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Cascadia Wolves #5
Bonded Pair
Seattle's devoted Enforcer of the Cascadia pack, knows that she has a mate. Somewhere. She's just never found him. Then there he is at her cousin's wedding. Megan isn't just drawn to the werewolf's masculine, head-spinning scent--she's consumed by it. He seems so perfect, there has to be a catch... With a successful practice in Las Vegas, Dr. Shane Rosario has lived outside the pack since he was born. Raised to hide his wolf in shame, he always assumed he'd marry a human. Until Megan. Shane thrills to the ease with which she wears her wolf, and he craves every inch of her. But the idea of forever could be impossible. He's not willing to abandon his human life--even for a mate. Something's got to give. Because this time, even destiny may not be enough to bind them.
Bonus novella Reluctant Mate included!
Bonus novella Reluctant Mate included!
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 19, 2008
66 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
112 books5,000 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 27, 2022
5/20/2022- Reread via audiobook (on scribd). It was a short, easy listen with a decent narrator. There’s some angsty drama sprinkled in, but it’s constantly derailed by them having sex. I wish these parts would’ve been explored a bit more. I’m also not a fan of the tri-bond situation which felt like a plot device to have a threesome. If the anchor’s (2nd male) job is to provide support/friendship… why did they keep trying to insinuate that Megan would take up with hers? Basically, the h is supposed to be ok with her mate having had sex with her sister because they don’t have that type of relationship- it wasn’t a sex thing. Then it shouldn’t be a sex/attraction thing between Megan and her anchor. (Adam) 🤷♀️
8/27/2021 Quick reread. I'll keep the rating the same but think it's more a 3.5. This is a quick one but has a fair amount of angst for a shifter read. My rating might be a smidge inflated, but I read so many bad shifter books I think I get skewed.
*I’m not sure when I picked this up, (I’m trying to clean out some of my older TBR’s) but it’s currently $4 and only 120 pages, so keep that in mind. I’m cheap, and doubt I would fork over that for a novella, but I did enjoy this one, and gobbled it down. Also, this is my first/only book from the series, so I’m adding a little “Cascadia Wolves mating practices” tutorial for other readers like me, but will probably be boring if you’ve read the other books*
3.5-ish 🐺🐺Stars
I was pleasantly surprised with Bonded Pair, but would probably only recommend it to those that are fans of the PNR genre…. Because it’s out there… IMO. 😉 But, if you can overlook the oddities, there’s a pretty angsty road to HEA for this couple. The past H/h’s were the typical secondary characters that are around in the mix, and on a personal level I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. The issue was the “world specific” concepts that I struggled to pick up. I’m sure it was explained in the four previous books, so I’m not dinging this… I chose to read a random book, but hope the info will be helpful.
In a nutshell, fated mates know each other immediately, and seal the bond with sex. This is where it got wonky for me, each mated pair needs another male to serve as an anchor. (tri-bond) I think this has to do with the stability of the female mate. Like he’s a built-in backup BFF, which I’ll admit was a little out there for me. It’s explained that although very close, the female never feels the depth of feeling towards the anchor that she does for her mate. If that’s not odd enough, the female and anchor also seal their bond with sex. The anchor will also go on to have his own mate and anchor someday, which seems SUPER messy. For example, our H (Shane), is our h (Megan) sister’s (Layla) anchor. (Shane is also cousins w/ Layla's mate Sid) Shane and Megan's anchor is his other cousin Adam. So technically, our H has had sex with her sis, and now she’s also had sex with his cousin, who will someday have a mate of his own. 🤯 (can you imagine the awkwardness at that Thanksgiving table??!!) As a HUGE PNR fan, it kind of goes against everything “mate related” I’ve experienced in my 300+ shifter reads. But, made for a sexy 3-way scene. 🙄 Honestly, I was a smidge turned off by it (I read PNR mostly for the magical mate bond) but just went along with it, and let go of my questions. Adam (anchor) is around a bit, but it’s never sexual and Shane did say the encounter was a one-and-done if that helps.
This all happens in the first 40%, and there’s some good drama surrounding Megan’s jealousy of her sis sexing up her mate. But, then we get to the good stuff. Per the blurb, Shane has been raised away from the pack being brainwashed by his hateful human mother that his wolf side is a monster, and that shifters are abominations, which is pretty shitty considering her husband and son are shifters. Basically, Shane wants to live away from the pack as a human, and adopt kids. This adds a lot of drama as the two try to figure out a life that will work for them both which is a bumpy road.
I’d rather live half a life with a mate who refuses to love me being who I am than half a life here, pretending to be what I’m not to claim your crumbs of love.”
Bottom Line- I can’t say much about the series. It appears to follow the h’s sisters, but I enjoyed this one. It took longer for the couple to meet (15%) than I prefer for a novella, but had a fair amount of shifter/PNR angst, which is different than regular angst (except for Dallas)… I didn’t cry, but had some feels which is pretty rare for the genre. There’s not a ton of great ones within the PNR world, so I’m always excited when I find one I can't put down.
8/27/2021 Quick reread. I'll keep the rating the same but think it's more a 3.5. This is a quick one but has a fair amount of angst for a shifter read. My rating might be a smidge inflated, but I read so many bad shifter books I think I get skewed.
*I’m not sure when I picked this up, (I’m trying to clean out some of my older TBR’s) but it’s currently $4 and only 120 pages, so keep that in mind. I’m cheap, and doubt I would fork over that for a novella, but I did enjoy this one, and gobbled it down. Also, this is my first/only book from the series, so I’m adding a little “Cascadia Wolves mating practices” tutorial for other readers like me, but will probably be boring if you’ve read the other books*
3.5-ish 🐺🐺Stars
I was pleasantly surprised with Bonded Pair, but would probably only recommend it to those that are fans of the PNR genre…. Because it’s out there… IMO. 😉 But, if you can overlook the oddities, there’s a pretty angsty road to HEA for this couple. The past H/h’s were the typical secondary characters that are around in the mix, and on a personal level I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. The issue was the “world specific” concepts that I struggled to pick up. I’m sure it was explained in the four previous books, so I’m not dinging this… I chose to read a random book, but hope the info will be helpful.
In a nutshell, fated mates know each other immediately, and seal the bond with sex. This is where it got wonky for me, each mated pair needs another male to serve as an anchor. (tri-bond) I think this has to do with the stability of the female mate. Like he’s a built-in backup BFF, which I’ll admit was a little out there for me. It’s explained that although very close, the female never feels the depth of feeling towards the anchor that she does for her mate. If that’s not odd enough, the female and anchor also seal their bond with sex. The anchor will also go on to have his own mate and anchor someday, which seems SUPER messy. For example, our H (Shane), is our h (Megan) sister’s (Layla) anchor. (Shane is also cousins w/ Layla's mate Sid) Shane and Megan's anchor is his other cousin Adam. So technically, our H has had sex with her sis, and now she’s also had sex with his cousin, who will someday have a mate of his own. 🤯 (can you imagine the awkwardness at that Thanksgiving table??!!) As a HUGE PNR fan, it kind of goes against everything “mate related” I’ve experienced in my 300+ shifter reads. But, made for a sexy 3-way scene. 🙄 Honestly, I was a smidge turned off by it (I read PNR mostly for the magical mate bond) but just went along with it, and let go of my questions. Adam (anchor) is around a bit, but it’s never sexual and Shane did say the encounter was a one-and-done if that helps.
This all happens in the first 40%, and there’s some good drama surrounding Megan’s jealousy of her sis sexing up her mate. But, then we get to the good stuff. Per the blurb, Shane has been raised away from the pack being brainwashed by his hateful human mother that his wolf side is a monster, and that shifters are abominations, which is pretty shitty considering her husband and son are shifters. Basically, Shane wants to live away from the pack as a human, and adopt kids. This adds a lot of drama as the two try to figure out a life that will work for them both which is a bumpy road.
I’d rather live half a life with a mate who refuses to love me being who I am than half a life here, pretending to be what I’m not to claim your crumbs of love.”
Bottom Line- I can’t say much about the series. It appears to follow the h’s sisters, but I enjoyed this one. It took longer for the couple to meet (15%) than I prefer for a novella, but had a fair amount of shifter/PNR angst, which is different than regular angst (except for Dallas)… I didn’t cry, but had some feels which is pretty rare for the genre. There’s not a ton of great ones within the PNR world, so I’m always excited when I find one I can't put down.
September 8, 2017
4 Bonded Pair Stars
Well, I didn’t expect that. Meaning a wolf who suppresses who he is because of a parent who doesn’t accept who and what he is.
Megan knows who she is so when she finds her bond mate and he isn’t who she thought he would be they go through some hard times.
I can see his struggle and I can see hers. It can’t be easy for your body telling you one thing but your head is telling you something else.
I kind of loved that everyone was there for them either together or separately. It was a change that’s for sure.
ON to the next!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Well, I didn’t expect that. Meaning a wolf who suppresses who he is because of a parent who doesn’t accept who and what he is.
Megan knows who she is so when she finds her bond mate and he isn’t who she thought he would be they go through some hard times.
I can see his struggle and I can see hers. It can’t be easy for your body telling you one thing but your head is telling you something else.
I kind of loved that everyone was there for them either together or separately. It was a change that’s for sure.
ON to the next!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
October 3, 2009
On the way to a family wedding Meghan Warden is loving and hating the car journey. Loving of course her family as she does she tries to remember that they are her family and each and every looney one of them play a big part in her life, then the hate kicks in, due mainly to the fact that she is one of the last unmated Warden left and with no offspring to keep the watchful eyes of her parent off her – she unhappily grins and bears it.
With the obvious plan as enforcer of the Casadia Wolves upmost in her mind - protect Nina, because she has to keep even the eyes in the back of her head on that one, she also needs some down time and the first chance she gets she was going to just enjoy the pool.
Some things are best left as wishful thinking because soon she is drafted into the wedding plans and she has her set of chores to be done – one of which is to collect the best man from the airport.
From the moment Shane Rosario and Meghan sets on each other they knew they were mate and there was little they could do to stop themselves from finding the first flat surface with a locked door behind them to seal the deal.
This mating is not as easy as Meghan would have like because Shane has never embraced his wolf and to make matters worse he lives and work in Las Vegas, a town she knew she was not going to leave home for.
Both seem to be fighting a losing battle and with as much love as they have between them and family support not helping – they know they will either have to put up or shut up because maybe something's are just not worth fighting for.
FATED is the sixth book in the Casadia Wolves series of book and this was the easiest read of the lot so far. Meghan is at the top of her game and right where she wants to be – Pack Enforcer, meeting Shane has not only put a spanner in the works but it has given her that inner strength that she knew she had but didn’t think she would be needing to draw on it under these kind of circumstances. Shane is not having an easier time – reared to deny all that he is and should be, he has lived with the cloud of parental disapproval about his most basic nature all his life.
With some smoking hot smut scenes burning up the pages, it wasn't a stretch liking both Meghan and Shane for their weaknesses and their strengths. While I personally found this the least angtsy of all the books so far – I liked it. All the important players made an appearance and the story line followed well.
I am now looking forward to the next book in this series.
With the obvious plan as enforcer of the Casadia Wolves upmost in her mind - protect Nina, because she has to keep even the eyes in the back of her head on that one, she also needs some down time and the first chance she gets she was going to just enjoy the pool.
Some things are best left as wishful thinking because soon she is drafted into the wedding plans and she has her set of chores to be done – one of which is to collect the best man from the airport.
From the moment Shane Rosario and Meghan sets on each other they knew they were mate and there was little they could do to stop themselves from finding the first flat surface with a locked door behind them to seal the deal.
This mating is not as easy as Meghan would have like because Shane has never embraced his wolf and to make matters worse he lives and work in Las Vegas, a town she knew she was not going to leave home for.
Both seem to be fighting a losing battle and with as much love as they have between them and family support not helping – they know they will either have to put up or shut up because maybe something's are just not worth fighting for.
FATED is the sixth book in the Casadia Wolves series of book and this was the easiest read of the lot so far. Meghan is at the top of her game and right where she wants to be – Pack Enforcer, meeting Shane has not only put a spanner in the works but it has given her that inner strength that she knew she had but didn’t think she would be needing to draw on it under these kind of circumstances. Shane is not having an easier time – reared to deny all that he is and should be, he has lived with the cloud of parental disapproval about his most basic nature all his life.
With some smoking hot smut scenes burning up the pages, it wasn't a stretch liking both Meghan and Shane for their weaknesses and their strengths. While I personally found this the least angtsy of all the books so far – I liked it. All the important players made an appearance and the story line followed well.
I am now looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 13, 2017
Review written: April 10, 2017
Star Rating: ★★½☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
It's safe to say that Shane and Megan are not my favorite Cascadia couple. Shane was a monumental idiot (his parents fault partly but still) and Megan just failed to impress me with any badassery despite being security. I didn't like the side plot of ugly bigotry that came out of nowhere and I liked Shane's father's response even less. Everyone in this book felt diminished by their actions.
Shane's mother is a bigot of epic proportions and has somehow not only managed to utterly unman her mate but her son as well. Let's just say that if you want to know what spousal abuse can look like when perpetrated by a woman, look no further than Shane's mother. She's such a nasty piece of work, I want her to get killed. Shane's father not only lets her unleash her poison on him but also allows her to teach Shane that he is dirty, ugly, and unnatural.
When he meets Megan, he tries to essentially teach her the same thing. It's so destructive and ugly that it appalls me and makes me cringe. At least Megan has the strength and the backing of her family to walk away from her mate. While Shane eventually gets himself together, it feels like it's more along the lines of "I seriously need sex with my mate and can't stand it anymore." Eventually he breaks with his mother and his father starts to get out from under her ugly thumb too.
I was disappointed with this book because it just never really felt like Shane and Megan had a shot.
This review is ©April 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★★½☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
It's safe to say that Shane and Megan are not my favorite Cascadia couple. Shane was a monumental idiot (his parents fault partly but still) and Megan just failed to impress me with any badassery despite being security. I didn't like the side plot of ugly bigotry that came out of nowhere and I liked Shane's father's response even less. Everyone in this book felt diminished by their actions.
Shane's mother is a bigot of epic proportions and has somehow not only managed to utterly unman her mate but her son as well. Let's just say that if you want to know what spousal abuse can look like when perpetrated by a woman, look no further than Shane's mother. She's such a nasty piece of work, I want her to get killed. Shane's father not only lets her unleash her poison on him but also allows her to teach Shane that he is dirty, ugly, and unnatural.
When he meets Megan, he tries to essentially teach her the same thing. It's so destructive and ugly that it appalls me and makes me cringe. At least Megan has the strength and the backing of her family to walk away from her mate. While Shane eventually gets himself together, it feels like it's more along the lines of "I seriously need sex with my mate and can't stand it anymore." Eventually he breaks with his mother and his father starts to get out from under her ugly thumb too.
I was disappointed with this book because it just never really felt like Shane and Megan had a shot.
This review is ©April 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
January 14, 2014
This was a tougher story to read - Shane with his non wolf issues putting poor Meagan through the mill. It's nice to have the family members involved throughout the series - keeps it fun and balanced,
October 29, 2010
total got into this book loved it
May 18, 2017
This was an interesting story. I clearly needed to read the beginning of the series to understand some of what they were talking about but it was a good book. I will go back and read more of this series.
It doesn't take but one look and one smell to call the wolves of Megan and Shane to realize that they were mates for each other. That was the easy part. The hard part is breaking a lifetime of his training from a mother who was not understanding.
While they love each other very much, it may not be enough for them to make it. Will Shane be able to come to grips with the fact that it's ok to be a werewolf?
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It doesn't take but one look and one smell to call the wolves of Megan and Shane to realize that they were mates for each other. That was the easy part. The hard part is breaking a lifetime of his training from a mother who was not understanding.
While they love each other very much, it may not be enough for them to make it. Will Shane be able to come to grips with the fact that it's ok to be a werewolf?
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2020
Ripped Bodice Bingo 2020: Healthcare Professional
I didn't realise this was basically at the end of the series (I just saw mating on sight & werewolves tbh), so there's a lot of backstory & world building I was missing. But this was pretty good, even if Shane was an absolute dick for a lot of the story.
I didn't realise this was basically at the end of the series (I just saw mating on sight & werewolves tbh), so there's a lot of backstory & world building I was missing. But this was pretty good, even if Shane was an absolute dick for a lot of the story.
June 6, 2017
Not a good idea to jump in at book 5.
April 16, 2017
Bonded Pair by Lauren Dane
Cascadia Wolves #5
A road trip, too much family and a wedding to attend at the end of the journey left Megan Warden feeling at odds – especially as her mother keeps harping on her needing to find a mate. Megan wouldn’t mind having a mate and all it entails BUT said mate has so far remained elusive. When she picks up Dr. Shane Rosario, coming to attend the wedding, sparks fly and a bond is formed faster than greased lightning but then reality lifts its ugly head – Shane is in near denial of his wolf and rather unwilling to embrace the true meaning of being “mate” to Megan while Megan is totally and completely werewolf all the way. The two have a rollercoaster ride that leaves them both hurt and confused with family trying to help but not necessarily having THE answer or suggestion to make things right for the pair. And, there were times that I really did not see Megan going forward to Shane at all – at least not the way he continued to act more like a teenager than a nearly forty year old professional. In the end things are tied up with a bow but it seemed to take forever to get there. I am not sure but perhaps if I had read the previous books in the series terms like anchor, enforcer, trib-bond, etc would have made more sense BUT the novella works as a standalone story and helped entertain me this afternoon.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
Cascadia Wolves #5
A road trip, too much family and a wedding to attend at the end of the journey left Megan Warden feeling at odds – especially as her mother keeps harping on her needing to find a mate. Megan wouldn’t mind having a mate and all it entails BUT said mate has so far remained elusive. When she picks up Dr. Shane Rosario, coming to attend the wedding, sparks fly and a bond is formed faster than greased lightning but then reality lifts its ugly head – Shane is in near denial of his wolf and rather unwilling to embrace the true meaning of being “mate” to Megan while Megan is totally and completely werewolf all the way. The two have a rollercoaster ride that leaves them both hurt and confused with family trying to help but not necessarily having THE answer or suggestion to make things right for the pair. And, there were times that I really did not see Megan going forward to Shane at all – at least not the way he continued to act more like a teenager than a nearly forty year old professional. In the end things are tied up with a bow but it seemed to take forever to get there. I am not sure but perhaps if I had read the previous books in the series terms like anchor, enforcer, trib-bond, etc would have made more sense BUT the novella works as a standalone story and helped entertain me this afternoon.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
July 29, 2017
'Bonded Pair' by Lauren Dane is book Five in the "Cascadia Wolves" series. This is the story of Megan Warden and Shane Rosario. This book is a re-release of the book "Fated" with a new cover. In addition it is a quick read with about around 120 pages.
Megan is taking a road trip with her family and also along to guard them. But being trapped in a car with continue talk of marriage and babies makes it hard on this single women who has yet to meet her mate.
Shane is only attending the wedding because he was talked into it and a close personal friend will be there. Shane mother has denied him of his wolf family pretty much and kept him distant from that side. But he does understands the bonding code with you meet you mate.
So when he first sees Megan he feels something strong and Megan to feels the pull. But his mother and her ways does set to interfere in their budding relationship.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Merged review:
Book Review For: Bonded Pair by Lauren Dane 'Bonded Pair' by Lauren Dane is book Five in the "Cascadia Wolves" series. This is the story of Megan Warden and Shane Rosario. This book is a re-release of the book "Fated" with a new cover. In addition it is a quick read with about around 120 pages. Megan is taking a road trip with her family and also along to guard them. But being trapped in a car with continue talk of marriage and babies makes it hard on this single women who has yet to meet her mate. Shane is only attending the wedding because he was talked into it and a close personal friend will be there. Shane mother has denied him of his wolf family pretty much and kept him distant from that side. But he does understands the bonding code with you meet you mate. So when he first sees Megan he feels something strong and Megan to feels the pull. But his mother and her ways does set to interfere in their budding relationship. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68 https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... http://booklikes.com/bloghttps://roma... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
Megan is taking a road trip with her family and also along to guard them. But being trapped in a car with continue talk of marriage and babies makes it hard on this single women who has yet to meet her mate.
Shane is only attending the wedding because he was talked into it and a close personal friend will be there. Shane mother has denied him of his wolf family pretty much and kept him distant from that side. But he does understands the bonding code with you meet you mate.
So when he first sees Megan he feels something strong and Megan to feels the pull. But his mother and her ways does set to interfere in their budding relationship.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
Merged review:
Book Review For: Bonded Pair by Lauren Dane 'Bonded Pair' by Lauren Dane is book Five in the "Cascadia Wolves" series. This is the story of Megan Warden and Shane Rosario. This book is a re-release of the book "Fated" with a new cover. In addition it is a quick read with about around 120 pages. Megan is taking a road trip with her family and also along to guard them. But being trapped in a car with continue talk of marriage and babies makes it hard on this single women who has yet to meet her mate. Shane is only attending the wedding because he was talked into it and a close personal friend will be there. Shane mother has denied him of his wolf family pretty much and kept him distant from that side. But he does understands the bonding code with you meet you mate. So when he first sees Megan he feels something strong and Megan to feels the pull. But his mother and her ways does set to interfere in their budding relationship. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68 https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... http://booklikes.com/bloghttps://roma... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
January 31, 2014
This book had some strange moments, but overall it wasn't bad at all.
May 29, 2017
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover matches the series new look!
This is the fifth book in the series! It is for adults only due to the steamy scenes. I recommend reading the series in order because it makes it a richer experience with all the characters because you know their quirks and personalities better.
I really liked this story, but for me I wanted more action. This story was all about the drama of Megan’s mating to Shane. Shane has a lot of issues caused by his mom. Shane is also Layla’s anchor, so this causes some issues as well.
Lauren’s writing is fabulous and makes the story come alive! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I recommend this book to shifters fans who love relationship drama and baggage!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover matches the series new look!
This is the fifth book in the series! It is for adults only due to the steamy scenes. I recommend reading the series in order because it makes it a richer experience with all the characters because you know their quirks and personalities better.
I really liked this story, but for me I wanted more action. This story was all about the drama of Megan’s mating to Shane. Shane has a lot of issues caused by his mom. Shane is also Layla’s anchor, so this causes some issues as well.
Lauren’s writing is fabulous and makes the story come alive! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I recommend this book to shifters fans who love relationship drama and baggage!
May 13, 2020
This novella didn’t really work for me. Dane wrapped up the overall series arc in the last book, “Alpha’s Challenge” (previously titled, “Standoff”) This almost felt like an “oops, I left one of the Warden siblings single” and it was drawn out juvenile drama.
Megan picks up Layla’s anchor, Shane at the airport for a family wedding and BOOM, they’re mates. So we get the insta-lust, claiming and then they can’t agree on anything but having sex. There’s a ménage for the tri-bond and then it’s just pages and pages of the same argument with sex scenes tossed in. At this point I’m skimming.
If it was going to lack so much plot it should have been stuck it the middle of the series... at the end it feels and reads like an afterthought.
Megan picks up Layla’s anchor, Shane at the airport for a family wedding and BOOM, they’re mates. So we get the insta-lust, claiming and then they can’t agree on anything but having sex. There’s a ménage for the tri-bond and then it’s just pages and pages of the same argument with sex scenes tossed in. At this point I’m skimming.
If it was going to lack so much plot it should have been stuck it the middle of the series... at the end it feels and reads like an afterthought.
September 24, 2021
To be honest I just didn't really like this book as much as some of the others in the series. I listened to the audio book version and just couldn't get into it like I have with the previous books. I don't know if it was the main characters or the plot but I just didn't like it.
September 30, 2012
Empowering.... That is the word i think, for me, describes Fated by Lauren Dane! We get to feel and go through everything with Megan and Shane. The roller coaster of emotions and the fight for them to make it. Megan is a strong and fierce character and something all of us women should dominate in our own personal lives. It was captivating to see the main male character, Shane, to be the person to have the fears and anxiety of everything that was going on and surrounding him. But for this book, that was a refreshing change. I loved finding out about Shane's family history, which helped explain the reasons and fears he had. Me personally, i will be grateful for all the little snippets that Lauren Dane gave us for the other members of The Warden Clan in Fated. It has been a pleasure finding out what they are doing, where they are in their lives and how much they have changed an adapted. Once again, Fated is a 5 star book that i will recommend to anybody and everybody.
August 21, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
See full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Formerly titled Fated, Bonded Pair is a reissued novella in Lauren Dane’s popular Cascadia Wolves series. Lots of heat and a good helping of hurt feelings and resentment kept things mighty interesting while wolves Shane and Megan figured out their future.
Where this short story is towards the end of the series, I think it would benefit readers to have some familiarity with the “world” of the Cascadia Wolves for Bonded Pair to make complete sense. But if you’re a fan of all things paranormal, then you’ll likely be able to hop in here and read this as a standalone without too many issues. I’m fairly newish myself to this series but I’m already a fan of Lauren Dane’s work so I was comfortable with the story, the heat level (yowza!!) and how flawed and real her characters always are. Read More
See full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Formerly titled Fated, Bonded Pair is a reissued novella in Lauren Dane’s popular Cascadia Wolves series. Lots of heat and a good helping of hurt feelings and resentment kept things mighty interesting while wolves Shane and Megan figured out their future.
Where this short story is towards the end of the series, I think it would benefit readers to have some familiarity with the “world” of the Cascadia Wolves for Bonded Pair to make complete sense. But if you’re a fan of all things paranormal, then you’ll likely be able to hop in here and read this as a standalone without too many issues. I’m fairly newish myself to this series but I’m already a fan of Lauren Dane’s work so I was comfortable with the story, the heat level (yowza!!) and how flawed and real her characters always are. Read More
September 14, 2021
PNR - Mates, anchors and idiots...
Shane claims Megan as his mate, he has unrealistic expectations of the bonding process including assuming she will uproot her life to convenience him.
He is a petulant, spoilt almost forty year old doctor.
He gets together with his friends and not only does he allow his ex to kiss him, he called her to tell her he met someone, yet failed to mention her to Megan. He does not introduce her and excludes her from their conversation. As an enforcer, she was not convincing, she was too accepting.
He doesn’t introduce her to his parents but expects her to uproot her life and live in his environment of ‘denial’. His mother rings to berate her.
Mumma’s boy!!? He internalises blaming his parents for his immaturity and unrealistic expectations. He was a jerk.
Shane claims Megan as his mate, he has unrealistic expectations of the bonding process including assuming she will uproot her life to convenience him.
He is a petulant, spoilt almost forty year old doctor.
He gets together with his friends and not only does he allow his ex to kiss him, he called her to tell her he met someone, yet failed to mention her to Megan. He does not introduce her and excludes her from their conversation. As an enforcer, she was not convincing, she was too accepting.
He doesn’t introduce her to his parents but expects her to uproot her life and live in his environment of ‘denial’. His mother rings to berate her.
Mumma’s boy!!? He internalises blaming his parents for his immaturity and unrealistic expectations. He was a jerk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2017
Spoiler warning? Too much angst for most of the book for my taste, which was disappointing as Megan had waited so long for her mate.
I think if we had been shown more of his self-acceptance or awakening at the end, I might have enjoyed it more. The major healing events in his journey, e.g., his shift with his Father before the big reconciliation, were glossed over and were only referred to in passing. There was lots of sex, but not as much heart energy in this book as I had expected - the ending felt rushed, so we missed seeing him learning to love his shift (I don't even know what colour his wolf is...) A few scenes with them playing as a couple in their wolf forms might have lightened this story for me and increased my enjoyment.
Rating: 1.5 Stars
I think if we had been shown more of his self-acceptance or awakening at the end, I might have enjoyed it more. The major healing events in his journey, e.g., his shift with his Father before the big reconciliation, were glossed over and were only referred to in passing. There was lots of sex, but not as much heart energy in this book as I had expected - the ending felt rushed, so we missed seeing him learning to love his shift (I don't even know what colour his wolf is...) A few scenes with them playing as a couple in their wolf forms might have lightened this story for me and increased my enjoyment.
Rating: 1.5 Stars
October 3, 2014
This is book 6 in the Cascadia Wolves series. I have to say, it was wonderful. I think I've found a new author to love. Her characters are so thought out. And the witty banter is amazing. This was the story of Megan and Shane. Megan is the Enforcer for her pack and Shane is a Dr in Vegas. He's been raised to fear and loathe his wolf. He claimed Meagan then panics. He is afraid to commit and let his wolf run free. But he's mated now, so either accepts everything it he loses Meagan to her anchor Adam.
July 3, 2017
Title: Bonded Pair - Cascadia Wolves Book 5
Author: Lauren Dane
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 4-24-2017
Pages: 120
Genre: Erotica Romance
Sub-Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy; Shifters; Wolves; Paranormal
ISBN: 9781488028502
ASIN: B01N1EMYA6
Reviewed For NetGalley and Carina Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: Stars
Previously published under a different title
A Cascadia Wolves novella
Megan Warden, Seattle's devoted Enforcer of the Cascadia pack, knows that she has a mate. Somewhere. She's just never found him. Then there he is at her cousin's wedding. Megan isn't just drawn to the werewolf's masculine, head-spinning scent—she's consumed by it. He seems so perfect, there has to be a catch…
With a successful practice in Las Vegas, Dr. Shane Rosario has lived outside the pack since he was born. Raised to hide his wolf in shame, he always assumed he'd marry a human.
Until Megan. Shane thrills to the ease with which she wears her wolf, and he craves every inch of her. But the idea of forever could be impossible. He's not willing to abandon his human life—even for a mate.
Something's got to give. Because this time, even destiny may not be enough to bind them.
Apparently parents harp aon their children settling down and starting a family no matter what the DNA background is. Unfortunately for Megan there's a wedding tp attend and decicsions to be made. Shan'es past may cosr rhem their future. Sometimes the greatest enemy to tru happines is the hearrs of the those most in need of it.
My rating of "Bonded Pair" is 4 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1EMYA6/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bond...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Lauren Dane
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 4-24-2017
Pages: 120
Genre: Erotica Romance
Sub-Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy; Shifters; Wolves; Paranormal
ISBN: 9781488028502
ASIN: B01N1EMYA6
Reviewed For NetGalley and Carina Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: Stars
Previously published under a different title
A Cascadia Wolves novella
Megan Warden, Seattle's devoted Enforcer of the Cascadia pack, knows that she has a mate. Somewhere. She's just never found him. Then there he is at her cousin's wedding. Megan isn't just drawn to the werewolf's masculine, head-spinning scent—she's consumed by it. He seems so perfect, there has to be a catch…
With a successful practice in Las Vegas, Dr. Shane Rosario has lived outside the pack since he was born. Raised to hide his wolf in shame, he always assumed he'd marry a human.
Until Megan. Shane thrills to the ease with which she wears her wolf, and he craves every inch of her. But the idea of forever could be impossible. He's not willing to abandon his human life—even for a mate.
Something's got to give. Because this time, even destiny may not be enough to bind them.
Apparently parents harp aon their children settling down and starting a family no matter what the DNA background is. Unfortunately for Megan there's a wedding tp attend and decicsions to be made. Shan'es past may cosr rhem their future. Sometimes the greatest enemy to tru happines is the hearrs of the those most in need of it.
My rating of "Bonded Pair" is 4 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1EMYA6/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bond...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
September 18, 2021
I'm irked. I originally listened to this book back in 2018 and reviewed it. Then GR glitched as I was trying to update my review for the 2021 re-listen and my original review got deleted. I'll try to remember most of what I said. As for the relisten, I don't have much to add.Originally, I mentioned going back to the prequel novella in this series as that's where the hero makes his first appearance. There were events in this book that threw me and didn't quite fit with the other book. After that relisten, I decided there was some minor foreshadowing for what would be the biggest conflict in this mostly character-driven entry. This one focused more on the internal conflict between the couple (aqnd it is a doozie!) rather than the overall action arc which pretty much got sewn up in the previous book. Anyway, Shane was pretty much a tool though he did finally grovel nicely. Meghan seemed a bit whimpy for the head enforcer/second in her powerful pack but I guess affairs of the heart can lay even a strong wolf low.
October 23, 2017
This is part of the Cascadia Wolves series. You may have seen it before under the title ‘Fated’. The series is about the Warden siblings as they kick ass and find love. Not necessarily in that order. The series is generally full of action and plenty of romance. Bonded Pair doesn’t have very much action, but it does a nice job of providing a mate for the last Warden sibling.
This story is focused on character development. Shane, a doctor who happens to be a werewolf, is in denial over his heritage. His parents don’t accept him and do all they can to suppress his true nature. Megan, the female Enforcer of the pack is bound and determined to get with Shane’s wolf.
If you like constant action, this may not be your favorite book in the series. But if you like a somewhat realistic view of how werewolves find a place for themselves in the pack, this is definitely worth the read. It’s also nice to finish out the series.
This story is focused on character development. Shane, a doctor who happens to be a werewolf, is in denial over his heritage. His parents don’t accept him and do all they can to suppress his true nature. Megan, the female Enforcer of the pack is bound and determined to get with Shane’s wolf.
If you like constant action, this may not be your favorite book in the series. But if you like a somewhat realistic view of how werewolves find a place for themselves in the pack, this is definitely worth the read. It’s also nice to finish out the series.
May 7, 2018
This is kind of a "kitchen sink" romance... as in, we're basically just watching two characters meander around the author's existing universe and vaguely falling in love. I was unfamiliar with the series in general, so the fact that this began with the heroine attending her sister's bachelorette party with a million other siblings and friends didn't really win me over. But, you know, once you've done all the other romances, it's time to throw in the kitchen sink! The writing was good and the sex scenes were hot, but I just got so bored. It's a warm, comfortable romance, like a good pair of sweatpants, so any of the things which could cause actual realistic drama (such as the fact that the hero's upbringing was clearly abusive, and while his mother perpetrated the abuse, his father was extremely complicit in allowing it to happen) are just kind of glossed over. I just couldn't get into it enough to finish.
June 16, 2018
Emotional and intense…
What happens if who you are, what you are, was denied your whole life? How do you embrace what you’ve long hidden? For good or bad, Shane has denied his wolf his entire life. He is a doctor, successful and pretty happy really. Finding his mate, Megan, was the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, that was when things fell apart…
“This wolf of his wanted to be free, to be loved and she knew then, knew as she knew he was hers, their road would not be easy.”
Tolerance. Acceptance. These are lofty goals in this heart-squeezing romance. I hurt for both Shane and Megan as they tried to find a place of compromise where both could be loved and happy. Shane wasn’t a bad person but shaped by his parents to deny his heritage. Megan couldn’t accept that, couldn’t see it but anything but a betrayal of their relationship.
Intense and heated, this quick read revealed even more nuances in a shifter/human relationship. So, so good! ~Diane, 4 stars
What happens if who you are, what you are, was denied your whole life? How do you embrace what you’ve long hidden? For good or bad, Shane has denied his wolf his entire life. He is a doctor, successful and pretty happy really. Finding his mate, Megan, was the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, that was when things fell apart…
“This wolf of his wanted to be free, to be loved and she knew then, knew as she knew he was hers, their road would not be easy.”
Tolerance. Acceptance. These are lofty goals in this heart-squeezing romance. I hurt for both Shane and Megan as they tried to find a place of compromise where both could be loved and happy. Shane wasn’t a bad person but shaped by his parents to deny his heritage. Megan couldn’t accept that, couldn’t see it but anything but a betrayal of their relationship.
Intense and heated, this quick read revealed even more nuances in a shifter/human relationship. So, so good! ~Diane, 4 stars
May 10, 2017
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book
There is something about this series that just draws me in and keeps me wanting more. Megan Warden has watched her family fall in love over and over, seen them bond and unite families. She knows the road can be rocky to finding a mate but if her family can overcome obstacles so can she right? Read and find out!
I love that these romances are never simple. I think this book drew me in emotionally because I felt Megan's pain, I felt that she wanted this romance...she wanted her time to fall in love but Shane wasn't making it easy. This was a very good tale of accepting who you are and learning to love every part of you....very good job Lauren Dane.
There is something about this series that just draws me in and keeps me wanting more. Megan Warden has watched her family fall in love over and over, seen them bond and unite families. She knows the road can be rocky to finding a mate but if her family can overcome obstacles so can she right? Read and find out!
I love that these romances are never simple. I think this book drew me in emotionally because I felt Megan's pain, I felt that she wanted this romance...she wanted her time to fall in love but Shane wasn't making it easy. This was a very good tale of accepting who you are and learning to love every part of you....very good job Lauren Dane.
June 10, 2017
First I didn't realise how short this book was and second I really didn't enjoy Bonded Pair. At all.
The book starts off well but after that, it was all downhill for me. Shane is a complete prick and I just didn't like him not even by the end of the book. Megan forgives Shane waaaay to easily.
Shane needed to do some grovelling and prove himself after the way he treated Megan and how their relationship went and how he made her feel. Instead, he says sorry asks for a second chance and Magan just says yes!
It really annoyed and frustrated me which is annoying because I used to like this series.
The book starts off well but after that, it was all downhill for me. Shane is a complete prick and I just didn't like him not even by the end of the book. Megan forgives Shane waaaay to easily.
Shane needed to do some grovelling and prove himself after the way he treated Megan and how their relationship went and how he made her feel. Instead, he says sorry asks for a second chance and Magan just says yes!
It really annoyed and frustrated me which is annoying because I used to like this series.
January 29, 2018
Overall 3.5 starts. It was a little hard to read since I started with book 5. If I had known it was a series, I wouldn't have requested it through NetGalley. I really like to read series in order, and I'm a little mad at myself for not looking up the title before submitting a request. I did think about going back and reading the books from the beginning, but I didn't. Four books to cram in to complete my ARC commitment would have taken time. Maybe someday I'll go back and read the others, and possibly this one again. I still think it's a good story, I just would have gotten more out of it had I read all the books.
February 28, 2017
Nice way to wrap up the cascadia wolves series. On the plus side, I really enjoyed Megan's character. She's strong, brace, considerate and real. It was also great to check in with her family from previous books. On the con side, I didn't like Shane as much. He seemed like a bit of a baby about the whole wolf thing.
All in all it's a pretty decent read, especially if you've read the other books in the series and want to see Megan get her HEA.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
All in all it's a pretty decent read, especially if you've read the other books in the series and want to see Megan get her HEA.
I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 24, 2024
He lives as a human and she's the enforcer of her Pack. He doesn't want to live with a Pack and she can't live without one. What a CONUNDRUM. It was unusual to see a MMC push back so much on changing for the FMC in a fated mates situation. It was an interesting take on the rejected mates trope. I suppose these are borderline erotic romances, since there's so much sex, and it was originally published by Ellora's Cave.
Tropes: fated mates, rejected mates, angst
Tropes: fated mates, rejected mates, angst
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