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Soulmark #1
Coven
Stay out of the forest, Gran had said; it’s no place to be at night.
Especially, when it’s a full moon.
Zoelle Baudelaire should have listened. Now she must navigate a world she’d only ever read about in fairytales, full of formidable witches and domineering werewolves out for blood.
Yet no story could have prepared Zoelle for Aleksandr ‘Xander’ Adolphus—the volatile Alpha of the Adophus Pack—or the seductive soulmark that bound their souls together. Trapped in a carnal game of cat and mouse, Zoelle must tread unfamiliar ground steeped in supernatural politics that could cost her her life.
Can Zoelle outrun a wolf bound and determined to mark her as his? Or will this new world swallow her whole?
Especially, when it’s a full moon.
Zoelle Baudelaire should have listened. Now she must navigate a world she’d only ever read about in fairytales, full of formidable witches and domineering werewolves out for blood.
Yet no story could have prepared Zoelle for Aleksandr ‘Xander’ Adolphus—the volatile Alpha of the Adophus Pack—or the seductive soulmark that bound their souls together. Trapped in a carnal game of cat and mouse, Zoelle must tread unfamiliar ground steeped in supernatural politics that could cost her her life.
Can Zoelle outrun a wolf bound and determined to mark her as his? Or will this new world swallow her whole?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2017
1528 people are currently reading
1330 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Main
13 books131 followersDo you believe in magic? Rebecca Main does. Her magic wand is a well-worn pen that’s been known to weave stories that transport readers to other worlds. Other enchanting pastimes of Rebecca include traveling and showering her two cats, Dorcas and Pudge, with love.
If you want to know when Rebecca’s next book will come out, receive special news first, or get your hands exclusive content, please visit her website at http://rebeccamain.com/ where you can sign up to receive her monthly email, Rebecca’s Readers.
If you want to know when Rebecca’s next book will come out, receive special news first, or get your hands exclusive content, please visit her website at http://rebeccamain.com/ where you can sign up to receive her monthly email, Rebecca’s Readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
December 31, 2020
I wanted to like this, but I was turned off from the start. The H is Aleksander, but prefers to be called Xander. The heroine is Zoelle, but she spells out how to pronounce her name -"It's Zoe and not Zoey" - What???? I found the story cliched and characters were smug and self-righteous. As she'd been hurt by her cheating ex, she's feels it's OK to cheat emotionally with the H. I didn't like the characters or the writing style.
July 9, 2017
A good re-bound book
You know when you end a relationship with a great book series and you want to have a casual fling before you out your heart back out there? This book was just that.Good enough to keep my mind busy, but I not love.
You know when you end a relationship with a great book series and you want to have a casual fling before you out your heart back out there? This book was just that.Good enough to keep my mind busy, but I not love.
May 6, 2020
As I enter the supernatural world of Rebecca Main, I do so anticipating an adventure and I got one. Zoelle doesn’t know about the supernatural world, and that she is a witch, but when she ‘runs’ into Xander, her eyes are opened. I loved watching her grow and develop into a force to be reckoned with. Xander has definitely met his match
November 24, 2020
Ok, this book did not do it for me at all. Here's why.
"Are you Zoe or Zoey?" - I am unaware there is a difference in pronunciation. Unless it's Zoe rhymes with toe? And apparently the difference is really obvious to hear. Anyway, the werewolf bloke, Aleksander won't call her either as he prefers her full name and won't listen that she doesn't like it. Nothing more is said about this after the first time. Btw, he insists she calls him Xander and she just does even though she starts using Aleksander.
The boyfriend character. He keeps saying he loves her and she never replies. She refuses to move in with him, preferring to live with gran. He doesn't get the hint. He is shocked that after being very distant when he sees her and he leaves early, a week of not returning missed calls and two weeks where neither contact the other, she breaks up with him. This is also a while after he makes a bunch of "a woman's place is in the kitchen" comments (literally) to the aunts. He has a go at her for cheating on him but really, she was never really in that relationship and made it clear. Why he would think cheating over "yeah, this isn't working at all" is not clear.
Gran lies and drugs Zoe all through her life and that's cool, let's just move forward with no antagonism. Zoe learns to be super duper witchy in a few weeks, so clearly witchcraft doesn't need much training here. She could do magic anyway just by baking, so clearly drugging her had little effect.
Xander literally overpowers her mind and forces her to stop speaking about a topic he doesn't like. "Yes, he has that power but he's nice and would never abuse it" reckon his gas lighting stepmother and half sister.
He also forces her into this matching birthmark soulmate bond without her permission.
Yeah, not what I was after. Others may well enjoy it.
"Are you Zoe or Zoey?" - I am unaware there is a difference in pronunciation. Unless it's Zoe rhymes with toe? And apparently the difference is really obvious to hear. Anyway, the werewolf bloke, Aleksander won't call her either as he prefers her full name and won't listen that she doesn't like it. Nothing more is said about this after the first time. Btw, he insists she calls him Xander and she just does even though she starts using Aleksander.
The boyfriend character. He keeps saying he loves her and she never replies. She refuses to move in with him, preferring to live with gran. He doesn't get the hint. He is shocked that after being very distant when he sees her and he leaves early, a week of not returning missed calls and two weeks where neither contact the other, she breaks up with him. This is also a while after he makes a bunch of "a woman's place is in the kitchen" comments (literally) to the aunts. He has a go at her for cheating on him but really, she was never really in that relationship and made it clear. Why he would think cheating over "yeah, this isn't working at all" is not clear.
Gran lies and drugs Zoe all through her life and that's cool, let's just move forward with no antagonism. Zoe learns to be super duper witchy in a few weeks, so clearly witchcraft doesn't need much training here. She could do magic anyway just by baking, so clearly drugging her had little effect.
Xander literally overpowers her mind and forces her to stop speaking about a topic he doesn't like. "Yes, he has that power but he's nice and would never abuse it" reckon his gas lighting stepmother and half sister.
He also forces her into this matching birthmark soulmate bond without her permission.
Yeah, not what I was after. Others may well enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2018
I liked this book alot. Alexandr was somehow bad, but also good. He was equally so. I also liked that he did not stop wanting Zoelle, like he did not give up. He showed her his heart, that he wanted her. I did not enjoy the way she cheated on Ben and thought it was idiotic that she did not end it sooner espesically when she did not like cheating to begin with. I liked Katarina alot, she seemed like a loving understand mother, she did not give up Zoelle, but gave her the chance to let go if she needed to. She wanted the best for both of them and understood that her son could be a little bitch. I just all in all liked it, it was fun, easy and interesting.
May 7, 2018
Exasperating Heroine
It's been a long time since I've come across an h that's so stubborn and annoying. I get that there must be some angst and a little resistance but seriously for more than half of the book? Was that really necessary? 😬 Then after that everything just snowballed.
Admittedly the last 25% of the book and that's how it earned it's 3 stars. She put so much emphasis on her relationship with Ben and then he just disappears then she goes and breaks up with him and then she wants to go back to being difficult.
I wouldn't say no to reading the 2nd book but will not follow through if this new h is just the same as the first
It's been a long time since I've come across an h that's so stubborn and annoying. I get that there must be some angst and a little resistance but seriously for more than half of the book? Was that really necessary? 😬 Then after that everything just snowballed.
Admittedly the last 25% of the book and that's how it earned it's 3 stars. She put so much emphasis on her relationship with Ben and then he just disappears then she goes and breaks up with him and then she wants to go back to being difficult.
I wouldn't say no to reading the 2nd book but will not follow through if this new h is just the same as the first
July 1, 2021
Omg. I couldn’t anymore.
So awful. So boring. The Heroine was sooooo shit. She complained. Didn’t fix anything and refused to listen to reason. The alpha was rude and made zero effort to create a bond.
It wasn’t for me. No thanks. Pass.
So awful. So boring. The Heroine was sooooo shit. She complained. Didn’t fix anything and refused to listen to reason. The alpha was rude and made zero effort to create a bond.
It wasn’t for me. No thanks. Pass.
May 21, 2018
Well written story about Zoelle, Xander and the paranormal world.
Zoelle lost her mom/dad/sister in a car accident. She has been living with her grandmother, while going and completing culinary school. Now that she is graduating, her grandmother is moving back to Branson Falls.
Zoelle is dating a guy name Ben. Ben truly seems to be a great guy and Zoe seems to really care for him.
With that said, Zoe decides to move with her Gran. Of course, long distance relationships are hard, and especially hard when you feel like something is missing.
Branson Falls.
Xander and his Clan.
The whole meeting of Zoe and the clan was perfect. Where some may not have liked the overbearing personality of Xander.. I did. That first meeting Xander does something to Zoe that will change the course of the book; along with Ben and Zoe's relationship.
The banter between everyone was nice.
The whole book was in Zoe's POV; except for maybe a chapter or two.
The few sexy scenes does prevent this from being a paranormal for the young readers.
With all that said, I like the story; especially since it was free. I would definitely continue the series BUT will have to wait until it goes on sale. 3.99 is to much.
Zoelle lost her mom/dad/sister in a car accident. She has been living with her grandmother, while going and completing culinary school. Now that she is graduating, her grandmother is moving back to Branson Falls.
Zoelle is dating a guy name Ben. Ben truly seems to be a great guy and Zoe seems to really care for him.
With that said, Zoe decides to move with her Gran. Of course, long distance relationships are hard, and especially hard when you feel like something is missing.
Branson Falls.
Xander and his Clan.
The whole meeting of Zoe and the clan was perfect. Where some may not have liked the overbearing personality of Xander.. I did. That first meeting Xander does something to Zoe that will change the course of the book; along with Ben and Zoe's relationship.
The banter between everyone was nice.
The whole book was in Zoe's POV; except for maybe a chapter or two.
The few sexy scenes does prevent this from being a paranormal for the young readers.
With all that said, I like the story; especially since it was free. I would definitely continue the series BUT will have to wait until it goes on sale. 3.99 is to much.
August 16, 2025
3 stars
The writing was off and full of plot holes. Now I don’t really know what made me reread this book again, ’cause I don’t see any redeeming qualities in this one.
“The thing about Ben is… well, the thing about Ben and me is—that is to say, the thing with me is that I don’t know how to love him.”
“Feelings I’ve tried to escape dredging up.”
Wait, so… does she love him or not? Girl, you’re contradicting yourself every few pages.
Also, the FMC is out here cooking elaborate meals like she’s got an unlimited grocery budget. Girl, do you even work?
The thing is, I felt that all the characters in this book were selfish. Everybody was freaking manipulative towards the FMC. And the weird POV of the MMC getting advice from his siblings didn’t help either.
Not planning to continue the series.
The writing was off and full of plot holes. Now I don’t really know what made me reread this book again, ’cause I don’t see any redeeming qualities in this one.
“The thing about Ben is… well, the thing about Ben and me is—that is to say, the thing with me is that I don’t know how to love him.”
“Feelings I’ve tried to escape dredging up.”
Wait, so… does she love him or not? Girl, you’re contradicting yourself every few pages.
Also, the FMC is out here cooking elaborate meals like she’s got an unlimited grocery budget. Girl, do you even work?
The thing is, I felt that all the characters in this book were selfish. Everybody was freaking manipulative towards the FMC. And the weird POV of the MMC getting advice from his siblings didn’t help either.
Not planning to continue the series.
May 13, 2018
Paranormal romance story
This aIs a little different the. Your usual shifter story, because our heroine is a witch, well she actually finds out she’s a witch after stumbling on to three werewolves. It was a different take for sure. It has some grammatical issues, but nothing major. My biggest issue was the pace. It was slow, and felt forced and redundant. The book should of skipped some scenes and created a better flow. There were even a point I thought the story might have reached its conclusion only to be stretched out further. All in all a good story.
This aIs a little different the. Your usual shifter story, because our heroine is a witch, well she actually finds out she’s a witch after stumbling on to three werewolves. It was a different take for sure. It has some grammatical issues, but nothing major. My biggest issue was the pace. It was slow, and felt forced and redundant. The book should of skipped some scenes and created a better flow. There were even a point I thought the story might have reached its conclusion only to be stretched out further. All in all a good story.
May 8, 2018
Cute, but needs some editing.
Want to read
April 20, 2021🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (4/20/2021)! 🎁
January 12, 2022
Decent. I have much better paranormal romance but this wasn’t bad. I’ll read the next two and then decide if the series is one I can recommend.
July 9, 2018
So good
This book is really good. One part I will like the author to expand or at least let us enjoy are the fights, they happens so fast but nonetheless book is great!!
This book is really good. One part I will like the author to expand or at least let us enjoy are the fights, they happens so fast but nonetheless book is great!!
April 4, 2018
Coven by Rebecca Main is Book 1 in the Soulmark Series and is a paranormal read that is slow-to-start but picks up once you get beyond the intro. Coven is an instalove read with lots of heat. I found this to be a middle-of-the road read for me as I just didn’t connect with the characters, wasn’t engaged by the storyline, and found myself easily distracted while reading this, as well as having a difficult time staying within Ms. Main’s world. I’m interested in seeing what Book 2 brings to the table.
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
November 26, 2017
Great Story
Honestly... wow. The beginning started out pretty slow when it was introducing her life. I might have skipped a page or two. However, once it got to the part where Xander comes into the picture, I could not put it down! The love between Zoe and Xander is almost palpable. Can’t wait to read the next installment!
Honestly... wow. The beginning started out pretty slow when it was introducing her life. I might have skipped a page or two. However, once it got to the part where Xander comes into the picture, I could not put it down! The love between Zoe and Xander is almost palpable. Can’t wait to read the next installment!
March 19, 2021
Zoelle Baudelaire is a culinary studies college graduate who returns to her home town, with her grandmother, after graduating. Her parents and sibling were killed in a car accident and it turns out she’s from a long line of witches. Her coven is involved in an ongoing dispute with a pack of wolves who moved into their area.
Immediately, I’m not sure if I will like Zoe. She claims she doesn’t love her boyfriend and is only with him because he’s safe, or until so something better comes along. Such a revelation is not the best way to endear a reader to the female MC in the opening chapter. Apparently, she’s been burned in a previous relationship, fair enough, but it just feels a little cold. However, she does care about treating her boyfriend right as she comes to realise their relationship cannot continue, so that lifts her in my estimations.
Aleksandr Adolphus is the Lycan alpha. Zoe accidentally comes across the wolves in the forest and discovers they bear the same birthmark, or soul mark, which means they are fated to bond together for life.
He could be quite the alpha hole, but she really makes him work for it rather than puts up with his dominating behaviour. But that’s it, there’s no real depth to him. He reins in his primal urges to win her over, and she sets her own terms, rather than bowing to pressure.
There’s a lot of stuff going on in the background that I would have liked to feature in the story rather than be told what happened after the fact. Hey, this is paranormal romance, we want the magic, the spells, the action, as well as the emotional development of the characters and their relationship.
Less time could have been spent on her whining about what she should do and actually have her involved in the wider plot. I felt that despite her initial willingness to stand up for what she wants, she’s just tagging along for the last part of the story, letting others do what needs to be done, while she’s lamenting the loss of a relationship she admitted was only temporary in the first chapter.
As a werewolf romance goes it’s also decidedly lacking in wolves. We only actually see some characters in wolf form in chapter one, and that’s it. This book is okay for a bit of escapism. The plot is focused in some places, then brushes over things which I felt should have featured more predominantly. The characters are a bit hit and miss, but the tension and build up is decent, and fairly spicy once it peaks.
Immediately, I’m not sure if I will like Zoe. She claims she doesn’t love her boyfriend and is only with him because he’s safe, or until so something better comes along. Such a revelation is not the best way to endear a reader to the female MC in the opening chapter. Apparently, she’s been burned in a previous relationship, fair enough, but it just feels a little cold. However, she does care about treating her boyfriend right as she comes to realise their relationship cannot continue, so that lifts her in my estimations.
Aleksandr Adolphus is the Lycan alpha. Zoe accidentally comes across the wolves in the forest and discovers they bear the same birthmark, or soul mark, which means they are fated to bond together for life.
He could be quite the alpha hole, but she really makes him work for it rather than puts up with his dominating behaviour. But that’s it, there’s no real depth to him. He reins in his primal urges to win her over, and she sets her own terms, rather than bowing to pressure.
There’s a lot of stuff going on in the background that I would have liked to feature in the story rather than be told what happened after the fact. Hey, this is paranormal romance, we want the magic, the spells, the action, as well as the emotional development of the characters and their relationship.
Less time could have been spent on her whining about what she should do and actually have her involved in the wider plot. I felt that despite her initial willingness to stand up for what she wants, she’s just tagging along for the last part of the story, letting others do what needs to be done, while she’s lamenting the loss of a relationship she admitted was only temporary in the first chapter.
As a werewolf romance goes it’s also decidedly lacking in wolves. We only actually see some characters in wolf form in chapter one, and that’s it. This book is okay for a bit of escapism. The plot is focused in some places, then brushes over things which I felt should have featured more predominantly. The characters are a bit hit and miss, but the tension and build up is decent, and fairly spicy once it peaks.
July 12, 2019
It had potential, it just didn't live up to it
I didn't hate it... I hardly ever hate books. When I hate I book I just don't finish reading them. I just didn't particularly like this book. there were good parts but the bad definitely outweighed that.
A lot of reviewers were commenting on the fact that the main character Zoelle was annoying and exasperating and up until the last several chapters I disagreed. I could see how other readers might find her annoying by denying the soulmark and constantly pushing her intended, Alexandr, away but I could also see why she did. She was in a relationship and she had been cheated on before, she had just been thrust into a world where her soul mate was someone she had no relationship with. I got it. BUT the logic was thrown out the window several times. She constantly cheated and didn't break up with her bf until way later in the book. Xander was manipulative and forced her/ made her unknowingly accept 2 of the 3 binding rituals of the soulmarked. AND when she realizes it shes angry duh but then Xanders mother dies and ZOE... not Xan or any of his siblings goes into a depression spiral??? And they end up never addressing it. She is still resistant to the binding one second and the next they are having sex on the couch and make the final binding. I think my main gripe is that it wasn't consistent. Like if you're gonna be mad be mad, if you're gonna be self-righteous and 'i cant cheat'-y then don't cheat. By the end, in the epilogue, I just didn't care anymore. There "love" felt forced and not real.
And don't even get me started on the grammar, typos, repeated information, and weird inserts of prophecy(toward the end)
But I didn't hate it... I just didn't like it
I didn't hate it... I hardly ever hate books. When I hate I book I just don't finish reading them. I just didn't particularly like this book. there were good parts but the bad definitely outweighed that.
A lot of reviewers were commenting on the fact that the main character Zoelle was annoying and exasperating and up until the last several chapters I disagreed. I could see how other readers might find her annoying by denying the soulmark and constantly pushing her intended, Alexandr, away but I could also see why she did. She was in a relationship and she had been cheated on before, she had just been thrust into a world where her soul mate was someone she had no relationship with. I got it. BUT the logic was thrown out the window several times. She constantly cheated and didn't break up with her bf until way later in the book. Xander was manipulative and forced her/ made her unknowingly accept 2 of the 3 binding rituals of the soulmarked. AND when she realizes it shes angry duh but then Xanders mother dies and ZOE... not Xan or any of his siblings goes into a depression spiral??? And they end up never addressing it. She is still resistant to the binding one second and the next they are having sex on the couch and make the final binding. I think my main gripe is that it wasn't consistent. Like if you're gonna be mad be mad, if you're gonna be self-righteous and 'i cant cheat'-y then don't cheat. By the end, in the epilogue, I just didn't care anymore. There "love" felt forced and not real.
And don't even get me started on the grammar, typos, repeated information, and weird inserts of prophecy(toward the end)
But I didn't hate it... I just didn't like it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2021
I received the audiobook from netgalley in an exchange for a review.
I didn't like the narrator.
I didn't like the aggressive sexual behaviour from Xander.
I didn't like that he insisted Zoelle say he owned her.
I did like Zoelle and her grandmother and her coven.
Was this aimed at teens - because this was a terrible relationship for teens.
Basically if you liked Charlaine Harris, Stephanie Meyer and EL James then you'll enjoy this.
Zoelle finishes university, ready to move back in with the grandmother who raised her after her parents and sister were killed when she was 10. But when she gets back Zoelle finds grandmother packed and ready to move back to her hometown for reasons granny keeps secret.
Shock - granny is a witch and belongs to a coven. Double shock - Zoelle is one too and so was her mother and sister!
Upon arriving at the new house, Zoelle is warned not to go out after dark especially not when it's a full moon - why?
Werewolves is why!
They're everywhere.
So naturally Zoelle and the alpha werewolf get into an obsessive relationship that no-one can break up. They're destined to be together! But they know they shouldn't *eye rolling*
I did pick the book thinking it would be a bit of light horror, a bit of an amuse-bouche from all the heavy thrillers I've got on the go, but boy-o-boy I was not expecting this.
It's trashy, and probably someone will love it, I'm sure lots will love it actually. But if you want something a little meatier, I should bother.
I don't enjoy slating anyone's book at all, but I can't not like it.
The most memorable part of the book was when Zoelle exclaimed "...but it won't fit" made me actually close my eyes and give my head a little shake (just like the gif)
I didn't like the narrator.
I didn't like the aggressive sexual behaviour from Xander.
I didn't like that he insisted Zoelle say he owned her.
I did like Zoelle and her grandmother and her coven.
Was this aimed at teens - because this was a terrible relationship for teens.
Basically if you liked Charlaine Harris, Stephanie Meyer and EL James then you'll enjoy this.
Zoelle finishes university, ready to move back in with the grandmother who raised her after her parents and sister were killed when she was 10. But when she gets back Zoelle finds grandmother packed and ready to move back to her hometown for reasons granny keeps secret.
Shock - granny is a witch and belongs to a coven. Double shock - Zoelle is one too and so was her mother and sister!
Upon arriving at the new house, Zoelle is warned not to go out after dark especially not when it's a full moon - why?
Werewolves is why!
They're everywhere.
So naturally Zoelle and the alpha werewolf get into an obsessive relationship that no-one can break up. They're destined to be together! But they know they shouldn't *eye rolling*
I did pick the book thinking it would be a bit of light horror, a bit of an amuse-bouche from all the heavy thrillers I've got on the go, but boy-o-boy I was not expecting this.
It's trashy, and probably someone will love it, I'm sure lots will love it actually. But if you want something a little meatier, I should bother.
I don't enjoy slating anyone's book at all, but I can't not like it.
The most memorable part of the book was when Zoelle exclaimed "...but it won't fit" made me actually close my eyes and give my head a little shake (just like the gif)
May 8, 2018
Coven/Pack
This is an excellent interracial, multicultural book. It's the first paranormal book that I've read involving wolves and witches. Xander is an Alpha and head of his pack. Zoelle is a witch who is just finding out what she is and her capabilities. She thought both witches and shape shifter wolves were not real, just old wive's tales.
Zoelle is brought back to Branson Falls by her grandmother who planned to reveal she's a witch. Before her grandmother can explain, Zoelle running through the woods, encounters wolves changing shapes. She's Xander's soulmark (fated mate).
They were well developed characters with enough backstory to make you understand their reactions. The other characters in the book were developed enough to make you want my to read more about them and their families (coven/pack). There was enough intrigue to keep you finishing in one sitting. Zoelle responded negatively to Xander and you can't wait to find out if she changes. Xander, a typical Alpha, was shocked at her response. Do her coven help her with Xander?
The wolves are in danger from another pack and need the witches help. Do the witches help them? What part does Xander and Zoelle play in the wolves and witches working together? There are so many things happening, you can't put the book down. The sex was more descriptive than graphic. The sex added to the story but didn't overwhelm it.
There were words missing or misused which was a little distracting. Even though this book is part of a series, it's resolved neatly. You can be satisfied with how it ends or you could be curious enough to read about some of the other characters.
This is an excellent interracial, multicultural book. It's the first paranormal book that I've read involving wolves and witches. Xander is an Alpha and head of his pack. Zoelle is a witch who is just finding out what she is and her capabilities. She thought both witches and shape shifter wolves were not real, just old wive's tales.
Zoelle is brought back to Branson Falls by her grandmother who planned to reveal she's a witch. Before her grandmother can explain, Zoelle running through the woods, encounters wolves changing shapes. She's Xander's soulmark (fated mate).
They were well developed characters with enough backstory to make you understand their reactions. The other characters in the book were developed enough to make you want my to read more about them and their families (coven/pack). There was enough intrigue to keep you finishing in one sitting. Zoelle responded negatively to Xander and you can't wait to find out if she changes. Xander, a typical Alpha, was shocked at her response. Do her coven help her with Xander?
The wolves are in danger from another pack and need the witches help. Do the witches help them? What part does Xander and Zoelle play in the wolves and witches working together? There are so many things happening, you can't put the book down. The sex was more descriptive than graphic. The sex added to the story but didn't overwhelm it.
There were words missing or misused which was a little distracting. Even though this book is part of a series, it's resolved neatly. You can be satisfied with how it ends or you could be curious enough to read about some of the other characters.
April 30, 2018
This book is rather short compared to most books I like to read. That said, it moves rather quickly. Which was exciting because the story was well written and unique in it's genre. It's put together very well. And the character development and descriptions are exceptional. My only complaint is that I did notice a few spelling errors throughout this book. I think having just finished some copy editing training, my grammar eyes are a little more open lately.
Our main character goes by Zoe. She is a recent culinary school graduate who lives with her grandmother and has a boyfriend named Ben. Right off the bat, Zoe let's us know that she "doesn't know how to love Ben". I wondered absently, why people do this to themselves. Why bother to waste time with relationships that you know are going nowhere? Humans are comical creatures. Moving on, very quickly Zoe finds out that she's a witch. Again, making me think, what is wrong with people? Why wouldn't this be an important fact to divulge to the person it will affect? But it happens so the book is realistic in that sense. I don't want to give too much of the book away but I will say this, when someone tells you to stay out of the woods because there's a full moon, YOU STAY THE HELL OUT OF THE DAMN WOODS! Over all I enjoyed the book so much that I'm currently on book 2. It's just as well written and entertaining as this book was and I'm looking forward to seeing what the entire series has to offer.
Our main character goes by Zoe. She is a recent culinary school graduate who lives with her grandmother and has a boyfriend named Ben. Right off the bat, Zoe let's us know that she "doesn't know how to love Ben". I wondered absently, why people do this to themselves. Why bother to waste time with relationships that you know are going nowhere? Humans are comical creatures. Moving on, very quickly Zoe finds out that she's a witch. Again, making me think, what is wrong with people? Why wouldn't this be an important fact to divulge to the person it will affect? But it happens so the book is realistic in that sense. I don't want to give too much of the book away but I will say this, when someone tells you to stay out of the woods because there's a full moon, YOU STAY THE HELL OUT OF THE DAMN WOODS! Over all I enjoyed the book so much that I'm currently on book 2. It's just as well written and entertaining as this book was and I'm looking forward to seeing what the entire series has to offer.
June 18, 2022
I got this book last year and got around to it last night. I ended up reading it all in one sitting and I have to say: we got mixed feelings on this one. The actual plot line was a bit typical but I enjoy the forbidden romances. This one featured the witch and werewolf vibe but what I didn’t expect was a human to be thrown in and this being a rebound dating story. The actual implementation of the rebound was really choppy and honestly, could have gone without in my opinion.
What I do respect is the boundaries in this where Xander truly did respect that no meant no to an extent. Dude is like a leech but he’s kind of an adorable leech. I hate his brother though. What a crappy side character. I’d love to punch him. But, going back— I praise the minimal smut and overzealous sexual content at the same time. There isn’t a lot of it but god, when you get sex, you get a lot of sex all at once. It’s very appealing and terrifying at their stamina at the same time. Almost comically so.
Overall, it was a pleasant read for a werewolf romance book. It is part of a series so maybe, it gets better in the later books. But, as it stands, it’s about average for me. I enjoyed it, but it’s nothing too special. Also, like the MC changes from Zoelle, Zoe, and Zoey. That’s a bit confusing.
What I do respect is the boundaries in this where Xander truly did respect that no meant no to an extent. Dude is like a leech but he’s kind of an adorable leech. I hate his brother though. What a crappy side character. I’d love to punch him. But, going back— I praise the minimal smut and overzealous sexual content at the same time. There isn’t a lot of it but god, when you get sex, you get a lot of sex all at once. It’s very appealing and terrifying at their stamina at the same time. Almost comically so.
Overall, it was a pleasant read for a werewolf romance book. It is part of a series so maybe, it gets better in the later books. But, as it stands, it’s about average for me. I enjoyed it, but it’s nothing too special. Also, like the MC changes from Zoelle, Zoe, and Zoey. That’s a bit confusing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2018
Good start to the series
This is a good start to the series. Well written and without mistakes as in a lot of books. The characters are well developed such that you are interested in seeing how each develop during the story. There were no vampires in this book but I'm sure they will appear in the next one. Zoelle and Xander are working their way through finding out they are soul marked . He knows all about this as he grew up as a lycan and is an alpha. She has just found out she's a witch and has a boyfriend, Ben so it is a lot to take in that she is soul marked to another. She struggles with this. There are lots of minor characters such as her gran and aunts as well as Xanders brother and sister. I can see the series continuing with the siblings as well as perhaps some of their fellow pack mates. My only complaint is that I got tired of Zoelle being closed to her relationship to Xander. She didn't want to meet him. She didn't want this and didn't want that. Once that started changing the story picked up. I was surprised at a couple things which has me off to go read the next book to see where this is going.
This is a good start to the series. Well written and without mistakes as in a lot of books. The characters are well developed such that you are interested in seeing how each develop during the story. There were no vampires in this book but I'm sure they will appear in the next one. Zoelle and Xander are working their way through finding out they are soul marked . He knows all about this as he grew up as a lycan and is an alpha. She has just found out she's a witch and has a boyfriend, Ben so it is a lot to take in that she is soul marked to another. She struggles with this. There are lots of minor characters such as her gran and aunts as well as Xanders brother and sister. I can see the series continuing with the siblings as well as perhaps some of their fellow pack mates. My only complaint is that I got tired of Zoelle being closed to her relationship to Xander. She didn't want to meet him. She didn't want this and didn't want that. Once that started changing the story picked up. I was surprised at a couple things which has me off to go read the next book to see where this is going.
January 9, 2019
Has potential
This book is a great first draft. The world concept with witches, Lycans, vampires has potential for a wonderful series. The characters have the potential to be rich and interesting, characters you can really cheer on. Unfortunately this book as currently written fails to do either. The heroine starts out with a reasonable plan, acknowledge the magically forced relationship with an offer of friendship and allow the hero to show he is more than one dimensional. Unfortunately the author did not follow through with either the rational plan or the opportunity to flush out the hero's character. I wish the author could do a rewrite: find a great editor and flush out the characters and story better. I'm really glad i got this book for free, within the first few chapters the grandmother's name changed and Ben magically disappeared after driving them to the falls. I skimmed a lot of this book because of the poor editing. If your considering this book start with a sample or wait for a free copy.
This book is a great first draft. The world concept with witches, Lycans, vampires has potential for a wonderful series. The characters have the potential to be rich and interesting, characters you can really cheer on. Unfortunately this book as currently written fails to do either. The heroine starts out with a reasonable plan, acknowledge the magically forced relationship with an offer of friendship and allow the hero to show he is more than one dimensional. Unfortunately the author did not follow through with either the rational plan or the opportunity to flush out the hero's character. I wish the author could do a rewrite: find a great editor and flush out the characters and story better. I'm really glad i got this book for free, within the first few chapters the grandmother's name changed and Ben magically disappeared after driving them to the falls. I skimmed a lot of this book because of the poor editing. If your considering this book start with a sample or wait for a free copy.
May 9, 2018
Hated this book
I think I'm going to stop reading this genre. Forget about my pet peeve for grammar and editing. Since 50 Shades of Gray was a smash there has been a notable shift toward the idea that what a woman really wants is to be dominated. The longer I read this book the angrier it made me. She kept sAying no, but she really meant yes. Isn't that the same justification that used to be used for rape? She was dressed a certain way so she really wanted it... A woman really wants it rough or to be restrained... What I really want to read is more books like Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series or Charlene Harris's Sookie Stackhouse. I used to enjoy the paranormal romance genre, a diversion from the more intense stories I more typically read. I think I'll be switching to space opera science fiction in the future. It will still satisfy fantasy, but there won't be the element of "alpha male" dominance.
I think I'm going to stop reading this genre. Forget about my pet peeve for grammar and editing. Since 50 Shades of Gray was a smash there has been a notable shift toward the idea that what a woman really wants is to be dominated. The longer I read this book the angrier it made me. She kept sAying no, but she really meant yes. Isn't that the same justification that used to be used for rape? She was dressed a certain way so she really wanted it... A woman really wants it rough or to be restrained... What I really want to read is more books like Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series or Charlene Harris's Sookie Stackhouse. I used to enjoy the paranormal romance genre, a diversion from the more intense stories I more typically read. I think I'll be switching to space opera science fiction in the future. It will still satisfy fantasy, but there won't be the element of "alpha male" dominance.
March 27, 2019
Zoelle Baudelaire really should have taken her Gran's advice and stayed out of the woods, but she didn't and it starts a chain of events that will rock her world. It appears that her birthmark is actually a soulmark and pack Alpha Aleksandr ‘Xander’ Adolphus has the same soulmark - they are destined to be together. Suddenly she is thrust into a world of werewolves, witches (apparently she is one of those) and danger. Can she resist the inevitability of this or will it change everything?
This book had promise but I just became so irritated with Zoelle and her name indecision (you'll know what I mean). I know it wasn't her choice but her carelessness caused the start of all of this and I found her so rude and spoilt that I had to fight to stop myself from hating her. There were some interesting parts around inter-pack politics but I just didn't enjoy it. It was clearly written and I could understand it, I just didn't enjoy the story enough.
This book had promise but I just became so irritated with Zoelle and her name indecision (you'll know what I mean). I know it wasn't her choice but her carelessness caused the start of all of this and I found her so rude and spoilt that I had to fight to stop myself from hating her. There were some interesting parts around inter-pack politics but I just didn't enjoy it. It was clearly written and I could understand it, I just didn't enjoy the story enough.
July 28, 2025
DNF at 34%
The idea that Zoelle’s grandmother has always talked about magic and yet Zoelle is shocked when she discovers that she’s one too is a bit annoying, but common so I could look past it. However, a lot of (important) things are skipped so it felt like I wasn’t getting the full story. Zoelle meets her grandmother’s friends and calls them aunts, but it’s not actually shown her getting to know these strangers or their interactions at the house since they seem to be over a lot. I hated how Zoelle makes a friendship agreement with Xander and yet their first few interactions are completely skipped. Also, Zoelle being completely against Xander because she has a whole life was a bit annoying since she just moved so she doesn’t have a job or know many people in town and her having a boyfriend doesn’t have as big of an impact since you know that she only stays with him because he’s a safe option.
The idea that Zoelle’s grandmother has always talked about magic and yet Zoelle is shocked when she discovers that she’s one too is a bit annoying, but common so I could look past it. However, a lot of (important) things are skipped so it felt like I wasn’t getting the full story. Zoelle meets her grandmother’s friends and calls them aunts, but it’s not actually shown her getting to know these strangers or their interactions at the house since they seem to be over a lot. I hated how Zoelle makes a friendship agreement with Xander and yet their first few interactions are completely skipped. Also, Zoelle being completely against Xander because she has a whole life was a bit annoying since she just moved so she doesn’t have a job or know many people in town and her having a boyfriend doesn’t have as big of an impact since you know that she only stays with him because he’s a safe option.
May 15, 2018
I thought that this book had a lot of potential. The storyline and characters were interesting. I wanted to give it 4 stars but I couldn't do it.
The dialog was drab at times, clipped at times, and I had a difficult time connecting with the heroine. There were enough grammar errors to take me out of the story, and there was one scene toward the end where I thought one thing was happening and it suddenly did a 180 and there were different characters involved. It was confusing, and I'm not sure if it was too complicated for my brain that night or if the description of the situation needs work.
It's a good story, regardless of my nitpicking, and is worth a read. I'll likely read more in the series, but with so much competition and so little time to read, it won't be at the top of my list.
The dialog was drab at times, clipped at times, and I had a difficult time connecting with the heroine. There were enough grammar errors to take me out of the story, and there was one scene toward the end where I thought one thing was happening and it suddenly did a 180 and there were different characters involved. It was confusing, and I'm not sure if it was too complicated for my brain that night or if the description of the situation needs work.
It's a good story, regardless of my nitpicking, and is worth a read. I'll likely read more in the series, but with so much competition and so little time to read, it won't be at the top of my list.
June 8, 2018
Zoe finds her Soul mark very early on in the book and it’s made clear that if she doesn’t spend time with him they will both suffer.
That doesn’t really happen. She is a totally annoying brat. They get it on anyway. She’s still a brat. Side plot that goes nowhere (in this book anyway) about some dodgy witch dealings.
What the hell did she do to the bad wolves with her one magic scene? Who knows; she had a nice long sleep afterwards; woke up and guess what? It’s all about her and her grief.
This was a difficult book to finish. I have bought the box set but I am not going to read the others. Maybe there is someone out there who would like this character and identify with her denial, I can’t.
That doesn’t really happen. She is a totally annoying brat. They get it on anyway. She’s still a brat. Side plot that goes nowhere (in this book anyway) about some dodgy witch dealings.
What the hell did she do to the bad wolves with her one magic scene? Who knows; she had a nice long sleep afterwards; woke up and guess what? It’s all about her and her grief.
This was a difficult book to finish. I have bought the box set but I am not going to read the others. Maybe there is someone out there who would like this character and identify with her denial, I can’t.
June 9, 2021
Made it Through
I’ll start by saying I hate plots where fates mates happen and the female lead is nothing but a hateful shrew who is self centered. That is Zoe. Plain and simple. In the early pages of the book, she wasn’t wild about Ben. She essentially used him. Used him and was ok with it. Her backup boyfriend. Then Xander comes along. I get it. Dramatic tension, right? Girl doesn’t know she’s a witch. Doesn’t understand this mate thing. Gran is less than forthcoming. Cue female lead purposefully hurting another person by punishing him. It’s the most toxic relationship out there and it really grinds my gears when authors use this trope. Especially when suddenly all is forgiven and love love love happens.
I’ll start by saying I hate plots where fates mates happen and the female lead is nothing but a hateful shrew who is self centered. That is Zoe. Plain and simple. In the early pages of the book, she wasn’t wild about Ben. She essentially used him. Used him and was ok with it. Her backup boyfriend. Then Xander comes along. I get it. Dramatic tension, right? Girl doesn’t know she’s a witch. Doesn’t understand this mate thing. Gran is less than forthcoming. Cue female lead purposefully hurting another person by punishing him. It’s the most toxic relationship out there and it really grinds my gears when authors use this trope. Especially when suddenly all is forgiven and love love love happens.
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