly disappear from the story later. That made the overall plot feel uneven for me. 📖
My biggest struggle, though, was Aloka.
I completely understood why she behaved the way she did. She had been taught from a young age not to trust people, not to get close, and never to reveal her true nature. Given everything she had experienced, her walls made sense. 💔
But eventually, I found it difficult to connect with her.
She often became frustrated with people for keeping secrets from her while she was keeping major secrets from them herself. She wanted others to trust her strength, yet repeatedly hid that strength. Even when people genuinely tried to help her, she pushed them away. And after a while, instead of feeling protective of her, I found myself getting frustrated with her. 😭
There were also moments where the character dynamics felt contradictory, and that made it harder for me to become emotionally invested in the romance.
I really wanted to love this one. The shifter romance + mysterious FMC + broody Alpha + forbidden secrets + looming war combination was basically designed for me. 🐺🔥 But unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite give me the emotional connection I was hoping for.
Still, I could see the potential in the world and the story, and I think readers who enjoy paranormal romance with lots of secrets, pack dynamics, and a slow-burn relationship may find more to love here than I did. ❤️
Perfect for readers who love:
✨ Shifter/werewolf romance
🔥 Broody Alpha heroes
❤️ Slow-burn romance
🌙 Hidden identities & dangerous secrets
🐺 Pack dynamics & loyalty
⚔️ War, legends & supernatural politics
💔 Grieving heroines
😏 Protective Alpha energy
🔥 “There’s something different about her” mysteries
Thank you to Izzy Barry and RR Book Tours for the opportunity to read this ARC. 💕📚
Aloka had been raised to hide what she was. After losing her brother and being shaped by years of tragedy, isolation, and her mother’s warnings, she had learned to keep everyone at arm’s length. So when she was forced into the home of Stark Lamont, an unyielding Alpha who had been tasked with protecting her, the setup had everything I usually love. 🔥
Stark was everything I expected from a broody Alpha. Quiet, intimidating, protective, and clearly fighting feelings he didn’t want to acknowledge. 😏🐺 The tension between him and Aloka had some really good moments, especially as the walls between them slowly started to crack.
And the whole “she’s not what everyone thinks she is” mystery had me curious. With war looming, secrets surrounding Aloka’s identity, pack politics, and legends coming back into play, there was definitely a lot happening beneath the surface. 🔥🌙
Unfortunately, the pacing was where things started to lose me. Some sections felt like they dragged on, while other parts suddenly threw a lot of information at me. There were moments when certain details felt incredibly important, only for them to seemingly disappear from the story later. That made the overall plot feel uneven for me. 📖
My biggest struggle, though, was Aloka.
I completely understood why she behaved the way she did. She had been taught from a young age not to trust people, not to get close, and never to reveal her true nature. Given everything she had experienced, her walls made sense. 💔
But eventually, I found it difficult to connect with her.
She often became frustrated with people for keeping secrets from her while she was keeping major secrets from them herself. She wanted others to trust her strength, yet repeatedly hid that strength. Even when people genuinely tried to help her, she pushed them away. And after a while, instead of feeling protective of her, I found myself getting frustrated with her. 😭
There were also moments where the character dynamics felt contradictory, and that made it harder for me to become emotionally invested in the romance.
I really wanted to love this one. The shifter romance + mysterious FMC + broody Alpha + forbidden secrets + looming war combination was basically designed for me. 🐺🔥 But unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite give me the emotional connection I was hoping for.
Still, I could see the potential in the world and the story, and I think readers who enjoy paranormal romance with lots of secrets, pack dynamics, and a slow-burn relationship may find more to love here than I did. ❤️
Perfect for readers who love:
✨ Shifter/werewolf romance
🔥 Broody Alpha heroes
❤️ Slow-burn romance
🌙 Hidden identities & dangerous secrets
🐺 Pack dynamics & loyalty
⚔️ War, legends & supernatural politics
💔 Grieving heroines
😏 Protective Alpha energy
🔥 “There’s something different about her” mysteries
Thank you to Izzy Barry and RR Book Tours for the opportunity to read this ARC. 💕📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced reader copy sent by the Author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars
Werewolf shifters • Hidden Identity • Forced proximity • Found family • Slow burn •• Touch and ☠️ energy (from both of them) • Pack politics •
This was such a great book, I haven't read a werewolf book in the longest time, and I forgot how much I enjoy them. I think my favorite part of this book was the characters. They are relatable but also have so many layers and would honestly do anything to protect each other. 😍
We follow our FMC Aloka, when tragedy strikes, she has to move into the home of the Stark Lamont the Alpha and live amongst the pack.
Now Aloka never asked to be here, and she knows they don't want a human girl amongst the pack, but Aloka isn't what she seems.
Will her secret save them all or set their world on fire?
I really enjoyed Alo, she is fierce, clever and so caring. She wants to help everyone even if it puts her own life in danger. She knows how they all feel about her, but she won't stop trying to save them all.
She is struggling with her secret but knows she can't tell anyone or it would be catastrophic. So, she hides away with her books. She is so relatable and so easy to love.
Our MMC Stark, is a total badass alpha werewolf with one hell of a body! 🔥🥵 He is strong, confident but can be a moody prick sometimes 🤣 He has the weight of the world on his shoulders having to protect everyone in his pack, while also looking out for Alo, who won't listen to his orders and is constantly getting herself into trouble.
The relationship that bloomed between Alo and Stark was natural and not rushed. They both needed trust to be build first. The chemistry and tension was palpable.
You could quite literally feel the tension building the entire time.
The added tension from the forced proximity in the house was perfection!
Not too much spice in this book but what we got was perfect. 🤌🏽
The pack politics was interesting and informative; the overall plot was fantastic.
Fast paced at times, and very action packed. I was locked in needing to know what was going to happen. There are always things happening in the background keeping everything flowing nicely.
We get so many great side characters in this book; Jocko was definitely a fav of mine. He was someone who knew how to lighten the mood when it was needed. He is loyal to Stark. And the friendship that grew between Alo and him was giving all the best bestie vibes.
I honestly had the best time with this book. Found myself stopping what I was doing just to read another chapter.
The ending was very different from what I expected and I loved that! We're not felt on a horrible cliffhanger which is so refreshing. These characters will be living rent free in my brain.
I can't wait to continue this story in book 2.
Would 100% recommend this book.
Thank you to the Author and Books & Bloom for sending me a copy of this book. 🩷
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars
Werewolf shifters • Hidden Identity • Forced proximity • Found family • Slow burn •• Touch and ☠️ energy (from both of them) • Pack politics •
This was such a great book, I haven't read a werewolf book in the longest time, and I forgot how much I enjoy them. I think my favorite part of this book was the characters. They are relatable but also have so many layers and would honestly do anything to protect each other. 😍
We follow our FMC Aloka, when tragedy strikes, she has to move into the home of the Stark Lamont the Alpha and live amongst the pack.
Now Aloka never asked to be here, and she knows they don't want a human girl amongst the pack, but Aloka isn't what she seems.
Will her secret save them all or set their world on fire?
I really enjoyed Alo, she is fierce, clever and so caring. She wants to help everyone even if it puts her own life in danger. She knows how they all feel about her, but she won't stop trying to save them all.
She is struggling with her secret but knows she can't tell anyone or it would be catastrophic. So, she hides away with her books. She is so relatable and so easy to love.
Our MMC Stark, is a total badass alpha werewolf with one hell of a body! 🔥🥵 He is strong, confident but can be a moody prick sometimes 🤣 He has the weight of the world on his shoulders having to protect everyone in his pack, while also looking out for Alo, who won't listen to his orders and is constantly getting herself into trouble.
The relationship that bloomed between Alo and Stark was natural and not rushed. They both needed trust to be build first. The chemistry and tension was palpable.
You could quite literally feel the tension building the entire time.
The added tension from the forced proximity in the house was perfection!
Not too much spice in this book but what we got was perfect. 🤌🏽
The pack politics was interesting and informative; the overall plot was fantastic.
Fast paced at times, and very action packed. I was locked in needing to know what was going to happen. There are always things happening in the background keeping everything flowing nicely.
We get so many great side characters in this book; Jocko was definitely a fav of mine. He was someone who knew how to lighten the mood when it was needed. He is loyal to Stark. And the friendship that grew between Alo and him was giving all the best bestie vibes.
I honestly had the best time with this book. Found myself stopping what I was doing just to read another chapter.
The ending was very different from what I expected and I loved that! We're not felt on a horrible cliffhanger which is so refreshing. These characters will be living rent free in my brain.
I can't wait to continue this story in book 2.
Would 100% recommend this book.
Thank you to the Author and Books & Bloom for sending me a copy of this book. 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
After getting completely swept up in another series, I found it surprisingly difficult to find a book that gave me that same feeling of total indulgence. From the moment I read the synopsis for Red, I had a feeling it might be exactly what I was looking for. A dangerous, fiercely protective alpha hero, a heroine carrying secrets even she doesn't fully understand, hidden identities, long-buried secrets, and a fantasy world woven within human existence. I was intrigued immediately.
This book captures some of the same addictive qualities as other known fantasy/romance reads that make you want to keep turning the page. It absolutely hit the mark for me. I binge-read it in two evenings and immediately wanted the next installment. In fact, I ended up rereading it twice more, and somehow fell even harder for the story with each read.
The backstory unfolds gradually, revealing truths at just the right pace and kept me invested until the very end. Aloka was one of the more interesting aspects of this story for me. Having grown up sheltered and isolated from much of the world around her, she enters this new chapter of her life fiercely protective of her independence.
At times, I found her frustrating, particularly in the way she pushed back against Stark and the pack's elders when they tried to guide her or set boundaries and expectations. Though, given all that she had endured with her unconventional upbringing, isolation, and her emotional state at the beginning of the book. Those moments also felt true to her character and provided a good amount of push and pull. After a lifetime of having so little control over the circumstances shaping her life, it's understandable that she would fight to maintain her independence.
Beneath Aloka’s stubborn streak is unwavering loyalty and compassion that shines when it matters most. When faced with impossible choices, she doesn't hesitate to protect those around her, even at great personal risk, and that courage made me root for her despite my moments of frustration.
The final chapter left me with so many questions. I'm eager to see how the relationships, loyalties, and difficult choices made shape the next book.
If you love hidden identities, forced proximity, protective heroes with a touch-her-and-die energy, and fantasy romances that leave you counting down the days until the next book, Red is one to add to your TBR. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the Author, Izzy Barry, and BookSirens for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book captures some of the same addictive qualities as other known fantasy/romance reads that make you want to keep turning the page. It absolutely hit the mark for me. I binge-read it in two evenings and immediately wanted the next installment. In fact, I ended up rereading it twice more, and somehow fell even harder for the story with each read.
The backstory unfolds gradually, revealing truths at just the right pace and kept me invested until the very end. Aloka was one of the more interesting aspects of this story for me. Having grown up sheltered and isolated from much of the world around her, she enters this new chapter of her life fiercely protective of her independence.
At times, I found her frustrating, particularly in the way she pushed back against Stark and the pack's elders when they tried to guide her or set boundaries and expectations. Though, given all that she had endured with her unconventional upbringing, isolation, and her emotional state at the beginning of the book. Those moments also felt true to her character and provided a good amount of push and pull. After a lifetime of having so little control over the circumstances shaping her life, it's understandable that she would fight to maintain her independence.
Beneath Aloka’s stubborn streak is unwavering loyalty and compassion that shines when it matters most. When faced with impossible choices, she doesn't hesitate to protect those around her, even at great personal risk, and that courage made me root for her despite my moments of frustration.
The final chapter left me with so many questions. I'm eager to see how the relationships, loyalties, and difficult choices made shape the next book.
If you love hidden identities, forced proximity, protective heroes with a touch-her-and-die energy, and fantasy romances that leave you counting down the days until the next book, Red is one to add to your TBR. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the Author, Izzy Barry, and BookSirens for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, thank you to Northern Veil Press Ltd and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC ahead of its release on September 16, 2026. I’m so grateful to have experienced this story early!
I don’t know what Izzy Burns put in this book, but it completely ruined my plans to be a responsible adult. Every time I told myself “I’ll stop after this chapter” another mystery popped up, another secret surfaced and suddenly I was still reading hours later. My self control never stood a chance.
One of my favorite things about Red was Aloka. She’s stubborn, brave, guarded and honestly kept me guessing from beginning to end. I loved slowly learning who she really was instead of having everything handed to me right away. There were moments when I wanted to yell “Please stop making life harder for yourself!” but that’s also what made her feel so real. Her choices weren’t always easy, but they always felt true to her character.
Then we have Stark… and yes, I absolutely understand why everyone loves a protective book man. His chemistry with Aloka builds little by little, making every interaction feel meaningful. The romance takes its time, and I’m so glad it does because the slow burn made every tiny moment feel earned. Pratt also ended up becoming a character I really enjoyed getting to know as the story unfolded.
I also appreciated that the fantasy world never felt overwhelming. The author introduces the world, its secrets and the politics naturally, so I was never stuck reading pages of information before something happened. Instead, I felt like I was discovering everything alongside Aloka and it kept me completely invested.
The story balances mystery, fantasy, romance and emotional moments so well. Every answer seemed to lead to another question and I loved trying (and mostly failing) to figure everything out before the characters did. My theories were working overtime… and they were wrong more often than I’d like to admit.
If I had one small complaint, it’s simply that I wanted more time with these characters before the book ended. The ending is satisfying enough that I didn’t feel tortured by a huge cliffhanger, but it definitely left me excited to see where Aloka, Stark and everyone else go next.
Red was such an impressive debut. It gave me mystery, lovable characters, slow burn romance and enough emotional moments to keep me fully invested. If you enjoy fantasy romance with hidden secrets, found family, protective heroes and heroines who refuse to give up, I definitely think this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
I don’t know what Izzy Burns put in this book, but it completely ruined my plans to be a responsible adult. Every time I told myself “I’ll stop after this chapter” another mystery popped up, another secret surfaced and suddenly I was still reading hours later. My self control never stood a chance.
One of my favorite things about Red was Aloka. She’s stubborn, brave, guarded and honestly kept me guessing from beginning to end. I loved slowly learning who she really was instead of having everything handed to me right away. There were moments when I wanted to yell “Please stop making life harder for yourself!” but that’s also what made her feel so real. Her choices weren’t always easy, but they always felt true to her character.
Then we have Stark… and yes, I absolutely understand why everyone loves a protective book man. His chemistry with Aloka builds little by little, making every interaction feel meaningful. The romance takes its time, and I’m so glad it does because the slow burn made every tiny moment feel earned. Pratt also ended up becoming a character I really enjoyed getting to know as the story unfolded.
I also appreciated that the fantasy world never felt overwhelming. The author introduces the world, its secrets and the politics naturally, so I was never stuck reading pages of information before something happened. Instead, I felt like I was discovering everything alongside Aloka and it kept me completely invested.
The story balances mystery, fantasy, romance and emotional moments so well. Every answer seemed to lead to another question and I loved trying (and mostly failing) to figure everything out before the characters did. My theories were working overtime… and they were wrong more often than I’d like to admit.
If I had one small complaint, it’s simply that I wanted more time with these characters before the book ended. The ending is satisfying enough that I didn’t feel tortured by a huge cliffhanger, but it definitely left me excited to see where Aloka, Stark and everyone else go next.
Red was such an impressive debut. It gave me mystery, lovable characters, slow burn romance and enough emotional moments to keep me fully invested. If you enjoy fantasy romance with hidden secrets, found family, protective heroes and heroines who refuse to give up, I definitely think this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a debut! I genuinely devoured this book in one day, and honestly, that says everything. It has everything I look for in a good fantasy novel: tension, mystery, romance, and a world that keeps you completely hooked from start to finish. I was pulled in from the very first pages and didn’t want to leave.
Ratings
Spicy: 🌶️ 1/5
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5
Aloka was a complete mystery to me at the beginning of the book, and I loved that. You only get small fragments of information about her, which makes reading feel like solving a puzzle in your head. It keeps you alert and constantly guessing, because you never fully know what is going on or how a situation will unfold. Aloka is determined, brave, and unpredictable in the best way, which made her such an engaging heroine to follow.
As the story progresses, you slowly get to know her brother Pratt and Alpha Stark better. This development felt natural and well paced, and the relationships built gradually in a way that felt believable and never rushed. I really appreciated how the author gave the characters time to grow and allowed the connections between them to develop organically.
The book touches on deeper themes such as grief, being the outsider, and having to make impossible choices. These are not easy topics to write about, but Izzy handled them beautifully. The pacing supports these emotional layers really well and keeps the story balanced between action, character development, and world building.
I don’t want to spoil too much about the storyline, but I do want to highlight how refreshing the plot felt. At the beginning, I briefly thought this might follow a familiar fantasy pattern I had read before, just in a different setting. That idea disappeared within the first two chapters. The plot is original, well constructed, and clearly built with a lot of care and love. You can feel that this book was carefully thought out and crafted.
One thing I especially appreciated is that, even though this is part of a duology, the book does not end with a massive cliffhanger. The ending feels satisfying (for now) while still making you excited and curious for what comes next, which is honestly the perfect balance.
All in all, this was an impressive and addictive debut that I would absolutely recommend to fantasy readers. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book and dive back into this world.
Thanks a lot for letting me read your book!
Ratings
Spicy: 🌶️ 1/5
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5
Aloka was a complete mystery to me at the beginning of the book, and I loved that. You only get small fragments of information about her, which makes reading feel like solving a puzzle in your head. It keeps you alert and constantly guessing, because you never fully know what is going on or how a situation will unfold. Aloka is determined, brave, and unpredictable in the best way, which made her such an engaging heroine to follow.
As the story progresses, you slowly get to know her brother Pratt and Alpha Stark better. This development felt natural and well paced, and the relationships built gradually in a way that felt believable and never rushed. I really appreciated how the author gave the characters time to grow and allowed the connections between them to develop organically.
The book touches on deeper themes such as grief, being the outsider, and having to make impossible choices. These are not easy topics to write about, but Izzy handled them beautifully. The pacing supports these emotional layers really well and keeps the story balanced between action, character development, and world building.
I don’t want to spoil too much about the storyline, but I do want to highlight how refreshing the plot felt. At the beginning, I briefly thought this might follow a familiar fantasy pattern I had read before, just in a different setting. That idea disappeared within the first two chapters. The plot is original, well constructed, and clearly built with a lot of care and love. You can feel that this book was carefully thought out and crafted.
One thing I especially appreciated is that, even though this is part of a duology, the book does not end with a massive cliffhanger. The ending feels satisfying (for now) while still making you excited and curious for what comes next, which is honestly the perfect balance.
All in all, this was an impressive and addictive debut that I would absolutely recommend to fantasy readers. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book and dive back into this world.
Thanks a lot for letting me read your book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A solid werewolf shifter romance. I was fully anticipating this to end in cliffhanger but it refreshingly had a tidy sweet ending. We have hidden identity/mythical powers, alpha/pack politics, impending battle with humans, fated mates, humans and women are at the bottom of power.
Werewolves and humans exist under an understanding of not crossing boundaries, but an Uprising has set up camp along a border area and are picking off the wolves with plans to do more damage. A borther dies in the fire leaving his isolated sister alone but signed off to be under care of another cohorts Alpha. Elders rules are law and she isn't allowed to leave. Everyone believes her to be a useless weak human, most see her as a waste of time and sapce in their land. She helps where she can, and braves it out on a very dangerous niave mission to gain information, only to return back and be punished for disobeying. She believes the Alpha is mated and scolds herself for having any interest in the man. Only to realize she's been listening to lies the whole time.
My first frustration with the book is some of the feelings are told not shown (her interest in him; I get she's fighting it, I don't need the monologue "but I would never like him.") Some sentences were worded weird where I had to backtrack and reread to understand what was going on. Her niavety and recklessness didn't have consequences (there's the brief scene with the elders and maybe she almost died.. but how close was she really because that was over way too quick). Stark's niavety and refusing to be intimate because he thinks he's going to hurt her; if she says she can take it, believe her. I feel like the tension could have built up more before they accepted each other, it felt again too easy and too quick when that moment came and they just fell into eachothers arms. I need more angst. & more spice. I'd call this a new adult level, 1 spice.
Werewolves and humans exist under an understanding of not crossing boundaries, but an Uprising has set up camp along a border area and are picking off the wolves with plans to do more damage. A borther dies in the fire leaving his isolated sister alone but signed off to be under care of another cohorts Alpha. Elders rules are law and she isn't allowed to leave. Everyone believes her to be a useless weak human, most see her as a waste of time and sapce in their land. She helps where she can, and braves it out on a very dangerous niave mission to gain information, only to return back and be punished for disobeying. She believes the Alpha is mated and scolds herself for having any interest in the man. Only to realize she's been listening to lies the whole time.
My first frustration with the book is some of the feelings are told not shown (her interest in him; I get she's fighting it, I don't need the monologue "but I would never like him.") Some sentences were worded weird where I had to backtrack and reread to understand what was going on. Her niavety and recklessness didn't have consequences (there's the brief scene with the elders and maybe she almost died.. but how close was she really because that was over way too quick). Stark's niavety and refusing to be intimate because he thinks he's going to hurt her; if she says she can take it, believe her. I feel like the tension could have built up more before they accepted each other, it felt again too easy and too quick when that moment came and they just fell into eachothers arms. I need more angst. & more spice. I'd call this a new adult level, 1 spice.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐ rounded up. I received this book as an ARC and went in mostly blind. I'm so glad I did, because I had a great time and read it in about 24 hours.
In this story Aloka, the FMC has been hiding a big secret from her pack for years with the help of her brother, who has been killed at the beginning of the story. Aloka's packs feelings about her range from dislike to outright hatred, because she hasn't shifted and that make her too much like the humans they are in conflict with.
Aloka just wants to live alone in peace, but her brother saw to it before his death that she would be under the protection of another alpha--Stark Lamont--so she finds herself living in his house, where it is much harder to find her secret.
The story is primarily driven by the slow burn romantic tension between Stark and Alo, and boy is it steamy. It contains some of my favorite tropes as well. In the background but becoming more important as the story goes on are escalating tensions between the humans and the shifters, which has become more violent.
I was easily drawn in by Alo as a character and the plot, both the romantic and the human conflict side of it. This kept me turning page after page until I finished the book in the same day that I picked it up.
That said, there were some aspects of the driving conflict that didn't make sense to me or seemed inconsistent. I won't elaborate for spoiler reasons, but one vague example was how Ali refused to trust Stark when he does literally nothing in the story but prove himself to be trustworthy. The reason for her distrust is sort of there but not fully satisfying. I also don't buy that Stark wouldn't have figured out her secret long before he did. He's smart and she wasn't that sneaky.
That said, I obviously enjoyed this a lot. Looking forward to the continuation of this story in Book 2!
In this story Aloka, the FMC has been hiding a big secret from her pack for years with the help of her brother, who has been killed at the beginning of the story. Aloka's packs feelings about her range from dislike to outright hatred, because she hasn't shifted and that make her too much like the humans they are in conflict with.
Aloka just wants to live alone in peace, but her brother saw to it before his death that she would be under the protection of another alpha--Stark Lamont--so she finds herself living in his house, where it is much harder to find her secret.
The story is primarily driven by the slow burn romantic tension between Stark and Alo, and boy is it steamy. It contains some of my favorite tropes as well. In the background but becoming more important as the story goes on are escalating tensions between the humans and the shifters, which has become more violent.
I was easily drawn in by Alo as a character and the plot, both the romantic and the human conflict side of it. This kept me turning page after page until I finished the book in the same day that I picked it up.
That said, there were some aspects of the driving conflict that didn't make sense to me or seemed inconsistent. I won't elaborate for spoiler reasons, but one vague example was how Ali refused to trust Stark when he does literally nothing in the story but prove himself to be trustworthy. The reason for her distrust is sort of there but not fully satisfying. I also don't buy that Stark wouldn't have figured out her secret long before he did. He's smart and she wasn't that sneaky.
That said, I obviously enjoyed this a lot. Looking forward to the continuation of this story in Book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an honor to be a ARC reader for this book because WOW… this was such an incredible read.
I finished this in less than a day. I literally could not put it down. From the very beginning it just pulls you in and keeps you there. I honestly cannot believe this is a debut because it was written so well. Huge kudos because this book was amazing.
The FMC was such a standout for me. She is strong, determined, and carries so much emotional weight but still holds her ground in every situation. You really feel her drive, her pain, and her resilience. And the MMC… he is that perfect mix of grumpy, mysterious, protective, and soft underneath it all. Their dynamic together was everything. Watching their relationship slowly build and shift into something deeper was so satisfying.
The slow burn in this book was done so well. The tension, the looks, the small moments… it all added up in a way that kept me completely hooked. Their connection felt natural and emotional, not rushed, and it just kept getting better as the story went on.
I also really loved how easy this book was to get into. The world and plot were clear and engaging without feeling overwhelming or hard to follow. Everything flowed really well, and the pacing kept things moving without ever feeling dragged out.
The twists were so good too. I never felt like I could fully predict what was going to happen next, which made it even more exciting to read. It kept me on my toes the entire time.
Overall, this was such a strong, addictive read with amazing characters, great tension, and a story that keeps you fully invested. I loved the concept, I loved the execution, and I am already excited to see what comes next from this author.
I finished this in less than a day. I literally could not put it down. From the very beginning it just pulls you in and keeps you there. I honestly cannot believe this is a debut because it was written so well. Huge kudos because this book was amazing.
The FMC was such a standout for me. She is strong, determined, and carries so much emotional weight but still holds her ground in every situation. You really feel her drive, her pain, and her resilience. And the MMC… he is that perfect mix of grumpy, mysterious, protective, and soft underneath it all. Their dynamic together was everything. Watching their relationship slowly build and shift into something deeper was so satisfying.
The slow burn in this book was done so well. The tension, the looks, the small moments… it all added up in a way that kept me completely hooked. Their connection felt natural and emotional, not rushed, and it just kept getting better as the story went on.
I also really loved how easy this book was to get into. The world and plot were clear and engaging without feeling overwhelming or hard to follow. Everything flowed really well, and the pacing kept things moving without ever feeling dragged out.
The twists were so good too. I never felt like I could fully predict what was going to happen next, which made it even more exciting to read. It kept me on my toes the entire time.
Overall, this was such a strong, addictive read with amazing characters, great tension, and a story that keeps you fully invested. I loved the concept, I loved the execution, and I am already excited to see what comes next from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🐺 RED by Izzy Barry
Oh, I had FUN with this one.
I didn’t realise how much I missed a good werewolf story until Red threw me straight back into pack politics, secrets, forced proximity and an Alpha with serious protective tendencies. And apparently, this is still very much my weakness. 😂
Aloka was probably my favourite surprise. She’s grieving, stubborn, brave and hiding far more than anyone around her realises. I loved watching her slowly carve out a place for herself in a pack that doesn’t particularly want her there, while absolutely refusing to make herself smaller for anyone.
And then there’s Stark.
Protective. Moody. Alpha. Constantly trying to keep Aloka out of trouble while she consistently does the exact opposite.
Obviously I loved him. 😂🔥
But what really worked for me was their chemistry. This is a proper slow burn. The kind built on distrust, tension, tiny moments and that delicious feeling that something is happening long before either of them is willing to admit it. Nothing between them felt rushed, which made every little shift hit so much harder.
Add the pack dynamics, found family, hidden identity and the threat constantly simmering underneath everything, and I was completely invested.
My only tiny issue was the ending. After such a carefully built story, everything suddenly moved VERY quickly and I would have loved a little more time for those final events to breathe.
But honestly? I’m already invested in this world and these characters, and I absolutely need to know what happens next.
Also… give me more Stark. For research purposes, obviously. 🐺🔥
✨ Werewolf shifters
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Found family
✨ Slow burn
✨ Touch and die energy
✨ Pack politics
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, I had FUN with this one.
I didn’t realise how much I missed a good werewolf story until Red threw me straight back into pack politics, secrets, forced proximity and an Alpha with serious protective tendencies. And apparently, this is still very much my weakness. 😂
Aloka was probably my favourite surprise. She’s grieving, stubborn, brave and hiding far more than anyone around her realises. I loved watching her slowly carve out a place for herself in a pack that doesn’t particularly want her there, while absolutely refusing to make herself smaller for anyone.
And then there’s Stark.
Protective. Moody. Alpha. Constantly trying to keep Aloka out of trouble while she consistently does the exact opposite.
Obviously I loved him. 😂🔥
But what really worked for me was their chemistry. This is a proper slow burn. The kind built on distrust, tension, tiny moments and that delicious feeling that something is happening long before either of them is willing to admit it. Nothing between them felt rushed, which made every little shift hit so much harder.
Add the pack dynamics, found family, hidden identity and the threat constantly simmering underneath everything, and I was completely invested.
My only tiny issue was the ending. After such a carefully built story, everything suddenly moved VERY quickly and I would have loved a little more time for those final events to breathe.
But honestly? I’m already invested in this world and these characters, and I absolutely need to know what happens next.
Also… give me more Stark. For research purposes, obviously. 🐺🔥
✨ Werewolf shifters
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Found family
✨ Slow burn
✨ Touch and die energy
✨ Pack politics
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The perfect amount of sweet and chaotic!
I loved this book so much. There were tensions and threats from more than one source, lots of fun and unique characters, and interesting pack politics (this is a shifter fantasy romance).
Our MFC was hidden a good portion of her life from other pack members by her family because of what she really is. One day, her brother dies, and because he was her last living relative, she now has to live with another werewolf cohort since unmated pack members cannot live alone. This lands her in the MMC's household. He is the alpha that scares the elders the most, but he is also very caring and takes care of those who are under him, including the human girl who everyone in the pack hates because of what she is. Little did he know, he got way more than he could have ever imagined.
If you like high stakes, multiple tensions, slow burn, shifters, hidden Identity, pack politics, forced proximity, touch her and 💀, touch him and 💀, hidden abilities, fated mates & so much more, I highly recommend this book. If you like the pack politics of Moonlight Muse's werewolf books and the interspecies tensions of Bride by Ali Hazelwood, this book is a good middle ground for those.
Triggers include on-page explosions, death (both on page and off page), alcohol usage, graphic brutality, war, & a few others. The spice level is on the lower side for book 1, but the tension is heated.
I'm above and beyond excited for book 2! I'm ready to see the direction it will take.
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my review voluntarily. Thank you, Izzy Berry for the opportunity.
I loved this book so much. There were tensions and threats from more than one source, lots of fun and unique characters, and interesting pack politics (this is a shifter fantasy romance).
Our MFC was hidden a good portion of her life from other pack members by her family because of what she really is. One day, her brother dies, and because he was her last living relative, she now has to live with another werewolf cohort since unmated pack members cannot live alone. This lands her in the MMC's household. He is the alpha that scares the elders the most, but he is also very caring and takes care of those who are under him, including the human girl who everyone in the pack hates because of what she is. Little did he know, he got way more than he could have ever imagined.
If you like high stakes, multiple tensions, slow burn, shifters, hidden Identity, pack politics, forced proximity, touch her and 💀, touch him and 💀, hidden abilities, fated mates & so much more, I highly recommend this book. If you like the pack politics of Moonlight Muse's werewolf books and the interspecies tensions of Bride by Ali Hazelwood, this book is a good middle ground for those.
Triggers include on-page explosions, death (both on page and off page), alcohol usage, graphic brutality, war, & a few others. The spice level is on the lower side for book 1, but the tension is heated.
I'm above and beyond excited for book 2! I'm ready to see the direction it will take.
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my review voluntarily. Thank you, Izzy Berry for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such an unexpected five star read! From the very first pages, I completely fell in love with Aloka, Stark, and this captivating shifter world. Izzy's writing had me utterly hooked and I devoured this book in a single day because I simply couldn't put it down!
After the devastating loss of her older brother, Aloka is forced to move into Alpha Stark's home to honor his dying request. Having spent most of her life sheltered away from the rest of the pack, homeschooled and hidden from the world, she is suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar environment filled with new people, new challenges, and the need to navigate her unique differences on her own for the very first time. She insists she hates living under the Alpha's roof, but does she really?
Aloka was such a lovable heroine. My heart ached for her as she struggled to find her place in a world where she felt completely alone. Watching her slowly gain confidence, step out of her comfort zone, and build meaningful connections was incredibly rewarding. And Stark? I absolutely adored him. His fierce protectiveness, strength, and unwavering loyalty made him impossible not to love.
If you enjoy:
✨ Slow burn romance
🐺 Shifter werewolves
🏡 Forced proximity
⚡ Enemies to lovers
🔐 Secrets and mystery
👑 Powerful heroines
🛡️ Protective heroes
Then you need this book on your TBR!
I am already counting down the days until book two in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Northern Veil Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After the devastating loss of her older brother, Aloka is forced to move into Alpha Stark's home to honor his dying request. Having spent most of her life sheltered away from the rest of the pack, homeschooled and hidden from the world, she is suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar environment filled with new people, new challenges, and the need to navigate her unique differences on her own for the very first time. She insists she hates living under the Alpha's roof, but does she really?
Aloka was such a lovable heroine. My heart ached for her as she struggled to find her place in a world where she felt completely alone. Watching her slowly gain confidence, step out of her comfort zone, and build meaningful connections was incredibly rewarding. And Stark? I absolutely adored him. His fierce protectiveness, strength, and unwavering loyalty made him impossible not to love.
If you enjoy:
✨ Slow burn romance
🐺 Shifter werewolves
🏡 Forced proximity
⚡ Enemies to lovers
🔐 Secrets and mystery
👑 Powerful heroines
🛡️ Protective heroes
Then you need this book on your TBR!
I am already counting down the days until book two in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Northern Veil Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I didn’t love this story, unfortunately, and I truly wanted to. It has all of the tropes and themes that I love in a book, but I never felt that huge emotional connection to the story. Aloka, in my opinion, came across very immature for a 25 year old character. I would have guessed she was in high school had her age not been stated, just based on her reactions and thoughts and such. I don’t mind an emotional decision, but her decision making came across as unrealistic and just sort of didn’t make any sense at times, almost forced. The pacing was very slow, and I never felt like the book picked up, even in the scenes that were meant to be more tense. Something would happen and I’d have to go back to see if I missed something, but I didn’t, so it felt like certain things just all of a sudden happened and weren’t explained properly. It all felt very, just off, like things happening for the sake of drama, or illogical decisions made in a way that just didn’t make any sense. Unfortunately, this is a series I won’t be continuing, I really struggled just to finish it. I’m so appreciative to the author for the advanced copy and I’m really bummed I didn’t enjoy this. I think the myths and everything she has created in this world sound so amazing, but I had a really hard time ever getting invested in the story. I wish the author all the best, and I’m so so sorry that I didn’t love this, because, gosh, did I want to. I’ve been looking forward to this book for months. My Twihard heart was truly so excited to read this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a dark M/F wolf shifter romance with a slightly different take on wolf shifter legend. It has grief, trauma, banter, danger, growing emotions, life-altering secrets, a shady Council of Elders and still lots more to be discovered in the next installment of this duology.
The FMC Alorka is young, short and constantly being underestimated, but boy did she make the most of that. And the mouth on her was so snarky! I really got some good kicks out of her putting people in their places. Go girl!
And the moody, brooding, uber-duty-bound MMC Stark? Yes, he was a fun nut to crack and it seems even the aloof ones can get pissy and lose their tempers and their patience.
The dynamics between these two were fun to follow along with and the chemistry was definitely there, although it started out as a slow-burn.
Alorka is a woman of many secrets and keeping them has made her life incredibly difficult, but all she wants it to do what it best for the pack and the people (wolf shifters) she grew up with, all while keeping herself safe. And the lengths she will go to to do this are extreme and just go to show that you absolutely cannot judge a book by its cover.
And Stark? Well, he is a force to be reckoned with and will do anything to protect those under his care - including and especially Alorka.
There are some important found family members - especially Jocko - who offer support and help our MCs when they are being a bit dense ;)
The FMC Alorka is young, short and constantly being underestimated, but boy did she make the most of that. And the mouth on her was so snarky! I really got some good kicks out of her putting people in their places. Go girl!
And the moody, brooding, uber-duty-bound MMC Stark? Yes, he was a fun nut to crack and it seems even the aloof ones can get pissy and lose their tempers and their patience.
The dynamics between these two were fun to follow along with and the chemistry was definitely there, although it started out as a slow-burn.
Alorka is a woman of many secrets and keeping them has made her life incredibly difficult, but all she wants it to do what it best for the pack and the people (wolf shifters) she grew up with, all while keeping herself safe. And the lengths she will go to to do this are extreme and just go to show that you absolutely cannot judge a book by its cover.
And Stark? Well, he is a force to be reckoned with and will do anything to protect those under his care - including and especially Alorka.
There are some important found family members - especially Jocko - who offer support and help our MCs when they are being a bit dense ;)
Review of advance copy
An absolutely incredible debut novel! Thank you Izzy for being Aloka and Starks story to life.
Aloka has a secret. She’s special and unique, not just in her personality. She leads everyone to believe she is a weak human because she is smaller than the average shifter. She so brave. She puts her own life on the line to infiltrate the humans just to ensure the safety of a pack who reluctantly took her in and race that have essentially shunned her. Thats ballsy.
Stark is bold, arrogant, stubborn, ruthless, fair, as he any good Alpha should be. He puts the needs of his pack in high regard and will do whatever he deems necessary to keep them all safe.
Their dynamic is fantastic. They are both so obviously into each other but too stubborn to admit it. I loved how Stark just kept putting himself in her way. Alo wanted to run, her went with her, she wanted to read and research he got her books and rare texts
This is the perfect pack for her, Pratt was right to ask Stark to look after her. So many incredible characters, Jocko, Kiya, Mitus, Hudry are all wonderful in their own way. Nikki, I wanted to like her, but I just couldn’t. She was so mean and spiteful to Aloka and tried to force a relationship with Stark that just wasn’t there.
I do wish that she felt more confident that she could share her secret sooner. This would be the group that would have her back and supported her.
Aloka has a secret. She’s special and unique, not just in her personality. She leads everyone to believe she is a weak human because she is smaller than the average shifter. She so brave. She puts her own life on the line to infiltrate the humans just to ensure the safety of a pack who reluctantly took her in and race that have essentially shunned her. Thats ballsy.
Stark is bold, arrogant, stubborn, ruthless, fair, as he any good Alpha should be. He puts the needs of his pack in high regard and will do whatever he deems necessary to keep them all safe.
Their dynamic is fantastic. They are both so obviously into each other but too stubborn to admit it. I loved how Stark just kept putting himself in her way. Alo wanted to run, her went with her, she wanted to read and research he got her books and rare texts
This is the perfect pack for her, Pratt was right to ask Stark to look after her. So many incredible characters, Jocko, Kiya, Mitus, Hudry are all wonderful in their own way. Nikki, I wanted to like her, but I just couldn’t. She was so mean and spiteful to Aloka and tried to force a relationship with Stark that just wasn’t there.
I do wish that she felt more confident that she could share her secret sooner. This would be the group that would have her back and supported her.
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