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Mercy Hills Pack
Sanctuary
“Omegas for alphas and betas for betas…”
Ori and Patton have been best friends since they were pups. But growing up changes everything—Ori must settle on an alpha to mate, while Patton takes on the beta's work of maintaining the walled enclave their pack lives within. They try to make the best of it, until a wealthy suitor comes calling for Ori, and they realize neither of them can face a future without the other. And on a moonless night, Ori and Patton escape over the enclave walls, breaking both shifter and human law in their determination to reach the sanctuary of Mercy Hills.
Hunted by their own people and forced into a dangerous masquerade among the humans, their original plan--so simple and direct—turns into a twisted path toward a promise of freedom that might not even exist. Because Mercy Hills doesn't know they're coming, and the trouble they're bringing to the enclave's doorstep may be more than those already beset shifters are willing to bear.
Finding out Ori is pregnant makes their mission that much more urgent. Omegas never mate with betas, let alone have pups with them. If their pack finds the two lovers, they'll be separated forever.
But the pack never reckoned with the determination of a beta in love, or the stubbornness of an omega determined to keep his mate and his baby.
Ori and Patton have been best friends since they were pups. But growing up changes everything—Ori must settle on an alpha to mate, while Patton takes on the beta's work of maintaining the walled enclave their pack lives within. They try to make the best of it, until a wealthy suitor comes calling for Ori, and they realize neither of them can face a future without the other. And on a moonless night, Ori and Patton escape over the enclave walls, breaking both shifter and human law in their determination to reach the sanctuary of Mercy Hills.
Hunted by their own people and forced into a dangerous masquerade among the humans, their original plan--so simple and direct—turns into a twisted path toward a promise of freedom that might not even exist. Because Mercy Hills doesn't know they're coming, and the trouble they're bringing to the enclave's doorstep may be more than those already beset shifters are willing to bear.
Finding out Ori is pregnant makes their mission that much more urgent. Omegas never mate with betas, let alone have pups with them. If their pack finds the two lovers, they'll be separated forever.
But the pack never reckoned with the determination of a beta in love, or the stubbornness of an omega determined to keep his mate and his baby.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2017
103 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Ann-Katrin Byrde
48 books505 followersAnn-Katrin Byrde is a writing duo comprised of Ana J. Phoenix and Kate Lowell. As a team they strive to bring you the best mpreg stories they can. They both love to write, read and dream. In their spare time, you can often catch them hunting wild plot bunnies in the fields of their imagination.
(Source: Amazon.com)
(Source: Amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 15, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the author.*
This book is everything I love about shifters and mpreg and more! Due to the many teasers the author gave on her facebook group, I was prepared to be blown away by the book, but that still didn’t prepare me for the emotional ride I just got off from. Right from the beginning to the end, I felt as if I couldn’t relax and breathe calmly for fear of some major wrong event occuring to prevent my dear Ori and Patton to reach the sanctuary they so deserved after the pain they both went through due to being separated from each other.
Their friendship, romance, courting and, finally, their HEA were such detailed parts that by the time I reached the end, I was so invested that I could feel phantom pain and exhaustion along with them. Having a cute game to start off the book and have them have their peace with the support of so many pups and adults was like coming back full circle. But the journey to get there was full of thorns and broken pieces of glass to walk on.
The romance between Patton and Ori is one of the sweetest and most innocent that I’ve ever read. It was sweet and pleasing to see them sticking close to each other even when they were fumbling to make sense of their situation. It tugged at my heart effortlessly and efficiently.
I admire Patton for his courage and being quick on his feet when it came to providing freedom for Ori, and I love Ori for being so loving and supportive to Patton. Theirs was a match made in heaven.
I really do wish we get to know about what happens next to have Ori safely among them, and I really wish Felix White River to have his HEA next.
Eager to hear about the next book from this world!
This book is everything I love about shifters and mpreg and more! Due to the many teasers the author gave on her facebook group, I was prepared to be blown away by the book, but that still didn’t prepare me for the emotional ride I just got off from. Right from the beginning to the end, I felt as if I couldn’t relax and breathe calmly for fear of some major wrong event occuring to prevent my dear Ori and Patton to reach the sanctuary they so deserved after the pain they both went through due to being separated from each other.
Their friendship, romance, courting and, finally, their HEA were such detailed parts that by the time I reached the end, I was so invested that I could feel phantom pain and exhaustion along with them. Having a cute game to start off the book and have them have their peace with the support of so many pups and adults was like coming back full circle. But the journey to get there was full of thorns and broken pieces of glass to walk on.
The romance between Patton and Ori is one of the sweetest and most innocent that I’ve ever read. It was sweet and pleasing to see them sticking close to each other even when they were fumbling to make sense of their situation. It tugged at my heart effortlessly and efficiently.
I admire Patton for his courage and being quick on his feet when it came to providing freedom for Ori, and I love Ori for being so loving and supportive to Patton. Theirs was a match made in heaven.
I really do wish we get to know about what happens next to have Ori safely among them, and I really wish Felix White River to have his HEA next.
Eager to hear about the next book from this world!
October 24, 2017
EEEEEEE I LOVED this one! It might be my second favorite in the entire series, which is funny since this technically isn't part of the main series of Mercy Hill.
I ADORED Ori and Patton, and I love that we got to see them as little kids, through the years as they grew, to when they finally realized what would happen if they couldn't escape and be together. They were sweet, totally devoted to the other, and although part of me was freaking out thinking they'd be caught and there would be a major disaster, I am SO happy to have been wrong!
And I think what I loved about this was that it was a completely different story than Legally Mated - not to say that I didn't love that one, because I did. But in Sanctuary, it's really Ori and Patton vs. the world, and it's JUST THEM for like 90% of the entire story, falling love, having their first times together, having the baby, and finding sanctuary at Mercy Hills. There wasn't a lot of external conflict, no misunderstandings, no major drama other than the hope that they would make it to Mercy Hills.
I loved getting to read about another pack aside from Mercy Hills, and liked how it all interconnected together with Holland. I would love to read more of the other packs if we can get stories like this!
This is one of my absolute favorite series by one of my most favorite authors, and I can't recommend this enough! Although I think you could read this on your own, I personally think that knowing the history of werewolves rights, omegas rights, etc. can only benefit a reader. And you get 5 other books to read, too!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I ADORED Ori and Patton, and I love that we got to see them as little kids, through the years as they grew, to when they finally realized what would happen if they couldn't escape and be together. They were sweet, totally devoted to the other, and although part of me was freaking out thinking they'd be caught and there would be a major disaster, I am SO happy to have been wrong!
And I think what I loved about this was that it was a completely different story than Legally Mated - not to say that I didn't love that one, because I did. But in Sanctuary, it's really Ori and Patton vs. the world, and it's JUST THEM for like 90% of the entire story, falling love, having their first times together, having the baby, and finding sanctuary at Mercy Hills. There wasn't a lot of external conflict, no misunderstandings, no major drama other than the hope that they would make it to Mercy Hills.
I loved getting to read about another pack aside from Mercy Hills, and liked how it all interconnected together with Holland. I would love to read more of the other packs if we can get stories like this!
This is one of my absolute favorite series by one of my most favorite authors, and I can't recommend this enough! Although I think you could read this on your own, I personally think that knowing the history of werewolves rights, omegas rights, etc. can only benefit a reader. And you get 5 other books to read, too!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2021
5 stars audio
3 stars story
3 stars story
April 29, 2020
What an absolute delight!
A super sweet story about an omega and a beta, friends from birth, who have to hit the road in order to be together. They have quite a road trip, trying to blend in as human, evade their pack members, and build their relationship.
Ann-Katrin Byrde builds an interesting world here. I enjoy the idea of the shifters living separated by humans, and the details Byrde includes are quite entertaining.
The audio version is performed by Nick J. Russo who does a marvelous job! His range of voices is amazing - the characters go from young boys to adults and he has a distinct voice for all of them.
an audiobook copy of Sanctuary was provided by the narrator for the purpose of my honest review
A super sweet story about an omega and a beta, friends from birth, who have to hit the road in order to be together. They have quite a road trip, trying to blend in as human, evade their pack members, and build their relationship.
Ann-Katrin Byrde builds an interesting world here. I enjoy the idea of the shifters living separated by humans, and the details Byrde includes are quite entertaining.
The audio version is performed by Nick J. Russo who does a marvelous job! His range of voices is amazing - the characters go from young boys to adults and he has a distinct voice for all of them.
an audiobook copy of Sanctuary was provided by the narrator for the purpose of my honest review
October 18, 2022
This one feels different to the others in the series kind of in the same way milk chocolate is different from dark chocolate. It is lighter and sweeter but no less richer. Ori and Patton go through more physical challenges than emotional ones. But they're so well set it feels delightful to go through them
October 17, 2017
3.5 stars
October 12, 2017
There are very few writers that not only are on my immediate buy list, but also cause me to want to re-read a book the instant I'm finished. Ann-Katrin Byrde is one of them. Her world building is impeccable and her characters brilliant. I fell in love with her Mercy Hills shifter books after a random recommendation and am so glad I did.
In Sanctuary, she twists the often over-treaded tropes of alpha/omega/beta into a sweet coming-of-age love story that defies her world's conventions.
Ori and Patton (the two main characters) must somehow overcome even their own traditions, not to mention the frightening world "outside walls" (outside the confining, but more-or-less safe shifter enclave) to achieve their goal of acceptance and a good life.
It's a powerful story, especially considering our current political situation, where "shifters" can easily be read as anyone who is not the dominant default of cis-het-white male American who distrust anyone who is "other" and "omega" a metaphorical substitute for weak/female/not-in-charge.
I loved how Byrde wove this story into her existing universe and gave us a glimpse of yet another enclave. I said above her world building is impeccable and I reiterate that statement. Not too many other writers make me green with envy at the worlds they've created, but she does. And she's excellent at explaining those worlds without resorting to the "as you know" info dump. She gets how to write and that translates to excellent storytelling.
Kudos for another great book and, as always, I'll be one of the first in line for the next one.
In Sanctuary, she twists the often over-treaded tropes of alpha/omega/beta into a sweet coming-of-age love story that defies her world's conventions.
Ori and Patton (the two main characters) must somehow overcome even their own traditions, not to mention the frightening world "outside walls" (outside the confining, but more-or-less safe shifter enclave) to achieve their goal of acceptance and a good life.
It's a powerful story, especially considering our current political situation, where "shifters" can easily be read as anyone who is not the dominant default of cis-het-white male American who distrust anyone who is "other" and "omega" a metaphorical substitute for weak/female/not-in-charge.
I loved how Byrde wove this story into her existing universe and gave us a glimpse of yet another enclave. I said above her world building is impeccable and I reiterate that statement. Not too many other writers make me green with envy at the worlds they've created, but she does. And she's excellent at explaining those worlds without resorting to the "as you know" info dump. She gets how to write and that translates to excellent storytelling.
Kudos for another great book and, as always, I'll be one of the first in line for the next one.
October 15, 2017
I’ve been loving the Mercy Hills series, and Sanctuary was no different. I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was great how these two young men fought against the norms of their community. It was a sweet romance full of struggle and caring between Ori and Patton. I look forward to the next story and hope to hear a bit more about these two. I would definitely recommend this book. And give it 4.5 out 5 stars.
December 19, 2017
~4.5 Stars~
I’m always cautious of spin-offs—books, movies or tv series—so when Ann-Katrin Byrde announced this first book in the spin-off of her amazing Mercy Hills novels, I was hesitant but willing to read. She delivers, once again, a fabulous novel with wonderful characters and another interesting look into the world in which Mercy Hills is part of.
Ori and Patton grow up playing together in the wolf shifter reservation of Perseguir. The story begins with them being forced apart just as Ori, an Omega, is coming into puberty and being told of all his responsibilities; the most important one to mate with an Alpha. Patton, a Beta, is ruled out as a mate, but he doesn’t mind that so much; he just misses his friend, who was always interesting and played the best games.
Even with their separation they remain good friends through the years, until Ori is forced to mate an Alpha from another reservation. Seeming no other choice, they escape to the legendary Mercy Hills where rumours say Ori will be able to choose his own mate.
I loved them both from the start, when they were just two boys playing pirate and missing their great adventures to when they grew up and discovered that there might be more between them. Ori’s mischievous but shy nature is perfectly balanced by Patton’s steady but brash personality. I loved watching them grow up and discover their world together.
I also loved seeing how their world is viewing shifters and the deeper look into how things are done in a different reservation. Each book providers a deeper and better understanding into how their world works, and why. I’m always conflicted between encouraging Byrde to write more fascinating worlds or write more in this series.
The seemingly bland plot of running away to safety is balanced perfectly with Ori and Patton’s lack of knowledge of the outside world. Their slow fumbling and growing confidence is wonderful to see. And, as always, the mpreg of the situation is sweet and co-incidental (if an excellent obstacle for them to overcome) to the overall story; it really is all about the characters and their determination to stay together.
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
I’m always cautious of spin-offs—books, movies or tv series—so when Ann-Katrin Byrde announced this first book in the spin-off of her amazing Mercy Hills novels, I was hesitant but willing to read. She delivers, once again, a fabulous novel with wonderful characters and another interesting look into the world in which Mercy Hills is part of.
Ori and Patton grow up playing together in the wolf shifter reservation of Perseguir. The story begins with them being forced apart just as Ori, an Omega, is coming into puberty and being told of all his responsibilities; the most important one to mate with an Alpha. Patton, a Beta, is ruled out as a mate, but he doesn’t mind that so much; he just misses his friend, who was always interesting and played the best games.
Even with their separation they remain good friends through the years, until Ori is forced to mate an Alpha from another reservation. Seeming no other choice, they escape to the legendary Mercy Hills where rumours say Ori will be able to choose his own mate.
I loved them both from the start, when they were just two boys playing pirate and missing their great adventures to when they grew up and discovered that there might be more between them. Ori’s mischievous but shy nature is perfectly balanced by Patton’s steady but brash personality. I loved watching them grow up and discover their world together.
I also loved seeing how their world is viewing shifters and the deeper look into how things are done in a different reservation. Each book providers a deeper and better understanding into how their world works, and why. I’m always conflicted between encouraging Byrde to write more fascinating worlds or write more in this series.
The seemingly bland plot of running away to safety is balanced perfectly with Ori and Patton’s lack of knowledge of the outside world. Their slow fumbling and growing confidence is wonderful to see. And, as always, the mpreg of the situation is sweet and co-incidental (if an excellent obstacle for them to overcome) to the overall story; it really is all about the characters and their determination to stay together.
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
October 17, 2017
Brilliantly written book
I received this book by the author for an honest opinion
Well where to start... THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTIC
I've really loved most of this author's book especially the mercy hills series and so when the opportunity arose to arc a copy of a book that was based in the mercy hills world I basically bit the authors hand off;)
It was nice to explore the other packs surrounding mercy hills,as several packs being mentioned before in the previous books. This book features in the Perseguir La Luna pack, Hollands previous alphas pack before going to mercy hills and you do see a snippet of him being chucked out of his home and the main character Ori befriending him.
But enough mooning over mercy hills, this book is about Ori who is omega and Patton a beta who are best of friends since an early age. This book shows stages of there relationship from kids playing and not understanding there statuses and social hierarchy yet, to late teen when their friend feelings turn into love/desire and the punishment they incurr from simply expressing an innocent gesture of love. Ori and Patton decide to run for mercy hills when Ori finds out he's been promised to a much older alpha. Their hoping that an old act of kindness to Holland when he was mate to the alpha heir of Perseguire will be reciprocated when they arrive at mercy hills, down on their luck and desperate to be together in the more progressive thinking mercy hills pack.
I enjoyed this book, the author just has a way with words to absorb you right into the story with characters that your rooting for to have a happy ending. This book gave me a range of emotions from anger, sadness and happiness which is all the sign of a good book. A must read for anyone who enjoyed mercy hills as we do get to revisit previous characters and the pack but this book can stand on its own merit and is not just a poorer cousin for mercy hills. I'm hoping for more and to further explore many of the packs listed in the little map at the beginning of the book.
I received this book by the author for an honest opinion
Well where to start... THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTIC
I've really loved most of this author's book especially the mercy hills series and so when the opportunity arose to arc a copy of a book that was based in the mercy hills world I basically bit the authors hand off;)
It was nice to explore the other packs surrounding mercy hills,as several packs being mentioned before in the previous books. This book features in the Perseguir La Luna pack, Hollands previous alphas pack before going to mercy hills and you do see a snippet of him being chucked out of his home and the main character Ori befriending him.
But enough mooning over mercy hills, this book is about Ori who is omega and Patton a beta who are best of friends since an early age. This book shows stages of there relationship from kids playing and not understanding there statuses and social hierarchy yet, to late teen when their friend feelings turn into love/desire and the punishment they incurr from simply expressing an innocent gesture of love. Ori and Patton decide to run for mercy hills when Ori finds out he's been promised to a much older alpha. Their hoping that an old act of kindness to Holland when he was mate to the alpha heir of Perseguire will be reciprocated when they arrive at mercy hills, down on their luck and desperate to be together in the more progressive thinking mercy hills pack.
I enjoyed this book, the author just has a way with words to absorb you right into the story with characters that your rooting for to have a happy ending. This book gave me a range of emotions from anger, sadness and happiness which is all the sign of a good book. A must read for anyone who enjoyed mercy hills as we do get to revisit previous characters and the pack but this book can stand on its own merit and is not just a poorer cousin for mercy hills. I'm hoping for more and to further explore many of the packs listed in the little map at the beginning of the book.
October 14, 2017
Really good read, Ann-Katrin Bryde has taken the whole shifter, mpreg/alpha/beta story line and made it her own again and again. The books of Mercy Hills are impressive in their scope and depth. This one takes our main characters Ori and Patton on the journey of lifetime and they are only teenagers. At least in the beginning. These two young people go from best friends to secret allies to lovers and then mates in one long journey. They face danger, starvation, pain, misery, the world as confined by the walls of the enclave, and then the outside world.
What an impressive feat this book is. It grabbed my heart and hasn’t turned loose yet. My mind was struggling to keep up and my eyes to stay awake as I didn’t want to stop to sleep. If you have never read anything by Ann-Katrin it’s time to jump in with both feet start here and go back to the beginning or start from the start Mating the Omega: Mercy Hills Pack #1. Wherever you start you will want to read them all and read them again and again. They are that good and this is the best yet.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
What an impressive feat this book is. It grabbed my heart and hasn’t turned loose yet. My mind was struggling to keep up and my eyes to stay awake as I didn’t want to stop to sleep. If you have never read anything by Ann-Katrin it’s time to jump in with both feet start here and go back to the beginning or start from the start Mating the Omega: Mercy Hills Pack #1. Wherever you start you will want to read them all and read them again and again. They are that good and this is the best yet.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2017
Mpreg perfection
There are few authors who can truly create an amazing mpreg world like Ann-Katrin Byrde. In my opinion, this is her best book to date.
It tells the story of young star-crossed lovers who are willing to risk all to be together. Their love story is truly something beautiful to read. The light-hearted moments of young love and inexperience... The passionate moments of finding your mate... It was hot and touching and everything you could hope to find in a true love story in a classic Romeo / Juliet type plot. (Note - Unlike Romeo & Juliet, this story has a HEA.)
The characters were so real. You felt their joys and their pains on their long journey to freedom. I do not think I would characterize it as a "light read" simply because I was tense the whole story. There were so many risk and unknowns. It was impossible to know where the story would go, which causes the reader to be on edge hoping for these two guys to make it. But it was worth every tense moment and tear I shed to read this story and welcome these characters into my memory.
There are few authors who can truly create an amazing mpreg world like Ann-Katrin Byrde. In my opinion, this is her best book to date.
It tells the story of young star-crossed lovers who are willing to risk all to be together. Their love story is truly something beautiful to read. The light-hearted moments of young love and inexperience... The passionate moments of finding your mate... It was hot and touching and everything you could hope to find in a true love story in a classic Romeo / Juliet type plot. (Note - Unlike Romeo & Juliet, this story has a HEA.)
The characters were so real. You felt their joys and their pains on their long journey to freedom. I do not think I would characterize it as a "light read" simply because I was tense the whole story. There were so many risk and unknowns. It was impossible to know where the story would go, which causes the reader to be on edge hoping for these two guys to make it. But it was worth every tense moment and tear I shed to read this story and welcome these characters into my memory.
October 13, 2017
Wow! I love this book! This is beautifully written and filled with incredibly intricate characters. The world building is fabulous and I was totally immersed in this book from the first page. I found myself so intrigued by the story and how Ori and Patton's relationship developed from childhood to adulthood. The maturity, strength and perseverance that Patton used to help Ori on their incredible journey to sanctuary made me very emotional (cue the tears). Ori is an omega determined to chose his own mate and he runs away with Patton so they can have a life together. The secondary characters were well developed and added so much to the book. I now have to read the Mercy Hills series and I hope there will be more books about Ori and Patton as they settle into their new life.
The author kindly gave me an ARC to review.
The author kindly gave me an ARC to review.
November 12, 2018
This might be my second favorite book in this series. The series is good shifter, A/O/B/D/G, fantasy fun, but this one sort of deviates from the rest of the series a bit as it mostly focuses on the relationship of the two central characters. I felt the suspense, fear, love and determination to stay together throughout the book. It's nice to occasionally read something wherein the main threat is from without and not the two main characters fighting each other or their feelings. I really didn't feel the whole retelling of the rest of the stories or set up scenarios for future books as I have with the other books in this series.
Very good escapist reading.
Very good escapist reading.
December 10, 2023
This was a great slow burn read. I was rooting for them since the beginning and I loved how strong the two of them were. I’m also happy that this wasn’t those “it was a lie all along and you’re secretly an alpha” book. The characters complemented each other wonderfully.
I didn’t give this five stars because the ending kind of went over my head since it’s been so long since I read the original series. All the cameos probably would have warmed my heart if I could remember everyone. Instead it felt like Ori and Pat had entered a mosh pit and needed to learn everyone’s names before they could enter.
I didn’t give this five stars because the ending kind of went over my head since it’s been so long since I read the original series. All the cameos probably would have warmed my heart if I could remember everyone. Instead it felt like Ori and Pat had entered a mosh pit and needed to learn everyone’s names before they could enter.
October 29, 2017
A 5 star adventure!
This was such an adventure! I love that we go through the whole journey with them, from when they were young up and through every step of the way of their runaway to the sanctuary.
I’m thinking I should have started with the Mercy Hills series before I got to this book. Although it’s a stand alone book, it would have been handy to know the Mercy Hills characters before hand because I got lost real fast when all those characters started swarming the page! So that’s definitely what I’m going to do next.
This was such an adventure! I love that we go through the whole journey with them, from when they were young up and through every step of the way of their runaway to the sanctuary.
I’m thinking I should have started with the Mercy Hills series before I got to this book. Although it’s a stand alone book, it would have been handy to know the Mercy Hills characters before hand because I got lost real fast when all those characters started swarming the page! So that’s definitely what I’m going to do next.
December 8, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
The main problem I had with this book was it was way too long. I got really bored about half way in and started skipping and skimming chapters. Maybe that was what the author was trying to convey, but I felt like the journey to Mercy Hills was interminable. I liked the beginning. There was this one scene where Patton gave Ori a gift that broke my heart. Also, since I didn’t read all the books in the Mercy Hills series, I was a bit lost as to who some of the characters were once Ori and Patton reached Mercy Hills.
I think if the book had been pared down some I would have given it a higher rating. The beginning was good. The ending was good. The author just lost me in the middle.
The main problem I had with this book was it was way too long. I got really bored about half way in and started skipping and skimming chapters. Maybe that was what the author was trying to convey, but I felt like the journey to Mercy Hills was interminable. I liked the beginning. There was this one scene where Patton gave Ori a gift that broke my heart. Also, since I didn’t read all the books in the Mercy Hills series, I was a bit lost as to who some of the characters were once Ori and Patton reached Mercy Hills.
I think if the book had been pared down some I would have given it a higher rating. The beginning was good. The ending was good. The author just lost me in the middle.
October 16, 2017
I've thoroughly enjoyed the Mercy Hills series so far but I think this could be my favourite.
I loved seeing the full journey of Ori and Patton's relationship go from childhood friends, to being banned from seeing each other as teenagers to eventual lovers and mates.
It was refreshing to read about an omega and beta being mates - made a nice change and made Ori and Patton's story more angsty.
The sense of peril they face as they try to reach Mercy Hills is gripping and keeps you hooked as you will them to make it.
I hope we see more of them as the series continues as I want to see what happens next now they've reached the safety of MHs.
I loved seeing the full journey of Ori and Patton's relationship go from childhood friends, to being banned from seeing each other as teenagers to eventual lovers and mates.
It was refreshing to read about an omega and beta being mates - made a nice change and made Ori and Patton's story more angsty.
The sense of peril they face as they try to reach Mercy Hills is gripping and keeps you hooked as you will them to make it.
I hope we see more of them as the series continues as I want to see what happens next now they've reached the safety of MHs.
April 2, 2020
A wonderful and gripping tale of two boys falling in love and running away together to find a place to call home. The romance was sweet and exciting. The journey was full of bumps and tear-jerking acts of kindness. But dude! After all that emotion I need an epilogue. Something sweet to get the taste of salty tears out of my mouth. I need more Ori and Patton!!! Features mpreg, omegaverse, and Beta×Omega love. 💖🐺🍫
October 20, 2017
I am a great fan of the Mercy Hills series. I have read all of them, and although this one was the first advanced reader copy I received for my unvarnished opinion, I was already very familiar and very much in love with the books. Each book deals with an omega and alpha pairing, and each builds up on the Mercy Hills universe, which has gotten quite epic in its scope, although we also have a human and shifter pair. This time around, we have an unexpected pairing: an omega and a beta. I LOVED IT. Ori and Patton Perseguir quickly became one of my top three Mercy Hills couples. They live in the Perseguir shifter enclave, and have been raised in a very fundamentalist, traditional setting of betas for betas, omegas for alphas and everyone knows their place. Their hearts have belonged to each other from the moment they clapped eyes on each other, and grew up as best friends, secretly longing and loving each other. Ori, as an omega, is destined to be paired off with one of the enclave alphas, or sold off to a outsider alpha to benefit their enclave. Patton, as a beta, has been repeatedly told not to hold any hope of ever pairing off with Ori, and has grown up knowing that he can only hope for his friendship. When the time comes for Ori to be traded off to an outsider alpha, Patton agrees to help Ori escape the match, traditions be damned, and plan their escape to the Mercy Hills enclave. They have heard strange rumors about the Mercy Hills shifters, how they "sell" themselves to the humans for money, or that they abuse their omegas by making them work; but they have also heard that they are prosperous and that they allow their omegas to choose work or school, instead of just keeping them at home for child rearing or trading off.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Ori is so optimistic and brave, how he tries to see the best out of their situation, even in the scariest of circumstances. And Patton, just, ugh! I loved Patton, what a sweet beta. He does his very best to take care of Ori, and shake off the belief that he is less than because he is not an alpha. I love how the author deals with deep issues, like traditionalist raising, gender norms, prejudice, homophobia, homelessness in all the books, without being preachy. How each main character tries to reach their dreams, even when they think they didn't have a right to dream. I rooted for Ori and Patton throughout, and even though we know that Ori didn't show any signs of being a True omega, I think he is very special guy and I hope to see more of him in the future, as well as the good Samaritan omega who helps them out.
I can't wait to see what is next in the Mercy Hills universe.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Ori is so optimistic and brave, how he tries to see the best out of their situation, even in the scariest of circumstances. And Patton, just, ugh! I loved Patton, what a sweet beta. He does his very best to take care of Ori, and shake off the belief that he is less than because he is not an alpha. I love how the author deals with deep issues, like traditionalist raising, gender norms, prejudice, homophobia, homelessness in all the books, without being preachy. How each main character tries to reach their dreams, even when they think they didn't have a right to dream. I rooted for Ori and Patton throughout, and even though we know that Ori didn't show any signs of being a True omega, I think he is very special guy and I hope to see more of him in the future, as well as the good Samaritan omega who helps them out.
I can't wait to see what is next in the Mercy Hills universe.
February 14, 2020
Although this book is considered a side story in the Mercy Hills universe, it’s still a wonderful and significant addition to the overall saga. Like the blurb states, this book is best read just after Legally Mated and right before Omega’s Flight.
Sanctuary expands on the shifter world and gives us perspectives of other shifters not associated with Mercy Hills. Omegas are oppressed and shoehorned into rigid roles with no room for any deviances from what’s expected. But it’s not just Omegas, but all the different dynamics – there’s no room in this hierarchy for a Beta to break free from what’s expected from him to court and mate an Omega. And an Omega can’t accept the attention nor love of a Beta. This has been the obstacle Ori and Patton have been trying to navigate around their entire lives. Ori and Patton have always loved each other, first as best friends and then as star-crossed lovers forbidden from ever expressing that love. And then Ori is faced with a future that is so bleak it devastates him. Once Patton learns about this future, he knows he cannot allow it to come to fruition. So they both make a choice – they decide to no longer allow themselves to be defined by the expectations of their pack, they decide to choose love and each other, they choose to run.
The book has a fast pace as Ori and Patton run and hide from their pack. The plot has a suspenseful edge with the urgency Ori and Patton feel as they head towards Mercy Hills. During their journey, Ori and Patton grow, not only with their love for each other, but also as adults finally allowed to come into their own.
The narration was done wonderfully by Nick J. Russo. He brought the story to life and made it into a performance that was delightful to listen to.
Overall, this book and its narration was a five-star read and listen for me. I adore Mercy Hills and I loved this addition to it. Not only was the plot and characterization phenomenal, but the sex scenes were hot and the love story tender and sweet. I highly recommend this book, but you need to read the series in order to get the full enjoyment out of the story.
Sanctuary expands on the shifter world and gives us perspectives of other shifters not associated with Mercy Hills. Omegas are oppressed and shoehorned into rigid roles with no room for any deviances from what’s expected. But it’s not just Omegas, but all the different dynamics – there’s no room in this hierarchy for a Beta to break free from what’s expected from him to court and mate an Omega. And an Omega can’t accept the attention nor love of a Beta. This has been the obstacle Ori and Patton have been trying to navigate around their entire lives. Ori and Patton have always loved each other, first as best friends and then as star-crossed lovers forbidden from ever expressing that love. And then Ori is faced with a future that is so bleak it devastates him. Once Patton learns about this future, he knows he cannot allow it to come to fruition. So they both make a choice – they decide to no longer allow themselves to be defined by the expectations of their pack, they decide to choose love and each other, they choose to run.
The book has a fast pace as Ori and Patton run and hide from their pack. The plot has a suspenseful edge with the urgency Ori and Patton feel as they head towards Mercy Hills. During their journey, Ori and Patton grow, not only with their love for each other, but also as adults finally allowed to come into their own.
The narration was done wonderfully by Nick J. Russo. He brought the story to life and made it into a performance that was delightful to listen to.
Overall, this book and its narration was a five-star read and listen for me. I adore Mercy Hills and I loved this addition to it. Not only was the plot and characterization phenomenal, but the sex scenes were hot and the love story tender and sweet. I highly recommend this book, but you need to read the series in order to get the full enjoyment out of the story.
April 24, 2018
I was delighted to discover Ann-Katrin Byrde had done a spin-off of her amazing ‘Mercy Hills Pack’ series, and I was eager to read ‘Sanctuary’. I was looking forward to getting a view of something different and a beta and omega pairing is certainly different. Granted, I do believe Mercy Hills is the only relatively “liberal” – and I use that term loosely – wolf pack to be found in this world. All the rest of the packs seem quite content to continue with their medieval ways even though the leaders at Mercy Hills are trying so hard to improve human and shifter relations for all the packs. Hell, they even met with the President in the last installment! I was also very excited (and had my heart in my throat) at the idea of Ori and Patton escaping from their enclave and heading to Mercy Hills where no one knows they’re coming, and they’re running not only from their own wolf pack, but also from the human authorities. I strongly urge that the 'Mercy Hills Pack’ books be read in order because there’s a TON of backstory and history, and without it this world might be difficult to understand. Although, I simply visualize the years leading up to World War II for the Jews in Germany and anyone who was different than the Aryan race, and that pretty much explains this world for me.
My heart was, in equal parts, filled with joy and then with heartache, watching the friendship Ori and Patton have from a young age. They are each other’s best friend but when Ori turns thirteen everything changes. He has to go to special omega-only classes where he learns how to cook, care for a home, and take care of his future pups. His parents and the chaperones surrounding him at all times actively work on keeping him apart from Patton. Ori is frustrated by what he is “supposed” to be, instead feeling that as an unmated omega he is simply a drain on the pack and why shouldn’t he be allowed to try something else he might be interested in. Patton is equally perturbed as he has no interest in a beta, he just wants his best friend. His best omega friend.
"Look, Maw says I'm not allowed to see you again, or talk to you, or anything. But, do you mind--if I can sneak out of the house? Can I come over?"
"Of course!" Patton reached through the window and took Ori's hand. "You're my best friend. I don't care if they say we can't be friends because you can have babies."
Ori grinned and squeezed his hand. "Good. I don't want to lose my best friend."
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
My heart was, in equal parts, filled with joy and then with heartache, watching the friendship Ori and Patton have from a young age. They are each other’s best friend but when Ori turns thirteen everything changes. He has to go to special omega-only classes where he learns how to cook, care for a home, and take care of his future pups. His parents and the chaperones surrounding him at all times actively work on keeping him apart from Patton. Ori is frustrated by what he is “supposed” to be, instead feeling that as an unmated omega he is simply a drain on the pack and why shouldn’t he be allowed to try something else he might be interested in. Patton is equally perturbed as he has no interest in a beta, he just wants his best friend. His best omega friend.
"Look, Maw says I'm not allowed to see you again, or talk to you, or anything. But, do you mind--if I can sneak out of the house? Can I come over?"
"Of course!" Patton reached through the window and took Ori's hand. "You're my best friend. I don't care if they say we can't be friends because you can have babies."
Ori grinned and squeezed his hand. "Good. I don't want to lose my best friend."
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
November 1, 2018
I like this series quite a bit but I do find some of the detail a bit too tedious. I’ve never been a huge fan of “dystopian” and I sort of lump these types of stories as dystopian. In this world, the knowledge of shifters is out there and they are subsequently treated very poorly and kept in enclaves.
I really hate this type of story but I so admire the love stories the author is capable of giving that I wade through the sadness and despair to find the happy and the sweet.
Our two MCs have a truck load of misery to over come in this book and I have to admit I skimmed the entire first half as it was entirely too “difficult” and way too long - for me - but I really enjoyed the part where they finally made it to the Mercy Hills Pack and found their beginning to be really touching as well.
I think this is another author who could benefit from a stiff editing ☺
I think this is good for fans of the author and the series but I wouldn’t start with this – I think they need to be read in order.
I really hate this type of story but I so admire the love stories the author is capable of giving that I wade through the sadness and despair to find the happy and the sweet.
Our two MCs have a truck load of misery to over come in this book and I have to admit I skimmed the entire first half as it was entirely too “difficult” and way too long - for me - but I really enjoyed the part where they finally made it to the Mercy Hills Pack and found their beginning to be really touching as well.
I think this is another author who could benefit from a stiff editing ☺
I think this is good for fans of the author and the series but I wouldn’t start with this – I think they need to be read in order.
October 12, 2017
Ann-Katrin Byrde is such an amazing author and I cannot recommend this series enough. I didn't think it was possible, but I think I love this book even more then I have loved the previous books in the series. Ori and Patton were amazing characters who came alive instantly and whose story grabs you and doesn't let go. I love that Ms Byrde gave us a story from another enclave, so we can see how other packs act and how other packs view the Alpha-Beta-Omega etc. hierarchy. I also love that we got to see a love story between a Beta and Omega, since so far this series has been exclusively Alpha-Omega pairs. It helps add even more depth to an already detailed and interesting universe. If you haven't read the other books in this series, go do that! If you liked the rest of the series, or want something a little different, this is a book you should definitely pick up.
November 3, 2017
Loved the continued story line
I have received a ARC for an honest review of the book. I loved this story in the Mercy hills universe. Ori and Pat have been best friends since they were pups. But Pat is a beta and Ori is a omega. As they grow up they have to learn the ridged beliefs around the pack structures. Omega's for alpha's and beta's for beta's. But these two friends can't let go of their ties to each other. Why does it have to be the way it is? So they make a break for hope, for sanctuary, for Mercy Hills. This cross country journey of love and friendship is additive and heart warming. Showing that we don't always have to be who others say we are. As long as we have a bit of faith and the will to make it all can be accomplished.
Love this book. So many great lines.
I have received a ARC for an honest review of the book. I loved this story in the Mercy hills universe. Ori and Pat have been best friends since they were pups. But Pat is a beta and Ori is a omega. As they grow up they have to learn the ridged beliefs around the pack structures. Omega's for alpha's and beta's for beta's. But these two friends can't let go of their ties to each other. Why does it have to be the way it is? So they make a break for hope, for sanctuary, for Mercy Hills. This cross country journey of love and friendship is additive and heart warming. Showing that we don't always have to be who others say we are. As long as we have a bit of faith and the will to make it all can be accomplished.
Love this book. So many great lines.
October 17, 2017
Hopeful and beautifully affirming
I was a bit surprised by the fact that this was the first book written in the Mercy Hills universe where I didn’t feel that human prejudice and persecution were such hinderances in the shifters lives that I felt ashamed in their behalf. Yes; life in the enclaves is still no where near morally right, but things are getting better, and Ori and Patton found, during their journey, that there are good humans in the world who are kind for the sake of kindness.
I love that Mercy Hills truly has become a sanctuary for all who seek it, and I find it a bit typical, but also sadening that the other enclaves have chosen to villify and demonize what is happening at Mercy Hills rather than celebrate it.
I was a bit surprised by the fact that this was the first book written in the Mercy Hills universe where I didn’t feel that human prejudice and persecution were such hinderances in the shifters lives that I felt ashamed in their behalf. Yes; life in the enclaves is still no where near morally right, but things are getting better, and Ori and Patton found, during their journey, that there are good humans in the world who are kind for the sake of kindness.
I love that Mercy Hills truly has become a sanctuary for all who seek it, and I find it a bit typical, but also sadening that the other enclaves have chosen to villify and demonize what is happening at Mercy Hills rather than celebrate it.
July 6, 2022
This was really promising.
Omega + Beta and friends-to-lovers is truly unique in omegaverse. But I found the book just dull? I never felt as if Patton, the beta, truly had feelings for the omega Ori. It felt like he was being protective of him as a friend would be - rescuing him from being sold off to an older suitor, taking him across the country to Mercy Hills pack etc. It was Ori who made a move almost every time they had sex. Even the sex scenes were kinda vague. I think the author was going for a poetic prose to describe their lovemaking, but it just came across as really confusing to me.
Omega + Beta and friends-to-lovers is truly unique in omegaverse. But I found the book just dull? I never felt as if Patton, the beta, truly had feelings for the omega Ori. It felt like he was being protective of him as a friend would be - rescuing him from being sold off to an older suitor, taking him across the country to Mercy Hills pack etc. It was Ori who made a move almost every time they had sex. Even the sex scenes were kinda vague. I think the author was going for a poetic prose to describe their lovemaking, but it just came across as really confusing to me.
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February 12, 2018
A sweet story of young childhood-friends-to-lovers with good pacing, and charming and likable MCs. I enjoyed their years growing up together the most. And it was exciting to see glimpses of the omega Holland from another of Byrde's book also in this one. The cross country travel exhaustion feels very real at the end of the story, and part of me had hoped to read more about the two of them settling in to a new life at the sanctuary. But since I've read several other books in the Mercy Hills universe, I can imagine it quite easily. A feel good shifter book.
January 29, 2020
~AUDIO REVIEW~
A powerful story of love
I loved listening to the journey Ori and Patton embarked on just to be together. This story was beautiful. The innocence and love the two had was so genuine it touched my heart. During the few struggles that could have ruined it all, I found myself praying the two would make it. I was completely riveted by the world building and characters.
Nick J Russo did a wonderful job. I could feel the emotions coming from the characters and loved it.
A powerful story of love
I loved listening to the journey Ori and Patton embarked on just to be together. This story was beautiful. The innocence and love the two had was so genuine it touched my heart. During the few struggles that could have ruined it all, I found myself praying the two would make it. I was completely riveted by the world building and characters.
Nick J Russo did a wonderful job. I could feel the emotions coming from the characters and loved it.
October 13, 2017
SO FREAKING ADDICTING. I read this book. the whole 50 chapters. in one sitting. yes 50 chapters for this amazingly low price... I adored Patton. He was so sweet and caring. the one thing that kept it away from the 5 stars is the time jump when they were in the ***spoiler*** shelter ***spoiler*** I also wished i could have seen more of their lives once they reached mercy hills. overall very nice book and i cannot wait for the next book
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