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Hidden Wolves #0.7
All These Years
Lee
My life changed one hot summer evening in 1935— two young men trying to prove werewolves really could get drunk, a kiss that felt perfect and inevitable, then a painful morning after— but that night's twenty-five years in my rearview mirror. I've been to war in Europe, returned alone, and built a satisfying life among humans. So now, in my forties, the mere scent of Micah Crue in the sheriff's office shouldn't make my heart leap and my breath come short. Except I still can't control how I feel.
Micah's here, in my little town of Highcrest, Wyoming. Locked in the single jail cell for vagrancy, or maybe just not being white enough for the local sheriff. I can't walk away, even if Micah regrets that summer night so long ago.
Micah
It's been decades since I saw Lee… Pierce. He's changed his name, changed a lot since we were both twenty and joined at the hip. After my wedding to Janet, Lee left our pack and vanished into the big world. My life went on, with love and pack runs, divorce and service overseas, wins and losses. But a few days ago, as I worked a photo assignment in Yellowstone, something pulled me south. Like a cord, tugging at my insides.
I had no idea the other end of that cord was my oldest friend. Any pack bond with Lee was lost when our Alpha died. But I've missed my best friend for half my life, and I really want to fix whatever went wrong between us, whatever made him mad at me that I don't even remember.
All These Years is a second-chances, Hidden Wolves prequel novella, set in 1960 before wolves even considered coming out, with two solitary men finding their way back to each other.
My life changed one hot summer evening in 1935— two young men trying to prove werewolves really could get drunk, a kiss that felt perfect and inevitable, then a painful morning after— but that night's twenty-five years in my rearview mirror. I've been to war in Europe, returned alone, and built a satisfying life among humans. So now, in my forties, the mere scent of Micah Crue in the sheriff's office shouldn't make my heart leap and my breath come short. Except I still can't control how I feel.
Micah's here, in my little town of Highcrest, Wyoming. Locked in the single jail cell for vagrancy, or maybe just not being white enough for the local sheriff. I can't walk away, even if Micah regrets that summer night so long ago.
Micah
It's been decades since I saw Lee… Pierce. He's changed his name, changed a lot since we were both twenty and joined at the hip. After my wedding to Janet, Lee left our pack and vanished into the big world. My life went on, with love and pack runs, divorce and service overseas, wins and losses. But a few days ago, as I worked a photo assignment in Yellowstone, something pulled me south. Like a cord, tugging at my insides.
I had no idea the other end of that cord was my oldest friend. Any pack bond with Lee was lost when our Alpha died. But I've missed my best friend for half my life, and I really want to fix whatever went wrong between us, whatever made him mad at me that I don't even remember.
All These Years is a second-chances, Hidden Wolves prequel novella, set in 1960 before wolves even considered coming out, with two solitary men finding their way back to each other.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2026
About the author
Kaje Harper
99 books2,770 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 9, 2026
Lovely addition to the Hidden Wolves series.
A sort of second chance romance, but unique and handled in a way that worked well for me. Set in ~1960 with the prejudices and dangers for LGBTQ folks at the time plus the added danger that wolf shifters kill them outright “to protect the pack.” 😡 Fated-mates sensibility, though it’s more a biological draw than magical.
Former best friends of 20 years ago are reunited in the small town one fled to/wound up in all that time ago, when the other the other is arrested nearby for vagrancy.
Lee loved his best friend Micah but knew he had to hide it. After a drunken hookup that Micah ignored/doesn’t acknowledge, Lee’s hopes were crushed for good. When Micah married, Lee left the pack and became a lone wolf for decades.
Having Micah with him again is a chance to rebuild the friendship he missed….
Very lovely bi-awakening for Micah as he is given into Lee’s custody by the blusteting sheriff to work (aka not be vagrant), and stays with him. Seeing them get to know each other now and develop a new connection that simmers into more, much to Lee’s surprise and Micah’s astonished delight, was rewarding and fun to read.
There’s some intrigue, with rescuing Lee’s abused neighbor and getting one over on local law enforcement, adding a layer to the plot. I enjoyed how it worked out, unlikely as it was. Just go with it.
The author’s mature heroes never fail to deliver terrific communication and mature reactions, with natural tension that doesn’t stem from annoying devices. I liked these two together a lot, especially the way they worked out a future that accommodated them both. And if Micah’s ease of accepting his attraction to Lee now is a bit fast? Oh well. I had a good time!
HEA. Wolf shifters and forbidden lovers, for both who they are and the time period. No present OP action or drama; Micah married and divorced a woman in the past without realizing how Lee felt about him. Safe for me. Recommended, as is this terrific series.
A sort of second chance romance, but unique and handled in a way that worked well for me. Set in ~1960 with the prejudices and dangers for LGBTQ folks at the time plus the added danger that wolf shifters kill them outright “to protect the pack.” 😡 Fated-mates sensibility, though it’s more a biological draw than magical.
Former best friends of 20 years ago are reunited in the small town one fled to/wound up in all that time ago, when the other the other is arrested nearby for vagrancy.
Lee loved his best friend Micah but knew he had to hide it. After a drunken hookup that Micah ignored/doesn’t acknowledge, Lee’s hopes were crushed for good. When Micah married, Lee left the pack and became a lone wolf for decades.
Having Micah with him again is a chance to rebuild the friendship he missed….
Very lovely bi-awakening for Micah as he is given into Lee’s custody by the blusteting sheriff to work (aka not be vagrant), and stays with him. Seeing them get to know each other now and develop a new connection that simmers into more, much to Lee’s surprise and Micah’s astonished delight, was rewarding and fun to read.
There’s some intrigue, with rescuing Lee’s abused neighbor and getting one over on local law enforcement, adding a layer to the plot. I enjoyed how it worked out, unlikely as it was. Just go with it.
The author’s mature heroes never fail to deliver terrific communication and mature reactions, with natural tension that doesn’t stem from annoying devices. I liked these two together a lot, especially the way they worked out a future that accommodated them both. And if Micah’s ease of accepting his attraction to Lee now is a bit fast? Oh well. I had a good time!
HEA. Wolf shifters and forbidden lovers, for both who they are and the time period. No present OP action or drama; Micah married and divorced a woman in the past without realizing how Lee felt about him. Safe for me. Recommended, as is this terrific series.
August 7, 2026
This was a lovely treat to read while I wait for Rick's book. I'm so excited about that one and the BR that will come out of it!
This author always manages to hook me with only a few words, and this time it wasn't different, despite this being quite short and using a plot device, miscommunication, that I usually don't like. But it was so well done that it didn't even register at first. It was believable for the characters, the time and the situation they were into. And both main characters were much more than that miscommunication mishap. So, in the end, things worked out.
This book is set in a time before the wolves came out to humanity, so it was heartbreaking to see them navigate their secrets and the society of the time. All the unfairness and bigotry going on in that small town was suffocating. But I think showing that is more necessary than ever because sadly we seem like we're moving towards that kind of behaviour again. We don't learn...
This author always manages to hook me with only a few words, and this time it wasn't different, despite this being quite short and using a plot device, miscommunication, that I usually don't like. But it was so well done that it didn't even register at first. It was believable for the characters, the time and the situation they were into. And both main characters were much more than that miscommunication mishap. So, in the end, things worked out.
This book is set in a time before the wolves came out to humanity, so it was heartbreaking to see them navigate their secrets and the society of the time. All the unfairness and bigotry going on in that small town was suffocating. But I think showing that is more necessary than ever because sadly we seem like we're moving towards that kind of behaviour again. We don't learn...
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July 25, 2026Now available wide - https://books2read.com/AllTheseYearsKaje
Want to Read
November 1, 2026thank you for the gift, Early Elfing!
August 9, 2026
Another glimpse in the Hidden Wolves universe, this time set in 1960. Lee and Micah’s story has a bit of a second-chance flavor to it, even though they were never really together. Best friends since they were born, they
Technically, this book relies on the misunderstanding trope, but I didn’t even notice until I was almost done with it, because it’s executed really well and in a very realistic and not frustrating way, which in my experience is very rare with that narrative device. As usual with this series, there’s not a one-fit-all kind of dynamic and relationship. Lee and Micah find a way to be together that’s compatible with their different personalities and desires and with the time they live in.
I also appreciated that both Chuck and the sheriff
I liked this and I’ll never tire of new stories in this universe not directly linked to the main series, but now that we’ve been promised Rick’s book, I can’t deny that I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for that one.
Technically, this book relies on the misunderstanding trope, but I didn’t even notice until I was almost done with it, because it’s executed really well and in a very realistic and not frustrating way, which in my experience is very rare with that narrative device. As usual with this series, there’s not a one-fit-all kind of dynamic and relationship. Lee and Micah find a way to be together that’s compatible with their different personalities and desires and with the time they live in.
I also appreciated that both Chuck and the sheriff
I liked this and I’ll never tire of new stories in this universe not directly linked to the main series, but now that we’ve been promised Rick’s book, I can’t deny that I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for that one.
August 14, 2026
Dipping my toe back into the waters of Kaje Harper’s
Hidden Wolves
series with a new novella, All These Years, which is set in the 1960s, years before the events of
Unacceptable Risk includes Unsettled Interlude
. It’s an emotional second-chance romance between two men – now in their forties - who were childhood besties until some drunken fumblings changed their friendship irrevocably.
Lee Pierce and Micah Crue were inseparable all their lives, until one night, when they were twenty and very drunk (in some crazy-ass plan to see if werewolves could get drunk!), exploratory kisses turned into a blowjob followed by passing out. When they woke up, tangled together the next morning, Micah didn’t speak about what happened at all, which Lee interpreted as rejection. Not long afterwards, Micah started dating Janet and then married her less than a year later, it cemented the fracture between them (even though the marriage didn’t last). Lee left the pack and went to serve in the war in Europe.
Lee never returned to the pack he and Micah grew up in and has been very much a lone wolf for a long time. After the war, he returned to the US to settle in small-town Wyoming, where he now runs his own odd-job/handyman business. When the book begins, he’s talking with the local sheriff when he’s suddenly assailed by a very familiar scent, albeit one he hasn’t smelled for over two decades. He can’t quite believe it could be Micah after all this time – but it is. Micah has been arrested for vagrancy (he’s not living rough; he’s a nature photographer and some bone-head deputy decided his dishevelled appearance and the colour of his skin (Micah is mixed-race) made him a vagrant), and Lee offers to take him off the sheriff’s hands; he has a day or two’s work for him and will make sure he’s kept off the streets.
All These Years is quite short, but the author packs a lot of relationship and character development into the smaller page-count. The characters are likeable and three-dimensional, and the second chance romance is very well done, showing these two men rebuilding their connection without any over-reliance on what they were to each other before. (One trap second-change romances can fall into is to fail to adequately develop the rekindled romance and expect readers to buy it simply because the characters were in love before.) Lee is a nice guy, but he’s lonely – he’s made his peace with being packless, but would nonetheless like someone to share his life with. Micah is a little harder to sympathise with once we learn the reason his and Lee’s relationship broke down, because I found it just a little hard to credit that he didn’t remember what they’d done together (maybe because I’ve never been that drunk!) so it sometimes feels as though he’s deliberately twisting the knife. It takes a while for them to be able to communicate properly and for Micah to realise that he’s deliberately buried the memory of what happened between them that night – but the bi-awakening part of the story is handled fairly well, with Micah realising that if he wants Lee to remain in his life, he’ll have to step up, admit to himself how he feels and what he wants - and make sure Lee knows it, too.
The Big Mis in romance gets a lot of flack – mostly because it’s often so poorly executed – but the fact that Micah and Lee’s relationship fell apart because of a serious miscommunication wasn’t something that even registered with me until later because it felt so right for who these people are and for the time period. Being gay is still illegal in 1960, and wolf society is still violently homophobic, killing gay wolves because they are seen as a liability (and worse), so Lee and Micah are up against the tenets of the society they were brought up in as well as those of society as a whole and, in Micah’s case, his own preconceptions about himself and his feelings for Lee. The way things end up for them, again, feels very true to character and right for the time period.
All These Years doesn’t have quite the sense of imminent threat to it that the other books I’ve read in this series have – it’s there, but in a slightly different way, as Lee and Micah aren’t in danger from wolves but could still face arrest, not to mention prejudice and ostracism, if they’re outed. My only real niggle is that Micah comes to accept his attraction to Lee a bit quickly given how strongly he’s resisted it, but otherwise, this is an emotionally satisfying romance with an appropriately period feel, a small but well-rounded secondary cast, and an interesting sub-plot. Recommended.
Lee Pierce and Micah Crue were inseparable all their lives, until one night, when they were twenty and very drunk (in some crazy-ass plan to see if werewolves could get drunk!), exploratory kisses turned into a blowjob followed by passing out. When they woke up, tangled together the next morning, Micah didn’t speak about what happened at all, which Lee interpreted as rejection. Not long afterwards, Micah started dating Janet and then married her less than a year later, it cemented the fracture between them (even though the marriage didn’t last). Lee left the pack and went to serve in the war in Europe.
Lee never returned to the pack he and Micah grew up in and has been very much a lone wolf for a long time. After the war, he returned to the US to settle in small-town Wyoming, where he now runs his own odd-job/handyman business. When the book begins, he’s talking with the local sheriff when he’s suddenly assailed by a very familiar scent, albeit one he hasn’t smelled for over two decades. He can’t quite believe it could be Micah after all this time – but it is. Micah has been arrested for vagrancy (he’s not living rough; he’s a nature photographer and some bone-head deputy decided his dishevelled appearance and the colour of his skin (Micah is mixed-race) made him a vagrant), and Lee offers to take him off the sheriff’s hands; he has a day or two’s work for him and will make sure he’s kept off the streets.
All These Years is quite short, but the author packs a lot of relationship and character development into the smaller page-count. The characters are likeable and three-dimensional, and the second chance romance is very well done, showing these two men rebuilding their connection without any over-reliance on what they were to each other before. (One trap second-change romances can fall into is to fail to adequately develop the rekindled romance and expect readers to buy it simply because the characters were in love before.) Lee is a nice guy, but he’s lonely – he’s made his peace with being packless, but would nonetheless like someone to share his life with. Micah is a little harder to sympathise with once we learn the reason his and Lee’s relationship broke down, because I found it just a little hard to credit that he didn’t remember what they’d done together (maybe because I’ve never been that drunk!) so it sometimes feels as though he’s deliberately twisting the knife. It takes a while for them to be able to communicate properly and for Micah to realise that he’s deliberately buried the memory of what happened between them that night – but the bi-awakening part of the story is handled fairly well, with Micah realising that if he wants Lee to remain in his life, he’ll have to step up, admit to himself how he feels and what he wants - and make sure Lee knows it, too.
The Big Mis in romance gets a lot of flack – mostly because it’s often so poorly executed – but the fact that Micah and Lee’s relationship fell apart because of a serious miscommunication wasn’t something that even registered with me until later because it felt so right for who these people are and for the time period. Being gay is still illegal in 1960, and wolf society is still violently homophobic, killing gay wolves because they are seen as a liability (and worse), so Lee and Micah are up against the tenets of the society they were brought up in as well as those of society as a whole and, in Micah’s case, his own preconceptions about himself and his feelings for Lee. The way things end up for them, again, feels very true to character and right for the time period.
All These Years doesn’t have quite the sense of imminent threat to it that the other books I’ve read in this series have – it’s there, but in a slightly different way, as Lee and Micah aren’t in danger from wolves but could still face arrest, not to mention prejudice and ostracism, if they’re outed. My only real niggle is that Micah comes to accept his attraction to Lee a bit quickly given how strongly he’s resisted it, but otherwise, this is an emotionally satisfying romance with an appropriately period feel, a small but well-rounded secondary cast, and an interesting sub-plot. Recommended.
July 29, 2026
Reread 10/10/26 -- just as good the second time!
August 12, 2026
It was okay. Not the the standout one from Harper. I mean, it was nice that Micah and Lee met again after twenty five years. But apparently, they remembered different things back then, and there was also another case with an abused woman who seemed to take another chunk of the plot from these two...
... and a bit too heavily on the sex for me *shrugs*. I mean, I prefer the connection of the soul/mind rather than establishing it through physical.
By the way, while I am happy to return to the Hidden Wolves universe, but it was rather boring to get back to the situation where the werewolves had to hide themselves. While it did add certain tense to it, but what's the point of taking them all out in the original series, if we don't get to see what happen afterwards
... and a bit too heavily on the sex for me *shrugs*. I mean, I prefer the connection of the soul/mind rather than establishing it through physical.
By the way, while I am happy to return to the Hidden Wolves universe, but it was rather boring to get back to the situation where the werewolves had to hide themselves. While it did add certain tense to it, but what's the point of taking them all out in the original series, if we don't get to see what happen afterwards
July 31, 2026
I'm over the prequels. Let's see how they're doing after being outed!
This was basically a "nothing burger" I ended up skimming.
This was basically a "nothing burger" I ended up skimming.
Review of advance copy
4-⭐
These extra stories in Hidden Wolves universe have all been lovely but not quite on par with the best main titles. They are standalone, but I would still recommend starting from book 1, as it's a great introduction to this world, and knowing more about the major plotline most likely will enhance the complimenting stories.
This had lovely pining and angst, with friends reconnecting after 25 years. The romance was quite lovely and it answered one central question that had not been confirmed in the other books.
But like almost every book in this series, the angst is not all about the main relationship. There's the double whammy of homophobia, one from the human society and the other from wolf packs. The humans aren't too happy about POC or women's rights either. The non-romantic plotline revolves around the domestic abuse of a neighbourhood woman, which was dealt with a quite satisfying manner.
It was interesting and enjoyable, a bit better than "nice", but like I said, doesn't really compare to my favourites from the main series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These extra stories in Hidden Wolves universe have all been lovely but not quite on par with the best main titles. They are standalone, but I would still recommend starting from book 1, as it's a great introduction to this world, and knowing more about the major plotline most likely will enhance the complimenting stories.
This had lovely pining and angst, with friends reconnecting after 25 years. The romance was quite lovely and it answered one central question that had not been confirmed in the other books.
But like almost every book in this series, the angst is not all about the main relationship. There's the double whammy of homophobia, one from the human society and the other from wolf packs. The humans aren't too happy about POC or women's rights either. The non-romantic plotline revolves around the domestic abuse of a neighbourhood woman, which was dealt with a quite satisfying manner.
It was interesting and enjoyable, a bit better than "nice", but like I said, doesn't really compare to my favourites from the main series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2026
A touching reunion
I haven’t read all of Kaje’s wolves books – an oversight I intend to rectify. When I was able to get a hold of this one, however, I dove in. So for readers who haven’t gone into this territory before – have no fear! You’ll be fine…
Lee is a loveable guy. He left his pack and forged his own path by fighting in Europe. He came home and settled in a small town. He apprenticed with a handyman and then bought the business when the guy retired. Living alone and keeping to himself is one thing – being accused of flirting with his neighbor’s wife is something else entirely. Especially because he’s gay and not interested in trouble. When he’s brought down the sheriff’s office, though, he scents someone he’s not seen in decades. His first love. Micah.
Micah, for his part, wasn’t certain why he was drawn to this corner of Wyoming. He fought in the Pacific and has been wandering ever since with his trusty camera. When he comes face to face with Lee, though, things become clear. The men reacquaint themselves but it’s tenuous. Both have secrets. Both can’t read the other one’s mind. And sure, running like a pack in fur is amazing – but is it enough to build a life?
Revelations come. Hearts open. Minds expand. Suddenly what was always impossible now has a tendril of the potential. Then they’re called to step up and held someone in distress. Risking their very lives. They’re honorable men, so of course they’ll do it. But that act leads to something they didn’t expect.
I loved this story. Kaje makes me feel things deep in my soul. The longing. The joy. The pain. The triumph. The need to connect with someone. Seeing Lee and Micah together brought me happiness. I can’t wait to see what she’s got planned next…
I haven’t read all of Kaje’s wolves books – an oversight I intend to rectify. When I was able to get a hold of this one, however, I dove in. So for readers who haven’t gone into this territory before – have no fear! You’ll be fine…
Lee is a loveable guy. He left his pack and forged his own path by fighting in Europe. He came home and settled in a small town. He apprenticed with a handyman and then bought the business when the guy retired. Living alone and keeping to himself is one thing – being accused of flirting with his neighbor’s wife is something else entirely. Especially because he’s gay and not interested in trouble. When he’s brought down the sheriff’s office, though, he scents someone he’s not seen in decades. His first love. Micah.
Micah, for his part, wasn’t certain why he was drawn to this corner of Wyoming. He fought in the Pacific and has been wandering ever since with his trusty camera. When he comes face to face with Lee, though, things become clear. The men reacquaint themselves but it’s tenuous. Both have secrets. Both can’t read the other one’s mind. And sure, running like a pack in fur is amazing – but is it enough to build a life?
Revelations come. Hearts open. Minds expand. Suddenly what was always impossible now has a tendril of the potential. Then they’re called to step up and held someone in distress. Risking their very lives. They’re honorable men, so of course they’ll do it. But that act leads to something they didn’t expect.
I loved this story. Kaje makes me feel things deep in my soul. The longing. The joy. The pain. The triumph. The need to connect with someone. Seeing Lee and Micah together brought me happiness. I can’t wait to see what she’s got planned next…
Review of advance copy
Long Lost Lovers
What to do when your childhood friend, and one-time lover, shows up? The friend who married a woman, whose Alpha father had once held the power of life or death over you. This is Lee Pierce’s dilemma when he discovers Micah Crue locked up as a vagrant in the local sheriff’s office.
After serving in WW II, Lee found a place for himself in a small town, working for – and eventually buying – a handyman business. Relieved when he felt the bond with his werewolf Alpha disappear, Lee hasn’t seen Micah in years and doesn’t know whether his old friend is part of another pack, which would treat Lee as a serious threat.
Lee gets Micah released to him, saying he can employ him for a few days’ labor. The two rekindle their friendship, both relieved to know another lone werewolf. Micah’s stay in town is extended as they continue to work together.
Harper’s Hidden Wolves series is well-established with several books. Recently she’s been penning these shorter prequels, showing werewolf life before the events of the series. This one, set in 1960, conveys the feel of small-town life in the years between major wars. There’s also a sub-plot involving an battered woman that accurately depicts a woman’s lack of options before spousal abuse was considered a crime. I especially liked that aspect of the story, and its resolution.
You don’t need to have read any of the Hidden Wolves series to enjoy All These Years – but you may want to see where Harper takes the wolves after meeting Micah and Lee.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What to do when your childhood friend, and one-time lover, shows up? The friend who married a woman, whose Alpha father had once held the power of life or death over you. This is Lee Pierce’s dilemma when he discovers Micah Crue locked up as a vagrant in the local sheriff’s office.
After serving in WW II, Lee found a place for himself in a small town, working for – and eventually buying – a handyman business. Relieved when he felt the bond with his werewolf Alpha disappear, Lee hasn’t seen Micah in years and doesn’t know whether his old friend is part of another pack, which would treat Lee as a serious threat.
Lee gets Micah released to him, saying he can employ him for a few days’ labor. The two rekindle their friendship, both relieved to know another lone werewolf. Micah’s stay in town is extended as they continue to work together.
Harper’s Hidden Wolves series is well-established with several books. Recently she’s been penning these shorter prequels, showing werewolf life before the events of the series. This one, set in 1960, conveys the feel of small-town life in the years between major wars. There’s also a sub-plot involving an battered woman that accurately depicts a woman’s lack of options before spousal abuse was considered a crime. I especially liked that aspect of the story, and its resolution.
You don’t need to have read any of the Hidden Wolves series to enjoy All These Years – but you may want to see where Harper takes the wolves after meeting Micah and Lee.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2026
Lee and Micah . . .
Lee Pierce is a werewolf who lives among humans. He served in the war in Europe and when he came home, he moved to a small town, eventually taking over a handyman business. Now at the Sheriff's office to talk to Sheriff Tomlinson about issues with Chuck Fletcher, like why his dog keeps growling and barking at Lee -- which he now can blame on his pet weasel -- Lee notices a familiar distracting scent -- his boyhood friend Micah! Apparently this time, Chuck claims Lee stole something from his house, so the Sheriff needs his permission to search his house. Nope, not possible just in case he finds wolf hair or something. If Lee was a thief, the Sheriff would know after his 10 years of living here and Lee's being in and out of people's houses doing odd jobs for them. Chuck hates Lee because his wife keeps calling him over as a handyman probably just to see him. The real criminal is Chuck who is beating his wife Peggy. But Lee promises he will avoid the Fletcher house completely. Then he asks about a stranger he heard they have locked up for vagrancy. Lee said he had a big job coming up and could use an extra worker, so the Sheriff agreed to let the bum go to work for Lee who promised to feed him and give him a cot in his back room to sleep in. He might even keep him on if he does a good job. Lee finds himself still attracted to Micah Crue even after all these years have passed. Micah had married Janet, and Lee left the pack. But they have missed each other. Is it time to find out why Lee was upset with Micah? And is that "issue" fixable now?
Lee Pierce is a werewolf who lives among humans. He served in the war in Europe and when he came home, he moved to a small town, eventually taking over a handyman business. Now at the Sheriff's office to talk to Sheriff Tomlinson about issues with Chuck Fletcher, like why his dog keeps growling and barking at Lee -- which he now can blame on his pet weasel -- Lee notices a familiar distracting scent -- his boyhood friend Micah! Apparently this time, Chuck claims Lee stole something from his house, so the Sheriff needs his permission to search his house. Nope, not possible just in case he finds wolf hair or something. If Lee was a thief, the Sheriff would know after his 10 years of living here and Lee's being in and out of people's houses doing odd jobs for them. Chuck hates Lee because his wife keeps calling him over as a handyman probably just to see him. The real criminal is Chuck who is beating his wife Peggy. But Lee promises he will avoid the Fletcher house completely. Then he asks about a stranger he heard they have locked up for vagrancy. Lee said he had a big job coming up and could use an extra worker, so the Sheriff agreed to let the bum go to work for Lee who promised to feed him and give him a cot in his back room to sleep in. He might even keep him on if he does a good job. Lee finds himself still attracted to Micah Crue even after all these years have passed. Micah had married Janet, and Lee left the pack. But they have missed each other. Is it time to find out why Lee was upset with Micah? And is that "issue" fixable now?
July 31, 2026
I enjoyed this shorter story that comes as a prequel, but it is indeed not like the others in the series in that these guys met 25 years before when they were kids and members of the same pack. There was no "Is he or isn't he?" of complete strangers though Micah had been married during the time they'd been apart so there was some trepidation in discussing his sexuality on the part of MC Lee.
I didn't feel the danger or the sense of urgency and imminent discovery with these two men as I did in the other stories. It was there but not as nail-biting as the other stories. However, it was still a nice enjoyable visit in the lives of wolves in the sixties. And their jaunt through their small town as the good guys helping out the neighbor was both exciting and heartwarming and one of my favorite scenes. (That's as close as I can get without a spoiler tag.)
Kaje Harper is a great storyteller and I can see where these wolves must call to her from time to time. (Maybe every full moon?) Those who have followed her for a decade or more know there is no such thing as a "short story" for her. Words just flow onto the page and I, for one, am very thankful.
I didn't feel the danger or the sense of urgency and imminent discovery with these two men as I did in the other stories. It was there but not as nail-biting as the other stories. However, it was still a nice enjoyable visit in the lives of wolves in the sixties. And their jaunt through their small town as the good guys helping out the neighbor was both exciting and heartwarming and one of my favorite scenes. (That's as close as I can get without a spoiler tag.)
Kaje Harper is a great storyteller and I can see where these wolves must call to her from time to time. (Maybe every full moon?) Those who have followed her for a decade or more know there is no such thing as a "short story" for her. Words just flow onto the page and I, for one, am very thankful.
Review of advance copy
I generally stay away from LGBT+ stuff set in the 60s/70s because the racism/homophobia of the times frustrates me (and I like to read to escape reality). I took a chance on this one anyway because I really like the Hidden Wolves world and I'm glad I did. It was quite good while also not shying away from the discrimination that was prevalent at the time. Lee was an absolute sweetheart and I was rooting for his happy ending right from the start. I also really enjoyed Micah taking the time to sort out his sexuality thoughtfully instead of just denying and running away. They both felt like believable characters. The side plot with the neighbours was quite good as well. Overall a good read and definitely worth checking out if you like the other Hidden Wolves stories.
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
August 15, 2026
This was such a lovely second-chance story. Despite being a novella, Lee and Micah’s history feels surprisingly layered, and I really enjoyed seeing two men who had spent decades apart finally get the chance to find their way back to each other.
The 1960 setting added another layer to the story, particularly with the secrecy surrounding the wolves and the prejudice they faced. There’s a real sense of tension in the way they have to navigate both their past and the world around them.
I also appreciated how naturally the misunderstandings between them fitted the characters and the time period rather than feeling forced. Bittersweet in places but ultimately hopeful, this was a quick and emotional read that left me very happy I picked up the arc.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The 1960 setting added another layer to the story, particularly with the secrecy surrounding the wolves and the prejudice they faced. There’s a real sense of tension in the way they have to navigate both their past and the world around them.
I also appreciated how naturally the misunderstandings between them fitted the characters and the time period rather than feeling forced. Bittersweet in places but ultimately hopeful, this was a quick and emotional read that left me very happy I picked up the arc.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
This is a sweet second chance at love. Lee and Mica haven't seen each other years. Their paths parted after an episode that Mica doesn't remember, but now there is a pull toward something, something that happens to be his long lost friend Lee.
I enjoyed very much when they reconnect and Mica have to work through his feelings. The way he is drawn to Lee and embraces his feelings toward his oldest friend is sweet. Instead of jumping straight into a relationship he take his time to be sure this is the right choice for him. I haven't read the other Hidden Wolf stories, but now I'm inspired to do just that. Absolutely recommend this book.
This is a sweet second chance at love. Lee and Mica haven't seen each other years. Their paths parted after an episode that Mica doesn't remember, but now there is a pull toward something, something that happens to be his long lost friend Lee.
I enjoyed very much when they reconnect and Mica have to work through his feelings. The way he is drawn to Lee and embraces his feelings toward his oldest friend is sweet. Instead of jumping straight into a relationship he take his time to be sure this is the right choice for him. I haven't read the other Hidden Wolf stories, but now I'm inspired to do just that. Absolutely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sweet second chance romance between two werewolves. This is a standalone prequel to Unacceptable Risk includes Unsettled Interlude , set around 1960. I love Unacceptable Risk and highly recommend it. I enjoyed this prequel and will likely reread it every two or three years.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2026
A very good addition to an enjoyable series, it will also work well as a standalone. There were quite a few heavier examples of all the worst bigotry and racism so many people were even nastier about in that time period (although they seem determined to get rid of any improvement there has been since). Lee and Micah reconnected after years of no contact, and Lee struggled to be honest about his feelings as the werewolves he grew up with killed the queer pack members. I loved the solution they found for helping the neighbour.
July 27, 2026
I loved how these two were able to find each other after all those years. It was great, getting to watch them clear up the misunderstanding about that night during their youth. It took them a while to come to terms about how they felt about each other. I loved how their wolves understood the true feelings each of them felt for the other before their human sides did.
Any time I can visit Kaje's "Hidden Wolves" 'verse, I am a happy reader.
Any time I can visit Kaje's "Hidden Wolves" 'verse, I am a happy reader.
August 7, 2026
Wolf shifter fantasy MM romance.
A lone gay male wolf living in a small town and working as a handyman senses a man whom he grew up with, his only love. He seeks out his friend, and slowly convinces him that they should be lovers.
A side story involves rescuing a human woman from her abusive husband.
I have read all the other books in this series, but as this story takes place long beforehand, it was not necessary to do so in order to enjoy this book.
A lone gay male wolf living in a small town and working as a handyman senses a man whom he grew up with, his only love. He seeks out his friend, and slowly convinces him that they should be lovers.
A side story involves rescuing a human woman from her abusive husband.
I have read all the other books in this series, but as this story takes place long beforehand, it was not necessary to do so in order to enjoy this book.
August 25, 2026
Like, it's okay to exhale now. Lee and Micah, were best friends during their youth. They had one drunken unexpected night of fun and their friendship, changed. They made different choices in their lifes and spent about 20 years apart, moving in different directions. When they reunited, it's like all of life's questions have a source. Now, they just need to talk to each other and find the answers. Total love story, great characters, great read, nice cover art, well done!
August 9, 2026
4.25 stars
I wavered in my rating - not because I didn’t love the characters, but because the story felt a little rushed.
But don’t get me wrong - this story is well worth reading, especially if you love the series like I do!
I wavered in my rating - not because I didn’t love the characters, but because the story felt a little rushed.
But don’t get me wrong - this story is well worth reading, especially if you love the series like I do!
July 31, 2026
Sweet story. Glad Lee and Micah found their way back to each other after all those years and have a great relationship.
August 6, 2026
A very enjoyable read !
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