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The Wolves of Wild Junction #1
Prey to the Heart
She sees them and wants to bolt.
They see her and want to chase.
Abigail Harris has spent her life searching for a place to belong. One phone call and a new job working for the Kingson Pride means she may have found it. Everything about Wild Junction calls to her and her inner animal. There's only one problem.
Also new to Wild Junction are Thomas, James, and Antonio-men who set Abigail's prey instincts on edge and drive her body wild with temptation. The wolves are just looking for a new start, having lost everything they once held dear. Abigail might be that new start.
*The Wolves of Wild Junction is a steamy Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance duology. The leading lady will not choose between her three love interests. Intended for mature audiences.*
*Set in the Wild Junction Universe. It is not required to read the Kingson Pride before starting the Wolves of Wild Junction.*
They see her and want to chase.
Abigail Harris has spent her life searching for a place to belong. One phone call and a new job working for the Kingson Pride means she may have found it. Everything about Wild Junction calls to her and her inner animal. There's only one problem.
Also new to Wild Junction are Thomas, James, and Antonio-men who set Abigail's prey instincts on edge and drive her body wild with temptation. The wolves are just looking for a new start, having lost everything they once held dear. Abigail might be that new start.
*The Wolves of Wild Junction is a steamy Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance duology. The leading lady will not choose between her three love interests. Intended for mature audiences.*
*Set in the Wild Junction Universe. It is not required to read the Kingson Pride before starting the Wolves of Wild Junction.*
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2018
143 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Banet
27 books1,391 followersKristen Banet has a Diet Coke problem and smokes too much. She curses like a sailor (though, she used to be one, so she uses that as an excuse) and finds that many people don’t know how to handle that. She loves to read, and before finally sitting to try her hand at writing, she had your normal kind of work history. From tattoo parlors, to the U.S. Navy, and freelance illustration, she’s stumbled through her adult years and somehow, is still kicking.
She loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.
Check out her social media to catch what's going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kristenbanet...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBa...
She loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.
Check out her social media to catch what's going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kristenbanet...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 19, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Book one in brand new Wolves of Wild Junction series and I am totally hooked now. I don't know how Kristen does it but she truly has some incredible world building skills with some multi-faceted characters that I just fall in love with every time (unless they are the bad guys we are supposed to hate of course). We follow Abigail a doe shifter that also happens to be a mental health professional that specializes in shifters. She is hired to deal with the aftermath of previous events and some deep topics are touched in a great manner that really shines a light in these kinds of issues. The blending of the dark and the light truly creates one magnificent book that I personally think that all fans of the genre should read. In case you cannot tell yet I totally loved it so it gets 5/5 stars and I will be patiently waiting to get my hands on the next one.
Book one in brand new Wolves of Wild Junction series and I am totally hooked now. I don't know how Kristen does it but she truly has some incredible world building skills with some multi-faceted characters that I just fall in love with every time (unless they are the bad guys we are supposed to hate of course). We follow Abigail a doe shifter that also happens to be a mental health professional that specializes in shifters. She is hired to deal with the aftermath of previous events and some deep topics are touched in a great manner that really shines a light in these kinds of issues. The blending of the dark and the light truly creates one magnificent book that I personally think that all fans of the genre should read. In case you cannot tell yet I totally loved it so it gets 5/5 stars and I will be patiently waiting to get my hands on the next one.
June 15, 2018
#SpoilerWarrior
I was really excited to be back in Wild Junction. I love this town and I love the characters in it. I loved seeing the felines from Abigail’s perspective and I love Abigail herself. She’s a refreshing breath of air to all of the hostility and betrayal that has happened through the other stories told in Wild Junction. And even though the innocent FMC isn’t really my favorite character type, I still had a good time reading this book.
I’m really interested in seeing where the second book goes, whether it will continue to be light-hearted or if Abigail and the men will find themselves in some hot water with the wolves of the Dakota packs.
As always: running thoughts:
*screams in anticipation*
Didn’t she already see the brothers back in the day for their problems? I feel like I need to go back and reread the other books.
Ahhh yeah, wolf perspectives.
There is something about the way that these conversations are written that are bothering me. I feel like I need more movement.
Sooo..she was engaged to Chris? What?
Ohhh.
Use 👏🏻 some 👏🏻 contractions 👏🏻
Get it, girl.
Wild Junction needed some happier times. It makes my heart lighter knowing that they’re getting what they need.
I was really excited to be back in Wild Junction. I love this town and I love the characters in it. I loved seeing the felines from Abigail’s perspective and I love Abigail herself. She’s a refreshing breath of air to all of the hostility and betrayal that has happened through the other stories told in Wild Junction. And even though the innocent FMC isn’t really my favorite character type, I still had a good time reading this book.
I’m really interested in seeing where the second book goes, whether it will continue to be light-hearted or if Abigail and the men will find themselves in some hot water with the wolves of the Dakota packs.
As always: running thoughts:
*screams in anticipation*
Didn’t she already see the brothers back in the day for their problems? I feel like I need to go back and reread the other books.
Ahhh yeah, wolf perspectives.
There is something about the way that these conversations are written that are bothering me. I feel like I need more movement.
Sooo..she was engaged to Chris? What?
Ohhh.
Use 👏🏻 some 👏🏻 contractions 👏🏻
Get it, girl.
Wild Junction needed some happier times. It makes my heart lighter knowing that they’re getting what they need.
August 6, 2020
Cute story
Lovable guys
Interesting take on shifters with a doe
Slow burn
Uninteresting sex
HEA
Nothing groundbreaking, but enjoyable
Lovable guys
Interesting take on shifters with a doe
Slow burn
Uninteresting sex
HEA
Nothing groundbreaking, but enjoyable
June 15, 2018
Kristen did it again! Kind of different than the previous two series but just as amazing!
We're back to Wild Junction but with a new focus this time. We knew Abigail, Thomas, Antonio and James from The Kingson Pride series and dare I say I'm freaking thrilled at the pairing. I mean, doe and wolves? Ooh-la-la! It was like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia, but with more adult content. lmao. No kidding though. Maybe I'm sick in the head? I love the contrast between soft and hard and gentle and unruly. /smiles maniacally
So first things first, if you've had read from Kristen before, you're def familiar with her heavy themes about mental illnesses/disorders. She handled it all like a pro. And this new series wasn't an exception. At first, it was seemingly light (esp action-wise) but later on I would elaborate why it's just as heavy as her other two series. Just a little more subtle.
Aside from a new series, we've got a distinctively different set of heroine and heroes this time, too. Abigail, a doe-shifter, was obviously less kickass than Riley and Sawyer physically speaking. However, this older, more elegant woman was all cool and composure and emotional IQ (given her profession). But that's not to say that she was perfect in a traditional sense. Actually, she's considered a shame, a black sheep, of her own Herd. She's also been burned to ashes by a man-child of an Alpha Wolf. Eventually, all talks of being in a Pack gave her the heebie-jeebies.
I admit, when she continuously ran away from Thomas, Tony and James, I about shake her myself. But I have learned the harsh truth about what her ex did to her. Let's just say...if the wolves had known, they could have handled the situation with Abigail better.
The worst thing though? Abigail's parents. They pretty much explained Abby's choice to be such a solitary and emotionally-detached being. S/o to her cool sister, though!
I didn't find any of the heroes arse-ish whatsoever. The three were more easy-going than most wolves. They were emotionally strong for such masculine beings. (Def honored their fallen brothers.)
I am loving the slow-burn pace. (I think the first two series were medium-burn.) It made the whole thing more...delicious to devour. Esp in the end when Abigail decided to give chase and play with the three wolves. Ugh. I was thrilled to the bone, the book was leaking off of sexy vibes istg.
As I have said before, though this series had less action scenes, it didn't mean that it wasn't as heavy. I personally loved how the author slowly brought these characters together to heal each other. Whether they be battle scars, personal baggage or romantic relationship issues.
So yeah, in short and in case you missed it, I loved it!
We're back to Wild Junction but with a new focus this time. We knew Abigail, Thomas, Antonio and James from The Kingson Pride series and dare I say I'm freaking thrilled at the pairing. I mean, doe and wolves? Ooh-la-la! It was like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia, but with more adult content. lmao. No kidding though. Maybe I'm sick in the head? I love the contrast between soft and hard and gentle and unruly. /smiles maniacally
So first things first, if you've had read from Kristen before, you're def familiar with her heavy themes about mental illnesses/disorders. She handled it all like a pro. And this new series wasn't an exception. At first, it was seemingly light (esp action-wise) but later on I would elaborate why it's just as heavy as her other two series. Just a little more subtle.
Aside from a new series, we've got a distinctively different set of heroine and heroes this time, too. Abigail, a doe-shifter, was obviously less kickass than Riley and Sawyer physically speaking. However, this older, more elegant woman was all cool and composure and emotional IQ (given her profession). But that's not to say that she was perfect in a traditional sense. Actually, she's considered a shame, a black sheep, of her own Herd. She's also been burned to ashes by a man-child of an Alpha Wolf. Eventually, all talks of being in a Pack gave her the heebie-jeebies.
I admit, when she continuously ran away from Thomas, Tony and James, I about shake her myself. But I have learned the harsh truth about what her ex did to her. Let's just say...if the wolves had known, they could have handled the situation with Abigail better.
The worst thing though? Abigail's parents. They pretty much explained Abby's choice to be such a solitary and emotionally-detached being. S/o to her cool sister, though!
I didn't find any of the heroes arse-ish whatsoever. The three were more easy-going than most wolves. They were emotionally strong for such masculine beings. (Def honored their fallen brothers.)
I am loving the slow-burn pace. (I think the first two series were medium-burn.) It made the whole thing more...delicious to devour. Esp in the end when Abigail decided to give chase and play with the three wolves. Ugh. I was thrilled to the bone, the book was leaking off of sexy vibes istg.
As I have said before, though this series had less action scenes, it didn't mean that it wasn't as heavy. I personally loved how the author slowly brought these characters together to heal each other. Whether they be battle scars, personal baggage or romantic relationship issues.
So yeah, in short and in case you missed it, I loved it!
February 28, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Probably
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Probably
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
June 14, 2018
I was hired to proofread this book. The only aspects of the story that I influenced were the spelling and grammar. If you feel that my connection to this book makes my review untrustworthy, so be it, but this is my honest review.
I think pretty much everyone is pretty familiar with the idea of shifters by this point. I know I am even though I don't read very many shifter novels because I don't go in for the alpha "do as I say" attitude that seems to be so prominent in them. But one thing I didn't think I'd ever see was a shifter novel featuring a shifter that wasn't a predator of some sort (wolf, bear, big cat). In fact, before getting my hands on this book, I'd joked on another author's post on Facebook that her next shifter should be a meerkat (because how hilarious and adorable would that be! Please someone make this happen.) So I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this and discovered that Abigail is a deer. It's not a meerkat, but it's closer.
Read the rest of my review on my blog. --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
I think pretty much everyone is pretty familiar with the idea of shifters by this point. I know I am even though I don't read very many shifter novels because I don't go in for the alpha "do as I say" attitude that seems to be so prominent in them. But one thing I didn't think I'd ever see was a shifter novel featuring a shifter that wasn't a predator of some sort (wolf, bear, big cat). In fact, before getting my hands on this book, I'd joked on another author's post on Facebook that her next shifter should be a meerkat (because how hilarious and adorable would that be! Please someone make this happen.) So I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this and discovered that Abigail is a deer. It's not a meerkat, but it's closer.
Read the rest of my review on my blog. --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
June 15, 2018
Guys, this book is different. No lie. If you’ve read Kristen’s other books, you’ll see the cover is VERY different, and really, that’s a clue. It’s a sweet cover and a warm-hearted book and all I really want to do while reading this book is curl up on the couch and smile.
Couple things - this book is sweet. Cotton candy. A skittish deer and some grieving wolves learning how to live life again. It’s this popcorn and cupcakes and a slice of real life. Real person dramas, romance, misunderstandings, grief, basically a sweet love story set in Wild Junction. Don’t expect Sawyer or Riley-style mc. But do expect a lovely story that just leaves you with the feeling of hot cocoa by a fire during a snowstorm.
Couple things - this book is sweet. Cotton candy. A skittish deer and some grieving wolves learning how to live life again. It’s this popcorn and cupcakes and a slice of real life. Real person dramas, romance, misunderstandings, grief, basically a sweet love story set in Wild Junction. Don’t expect Sawyer or Riley-style mc. But do expect a lovely story that just leaves you with the feeling of hot cocoa by a fire during a snowstorm.
January 5, 2021
I've read this series after I finished the Kingston Pride books. How can anybody don't like Abigail? Although she's a doe shifter living a world full of predators, she's headstrong and knows what she wants. I also loved how the three werewolves don't fall in love with her as soon as they see her. Yes, there is instant attraction but she makes the three wolves work before giving in even an inch. I was so happy that this book Brough us back to Wild Junction and I can't wait to see if the author will write more stories in this world.
June 13, 2018
Prey to Heart is the first book in the Kingson Pride spin-off series, Wolves of Wild Junction. In this book we get Abigail, Thomas, James, and Antonio's story. I loved Kristen Banet's other series, Kingson Pride (set in the same town) and The Redemption Saga (a darker paranormal/urban fantasy romance) but this book really stood out from those. It had a much lighter and sweeter feel to it that I really enjoyed, but still dealt with the some-what darker themes of dealing with tragedies.
This book was very different from other reverse harem stories I've read recently in that the main characters, Abby and her guys, are all in their forties. As shifters, they do still appear younger due to their extended life spans, but it was nice to see more unique characters in this way. Most books that I read tend to have main characters in their twenties, so this was a nice change.
I loved getting to know Abby and her men. Despite being a doe shifter, prey, Abigail is strong. She's learned how to push down her natural instincts around predators, allowing her to work with other shifters such as the Kingson Pride and the wolves living in Wild Junction. But due to a difficult past, Abigail still has some hang ups with wolf shifters and packs/groups of shifters in general. Even her home life with the Herd had her feeling like an outsider. Fortunately, Thomas, James, and Antonio are there to help her move on.
The wolves have some problems of their own. Like the Kingson Pride, their pack was taken by hunters, but their stay was much longer. After a month of watching their pack mates be hunted and murdered, these guys are struggling with their losses. With Abby's help they are able to figure out how to grieve and start a new pack in Wild Junction, allowing themselves to heal. Thomas, James, and Antonio all mourn in different ways, but as the book progresses we really get to see who they are behind the facades they present to outsiders. The multiple POV's gave essential insight into the characters that I really enjoyed.
One of my favorite parts of this book was that it took place at the same time as The Kingson Pride story. We got to see some of the scenes from Abby, Thomas, James, and Antonio's POV's which gave the scenes much more depth. I loved seeing how they viewed the members of the Pride and how Abigail viewed all the characters through her profession. She has such a deep understanding of emotions and physical cues that makes her very intuitive.
Prey to the Heart was the sweet read that I didn't realized I needed. I loved seeing the characters in a different light and watching them get their happy endings. Kristen Banet never disappoints and I can't wait to read where she takes the shifters of Wild Junction next!
* I received an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review *
This book was very different from other reverse harem stories I've read recently in that the main characters, Abby and her guys, are all in their forties. As shifters, they do still appear younger due to their extended life spans, but it was nice to see more unique characters in this way. Most books that I read tend to have main characters in their twenties, so this was a nice change.
I loved getting to know Abby and her men. Despite being a doe shifter, prey, Abigail is strong. She's learned how to push down her natural instincts around predators, allowing her to work with other shifters such as the Kingson Pride and the wolves living in Wild Junction. But due to a difficult past, Abigail still has some hang ups with wolf shifters and packs/groups of shifters in general. Even her home life with the Herd had her feeling like an outsider. Fortunately, Thomas, James, and Antonio are there to help her move on.
The wolves have some problems of their own. Like the Kingson Pride, their pack was taken by hunters, but their stay was much longer. After a month of watching their pack mates be hunted and murdered, these guys are struggling with their losses. With Abby's help they are able to figure out how to grieve and start a new pack in Wild Junction, allowing themselves to heal. Thomas, James, and Antonio all mourn in different ways, but as the book progresses we really get to see who they are behind the facades they present to outsiders. The multiple POV's gave essential insight into the characters that I really enjoyed.
One of my favorite parts of this book was that it took place at the same time as The Kingson Pride story. We got to see some of the scenes from Abby, Thomas, James, and Antonio's POV's which gave the scenes much more depth. I loved seeing how they viewed the members of the Pride and how Abigail viewed all the characters through her profession. She has such a deep understanding of emotions and physical cues that makes her very intuitive.
Prey to the Heart was the sweet read that I didn't realized I needed. I loved seeing the characters in a different light and watching them get their happy endings. Kristen Banet never disappoints and I can't wait to read where she takes the shifters of Wild Junction next!
* I received an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review *
October 26, 2018
What is this ?
Wow, just wow....
Not. In . A . Good. Way....
The “Kingston Pride “,series while it had its faults,just like its characters, it was always interesting .... left me curious for more... but this ?
Is just about the definition of the word B O R I N G.....
Abby was about as to exciting or even interesting as a dollop of the plainest mayo you can find on a piece of plain cheap white bread.... she didn’t have much of a personality except for being snarky one minute and dashing off like her inner doe the next... she doesn’t seem interested in the men and honestly it felt like they were only interested in her because they were supposed to be... there was absolutely no chemistry between them and she avoided them as much as she could...
Deep sigh...
There was absolutely no whirls building going on here,now I know they are all supposed to be on the edges of the “Kingston Pride” but these four aren’t really apart of that world, not really and no building was being to create their own world and lives... Abby just seemed to exist for the moment she was summoned to go see the Pride and spent the rest of her time it seemed avoiding the wolves...
This was uninteresting and sooo boring .... I know I’ve said that already but it bears repeating ....
I wanna say more because it was just soo awful but there’s just not much to tell... I wanted to say the characters were “chewing the scenery” a term I’ve heard used about actors in movies , because it just felt right but google said that was when actors were being melodramatic in a role or possibly overacting though it also meant frustrated by what was going on around them... I felt the characters just seemed to be biting there time and dragging themselves from one scene to another, just trying to get thru this just like I was...
Which ever,I can’t recommend and between this and Ms.Banet’s new series that has m/m in it ( which isn’t my thing), this is where I get off...
Thanks for most of the “Wild Junction” series,there were times I had great fun w/ Riley and co. and others where I was unamused at the heroines immature ways and the weird m/m vibe Gabe and Troy the 1/2 brothers ( I don’t understand the half BS,either your brothers or you aren’t ) gave off at times..
Incest isn’t sexy Riley....
I had some fun moments,good luck and all the best...
Wow, just wow....
Not. In . A . Good. Way....
The “Kingston Pride “,series while it had its faults,just like its characters, it was always interesting .... left me curious for more... but this ?
Is just about the definition of the word B O R I N G.....
Abby was about as to exciting or even interesting as a dollop of the plainest mayo you can find on a piece of plain cheap white bread.... she didn’t have much of a personality except for being snarky one minute and dashing off like her inner doe the next... she doesn’t seem interested in the men and honestly it felt like they were only interested in her because they were supposed to be... there was absolutely no chemistry between them and she avoided them as much as she could...
Deep sigh...
There was absolutely no whirls building going on here,now I know they are all supposed to be on the edges of the “Kingston Pride” but these four aren’t really apart of that world, not really and no building was being to create their own world and lives... Abby just seemed to exist for the moment she was summoned to go see the Pride and spent the rest of her time it seemed avoiding the wolves...
This was uninteresting and sooo boring .... I know I’ve said that already but it bears repeating ....
I wanna say more because it was just soo awful but there’s just not much to tell... I wanted to say the characters were “chewing the scenery” a term I’ve heard used about actors in movies , because it just felt right but google said that was when actors were being melodramatic in a role or possibly overacting though it also meant frustrated by what was going on around them... I felt the characters just seemed to be biting there time and dragging themselves from one scene to another, just trying to get thru this just like I was...
Which ever,I can’t recommend and between this and Ms.Banet’s new series that has m/m in it ( which isn’t my thing), this is where I get off...
Thanks for most of the “Wild Junction” series,there were times I had great fun w/ Riley and co. and others where I was unamused at the heroines immature ways and the weird m/m vibe Gabe and Troy the 1/2 brothers ( I don’t understand the half BS,either your brothers or you aren’t ) gave off at times..
Incest isn’t sexy Riley....
I had some fun moments,good luck and all the best...
June 17, 2018
3.5 stars
A contemplative, sweet romance – uniquely different, especially compared to Kristen Banet’s other works. Well worth a read, and I cannot wait for the second half of this duology! Abigail, Thomas, James and Antonio are wonderful together.
Who'd have ever thought I would be reading and enjoying a book that was pretty much entirely about the psychological aftermath of some of the horrible events that happen in PNR/UF/fantasy books? Kristen always writes the most unique and interesting stories and characters. A new series with the main character a prey shifter (doe) and a therapist to all the characters from a prior series? That certainly qualifies!
But it almost felt like two books in one.
While I enjoy quieter character studies like this, the first half felt a little too much like an extended POV “extras” scene for THE KINGSON PRIDE series. While I enjoyed it as a companion to the KINGSON PRIDE books, I wasn’t enjoying it very much on its own. Maybe it was the exposition and background, or the quantity of internal monologue and therapeutic analysis. Or maybe it was the fact that all of the action that was happening had already occurred in the KINGSON PRIDE and there were few wholly new scenes. I just didn’t really feel the characters, nor feel anything pulling me through the book so that I didn’t want to put it down.
Granted, I loved the KINGSON PRIDE series and adore that harem, so it was very interesting to see things from a completely different perspective. And to get to spend time with those characters again. It just felt a little too… familiar? Indulgent? I am not sure I can quite put my finger on it.
However, the second half of PREY TO THE HEART was wonderful. Once character interactions, dialogue, and events that were new started happening, it had an entirely different feel. I began to care for the characters themselves, and I thoroughly enjoyed the quieter, caring, sweet romance. It had all the “feels” I could possibly ask for. I had always loved Thomas, but I found myself really enjoying James and Antonio even more. Wonderful characterizations.
I am a little worried that PREY TO THE HEART might lose readers in that first half that is slower going. But if you stick it out, or if you were a fan of the KINGSON PRIDE and loved those characters, then it is all worth it. At its heart, PREY TO THE HEART is absolutely lovely. It is the perfect antidote to all of the dark RH that has been all the rage lately.
On a completely different note:
I wasn't a huge fan of the cover when I first saw it. It felt a little too much like old school contemporary romance covers to me. However, now that I have read the book, I have to say the cover is perfect. It fits the style of this book very well, and also should subliminally provide clues to the reader about what to expect - and steer some away who might be expecting a more traditional Kristen Banet read. This is a very contemplative, sweet type romance with an MC that is a therapist, and the book is a lot of her interactions with her therapy patients. A lot of it is very internal. The cover “says” that to me. So very well done on the design front!
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
97.0% "*cheer* Yes! Finally... some closure. Definitely a feel-good scene."
74.0% "ARGH! Hate to say it, but Abigail is fairly clueless for a therapist who should be able to analyze her situation and her past. It is rather pathetic she doesn't even make the attempt. And I am pissed Thomas handled that discussion with her so poorly. He didn't even try to explain anything other than saying they knew. *sigh*"
70.0% "Yay! Glad they finally realized. Now maybe they can start to change her mind."
68.0% "Hope someone starts talking to Abigail soon and they figure out she was the shifter. Misunderstandings standing in the way of relationship progress - bleh!"
57.0% "If Abigail feels this way, why on earth isn't she going back to Wild Junction to support Riley? Why hanging around just waiting after the texts from Thomas telling her what is going on? Her skittishness is becoming frustrating. I hope it ends soon."
54.0% "I have that giddy, hand clapping feeling... when a book is really starting to get good, and the relationship(s) is(are) starting to develop. My favorite part of any romance! (Well that and when they REALLY develop ;)"
52.0% "Hot hot hot scene! I wish Abby would let go a bit more often. She is SO repressed!"
48.0% "Yep, that is exactly what you all need. The glue to bind family together :)"
46.0% "I feel so bad for James. Well for all the guys, but somehow James in particular pulls at my heartstrings."
37.0% "That was a very moving, sweet scene. I may have teared up just a little."
32.0% "LMAO okay that is awesome! I can just imagine this perfectly... walking in the door and SURPRISE! Buck naked chef cooking in the kitchen :)"
28.0% "More details, yay! Please don't tell me it was Chris Marek though. That would just be awful :/"
20.0% "As a Kingson Pride fan, I am loving seeing a lot of these scenes from the flip side. However, it is making it feel a little like an extended POV extras scene rather than a whole new book/series. May not be an issue for anyone coming into this without reading Kingson Pride though! I would just rather see more scenes in the early going that had not been referenced in Kingson..."
17.0% "I wish there were more Thomas POV chapters! He was a favorite character in Wild Pride, and I kept finding myself wishing Riley could add another because of it. Loved this chapter."
16.0% "Well that explains the unique red pelt reference earlier :)"
15.0% "This feels like a continuity jump. I felt like Abigail had only been here for the initial meeting and first discussion with Riley, and that this Thomas chapter was immediately following. Nothing indicated a time lapse until just now in the middle of the chapter when Tony indicates Abigail has been there several times before. Had to go back and look at the flow a second time because it pulled me from the story."
14.0% ""Deep bistre brown" Nice descriptive word choice! I had to go look this one up. I love learning new vocab :)"
4.0% "Why would random shifters at the airport have any knowledge of her profession? I can see them maybe knowing she is a doe shifter by scent. But the profession part feels weird."
3.0% "It does beg the question though... why wouldn't she have been one of those contracted with on an ad hoc basis? Even if she was no longer full-time staff?"
Note: I was given an ARC of PREY TO THE HEART in return for my honest review.
A contemplative, sweet romance – uniquely different, especially compared to Kristen Banet’s other works. Well worth a read, and I cannot wait for the second half of this duology! Abigail, Thomas, James and Antonio are wonderful together.
Who'd have ever thought I would be reading and enjoying a book that was pretty much entirely about the psychological aftermath of some of the horrible events that happen in PNR/UF/fantasy books? Kristen always writes the most unique and interesting stories and characters. A new series with the main character a prey shifter (doe) and a therapist to all the characters from a prior series? That certainly qualifies!
But it almost felt like two books in one.
While I enjoy quieter character studies like this, the first half felt a little too much like an extended POV “extras” scene for THE KINGSON PRIDE series. While I enjoyed it as a companion to the KINGSON PRIDE books, I wasn’t enjoying it very much on its own. Maybe it was the exposition and background, or the quantity of internal monologue and therapeutic analysis. Or maybe it was the fact that all of the action that was happening had already occurred in the KINGSON PRIDE and there were few wholly new scenes. I just didn’t really feel the characters, nor feel anything pulling me through the book so that I didn’t want to put it down.
Granted, I loved the KINGSON PRIDE series and adore that harem, so it was very interesting to see things from a completely different perspective. And to get to spend time with those characters again. It just felt a little too… familiar? Indulgent? I am not sure I can quite put my finger on it.
However, the second half of PREY TO THE HEART was wonderful. Once character interactions, dialogue, and events that were new started happening, it had an entirely different feel. I began to care for the characters themselves, and I thoroughly enjoyed the quieter, caring, sweet romance. It had all the “feels” I could possibly ask for. I had always loved Thomas, but I found myself really enjoying James and Antonio even more. Wonderful characterizations.
I am a little worried that PREY TO THE HEART might lose readers in that first half that is slower going. But if you stick it out, or if you were a fan of the KINGSON PRIDE and loved those characters, then it is all worth it. At its heart, PREY TO THE HEART is absolutely lovely. It is the perfect antidote to all of the dark RH that has been all the rage lately.
On a completely different note:
I wasn't a huge fan of the cover when I first saw it. It felt a little too much like old school contemporary romance covers to me. However, now that I have read the book, I have to say the cover is perfect. It fits the style of this book very well, and also should subliminally provide clues to the reader about what to expect - and steer some away who might be expecting a more traditional Kristen Banet read. This is a very contemplative, sweet type romance with an MC that is a therapist, and the book is a lot of her interactions with her therapy patients. A lot of it is very internal. The cover “says” that to me. So very well done on the design front!
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
97.0% "*cheer* Yes! Finally... some closure. Definitely a feel-good scene."
74.0% "ARGH! Hate to say it, but Abigail is fairly clueless for a therapist who should be able to analyze her situation and her past. It is rather pathetic she doesn't even make the attempt. And I am pissed Thomas handled that discussion with her so poorly. He didn't even try to explain anything other than saying they knew. *sigh*"
70.0% "Yay! Glad they finally realized. Now maybe they can start to change her mind."
68.0% "Hope someone starts talking to Abigail soon and they figure out she was the shifter. Misunderstandings standing in the way of relationship progress - bleh!"
57.0% "If Abigail feels this way, why on earth isn't she going back to Wild Junction to support Riley? Why hanging around just waiting after the texts from Thomas telling her what is going on? Her skittishness is becoming frustrating. I hope it ends soon."
54.0% "I have that giddy, hand clapping feeling... when a book is really starting to get good, and the relationship(s) is(are) starting to develop. My favorite part of any romance! (Well that and when they REALLY develop ;)"
52.0% "Hot hot hot scene! I wish Abby would let go a bit more often. She is SO repressed!"
48.0% "Yep, that is exactly what you all need. The glue to bind family together :)"
46.0% "I feel so bad for James. Well for all the guys, but somehow James in particular pulls at my heartstrings."
37.0% "That was a very moving, sweet scene. I may have teared up just a little."
32.0% "LMAO okay that is awesome! I can just imagine this perfectly... walking in the door and SURPRISE! Buck naked chef cooking in the kitchen :)"
28.0% "More details, yay! Please don't tell me it was Chris Marek though. That would just be awful :/"
20.0% "As a Kingson Pride fan, I am loving seeing a lot of these scenes from the flip side. However, it is making it feel a little like an extended POV extras scene rather than a whole new book/series. May not be an issue for anyone coming into this without reading Kingson Pride though! I would just rather see more scenes in the early going that had not been referenced in Kingson..."
17.0% "I wish there were more Thomas POV chapters! He was a favorite character in Wild Pride, and I kept finding myself wishing Riley could add another because of it. Loved this chapter."
16.0% "Well that explains the unique red pelt reference earlier :)"
15.0% "This feels like a continuity jump. I felt like Abigail had only been here for the initial meeting and first discussion with Riley, and that this Thomas chapter was immediately following. Nothing indicated a time lapse until just now in the middle of the chapter when Tony indicates Abigail has been there several times before. Had to go back and look at the flow a second time because it pulled me from the story."
14.0% ""Deep bistre brown" Nice descriptive word choice! I had to go look this one up. I love learning new vocab :)"
4.0% "Why would random shifters at the airport have any knowledge of her profession? I can see them maybe knowing she is a doe shifter by scent. But the profession part feels weird."
3.0% "It does beg the question though... why wouldn't she have been one of those contracted with on an ad hoc basis? Even if she was no longer full-time staff?"
Note: I was given an ARC of PREY TO THE HEART in return for my honest review.
November 22, 2019
Sweeter
So this was a good book like 4.5 starts good. I read the kingdom pride first and loved that story. This book kind of goes backwards and coincides with event in the kingson prices story. So while we are getting a new & different story we are also seeing an outside perspective and what happens with the kingdom pride and all those characters I loved. That being said if you want to read their story and you want nothing spoiled I would say start with theirs, otherwise it you don't mind having an idea of what's going to happen before hand then which couples you read first doesn't matter. Ok now this story was great and definitely a bit sweeter and simpler drama wise. Now while it was sweet it was still filled with plenty of delicious tension and so.e pretty hot moments. I loved the uniqueness of Abigail being a prey shifter. It not something you see a ton of and this author take on it was a bit different. All three of the wolves in this story were not and I feel we've only scratched the surface of really finding out everything about them. So overall it's a great sweet but still hot reverse harem-ish paranormal romance between predators and prey that ended on a very happy ending and I can't wait to see what's next for this group. Good book would recommend.
So this was a good book like 4.5 starts good. I read the kingdom pride first and loved that story. This book kind of goes backwards and coincides with event in the kingson prices story. So while we are getting a new & different story we are also seeing an outside perspective and what happens with the kingdom pride and all those characters I loved. That being said if you want to read their story and you want nothing spoiled I would say start with theirs, otherwise it you don't mind having an idea of what's going to happen before hand then which couples you read first doesn't matter. Ok now this story was great and definitely a bit sweeter and simpler drama wise. Now while it was sweet it was still filled with plenty of delicious tension and so.e pretty hot moments. I loved the uniqueness of Abigail being a prey shifter. It not something you see a ton of and this author take on it was a bit different. All three of the wolves in this story were not and I feel we've only scratched the surface of really finding out everything about them. So overall it's a great sweet but still hot reverse harem-ish paranormal romance between predators and prey that ended on a very happy ending and I can't wait to see what's next for this group. Good book would recommend.
June 11, 2018
We met Abigail, James, Thomas, and Antonio in The Kingson Pride series. However, you do not have to have read it to enjoy this book. You won't feel lost or like you are missing anything. If you did read The Kingson Pride series, you will see some overlap of events but from a totally different perspective.
This book focuses on Abigail (the outcast therapist trying to overcome events from her past and find where she belongs) and the wolves James, Thomas and Antonio (who are dealing with the loss they suffered). While we do hit on some of the events that happened with the Pride, we don't have some serious action going on. It's more of a story about finding your place, overcoming your pasts and facing your fears. How love can help heal. I loved being back in Wild Junction and seeing some of the characters we had already met. It was great to get a different view on things we knew had happened. I thoroughly enjoyed this story on it's own as well. It was sweet at times, dirty at times, even a little heartbreaking at times. I can't wait to see what these wolves have in store for Abby next.
This book focuses on Abigail (the outcast therapist trying to overcome events from her past and find where she belongs) and the wolves James, Thomas and Antonio (who are dealing with the loss they suffered). While we do hit on some of the events that happened with the Pride, we don't have some serious action going on. It's more of a story about finding your place, overcoming your pasts and facing your fears. How love can help heal. I loved being back in Wild Junction and seeing some of the characters we had already met. It was great to get a different view on things we knew had happened. I thoroughly enjoyed this story on it's own as well. It was sweet at times, dirty at times, even a little heartbreaking at times. I can't wait to see what these wolves have in store for Abby next.
November 4, 2018
Who would think a deer doe could fall in love with wolves? This romance about Abigail and Thomas, James, & Antonio ties into the Kingston Pride romances as the groups are friends and allies.
Abigail has had a bad past history with a different wolf, so she is reluctant to get involved with wolves again. Thomas, James, & Antonio are recovering from losing their pack and then several packmates in a hunt that also captured the Kingston Pride (the tie-in to the other group starts there). There is plenty of trauma and past mistakes to overcome before they can all admit to wanting a relationship.
For all the bad things happening in the other series, this book focuses on the relationship between Abigail and the wolves. Seeing four such wounded individuals move past their hurt into willingness to move on made for an enjoyable read.
Abigail has had a bad past history with a different wolf, so she is reluctant to get involved with wolves again. Thomas, James, & Antonio are recovering from losing their pack and then several packmates in a hunt that also captured the Kingston Pride (the tie-in to the other group starts there). There is plenty of trauma and past mistakes to overcome before they can all admit to wanting a relationship.
For all the bad things happening in the other series, this book focuses on the relationship between Abigail and the wolves. Seeing four such wounded individuals move past their hurt into willingness to move on made for an enjoyable read.
July 24, 2018
Kristen Banet is becoming an author that i will one click on. I enjoy her writing style and how she weaves these delicious tales that keeps me engrossed until the very end. In Prey to the Heart we get to go back to Wild Junction. The characters from this town are fun and memorable. Really makes me wish i could live there!!
Prey to the Heart is from Abigail's point of view. I like a different kind of main character, but i really liked Abigail from her cameos from the previous books. I am all for the alpha guy, and we get it times three. I like the dynamic with them all together, and you can see them being a good unit.
If you are looking for a sweet paranormal RH read, I give this one 5 sweet stars!
Prey to the Heart is from Abigail's point of view. I like a different kind of main character, but i really liked Abigail from her cameos from the previous books. I am all for the alpha guy, and we get it times three. I like the dynamic with them all together, and you can see them being a good unit.
If you are looking for a sweet paranormal RH read, I give this one 5 sweet stars!
June 16, 2018
Can't get enough of Wild Junction
Can I move to Wild Junction?!? I was so excited to revisit the characters from the Kingson Pride series - I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Although Abigail is not the strong kick but FMC that Riley or Sawyer are - she is strong in her own way. Less action in the story but it gave me all the feels. Extremely heartwarming and all about healing. It was nice change of pace given all the chaos going on all around them with the Pride at the same time! Love the pack and the dynamics between them and Abigail - you truly get the sense that they all need each other. Look forward to the next book in the series - hopefully Finn drops by!!!!
Can I move to Wild Junction?!? I was so excited to revisit the characters from the Kingson Pride series - I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Although Abigail is not the strong kick but FMC that Riley or Sawyer are - she is strong in her own way. Less action in the story but it gave me all the feels. Extremely heartwarming and all about healing. It was nice change of pace given all the chaos going on all around them with the Pride at the same time! Love the pack and the dynamics between them and Abigail - you truly get the sense that they all need each other. Look forward to the next book in the series - hopefully Finn drops by!!!!
June 25, 2018
In departure from the heavier things Banet normally writes about, this trip to Wild Junction with Abigail is simply sweet. As we learn more about her as a doe and her decision or not to join the pack of wolves that have also settled into this small town we get to fall in love with her and them all over again.
If you have not read the Kingson Pride series, although excellent there is no need to read it before this book. There is enough detail and description of events that this book can stand alone and overlaps some of the same time frame and location.
So excited for the next book!
If you have not read the Kingson Pride series, although excellent there is no need to read it before this book. There is enough detail and description of events that this book can stand alone and overlaps some of the same time frame and location.
So excited for the next book!
July 5, 2018
Really enjoyed getting back into the world at wild junction. Alot of this book takes part running alongside events from the Kingson pride books. Loved Thomas, James and Antonio. This is just a really nice book about Love. A women who struggles to open up to the idea of loving anybody ever again - let alone a wolf or three. And three wolves who are getting over the horrors they faced due to the hunters and also coming to terms over the fact they are no longer in their old pack.
I loved it can't wait to read the next book. Loved the little snippets of the guys from Kingson pride as well.
I loved it can't wait to read the next book. Loved the little snippets of the guys from Kingson pride as well.
January 6, 2019
I loved being back in Wild Junction, this time with Abigail and the wolves. I love that love is all this story is about, there wasn’t any battle or wars to be won, just a pure love story. I loved Abigail and the wolves, I love Abigail’s innocence and strength, she is a strong character and even tho her prey instincts tell her to run from the predators sometime she doesn’t, she stands her ground and pushes back. While it took majority of the book for Abigail to move on from her past it was worth the wait, and I am looking forward to the next book to see how it all ends.
July 16, 2024
Easy to read and I just like their dynamic.
I read a bit of this while waiting for my surgery sunday. I didn’t get to finish this as my pain was way up there and I'd started it on my kindle which was just not near me to easily reach.
I'm a sucker for RH in paranormal romances. It's probably the only time I enjoy the why choose trope. And it's a guilty pleasure of mine. It's something about it being fantasy and paranormal that makes that trope OK to me.
I like Abigail. I love the wolves. They're all perfect for each other. I can't wait to finish their story in book 2.
I read a bit of this while waiting for my surgery sunday. I didn’t get to finish this as my pain was way up there and I'd started it on my kindle which was just not near me to easily reach.
I'm a sucker for RH in paranormal romances. It's probably the only time I enjoy the why choose trope. And it's a guilty pleasure of mine. It's something about it being fantasy and paranormal that makes that trope OK to me.
I like Abigail. I love the wolves. They're all perfect for each other. I can't wait to finish their story in book 2.
June 15, 2018
A sweet summer read!
We go back to wild junction, but this time it's for Thomas and his wolves. And let me tell you, these wolves will make your heart melt with their kindness, support and overall love that they exude.
Abigail, the therapist doe, has been hurt by wolves before. Not physically, but emotionally. She tries hard to stay away, but finds it's a losing battle.
If you're looking for something sweet to read, this is your book!
We go back to wild junction, but this time it's for Thomas and his wolves. And let me tell you, these wolves will make your heart melt with their kindness, support and overall love that they exude.
Abigail, the therapist doe, has been hurt by wolves before. Not physically, but emotionally. She tries hard to stay away, but finds it's a losing battle.
If you're looking for something sweet to read, this is your book!
June 15, 2018
This author books always makes me emotional I absolutely love this books gives me all these feels.. i love this love story little diff from what she normally writes i love that the time line u see what happen with the Kington pride and the with Abby sessions.. can i say props for all the characters being forty and over... total love story going on here and i absolutely loved it.. i mean come on what better than a doe falling in love with a pack of wolves...
June 15, 2018
Fantastic book
This is a spin-off of the Kingston Price series and is so good. You don’t need to read the Kingston Pride series but some of the character do appear and it is great to see them as well.
I love the relationship between Abigail and the wolves. Thomas, James and Tony all have different personalities but work really well together.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
This is a spin-off of the Kingston Price series and is so good. You don’t need to read the Kingston Pride series but some of the character do appear and it is great to see them as well.
I love the relationship between Abigail and the wolves. Thomas, James and Tony all have different personalities but work really well together.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 17, 2018
So sweet.
Supernatural. Rh. 3 wolf shifters. Doe shifter heroine. Spin-off of the Kingston Pride series. There is spoilers for the Kingston Pride series, so if you can't take spoilers you've been warned. My favorite MCs are usually those of the kickass variety, but I like those sweet heroines every once in a while and that's exactly what Abby is. And her wolves as well. Just a sweet tale all around. A definite recommend read.
Supernatural. Rh. 3 wolf shifters. Doe shifter heroine. Spin-off of the Kingston Pride series. There is spoilers for the Kingston Pride series, so if you can't take spoilers you've been warned. My favorite MCs are usually those of the kickass variety, but I like those sweet heroines every once in a while and that's exactly what Abby is. And her wolves as well. Just a sweet tale all around. A definite recommend read.
June 20, 2018
Prey to the Heart took us back to Wild Junction and focussed on the budding feelings and relationships between Abby and the wolves. The story was tender and beautiful and allowed us to explore their characters past as they came to terms with their feelings for each other.
Loved how the story intersected with Riley and the Kingson Pride’s, giving us a clear timeline and filling in the blanks between their interactions.
Beautiful, tender and gentle - definitely recommend for a softer love story.
Loved how the story intersected with Riley and the Kingson Pride’s, giving us a clear timeline and filling in the blanks between their interactions.
Beautiful, tender and gentle - definitely recommend for a softer love story.
June 28, 2018
My new favourite RH author!
I read all the kingson pride books. Just amazing! I was practically devastated when they finished. So thrilled she is expanding on the "world"! Very good book with characters we know but get to know more of. I love the build up and the story line and also the fact that the story line can continue! Can't wait for the next book. Keep up the good work. 😁
I read all the kingson pride books. Just amazing! I was practically devastated when they finished. So thrilled she is expanding on the "world"! Very good book with characters we know but get to know more of. I love the build up and the story line and also the fact that the story line can continue! Can't wait for the next book. Keep up the good work. 😁
August 14, 2024
No therapist codes of ethics here!
The main character is a therapist who cross talks (tells patients about other patients issues), goes drinking with patients and is “friends” with patients outside of therapy, and eventually has a relationship with her patients.
Not once is there any hesitation about “this is incredibly unethical to get my nails done with a patient”. It made it a difficult read.
The main character is a therapist who cross talks (tells patients about other patients issues), goes drinking with patients and is “friends” with patients outside of therapy, and eventually has a relationship with her patients.
Not once is there any hesitation about “this is incredibly unethical to get my nails done with a patient”. It made it a difficult read.
June 15, 2018
Adorable new series
I mean this book is seriously adorable, and it’s the beginning of a series. Well adorable X2!! I mean you follow up with all the other characters from Wild series, but you also get info and conversations you missed in that series as well!! Can’t wait for next one!!
I mean this book is seriously adorable, and it’s the beginning of a series. Well adorable X2!! I mean you follow up with all the other characters from Wild series, but you also get info and conversations you missed in that series as well!! Can’t wait for next one!!
June 15, 2018
Loved it
I actually loved this book more than Sawyer's and Riley's books. This book was fantastic. It had a fresher insight into life in Wild Junction, and it really seemed to dig deep into the emotions.
- Plus no grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors that I could locate, and anyone who knows me, knows I am a grammar freak.
I actually loved this book more than Sawyer's and Riley's books. This book was fantastic. It had a fresher insight into life in Wild Junction, and it really seemed to dig deep into the emotions.
- Plus no grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors that I could locate, and anyone who knows me, knows I am a grammar freak.
June 20, 2018
So sweet and loving
Following Abigail and the wolves, Thomas, James, and Antonio from the Kingson Pride trilogy back to wild Junction. I love the shifter world Kristen has created and Wild Junction. This book is much lighter than the Kingson trilogy but still just as amazing. A scared, heartbroken doe and three wolves, what else can you ask for? A must read
Following Abigail and the wolves, Thomas, James, and Antonio from the Kingson Pride trilogy back to wild Junction. I love the shifter world Kristen has created and Wild Junction. This book is much lighter than the Kingson trilogy but still just as amazing. A scared, heartbroken doe and three wolves, what else can you ask for? A must read
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