The Crimson Howlers

by Cora Rose

I want something an alpha isn’t supposed to want. To be taken. To surrender control and give myself over completely.
The Crimson Howlers give me what I crave, until I offend the pack leader.
Now I must pay penance for it.
Bound by magic to their pack for a year, I spend my nights with their leader and a rotation of alphas.
They’ve been alone too long, and they need someone to soothe their instincts and satisfy their needs.
But I can’t get attached.
I won’t risk losing someone I care about again.
And if anyone gets too close…I run.
As the pack’s need grows, so does my pull toward two of
Zed, the pack leader, and Jex, his second.
Maybe this is all a cruel fantasy, and I’m destined to end up alone when my year is up.
But I want it all, and to have it, I’ll have to risk everything to bond with them and the rest of the pack.

The Crimson Howlers does end in an HEA, but the relationship dynamics are not traditional. While there is a specific throuple bonded, their relationship remains open to the pack.

Genres: Omegaverse, M M M, M M Romance

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 20, 2026

Reviews

[AnnaKitt · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Well, that was fun 🤭

Not sure why it still surprises me that it's possible to put sex on almost every page 😄

But I really want to know what these men do for a living!!! Because they were basically sleeping and fucking every day 🙃
With occasional patrolling, chopping wood and running through the woods)

And I know it's OV and I shouldn't overthink the sexual drive of these men, but holy hell, was that hot 🥵

You'd think that with 95% of the book being smut, there wouldn't be much room for anything particularly deep or emotional. Not the case with Cora's books! She somehow manages to weave it all together with feelings so gentle, raw and real that it's genuinely crazy.

The whole dynamic of this story is crazy, actually. Nothing about it should work from a logical perspective - a pack of 15 men sharing one guy on a daily basis, often multiple times (!) - and yet the three of them manage to build a connection and a relationship so deep and beautiful 🤍

I really loved Forest, Jex and Zed. There's nothing traditional about the way their relationship unfolds, but what I loved most was how they communicated every single time things threatened or went sideways. (With every conversation eventually ending in more sex, obviously, but who am I to complain.) They were so human, with their own insecurities, doubts, desires and feelings 🤍

I didn't necessarily get the whole dramatic twist with Cael and Red, but it didn't bother me all that much. All the issues this pack faced were resolved quickly and efficiently, and I loved that. Loved the whole pack dynamics, with their absolute respect, understanding and support for each other 🙌

So yes, I don't really have any major complaints. I ate this book up 🤤 As it usually is with Cora's books, her writing is addictive and funny, and she somehow makes even the seemingly ridiculous things work. I always end up having a great time 🤍

I'm also VERY intrigued about the next book in this series 👀

[369Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
The third book in Cora Rose’s omegaverse is the wildest one yet!!
Forest may be an alpha, but he loves to be dominated… specifically by an entire pack of alpha shifters. He finds himself bound to the pack, and specifically fostering a connection for Jex, the second, while also growing something new with the standoffish leader of the pack.

This book has:
-alpha (non shifter) x 2 alpha shifters romantically, but our non-shifter friend is shared by the whole pack 👀
-free use
-s*x magic
-forest away from civilization setting
-bonds
-lots of spicy scenes

This is one of those books that’s just going to give you serotonin because it’s so wild but also fun at the same time. You’re just going to jump RIGHT IN with the plot, and RIGHT IN with the whole dynamic with Forest and the pack.

If you like a group dynamic and omegaverse then you will eat this book upppp. The pacing is easy and the book was easy to devour. I read it in one sitting 😂

As always, more was added to the overall lore with this series and overarching plot! I’m excited for the next book. And the next book!

Though these characters aren’t really funny and silly like many of my favourite Cora characters are, but the story sure still is fun!

[Ema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in the series and the wildest one yet!

Forest is an alpha who loves to be dominated, f*ck and used. Currently by a whole pack of aloha wolf shifters, he likes Jex more than the rest but doesn’t pursue anything separate with him.

Jex is obsessed with the alpha Forest but also his pack alpha Zed. But he isn’t brave enough to pursue either of them.

Zed is a very stoic alpha wolf, he takes a liking to Forest but refuses to use him like the rest of the pack. But when Forest fucks up he decides to punish him by binding him to the pack for a year so he becomes their amega.

Its very fun and thrilling too see how the relationship develops between this three alphas while they keep it open to the pack. Very spicy and interesting read and half of the book you just keep waiting for them to pull their heads out of their asses

[Dani (Daniiireads)]

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
🔥MMM
🔥Free Use
🔥Pack Bonding
🔥Found Family
🔥Bonding Contract
🔥Magic Slick
🔥Exhibitionism and Voyeurism

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for the five alarm hotness of this book!!🔥🥵The Crimson Howlers is shifters and non-shifters with alphas and omegas, or Amegas, I love the combined term, and so much spice I was melting, blushing, and constantly fanning myself through the entire book. 🥵🔥 I loved it!! Of course the plot is so much more than just spice, I wouldn't be drawn into the book it didn't have some meat on the smexy bones. 😉

Forest is a non-shifter alpha who craves his visits to the Crimson Howlers where his desires are met. Desires that he knows aren't exactly natural for being an alpha, but the Howlers don't care as they also love seeing Forest when he's there too. With a special magic potion and then being an alpha means Forest is just a bit tougher and can handle the entire pack even though he's not a typical omega, plus Forest loves it. 😉 Jex is the shifter to always find Forest first upon any arrival, he seems to have the closest connection with Forest and is the second in command under Zed, the pack leader, the one member of the Howlers that Forest has never been with. Does Forest take a bit of offense to this...maybe, but just because Forest likes things like an omega, doesn't mean he's submissive, he's got an ego just like the alpha he is. I love this dynamic between all the guys. It was great!

While Forest figures out his place in a pack he's suddenly bonded into, Jex, the shifter Forest has always been closest to works through new emotions as this new dynamic takes time for adjustment and then there is Zed, the pack leader who is stoic and never shows any emotions. Forest and Zed butt heads, a lot 😂, and Jex smoothes both of their edges, but at the same time it opens something in Jex, hope, a want even when he knows he shouldn't have these emotions because it's not what his pack does. They share, always have, and they don't have intense emotions, but it doesn't mean they can't have them. These men, these emotions they've never experienced things like jealousy, possessiveness, hope...it's all new and it throws all three in of them into a tailspin and doing unexpected things. Which is the drama I love all tangled up in between the spice. 😉

The writing was perfect to max up the drama and each guy's emotions were covered; dealing at a pack level, one on one, and within their trio. It was all handled really well and sometimes in a ménage someone can get left behind, but I never felt that this throuple was lacking, emotionally or physically. It was all very well done. I can't wait for more from this world. 

[Brittany St Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

MMM(+a whole lot more)

I loved this story. I loved that we got a throuple, but the pack also got someone too. That while yes, the pack shares Forest, Forest belongs to Jex and Zed. The three of them sharing something real and meaningful. The pack all comes together in a way that isnt the norm, but without fight. The jealousy we see, isn't because of Forest sleeping with everyone, it's for something much more complex. Jex shows his heart, while Zed guards his fiercely. Forest sees what they both have, and helps them give in to what they crave and have needed for a very long time. It isn't conventional at all, but it's everything they all need. Not just the three of them, but the entire pack. I loved this take on omegaverse. I truly enjoyed seeing something different. Drama was still there, and a couple of side characters make you go "hmmm, what are you up to?" I cannot wait to see how the next story plays out.

Also, who doesn't love a cumdump?!

[Zephyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy hot!! This might be Cora Rose’s spiciest book yet!
The pack sharing dynamic is really interesting and the “amega” classification of Forest is something new. This was mostly spice but what plot was there kept me intrigued. I’m excited to dive more into the fae side of this series!

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
THE CRIMSON HOWLERS (The Knot Wanted 3) di Cora Rose

Recensione: The Crimson Howlers è il terzo libro della serie The Knot Wanted, nuova serie omegaverse scritta dalla BRAVISSIMA Cora Rose. Ricordo quando erano usciti i primi libri di questa serie, ma essendo io molto pignola con le omegaverse (ho tutto un mio modo di vedere questo mondo) che non li avevo ancora letti... Però quando mi si è presentata l'occasione di leggere questo libro (che vede una coppia poliamorosa ma un protagonista è aperto a tutto il branco) mi sono fiondata! E... Sono stra felice di essermi buttata!
Allora: mi è piaciuto molto! Ma, purtroppo, non avendo letto i due libri prima temo di non aver compreso appieno tutto il mondo creato da Cora Rose (cercherò di rimediare appena termino questa recensione). Per me la storia si è letta bene anche senza gli altri due, ma tutti hanno detto che era meglio leggerli in Serie.
Forest è un alpha che desidera però essere un Omega e essere soddisfatto da più persone per cui è andato a Crimson Howlers dove il capo branco è Zed e il suo secondo Jex.
Zed e Jex hanno un passato insieme (Jex è arrivato sette anni prima ferito e debole nel branco di Zed che pur non conoscendolo lo ha salvato e curato) il loro rapporto è molto forte ma entrambi provano qualcosa l'uno per l'altro ma non hanno mai avuto il coraggio di ammetterlo ad alta voce e reciprocamente. L'arrivo di Forest e con il fatto che sia il nuovo Amega (Un Alpha divenuto omega grazie a una pozione creata dallo sciamano del branco) poterà finalmente i due ad avvicinarsi oltre ad avere una storia con Forest. Però c'è una grave minaccia che incombe sul branco: nei libri precedenti un ex componente del branco deve aver avuto dei problemi con delle fate (che sembrano essere gli antagonisti del branco, anche se non li ho percepiti come i grandi nemici) e quindi il branco ha aumentato i controlli del perimetro della foresta che accoglie il branco. Però succede un incidente grave che porterà, purtroppo, a fare crescere ansia e dubbi in Jex specialmente cosa che rischia di separare i tre protagonisti della storia e indebolire il branco.
All'inizio del libro Jex e Forest sembravano molto amici e ho percepito Jex molto attratto da Forest e la cosa era reciproca, mentre con Zed ho percepito freddezza iniziale nei confronti di Forest (nemmeno lo guardava) mentre ho sentito in modo potentissimo l'amore e l'affetto che Jex e Zed provavano l'uno per l'altro e sono felicissima che sia arrivato Forest a fargli aprire gli occhi, magari passavano altri 7 anni prima di vederli mettersi insieme!
Ho sentito molto dolore da parte di Jex durante la lettura (e in alcuni momenti mi ha pure innervosita) perché temeva che, con una relazione poliamorosa con Forest e Zed, lui sarebbe potuto rimanere fuori e non considerato.
I suoi dubbi e le sue paure le ho percepite un po' too much ma gli ho dato ragione quando poi ho effettivamente potuto leggere il pov di Zed e leggere davvero cosa provava lui per il suo secondo (e a quel punto volevo entrare nella storia e picchiare entrambi!) 🙈🤣
La storia è piena zeppa di scene di sesso (non solo con loro tre ma si legge pure di Forest con TUTTO il branco).
Bel libro che consiglio! Sono curiosa a questo punto di leggere il prossimo visto che questo termina con un cliffhanger (e magari avrò altre risposte)👀
Ho ricevuto una copia ARC in cambio della mia opinione sincera.
Ringrazio Cora Rose e The Author Agency per l'opportunità.

ENGLISH REVIEW:

[Bronwyn Heeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down, hell I’m not even sure if I could have waited to read it once I had it. It was engaging from start to finish.

Must MUST read series in order.
This one comes right off the last time we are at the Howlers (I can’t remember if that sense is the end of the last book or not) and goes from there. It tells you none of the backstory (you get a glimpse of the dad’s story arc, though it’s looking like it might back date this one….), and yet the story line that came from book one is pretty much the line in this and there is no extra info. Other than that, it would be a great book to jump in as it tells you none of the backstory of any character, even the ones already on the compound and clear, with fingers crossed, will get their romance.

Now the story itself, I’m feeling a little disappointing in it, mostly because I found it not to be as erotic even when it was nothing but sex, literally, that’s the point, and for me it read every, not clinical… flat maybe, or what is that work when it’s so much you just can’t see/feel it anymore?

The romance between the three of them felt more like it was happening between the two of them and yet Forest was not left out, you can see him being the glue, in their relastionship and what will finally allow this pack to grow, what they have all needed and what they will need as they gain more people and (fingers crossed, other start mating), and he loves that spot, it’s what he feels he was built for.

It’s very clear that the three of them only work because it’s the 3 of them and yet it felt like a romance between Zed and Jex, and I’m not sure how to explain it but it worked really well, I felt it lacked a deeper emotion than what I have been expecting from this series.
I am so very grateful for this book, and it was great considering I have large and not great feelings about how it was all meant to play out.

tropes:
Forced Proximity, Pack Bonding, Found Family, Bonding Contract
Kink: MMM, Free Use, Magic Slick, Exhibitionism and Voyeurism
NOTE: This book does end in an HEA but the relationship dynamics are not traditional. While there is a specific throuple bonded, their relationship remains open to the pack.

[Han. · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The Crimson Howlers is the third book in Cora Rose's Knot Wanted series. An omegaverse with a twist and an unconventional happily ever after. With a multi POV, between the three MCs, but there's an intimate relationship with the entire pack. This book interested me back while reading the two previous books, with Forest not conforming to the societal norms of alpha x omega relationships. It was a unique plot to an omegaverse romance.

This book had me hooked from the first few pages. It was a lot of fun to get to know the members of the Crimson Howlers pack after meeting them briefly in previous books. It begins with Forest getting himself stuck with the pack for 12 months after an unfortunate situation with one of the pack members. Through forced proximity, Zed's rules crumbling before his eyes and Jex's sweet, cinnamon roll nature, Forest finds himself somewhere to belong.

The characters were stunning. The MCs, the side characters, everyone. Ohmygodd, I need to read Forest's dad's book soon, that one is driving me insane. Anyway, Jex is sweet on Forest, they're dynamic is adorable and although Jex has a bit of a tough time throughout the book, they really do have such a strong and special relationship. Then there's Zed, pack leader, grump, but will do anything for his pack. There is sooo much pining too, which is one of my favourite tropes!

Overall, I enjoyed The Crimson Howlers. I'm not sure whether I liked it more than Pit Stop, but I loved the characters and the setting. Getting to know this elusive shifter pack that is whispered and rumoured about in previous books. There is a lotttt of spice, and doesn't end with the most conventional romance HEA, but there is a content warning at the start of the book that goes into a little detail about that. It was a hot new book, that took omegaverse in a slightly different direction and I love when that happens (especially when it comes to omegaverse romances)! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read your book early!

[Baz◇ · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and the author agency for the review copy! All opinions below are my own.

I am a longtime Cora Rose fan and am familiar with the series. This book is very readable on its own, though there are some universe and story details that require some background knowledge from previous books to fully understand the gravity of the situation. With that said, there are a lot of plot threads happening here (though the core is very much the romance building between our main throuple). At least to me it felt like there were a good handful of balls in the air (the serum and its effects, the fae and council issues, Red and his specific fae issues, Forest's initial conflicts with Zed, etc). They do all come together, with some future worldbuilding exceptions, but it was surprisingly busy there in the middle.

Character wise, I loved the team we had going on here. The pack as a whole is so good and so fun together, and our main trio are well done. I loved Jex's affectionate nature (though I felt like it waned as things got more serious), Zed's surliness and guarded Ness, and Forest... who doesn't know how to shut his mouth and 99% of the time it's for the better. They're absolutely darling together and I loved that they come together in the middle of a free use pack situation with Forest. It works so well because of the pack's relationship and I especially loved that all three are alphas. Nontraditional omegaverse relationship dynamics are so fun and I love that Forest never lets us or the pack forget he's also an alpha.

The Crimson Howlers is such a fantastic continuation of the Knot Wanted series and probably my favorite in the series so far. Can't wait for Red's book!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crimson Howlers (Knot Wanted Book 3) by Cora Rose

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Be prepared. The spice starts immediately and. Does. Not. Stop. Forest (who, in my head, they have shortened his name to For), Jex & Zed aren’t fire, they’re a damn inferno. Jex is so damn sweet & insecure that you’re going to want to hug him, right after you yell at him for not speaking up. Zed is the pack leader who puts too much on himself & acts like he doesn’t want more with Forest & Jex. And Forest is a brat. Since he’s also an Alpha he isn’t afraid to talk back & he does so. Often. When they’re together & being soft & vulnerable it’s 👩🏻‍🍳 💋.

I loved the different dynamics, not just between these three, but with Forest & the rest of the pack too. You can tell that they all care about & respect one another. Zed may be pack leader but it’s Forest that holds them all together. It was fun getting to know the pack better & we also got to see some old friends too. The world that’s being created is starting to take shape & I’m so excited to see where it takes us.

I do suggest reading Pit Stop & The Den first.

Triggers: I don’t think there are any. Though there is a HEA, it’s a little different than what most may be used to.

Tropes: MMM, one bed, found family, pack use.

TBR:
Deviant
Vigilant
Until Him

Rec’s:
Unexpectedly Twisted Series
Unexpected Series
Knot Wanted Book 1 & 2

[Heathersreadingbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Cora and the author agency for trusting me with an arc of The Crimson Howlers ❤️

Wow I absolutely devoured this, I have wanted to read Forest’s story since Cora teases us and it was definitely worth the wait

I read it in one sitting as I was not putting this down for anyone or anything
I think it might be my favourite of the 3 books

Forest is an alpha who loves to be dominated f*cked and used
He now finds himself bound to a pack of alphas who get to use him as their amega for 1 year 🥵🥵🥵

The relationship between Forest, Zed and Jex was perfect, the push and pull, the stubbornness but also the tenderness and the spice 🔥🔥🔥
It was so good seeing them all slowly give in and admit what they actually wanted and I loved seeing Forest find his place in the pack

For a book that is mostly smut the plot does not suffer at all and I am hoping their will be a fourth book 🤞🏻

This book follows on directly from book 2 so you definitely have to read in order but you will not be disappointed

‼️Please check your trigger warnings before reading ‼️

Expect:🔥MMM🔥Pack Bonding🔥Forced Proximity🔥Free Use🔥Bonding Contract🔥Exhibitionism🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Melissa Officinalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Read Crimson Howlers, Knot Wanted Series by Cora Rose

Cora Rose does knot disappoint! Ever!

This third book in the series focuses on Forrest and his relationship with the Crimson Howlers, and it is something very new. We saw his brothers get their HEAs in the first two books, Skye with Maverick and Glenn with Arbor, and whilst they faced their own set of challenges, the relationship between Forrest and Jex and Zed and the entire pack looks very different. This is a non-monogamous HEA with interesting pack dynamics, I honestly loved the way it all came together, for something this spicy there was still so much heart and a fantastic plot. Jex is the sweetest character, he deals with deep insecurities throughout this book, but thankfully Forrest is there to help. The magic system with the Shaman in this is fascinating and I cannot help but wonder what Cora is building to with the Fae moments and that epilogue!

With snippets of their Dad Ash and his step son Rhodes making an appearance, and River visiting as well, I’m curious what the future holds for them.

[Kayla Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down my favorite in this series and I have loved them all! This was all hot alphas treating another alpha like an amega and it made for a steamy story that will have you 🤤 drooling. Seriously hot! This is all true but something else I loved was the bond that the 3 main characters formed and the love they had for one another. While there is a lot of spicy times this book doesn’t lack plot because of it. The story will keep you desperate to know what happens next and the ending will have you feral to know more about the next couple in the series 😈

[katherinesbookjournal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so many emotions when reading this book! I loved Forrest from the beginning because he really had an “idgaf” attitude, but he, Jex, and Zed ended up being able to be really vulnerable with each other. I loved watching them all realize their feelings for each other, separately and together.

With that being said, I LOVED THIS BOOK omg. Lots of spice and just an overall great read. I loved the first two books in the series, but this one is by far my favorite out of the 3. Definitely recommend!

[Sam Vautier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet alpha, Forest just wants to be used by big burly alphas.. is that so much to ask for?

I absolutely adored this, had a different vibe to the first two books, and really worked!

The relationship dynamic between Forest, Jex and Zed was perfect, a lot of push and pull and stubbornness but overall tenderness and love that worked so well for these three. All while of course having Forest service the pack too.

And super hot!

[Han · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: The Crimson Howlers- Cora Rose

4.5 ⭐️ | 4 🌶️

I loved everything about this book! The dynamic between Zed, Jex, and Forest was so deliciously intense. The constant push and pull and denial of what they really wanted had me sooo hooked.

And once they finally said f-it and took what they wanted..Ugh! 😩

I also loved seeing Forest find his place with the rest of the pack it had me loving every minute.

That epilogue has me needing the next book immediately

[Kim Merkenhof · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how Cora does it, make a book that's pure smut so emotianal. But she did it again. There is do much emotion between these 3. I felt all of it, and am so happy they found their kind of HEA

[Jessica L Morton · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found the pack very interesting and the story intriguing. It just felt like a lot was happening at all times. I definitely recommend it though. It was very different from other pack type situations I have read.

[Danni Crass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been itching to read Forest's book since Cora was so mean and teased us with little to no information about what he was up to. It was definitely worth the wait and I ate it up. It was juicy and heartwarming all at the same time. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Jessica Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

This was SO MUCH FUN. Extremely spicy and entertaining. The characters were wonderful and they were so cute together. The plot progressed so I'm very curious as to how the next book is going to go since I'm curious about Red's situation.

[Emma · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I knew I would love Forest and his pack - I didn't expect to be so obsessed with Jex! Amongst all the sex (and there is a lot 💦) I found myself so invested in Jex's feelings. Zed, I took a bit to warm up to him but once he pulled his head out of his ass, he quickly redeemed himself! Roll on Red!!

[daisys_reads_ · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC Read

I read this one so fast couldn’t put it down.

Full review to come soon.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love a angsty feels book that ends in HEA and this delivered 10000%.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book in the series so far!!
(Full RTC)

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a spicy and enjoyable addition to the series. Full review to come...