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Wolves of Stone Ridge #40
Rediscovering Himself
Drako Rundin had a rude awakening to the paranormal world—holy crap, vampires and shifters are real! Still, he thinks it’s pretty cool. After so much time thinking he’s weird for being a gay, video-game-loving geek, he finds he’s not the only oddball. Accepting his new friends’ offer to go to Denver, helping the pair move an ostrich farm in the process, he meets so many more people who are different.
Kwanza learns he’s been in captivity for a long, long time. He’s grateful to the group of friendly paranormals who rescued him and knows they worry about him. While he remembers shifting to human form—decades ago—he struggles to actually do it. The other shifters are patient and accommodating, giving him wide open spaces in which to live.
When Kwanza meets Drako, he recognizes the plump, cute human as his mate. While he succeeds in shifting, he can’t seem to hold it for long. With Drako’s help, can he relearn how to be human all over again?
Kwanza learns he’s been in captivity for a long, long time. He’s grateful to the group of friendly paranormals who rescued him and knows they worry about him. While he remembers shifting to human form—decades ago—he struggles to actually do it. The other shifters are patient and accommodating, giving him wide open spaces in which to live.
When Kwanza meets Drako, he recognizes the plump, cute human as his mate. While he succeeds in shifting, he can’t seem to hold it for long. With Drako’s help, can he relearn how to be human all over again?
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2017
17 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 1, 2019
Declan & Kontra make an appearance.
Sadly no Lark.
Yuma helped, so did Travis.
If Charlie would get back to basics with original characters many of us readers would be appreciative.
Sadly no Lark.
Yuma helped, so did Travis.
If Charlie would get back to basics with original characters many of us readers would be appreciative.
January 23, 2019
These books all have the same format. Meet, think only of sex and bonding, can't control themselves because they're so horny, something happens to human mate, paranormal mate fixes it, completes bond, the end. Sometimes in the middle of completing the bond. Who is Drako? Who is Kwanza?
June 24, 2017
Full review available at: https://optimummblog.wordpress.com/20...
Rediscovering Himself is the fortieth book in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series by Charlie Richards. It was well written and nicely edited. I love how the books are written and fleshed out. The characters have depth to them, and it just made me want to read more and more. These books are nice light hearted quick reads. This is the second book that I’ve read in this series. I also read The Hated Finn book thirty-nine in the series also.
The Hated Finn’s where we meet Drako Rudin for the first time. His sister ropes Vicktor into giving him self-defense lessons after being beaten up by some of his schoolmates. Vicktor is the one who stopped the beating and got him to the hospital. Drako becomes friends with Vicktor and his mate Finn, and Drako learns that the paranormal world’s real. He also agrees to help move Finn’s ostriches to their new farm. So Rediscovering Himself starts from this point for Drako. I liked Drako’s character. He’s pudgy and sweet and is a hopeless romantic, but he has never been in a relationship, so he doesn’t have a lot of experience, and so he has that shy innocence to him also. You just want to hold him and protect him. He’s quite lovable. He does have some issues with how his body looks, and it constantly has him blushing as his mate admires him.
Victor and Finn have to stop and check in with the local alpha after unloading the ostriches at their new ranch, and it’s here at the alphas property that Drako meets Kwanza for the first time in his Bongo form. He’s instantly attracted to the unique animal that he’s never seen before. He finds him fascinating and beautiful, and that’s before he finds out that he’s a shifter and his mate.
Kwanza’s one of the shifters that was rescued by the pack from the scientists’ laboratory. He’s been stuck in his Bongo form for 67 years and has forgotten how to shift to his human form. He’s living at Alpha Declan’s property and is with him when he smells his mate for the first time which triggers a shift to human form. However, Kwanza doesn’t have control of his shifts yet, but Drako’s definitely the key to helping Kwanza become whole again. I absolutely loved Kwanza and Drako together. They complement each other perfectly and have wonderful chemistry.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out so that I can read it. Until then, I will start working my way through the 38 other books in the series that I haven’t read yet.
***The ARC was provided by eXtasy Books. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
Rediscovering Himself is the fortieth book in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series by Charlie Richards. It was well written and nicely edited. I love how the books are written and fleshed out. The characters have depth to them, and it just made me want to read more and more. These books are nice light hearted quick reads. This is the second book that I’ve read in this series. I also read The Hated Finn book thirty-nine in the series also.
The Hated Finn’s where we meet Drako Rudin for the first time. His sister ropes Vicktor into giving him self-defense lessons after being beaten up by some of his schoolmates. Vicktor is the one who stopped the beating and got him to the hospital. Drako becomes friends with Vicktor and his mate Finn, and Drako learns that the paranormal world’s real. He also agrees to help move Finn’s ostriches to their new farm. So Rediscovering Himself starts from this point for Drako. I liked Drako’s character. He’s pudgy and sweet and is a hopeless romantic, but he has never been in a relationship, so he doesn’t have a lot of experience, and so he has that shy innocence to him also. You just want to hold him and protect him. He’s quite lovable. He does have some issues with how his body looks, and it constantly has him blushing as his mate admires him.
Victor and Finn have to stop and check in with the local alpha after unloading the ostriches at their new ranch, and it’s here at the alphas property that Drako meets Kwanza for the first time in his Bongo form. He’s instantly attracted to the unique animal that he’s never seen before. He finds him fascinating and beautiful, and that’s before he finds out that he’s a shifter and his mate.
Kwanza’s one of the shifters that was rescued by the pack from the scientists’ laboratory. He’s been stuck in his Bongo form for 67 years and has forgotten how to shift to his human form. He’s living at Alpha Declan’s property and is with him when he smells his mate for the first time which triggers a shift to human form. However, Kwanza doesn’t have control of his shifts yet, but Drako’s definitely the key to helping Kwanza become whole again. I absolutely loved Kwanza and Drako together. They complement each other perfectly and have wonderful chemistry.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out so that I can read it. Until then, I will start working my way through the 38 other books in the series that I haven’t read yet.
***The ARC was provided by eXtasy Books. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
June 15, 2017
~ 2.5 Stars ~
While this is book number forty in this series, it can be read as a standalone; although, reading The Hated Finn will set more context for this story.
In this installment, Drako (who we meet in The Hated Finn) has moved to Colorado with Finn and Victor. Finn has relocated his ostrich farm after the events of the previous book, where he learns that his farm has been supplying the evil scientists who are capturing, experimenting on and exploiting shifters. When the new arrivals visit alpha Declan’s home, they meet Kwanza, a shifter who was rescued, about being held captive for over sixty years. He has yet to shift, but when he recognized Drako as his mate, he finally shifts for the first time in decades.
Drako has certainly gotten the baptism by fire with paranormals since his experiences with Victor and Finn threw him into the mix. He really doesn’t quite understand mates, and he has significant self-esteem issues. Kwanza couldn’t care less about Drako’s appearance, and is just grateful that he has found his mate. He has trouble holding this human form, though, and he also isn’t a native English speaker, so he has some help in their early communication.
While they are getting to know each other, there are some negative encounters with some past enemies. When Drako and Kwanza are separated, they both are determined to return to each other and complete their bond. Both of them are able to keep their heads together thanks to the help of the pack and their friends.
I have to say that this one didn’t really work for me, and that this is one of the weaker installments in the series. I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. We don’t get to know enough about them to become invested. Even though we met Drako in the previous book, it’s like he’s still not anyone we know well. And consequently, he’s someone we can’t care that much about. We know even less about Kwanza, and he doesn’t have enough meaningful dialogue for us to feel like we understand him. I was way more interested in the few pages of Jared, Raul and the rest of the shifters than the main characters. Hopefully the next book will be more in keeping with this series.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach
While this is book number forty in this series, it can be read as a standalone; although, reading The Hated Finn will set more context for this story.
In this installment, Drako (who we meet in The Hated Finn) has moved to Colorado with Finn and Victor. Finn has relocated his ostrich farm after the events of the previous book, where he learns that his farm has been supplying the evil scientists who are capturing, experimenting on and exploiting shifters. When the new arrivals visit alpha Declan’s home, they meet Kwanza, a shifter who was rescued, about being held captive for over sixty years. He has yet to shift, but when he recognized Drako as his mate, he finally shifts for the first time in decades.
Drako has certainly gotten the baptism by fire with paranormals since his experiences with Victor and Finn threw him into the mix. He really doesn’t quite understand mates, and he has significant self-esteem issues. Kwanza couldn’t care less about Drako’s appearance, and is just grateful that he has found his mate. He has trouble holding this human form, though, and he also isn’t a native English speaker, so he has some help in their early communication.
While they are getting to know each other, there are some negative encounters with some past enemies. When Drako and Kwanza are separated, they both are determined to return to each other and complete their bond. Both of them are able to keep their heads together thanks to the help of the pack and their friends.
I have to say that this one didn’t really work for me, and that this is one of the weaker installments in the series. I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. We don’t get to know enough about them to become invested. Even though we met Drako in the previous book, it’s like he’s still not anyone we know well. And consequently, he’s someone we can’t care that much about. We know even less about Kwanza, and he doesn’t have enough meaningful dialogue for us to feel like we understand him. I was way more interested in the few pages of Jared, Raul and the rest of the shifters than the main characters. Hopefully the next book will be more in keeping with this series.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach
August 6, 2017
Folks we have a winner.. New Phrases to add to our list. Yes you herd it correctly..
his shifter and lets be real specific with his shifter lover.
Ok now time to drown out the game show host voice, shhh quiet...
I don't feel completely overwhelmed by the standard catch phrases (eh meaning the new ones) but they strike me. I am EXPECTING to see some. I also have had the answer to a new Kontra book answered (no I did not read the blurb, just the title since I wasn't ready to read it). On another note, I know everyone's definition of sexy is their own tastes, and the author really spreads out in matchups. Great. I personally just didn't find Drako appealing in a sexy way at all. But that's me. His personality however did not bother me. He's self conscience, inexperienced, but willing to take at least a little step out onto the ledge.
his shifter and lets be real specific with his shifter lover.
Ok now time to drown out the game show host voice, shhh quiet...
I don't feel completely overwhelmed by the standard catch phrases (eh meaning the new ones) but they strike me. I am EXPECTING to see some. I also have had the answer to a new Kontra book answered (no I did not read the blurb, just the title since I wasn't ready to read it). On another note, I know everyone's definition of sexy is their own tastes, and the author really spreads out in matchups. Great. I personally just didn't find Drako appealing in a sexy way at all. But that's me. His personality however did not bother me. He's self conscience, inexperienced, but willing to take at least a little step out onto the ledge.
January 29, 2020
I really wish there had been a tad bit more focus on the personalities and who the main characters really are.
In the blurb Drako is described as a geek and gamer, but that is never really mentioned in the book itself. And his character is rather flat with superficial insecurities.
Kwanza has been captive for 67 years, but the most troubling thing for him is that he can’t keep his human form. No talk about how traumatic it has been for him living like that or how he is handling the psychological stress is probably would be to be dropped head first into moderns day society.
The premise is really good, but the interesting parts are glossed over or ignored.
Still, there are plenty of sexy times that I personally didn’t find that enticing. Same old, same old.
In the blurb Drako is described as a geek and gamer, but that is never really mentioned in the book itself. And his character is rather flat with superficial insecurities.
Kwanza has been captive for 67 years, but the most troubling thing for him is that he can’t keep his human form. No talk about how traumatic it has been for him living like that or how he is handling the psychological stress is probably would be to be dropped head first into moderns day society.
The premise is really good, but the interesting parts are glossed over or ignored.
Still, there are plenty of sexy times that I personally didn’t find that enticing. Same old, same old.
June 28, 2024
On a major re-re-read of the Stone Ridge world. I usually enjoy Charlies' short stories and novellas (the occasional one is a clunkier) but I have found that the best way to read them is to series binge and read them in the recommended reading order for the 'world' instead of by series. This gives a much more satisfying read with a more consistent plot line and world. Even the clunkers become acceptable as a small part of the whole. The characters are still good, and as usual Charlie uses stereo types with skill and develops characters indirectly. The only characters that develop depth are those who appear and then reappear frequently.
As individual reads? 2 or 3 - though 3 is more common.
As individual reads? 2 or 3 - though 3 is more common.
July 4, 2019
I am so glad that Drako (who is so caring and accepting) found his mate in Kwanza, who had been held in captivity for many, many, years. It was cute seeing how Kwanza had to learn to rediscover himself after so much time, while also learning about Drako and basically helping him discover special things about himself. Again, there were bigots in the story but they were handled in quite a satisfactory way. The ending was very precious and the writing was well done. The romance was intriguing and the characters were awesome. I enjoyed it. =)
May 17, 2017
This is another really cute addition to the series. Drako is a little pudgy and has a bit of a self-esteem problem. Kwanza has been in captivity and in his animal form for the last 67 years. It takes the presence of his mate, Drako, for him to finally find his human half.
Together Drako and Kwanza learn about the new world, being in a relationship and mated sex!
Just as the others in the series – this was light hearted with only a teeny bit of angst and drama.
3.5 of 5 stars
Together Drako and Kwanza learn about the new world, being in a relationship and mated sex!
Just as the others in the series – this was light hearted with only a teeny bit of angst and drama.
3.5 of 5 stars
June 14, 2017
2.5 stars
This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach .
While this is book number forty in this series, it can be read as a standalone; although, reading The Hated Finn will set more context for this story.
In this installment, Drako (who we meet in The Hated Finn) has moved to Colorado with Finn and Victor. Finn has relocated his ostrich farm after the events of the previous book, where he learns that his farm has been supplying the evil scientists who are capturing, experimenting on and exploiting shifters. When the new arrivals visit alpha Declan’s home, they meet Kwanza, a shifter who was rescued, about being held captive for over sixty years. He has yet to shift, but when he recognized Drako as his mate, he finally shifts for the first time in decades.
Drako has certainly gotten the baptism by fire with paranormals since his experiences with Victor and Finn threw him into the mix. He really doesn’t quite understand mates, and he has significant self-esteem issues. Kwanza couldn’t care less about Drako’s appearance, and is just grateful that he has found his mate. He has trouble holding this human form, though, and he also isn’t a native English speaker, so he has some help in their early communication.
While they are getting to know each other, there are some negative encounters with some past enemies. When Drako and Kwanza are separated, they both are determined to return to each other and complete their bond. Both of them are able to keep their heads together thanks to the help of the pack and their friends.
I have to say that this one didn’t really work for me, and that this is one of the weaker installments in the series. I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. We don’t get to know enough about them to become invested. Even though we met Drako in the previous book, it’s like he’s still not anyone we know well. And consequently, he’s someone we can’t care that much about. We know even less about Kwanza, and he doesn’t have enough meaningful dialogue for us to feel like we understand him. I was way more interested in the few pages of Jared, Raul and the rest of the shifters than the main characters. Hopefully the next book will be more in keeping with this series.
This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach .
While this is book number forty in this series, it can be read as a standalone; although, reading The Hated Finn will set more context for this story.
In this installment, Drako (who we meet in The Hated Finn) has moved to Colorado with Finn and Victor. Finn has relocated his ostrich farm after the events of the previous book, where he learns that his farm has been supplying the evil scientists who are capturing, experimenting on and exploiting shifters. When the new arrivals visit alpha Declan’s home, they meet Kwanza, a shifter who was rescued, about being held captive for over sixty years. He has yet to shift, but when he recognized Drako as his mate, he finally shifts for the first time in decades.
Drako has certainly gotten the baptism by fire with paranormals since his experiences with Victor and Finn threw him into the mix. He really doesn’t quite understand mates, and he has significant self-esteem issues. Kwanza couldn’t care less about Drako’s appearance, and is just grateful that he has found his mate. He has trouble holding this human form, though, and he also isn’t a native English speaker, so he has some help in their early communication.
While they are getting to know each other, there are some negative encounters with some past enemies. When Drako and Kwanza are separated, they both are determined to return to each other and complete their bond. Both of them are able to keep their heads together thanks to the help of the pack and their friends.
I have to say that this one didn’t really work for me, and that this is one of the weaker installments in the series. I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. We don’t get to know enough about them to become invested. Even though we met Drako in the previous book, it’s like he’s still not anyone we know well. And consequently, he’s someone we can’t care that much about. We know even less about Kwanza, and he doesn’t have enough meaningful dialogue for us to feel like we understand him. I was way more interested in the few pages of Jared, Raul and the rest of the shifters than the main characters. Hopefully the next book will be more in keeping with this series.
June 24, 2021
While I now think the bongo is one of the coolest animals and I’m thrilled Drake got his own book, I had a hard time getting into this one. I was happy to see how much Finn aka Brady changed since his book. It seems like the WSR books are kinda boring compared to other book series’s.
September 17, 2017
I really enjoyed the beginning of the story where Kwanza is learning about himself.
October 28, 2017
I love this series. It is always great to revisit old friends and meet new ones. I am looking forward to what comes next.
October 25, 2019
Assistant Drako and Bongo Kwanza
May 16, 2017
Wow.. A beautiful book to read.. <3
Another great book I fell in love with the characters from Charlie Richards series. I loved Drako and Kwanza as they where perfect for each other. The story flows easily that you cant help fell for these guys. Once you start reading your engrossed in the story and completely lose time. lol, as I did.
Kwanza is living on Alpha Declan's reserve, he hadn't shifted in a looong time out of his bongo animal. Other's have being encouraging him but as yet he couldn't get there.
Drako 22 yrs was moving to Colorado staying at Stone Ridge with Viktor and Brady helping them with their ostrich farm. He'd learned fast that paranormal beings existed and quickly adapted and wished for his own soul mate. The three of them visited Alpha Delcan to introduce Drako, but once there Drako is drawn to the bongo animal immediately.. I can highly recommend this to any shifter readers, you'll love these guys..
Another great book I fell in love with the characters from Charlie Richards series. I loved Drako and Kwanza as they where perfect for each other. The story flows easily that you cant help fell for these guys. Once you start reading your engrossed in the story and completely lose time. lol, as I did.
Kwanza is living on Alpha Declan's reserve, he hadn't shifted in a looong time out of his bongo animal. Other's have being encouraging him but as yet he couldn't get there.
Drako 22 yrs was moving to Colorado staying at Stone Ridge with Viktor and Brady helping them with their ostrich farm. He'd learned fast that paranormal beings existed and quickly adapted and wished for his own soul mate. The three of them visited Alpha Delcan to introduce Drako, but once there Drako is drawn to the bongo animal immediately.. I can highly recommend this to any shifter readers, you'll love these guys..
April 30, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
To be honest, I had given up on this series. I have pretty much disliked or hated the last few books. So I was a bit hesitant when a friend loaned me her copy to read. I'm glad she did because I really liked this one. This book felt like a lot of her earlier works in the series. I really liked both Kwanza and Drako as the two MCs. Thought they had great chemistry together. It was really wonderful to see some of Kontra's gang again. Also, this book actually ended at a logically stopping point.
Very good short read... Highly recommend.
To be honest, I had given up on this series. I have pretty much disliked or hated the last few books. So I was a bit hesitant when a friend loaned me her copy to read. I'm glad she did because I really liked this one. This book felt like a lot of her earlier works in the series. I really liked both Kwanza and Drako as the two MCs. Thought they had great chemistry together. It was really wonderful to see some of Kontra's gang again. Also, this book actually ended at a logically stopping point.
Very good short read... Highly recommend.
July 22, 2020
True for both
Really enjoyed this book of the Wolves of Stone Ridge! This is the finest type of books of these series, where it is a gentle exploration of the two characters as they connect and boost each other up. Because the thing is, it isn't just one character who rediscovers himself. While Kwanza has been stuck in his animal form and is rediscovering his human form thanks to his mate, Drako is rediscovering who he can be in an environment where he is supported and loved instead of being broken down. Together they really make a great couple and a fun read!
Really enjoyed this book of the Wolves of Stone Ridge! This is the finest type of books of these series, where it is a gentle exploration of the two characters as they connect and boost each other up. Because the thing is, it isn't just one character who rediscovers himself. While Kwanza has been stuck in his animal form and is rediscovering his human form thanks to his mate, Drako is rediscovering who he can be in an environment where he is supported and loved instead of being broken down. Together they really make a great couple and a fun read!
April 29, 2017
Rediscovering Himself ( Wolves of Stone Ridge Book 40)
I love this Series so it's no surprise I love this book too Charlie Richards gets your attention in to her books and keeps it until the end ...
I love this Series so it's no surprise I love this book too Charlie Richards gets your attention in to her books and keeps it until the end ...
March 23, 2018
67 years
That is the number of years (67) that Kwanza was kept in a cage in animal form. Drako had a lot fewer years of torment being only 22. They rescued each other and showed each other how great life could be.
That is the number of years (67) that Kwanza was kept in a cage in animal form. Drako had a lot fewer years of torment being only 22. They rescued each other and showed each other how great life could be.
September 2, 2018
Sweet, heartwarming, and passionate.
Joy, hope, surprises, and a new friend. Two people, both cut off from the world but together they will rediscover some of what they lost. Find some new things, and discover a new sense of belonging.
Joy, hope, surprises, and a new friend. Two people, both cut off from the world but together they will rediscover some of what they lost. Find some new things, and discover a new sense of belonging.
April 28, 2017
Bongo
Never heard of it before , sounds like an interesting animal and very big. Now part of the family at Stone Ridge. Will be looking forward to next book.
Never heard of it before , sounds like an interesting animal and very big. Now part of the family at Stone Ridge. Will be looking forward to next book.
November 14, 2020
Another sweet one
The story of less than physically perfect Drako finding and helping his shifter mate recover himself was fast paced and full of sweet and sexy times.
The story of less than physically perfect Drako finding and helping his shifter mate recover himself was fast paced and full of sweet and sexy times.
June 13, 2021
👍👍😍😍👬💖
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