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The Pack Rules #1

The Werewolf's Bride

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THE WEREWOLF'S BRIDE
Alpha Wolf Shifter Paranormal Romance Novel
By New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Michele Bardsley

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This title was previously published as the serial The Shadow Pack Rules. This story is meant for readers who are 18 years and older.

Every 20 years, the Shadow Pack arrives in the small desert community of Bleed City, Nevada. To honor the pact made 150 years ago with the werewolves, the town offers up their eldest daughters for the Choosing--a ceremony where the shifters pick their virgin brides.

Like most werewolf packs, the Shadows need human females for mating and breeding so they can replenish their werewolf bloodlines. Arabelle Winton considers the entire process somewhat barbaric, but as the oldest female in her family, she must take her place among the other women. What she doesn't expect is to catch the interest of Alpha Greyson Burke.

Yes, Grey can have her body any way he wants... but Belle will never give her heart to a werewolf.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2014

53 people are currently reading
393 people want to read

About the author

Michele Bardsley

237 books1,452 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Michele Bardsley writes humorous paranormal romances and funny paranormal mysteries. Michele likes to write, read, crochet hats, drink wine, and eat chocolate!

Visit her website!

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5 stars
136 (25%)
4 stars
158 (29%)
3 stars
145 (27%)
2 stars
55 (10%)
1 star
37 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Isa.
619 reviews312 followers
December 27, 2015
If you've ever wanted to read a supposedly ~spicy~ book where everyone is super religious, then look no further!
Because I can only define this book as Christian Erotica. Also as trash.

This book was soooo problematic: women hating women, women being silly, women being "bitches", women doing things because of men not because of their own agency. Bashing suicide victims. This super weird obsession with virginity and the bible. A creepy set up where humans give away their daughters to werewolves in exchange for protection and food and this not being seen as a terrifying dystopia...

We have Belle's sister who committed suicide because she didn't want to be forced into marriage with a werewolf and spend the rest of her life barefoot and pregnant.
Apparently this makes her a selfish coward who put herself before duty towards her family, rightfully earning their hatred. They pray for her constantly, though.

Everyone prays a lot in this book, and talks a lot about the bible, and duty, and how important it is that a girl learns nothing about sex and remains a virgin until her literal beast of a husband claims her violently... which is romantic somehow...

The writing was all tell and no show. And I do mean tell, because most events are told and then explained post-factum in case the reader has forgotten what they've just read.
Add to that misspellings and missing words and I don't even know how I've made it through this book.

Also, the sex was shit, so...
Profile Image for Robyn.
304 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2015
The Werewolf’s Bride is a great introduction to the town of Bleed City and the Shadow Pack; this was a mutual agreement that the city would be protected and well provided for. In exchange the eldest females were sent to a Choosing Ceremony as a bride offering, virgin brides. The alpha Greyson Burk was among the men to choose. Arabelle is a twin. Her sister was born first; however due to circumstances Arabelle is the Chosen one for this Alpha. Michele Bardsley does a phenomenal job in telling this tail! (Wink) Arabelle is not a typical damsel in distress; her character is in fact very strong of heart, mind and body. These are qualities that draw Grey to her. The passion and romance is so very hot. Each character brings another level and dimension to this Bleed City. I cannot wait to read the entire series.
Profile Image for Crystal.
211 reviews9 followers
June 16, 2015
This book was an enjoyable,fun,and quick read plus it had werewolfs in it..one of my favorites! :)

Grey made me drool :)


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I cant wait to read more of the series! :D
Profile Image for Amanda.
189 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2015
This was an adorable little story. I loved how strong belle was and how devoted they both were to each other. There is nothing better to me than a strong heroine who doesn't have the be a bitch, excuse my language. And I loved how sweet but strong Grey was. Very good read :)
Profile Image for Susan Otto.
832 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2015
Intriguing story

This story has interesting characters, a bride price for protection from werewolves, and preservation of the species as a whole. The dramatic plot has many twists and turns. Quite intriguing. Terrific read.
S. Otto



Profile Image for Connie Barnett.
104 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2015
Surprised

This book started out a little differently. I wasn't sure I'd like it, but I kept reading. Turns out it was quite refreshingly different. Literally enjoyed a slightly different spin on werewolves.
Profile Image for Kerry.
1,077 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2015
Really enjoyed this read. The whole story line was well written, the characters were great and it was adventurous. I did not for one moment step away form the story that's how interested I was. high recommendations. Will be adding this author to my TBR pile for sure.
1 review
August 12, 2015
Good read

Nice to see and read about a woman you just can't keep down appreciated properly by her furry man. Maybe just a little too quick of a read.
Profile Image for ashley.
10 reviews
August 14, 2015
Umm YES!

Ok this book had my attention the whole time could not put it down had a lot of twist in it will definitely read more of her books!
15 reviews
September 2, 2015
Love it

I know al that I probably shouldn't read books with such detailed In the finer art of you know what but this book was awesome.
Profile Image for Wealie.
433 reviews48 followers
January 30, 2018
Well I hate the whole virginal sacrifice, innocent girl submits to benevolent master alpha who has to dominate and take, so I wasn't off to a good start. However, it's a short read, so I didn't immediately consign it to the DNF shelf and it did improve after the hand wringing up to and including the mating.

The plot wasn't altogether bad, but it tried to do too much and although the protagonists ended up partners in love at the end, it seemed too far fetched a character arc given where they both started and the short span of time the story covered.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2015
Great read!

This standalone series opener kept me glued to my reader. The main characters are strong, well developed and likable. The h is gutsy without being snarky, that honor went to a jealous rival. The behind the scenes villain is a surprise when revealed. I like a little suspense mixed in with the romance and the balance here is good. Overall, this is a great read, one I will reread and recommend.
Profile Image for Amy.
840 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2015
Delightful

Sometimes, I wonder when a much loved author debuts a new series. It seems I either stick with them as they win me over book by book or I fall hard and the series sputters to a halt. Thank God that this one already has several titles cuz WOW!! Bardsley stays true to her name and spins a tale that grabs you and doesn't let go.
Profile Image for Patricia Bennett.
85 reviews
October 16, 2015
True love and loyalty

Grey's wife Arabelle were destined to be together and fight together . When problems arose they took on the betrayal as a team. That's what marriage is all about, you take the good with the bad, because you can't choose your family. I enjoyed this book a great deal.
Profile Image for AKA.
559 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2017
2.5 stars... I rounded up because I really liked Arabelle. Unfortunately, the pacing in this book is way off (everything but the last few pages takes place within 48hrs) and the other characters are completely flat.
Profile Image for Polly.
1,550 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2015
This was a great novella. Different premise. I loved it and will read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Lilybeth.
24 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2015
Excellent book, well paced and keeps you guessing.
Profile Image for Rachel.
272 reviews7 followers
March 21, 2022
This could have been amazing. But it wasn’t because it involved his lover. The human females had to stay virgins while he was sleeping around in the pack. It would’ve been amazing if this woman had just had a crush on him and was a little crazy and he had waited for his mate like she did for him but no he actually slept with the crazy wolf and would’ve freaked out if his “prize” mate had touched before him. It’s ridiculous and ruined it.
Profile Image for Mel.
414 reviews14 followers
November 15, 2016
OMG, I loved this book and can't wait to delve deeper into the series. What a unique twist on a flooded industry. PNR seems to be what EVERYONE is doing and it's refreshing to see a story that is set apart from the rest.
4 reviews
July 13, 2018
The Plot was good but the way the it ended was like it was just short, to the point, and cut off.

The book was rushed and important events a few times should have been explained, some things did not need the details drawn out.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
32 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2017
I love Michele Bardsley's "Broken Heart" books, but couldn't get into this one. Oh well, I'll keep it on a shelf & try again in the future.
Profile Image for benji.
18 reviews
August 4, 2019
well. that was something a person wrote huh. it actually got Kind of interesting towards the last few pages but getting to that point wasn’t worth it
Profile Image for Bev.
218 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2020
Personally the girls should have said screw you! You had enough women, stick to your own bitches!
Profile Image for Gladys Gonzales Atwell.
396 reviews22 followers
June 19, 2015
*Theis book was provided by the publisher/author for an honest review!!

This is the second book I have read from Michele Bardsley and I enjoyed it just as much as the last. Her uniquie take each time in shifter lore in each series has both been creative and inovative. (The last series introduced me to a paranormal creature that you rarely hear about. Check out Moon Pack Rules too!!)

In this book, The Shadow Pack and the small town in Nevada honor a PACT that has lasted for over 150 years where the eldest daughter from ever family is given up to the pack as virgin brides. These brides are needed to replenish the pack and to ensure the werewolf bloodline.

Here is where Arabelle Winton Comes in and pretty much "steals" the show. She doesn't want to do this PACT thing. She is in fact the second born child but due to the a tragedy she must take the place of her older sister. She is strong and she is fierce but she is also loyal and bound by duty.

Something any werewolf, especiall Alpha Greyson Burke would fight over. Eh... He is alpha though so there is no need to fight. Correct!!!

Now it's paranormal so the world is not "believable" but the characters valor, drive and strength are. I would be Arabelle's friend in real life. She is a well rounded character and Alpha Greyson is honorable. It's the people around them that are tricky. The world that Michele has built again is very uique and I am very glad that I read this book once it was a completed serial because I wouldn't have been able to do it!! Nope not me, I would have been clamoring at her FB Page for more more more!!!

I tip my Nerd Girl hat to you yet again Michele Bardsley!! Well done! 4 STARS!!

*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official
Profile Image for Romance Between The Sheets.
1,175 reviews66 followers
June 18, 2015
This story was a great read, it was simple and if you love Werewolf romance like I do then you won't be disappointed.

We have an alpha werewolf male and a virgin human bride and of course they have hot sex, new found passion, excitement and in the end romance and a binding comittment.

Can I say that I loved their names - Grey being the Alpha werewolf and he was definitely all male and Arabelle (Belle), well she was one headstrong and fearless girl considering she lost her twin sister and had to then step up to be part of the virgin bride showcase for the pack that protects her town.

We were given power struggles within the pack, backstabbing, kidnapping and all within a short timeframe of a few days after the bride selection took place.

This is a quick read, enjoyable with a strong female character who has her own quirky style and can hold her own against strong alpha men.

I look forward to picking up another book in this series.

More reviews at: www.romancebetweenthesheets.com
Profile Image for Lynda Tatad.
460 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2016
Michele Bardsley had shared a link to this story on Facebook, and I'm glad I picked this, and the next two ebook soldiers in this series up. A little different from her Broken Heart series, but some interesting characters, and a little different world building make for a unique story.

Arabelle was originally the 2nd oldest, and had gone away to go to college in hopes of becoming a nurse. Her sister's death meant that she had to come back home and take her place in the Choosing. In exchange for protection and food, her town would give their first born daughters when they came of age, to become brides for werewolves in the Shadow Pack in need of a mate.

A situation arises where she caught the eye of the Alpha Gray Burke. At first I was worried this might be an erotica story, and while it has a little of that, it has a good story to keep you glued to the pages! She packed a lot of action and intrigue in this novella. Loved it!
Profile Image for Monica.
2,079 reviews
December 29, 2015
I've read this before a couple years ago. I still enjoyed the story. Its really different especially the scenting part. Wow.... Also, I noticed a lot of typo mistakes. Thats the reason for the 4 stars. Michelle's a good author but her earlier stuff has typos. Grey was a sexy and really strong alpha. Arabelle was awesome and really fun to read. She did her duty but she wasn't a pushover either. They made a great couple.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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