Virtually Guarded: Virtual Haven Pack 1

by Karenna Colcroft

Genres: Shapeshifters

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2026

About the author

Karenna Colcroft is a mother, wife, partner, and former teacher who began writing romance and erotic romance in 2006. After a few years' hiatus, she returned in 2022 to rerelease some previously-published works and bring new stories, primarily paranormal romance, to her readers.

Karenna has previously written both heterosexual romance and male/male. As of January 2023 she is focusing solely on male/male romance.

Karenna is a polyamorous nonbinary human who kinda stinks at writing bios on websites like this but does her best.

Reviews

[megan]

I was HYPE for a trans wolf shifter romance but where is the romance?? I’m 40% in and it’s all politics and pack dynamics and yes we’re fated mates but let’s just be friends with zero chemistry instead. 💔😢

The idea of a trans man getting turned into a werewolf and then outed when he shifts back into a human was so unique and interesting that I desperately wanted to love this but it’s just so dry. I’m also not really sure what the plot is… at 40% in. Maybe if you’ve read her other series it makes more sense but this is book 1 of a new series so I feel like I shouldn’t have to read 10+ other books to enjoy it. Idk big disappointment for me.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren Torres is a new werewolf and not liking it at all. He has had to run from his pack when his shift reveals he is transgender. Members of his new pack beat him, unable to accept a trans. Ren is on the run now to the home of the Anax, looking for help and sanctuary. Xavier Pelly is one of the guards for the Anax. Ren arrives when they are preparing for the gathering of the werewolf leaders. Now Xavier has a lot more on his plate. He recognizes that Ren is his fated mate. Amidst all the issues the gathering brings, the two need to explore the emotional connection that Xavier needs as well as the safety issues Ren needs.

Karenna Colcroft brings such amazing depth to her stories. She brought to life a vegan werewolf and now she adds a trans werewolf. Ren will surely touch your heart as he struggles with so many unexpected changes in his life, leaving him to doubt himself and every other aspect of his life. One thing he is sure of is helping develop Virtual Have, an online help for LGBTQ+ werewolves. Xavier is perfect for Ren. He is willing to give time and distance to Ren as he adjusts. It also gives him the time he needs to develop an emotional connection with Ren. The plot is revealed slowly with tension building in so many ways, designed to keep us reading past our bedtimes. Great plots, and unique, loveable characters make this one a story for our keeper shelves.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren never thought he'd have to run away from his pack and seek sanctuary with the Anax, ruler of all werewolves in the United States, after being assaulted after his first shift as a new werewolf to himan revealed him as a teansgender man. What he also never thought was that by doing this he'd find his mate as the annual gathering of the U.S wolf leaders is underway. But when he gets there and meets Xavier, the Anax's guard, and Xaiver right off that bat recognizes Ren as his mate. But he also recognizes that he's been through such a hard time and he doesn't want to push so he offers his support and care and slowly gains Ren's trust. It may have taken a bit but Xavier was more than understanding and gave Ren the feeling of safety, acceptance and the emotional connection Ren needed which gave him a place with the Anax and the courage and confidence to create Virtual Haven, an online support group for LGBTQ+ werewolves. But sadly, Ren's past comes back to haunt him only this time he isn't alone and Xavier isn't just going to sit back while someone comes after his mate or standing by and letting Ren run away as to not cause him problems. He's in it for the long haul and is ready to fight for his man so Ren can fight for the life he made. This was my first book by this author but I'll definitely be reading more from them.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Virtually Guarded is the first story in a new series called Virtual Haven Pack from Karenna Colcroft. It’s set in the same universe as the Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat (RWDEM) series and the events almost entirely coincide with the last book in that series, Figs Till the End. This book, however, rarely shares the spotlight with the main couple from RWDEM and only sparingly goes into details of this shifter universe. While there are a lot of “cameos” from characters in other series in this world, I didn’t feel like any of them detracted or distracted from what was going on between Ren and Xavier.

Fans of Colcroft’s other shifter series are sure to enjoy this. If you’re unfamiliar with this shifter world, I think Virtually Guarded works well enough as a standalone (though I could not speak for any future installments). Or if you’re looking for a story that explores queer relationships through a trans lens or with a demisexual love interest, this may be perfect for you.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren and Xavier and the continuing story

This book is the beginning of a new series, but it also is a continuation of the story of the packs of werewolves of the US and Canada. You don’t have to have read the other books, but it will help and they are great. It is focused on Ren, who has been recently and accidentally turned into a werewolf and is also a trans man. He meets Xavier who is a guard for the head of the US wolves.
I thought it was very clever how Karenna Colcroft deals with the trans issue by having Ren present as female as human and male as a wolf. It gives depth to the idea of the various sides of you not meeting up. I did find that the story lagged at times and Ren started to annoy me with how indecisive he was about whether he wanted a mate or not. I think that too much of that decision was based on him being trans and it felt like the way he thought about it tended to be the same ideas over and over.
Aside from that issue it’s a great addition to this world of Ms Colcroft’s and has lots of excitement with various storylines going on at the same time. It was interesting to see the same events from the previous book, but from a different point of view.

[KB · Rating 2 out of 5]

I took a chance on an ARC by a new-to-me author from GRR. It’s an interesting premise: young homeless man inadvertently turned into a more-classic-style werewolf (as opposed to wolf shifter).

The positives: Kyle IMO was the best part of this story. Ren’s being transgender was handled with a delicate hand and empathy.

I was surprised, however, just disjointed and amateurish the writing seemed, especially given the number of titles attributed to this author. (FWIW, I gave up counting around 40 titles…)

What little we’re given of our homeless man, Ren’s backstory is insufficient to make sense of his erratic and capricious moods. The rapid mood shifts were confusing and unsettling, especially the sudden shift in his demeanor from the hunt house to the city house. It’s not sufficiently explained.

Next, in the ARC around the 76% mark, there was a random line that, while it pertains to the overall scene, is completely disconnected from both the preceding and following text. It’s almost as if it is the straggler of some tangent left behind by sloppy editing.

Everything about this story feels rushed and slapdash. It feels that, given the volume of work Colcroft puts out, they seem to focus on the quantity of their work, not its quality.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ren and Xavier’s story. I think I may have read one of the books in this series some time ago, but I read this without being aware of it at first. Ren has had such a hard life up to this point that he doesn’t trust safety and forever easily. Xavier aches to take away than hurt and distrust, but he does the only thing he can do. He shows up. He stands faithful. He is present and he cares, which is more than Ren has ever had in his life. My heart broke for these two. I enjoyed these characters. I may have to go back and read the original series. It’s a different take on werewolf stories. It didn’t hurt that there was trans rep here, even if the way it was written made me cringe a little every now and then. There still needs to be more representation in books. Ren’s story isn’t indicative of all stories and is only meant to show how they have survived, not anyone else.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren’s story was emotional and heartbreaking at times, but I really loved seeing him finally find a place where he could feel safe and accepted. After everything he had been through, his connection with Xavier felt especially meaningful, and I appreciated how patient Xavier was while Ren learned to trust him.

I also really liked the Virtual Haven storyline and the idea of creating a supportive community for LGBTQ+ werewolves. There’s plenty happening alongside the romance, with danger, pack politics and Ren’s past continuing to catch up with him.

The story does deal with some difficult subjects, but ultimately I found it a hopeful and heartfelt romance about finding acceptance, belonging and someone who sees you exactly as you are. Looking forward to the next one!

I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.

[SecretT · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. It was a re-telling of how Ren came to be with the pack; which was detailed at the end of the previous series. It took a while to get to the actual story as so much time was committed to the backstory. While I understand the need to do this for readers who haven't read the previous series, for those of us who have read this portion, it was a bit disappointing. I don't really believe I learned anything new from the character. There wasn't a lot of 'relationship' in this one. Understanding what one MC had gone through, the 'understanding' of what a fated mate is did not come through in this one.

I expected something more substantial but that's just me. Maybe it will develop and get better as it moves along.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren is having a hard time as this story opens. Dealing with his first shift and being preyed upon by the pack that changed him because he is transgender, he is on the run to find someone that he hopes will offer some protection. He is journeying towards the Anax, who rules all werewolves in America in hopes that what he seeks is there. And it turns out that he is. Xavier is the Anax's guard and it turns out that he recognizes Ren as his mate. Xavier recognizes and respects Ren's wariness and realizes that although he wants to help he will need to handle Ren with care. Although it takes time Xavier's approach pays dividends over time and helps this pair to get where they need to be.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren has a supremely unique problem. It gets him beaten but his escape takes him to the estate of the Anax, the most powerful werewolf in the United States. Under The protection of the Anax And especially one of his guards Xavier, Ren tries to come to terms with his new life and what it all means. He doesn't expect anyone to accept him for who he is and Zavier is so patient. The romance has a very slow burn because of how each character is portrayed. It's written with special care of each characters preferences. I did read the book where Ren turned up at the hunting lodge/meeting place some time ago and this fit perfectly after that story! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in a new series! I am so excited!
I really enjoyed getting more stories in the Real Werewolves Don't Eat Meat series. And getting to meet new characters and all.
If this book is any indication this will be a great series.
As in the other books the characters are intriging, the story very interesting, some good plot twists, and humor and heat. My idea of a perfect blend.
I cant wait for more.
This is Ren we meet in last of the Real Werewolves book and Xavier one of Tobias' guards.
This one also is a good trans rep. I felt it very informative and opens your eyes to others feelings and needs.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensitively handled!!! Ren, assaulted threated flees injured and terrified seeking sanctuary. He finds his way to the Anax, the ruler of all werewolves in America. The Anax, and their guard guard, Xavier travel to the site of the annual gathering. Xavier recognizes Ren as his fated mate. Ren, has some heavy baggage and trust issues from his past trauma. Xavier, provides comfort, care and shows patience while journeying with Ren toward healing and trusting their relationship. Karenna, shows love and sensitivity working through Ren's trauma and how Xavier is absolutely supportive in making him feel safe adn loved. Well done!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author does another amazing job giving us a shifter wolf we don't see in other books with Ren. I was so invested in seeing what decisions Ren would make about the future, Xavier, the past and this new pack. I loved how wonderfully protective and supportive Xavier was and was rooting for their relationship all the way. I'd give this one more stars if I could, for all the detail about the packs, the politics, the organizations and the world building the author has given us here. As one who can never get enough of the nitty gritty even in a romance this was right up my alley.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren is a newly transformed werewolf, after his first shift he is assaulted for being transgender. He runs the pack to seek sanctuary with the Anax, ruler of all werewolves. What he didn't expect was to be welcomed into the Anax's pack & meeting Xavier, the guard for the Anax. Not knowing much about the life of Werewolves, he learns Xavier is his fated mate. Low to medium angst, well written HEA. I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren ran from the only pack he knew after a brutal attack exposed him as a transgender man. Now desperate for sanctuary, he arrives at the Anax’s home—and straight into the path of Xavier, the guard who instantly recognizes Ren as his fated mate.

Danger is closing in, trust doesn’t come easily, and Xavier will have to fight like hell to keep Ren safe. Dark, emotional, protective, and packed with tension. This one hurt—in the best way.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars ~ I enjoyed this although I think the author might be wrong in telling people they don’t need to have read ‘Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat’ series in order to start this series. IMO, they’re just too intertwined.
Excluding that, this is an emotion packed story and it was interesting to see “werewolf-ism” from the perspective of a brand new wolf. Xavier and Ren are good together. There was a lot of predictability which I wasn’t thrilled about, but all in all a good story.

[jack]

dropped at 37%. i had high hopes for this one since it ticks off a lot of my boxes, but I just prefer it when trans characters have any sort of personality outside of being trans or having trauma. i also prefer it when couples have chemistry outside of “due to circumstances my brain is making me want to bone you” but idk i’m more lenient with that since its an established trope in this genre

[smatchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok, but I didn’t love Ren’s character most of the time. I get he had trauma, but at times it felt like he was mad at Xavier for…? Loving him? Accepting him? Being a werewolf? I do think it was more of a “I know you’re going to reject me so I’ll do it first” thing. I just don’t like it when characters are mean to each other for no reason.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was attacked by his pack members when they discover his is a transgender male and left for dead. He will find a new pack and slowly finds a place there when they arrive. They know he is his mate and things start to change until his old pack finds him again. See how it all goes for them both

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is book in the virtual haven pack series.
This shifter book was awesome. The characters and plot were absolutely on point.
I really loved everything about the book and can't wait to see how the series continues.

[Adoraboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was ok, I expected more though