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True Mates #1
Promised
She's fighting for her freedom...she never counted on finding her true mate
Wolf Shifter Kara Smith is on the run from her old pack. Her only goal – to escape the man she has been promised to and live on her own terms. The problem is that her chosen protector – the Alpha of the Colstone Wolf Pack – is sexy as hell, making her wolf sit up and pant, begging for a taste. Definitely not part of her plan.
Alpha James Colstone has given up any hope of finding his true mate, the other half of his soul…until sassy Kara walks through his door. Desperate to claim her, to touch and possess her gorgeous curves, he has to convince her he’s not only good for protection duty…that he can give her so much more. But Kara doesn’t trust easily anymore. What's more, her intended is hunting her – and he'll do anything to get her back.
Will James' dominance scare Kara away...or will she learn that with the right man, true freedom lies in surrender?
**This book is intended for readers 18+ and comes complete with a HEA**
Wolf Shifter Kara Smith is on the run from her old pack. Her only goal – to escape the man she has been promised to and live on her own terms. The problem is that her chosen protector – the Alpha of the Colstone Wolf Pack – is sexy as hell, making her wolf sit up and pant, begging for a taste. Definitely not part of her plan.
Alpha James Colstone has given up any hope of finding his true mate, the other half of his soul…until sassy Kara walks through his door. Desperate to claim her, to touch and possess her gorgeous curves, he has to convince her he’s not only good for protection duty…that he can give her so much more. But Kara doesn’t trust easily anymore. What's more, her intended is hunting her – and he'll do anything to get her back.
Will James' dominance scare Kara away...or will she learn that with the right man, true freedom lies in surrender?
**This book is intended for readers 18+ and comes complete with a HEA**
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2015
191 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 6, 2016
Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me. I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I'd hoped I would. We got the bare minimum of details about James and Kara, as well as the other characters. They all needed way more development, and a chance to have their own voice and standout. I wasn't able to connect with any of them, or get hooked into the story line. It all felt too rushed and easily resolved. The potential was there, but the execution was lacking. I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series at this point.
September 18, 2017
Promised has so much potential but it just didn't do it for me. Maybe it's because I'm not a novella kind of girl but I just felt like everything was glossed over and I never fully understood the characters or their world... and I've read my fair share of shifter books.
The story starts off with Kara in James' offices asking for asylum and to join his pack. You know something spooked her but you're not sure what. Then out of nowhere James starts talking about her being his true mate, scares her off, and then BAM she's in the arms of her betrothed. Then all of a sudden James is there defending her. I just, I didn't understand what was going on. I mean, I got it, two Alphas fighting over the same woman but I just didn't get it. I knew nothing about any of the characters and that pretty much lasted the entirety of the story. We also meet other characters that pop in that really don't have any solid form. I was left wondering why things were happening and was never overly drawn to any specific character. I was detached from it all and I felt like if the author had taken time out to do not only some world building but got deep down into who the characters are, I would have enjoyed the story so much more.
October 17, 2015
Wow, this is such a heart felt story. Kara who is running for her life finds herself sitting in front of the Alpha of the Coltone Pack. The were the biggest pack around. She was hoping that this pack could offer her protection from Eric the Alpha of the Stonerock pack which is the second biggest pack.
Kara is beautiful curvy woman. She is stronger then she thinks. Problem with Kara is that Eric and goons have broken her. She is spiritual wounded and in need of inward healing. She needs someone that will truly care for her and want her to what she truly needs. I think that is why James the Alpha of the Coltone Pack was chosen to be her true mate. Though Kara is not ready to except this the true mate thing.
James Coltone is a “super-hot-stud-muffin-Alpha-man” as Lisa who is Kara’s best friend puts it. His wolf wants to claim Kara. It does not want to wait. James’ human side sees that something is wrong with Kara and needs time. He knows she fears someone or something which brings up this protective side.
There is a lot that goes on in the book. Kara’s hand is forced to do something she does not want to do. Kara proves if she is worthy to be an alpha’s mate or not. James might not be able to protect Kara from the danger that lies ahead.There are lives at stake and people that you were not excepting to step up to stand for what is right.
Truly a great book and happy I got a chance to read it. I am actually reading this book with set called Shades of a Shifter (A Ten Book Paranormal Shape Shifter Boxed Set) which was given to me for an honest review.
Kara is beautiful curvy woman. She is stronger then she thinks. Problem with Kara is that Eric and goons have broken her. She is spiritual wounded and in need of inward healing. She needs someone that will truly care for her and want her to what she truly needs. I think that is why James the Alpha of the Coltone Pack was chosen to be her true mate. Though Kara is not ready to except this the true mate thing.
James Coltone is a “super-hot-stud-muffin-Alpha-man” as Lisa who is Kara’s best friend puts it. His wolf wants to claim Kara. It does not want to wait. James’ human side sees that something is wrong with Kara and needs time. He knows she fears someone or something which brings up this protective side.
There is a lot that goes on in the book. Kara’s hand is forced to do something she does not want to do. Kara proves if she is worthy to be an alpha’s mate or not. James might not be able to protect Kara from the danger that lies ahead.There are lives at stake and people that you were not excepting to step up to stand for what is right.
Truly a great book and happy I got a chance to read it. I am actually reading this book with set called Shades of a Shifter (A Ten Book Paranormal Shape Shifter Boxed Set) which was given to me for an honest review.
July 21, 2017
Truly Fierce
This novella is fast & well paced. James Colstone is the Alpha of his pack. He's pretty much given up finding his "true mate." Then Kara appears at his office seeking his protection from the Smithrock pack. He can see she's scared, dispirited and apprehensive. He also realizes he's met his mate, and will protect her at all cost. What follows is action packed wolf politics, shifter council action and plain old revenge and retaliation. James is strong, honorable and determined to protect whatever is his. And he wants Kara as his. So he sets out to take on all her demons, relieve her fears and help her find herself. She makes impressive strides in finding her way to independence. Very believable alternative universe with capable characters that draw you in and make you boo or cheer as appropriate.
This novella is fast & well paced. James Colstone is the Alpha of his pack. He's pretty much given up finding his "true mate." Then Kara appears at his office seeking his protection from the Smithrock pack. He can see she's scared, dispirited and apprehensive. He also realizes he's met his mate, and will protect her at all cost. What follows is action packed wolf politics, shifter council action and plain old revenge and retaliation. James is strong, honorable and determined to protect whatever is his. And he wants Kara as his. So he sets out to take on all her demons, relieve her fears and help her find herself. She makes impressive strides in finding her way to independence. Very believable alternative universe with capable characters that draw you in and make you boo or cheer as appropriate.
November 22, 2016
This story was quick and as the first in the series a little more development into all the characters would have been a good thing but I still enjoyed the story of Kara, learning how to have her own voice and stand on her own and James, an alpha that has to learn to control his alpha tendencies to woo his abused mate.
June 22, 2017
Kara's terrified. .promised to a dangerous psycho. She runs and tries to find a protector but is he really her true mate. Confused by her wolf's reaction she turns away from what she really needs. Clear good vs evil dynamic. Nice to have mom step in and tell him to get over himself and give Kara what she needs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2019
Excellent serious
This is going to be a fun serious to read. I found this book to be not only a fun read but a book I couldn't put down. If you are looking for a fun serious and a book you can't put down then this is the book for you. Thank you Olivia Arran for writing such a good book. I look forward to reading more of your books.
This is going to be a fun serious to read. I found this book to be not only a fun read but a book I couldn't put down. If you are looking for a fun serious and a book you can't put down then this is the book for you. Thank you Olivia Arran for writing such a good book. I look forward to reading more of your books.
February 24, 2017
Good
With the evil that was Eric, I was glad when James put him in his place several times through the book. When Kara finally gave into the mating bond it was a joyous moment in a sea of trouble.
With the evil that was Eric, I was glad when James put him in his place several times through the book. When Kara finally gave into the mating bond it was a joyous moment in a sea of trouble.
August 9, 2018
Meh
I wanted to like this book so badly. I've been searching everywhere for shifter Books I have not read. This one didn't do it for me. I have it a good shot and read the whole book but I just wasn't fully into it.
I wanted to like this book so badly. I've been searching everywhere for shifter Books I have not read. This one didn't do it for me. I have it a good shot and read the whole book but I just wasn't fully into it.
August 31, 2019
There’s nothing I hate more than bad proofreading. At one point, the writer refers to the alpha as Craig. His name is Adam. There are quite a few missed “oops” like that throughout the book. This kept me from reading more of the series. Professionalism people. This isn’t Wattpad.
March 20, 2022
Freedom of choice
Story of a heroine fighting for freedom. Hunted by evil and seeking protection from another pack. The alpha happens to be her true mate. Some darker themes which could trigger but not too bad. Well written book.
Story of a heroine fighting for freedom. Hunted by evil and seeking protection from another pack. The alpha happens to be her true mate. Some darker themes which could trigger but not too bad. Well written book.
November 13, 2016
Amazing
This book is everything I hoped of to be and now I'm on to the next one's. I love the author she is remarkable .
This book is everything I hoped of to be and now I'm on to the next one's. I love the author she is remarkable .
March 24, 2017
Great tale. This book tells of a strong woman that has been abused to the point that she believes she is weakand how the true love of a good man can help her heal.
June 17, 2017
Very good read! I enjoyed this book!
September 24, 2017
Enjoyable
November 11, 2017
I just did not love this. It was just an okay read. The story was just not enough to pull me in. The “alpha female wolf” was just not strong enough for me. She came across as weak.
November 28, 2017
3 1/2
April 15, 2020
Good read
This was a good start to a new series. It had some good action, drama, and some a great steam. It definitely made me want to continue reading the series.
This was a good start to a new series. It had some good action, drama, and some a great steam. It definitely made me want to continue reading the series.
May 20, 2020
Wow
This book was so moving and empowering. We meet an abused she wolf trying to improve herself. When her past catches up will she throw away her future or embrace it?
This book was so moving and empowering. We meet an abused she wolf trying to improve herself. When her past catches up will she throw away her future or embrace it?
November 29, 2022
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
March 21, 2017
I'm hooked already!
March 19, 2017
2.5 * it was really quick and things were a bit over the top, but the writing was mostly well done. I liked Lisa as a character and will probably read book 2 just to read about her story. This is one of those nearly instalove books.
December 14, 2015
Originally reviewed at Shifter Haven
Kara was afraid and trying hard not to show it. Everything depended on this meeting. She needed to be part of this Alpha’s pack, desperately need the protection of a Pack that was not her own. The son of her Alpha has gone power crazy, and her Alpha was rarely seen these days so Eric went unchecked in his insanity. He intended to force mate her, in spite of her protests – what he was proposing was rape and a life of servitude of every disgusting level possible. There was no way she could stay with him and her pack – so she ran. Lisa had found her in the wilderness in her wolf form and slowly brought her back to her senses. She really was close to losing her humanness then. So back to the moment – Kara really needs this sexy, handsome Alpha who keeps watching her so closely to agree to her joining his pack.
James could not take his eyes off of Kara throughout her stumbling story, knowing that she’s leaving out important parts. He can barely control his wolf for they both know that here sits their true mate. The woman he had given up hope of ever finding. She was in trouble but now her worries were his as well. And he would do anything to protect his mate – anything, even fight her stubbornness to keep her at his side.
Promised is the beginning novella in Olivia Arran’s True Mate series. This is the first of Ms Arran’s works that I’ve read, and I’m enjoying her created universe very much. Of course, every author’s shifter world is a bit different and unique, but all carry the basics and I can always work with that.
Kara is a very strong character, she’s simply been lied to and mislead into thinking that she is weak and useless. She is an Alpha’s mate – she is so much more than she believes right now. Stubborn, loyal and determined to do things her way. She and James will disagree at times but in many ways they are true equals in leadership.
James is an Alpha male at the height of his powers. In his discovery of Kara he is forgetting that an equally strong woman will push back, even leave if he tries too hard to bring her to him as his true mate. She doesn’t even realize exactly what that is thanks to the sorry excuse for a pack that she’s been with. Watching them shuffle for their own ways is amusing and such an important part of this story. Kara need the chance to make her own choices – and the sooner James realizes that, the better life will be for them both.
I enjoyed Promise very much and I’m about to go download the second story in this series. If you love really strong Alpha characters, male and female – and you really enjoy seeing a jerk/idiot getting exactly what they deserve… then this is a series that you should probably check out. Like, now.
Kara was afraid and trying hard not to show it. Everything depended on this meeting. She needed to be part of this Alpha’s pack, desperately need the protection of a Pack that was not her own. The son of her Alpha has gone power crazy, and her Alpha was rarely seen these days so Eric went unchecked in his insanity. He intended to force mate her, in spite of her protests – what he was proposing was rape and a life of servitude of every disgusting level possible. There was no way she could stay with him and her pack – so she ran. Lisa had found her in the wilderness in her wolf form and slowly brought her back to her senses. She really was close to losing her humanness then. So back to the moment – Kara really needs this sexy, handsome Alpha who keeps watching her so closely to agree to her joining his pack.
James could not take his eyes off of Kara throughout her stumbling story, knowing that she’s leaving out important parts. He can barely control his wolf for they both know that here sits their true mate. The woman he had given up hope of ever finding. She was in trouble but now her worries were his as well. And he would do anything to protect his mate – anything, even fight her stubbornness to keep her at his side.
Promised is the beginning novella in Olivia Arran’s True Mate series. This is the first of Ms Arran’s works that I’ve read, and I’m enjoying her created universe very much. Of course, every author’s shifter world is a bit different and unique, but all carry the basics and I can always work with that.
Kara is a very strong character, she’s simply been lied to and mislead into thinking that she is weak and useless. She is an Alpha’s mate – she is so much more than she believes right now. Stubborn, loyal and determined to do things her way. She and James will disagree at times but in many ways they are true equals in leadership.
James is an Alpha male at the height of his powers. In his discovery of Kara he is forgetting that an equally strong woman will push back, even leave if he tries too hard to bring her to him as his true mate. She doesn’t even realize exactly what that is thanks to the sorry excuse for a pack that she’s been with. Watching them shuffle for their own ways is amusing and such an important part of this story. Kara need the chance to make her own choices – and the sooner James realizes that, the better life will be for them both.
I enjoyed Promise very much and I’m about to go download the second story in this series. If you love really strong Alpha characters, male and female – and you really enjoy seeing a jerk/idiot getting exactly what they deserve… then this is a series that you should probably check out. Like, now.
March 2, 2017
Great book. Loved it a lot. Can't wait to read about Sean and Lisa
August 19, 2016
This is the story of James the son of Adam and Claire from Found. I was sorry to read that Adam had died. But in this book it comes across that James is his son.
He is a good Alpha, though as his mother points out he was a bit of an idiot at first.
Kara is on the run from her old pack which is being run by the ratbag Beta Eric, as the Alpha has given up since the death of his mate. She is extremely wary as her whole life has been dictated to and everything she has been taught and told is pretty much wrong.
She does not think she is brave or anything special and I really felt for her, she draws your sympathies out as her story leaks out along the way. She was a hell of a lot stronger than she thought she was, surviving what she had.
This story had it all, even had James having a girlfriend which was funny as he had just told Kara she was his true mate and Amanda makes an appearance. Talk about egg on your face.
The end with the challenge was really hair raising. Eric was just pure evil.
Loved Lisa, what a best friend.
I really liked this book and will be reading the rest of this series.
He is a good Alpha, though as his mother points out he was a bit of an idiot at first.
Kara is on the run from her old pack which is being run by the ratbag Beta Eric, as the Alpha has given up since the death of his mate. She is extremely wary as her whole life has been dictated to and everything she has been taught and told is pretty much wrong.
She does not think she is brave or anything special and I really felt for her, she draws your sympathies out as her story leaks out along the way. She was a hell of a lot stronger than she thought she was, surviving what she had.
This story had it all, even had James having a girlfriend which was funny as he had just told Kara she was his true mate and Amanda makes an appearance. Talk about egg on your face.
The end with the challenge was really hair raising. Eric was just pure evil.
Loved Lisa, what a best friend.
I really liked this book and will be reading the rest of this series.
February 20, 2016
5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
Title: Promised
Series: True Mates: Book 1
Author: Olivia Arran
Reviewer: (Ingrid) Stephanie Jordan
#Paranormal #WolfShifter #JaguarShifter
♡°•○●♡°•○♡°•○●♡°•○●♡°•○●♡°•○●♤°•○●♡
Book 1 of the True Mates Series, has been written by Ms. Arran with a powerful theme,
can you imagine find you other half of your soul by smelling them. I'm telling you this is going to be a Phenomenal Series I just can't wait for Book 2.
Kara Smith was a she-wolf running for her freedom, Stonerock was her Pack her whole life, but she has been lied to and abused mentally and physically from the Alpha’s son who gets off by inflicting pain on Kara.
So she ran to another Pack and asked for protection which seemed like the logical thing to do.
James Colstone is a wolf shifter and Alpha of the Colstone Pack, in Craggstone Town, he has a reputation of being honest and fair.
He might have had that reputation but finding his True Mate and see someone threating her his niceness goes out the window. I was gifted this ARC for an honest and truthful review.
Title: Promised
Series: True Mates: Book 1
Author: Olivia Arran
Reviewer: (Ingrid) Stephanie Jordan
#Paranormal #WolfShifter #JaguarShifter
♡°•○●♡°•○♡°•○●♡°•○●♡°•○●♡°•○●♤°•○●♡
Book 1 of the True Mates Series, has been written by Ms. Arran with a powerful theme,
can you imagine find you other half of your soul by smelling them. I'm telling you this is going to be a Phenomenal Series I just can't wait for Book 2.
Kara Smith was a she-wolf running for her freedom, Stonerock was her Pack her whole life, but she has been lied to and abused mentally and physically from the Alpha’s son who gets off by inflicting pain on Kara.
So she ran to another Pack and asked for protection which seemed like the logical thing to do.
James Colstone is a wolf shifter and Alpha of the Colstone Pack, in Craggstone Town, he has a reputation of being honest and fair.
He might have had that reputation but finding his True Mate and see someone threating her his niceness goes out the window. I was gifted this ARC for an honest and truthful review.
January 31, 2016
Another hot shifter book
This is a short story of James and Kara finding their true mate bond. Kara comes from an abusive pack, and she does not realize how mislead she was about true packlife, until she meets James. James being an honorable and patient Alpha recognizes Kara as his true mate but senses there is something that is scarring her. Kara is much stronger than she gives herself credit for, as the story unfolds you envy the courage she had to face to keep going and leave the situation, also the sacrifices she is willing to make. There are some twists, but in the end all is as it should be.
This is a short story of James and Kara finding their true mate bond. Kara comes from an abusive pack, and she does not realize how mislead she was about true packlife, until she meets James. James being an honorable and patient Alpha recognizes Kara as his true mate but senses there is something that is scarring her. Kara is much stronger than she gives herself credit for, as the story unfolds you envy the courage she had to face to keep going and leave the situation, also the sacrifices she is willing to make. There are some twists, but in the end all is as it should be.
August 12, 2016
Don't miss out on Promised! It’s just awesome!
James and Kara are the main characters in this story. James Colstone is a wolf shifter and Alpha of Colstone Pack from Craggstone Town. Kara is from a different wolf shifter pack. What will she do with this amazingly sexy male, alpha wolf shifter? Will she give in or deny the true mate bond?
Beware! Danger lurks for the Smithrock pack. Enemies are making dangerous plans to capture Kara.
The full review can be found on the below URL:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
DebA
Copyright Night Owl Reviews
James and Kara are the main characters in this story. James Colstone is a wolf shifter and Alpha of Colstone Pack from Craggstone Town. Kara is from a different wolf shifter pack. What will she do with this amazingly sexy male, alpha wolf shifter? Will she give in or deny the true mate bond?
Beware! Danger lurks for the Smithrock pack. Enemies are making dangerous plans to capture Kara.
The full review can be found on the below URL:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
DebA
Copyright Night Owl Reviews
February 2, 2017
Love this story
Kara a shifter who is on the run from her old pack she was suppose to be mated with Eric the next in line for Alpha in his clan
She runs to the James Alpha of the other clan asking him if she could join his pack. Meanwhile she calls her friend Lisa to come and meet her.
James realizes that Kara is his true mate and would do everything to protect him from the other Alpha Eric.
Sean is second in command to James when Lisa meets Sean sparks fly but neither one would admit the feeling. Lisa is abducted by Kara old pack that Erik was suppose to take over.
There are twists, turns, fighting and kidnapping.
Kara a shifter who is on the run from her old pack she was suppose to be mated with Eric the next in line for Alpha in his clan
She runs to the James Alpha of the other clan asking him if she could join his pack. Meanwhile she calls her friend Lisa to come and meet her.
James realizes that Kara is his true mate and would do everything to protect him from the other Alpha Eric.
Sean is second in command to James when Lisa meets Sean sparks fly but neither one would admit the feeling. Lisa is abducted by Kara old pack that Erik was suppose to take over.
There are twists, turns, fighting and kidnapping.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews