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Axel Cross is a fuck-up.
The sexy tattooed wolf threw away his chances of ever becoming pack alpha at seventeen, and Ben, the pack’s omega, has no idea why.
Ben Singer has been in love with Axel from the time they were teenagers. Ben thought they were mates, but Axel tore Ben’s heart into pieces and stomped that dream into the mud.
When Axel’s uncle kicks Ben out of their Pittsburgh pack, it’s the chance the omega has been waiting for. Then Axel demands to accompany the smaller wolf. He’s determined to go with Ben, even if the omega doesn’t want him around.
While desire stirs between Axel and Ben, years of heartache haunt them. Can the alpha and omega let go of their past in order to find a bright new future together?
Contains a friends to lovers fated mates romance between an omega wolf and an alpha wolf and includes graphic gay sex.
Warning: Contains graphic m/m sex scenes.
The sexy tattooed wolf threw away his chances of ever becoming pack alpha at seventeen, and Ben, the pack’s omega, has no idea why.
Ben Singer has been in love with Axel from the time they were teenagers. Ben thought they were mates, but Axel tore Ben’s heart into pieces and stomped that dream into the mud.
When Axel’s uncle kicks Ben out of their Pittsburgh pack, it’s the chance the omega has been waiting for. Then Axel demands to accompany the smaller wolf. He’s determined to go with Ben, even if the omega doesn’t want him around.
While desire stirs between Axel and Ben, years of heartache haunt them. Can the alpha and omega let go of their past in order to find a bright new future together?
Contains a friends to lovers fated mates romance between an omega wolf and an alpha wolf and includes graphic gay sex.
Warning: Contains graphic m/m sex scenes.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
106 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Perdita
101 books371 followersZoe Perdita writes (mostly) gay shifter romance because the only thing better than one hot shifter dude is two hot shifter dudes making out. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with a fluffy orange cat and a lively roommate. When she's not writing, Zoe likes to travel, read and play video games.
Zoe loves to hear from her fans so please send her an email: zoeperdita@gmail.com
Or her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/zoe.perdita
Join her mailing list for special updates, contests and sneak peeks to upcoming works:
http://zoeperdita.blogspot.com/p/join...
Let her know which series you'd like to read more of. Feedback from fans is super important!
Zoe loves to hear from her fans so please send her an email: zoeperdita@gmail.com
Or her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/zoe.perdita
Join her mailing list for special updates, contests and sneak peeks to upcoming works:
http://zoeperdita.blogspot.com/p/join...
Let her know which series you'd like to read more of. Feedback from fans is super important!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 22, 2013
Good but a little too much 'taller wolf' 'smaller wolf' 'the alpha' 'the omega'
May 25, 2017
4 Stars
I first stumbled across Zoe Perdita’s page while having one of my random Goodreads browsing sessions (one of my favourite ways to “waste time” online) and upon reading the opening line of her bio - “Zoe Perdita writes (mostly) gay shifter romance because the only thing better than one hot shifter dude is two hot shifter dudes making out.” – I was sold!
I chose Crash as my first intro to Perdita’s writing on a whim and I’m so glad I did! I enjoyed the story as a whole and particularly loved the “now” and “then” jumps from chapter to chapter alternating the two MCs POVs.
Let’s talk characters. Ben was absolutely adorable! I found his inability to keep his mouth from spewing inappropriate wisecracks a character strength rather than an annoying trait. And Axel, oh, Axel. My heart ached for him on a number of occasions, particularly his unrelenting protective instincts regarding Ben's safety. They were such appealing counterparts, both vastly different in personality, physical appearance and background, yet they created a perfect match.
At first I was a little perplexed by the ongoing reference to Ben and Axel as the little wolf, the taller wolf, the omega or the alpha scion, but eventually it all just started to flow and I got over it pretty quickly, although I’d imagine many readers will be driven insane by this little writing quirk - Meh!
I zoomed through this book in matter of hours and that always proves to me how much I’m loving a story…warranting an immediate download of book two!!
I first stumbled across Zoe Perdita’s page while having one of my random Goodreads browsing sessions (one of my favourite ways to “waste time” online) and upon reading the opening line of her bio - “Zoe Perdita writes (mostly) gay shifter romance because the only thing better than one hot shifter dude is two hot shifter dudes making out.” – I was sold!
I chose Crash as my first intro to Perdita’s writing on a whim and I’m so glad I did! I enjoyed the story as a whole and particularly loved the “now” and “then” jumps from chapter to chapter alternating the two MCs POVs.
Let’s talk characters. Ben was absolutely adorable! I found his inability to keep his mouth from spewing inappropriate wisecracks a character strength rather than an annoying trait. And Axel, oh, Axel. My heart ached for him on a number of occasions, particularly his unrelenting protective instincts regarding Ben's safety. They were such appealing counterparts, both vastly different in personality, physical appearance and background, yet they created a perfect match.
At first I was a little perplexed by the ongoing reference to Ben and Axel as the little wolf, the taller wolf, the omega or the alpha scion, but eventually it all just started to flow and I got over it pretty quickly, although I’d imagine many readers will be driven insane by this little writing quirk - Meh!
I zoomed through this book in matter of hours and that always proves to me how much I’m loving a story…warranting an immediate download of book two!!
September 27, 2013
I am ashamed to say that I passed over reading this book several times due to the low rating. But I shouldn't have because it is really fantastic.
When writing a book, common advice is to not be afraid to us your main character's names. So yes, the author did use a lot of "smaller wolf", "taller wolf", "omega", "alpha". However after a couple of pages it just blended in, since those were the only alternative ways of labeling the MC's. So I won't knock off a star for that, but I can understand why some readers might.
I loved her use of description. That can really make a book for me, especially when I feel that the setting really complements the mood of each scene.
The romance was so sweet and tender. The sex scenes were beautiful and not too plentiful. Yet there was a good amount of tension through to keep me on my toes. Even when it seemed like Axel was trying to be an ass, you could tell that he loved Ben.
I really urge people to give this book a chance.
When writing a book, common advice is to not be afraid to us your main character's names. So yes, the author did use a lot of "smaller wolf", "taller wolf", "omega", "alpha". However after a couple of pages it just blended in, since those were the only alternative ways of labeling the MC's. So I won't knock off a star for that, but I can understand why some readers might.
I loved her use of description. That can really make a book for me, especially when I feel that the setting really complements the mood of each scene.
The romance was so sweet and tender. The sex scenes were beautiful and not too plentiful. Yet there was a good amount of tension through to keep me on my toes. Even when it seemed like Axel was trying to be an ass, you could tell that he loved Ben.
I really urge people to give this book a chance.
July 11, 2016
Stuck In the Middle This was right in the middle a 2-star and a 4-star for me. There are things I enjoyed about Crash and things that were totally frustrating. Positives: I thought Ben was a spunky character and Axel was a classic 'I'd die for you' character. They were sweet together. The bad guys were bad and the good guys were good. These MCs on the run was nothing new but it still worked. I loved Ben's parents, I wanted more of the family life and pack life. The younger MC's were not a turn-off. Negatives: Perdita used the titles Alpha and Omega so many times I got angry and almost stopped reading the whole thing a few times. No Joke. If I'd been playing the drinking game I'd have suffered from alcohol poisoning by the fifth chapter. Now that wasn't even as used as much as 'the taller man/wolf' and 'the shorter man/wolf'. Just use their names, his or he. OMG, and the flashbacks every other chapter were prime frustrating. Just tell the darn story in chronological order
July 8, 2013
“Thelma and Louise” with werewolves.
No, they’re guys not women, and they haven’t exactly broken the law, but the whole road-trip-to-escape made me think quite a few times of the movie.
I read a lot of paranormal. To me the mark of an excellent paranormal book is…if you remove the paranormal, will the story still stand on its own merits? The other mark is the characters. It doesn’t matter if the book is a M/F romance, a same-sex romance, or not a romance at all, but a deep friendship – do I believe that the things the characters do to support each other feel real. The answer to both questions for this book is yes. This did not have to be a shifter book and the story would still have been incredibly good.
Axel and Ben are wolf shifters. Ben is gay and Axel is…well, not. And they’ve been best friends since birth. But something happens – something you don’t expect or see coming – that destroys their friendship. You know from the beginning that they’ve been estranged for 6 years, but not the why. And what you’ll probably be thinking – well, it ain’t necessarily so. You don’t find out the truth until late in the book. There is a banishment, an escape, and the epic road trip. There are also at least 4 villains in this book, each one worse than the next. Some people should not be allowed to have children.
The book is excellent. I was riveted, and I read it within a day. I recommend it highly.
No, they’re guys not women, and they haven’t exactly broken the law, but the whole road-trip-to-escape made me think quite a few times of the movie.
I read a lot of paranormal. To me the mark of an excellent paranormal book is…if you remove the paranormal, will the story still stand on its own merits? The other mark is the characters. It doesn’t matter if the book is a M/F romance, a same-sex romance, or not a romance at all, but a deep friendship – do I believe that the things the characters do to support each other feel real. The answer to both questions for this book is yes. This did not have to be a shifter book and the story would still have been incredibly good.
Axel and Ben are wolf shifters. Ben is gay and Axel is…well, not. And they’ve been best friends since birth. But something happens – something you don’t expect or see coming – that destroys their friendship. You know from the beginning that they’ve been estranged for 6 years, but not the why. And what you’ll probably be thinking – well, it ain’t necessarily so. You don’t find out the truth until late in the book. There is a banishment, an escape, and the epic road trip. There are also at least 4 villains in this book, each one worse than the next. Some people should not be allowed to have children.
The book is excellent. I was riveted, and I read it within a day. I recommend it highly.
July 29, 2016
This book was free on Amazon, so I thought I would give it a try.
I liked Ben, but thought the story was... Weirdly detailed, but not detailed enough?!? I can't quite put my finger on it... Didn't work for me, but I will give some of her other books a try.
I liked Ben, but thought the story was... Weirdly detailed, but not detailed enough?!? I can't quite put my finger on it... Didn't work for me, but I will give some of her other books a try.
May 4, 2016
At first Axel thought he was the only one to notice the change in the scrawny omega, but then other kids at school picked up the hint too. While Ben was never overly masculine, he still liked acceptable boy things: comics, action figures and playing video games to name a few. Now his interests were swaying while Axel's stayed stubbornly the same--protect Ben.
Ben Singer has just been kicked out of his pack--and he couldn't be more happy about it. Getting out of his dying town, getting out of his narrow-minded pack, has been his only goal for years. Getting away from Axel Cross, ex-friend, almost-love, and could-have-been mate, was the cherry on top of this hot-fudge-sundae of escape. And things were going perfectly till Axel barreled back into Ben's life, and his car, just as true escape was within his grasp. Now he has an unwanted passenger that he wants to hate. Almost as much as he loves.
Alex Cross has given everything up for his lost friend, wanted-love, and if-only-in-dreams mate. But he's not going to give up Ben...not without one hell of a fight. It doesn't matter that Ben hates him. Or that Ben thinks he is a criminal drug-dealing lowlife. A disappointment. He has one chance, and if he can't sweet talk his way back into Ben's life, he'll use tooth, claw, and sheer stubbornness to prove that he good, right where he is. At Ben's side.
But there are more than secrets hiding in that cramped car. And there are more than ghosts of could-have-beens haunting their steps. When old truths find their way to light can two friends who became enemies see their way back to trust...and forward to love?
This is the second time I have read this book and still I have come away with pretty much the same reaction: it's ok. I like the chemistry between Alex and Ben, but the fact is I personally think Ben is a bit of a self-obsessed kid, and would have liked Axel to have just left before he sacrificed his whole life for a guy who couldn't, or wouldn't, look past his own nose to see the actual world.
My problem with Ben mostly centers on his inability to see how his actions hurt those he loves. I'm not talking about wearing the clothes he likes, or being not being ashamed to proclaim that he is gay. It is fact that he can't seem to understand there is a difference between speaking your mind and letting every thought in your head tumble out of your lips. Plus, when almost every line he ever utters out loud is some kind of joke or come-on, it is hard to take him seriously. In short, he feels too immature--even when he is supposedly grown out of his teens and is an 'adult.' I wanted to see some growth, in him somewhere, from the child to adult, but there wasn't anything there.
Alex on the other hand--even though we are informed by Ben that he is an asshole--is totally more my speed. Yeah, his self-sacrifice bugged me, but mostly because I feel Ben didn't deserve that level of devotion. His strength and determination made this story worth reading. Where Ben seemed to never grow up, Axel was forced to grow up much too soon. While I don't think his plan was the most thought out thing in the world, he intention to somehow make up for the crimes of his father, and for the guilt of not saving an innocent life, are highly sympathetic.
The whole werewolf thing never really comes into play in this book, except the occasional mention of mates, or the the few 'shifts' that happen. It doesn't have any real feel to it. No history, no connection or disconnect from the real world. In fact I could never figure out if normal people really knew about weres. There seems to be some type of hierarchy--or just personal bias--when it comes to werewolves and werecats, but it didn't seem like much more that just common dislike. Personally if you took out the supernatural elements of this book it really wouldn't make it any worse, and would probably improve the book. It would have removed an outside menace (that was a tad cliched at best) and would have forced the characters to work out their issues and not just fall back on the whole "but he's my mate" crutch.
I loved Axel, tolerated Ben. And if them together hadn't been really hot, I'd have called the whole thing a wash. I personally don't see what Axel does in Ben, but there must be something there. Other than a nice cock. Maybe Ben will finally grow now that he out from under of the shadow of abusive alphas and a town that never let him be himself. And maybe Axel will see that even mates don't have to be fully focused on each other 100% of the time. Or maybe one or both of them will come to their senses and run off with the pool-boy.
Not bad, not great, but probably worth the read. 3 stars. Read when you want werewolf-light.
August 2, 2016
I liked this book, I really did. The whole friends-to-lovers and the pining and all that is something that I find irresistible, what can I say. The emotions felt real, the development made sense... And the sexytimes were nice to read.
The characters were really cool, the main ones and their families, and even the bad guys. I particularly liked the fact that there were other were-creatures, besides wolves.
HOWEVER, and here is where it gets unfortunate, there were a couple downsides: for once, there were a couple minor typos. That is something I can gloss over, maybe.
One thing that really irked me was the over-usage of terms like "the taller one" and "the alpha/omega" and whatnot. The author rarely used the characters' names when talking about them and, even though eventually you get used to it being the way it is, it could get annoying from time to time. There was one particular time, even, when the author referred to Axel as "the taller one" or something like that, WHEN BEN WASN'T EVEN IN THE SAME ROOM. It made no sense that time. But yeah, in general it did no favor to the narrative either.
It's sad to have to say these stuff, because it was a very interesting reading, but it was still very flawed in a few aspects, like, another thing was that, even when there was particular emphasys on the rank of individual wolves, the pack dynamics was never really explained. It was very glossed over.
Anyway, and even if it sounds lame after everything I said, I enjoyed the reading. I liked the story, and the characters' relationship. But it did leave much room for improvement, and that's why I'm rating it the way I am.
The characters were really cool, the main ones and their families, and even the bad guys. I particularly liked the fact that there were other were-creatures, besides wolves.
HOWEVER, and here is where it gets unfortunate, there were a couple downsides: for once, there were a couple minor typos. That is something I can gloss over, maybe.
One thing that really irked me was the over-usage of terms like "the taller one" and "the alpha/omega" and whatnot. The author rarely used the characters' names when talking about them and, even though eventually you get used to it being the way it is, it could get annoying from time to time. There was one particular time, even, when the author referred to Axel as "the taller one" or something like that, WHEN BEN WASN'T EVEN IN THE SAME ROOM. It made no sense that time. But yeah, in general it did no favor to the narrative either.
It's sad to have to say these stuff, because it was a very interesting reading, but it was still very flawed in a few aspects, like, another thing was that, even when there was particular emphasys on the rank of individual wolves, the pack dynamics was never really explained. It was very glossed over.
Anyway, and even if it sounds lame after everything I said, I enjoyed the reading. I liked the story, and the characters' relationship. But it did leave much room for improvement, and that's why I'm rating it the way I am.
October 31, 2015
Crash was a well written story. I enjoyed the friends to Lover theme. So much went on throughout the characters lives. I also enjoyed how the story showed how their lives developed with the way the author splitting the chapters with Then and Now. There was a good amount of sex,drama,and storyline from both characters point of view and the shifter genre too. I even liked Ben's mouthy personality and Axel's tough and protective ways. A perfect pair. A great story.
February 13, 2018
RATING: 2.5 HEARTS
This was an ok read the second time around. I liked the characters and the romantic build-up. A better conclusion, plot wise, would have made this book a better read for me, and there was still something missing to make this book truly outstanding, but I can't put my finger on what that 'something' is.
This was an ok read the second time around. I liked the characters and the romantic build-up. A better conclusion, plot wise, would have made this book a better read for me, and there was still something missing to make this book truly outstanding, but I can't put my finger on what that 'something' is.
October 18, 2013
I really liked this. UNFORTUNATELY, I lost my notes when my Kindle left me for the electronic-beyond. So I am going to have to reread it at some point in the future so I can write a proper review.
May 22, 2015
I liked this shifter story and would definitely read more from this world. Friends-to-lovers is my all time favourite scenario and it worked really well here, enjoyable characters, great storyline and well written. What's not to like??
February 9, 2018
2 stars. Dammit, this was a flop and I'm so angry about it. I went in expecting to at least like this but that was certainly not the case.
Anyways, this was not my thing. I enjoy a good Alpha/Omega shifter story but this did absolutely nothing for me. While the writing was decent, I didn't like the story and I could not stand the characters at all. Ben was completely obnoxious and Axel was just so 'blah' and boring. I like my Alpha's to be Alpha's and Axel didn't give me that which sucked. I didn't like their relationship and they're just such off putting characters.
Overall, not going to continue with the series. Though I do love that cover. Womp womp.
Anyways, this was not my thing. I enjoy a good Alpha/Omega shifter story but this did absolutely nothing for me. While the writing was decent, I didn't like the story and I could not stand the characters at all. Ben was completely obnoxious and Axel was just so 'blah' and boring. I like my Alpha's to be Alpha's and Axel didn't give me that which sucked. I didn't like their relationship and they're just such off putting characters.
Overall, not going to continue with the series. Though I do love that cover. Womp womp.
Read
September 5, 2015Ben and Axel grew up as next door neighbors. They also happen to be werewolves but Axel is the son of the alpha and Ben is the lowest of the low, an omega wolf. Ben is also relentlessly gay. When he is thrown out of the pack and forced to leave town he has it all planned - until Axel gets in his car and says he is coming with him. But Axel swears he isn’t gay and Ben knows Axel has already refused him, so what is going on?
***
I tried… I really tried… but I can’t…
There is a whole lore of omega/alpha wolves but the author doesn’t explain it. That’s fine if you know how it works but I don’t think you can assume that every reader does. Ben keeps getting told to behave like an omega without it being said how that is. There are probably a dozen books in this series but chuck in an explanatory section that frequent readers can skip, or a link to one in the kindle. Or something.
The writing is very repetitive. Saying people’s names constantly in dialog sounds awful but it’s fine as a descriptor. And sounds a whole lot better than ‘the alpha scion’ or ‘the omega wolf’. Just say Axel and Ben.
There is some kinds of wolf behavior but not others. I thought they could hear lying as a person’s heart rate changes, for instance. Ben lies constantly and no one picks him up on it. Can they scent mates? How do they know someone is their mate? Why are there were-cats and who is their alpha? And why aren’t they upset about their pack being beaten up constantly? How is there another pack in the city and how do they determine ‘territory’ if they are said to be losing it. Why does their pack only have five families? How do were animals live in the middle of a normal world with their greater strength/healing/speed etc hidden? None of this is explained.
Did not finish at 53%
***
I tried… I really tried… but I can’t…
There is a whole lore of omega/alpha wolves but the author doesn’t explain it. That’s fine if you know how it works but I don’t think you can assume that every reader does. Ben keeps getting told to behave like an omega without it being said how that is. There are probably a dozen books in this series but chuck in an explanatory section that frequent readers can skip, or a link to one in the kindle. Or something.
The writing is very repetitive. Saying people’s names constantly in dialog sounds awful but it’s fine as a descriptor. And sounds a whole lot better than ‘the alpha scion’ or ‘the omega wolf’. Just say Axel and Ben.
There is some kinds of wolf behavior but not others. I thought they could hear lying as a person’s heart rate changes, for instance. Ben lies constantly and no one picks him up on it. Can they scent mates? How do they know someone is their mate? Why are there were-cats and who is their alpha? And why aren’t they upset about their pack being beaten up constantly? How is there another pack in the city and how do they determine ‘territory’ if they are said to be losing it. Why does their pack only have five families? How do were animals live in the middle of a normal world with their greater strength/healing/speed etc hidden? None of this is explained.
Did not finish at 53%
July 13, 2014
I really wasn't sold on this book. I wanted to like it but I didn't. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the book – I just don't love it either.
Firstly, despite this being a book about shapeshifters the in-universe mythology is never really explored. There's no real explanation of pack dynamics beyond alphas on top, omegas at the bottom. The fantasy genre has reached the point where most readers already know the basics and I'm looking for things that set a book apart from others.
Then there's the repetitive writing. Almost every time either of the main characters are mentioned it's either “smaller wolf/taller wolf” or “omega/alpha scion”. When a phrase is being repeated multiple times on a page, it's too much. It tells me that the book needed a much firmer hand at editing than it ultimately got. Some repetition is okay, particularly when it's repetition for effect, but in Crash it was needless
The characterisation also left a lot to be desired. Every character in the book was a one-note character who showed little to no nuance or development. Ben is a skinny, fashion obsessed photographer who responds to everything with sarcasm, Axel is the butch alpha-male type who's “secretly” in love with Ben. Who didn't see that one coming a mile off? Axel's uncle steps into the abusive father-figure role nicely and Ben's brother is one of those “love the sinner, hate the sin” homophobes that folk like to give a free pass to because they're “trying” - at least I assume he is, he's not really there long enough to be more than “character's brother”.
And finally, the romance left me flat. It went and hit so many clichés it's unreal. From “I love him, but I can't” to “I've been in love with you forever, idiot” (not actual quotes, at least that I can recall). While hitting on “but it's for your own good” and almost every other gay romance trope out there. After it became clear that we weren't going to get some wonderfully thought out worldbuilding, or rich and complex characters the romance became my last hope of something exciting.
On the plus side, it was a quick and easy read that I could pick up and put down as and when I wanted to, without feeling as though by only reading it for 20 minutes here or half an hour there, that I wasn't moving ahead in the story fast enough. That said, it was a short book with a straightforward story that I managed to forget about for almost a month. It wasn't an awful book, but there was very little that was exciting or exceptionally memorable.
Firstly, despite this being a book about shapeshifters the in-universe mythology is never really explored. There's no real explanation of pack dynamics beyond alphas on top, omegas at the bottom. The fantasy genre has reached the point where most readers already know the basics and I'm looking for things that set a book apart from others.
Then there's the repetitive writing. Almost every time either of the main characters are mentioned it's either “smaller wolf/taller wolf” or “omega/alpha scion”. When a phrase is being repeated multiple times on a page, it's too much. It tells me that the book needed a much firmer hand at editing than it ultimately got. Some repetition is okay, particularly when it's repetition for effect, but in Crash it was needless
The characterisation also left a lot to be desired. Every character in the book was a one-note character who showed little to no nuance or development. Ben is a skinny, fashion obsessed photographer who responds to everything with sarcasm, Axel is the butch alpha-male type who's “secretly” in love with Ben. Who didn't see that one coming a mile off? Axel's uncle steps into the abusive father-figure role nicely and Ben's brother is one of those “love the sinner, hate the sin” homophobes that folk like to give a free pass to because they're “trying” - at least I assume he is, he's not really there long enough to be more than “character's brother”.
And finally, the romance left me flat. It went and hit so many clichés it's unreal. From “I love him, but I can't” to “I've been in love with you forever, idiot” (not actual quotes, at least that I can recall). While hitting on “but it's for your own good” and almost every other gay romance trope out there. After it became clear that we weren't going to get some wonderfully thought out worldbuilding, or rich and complex characters the romance became my last hope of something exciting.
On the plus side, it was a quick and easy read that I could pick up and put down as and when I wanted to, without feeling as though by only reading it for 20 minutes here or half an hour there, that I wasn't moving ahead in the story fast enough. That said, it was a short book with a straightforward story that I managed to forget about for almost a month. It wasn't an awful book, but there was very little that was exciting or exceptionally memorable.
October 2, 2015
I won a free copy of this book through a goodreads.com giveaway.
I thought it was a sweet story. I really liked the character Axel. He's so protective of Ben and so honorable. He's a really strong person and my heart just ached for him and all he went through at the abusive hands of his father and uncle, along with the neglect from his mother. I didn't like Ben's character as much. He seems a sweet person who loves Axel, but he's just too damn dependent on others to protect him. Although, he did redeem himself by running to Axel's rescue. I've read a lot of romances that have this theme of a damsel-in-distress who needs to constantly be saved by the big, strapping hero. I get it, there are people who read these types of romances because they like to imagine themselves in the role of the damsel. Hell, maybe they need saving in real life. Anyway, I'm not knocking the formula. It still makes for a good read, it's just that I tend to not like characters like that so much. Another aspect of the novel that I liked was the sex scenes. They weren't overly abundant, but they were hot. Sometimes you read a romance and half of the book is sex- if not more than half. That is a huge turn-off. If the rest of Zoe Perdita's romances are like this, I look forward to reading more by the author.
I thought it was a sweet story. I really liked the character Axel. He's so protective of Ben and so honorable. He's a really strong person and my heart just ached for him and all he went through at the abusive hands of his father and uncle, along with the neglect from his mother. I didn't like Ben's character as much. He seems a sweet person who loves Axel, but he's just too damn dependent on others to protect him. Although, he did redeem himself by running to Axel's rescue. I've read a lot of romances that have this theme of a damsel-in-distress who needs to constantly be saved by the big, strapping hero. I get it, there are people who read these types of romances because they like to imagine themselves in the role of the damsel. Hell, maybe they need saving in real life. Anyway, I'm not knocking the formula. It still makes for a good read, it's just that I tend to not like characters like that so much. Another aspect of the novel that I liked was the sex scenes. They weren't overly abundant, but they were hot. Sometimes you read a romance and half of the book is sex- if not more than half. That is a huge turn-off. If the rest of Zoe Perdita's romances are like this, I look forward to reading more by the author.
July 26, 2020
4.5 stars!
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I was expecting! :)
I absolutely loved Axel and Ben!
Axel was very loyal and extremely protective of Ben! We could see crystal clear that he Loved Ben a Lot >_<.
And Ben... I just loved how he was true to himself. Even though, he was an Omega gay werewolf in love with an Alpha , he was never eager to pretend to be straight or hide his feelings for Axel. And I loved that Ben was never much of a submissive type (what you would have expected of an omega). He was always sharing his own thoughts and running his mouth (maybe even a bit too much? n_n)
The book is divided in present ("now") and past ("then") chapters (when they were teens). I think this way of writing the book was very well done, since it really allows you to get to know each of the MCs, throught out the years, and to really connect with them.
I really felt this book! I really felt Axel's struggles to protect Ben and Ben's heartache for being in love with someone he could not have.
Overall, this was a really good read and I totally recommend this one for people who like shifter gay romance.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I was expecting! :)
I absolutely loved Axel and Ben!
Axel was very loyal and extremely protective of Ben! We could see crystal clear that he Loved Ben a Lot >_<.
And Ben... I just loved how he was true to himself. Even though, he was an Omega gay werewolf in love with an Alpha , he was never eager to pretend to be straight or hide his feelings for Axel. And I loved that Ben was never much of a submissive type (what you would have expected of an omega). He was always sharing his own thoughts and running his mouth (maybe even a bit too much? n_n)
The book is divided in present ("now") and past ("then") chapters (when they were teens). I think this way of writing the book was very well done, since it really allows you to get to know each of the MCs, throught out the years, and to really connect with them.
I really felt this book! I really felt Axel's struggles to protect Ben and Ben's heartache for being in love with someone he could not have.
Overall, this was a really good read and I totally recommend this one for people who like shifter gay romance.
May 16, 2015
I was apprehensive about this book at first. I picked it up 'cause it was free on Amazon right now, and the opening scenes were full of gay slurs, drug use, and just sort of "gritty" urban stuff. But it very quickly became something MAGICAL.
The story is told in alternating perspective between one guy in the present and the other guy in the past. That back and forth works BRILLIANTLY for the story being told here. The writing is good (minus a few typos I found - eek!) and just. Oh man. I have a lot of feelings.
Friends-to-lovers, mutually unrequited love, star-crossed lovers... @_@;;; yes please.
Plus I haven't read a m/m romance novel that really deals with homophobia and the complications surrounding coming out/embracing your identity. I sort of expect that because most m/m romance is not actually written for queer people, but it was refreshing to see how it was handled here.
I just really appreciated this, and am excited to read the rest of her werewolf books. :D Because I am werewolf romance trash, lol.
The story is told in alternating perspective between one guy in the present and the other guy in the past. That back and forth works BRILLIANTLY for the story being told here. The writing is good (minus a few typos I found - eek!) and just. Oh man. I have a lot of feelings.
Friends-to-lovers, mutually unrequited love, star-crossed lovers... @_@;;; yes please.
Plus I haven't read a m/m romance novel that really deals with homophobia and the complications surrounding coming out/embracing your identity. I sort of expect that because most m/m romance is not actually written for queer people, but it was refreshing to see how it was handled here.
I just really appreciated this, and am excited to read the rest of her werewolf books. :D Because I am werewolf romance trash, lol.
January 4, 2014
The angst, so much f*****g angst!!!
Compelling is the first word that springs to mind when I think of this book and how much I liked it. This is the first book of Zoe's that I have read and I have to say that I am very impressed, not only by the quality of her writing (which is excellent) but also by the story line (which is full of pathos and anguish and self sacrifice). The character development is some of the best I have read. I felt horrified, terrified, overwhelmed and joyful, not to mention I went through a lot of tissues.
I may have to go out and get a second job so I can buy all of her back list sooner rather than later. So happy to have discovered another quality author to add to the 'must-buy' list. So glad I chose this book as my first one for 2014.
Compelling is the first word that springs to mind when I think of this book and how much I liked it. This is the first book of Zoe's that I have read and I have to say that I am very impressed, not only by the quality of her writing (which is excellent) but also by the story line (which is full of pathos and anguish and self sacrifice). The character development is some of the best I have read. I felt horrified, terrified, overwhelmed and joyful, not to mention I went through a lot of tissues.
I may have to go out and get a second job so I can buy all of her back list sooner rather than later. So happy to have discovered another quality author to add to the 'must-buy' list. So glad I chose this book as my first one for 2014.
July 16, 2016
This was an interesting enough idea, but I found the writing weak and almost juvenile -- so many epithets (the taller man, the alpha scion, the smaller wolf) that I had to start skimming -- and the world-building was really lackluster. Everyone's motivations are either too simple or vague and boring. Characters are just simple caricatures. If I hadn't gotten it for free, I'd be a lot more disappointed.
March 10, 2025
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Ben and Axel
Look this book came out in 2013 and I read it back in 2013.
12 years later and I still remember it almost exactly scene to scene. I don’t know why this book has stuck with me the way it has.
Is it dated? Yes. Is it problematic? Absolutely. There are no TW’s but there definitely should be. It’s what you would expect from an early 2010’s mm romance.
But for some reason this is a comfort read for me.
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Characters: Ben and Axel
Look this book came out in 2013 and I read it back in 2013.
12 years later and I still remember it almost exactly scene to scene. I don’t know why this book has stuck with me the way it has.
Is it dated? Yes. Is it problematic? Absolutely. There are no TW’s but there definitely should be. It’s what you would expect from an early 2010’s mm romance.
But for some reason this is a comfort read for me.
July 28, 2013
Isn't this the guy on the cover of Rule by Jay Crownover??? Teeheee. These covers look so alike o.0
July 11, 2013
4.5 stars. Loved, loved, loved these guys. The then and now timeline worked for this book even though I hated it at first. I would love a sequel with them!!
July 18, 2013
It was fun reading material.
October 16, 2015
Amazon Freebie 15.5.15
Maybe 2.5 stars
I'd have liked this much more without the descriptors every paragraphs over use of the characters name. the alternate now and then chapters didn't help either.
Maybe 2.5 stars
I'd have liked this much more without the descriptors every paragraphs over use of the characters name. the alternate now and then chapters didn't help either.
May 18, 2015
I enjoyed this more than i thought i would. Can't wait to get book 2.
June 9, 2017
Wolf shifter M/M romance with an Alpha and the lowliest wolf in the pack, who happen to be boyhood best friends.
Ben Singer, an omega werewolf is many things, but his love for his childhood best friend and neighbor, Axel has shaped his personality even though they haven't talked in many years.
Ben is getting thrown out of his pack and running away when Axel Cross shows up last minute to go along with the road trip. Ben and Axel quickly make up and make out when Axel comes out of the closet and they find a new home and future together.
This has a Happy-for-now ending and it is clearly part of a series, but I didn't get into the world enough to look around for more on Ben and Axel.
236 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Ben Singer, an omega werewolf is many things, but his love for his childhood best friend and neighbor, Axel has shaped his personality even though they haven't talked in many years.
Ben is getting thrown out of his pack and running away when Axel Cross shows up last minute to go along with the road trip. Ben and Axel quickly make up and make out when Axel comes out of the closet and they find a new home and future together.
This has a Happy-for-now ending and it is clearly part of a series, but I didn't get into the world enough to look around for more on Ben and Axel.
236 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
July 3, 2017
Loved it
I've read several books lately that have had so many mistakes that they were difficult to read. This book is not one of them. It was refreshing to be able to just read a book and not have to figure out who the author was talking about because the names of the characters were mixed up. As a result of not having to decide which character the author was talking about, I was able to thoroughly enjoy this book. The depth of love theses characters have for each other is inspiring and lengths they will go (or have gone to ) to protect each other is heart warming.
I've read several books lately that have had so many mistakes that they were difficult to read. This book is not one of them. It was refreshing to be able to just read a book and not have to figure out who the author was talking about because the names of the characters were mixed up. As a result of not having to decide which character the author was talking about, I was able to thoroughly enjoy this book. The depth of love theses characters have for each other is inspiring and lengths they will go (or have gone to ) to protect each other is heart warming.
February 5, 2018
Pretty good read
This was a much better story than I thought I'd be getting. Most of the SciFi/fantasy books will have a decent story and then overdo it with the sex scene. Not the case here. The story was good and the actions of all of the characters made sense in the end. Plus, the sex scenes seemed to fit in perfectly well with the story and were brief and meaningful. This is more like what I've wanted to find but never could. Very satisfying ending, implying where the next book might lead but a complete story.
This was a much better story than I thought I'd be getting. Most of the SciFi/fantasy books will have a decent story and then overdo it with the sex scene. Not the case here. The story was good and the actions of all of the characters made sense in the end. Plus, the sex scenes seemed to fit in perfectly well with the story and were brief and meaningful. This is more like what I've wanted to find but never could. Very satisfying ending, implying where the next book might lead but a complete story.
Read
December 26, 2017Crash
The tumultuous story of best friends and pack mates Ben & Alex. As readers we are brought on a journey through their childhood to college years as the two become grown and figure out where they belong and with who.
This is an awesome beginning of another saga and I can't wait for the next!
The tumultuous story of best friends and pack mates Ben & Alex. As readers we are brought on a journey through their childhood to college years as the two become grown and figure out where they belong and with who.
This is an awesome beginning of another saga and I can't wait for the next!
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