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Alpha
Is love forever? Melanie Goodman has been running her entire life. Born a werewolf, she escaped to the other side of the country to try to run away from who she was...but it didn't work. Her wife cheated on her, her business is in ruins, and down on her luck and destitute, Mel has no other choice but to return home...and to the pack. Enter Dani Ingram, the woman Mel never thought she'd face again...the leader of the pack. They fell in love, once upon a time, but Mel left. Now, Dani's different from when Mel last saw her...she's sexy as all hell, but has a chip on her shoulder. When Mel sees Dani after all this time, there are sparks hot enough to start an inferno...but an inferno is often too powerful to control. What follows next is a fiery, passionate story of love, lust and embracing who you really are.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2017
182 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Essex
54 books461 followersMy name is Bridget Essex, and I write about werewolves, vampires and lady knights; about two strong, courageous women who fall deeply in love with one another, living love stories that transcend time. I'm married to the love of my life, author Natalie Vivien.
I'm best known for my Knight Legends series, stories about women knights, real world hi-jinks and love stories that are out of this world. My Sullivan Vampire novellas are a popular series lauded as "TWILIGHT for women who love women," and I have several other series and stand-alone novellas, and I'm always putting out something new. Learn more at http://bridgetessex.wordpress.com
I'm best known for my Knight Legends series, stories about women knights, real world hi-jinks and love stories that are out of this world. My Sullivan Vampire novellas are a popular series lauded as "TWILIGHT for women who love women," and I have several other series and stand-alone novellas, and I'm always putting out something new. Learn more at http://bridgetessex.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 14, 2018
“Alpha” is a wonderfully narrated book featuring two extremely annoying main characters, annoying family members, annoying teenage werewolf pack members, a cheating ex-wife (well, a cheating wife who is now an ex), a broken down old car, a taxpayer-funded library with no customers, and a murderous Alpha from a neighboring pack (patricide) who attempts to murder again. The characters are mixed together in a completely predictable and ridiculous plot, including the subplot, the first sex scene between the MC’s is a flashback to when they were 15yo (sorry….not sorry….I’m just not into underage sex in books!) and the HEA makes me reconsider preferring books with HEAs.
As astonishingly annoying as this book is, I’ve got to admit that author Bridget Essex has a terrific talent for using words and sentences to great effect. Sometimes, the quality of writing was so darned good, and the narration was so excellent, that I almost forgot what crap I was listening to. Sometimes. Almost.
Okay, here’s the story. Early thirty-something Mel, werewolf that she is, smells that her wife of eight years has had sex with another woman on the sofa they’re currently sitting on watching TV, and also on the kitchen counter. She can’t confront her because she never loved or trusted her wife….of eight years….enough to tell her she’s a werewolf. So she purposely catches her the next time sex ensues. They divorce. Mel moves back home…just for a short time, because she never felt that she belonged there, and can’t wait to leave again.
The other MC, Danni, is Mel’s former girlfriend, and is now pack Alpha. Mel is disrespectful and treats Danni badly. Again. Turns out that Mel left more than a decade ago without saying goodbye or explaining why she left. Never contacted her again for more than a decade. Mel also never told her mother why she left.
Silly Mel is shocked….shocked!....to find that Danni has felt Mel left because of her, and that her mom thinks she must have been a bad mom to have caused Mel to leave abruptly without explanation. Mel cannot and will not apologize for leaving because she HAD to. Because…she just didn’t feel she fit in. So of course she’d hurt her girlfriend and her mother. But Mel hasn’t known she’s hurt them. Because she’s a selfish, inconsiderate person who has no idea of how to communicate with loved ones.
Well, naturally, Mel then apologizes profusely and often, and her feelings are hurt that Danni has hurt feelings and finds it difficult to forget a decade of pain.
Now, Danni is gorgeous, she’s pack Alpha, and….she never stopped loving Mel, who disappeared abruptly….so naturally she was going to die an old, bitter single cat-lady (well, were-lady, I guess) if Mel hadn’t come back to town for a short while to fit three fingers in each other. Mel wants Danni to give them a second chance, of course….but Mel won’t promise not to leave within another few days.
Meanwhile, younger sister Vicki (16yo) is constantly truent, and despite Mel’s werewolf nose detecting her scent on Josh the younger brother of the evil Damen, Mel doesn’t put two and two together until Damen is trying to push his brother and Vicki off the cliff.
Mel saves them, Danni saves Mel, Mel stays in town and they all live happily ever after….except Damen’s body is never found at the bottom of the cliff. Oh my god….PLEASE tell me there will never ever be a sequel! I have to promise myself not to read or listen to any sequel!
Well, I had more fun writing this review than I did listening to the book. 0.5* for the characters and the story, 4* for the narration and the nice way letters turned into words and words turned into sentences, and I’m trying to decide if this one is a 1* or a 2*. Well, I’m going with 1* for this one.
As astonishingly annoying as this book is, I’ve got to admit that author Bridget Essex has a terrific talent for using words and sentences to great effect. Sometimes, the quality of writing was so darned good, and the narration was so excellent, that I almost forgot what crap I was listening to. Sometimes. Almost.
Okay, here’s the story. Early thirty-something Mel, werewolf that she is, smells that her wife of eight years has had sex with another woman on the sofa they’re currently sitting on watching TV, and also on the kitchen counter. She can’t confront her because she never loved or trusted her wife….of eight years….enough to tell her she’s a werewolf. So she purposely catches her the next time sex ensues. They divorce. Mel moves back home…just for a short time, because she never felt that she belonged there, and can’t wait to leave again.
The other MC, Danni, is Mel’s former girlfriend, and is now pack Alpha. Mel is disrespectful and treats Danni badly. Again. Turns out that Mel left more than a decade ago without saying goodbye or explaining why she left. Never contacted her again for more than a decade. Mel also never told her mother why she left.
Silly Mel is shocked….shocked!....to find that Danni has felt Mel left because of her, and that her mom thinks she must have been a bad mom to have caused Mel to leave abruptly without explanation. Mel cannot and will not apologize for leaving because she HAD to. Because…she just didn’t feel she fit in. So of course she’d hurt her girlfriend and her mother. But Mel hasn’t known she’s hurt them. Because she’s a selfish, inconsiderate person who has no idea of how to communicate with loved ones.
Well, naturally, Mel then apologizes profusely and often, and her feelings are hurt that Danni has hurt feelings and finds it difficult to forget a decade of pain.
Now, Danni is gorgeous, she’s pack Alpha, and….she never stopped loving Mel, who disappeared abruptly….so naturally she was going to die an old, bitter single cat-lady (well, were-lady, I guess) if Mel hadn’t come back to town for a short while to fit three fingers in each other. Mel wants Danni to give them a second chance, of course….but Mel won’t promise not to leave within another few days.
Meanwhile, younger sister Vicki (16yo) is constantly truent, and despite Mel’s werewolf nose detecting her scent on Josh the younger brother of the evil Damen, Mel doesn’t put two and two together until Damen is trying to push his brother and Vicki off the cliff.
Mel saves them, Danni saves Mel, Mel stays in town and they all live happily ever after….except Damen’s body is never found at the bottom of the cliff. Oh my god….PLEASE tell me there will never ever be a sequel! I have to promise myself not to read or listen to any sequel!
Well, I had more fun writing this review than I did listening to the book. 0.5* for the characters and the story, 4* for the narration and the nice way letters turned into words and words turned into sentences, and I’m trying to decide if this one is a 1* or a 2*. Well, I’m going with 1* for this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2017
The entire foundation of this book is based upon the fact that Mel and Dani fall head over heals in love as teenagers. Upon Mel's 18th birthday, puff of smoke, leaves the pack and Dani with no explanation. She goes off, to do what we don't know, and marries for 8 years only to find Mel's wife is cheating on her. No surprise there. Now Mel goes back home with her proverbial tail between her legs.
That's it. That's what the entire book is founded on. And Mel's reasoning for leaving? I'm not even going to say it's spoilery, it's so preposterous I just can't not say it. She felt like an outsider. That's it. That's the explanation. The book is so devoid of actual plot that that was all she could come up with. She felt like an outsider.
So Dani's broken heart is summed up. Mel's mom's torment as to why she left, and that relationship arc is left dangling in the wind as well. All of it explained by, meh, I wasn't feeling it.
Now the author says, "When Mel sees Dani after all this time, there are sparks hot enough to start an inferno.." Which made me actually guffaw. No there isn't. Dani by pack law has to either allow Mel to stay temporarily under pack protection or bring her back into the fold as a full pack member. Upon ringing the door, Mel basically says, "Piss off." Dani is crushed again. Sparks? No. Mel does lust after Dani and realizes she's an absolute horses @ss for what she's done but there's no chemistry here.
The entire book takes up maybe 2 actual days. Here where I think the author has gotten progressivly lazy over the last 2 years. I looked up where I think she's taken this route and I think it was about mid 2016. Hard to pinpoint. She used to actually write plot lines. Now it's a skeleton of plot structure with a whole hell of a lot of inner dialog and filler. She can take what can be said in 2 paragraphs and turn it into 10 pages. For example.
"Hi." page page page page page, "Hi." page page page page page page page "I'm sorry." page page page page page page page page page page page page page page "You hurt me." page page page page page page page page page page.
Catch my meaning?
I think I remember a car breaking down, a pizza run. There might have been a sex scene or two, but by that time I cared absolutely zero to see if that sizzle that was promised came to fruition. It was absolutely preposterous to think they'd go from broken to shagging with barely two sentences between them. There was a fight at the end but it was ambiguous. I can't even tell you if there was a HEA because my investment was ZERO.
This got a 1 star because it was a complete and total waste of my time as a reader.
There is no world building, no pack law explanations, barely the briefest touch as to why one pack might want to take over a neighbor. There is no character development. There's no time, only 2 days chronologically take place. There's no explanation as the the undying love the two shared meant so little that it was sooooooo easy to just say, uhm I'm leaving. Mel is a really not nice piece of work and since she doesn't grow as a character there's not given enough time to actually like her at all. If I was Dani I'd have been like, "Piss off? Get the hell off pack land now." Book over.
This was basically a short that was stretched ad nausium into novel length by mind numbing inner dialog and filler.
That's it. That's what the entire book is founded on. And Mel's reasoning for leaving? I'm not even going to say it's spoilery, it's so preposterous I just can't not say it. She felt like an outsider. That's it. That's the explanation. The book is so devoid of actual plot that that was all she could come up with. She felt like an outsider.
So Dani's broken heart is summed up. Mel's mom's torment as to why she left, and that relationship arc is left dangling in the wind as well. All of it explained by, meh, I wasn't feeling it.
Now the author says, "When Mel sees Dani after all this time, there are sparks hot enough to start an inferno.." Which made me actually guffaw. No there isn't. Dani by pack law has to either allow Mel to stay temporarily under pack protection or bring her back into the fold as a full pack member. Upon ringing the door, Mel basically says, "Piss off." Dani is crushed again. Sparks? No. Mel does lust after Dani and realizes she's an absolute horses @ss for what she's done but there's no chemistry here.
The entire book takes up maybe 2 actual days. Here where I think the author has gotten progressivly lazy over the last 2 years. I looked up where I think she's taken this route and I think it was about mid 2016. Hard to pinpoint. She used to actually write plot lines. Now it's a skeleton of plot structure with a whole hell of a lot of inner dialog and filler. She can take what can be said in 2 paragraphs and turn it into 10 pages. For example.
"Hi." page page page page page, "Hi." page page page page page page page "I'm sorry." page page page page page page page page page page page page page page "You hurt me." page page page page page page page page page page.
Catch my meaning?
I think I remember a car breaking down, a pizza run. There might have been a sex scene or two, but by that time I cared absolutely zero to see if that sizzle that was promised came to fruition. It was absolutely preposterous to think they'd go from broken to shagging with barely two sentences between them. There was a fight at the end but it was ambiguous. I can't even tell you if there was a HEA because my investment was ZERO.
This got a 1 star because it was a complete and total waste of my time as a reader.
There is no world building, no pack law explanations, barely the briefest touch as to why one pack might want to take over a neighbor. There is no character development. There's no time, only 2 days chronologically take place. There's no explanation as the the undying love the two shared meant so little that it was sooooooo easy to just say, uhm I'm leaving. Mel is a really not nice piece of work and since she doesn't grow as a character there's not given enough time to actually like her at all. If I was Dani I'd have been like, "Piss off? Get the hell off pack land now." Book over.
This was basically a short that was stretched ad nausium into novel length by mind numbing inner dialog and filler.
December 9, 2017
She did it again!
Her entire life she felt different and the only thing she could do was run away from home. Far away from her small hometown, she has built up a new life. Until her whole life collapsed and the only way out of that mess was going back to her family. Desperate and with little money, Mel tried to get her life back on track but that was easier said than done. Mel still feels that she doesn't belong there. The biggest shock of all came when she crossed path with Dani. The regret, the pain and the sorrow overwhelmed her. Their encounters cause a lot of frustration and heartache. Feeling agitated and confused, her self-torturing reflections and the emotions accompanying them, whirl ’round and ’round. She has not only to deal with her past but also with an evil Alpha, an Alpha who could destroy everything. Can she protect the people she loves and can love overcome the most painful of pasts? It's fascinating to watch how Mel and Dani revolve around each other, how there was a constant push-pull. Both are great characters who you root for. Their deep inner turmoil, their inner battle was very gripping and was well expressed. The whole story was amazing with a lot of emotions and sizzling chemistry. Congratulations Bridget, you've done it again.
Her entire life she felt different and the only thing she could do was run away from home. Far away from her small hometown, she has built up a new life. Until her whole life collapsed and the only way out of that mess was going back to her family. Desperate and with little money, Mel tried to get her life back on track but that was easier said than done. Mel still feels that she doesn't belong there. The biggest shock of all came when she crossed path with Dani. The regret, the pain and the sorrow overwhelmed her. Their encounters cause a lot of frustration and heartache. Feeling agitated and confused, her self-torturing reflections and the emotions accompanying them, whirl ’round and ’round. She has not only to deal with her past but also with an evil Alpha, an Alpha who could destroy everything. Can she protect the people she loves and can love overcome the most painful of pasts? It's fascinating to watch how Mel and Dani revolve around each other, how there was a constant push-pull. Both are great characters who you root for. Their deep inner turmoil, their inner battle was very gripping and was well expressed. The whole story was amazing with a lot of emotions and sizzling chemistry. Congratulations Bridget, you've done it again.
January 31, 2019
This book got me out of a two month long reading slump and kicked off 2019 with an amazing start!
It’s a short-ish read which means we don’t have a lot of family drama, don’t have to slog through endless meddling by the sassy gay friend or the cool-but-straight friend either. The whole story revolves around Mel and Dani, and it’s heart wrenching and super hot, with unexpected badassery that took my breath away.
The things about shifter novels that usually bug me weren’t in this book. You did have the pack hierarchy, but it wasn’t completely overdone. There was also no mention of “imprinting” or use of the word “mate” both of which I don’t really like to read.
And I really loved the two MCs!
Dani is a smoking hot, ripped butch who fixes cars and is aloof but when she shows her vulnerability I just melt. I didn’t expect to like Mel as much as I did. She’s awkward and fierce. Both she and Dani are lone wolves in their own way. They work so well together and the chemistry is off the charts! The two of them have history and there was a flashback to a scene when they were fifteen that was written tastefully and vaguely. I was very glad the author didn’t go into detail for that because of the underage thing.
The first read of this year is a solid five. This is the first book I’ve read of this author and can’t wait to read more!
It’s a short-ish read which means we don’t have a lot of family drama, don’t have to slog through endless meddling by the sassy gay friend or the cool-but-straight friend either. The whole story revolves around Mel and Dani, and it’s heart wrenching and super hot, with unexpected badassery that took my breath away.
The things about shifter novels that usually bug me weren’t in this book. You did have the pack hierarchy, but it wasn’t completely overdone. There was also no mention of “imprinting” or use of the word “mate” both of which I don’t really like to read.
And I really loved the two MCs!
Dani is a smoking hot, ripped butch who fixes cars and is aloof but when she shows her vulnerability I just melt. I didn’t expect to like Mel as much as I did. She’s awkward and fierce. Both she and Dani are lone wolves in their own way. They work so well together and the chemistry is off the charts! The two of them have history and there was a flashback to a scene when they were fifteen that was written tastefully and vaguely. I was very glad the author didn’t go into detail for that because of the underage thing.
The first read of this year is a solid five. This is the first book I’ve read of this author and can’t wait to read more!
April 16, 2018
I really, really want to like Bridget Essex books, but... I've not had much luck with them.
Mel returns to her hometown after her divorce from her wife leaves her with basically nothing. She has to face her first love who is now the Alpha of a pack of local werewolves.
I was hoping for a bit of biting and scary werewolf-y type stuff, but all I really got was a lot of coffee-drinking, pizza-eating, looking for places to hide clothes when running through the woods naked, women speaking in comically low voices, and glowering. Far, far too much glowering. I think that 90% of the book is glowering.
I'm sure that I'll try Bridget Essex again, because I really want to like her stuff... but...
Mel returns to her hometown after her divorce from her wife leaves her with basically nothing. She has to face her first love who is now the Alpha of a pack of local werewolves.
I was hoping for a bit of biting and scary werewolf-y type stuff, but all I really got was a lot of coffee-drinking, pizza-eating, looking for places to hide clothes when running through the woods naked, women speaking in comically low voices, and glowering. Far, far too much glowering. I think that 90% of the book is glowering.
I'm sure that I'll try Bridget Essex again, because I really want to like her stuff... but...
January 20, 2018
Look, I'm a sucker for werewolves and drama, so I've got a bias. #sorrynotsorry.
December 10, 2017
The wide world of lesbian romance that Alpha explores is filled with both "the thrill of victory...and the agony of defeat."
Melanie Johnson rolled up stakes and split from North Versailles, PA at age eighteen. She returned to her family home and werewolf pack at age thirty. She has just escaped a failed marriage and forced sale of her bookstore. With nothing left and nowhere to turn, her ancient Escort managed the long journey home. Her mother and sister are more than happy to welcome her back. Unfortunately, her true love and ex-girlfriend is now the pack's Alpha.
Danielle Ingram holds her pack together with her strength, wisdom, caring and leadership. A rival and neighboring pack doesn't share the same blessings with their Alpha. Damon Graveline, in an all encompassing word, is evil and a murderer. Fear and ruthlessness are the hallmarks of his pack dominance. The two packs inhabit different territories, with a buffer zone between them, but their rivalry could easily become overt aggression.
In Alpha by Bridget Essex, four words tell most of the story. Look for wolf, love, run and growl and find a story about epic failure and glorious victory. These werewolves felt very human and emotionally damaged. Dani and Mel have met their worst enemy and unless they radically change, it will be their undoing. The question asked by Essex in Alpha is absolutely clear. "Is love forever?" This short and charming novel works on every level to unravel that life mystery. Hopefully, Alpha begins a continuing saga of two werewolf packs in the countryside near Pittsburgh, PA. Its characters are too good for one stand alone second chance romance novel.
Melanie Johnson rolled up stakes and split from North Versailles, PA at age eighteen. She returned to her family home and werewolf pack at age thirty. She has just escaped a failed marriage and forced sale of her bookstore. With nothing left and nowhere to turn, her ancient Escort managed the long journey home. Her mother and sister are more than happy to welcome her back. Unfortunately, her true love and ex-girlfriend is now the pack's Alpha.
Danielle Ingram holds her pack together with her strength, wisdom, caring and leadership. A rival and neighboring pack doesn't share the same blessings with their Alpha. Damon Graveline, in an all encompassing word, is evil and a murderer. Fear and ruthlessness are the hallmarks of his pack dominance. The two packs inhabit different territories, with a buffer zone between them, but their rivalry could easily become overt aggression.
In Alpha by Bridget Essex, four words tell most of the story. Look for wolf, love, run and growl and find a story about epic failure and glorious victory. These werewolves felt very human and emotionally damaged. Dani and Mel have met their worst enemy and unless they radically change, it will be their undoing. The question asked by Essex in Alpha is absolutely clear. "Is love forever?" This short and charming novel works on every level to unravel that life mystery. Hopefully, Alpha begins a continuing saga of two werewolf packs in the countryside near Pittsburgh, PA. Its characters are too good for one stand alone second chance romance novel.
December 20, 2017
Another Essex hit.
Yes another Essex hit. I love her werewolf storyline lines. This storyline was well written and the characters were believable. This book had me tearing up and yelling at the same time. I hope there is going to be a sequel to it. I definitely recommend this book.
Yes another Essex hit. I love her werewolf storyline lines. This storyline was well written and the characters were believable. This book had me tearing up and yelling at the same time. I hope there is going to be a sequel to it. I definitely recommend this book.
July 11, 2022
DNF!
Narrator is definitely not for me!
Maybe in print Alpha is more enjoyable but as an audiobook it’s a hard no!
Narrator is definitely not for me!
Maybe in print Alpha is more enjoyable but as an audiobook it’s a hard no!
January 3, 2018
Actually I like the idea of the story but it's just too predictable and cliche. Lack of chemistry between Dani and Mel, honestly I felt it's only lust that driving them together again, and Mel is not a likeable character. Too whiny and bitching from the start, but I like Dani, she's like a sexy and hot Alpha werewolf and mostly I like her cause she's growling a lot ;)
May 8, 2021
WOW. You know I just finished my grueling and soul stealing LOL MD residency on the East coast, and am new to GR's, a gay girl friend turned me on to this cool site. I can't imagine what a gifted writer like miss Essex contemplates staring at a blank screen starting a masterpiece like ALPHA. Many of the reviewers, self proclaimed experts mind you seem delighted in harsh reviews forgetting before a writer dares to expose themselves with their work, they are at the mercy of people that could never understand how much emotional blood a writer spills creating something stunning like ALPHA> Anyways, ALPHA was beautiful, edgy, troubling at times but I loved it though what I think because I read books is meaningless. Bravo Miss Essex, I am now a huge fan of your talent. Gotta go, surfing today to save my soul, SO Cal weather is Fabulous. Best Dr Amanda.
June 11, 2022
I honestly really liked this book. It had everything I like in a lesbian werewolf story, and none of the things I typically don't like.
Things I loved:
•The characters actually transform and do stuff in wolf form. This is so stupid but of the several lesbian werewolf books I've read so far, there is typically a surprisingly small amount of scenes where the werewolves actually, y'know, transform into wolves and do cool wolf stuff. No such problem in this book. The wolf scenes are also well-integrated and relevant to the plot. Along with that, there is a lot of beautiful nature in this book!!! I can never understand why lesbian werewolf books tend to have so many scenes with the characters sitting around, in human form, in offices and bedrooms. Even when the characters go for a "wolf run," more often than not it's a fade-to-black situation. Again, no such problem here. We follow the wolves into the woods. There is camping. There is a steamy love scene in a tent. It's lovely.
•Speaking of that, the sex scenes in this book are awesome and realistic (no nipple-gasms.) The characters are likable and have good chemistry.
•No weird intense kink shit in this book. No S&M, no shaving, no butt stuff, no enlarged ejaculating clitorii. Just good old-fashioned hot lesbian sex.
•The werewolf characters don't have a separate wolf personality in their heads, like so many werewolf books these days. I prefer when the characters have wolf traits and heightened senses integrated into their human personalities as opposed to having a cartoonish wolf... spirit... thing... living inside their brains at all times.
Nitpicks:
•Dani is hot as hell, but Mel is a makeup-and-heels high femme. Not my thing personally, I would have liked if she were just a touch more tomboyish herself. She could still be femme, just maybe more of a sundress-and-sandals femme instead of makeup-and-heels. As it was, she a bit out of place in her own story. But maybe that's just me.
•The plot could have been a little more fleshed-out. Or, it would have done well expanded into a series.
•The ending was slightly anti-climactic.
•The cover and title didn't really do the story justice. Sure, they're attractive, but if the title/cover were slightly more autumnal and "rural" it would have represented the story and characters a little better.
But yeah this was a great book, every fan of the lesbian werewolf genre should read it. It was my first read from Bridget Essex and I'll definitely be checking out more of her work! Highly recommend!
Things I loved:
•The characters actually transform and do stuff in wolf form. This is so stupid but of the several lesbian werewolf books I've read so far, there is typically a surprisingly small amount of scenes where the werewolves actually, y'know, transform into wolves and do cool wolf stuff. No such problem in this book. The wolf scenes are also well-integrated and relevant to the plot. Along with that, there is a lot of beautiful nature in this book!!! I can never understand why lesbian werewolf books tend to have so many scenes with the characters sitting around, in human form, in offices and bedrooms. Even when the characters go for a "wolf run," more often than not it's a fade-to-black situation. Again, no such problem here. We follow the wolves into the woods. There is camping. There is a steamy love scene in a tent. It's lovely.
•Speaking of that, the sex scenes in this book are awesome and realistic (no nipple-gasms.) The characters are likable and have good chemistry.
•No weird intense kink shit in this book. No S&M, no shaving, no butt stuff, no enlarged ejaculating clitorii. Just good old-fashioned hot lesbian sex.
•The werewolf characters don't have a separate wolf personality in their heads, like so many werewolf books these days. I prefer when the characters have wolf traits and heightened senses integrated into their human personalities as opposed to having a cartoonish wolf... spirit... thing... living inside their brains at all times.
Nitpicks:
•Dani is hot as hell, but Mel is a makeup-and-heels high femme. Not my thing personally, I would have liked if she were just a touch more tomboyish herself. She could still be femme, just maybe more of a sundress-and-sandals femme instead of makeup-and-heels. As it was, she a bit out of place in her own story. But maybe that's just me.
•The plot could have been a little more fleshed-out. Or, it would have done well expanded into a series.
•The ending was slightly anti-climactic.
•The cover and title didn't really do the story justice. Sure, they're attractive, but if the title/cover were slightly more autumnal and "rural" it would have represented the story and characters a little better.
But yeah this was a great book, every fan of the lesbian werewolf genre should read it. It was my first read from Bridget Essex and I'll definitely be checking out more of her work! Highly recommend!
August 5, 2020
Loved it!
Mel is back in her hometown after running away years ago, where she left behind a broken hearted Dani. Mel feels awkward at having returned, especially as she never felt she fitted in as a werewolf that is not helped further by learning Dani is the new Alpha of their pack. Tensions are high between them but they have to put their differences aside when the new demonic alpha of the pack in the neighbouring town threatens to disrupt the peace of their town and Dani’s pack, with things getting very personal for highly emotional, Mel.
The tension was brilliant! That on off and past heartbreak that surrounded Mel and Dani’s relationship was so intense it kept me hooked from the very first chapter. I just couldn’t stop reading. It sucked me in and left me wishing, hoping and praying they would sort it all out because they had amazing chemistry, even when there was friction between them upon discovering they had been reunited.
Mel has a lot to learn and it is very much her story, her discovery that she saw things only from one side and acted based on fears. She really needed to learn to communicate better, but then again so did Dani. I could empathise with them both, and see how they became wrapped up in the drama that continued to surround them. I loved the femme butch dynamic, and there were moments with Dani that were just the hottest.
This was a great story and I would love to read more about Dani and Mel in future. The emotion captured in this story was perfect, and really made it relatable. I loved everything about the story, from the angst and the drama, to those moments only soul mates can have. It was truly beautiful and an exciting read. One of the best Werewolf romances I have read, that concentrated on more personal issues for the characters feelings than the dynamics of the supernatural. I really enjoyed the thrill of the story, wondering, waiting and hoping for all that might happen. I can’t help but recommend this story, and if you are a lover of the supernatural anyway you are in for a real treat.
Mel is back in her hometown after running away years ago, where she left behind a broken hearted Dani. Mel feels awkward at having returned, especially as she never felt she fitted in as a werewolf that is not helped further by learning Dani is the new Alpha of their pack. Tensions are high between them but they have to put their differences aside when the new demonic alpha of the pack in the neighbouring town threatens to disrupt the peace of their town and Dani’s pack, with things getting very personal for highly emotional, Mel.
The tension was brilliant! That on off and past heartbreak that surrounded Mel and Dani’s relationship was so intense it kept me hooked from the very first chapter. I just couldn’t stop reading. It sucked me in and left me wishing, hoping and praying they would sort it all out because they had amazing chemistry, even when there was friction between them upon discovering they had been reunited.
Mel has a lot to learn and it is very much her story, her discovery that she saw things only from one side and acted based on fears. She really needed to learn to communicate better, but then again so did Dani. I could empathise with them both, and see how they became wrapped up in the drama that continued to surround them. I loved the femme butch dynamic, and there were moments with Dani that were just the hottest.
This was a great story and I would love to read more about Dani and Mel in future. The emotion captured in this story was perfect, and really made it relatable. I loved everything about the story, from the angst and the drama, to those moments only soul mates can have. It was truly beautiful and an exciting read. One of the best Werewolf romances I have read, that concentrated on more personal issues for the characters feelings than the dynamics of the supernatural. I really enjoyed the thrill of the story, wondering, waiting and hoping for all that might happen. I can’t help but recommend this story, and if you are a lover of the supernatural anyway you are in for a real treat.
June 3, 2018
Not gonna lie, that was angstier than I was expecting. Normally her works are pretty light hearted, but this and the last one I read by her are quite a bit darker, heavier. Running away from home, from love to find a place to belong all the while being blind to what you're leaving only to have it punch you in the face a couple decades later? I'm sure we can all relate. Despite being a quick read it really pulled me in as I've come to expect from Essex. I honestly think it was the perfect length. Any longer might have just drawn out the reunion of Mel and Dani even more. We got to see plenty of their pain and doubt. Their heated collisions and pained passings. It didn't draw itself out though, so it worked quite well. This is one of those sexy werewolf stories, but the werewolf part felt like an aside. If the story was longer it'd be nice to have more of the wolf and pack stuff. The characters were built well through it all, but I'm a sucker for good world building. Bridget Essex seems to likes playing with this idea that home isn't a place, it's in the heart of the one you love, and I agree with the sentiment. I agree whole heartedly. This isn't the first time I've seen the concept appear in one of her works and I love it whenever it does. If sapphic werewolves is up your alley check this one out.
January 1, 2020
Lesbian werewolf stories started appearing for me as suggested reads so I decided to give one a shot and I settled on this one.
Much of the book is the main character, Mel, who just returned to her hometown, down on herself for leaving town and her ex, years ago. The ex still lives in town and never forgave Mel for leaving. The reason why she left is kept from us for a while discovery of the reason for the reader felt a bit too long to get to. I wished there was more talking through feelings other than the other characters just have to accept them.
The story takes place over a very short time period, yet still felt like a slow burn. At a few points I was screaming internally, "Just fuck already!"
Despite what I wished there was more of, the fairly predictable story is all right and I enjoyed the read. The sensual moments, real or imagined by the main character, were great, and knowing what I do know about the genre, the idea a "mated" pair getting back together in such a short time frame made sense.
As my first jump into the genre it was good start. Now to see how it compares to others.
Much of the book is the main character, Mel, who just returned to her hometown, down on herself for leaving town and her ex, years ago. The ex still lives in town and never forgave Mel for leaving. The reason why she left is kept from us for a while discovery of the reason for the reader felt a bit too long to get to. I wished there was more talking through feelings other than the other characters just have to accept them.
The story takes place over a very short time period, yet still felt like a slow burn. At a few points I was screaming internally, "Just fuck already!"
Despite what I wished there was more of, the fairly predictable story is all right and I enjoyed the read. The sensual moments, real or imagined by the main character, were great, and knowing what I do know about the genre, the idea a "mated" pair getting back together in such a short time frame made sense.
As my first jump into the genre it was good start. Now to see how it compares to others.
November 10, 2018
Home is where the heart is
Mel's life has fallen apart and she must return to place that she ran away from because she felt that she didn't belong, home. What Mel doesn't realize is that home holds all of the answers that she's been asking herself all of her adult life. There are a lot of relationships she must fix, but it must be done in order for her to find peace of mind. Mel returns to find out that her childhood sweetheart has become Alpha of the pack and in order to stay she must acknowledge the Alpha. This first interaction between Dani and Mel is intense and it shows Mel there is another relationship she must mend while she's home. These two have a very strong connection and it forces them to deal with the past. The question is is whether they will be able to have a future? Mel has finally figured out that home is where the heart is, but the she may be too late. Nice read I definitely recommend this book.
Mel's life has fallen apart and she must return to place that she ran away from because she felt that she didn't belong, home. What Mel doesn't realize is that home holds all of the answers that she's been asking herself all of her adult life. There are a lot of relationships she must fix, but it must be done in order for her to find peace of mind. Mel returns to find out that her childhood sweetheart has become Alpha of the pack and in order to stay she must acknowledge the Alpha. This first interaction between Dani and Mel is intense and it shows Mel there is another relationship she must mend while she's home. These two have a very strong connection and it forces them to deal with the past. The question is is whether they will be able to have a future? Mel has finally figured out that home is where the heart is, but the she may be too late. Nice read I definitely recommend this book.
December 16, 2019
Based on the reviews I guess my expectations were too high
I thoroughly hated that the chapters continue into each other it annoyed me significantly, there are grammatical errors as well.
I honestly don't know what I expected but it wasn't this! I understand that Mel made bad decisions her home as always been with Dani and sometimes we have to lose or leave what we have to really appreciate it but at the beginning of the book she professed loving her wife with her entire heart and then she goes on to say she didn't trust her? So which is it really? I expected we would see some pack life that never came we are just told Dani is Alpha and that's that no seeing her in duty other than saving Vicky.
The book was disappointing based on the reviews, I've read better on wattpad
I thoroughly hated that the chapters continue into each other it annoyed me significantly, there are grammatical errors as well.
I honestly don't know what I expected but it wasn't this! I understand that Mel made bad decisions her home as always been with Dani and sometimes we have to lose or leave what we have to really appreciate it but at the beginning of the book she professed loving her wife with her entire heart and then she goes on to say she didn't trust her? So which is it really? I expected we would see some pack life that never came we are just told Dani is Alpha and that's that no seeing her in duty other than saving Vicky.
The book was disappointing based on the reviews, I've read better on wattpad
May 27, 2018
Perfect love!
This story was so awesome . A troubled love that looks like it has no mending. This was so perfectly written! It draws you in from page one and keeps you engaged from there on. I love the characters, such strong women all of them , yet they all have a weakness and that is for the people they love, also not such a weakness as it brings them strength to fight for the people they love. You must read this book and meet these amazing characters for yourself! This was my first read by this author, I can't wait to read more! I love her writing style! It just flows AMAZING and the way the story moved along I didn't even realize I had stayed up all night to read it !
This story was so awesome . A troubled love that looks like it has no mending. This was so perfectly written! It draws you in from page one and keeps you engaged from there on. I love the characters, such strong women all of them , yet they all have a weakness and that is for the people they love, also not such a weakness as it brings them strength to fight for the people they love. You must read this book and meet these amazing characters for yourself! This was my first read by this author, I can't wait to read more! I love her writing style! It just flows AMAZING and the way the story moved along I didn't even realize I had stayed up all night to read it !
December 10, 2017
Loved It
The latest book from Ms. Essex is a page turner! I couldn't stop reading it and when it ended I wanted more. Mel comes back to her hometown after a terrible breakup with her wife. She intends to stay for as short a time as possible and to keep away from Dani. Dani, her one time girlfriend and now Alpha of their pack. But fate and pack rules intervene and Mel finds herself once again in the presence of the woman whose heart she broke all those years ago.
This book just rules!! I'd give it more than Five stars if I could!
The latest book from Ms. Essex is a page turner! I couldn't stop reading it and when it ended I wanted more. Mel comes back to her hometown after a terrible breakup with her wife. She intends to stay for as short a time as possible and to keep away from Dani. Dani, her one time girlfriend and now Alpha of their pack. But fate and pack rules intervene and Mel finds herself once again in the presence of the woman whose heart she broke all those years ago.
This book just rules!! I'd give it more than Five stars if I could!
December 20, 2017
I love it
I swear every time I think I have read all your books a new one pops up. I love it. I owe all but three of your books and I am waiting on Christmas gift cards for those lol. Every one of them are amazing and I have read all I owe at least twice and the women knight three times. Thanks for keeping me entertained while chemo keeps me busy. I just love your books!
I swear every time I think I have read all your books a new one pops up. I love it. I owe all but three of your books and I am waiting on Christmas gift cards for those lol. Every one of them are amazing and I have read all I owe at least twice and the women knight three times. Thanks for keeping me entertained while chemo keeps me busy. I just love your books!
December 27, 2017
Skipped a lot
I was looking forward to this book based on the reviews. I was very disappointed. It was more about Mel than it was Mel and Dani. Mel's insecurities were repeated over and over. I started skipping sections of the book. As for Dani, for an "Alpha" she was very week. She came off as sad and weak.
I won't read anymore of these books.
I was looking forward to this book based on the reviews. I was very disappointed. It was more about Mel than it was Mel and Dani. Mel's insecurities were repeated over and over. I started skipping sections of the book. As for Dani, for an "Alpha" she was very week. She came off as sad and weak.
I won't read anymore of these books.
January 11, 2020
Feel the power of the Alpha!
A story can hardly go wrong with strong women and pizza involved and Bridgett Essex proves that again. She brings a clear and strong story of lost love given a second chance. This story brought me into it deeply. I felt the forest floor under my paws as Mel ran and I heard and felt Dani’s growl. Highly recommend.
*kindle unlimited reader
A story can hardly go wrong with strong women and pizza involved and Bridgett Essex proves that again. She brings a clear and strong story of lost love given a second chance. This story brought me into it deeply. I felt the forest floor under my paws as Mel ran and I heard and felt Dani’s growl. Highly recommend.
*kindle unlimited reader
December 8, 2017
Wow!
What a great story ! I was hooked from the start! What a great plot development! Dani was sexy as all get out with her broodiness. Mel.was mired in angst upon her return home. It had a very good ending. Well done!
What a great story ! I was hooked from the start! What a great plot development! Dani was sexy as all get out with her broodiness. Mel.was mired in angst upon her return home. It had a very good ending. Well done!
December 20, 2017
Poignant!
This is a very well written tale with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline. Can love be rekindled after heartbreak? Can love overcome the pain of the past? Find out by putting this book on your must-read list.
This is a very well written tale with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline. Can love be rekindled after heartbreak? Can love overcome the pain of the past? Find out by putting this book on your must-read list.
January 7, 2018
Fun read.
Great read for a road trip or day at the beach. Cute, quirky, fun. The characters are like able and the story line is well thought out. I feel like this book could be developed into a longer novel.
Great read for a road trip or day at the beach. Cute, quirky, fun. The characters are like able and the story line is well thought out. I feel like this book could be developed into a longer novel.
February 2, 2018
👍👍👍
I enjoyed being immersed in Dani and Mel's story. It was real, steamy, and exciting. I admired the different dynamics and types of love explored in this book. And I look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed being immersed in Dani and Mel's story. It was real, steamy, and exciting. I admired the different dynamics and types of love explored in this book. And I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 9, 2018
Not the best by the author, but sexy
I enjoy reading stories about wolves, this one was just okay. It felt like there could have been more. The plot felt a tad rushed, nonetheless, it was pretty good for what it was.
I enjoy reading stories about wolves, this one was just okay. It felt like there could have been more. The plot felt a tad rushed, nonetheless, it was pretty good for what it was.
January 9, 2020
An awesome read
Dani and Mel had an old fashioned love affair. It was interesting that the spark between them had not faded. It's a wonderful tale. So well written I could not put it down.
Dani and Mel had an old fashioned love affair. It was interesting that the spark between them had not faded. It's a wonderful tale. So well written I could not put it down.
April 28, 2020
Home = Love = Home
Wonderful story of shapeshifters and the trials and obstacles they experience to reconnect and rekindle their love. Well developed characters and plot. A very good read. I heartily recommend this and any other works by this author. Thank you. Peace
Wonderful story of shapeshifters and the trials and obstacles they experience to reconnect and rekindle their love. Well developed characters and plot. A very good read. I heartily recommend this and any other works by this author. Thank you. Peace
June 14, 2025
I enjoyed the flow and chemistry between Dani and Mel. This was a quick satisfying wolf-shifter romance. I love the intensity and even with all the tension, it was still low angst. I needed that while an orange tyrant tries to speed up the end-times of this age.
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