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Found Objects
Merritt Baker is older than he looks. Quite a bit older, in fact. He knows all about the woods and where one should never wander at night, but the fact of the matter is, sometimes men are the scariest creatures of all, and Merritt makes it his business to protect the innocents caught in their wake. In the small town of Coille, West Virgina, where he makes his home, he takes care of quite a few people, and that’s always been enough. Or has been. Lately though, he’s felt a bit lost, as though he’s forgotten what it means to really live rather than simply exist.
Change arrives when a pack of shifters buys the land that borders his. He doesn’t think twice about them until his simple rules are ignored, and suddenly there’s conflict. One of the wolves, Cole Swann, is very interested in him, and surprisingly, Merritt can’t seem to get the man out of his head. But things aren’t what they seem, and between other packs, ghosts, and worst of all, love, Merritt might be in over his head. That’s the thing about being lost—it can be wonderful when you’re finally found, but is it worth the risk of losing yourself?
Change arrives when a pack of shifters buys the land that borders his. He doesn’t think twice about them until his simple rules are ignored, and suddenly there’s conflict. One of the wolves, Cole Swann, is very interested in him, and surprisingly, Merritt can’t seem to get the man out of his head. But things aren’t what they seem, and between other packs, ghosts, and worst of all, love, Merritt might be in over his head. That’s the thing about being lost—it can be wonderful when you’re finally found, but is it worth the risk of losing yourself?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2026
About the author
Mary Calmes
135 books5,096 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 31, 2026
The romance really took a backseat in this one.
July 31, 2026
3.5
Nice cover and nice start of the story and I have to admit I liked it more than her similar Raven in the Woods – less divergencies into mysticism or wiccan magic. Most of the mystic elements add to the fantasy vibe of the story although the main road is the one paved for shifter stories, Mary-style. Surprisingly she always adds a new twist or a slightly different view on the well-known lore while also staying true to her favorite character types, more or less … while Cole is easily recognizable as a variant of her view on a protective and strong MC, she overdid it this time for the other part of her favorite couple. Merritt is too nice, too supportive, too understanding and there is nothing that balances all this goodness which is a pity, knowing what creature he really is. A sliver of darkness would have done him good but that's all in his past, his long, long ago past and with that thought I'm with one of my usual nagging: how come that authors imagine an eternal life like it's the same as a mortal life, just longer? Wouldn't it change your view on life and love and all the rest?
Nice cover and nice start of the story and I have to admit I liked it more than her similar Raven in the Woods – less divergencies into mysticism or wiccan magic. Most of the mystic elements add to the fantasy vibe of the story although the main road is the one paved for shifter stories, Mary-style. Surprisingly she always adds a new twist or a slightly different view on the well-known lore while also staying true to her favorite character types, more or less … while Cole is easily recognizable as a variant of her view on a protective and strong MC, she overdid it this time for the other part of her favorite couple. Merritt is too nice, too supportive, too understanding and there is nothing that balances all this goodness which is a pity, knowing what creature he really is. A sliver of darkness would have done him good but that's all in his past, his long, long ago past and with that thought I'm with one of my usual nagging: how come that authors imagine an eternal life like it's the same as a mortal life, just longer? Wouldn't it change your view on life and love and all the rest?
October 20, 2026
It was very good, I haven't read a new paranormal romance for awhile that was decent.
August 17, 2026
Paranormal magic from Mary
Definitely one of the more cohesive storylines when it comes to a paranormal romance from this author.
There's still a bit of a race to the end, as if we're running out of pages allowed, even though the plot could stretch further, and there's still some head scratching moments.
Overall the narrative works well when Mary draws on the Gaelic mythology of the Cù-sìth, a creature of death and punishment, gets a bit muddy when she chucks in elves, dryads and a siren, and straightens out when dealing with werewolf politics.
The romance itself is a bit neglected imho, even if Mere is Cole's mate, I'd have liked to have seen them actually be romantic!
Definitely one of the more cohesive storylines when it comes to a paranormal romance from this author.
There's still a bit of a race to the end, as if we're running out of pages allowed, even though the plot could stretch further, and there's still some head scratching moments.
Overall the narrative works well when Mary draws on the Gaelic mythology of the Cù-sìth, a creature of death and punishment, gets a bit muddy when she chucks in elves, dryads and a siren, and straightens out when dealing with werewolf politics.
The romance itself is a bit neglected imho, even if Mere is Cole's mate, I'd have liked to have seen them actually be romantic!
August 3, 2026
Yeah, just what I've come to expect from Mary and exactly why she's a favorite.
Great setting, the woods, the town and especially Merritt's home.
The magic was also a joy.
Oh, and we can't leave out Merritt's roomies, both of them. They were great characters.
I do wish there was a tad more time spent on the romance. I know, there was a lot of stuff going on and throw in the magical and well, it's usually pretty insta-love, but, well, I'd have liked to see them getting to know each other.
Great setting, the woods, the town and especially Merritt's home.
The magic was also a joy.
Oh, and we can't leave out Merritt's roomies, both of them. They were great characters.
I do wish there was a tad more time spent on the romance. I know, there was a lot of stuff going on and throw in the magical and well, it's usually pretty insta-love, but, well, I'd have liked to see them getting to know each other.
August 4, 2026
this was a wonderful book 😍
i loved merritt, and i liked cole. the found family trope played a large role in the story, and i ate it up.
i loved merritt, and i liked cole. the found family trope played a large role in the story, and i ate it up.
October 11, 2026
Great story! 🥰
Read
August 1, 2026Mary Calmes publishes a new book? Obviously, I’m going to read it. 😂
Yes, her MCs are quite recognisable, and you can definitely see some familiar traits from book to book. But honestly? I like her MCs. I like knowing what kind of characters I’m going to get, and I enjoy the way she writes them.
So, no complaints from me. Give me those recognisable Mary Calmes MCs any day!
Yes, her MCs are quite recognisable, and you can definitely see some familiar traits from book to book. But honestly? I like her MCs. I like knowing what kind of characters I’m going to get, and I enjoy the way she writes them.
So, no complaints from me. Give me those recognisable Mary Calmes MCs any day!
August 3, 2026
Merritt Baker has spent years quietly protecting people in the woods of Coille, West Virginia, feeling more like he’s existing than truly living. That changes when a shifter pack moves in next door and ignores his rules, sparking conflict — and catching the attention of Cole Swann, a wolf Merritt can’t stop thinking about. As packs, ghosts, and unexpected feelings collide, Merritt must decide whether being found is worth the risk of losing himself.
I loved this story and its mix of supernatural beings, all woven together with tension, mystery, and heart. The connection between Cole and Merritt was undeniable from the start, and watching it deepen against the backdrop of shifting alliances, old ghosts, and pack politics made their relationship even more compelling. The layers of plot were one of my favourite parts — every twist affected the characters in meaningful ways, and the arrogance of their enemies, along with the power dynamics at play, kept things intriguing throughout. At the centre of it all was love, found family, and two men learning to choose each other. There were big emotions on both sides of the conflict, good and bad, and that richness made the story feel full, satisfying, and wonderfully immersive.This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story and its mix of supernatural beings, all woven together with tension, mystery, and heart. The connection between Cole and Merritt was undeniable from the start, and watching it deepen against the backdrop of shifting alliances, old ghosts, and pack politics made their relationship even more compelling. The layers of plot were one of my favourite parts — every twist affected the characters in meaningful ways, and the arrogance of their enemies, along with the power dynamics at play, kept things intriguing throughout. At the centre of it all was love, found family, and two men learning to choose each other. There were big emotions on both sides of the conflict, good and bad, and that richness made the story feel full, satisfying, and wonderfully immersive.This was an MM story with mature content.
August 1, 2026
I really liked Mere’s entire character philosophy. A safe haven town for humans and supernaturals is such a sweet setting for a story. And all the magical beings woven to fit with each other was so pleasant to read.
The only unfortunate part of the story was Cole. I suspect since this ended up a shorter novel for the sake of brevity we speedrun through the murder mystery and inciting incidents that move the pack to Merritt’s home. Aside from that I found Cole to be boring and lacking a lot of personality to match Mere as a true love. His most emphasized trait was to be dominant but I felt that did not make up for actually freeing Mere of his burdens as a caretaker. The goddess did that by transforming his purpose but what did Cole do?
(And the fact that Cole couldn’t be bothered to cook or learn for his mate?)
Mere carries this story so well but the romance suffers because Cole cannot match up to him as a romantic lead. Their strongest scenes were the immediate attraction and flirting at the beginning. 3/5 stars.
The only unfortunate part of the story was Cole. I suspect since this ended up a shorter novel for the sake of brevity we speedrun through the murder mystery and inciting incidents that move the pack to Merritt’s home. Aside from that I found Cole to be boring and lacking a lot of personality to match Mere as a true love. His most emphasized trait was to be dominant but I felt that did not make up for actually freeing Mere of his burdens as a caretaker. The goddess did that by transforming his purpose but what did Cole do?
(And the fact that Cole couldn’t be bothered to cook or learn for his mate?)
Mere carries this story so well but the romance suffers because Cole cannot match up to him as a romantic lead. Their strongest scenes were the immediate attraction and flirting at the beginning. 3/5 stars.
August 14, 2026
I admit to having a love / hate relationship with Mary Calmes’ books. Some are readable and somewhat enjoyable, some, like this one, make me throw my hands up.
We have her usual, over-powered and all-knowing Mary-Sue like Main Character who is loved by all (especially females), loves to talk over others and always knows what their partner is thinking.
With the added fantasy aspect, for me it was just too much of the above. I know the saying is to never change a winning system and her books are loved by many. But boy would I cheer her on if she ever branched out and gave her characters a different personality for once
We have her usual, over-powered and all-knowing Mary-Sue like Main Character who is loved by all (especially females), loves to talk over others and always knows what their partner is thinking.
With the added fantasy aspect, for me it was just too much of the above. I know the saying is to never change a winning system and her books are loved by many. But boy would I cheer her on if she ever branched out and gave her characters a different personality for once
August 10, 2026
This feels like it's in the Raven of the Woods universe, which is a positive for me.
Our MC seems normal, if witchy-adjacent, but he's something entirely different. I very much enjoyed his arc as he deals with the wolf pack who moves in near his property and all the changes that this triggers. Very pleased with this one!
Our MC seems normal, if witchy-adjacent, but he's something entirely different. I very much enjoyed his arc as he deals with the wolf pack who moves in near his property and all the changes that this triggers. Very pleased with this one!
July 31, 2026
That was very Mary Calmes.
August 7, 2026
Loved It
Mary know how to whip up a story with quirky, fun, and punishing characters, thats for sure. While i may skim other books, never a Calmes book. The story is woven so well, the dialogue intriguing, and i don’t want to miss a word. This shifter story brought everything I love about her books, and a HEA.
Mary know how to whip up a story with quirky, fun, and punishing characters, thats for sure. While i may skim other books, never a Calmes book. The story is woven so well, the dialogue intriguing, and i don’t want to miss a word. This shifter story brought everything I love about her books, and a HEA.
August 12, 2026
The cover of this book is stunning! Mary Calmes’ books are my comfort reads, and I enjoyed the magic and lore of Merritt and Cole’s book! While reading, I was so curious, wondering what Merritt was…
July 31, 2026
Ah Mary, my Mary... I love your paranormal/fantasy books so very much. Mere and Cole are so perfect for each other. Their love story was wonderful. The fact that you chose such a fun (IMO), Gaelic mythological creature to represent Merritt made it even better. I also adored all the wonderful secondary characters. Outstanding, tbh!
October 6, 2026
Me estaba gustando, pero desde la mitad el libro decayó:(
August 12, 2026
So here’s the thing, if Mary Calmes wrote it, I’m going to like it.
September 18, 2026
Short and bad.
August 7, 2026
DNF @ 68%, when the MCs are suddenly feeling mated and Cole and his brother move in with Merritt —without asking! it’s too “insta” for me to want to read anymore. Didn’t particularly like the character of Merritt, either, so I’m bailing on reading any further
August 1, 2026
Even though it started out strong, by the end, I cared more about the side characters than the main ones.
August 24, 2026
DNF 50%
August 16, 2026
Oops read this on vacation and forgot to add it. Typical Mary Calmes, one manic pixie dream hero, Merrick, who turns out to be quite ancient with magical Powers capital P, who protects his territory (woe betide any who enter with intention to harm! Actually...what happens to them is rather hilarious...!), who has powerful intriguing secret-being besties who live in the nearby forest, and one very alpha wolf shifter hero, Cole, who's been relegated to regular pack member despite being the obvious choice to lead after the death of his alpha/pack leader father.
I don't remember details, but this was a fun "local man who is the hugely powerful secret protector of the town meets the newcomer wolf shifter pack and proceeds to be sort of courted by the current pack alpha's (annoying, conceited) son and heir while being magnetically drawn to Cole, who has no apparent power in the pack" shenanigans.
This pack has fled danger for a new life. But something's...off. And when baddies, who are wolf-shifter mafia, come for them and try to kidnap their children, Merrick steps in and magically helps them all.
Merrick has some of the most fun allies/friends, including a siren shifter who must never be underestimated, and a sort of fairy...king? in retirement? Whatever. They're awesome!
And the attraction between him and Cole is of course Mary-style irresistible, hot, and fated. I forgot how/why Cole is going to wind up living as long as Merrick, who I think...reincarnates every so often? But this is a fun situation, with lots of danger, lots of underestimating the good guys with satisfying results, and love and a found-family community of people who care about and support each other.
HEA, PNR, magic, wolf shifter. No OM action at all; OM drama from the other contender for Merrick's "hand" but shut down. Safe for me! Betrayals, secrets, vicious villains...it's got it all. Recommended to Mary fans.
I don't remember details, but this was a fun "local man who is the hugely powerful secret protector of the town meets the newcomer wolf shifter pack and proceeds to be sort of courted by the current pack alpha's (annoying, conceited) son and heir while being magnetically drawn to Cole, who has no apparent power in the pack" shenanigans.
This pack has fled danger for a new life. But something's...off. And when baddies, who are wolf-shifter mafia, come for them and try to kidnap their children, Merrick steps in and magically helps them all.
Merrick has some of the most fun allies/friends, including a siren shifter who must never be underestimated, and a sort of fairy...king? in retirement? Whatever. They're awesome!
And the attraction between him and Cole is of course Mary-style irresistible, hot, and fated. I forgot how/why Cole is going to wind up living as long as Merrick, who I think...reincarnates every so often? But this is a fun situation, with lots of danger, lots of underestimating the good guys with satisfying results, and love and a found-family community of people who care about and support each other.
HEA, PNR, magic, wolf shifter. No OM action at all; OM drama from the other contender for Merrick's "hand" but shut down. Safe for me! Betrayals, secrets, vicious villains...it's got it all. Recommended to Mary fans.
August 12, 2026
A definite winner and one I’m happy to recommend.
Rating: 4.5🌈
Found Objects is the latest urban fantasy romance by Mary Calmes and it’s exactly what we expect from this author. The old,settled rich location of a small town high in the mountains of West Virginia, an intriguing group of found family of town, and a great setup for a slow paced romantic journey.
Calmes’ plot lines includes a newly arrived werewolf pack that has brought with them to the town, pack dysfunction, mystery and loads of action packed moments.
I love Merritt Baker and the mystery that Calmes builds around his character. Merritt is the owner of the town’s restaurant, and a central figure in the community. A friend and someone who acts as a shield or protector when needed.
When a new shifter pack arrives in Coille, West Virginia to establish themselves in a new territory , they bring with them old problems along with a dysfunctional pack and history. And Cole Swann and his younger brother, Evan, nephews of the Alpha of the Swann pack.
The way this author blends the well known Appalachian mythology with other lore is intriguing and well done. It works well for the many other characters here and for adding some really great layers to this story.
It ends with a HFN, given the specific species of each character. And known life spans.
I will admit to hoping that Calme revisits this town and special community as I really enjoyed them and didn’t get enough of several of their storylines.
A definite winner and one I’m happy to recommend.
Cover art: Reese Dante
Rating: 4.5🌈
Found Objects is the latest urban fantasy romance by Mary Calmes and it’s exactly what we expect from this author. The old,settled rich location of a small town high in the mountains of West Virginia, an intriguing group of found family of town, and a great setup for a slow paced romantic journey.
Calmes’ plot lines includes a newly arrived werewolf pack that has brought with them to the town, pack dysfunction, mystery and loads of action packed moments.
I love Merritt Baker and the mystery that Calmes builds around his character. Merritt is the owner of the town’s restaurant, and a central figure in the community. A friend and someone who acts as a shield or protector when needed.
When a new shifter pack arrives in Coille, West Virginia to establish themselves in a new territory , they bring with them old problems along with a dysfunctional pack and history. And Cole Swann and his younger brother, Evan, nephews of the Alpha of the Swann pack.
The way this author blends the well known Appalachian mythology with other lore is intriguing and well done. It works well for the many other characters here and for adding some really great layers to this story.
It ends with a HFN, given the specific species of each character. And known life spans.
I will admit to hoping that Calme revisits this town and special community as I really enjoyed them and didn’t get enough of several of their storylines.
A definite winner and one I’m happy to recommend.
Cover art: Reese Dante
August 8, 2026
Nice paranormal/fantasy/romance. I liked Mere but I wished he wasn't so nice. It took a lot of excitement out of his character. I liked Cole too. I wanted him to be more of an alpha. At times he didn't seem like a leader. I really liked Evan, Ondine and the rest of Mere's friends/employees. I think if the story was a little longer more parts of the whole could've been explored more. The way the alpha, alpha's son and alpha's mate was dealt with was kind of anti-climatic. I 💯% didn't like the scene where Evan's in the hospital and Mary has the nurse come in glaring at everyone. Us nurses don't do that. If there's a noise issue we politely and professionally ask family/patients to lower the volume. We don't automatically glare at people. I'm beginning to think Mary has something against nurses as this is the second book in a month (the revised AMOT series) where she has written us in a negative way.
October 16, 2026
Amazing
I only give reviews when I really pleased with a book or really disappointed and this was one was definitely pleased :) I'm new to this author and something about this book jumped out to me for some reason usually the cover pulls me so that's probably what did it but I'm really glad it did. I adored this book! I could have lived in this world for a good 600 pages more and not been bored. It was rich and vibrant and I loved all the lore and creatures. For that reason alone it's five stars but to make it even better the characters are awesome they all felt true to their personalities established they all felt like their own person. I thought the story was interesting and suspenseful while not overwhelming you with too much details. I could have used more spice but that's just a personal preference I like how the lust or spice didn't overwhelm the story so I cant complain too much. I just overall was pleased with this one and would highly recommend it!
I only give reviews when I really pleased with a book or really disappointed and this was one was definitely pleased :) I'm new to this author and something about this book jumped out to me for some reason usually the cover pulls me so that's probably what did it but I'm really glad it did. I adored this book! I could have lived in this world for a good 600 pages more and not been bored. It was rich and vibrant and I loved all the lore and creatures. For that reason alone it's five stars but to make it even better the characters are awesome they all felt true to their personalities established they all felt like their own person. I thought the story was interesting and suspenseful while not overwhelming you with too much details. I could have used more spice but that's just a personal preference I like how the lust or spice didn't overwhelm the story so I cant complain too much. I just overall was pleased with this one and would highly recommend it!
September 3, 2026
This is hands down the most boring book I’ve read recently—it honestly felt like a glass of plain water. First off, Cole doesn't even show up until chapter two. Then, they fall in love the first time they meet, have a fight the second time, and he moves into Mere’s house by the third? And just like that, they’re mates and marked. I genuinely don't get how they had this instant "love at first sight" moment or why they suddenly became so head over heels for each other. I’ve read plenty of insta-love books before, but this one lacks depth and development so much that their relationship progression just left me utterly baffled.
September 7, 2026
Fun, predictable and a comfort read
Mary Calmes books are always a pleasant comfort read. No matter what the genre or trope the main male character is the same guy over and over. Pleasantly predictable and fun to read. Merritt is good and kind and wise and smart and funny and strong and powerful and loved by everyone.
Cole is big and strong, handsome and smitten.
I enjoyed the paranormal mythological aspects of the story, and wouldn’t mind if MC returns to this world. I kind of feel like this is more of a HFN rather than HEA story, but still very enjoyable. I do wish there had been some kind of epilogue.
Mary Calmes books are always a pleasant comfort read. No matter what the genre or trope the main male character is the same guy over and over. Pleasantly predictable and fun to read. Merritt is good and kind and wise and smart and funny and strong and powerful and loved by everyone.
Cole is big and strong, handsome and smitten.
I enjoyed the paranormal mythological aspects of the story, and wouldn’t mind if MC returns to this world. I kind of feel like this is more of a HFN rather than HEA story, but still very enjoyable. I do wish there had been some kind of epilogue.
August 18, 2026
Okay this was very good up until the part where the pack alpha and his family start becoming absolute DICK HEADS that need a good reconning and our hero just doesn't . . . do anything? I mean he does take the power from the toad blossom but he seemed a little reluctant to do that when I thought toad blossom needed a certain body part removed. But maybe that's me being blood-thirsty, idk. But I still stand by the fact that the evil people weren't punished enough and it made the rest of the book very frustrating to read.
August 8, 2026
Found Objects
This was a fabulous fantasy read that was very hard to put down. I loved reading about Merritt and his magical friends but on meeting Cole it became so much more. Family is everything to Cole, and Merritt had created his own family by being their protector. He was an amazing man to be able to help so many women and children. If you like a bit of fantasy, this is not your be missed.
This was a fabulous fantasy read that was very hard to put down. I loved reading about Merritt and his magical friends but on meeting Cole it became so much more. Family is everything to Cole, and Merritt had created his own family by being their protector. He was an amazing man to be able to help so many women and children. If you like a bit of fantasy, this is not your be missed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews