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Alphas' Homestead #3
Longing for Shelter
Seth Mason arrives at the Alphas’ Homestead under duress. The Council have made it clear that if his cousins, Caleb and Jacob, can’t tame Seth’s wild ways his very last chance will be used up and he’ll have nowhere left to go.
Seth is horrified to find that he’s going to have to spend a year living in the backwaters of Nebraska. He hates the Alphas. He hates the dirt and the horses. He hates the nearby town and everyone in it.
In fact, the only thing he doesn’t hate is Malcolm, the deputy sheriff. Unfortunately, Malcolm doesn’t seem to feel the same, especially when Seth uses his bad behavior to try to get the deputy’s attention.
~*~
Jacob feels for Seth—knowing what it’s like to lose family—but when his cousin’s bad behavior turns the town, not only against Seth but against all the werewolves at the homestead, he has to put his sympathies aside and fight to save his family and the place he’s called home for the last five years.
Sometimes the only shelter we can find from ourselves is in the hearts of others.
98k words
Seth is horrified to find that he’s going to have to spend a year living in the backwaters of Nebraska. He hates the Alphas. He hates the dirt and the horses. He hates the nearby town and everyone in it.
In fact, the only thing he doesn’t hate is Malcolm, the deputy sheriff. Unfortunately, Malcolm doesn’t seem to feel the same, especially when Seth uses his bad behavior to try to get the deputy’s attention.
~*~
Jacob feels for Seth—knowing what it’s like to lose family—but when his cousin’s bad behavior turns the town, not only against Seth but against all the werewolves at the homestead, he has to put his sympathies aside and fight to save his family and the place he’s called home for the last five years.
Sometimes the only shelter we can find from ourselves is in the hearts of others.
98k words
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2017
11 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Alex Jane
26 books182 followersAfter spending years creating stories in her head, Alex started writing them down and then found she couldn’t stop.
Despite the late start, she now writes m/m romance about found families, sometimes with a historical feel—and the occasional werewolf.
Free from aspirations of literary greatness, Alex simply hopes to spin a good yarn of love and life, wrapped up with a happy ending. And if her characters have to go through Hell to get there, she’s a-okay with that.
Alex writes and walks on the South Coast of England—even when her heart and spellcheck are in New York.
You can now find her dark m/m romance under Alexis Jane if you like love…but darker.
Blog and Newsletter available on my website - www.alexjane.info
Despite the late start, she now writes m/m romance about found families, sometimes with a historical feel—and the occasional werewolf.
Free from aspirations of literary greatness, Alex simply hopes to spin a good yarn of love and life, wrapped up with a happy ending. And if her characters have to go through Hell to get there, she’s a-okay with that.
Alex writes and walks on the South Coast of England—even when her heart and spellcheck are in New York.
You can now find her dark m/m romance under Alexis Jane if you like love…but darker.
Blog and Newsletter available on my website - www.alexjane.info
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 31, 2019
3 Hearts
I should've known that perhaps this wouldn’t titillate me as much as the first two books did, because this doesn’t focus on Jacob and Caleb who I absolutely swooned over. This is about wayward cousin Seth, and for at least the first half of the book, he was not a very likeable character.
Now granted, Seth has been dealt a very shitty hand. His entire family and pack were brutally murdered, and in his grief, he’s essentially been acting out in the form of copious drinking, petty crimes, and disturbing the peace. Things that would normally have gotten him in trouble have given him a wide berth because of his tragic past. However, when Seth goes too far, in a last ditch effort to reform him, he’s sent to Jacob and Caleb in the hopes that at least he’ll heal and ultimately join their small, but loving, tight knit pack.
What ensues is an internal battle that Seth wars with himself as he grapples with his overwhelming grief and guilt. Slowly, Seth lets his barriers down to trust and love again, and let me tell you, while understandable, it was a rocky painful frustrating journey. What finally shocks him out of his stubborn stupor is the undeniable pull he feels towards stoic deputy, Malcolm, where they form a tentative friendship that turns into the strongest of bonds.
If you enjoyed the first two books, then overall you will probably like this as well. This is not action packed with multiple plot points. It’s about the day to day goings on regarding the homestead and the nearby townsfolk and their lives, suffused still with that pesky cloud of prejudice against werewolves.
This latest addition is a bit rough around the edges, especially regarding the edit. It was a decent love story (with a very light smexy rating) regarding Seth and Malcolm, but if I'm going to be honest, my attention was mainly on Jacob and Caleb who still love each other with everything they’ve got and epitomize what mates should be. Thankfully, this focuses equal time on the alphas and their unwavering love. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting them, and for me, those were the best parts (plus the always adorable Thaddeus), and that’s where most of my rating goes towards.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
I should've known that perhaps this wouldn’t titillate me as much as the first two books did, because this doesn’t focus on Jacob and Caleb who I absolutely swooned over. This is about wayward cousin Seth, and for at least the first half of the book, he was not a very likeable character.
Now granted, Seth has been dealt a very shitty hand. His entire family and pack were brutally murdered, and in his grief, he’s essentially been acting out in the form of copious drinking, petty crimes, and disturbing the peace. Things that would normally have gotten him in trouble have given him a wide berth because of his tragic past. However, when Seth goes too far, in a last ditch effort to reform him, he’s sent to Jacob and Caleb in the hopes that at least he’ll heal and ultimately join their small, but loving, tight knit pack.
What ensues is an internal battle that Seth wars with himself as he grapples with his overwhelming grief and guilt. Slowly, Seth lets his barriers down to trust and love again, and let me tell you, while understandable, it was a rocky painful frustrating journey. What finally shocks him out of his stubborn stupor is the undeniable pull he feels towards stoic deputy, Malcolm, where they form a tentative friendship that turns into the strongest of bonds.
If you enjoyed the first two books, then overall you will probably like this as well. This is not action packed with multiple plot points. It’s about the day to day goings on regarding the homestead and the nearby townsfolk and their lives, suffused still with that pesky cloud of prejudice against werewolves.
This latest addition is a bit rough around the edges, especially regarding the edit. It was a decent love story (with a very light smexy rating) regarding Seth and Malcolm, but if I'm going to be honest, my attention was mainly on Jacob and Caleb who still love each other with everything they’ve got and epitomize what mates should be. Thankfully, this focuses equal time on the alphas and their unwavering love. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting them, and for me, those were the best parts (plus the always adorable Thaddeus), and that’s where most of my rating goes towards.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
dnf
December 4, 2019Dnf at 4%
My fault not the book's. I was hoping the change in MCs would turn the series around for me, but it's clear from the very beginning that most of this book will still focus on the couple from the first two books and their family. Parenting is not something I'm interested in reading about, so I'm out.
My fault not the book's. I was hoping the change in MCs would turn the series around for me, but it's clear from the very beginning that most of this book will still focus on the couple from the first two books and their family. Parenting is not something I'm interested in reading about, so I'm out.
September 24, 2017
This is a great series .... I adored Seth & Malcolm's story - it was sweet, gentle and highlighted the vulnerability in both men. Seth had suffered a terrible trauma of losing his family and pack and basically went off the rails. He was given a chance to redeem himself by living on the homestead with Caleb & Jacob and there the story begins. While Seth struggled with settling he realized farm life was not for him. After meeting Mal in the town saloon things changed. The vulnerable side of Seth emerged and the healing and bonding could begin. This story finished on a sweet note but heavens I wanted a little bit of Seth & Mal time - uninterrupted by dramas ! Really looking forward to the next book, hope it's here soon 😊
February 7, 2020
I think I would have liked to have seen more of Mal & Seth's romance, but on the whole I liked this a lot. Loved how there's so much focus on family.
Not sure if/when I'll get to the next one as it's Martha's story, but the blurb makes a point of saying it's not an MF story, so...now I'm intrigued.
Not sure if/when I'll get to the next one as it's Martha's story, but the blurb makes a point of saying it's not an MF story, so...now I'm intrigued.
September 3, 2017
I love this series.
This series is more epic in scope. Although the blurb tends to lead the reader to believe the MC's are the main characters, in fact they are a story line, not always the main storyline. Be prepared and read the first two books first.
There is relatively very little on page sex in this book. There is also a lot of telling in this book so we don't see Seth and Mal talk as much as it's implied with the skipped over meet ups and jumping time. It's a little difficult to grasp just how much time is passing as they live their lives random scene by scene. Because of this method, it's hard to determine how/why/when Seth and Mal made any kind of truly believable relationship bond but it also affects how/why/when Seth really connects with the others in the family, besides Caleb and Jacob. You'll be scratching your head too wondering how Seth ended up naked in the bar....
Why four stars? Not for the writing or the story, they were both 5 star...instead, it's because of a few plotting issues that distracted me. First, I really didn't get the logistics of the feed and seed BS that somehow involved the foaling sales at the homestead? HUH? That was just beyond convoluted and unlikely. And second, I really didn't like the dog drama. I don't understand why Eph didn't take the dog to the men right away. There is no good reason for it to suffer while he tried to heal it. I get that it was a breakthrough moment for Seth and Eph, but it wasn't a good choice of way to do that, IMO.
Caleb and Jacob are a solid couple which, for this installment makes up for a lot of the uncertainty I felt for Seth and Mal.
There is a blurb for both book 4 and 5 in the back....I can't wait to get back to the homestead and watch this family live out their destiny.
This series is more epic in scope. Although the blurb tends to lead the reader to believe the MC's are the main characters, in fact they are a story line, not always the main storyline. Be prepared and read the first two books first.
There is relatively very little on page sex in this book. There is also a lot of telling in this book so we don't see Seth and Mal talk as much as it's implied with the skipped over meet ups and jumping time. It's a little difficult to grasp just how much time is passing as they live their lives random scene by scene. Because of this method, it's hard to determine how/why/when Seth and Mal made any kind of truly believable relationship bond but it also affects how/why/when Seth really connects with the others in the family, besides Caleb and Jacob. You'll be scratching your head too wondering how Seth ended up naked in the bar....
Why four stars? Not for the writing or the story, they were both 5 star...instead, it's because of a few plotting issues that distracted me. First, I really didn't get the logistics of the feed and seed BS that somehow involved the foaling sales at the homestead? HUH? That was just beyond convoluted and unlikely. And second, I really didn't like the dog drama. I don't understand why Eph didn't take the dog to the men right away. There is no good reason for it to suffer while he tried to heal it. I get that it was a breakthrough moment for Seth and Eph, but it wasn't a good choice of way to do that, IMO.
Caleb and Jacob are a solid couple which, for this installment makes up for a lot of the uncertainty I felt for Seth and Mal.
There is a blurb for both book 4 and 5 in the back....I can't wait to get back to the homestead and watch this family live out their destiny.
July 24, 2018
I really enjoyed being with this family -- I love story about family, especially that lasts for several books as we see the members of the family grow up. This time the focus shifts a little bit with the arrival of Seth Mason, whose pack has been murdered, and the trouble teen is sent to the Fletcher-Carpenter homestead in Nebraska.
Seth is not easily liked at the beginning, even though I felt sympathy towards him. But of course after he meets Malcolm, Seth shows that he can change for the better. I enjoyed reading updates about the other kids as well -- most especially Ephraim, because now I know who will he end up with in the final book of the series.
I think I'll continue my marathon with book #4
Seth is not easily liked at the beginning, even though I felt sympathy towards him. But of course after he meets Malcolm, Seth shows that he can change for the better. I enjoyed reading updates about the other kids as well -- most especially Ephraim, because now I know who will he end up with in the final book of the series.
I think I'll continue my marathon with book #4
February 23, 2018
4.25 stars from me. This is such a lovely, gentle shifter series with well developed characters and realistic every day goings on.
September 8, 2017
I love this series, I was so excited about reading this book and it didn't disappoint. I'm even more excited now I've seen that Martha and Thaddeus will be getting their own stories :) Can't recommend this series enough.
August 31, 2017
I've been waiting for this book forever. Because I wanted Mal to find happiness ever since I read an early draft of Home is Where You Are.
*Happy sigh*
The sense of family in these books is amazing.
*Happy sigh*
The sense of family in these books is amazing.
October 18, 2017
I really have been enjoying this series, the characters are ones that have become like family me and I've become quite invested in their happiness. The introduction of Seth to the homestead serves as a great injection of angst with his painful past, and of tension thanks to his holier-than-thou attitude. But stories where characters like this get taken down a peg or two, and where they experience plenty of growth...those are some of my favorites to read.
Yes, Seth has had tragedy in his life. The loss of his family, his pack, and how it happened is enough to have you feeling for him. But his snooty, let-someone-else-do-the-work attitude played a big part in negating a lot of those sympathetic feelings his past evoked for me. This is where the character growth and development comes into play, and the author did a fantastic job of turning Seth around so that as a reader I was loving him again by the end of the book.
I think it would be impossible not to love Mal's character. He knows discrimination and hatred just like Seth and his family, though for a different yet similar reason. Things between the two of them develop slowly, and the story was not only concentrated on them which for me did split my attention a bit.
Revisiting all of the characters from the first two books was definitely a pleasure, and a lot of the plot revolved around them as well (the split I just referred to). That said, I would definitely recommend reading the first two books before starting this one to get the background; while you could probably read on its own, you'll enjoy it much more by reading the stories of this series in order.
Overall Longing for Shelter was a 4-star read for me. I think if it had devoted a higher concentration of the story to Seth and Mal, with the rest of the characters' lives being a continuing sideline that would go on in future books in the series, I probably would have bumped that rating up. Regardless, this series is still really good, and if you're a fan of historical M/M shifter romance (and even if you're not but want a change of pace) then you're going to want to get started on this if you haven't already. While tamer than the first two books of this series, I'd still put this as a 18+ read.
Yes, Seth has had tragedy in his life. The loss of his family, his pack, and how it happened is enough to have you feeling for him. But his snooty, let-someone-else-do-the-work attitude played a big part in negating a lot of those sympathetic feelings his past evoked for me. This is where the character growth and development comes into play, and the author did a fantastic job of turning Seth around so that as a reader I was loving him again by the end of the book.
I think it would be impossible not to love Mal's character. He knows discrimination and hatred just like Seth and his family, though for a different yet similar reason. Things between the two of them develop slowly, and the story was not only concentrated on them which for me did split my attention a bit.
Revisiting all of the characters from the first two books was definitely a pleasure, and a lot of the plot revolved around them as well (the split I just referred to). That said, I would definitely recommend reading the first two books before starting this one to get the background; while you could probably read on its own, you'll enjoy it much more by reading the stories of this series in order.
Overall Longing for Shelter was a 4-star read for me. I think if it had devoted a higher concentration of the story to Seth and Mal, with the rest of the characters' lives being a continuing sideline that would go on in future books in the series, I probably would have bumped that rating up. Regardless, this series is still really good, and if you're a fan of historical M/M shifter romance (and even if you're not but want a change of pace) then you're going to want to get started on this if you haven't already. While tamer than the first two books of this series, I'd still put this as a 18+ read.
October 10, 2017
I am a huge fan of this series and have been eagerly anticipating this addition. The family Alex Jane created for this series is so very well written, and I was so excited to come back to the Homestead for this new story.
Longing for Shelter has two main plots driven by two POV characters: Jacob, who we know from books 1 and 2, and Seth Mason, a new character. Seth is Jacob's cousin, a beta, age 17, and he comes to the Alphas' Homestead as part of a punishment deal with the werewolf council. Seth's entire pack was brutally murdered about 6-8 months before the story begins, and he's been living with Jacob's father, Ezra, but has been getting into a lot of trouble - enough that the council steps in and decides to send him away to get his act together.
As with the other books in this series, this is very character driven. There is a very, very strong sense of family and pack at the Homestead. It's been about 3-4 years since Jacob and Caleb's wedding, and they've settled in with their family: Ephraim, Martha and Thaddeus. It was wonderful to catch up with the kids now that they've gotten older, and see the way Jacob and Caleb's relationship has settled and strengthened.
Seth brings in a new dynamic to their pack; he does not want to be there, hates the country and the farm, and is resistant to calling Jacob or Caleb his alpha. He is in turmoil. The rawness of his hurt, fear and desperation were very well-written; on top of being a teenager and figuring out his way in the world, Seth is healing from the tragedy of losing his entire family in such a brutal way. He's conflicted, he's angry, and he doesn't know what to do about it, and ends up becoming pretty self-destructive. This reads as kind of a mix between a YA/coming-of-age story and general fiction. The romance is very, very subtle here. In fact, if I had to pick a single complaint, it would be the opaqueness to the relationship between Seth and Malcolm. So much of it happens off-page, which led to us being told about the way they felt for each other most of the time.
As I mentioned, this book has two distinct storylines; the title works incredibly well for both. It's obvious where Seth is looking for home, for shelter; however, the alphas and their pack, though settled in their homestead, face an uprising of animosity in the nearby village. Their place there is no longer secure. They're looking for their own type of shelter - they just want to live on their land with their pack and go about their business.
The downside to this split story-telling style is that neither story was fully told. Our attention was split; both stories had to sacrifice a little to let the other happen. As I mentioned above, Seth and Mal's relationship was, in my opinion, one of the things that suffered the most. I would've loved to see a little more relationship building with them. We see a lot as they start to get to know each other, but once it's established that they're friends and they like each other, the bulk of the page time shifts in other directions. When we reach the climax of their relationship, it almost feels as if it's come out of nowhere. However, this story really is so much more than a romance between these two guys, so this wasn't as huge of fault as it could've been in a traditional romance. I probably wouldn't even classify this as a romance. This is a book about family and about overcoming tragedy and about finding your place in the world.
If you've enjoyed the other books in the Alphas' Homestead series, definitely pick this one up. And if you haven't read it, I can't recommend it enough. Start with book one, Home Is Where You Are.
This review was written for OMGReads.
Longing for Shelter has two main plots driven by two POV characters: Jacob, who we know from books 1 and 2, and Seth Mason, a new character. Seth is Jacob's cousin, a beta, age 17, and he comes to the Alphas' Homestead as part of a punishment deal with the werewolf council. Seth's entire pack was brutally murdered about 6-8 months before the story begins, and he's been living with Jacob's father, Ezra, but has been getting into a lot of trouble - enough that the council steps in and decides to send him away to get his act together.
As with the other books in this series, this is very character driven. There is a very, very strong sense of family and pack at the Homestead. It's been about 3-4 years since Jacob and Caleb's wedding, and they've settled in with their family: Ephraim, Martha and Thaddeus. It was wonderful to catch up with the kids now that they've gotten older, and see the way Jacob and Caleb's relationship has settled and strengthened.
Seth brings in a new dynamic to their pack; he does not want to be there, hates the country and the farm, and is resistant to calling Jacob or Caleb his alpha. He is in turmoil. The rawness of his hurt, fear and desperation were very well-written; on top of being a teenager and figuring out his way in the world, Seth is healing from the tragedy of losing his entire family in such a brutal way. He's conflicted, he's angry, and he doesn't know what to do about it, and ends up becoming pretty self-destructive. This reads as kind of a mix between a YA/coming-of-age story and general fiction. The romance is very, very subtle here. In fact, if I had to pick a single complaint, it would be the opaqueness to the relationship between Seth and Malcolm. So much of it happens off-page, which led to us being told about the way they felt for each other most of the time.
As I mentioned, this book has two distinct storylines; the title works incredibly well for both. It's obvious where Seth is looking for home, for shelter; however, the alphas and their pack, though settled in their homestead, face an uprising of animosity in the nearby village. Their place there is no longer secure. They're looking for their own type of shelter - they just want to live on their land with their pack and go about their business.
The downside to this split story-telling style is that neither story was fully told. Our attention was split; both stories had to sacrifice a little to let the other happen. As I mentioned above, Seth and Mal's relationship was, in my opinion, one of the things that suffered the most. I would've loved to see a little more relationship building with them. We see a lot as they start to get to know each other, but once it's established that they're friends and they like each other, the bulk of the page time shifts in other directions. When we reach the climax of their relationship, it almost feels as if it's come out of nowhere. However, this story really is so much more than a romance between these two guys, so this wasn't as huge of fault as it could've been in a traditional romance. I probably wouldn't even classify this as a romance. This is a book about family and about overcoming tragedy and about finding your place in the world.
If you've enjoyed the other books in the Alphas' Homestead series, definitely pick this one up. And if you haven't read it, I can't recommend it enough. Start with book one, Home Is Where You Are.
This review was written for OMGReads.
September 5, 2017
Seth Mason is sent to Caleb and Jacob in hopes his atrocious behavior can be correct. If not, the Council will step in, and the consequences will be dire for Seth. After a few initial incidences, Seth begins to settle down. However, there is now an undercurrent of hostility to the Weres in town.
Once again, this series is filled with tremendous warmth, and complex characters. The hardships of farm life, and the courage it takes to live that life are so well illustrated. It has always felt like I was living there, rather reading about it.
Kudos to Alex Jane for writing such an epic and engrossing series.
Once again, this series is filled with tremendous warmth, and complex characters. The hardships of farm life, and the courage it takes to live that life are so well illustrated. It has always felt like I was living there, rather reading about it.
Kudos to Alex Jane for writing such an epic and engrossing series.
September 14, 2017
In preparation of this third book I reread the first two and I'm glad I did. I really love everyone on the homestead, especially Thad who I can't wait to see more fleshed out as he grows. This gets four stars instead of five because Seth was troublesome in the beginning and he and Malcolm didn't get much of a romance. It was more told than shown.
March 15, 2020
3.5 stars rounded down for stupid spelling errors, missing words, and gratuitous and unnecessary commas. Seth has had a rotten path in life for a while, and I absolutely ached for him when I finally got the details. Mal also deserves so much more than he's gotten from the townspeople.
December 18, 2017
I waffled pretty hard between the Goodreads 3 star "liked it" and the 4 star "really liked it" on this one. Maybe a 3.5 would be truer? I really liked it as a coming of age, I definitely believed the parts about Seth growing up and dealing with his grief, but I personally wish I'd seen more of Malcolm and Seth together for the romance portion (my "liked it" rating). I felt like that took a backseat to the other portions of Seth's story, and that made it hard for me to believe in their HEA without assumptions of werewolf-mate-instalove-instinct to carry them over from what I saw of them together, which didn't feel like it was much of the page time at all, comparatively. I don't think I learned anything new about Mal in this book; with him and Seth having such similar tragedies in their pasts, I expected something about that, at least, but they weren't on page together much, it felt like. There was as much Deputy Malcolm dealing with Seth the troubled townsperson as Mal with Seth his friend. I loved the time with Caleb and Jacob and the kids, but I felt like I was missing something in the development from Seth thinking Mal is cute one day to an implied HEA at the end. The blurb made it seem like this was about their romance, but that doesn't get developed. It almost seems perfunctory when they get together.
It's a good read, though, with an almost totally clean edit, and part of a good series with great world-building and solid character development. I mostly enjoyed it, except for one (other) problem that honestly may be a personal niggle but one that is huge enough I doubt I'll be able to reread this one like I do the first two books in the series. It's a small detail, in some ways, but... it's also major, at the same time. It decided me on rounding down to a three, rather than up to a four, because I find it so difficult to fathom and so distracting from the story, personally.
Mild spoilers, with some history first:
If you've read the first two books, you know we're in a world in which the American Civil War is still very much the recent past; one lead, Caleb, in fact, was a decorated Union soldier who still has nightmares. Serious nightmares/terrors that feature in each of the three books, among other issues.
Americans may remember one of the main names for the people fighting on the other side of that war was "rebel" or "reb" and that "Johnny Reb" or "Johnny Rebel" was a common term considered now to be, depending on your perspective, the national personification of the Confederate soldier or a slang term for the same. The "rebel yell" was even a thing. It's still called the "rebel flag." So if we're in a time period 15ish years or so from the Civil War, "rebel" or "reb" is going to be a pretty charged terminology in the U.S. If you follow the author's social media, you'll probably also know that in this book, Ephraim gets a dog.
He names it Rebel.
I assume this is intentional in spite of the historical concerns, and we just don't know why he does this because he's not a POV character, but I could not understand why he'd want to name his pet for the Confederacy or how it would be allowed to happen that in a house where Caleb lives. I spent ages distracted wondering how there'd be a pet named Rebel at the homestead without even a gentle attempt from Jacob or SOME adult to point out maybe naming your dog after the Confederacy isn't a good idea. I can't even figure out why he'd WANT to name his dog Rebel, because his one real link to that name should be thoughts of the Confederacy and the Confederate soldier, in this time period. (We're also in a town where, later, it's pointed out that it could be dangerous for a character if other townspeople knew he was a former Confederate soldier, so it isn't like Ephraim should be getting positive ideas about those rebels around town, either.)
Naming your pet Rebel is, in fact, still a popular thing to do in parts of the American South as a reference to this past, especially in the places where they still fly Confederate flags and talk about "culture and heritage" and "states' rights." Song lyrics refer to the "rebel flag" (even in singles released in the late 2000s). People print "rebel" on the Confederate flag to create logos and truck stickers. Every single time I come across this dog's name on my Kindle, I cringe, because I cannot imagine the name "Rebel" getting yelled across the homestead like this, day in and day out for more than another decade while Caleb continues having PTSD-induced nightmares of a war in which that term would have featured heavily and prominently as a word for the enemy forces. It seems unnecessarily cruel. I grew up in the south in the 1990s and I can't read it without reacting in this kind of context; I don't see how an actual Union soldier struggling with PTSD is supposed to be cool with hearing it bandied about his house constantly without feeling triggered 24 hours a day.
Every time I see the dog appear in a scene, my enjoyment in cute pet instead ends up a total cringing, distracted, attention-span death-spiral because of the name. It throws me completely out of the text and the story.
It's a good read, though, with an almost totally clean edit, and part of a good series with great world-building and solid character development. I mostly enjoyed it, except for one (other) problem that honestly may be a personal niggle but one that is huge enough I doubt I'll be able to reread this one like I do the first two books in the series. It's a small detail, in some ways, but... it's also major, at the same time. It decided me on rounding down to a three, rather than up to a four, because I find it so difficult to fathom and so distracting from the story, personally.
Mild spoilers, with some history first:
If you've read the first two books, you know we're in a world in which the American Civil War is still very much the recent past; one lead, Caleb, in fact, was a decorated Union soldier who still has nightmares. Serious nightmares/terrors that feature in each of the three books, among other issues.
Americans may remember one of the main names for the people fighting on the other side of that war was "rebel" or "reb" and that "Johnny Reb" or "Johnny Rebel" was a common term considered now to be, depending on your perspective, the national personification of the Confederate soldier or a slang term for the same. The "rebel yell" was even a thing. It's still called the "rebel flag." So if we're in a time period 15ish years or so from the Civil War, "rebel" or "reb" is going to be a pretty charged terminology in the U.S. If you follow the author's social media, you'll probably also know that in this book, Ephraim gets a dog.
He names it Rebel.
I assume this is intentional in spite of the historical concerns, and we just don't know why he does this because he's not a POV character, but I could not understand why he'd want to name his pet for the Confederacy or how it would be allowed to happen that in a house where Caleb lives. I spent ages distracted wondering how there'd be a pet named Rebel at the homestead without even a gentle attempt from Jacob or SOME adult to point out maybe naming your dog after the Confederacy isn't a good idea. I can't even figure out why he'd WANT to name his dog Rebel, because his one real link to that name should be thoughts of the Confederacy and the Confederate soldier, in this time period. (We're also in a town where, later, it's pointed out that it could be dangerous for a character if other townspeople knew he was a former Confederate soldier, so it isn't like Ephraim should be getting positive ideas about those rebels around town, either.)
Naming your pet Rebel is, in fact, still a popular thing to do in parts of the American South as a reference to this past, especially in the places where they still fly Confederate flags and talk about "culture and heritage" and "states' rights." Song lyrics refer to the "rebel flag" (even in singles released in the late 2000s). People print "rebel" on the Confederate flag to create logos and truck stickers. Every single time I come across this dog's name on my Kindle, I cringe, because I cannot imagine the name "Rebel" getting yelled across the homestead like this, day in and day out for more than another decade while Caleb continues having PTSD-induced nightmares of a war in which that term would have featured heavily and prominently as a word for the enemy forces. It seems unnecessarily cruel. I grew up in the south in the 1990s and I can't read it without reacting in this kind of context; I don't see how an actual Union soldier struggling with PTSD is supposed to be cool with hearing it bandied about his house constantly without feeling triggered 24 hours a day.
Every time I see the dog appear in a scene, my enjoyment in cute pet instead ends up a total cringing, distracted, attention-span death-spiral because of the name. It throws me completely out of the text and the story.
December 9, 2017
4.5 Stars
Out of the three stories that have come out in the Alpha’s Homestead series (a historical alternate reality series where werewolves live amongst humans), I feel that Longing for Shelter is the best.
Seth starts off as a bit of a butthead and as I became familiar with his character, I couldn’t help becoming more and more motherly towards him. He was sent to Caleb and Jacob as a last ditch effort to help save this rebellious young man from himself, and the fate that awaits him if he can’t conform to pack rules.
As I learned more about this young man, I felt Seth was acting out his grief and guilt towards being the only surviving member of his family (his pack was brutally murdered). He came across as a lost soul who had trouble making any kind of connection with any of the Alphas that were there to help, and it seemed that his trouble with the law was more in the lines of self-destruction and a cry for help.
At one point, I didn’t think there would be any way that this young man would come around.
Then he meets Malcolm, another outcast because of his Indian heritage. Now, the two don’t get off to a good start when Seth enters the town saloon for a drink, and mistakes Malcolm for one of the “workers”. Seth propositions Malcolm, who turns out to be a deputy that works for the town’s sheriff. But eventually, the two tentatively become friends. And Malcolm has his doubts about Seth since he’s always manages to get himself in trouble. But there’s something there between the two that they have in common, and it eventually helps ground Seth.
One of the things I enjoyed about Longing for Shelter is that it managed to engage my emotions towards the characters. I did have a couple of laughing-out-loud moments, especially when Seth was talking about his uncle’s living arrangement, but there was also a moment that I shed a tear for Seth. Where I actually could see where this young man was coming from. Bout broke my heart, that scene.
For me, Longing for Shelter is a 4.5 Star rating, and even though I think it can be a standalone read, it doesn’t hurt to read up on the previous two stories.
Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach
Out of the three stories that have come out in the Alpha’s Homestead series (a historical alternate reality series where werewolves live amongst humans), I feel that Longing for Shelter is the best.
Seth starts off as a bit of a butthead and as I became familiar with his character, I couldn’t help becoming more and more motherly towards him. He was sent to Caleb and Jacob as a last ditch effort to help save this rebellious young man from himself, and the fate that awaits him if he can’t conform to pack rules.
As I learned more about this young man, I felt Seth was acting out his grief and guilt towards being the only surviving member of his family (his pack was brutally murdered). He came across as a lost soul who had trouble making any kind of connection with any of the Alphas that were there to help, and it seemed that his trouble with the law was more in the lines of self-destruction and a cry for help.
At one point, I didn’t think there would be any way that this young man would come around.
Then he meets Malcolm, another outcast because of his Indian heritage. Now, the two don’t get off to a good start when Seth enters the town saloon for a drink, and mistakes Malcolm for one of the “workers”. Seth propositions Malcolm, who turns out to be a deputy that works for the town’s sheriff. But eventually, the two tentatively become friends. And Malcolm has his doubts about Seth since he’s always manages to get himself in trouble. But there’s something there between the two that they have in common, and it eventually helps ground Seth.
One of the things I enjoyed about Longing for Shelter is that it managed to engage my emotions towards the characters. I did have a couple of laughing-out-loud moments, especially when Seth was talking about his uncle’s living arrangement, but there was also a moment that I shed a tear for Seth. Where I actually could see where this young man was coming from. Bout broke my heart, that scene.
For me, Longing for Shelter is a 4.5 Star rating, and even though I think it can be a standalone read, it doesn’t hurt to read up on the previous two stories.
Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach
June 19, 2020
3 stars
Seth is sent to live with his cousin on their farm in Nebraska because he is getting into a lot of trouble and the Alpha he was placed with can't control him. Seth is grieving the loss of his former pack, and really, really doesn't want to be where he is sent. He doesn't really like the family, thinks that the town is full of bigoted people (which, yeah, there is some bigotry), and can't wait for his sentence in the middle of nowhere to end. The only redeeming things about it in Seth's mind are Malcolm and the saloon.
Malcolm is a deputy sheriff, and a little bit of an outcast himself, since he has Native American blood in him. Malcolm doesn't have a problem with Seth being a werewolf, but he does have issues with how self-destructive he is.
This was ostensibly Seth and Mal's story, but Jacob definitely got his say, and there were things that happened that involved the whole family. Because Seth's fate was tied to the family, he was also involved, but more at a tangent at first. Watching Seth start to open up and to start to deal with his grief was a very slow process, but he dealt with it day by day, and the resolution to it felt honest and not forced.
Mal is more of a mystery figure, because between Seth's issues and learning to like the Alphas, and then Jacob dealing with what is happening in town and around them, he doesn't get a lot of page time. He's very sympathetic and understanding of Seth, and doesn't judge him on his past, just gets to know him on what he is doing with his present and his future. He's a very sturdy character, in that not much fazes him, and he's very steady.
And I just have to mention this: the editing was absolutely atrocious in this. There were so many incorrect words (scrapped instead of scraped, for example, because I'm pretty sure no one "scrapped himself together", ever.), and the whole thing just felt...careless. As if the author didn't think it mattered, because some of them were pretty blatant.
Seth is sent to live with his cousin on their farm in Nebraska because he is getting into a lot of trouble and the Alpha he was placed with can't control him. Seth is grieving the loss of his former pack, and really, really doesn't want to be where he is sent. He doesn't really like the family, thinks that the town is full of bigoted people (which, yeah, there is some bigotry), and can't wait for his sentence in the middle of nowhere to end. The only redeeming things about it in Seth's mind are Malcolm and the saloon.
Malcolm is a deputy sheriff, and a little bit of an outcast himself, since he has Native American blood in him. Malcolm doesn't have a problem with Seth being a werewolf, but he does have issues with how self-destructive he is.
This was ostensibly Seth and Mal's story, but Jacob definitely got his say, and there were things that happened that involved the whole family. Because Seth's fate was tied to the family, he was also involved, but more at a tangent at first. Watching Seth start to open up and to start to deal with his grief was a very slow process, but he dealt with it day by day, and the resolution to it felt honest and not forced.
Mal is more of a mystery figure, because between Seth's issues and learning to like the Alphas, and then Jacob dealing with what is happening in town and around them, he doesn't get a lot of page time. He's very sympathetic and understanding of Seth, and doesn't judge him on his past, just gets to know him on what he is doing with his present and his future. He's a very sturdy character, in that not much fazes him, and he's very steady.
And I just have to mention this: the editing was absolutely atrocious in this. There were so many incorrect words (scrapped instead of scraped, for example, because I'm pretty sure no one "scrapped himself together", ever.), and the whole thing just felt...careless. As if the author didn't think it mattered, because some of them were pretty blatant.
October 10, 2017
The Blogger Girls
I am really loving this series, and that really surprised me, two-fold: firstly, it is historical, which is normally not my go-to read, and secondly, with this story specifically, although it was pegged as being about the budding romance of Seth and Mal, it was really more about the entire Caleb-Jacob family, with a very slow burn starting between Seth and Mal…but it worked.
Seth is struggling. He is a teenager who lost his entire family to a horrific murder. Not only that, but he was the one who found them. Traumatized is labeling him too easily. He is completely messed up and it comes out in the form of really, really bad behavior. Behavior so untoward that he is causing the family’s already contentious relationship within their small town to turn really ugly, really fast.
Mal is also feeling the phobic pressure as he is an Indian and considered beneath, well, everyone, including shifters. He may be the deputy, but he has no respect. His story is almost as sad as Seth’s, honestly. And if I am being really honest, I wasn’t even sure if Seth and Mal would ever get together in this book. When I say slow-burn, I mean really slow……which is fine, considering the issues involved.
But, I still love this series. It is almost like The Little House on the Prairie, gay-paranormal style. I love the writing, I love Jacob and Caleb, and though I usually dislike kids in my stories, I loved the little ones, too. Especially Tadpole. Read it, and see what I mean.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
I am really loving this series, and that really surprised me, two-fold: firstly, it is historical, which is normally not my go-to read, and secondly, with this story specifically, although it was pegged as being about the budding romance of Seth and Mal, it was really more about the entire Caleb-Jacob family, with a very slow burn starting between Seth and Mal…but it worked.
Seth is struggling. He is a teenager who lost his entire family to a horrific murder. Not only that, but he was the one who found them. Traumatized is labeling him too easily. He is completely messed up and it comes out in the form of really, really bad behavior. Behavior so untoward that he is causing the family’s already contentious relationship within their small town to turn really ugly, really fast.
Mal is also feeling the phobic pressure as he is an Indian and considered beneath, well, everyone, including shifters. He may be the deputy, but he has no respect. His story is almost as sad as Seth’s, honestly. And if I am being really honest, I wasn’t even sure if Seth and Mal would ever get together in this book. When I say slow-burn, I mean really slow……which is fine, considering the issues involved.
But, I still love this series. It is almost like The Little House on the Prairie, gay-paranormal style. I love the writing, I love Jacob and Caleb, and though I usually dislike kids in my stories, I loved the little ones, too. Especially Tadpole. Read it, and see what I mean.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
October 20, 2017
4 Stars!
Longing for Shelter is book 3 in The Alpha's Homestead series and can't be read as a standalone. If you haven't read the previous books, this review may contain spoilers.
Jacob and Caleb are stronger than ever, but when the Council sends their cousin Seth for them in the hopes they'd be able to tame his wild ways, their patience will be tested. Plus suddenly the town turns against them and they might need to fight to stay in what has been their home for five years.
While the first two books were told from Caleb's POV, Longing for Shelter is told from both Jacob and Seth's POV.
I love Jacob and Caleb and I adore their pups, but it took me almost half the book to start liking Seth. He was a stubborn asshat and I wanted to strangle him most of the time. Yes, he went through a harrowing experience and he was hurting, but he was a brat. I was very happy when he finally started to turnaround and show some growth.
I've liked Malcolm from the first book, and he was a great choice for Seth, but unfortunately, Seth's behavior and everything that was happening with the townsfolk dampened their romance for me.
There was a lot more drama and a mystery, which kept me turning the pages, but I feel it was a little too much at some times. Anyway, this was a great read. Intriguing and filled with emotion, angst and awesome characters! Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement.***
Longing for Shelter is book 3 in The Alpha's Homestead series and can't be read as a standalone. If you haven't read the previous books, this review may contain spoilers.
Jacob and Caleb are stronger than ever, but when the Council sends their cousin Seth for them in the hopes they'd be able to tame his wild ways, their patience will be tested. Plus suddenly the town turns against them and they might need to fight to stay in what has been their home for five years.
While the first two books were told from Caleb's POV, Longing for Shelter is told from both Jacob and Seth's POV.
I love Jacob and Caleb and I adore their pups, but it took me almost half the book to start liking Seth. He was a stubborn asshat and I wanted to strangle him most of the time. Yes, he went through a harrowing experience and he was hurting, but he was a brat. I was very happy when he finally started to turnaround and show some growth.
I've liked Malcolm from the first book, and he was a great choice for Seth, but unfortunately, Seth's behavior and everything that was happening with the townsfolk dampened their romance for me.
There was a lot more drama and a mystery, which kept me turning the pages, but I feel it was a little too much at some times. Anyway, this was a great read. Intriguing and filled with emotion, angst and awesome characters! Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement.***
September 6, 2017
I adored the first two books in the Alpha’s Homestead series, and I wasn’t disappointed by this latest book at all. The arrival of troubled Seth into the lives of Caleb, Jacob and their family brings conflict both within the family and between them and the town. Seth is a spoiled, arrogant young man, who hates life on the homestead at first. But he’s really grief-stricken and lost, putting on a front to protect himself from feeling too deeply. He gradually adapts to life with the Alphas, and starts to form relationships with Ephraim and little Thaddeus – who he nicknames Tadpole. (Be warned that the littlest were will break your heart, as will Martha.)
Seth’s journey into finding a home, a pack and the shelter he longs for isn’t smooth. He’s a wonderful new character, complex but very likeable. Malcolm, the deputy sheriff who befriends him, is also a welcome new character. I’m looking forward to the next book to see what life as in store for Caleb, Jacob, their family and friends.
This story is a great mixture of tragedy, grief, family drama, romance and humour, plus sweet, tender sex scenes. It tackles the themes of ignorance, bigotry and acceptance, and although this is set in the 1800’s and about weres, I think it reflects what’s happening in modern day America.
Seth’s journey into finding a home, a pack and the shelter he longs for isn’t smooth. He’s a wonderful new character, complex but very likeable. Malcolm, the deputy sheriff who befriends him, is also a welcome new character. I’m looking forward to the next book to see what life as in store for Caleb, Jacob, their family and friends.
This story is a great mixture of tragedy, grief, family drama, romance and humour, plus sweet, tender sex scenes. It tackles the themes of ignorance, bigotry and acceptance, and although this is set in the 1800’s and about weres, I think it reflects what’s happening in modern day America.
September 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Reading this book was like going back to my childhood when we used to watch films on Saturday afternoon. They weren't the blockbusters, they didn't have all the special effects and the instant gratification of action and resolution. They were cozy, comfortable and while it could take sometimes a while to get used to them, you just couldn't change channels. You had to keep watching.
And that is exactly what happened to me reading this book. I felt like I was home. It was the first time I read a shifter/MM book set in the 1800s, and I think that was what took me longer to get to grips with. Once I was into the story and I was able to imagine the scenery of the book it all became clearer.
This is a very well written book and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Definitely recommend.
Reading this book was like going back to my childhood when we used to watch films on Saturday afternoon. They weren't the blockbusters, they didn't have all the special effects and the instant gratification of action and resolution. They were cozy, comfortable and while it could take sometimes a while to get used to them, you just couldn't change channels. You had to keep watching.
And that is exactly what happened to me reading this book. I felt like I was home. It was the first time I read a shifter/MM book set in the 1800s, and I think that was what took me longer to get to grips with. Once I was into the story and I was able to imagine the scenery of the book it all became clearer.
This is a very well written book and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Definitely recommend.
September 10, 2017
Well, here I am again, telling you that not only did this story blow my mind, it irritated the hell out of me and made me want to ring Alex's neck because she made me bounce like a fool in my seat, and bawl my eyes out.
Between Seth, who's just such an arrogant git, until he isn't, to Ephraim's ever changing and growing personality, I was hooked. I fell head long in love with Mal, a character who's been present in every story but comes into his own in this one, and I was reminded that these people are wolves, with all the attendant needs, wants and urges that go with having claws and a pack to protect.
Diverging from Jacob and Caleb's story, but having them no less present in the narrative, this instalment allows us a peek into daily lives of people and creatures who still feel like a part of my family.
I loved this piece of the puzzle and I'm thoroughly looking forward to hearing all about Martha's story in the next book.
Between Seth, who's just such an arrogant git, until he isn't, to Ephraim's ever changing and growing personality, I was hooked. I fell head long in love with Mal, a character who's been present in every story but comes into his own in this one, and I was reminded that these people are wolves, with all the attendant needs, wants and urges that go with having claws and a pack to protect.
Diverging from Jacob and Caleb's story, but having them no less present in the narrative, this instalment allows us a peek into daily lives of people and creatures who still feel like a part of my family.
I loved this piece of the puzzle and I'm thoroughly looking forward to hearing all about Martha's story in the next book.
September 4, 2017
I feel like this series was written for me. I think the best part of the series is that even though this book is technically about Seth, the whole pack is still very much front and center. I love that. I hope the rest of the series goes in the same vein. To me, although I was very happy that Seth finds his soul mate, it was more about his journey over the last year, not only in growing up and into a decent man, but also accepting the deaths of his family and the overwhelming guilt that he feels. The family is the one thing that kept Seth together, and he learns that he can still be loved. There is a particular scene at the creek that was both heartbreaking yet cathartic, and so very well written. I am in love with The Alphas' Homestead, and hope there is much more to come.
October 30, 2020
I haven't written a review on this series, or the individual books, but I will say that this was an outstanding series (so far). I love Alex Jane's writing style. She brings her characters to life as the book (all the books I've read in this series) flows and the emotions so real I ended up crying in places. I like that she kept to one couple where there was angst but is gentled by the Alphas in the small pack.
The three books I've read I will keep and will gladly read again - it's that sweet.
The three books I've read I will keep and will gladly read again - it's that sweet.
December 13, 2017
Loved the characters. But I was confused because I swear I read that Seth was only a couple years older than Elijah, but they kept calling him a man. Maybe it was because of the times... 1870's. Maybe 17 yrs old is a man back then.
I only hope there are plans for more books in this series. I want more... More... MORE😊
I only hope there are plans for more books in this series. I want more... More... MORE😊
February 21, 2018
I love this series and happy to see that two more books have appeared without me noticing. Jacob and Caleb's love make such a solid base to this story as Seth struggles to find his way. Seth at times was an ass but I loved watching his relationship with Mal help him. This series is just one that brings warms fuzzies especially watching Caleb and Jacob's pack help another.
November 28, 2022
It difficult to read about Seth; to see him struggling with the loss of his pack. I'm thankful that Caleb and Jacob didn't give up on him and he was finally able to find some peace.
I wanted more from Malcolm. He was so closed off and I feel like I don't really know him. Could have used more steam as well.
I wanted more from Malcolm. He was so closed off and I feel like I don't really know him. Could have used more steam as well.
September 4, 2017
Malcolm and Seth didn't seem to have much of a courtship and romance and almost took a backseat to the rest. I am hoping for Peter/Martha and Patrick/Dale Foster!
February 9, 2018
Great addition to the series.
February 25, 2019
Still loving this series
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