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River Den Omegas #5
Crossed
When Max is called away from his work on the new den to help rescue omegas from the hyenas, he doesn't expect to wind up on an adventure of his own. But then he hadn’t anticipated finding Oscar, an omega from a family who went into hiding when their den fell years before. To Oscar, Max is a predator, and he’s prey. Gaining his trust isn’t going to be easy. Max sees more than a potential mate in Oscar, he sees a link to the past that might just be key to saving their future. But when his own past comes back to haunt him, it threatens everything he and Oscar are building together. A mate, a home, a family. Is that too much to ask?
Oscar has lived his whole life by his family’s belief that hiding from the shifter world is the only way to stay safe. As an omega, he finds it stifling, longing for escape and the chance to find his mate. But when he draws danger down onto himself and his family, he begins to think they were right; the world outside is no place for shifters like him. When he’s rescued by Max and catches a glimpse of how his life could be, he starts to wonder if everything he’s been taught is wrong. But as he struggles to come to terms with what he’s lost, and Max wrestles with the demons of his past, can they find a way to make things work?
Crossed is a novel-length read. Beware an overlapping timeline with book four, mpreg, paint, angst, toddlers, and scenes not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
A M/M Shifter Romance
Oscar has lived his whole life by his family’s belief that hiding from the shifter world is the only way to stay safe. As an omega, he finds it stifling, longing for escape and the chance to find his mate. But when he draws danger down onto himself and his family, he begins to think they were right; the world outside is no place for shifters like him. When he’s rescued by Max and catches a glimpse of how his life could be, he starts to wonder if everything he’s been taught is wrong. But as he struggles to come to terms with what he’s lost, and Max wrestles with the demons of his past, can they find a way to make things work?
Crossed is a novel-length read. Beware an overlapping timeline with book four, mpreg, paint, angst, toddlers, and scenes not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.
A M/M Shifter Romance
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2018
136 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cullen
63 books644 followersClaire Cullen is an author and aspiring baker. Since she was a toddler, she has loved making up stories. Getting them down on paper proved a challenge in the early years when her preferred medium was finger puppets. She moved on to pen and paper, and later to keyboards, and hasn't looked back since, except for occasional bouts of nostalgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 19, 2018
Oh Oscar and Max, my heart! <3 They were so sweet together, so unsure of how much the other wanted him, and so sweet together.
I love how this story really starts bringing all of the shifters together - Oscar has a lot to do with that, being that he knows so much about the shifter history, most of which has been forgotten. And I really like the differences in this shifter series - the omegas can shift into multiple animals, they help the rest of the pack regain their shifting abilities, and now we learn that the predatory shifters really have to work together to bring peace to the overall shifter world.
My one thing is that I wish Oscar had listened a bit more and communicated a bit better - lots of drama could have been avoided that way! And despite learning about all of his markings, we didn't get to see his mating mark on his back I don't think. Either way, there was a lot going on in this story and I recommend having read the others in the series.
Ollie's story better be #6!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love how this story really starts bringing all of the shifters together - Oscar has a lot to do with that, being that he knows so much about the shifter history, most of which has been forgotten. And I really like the differences in this shifter series - the omegas can shift into multiple animals, they help the rest of the pack regain their shifting abilities, and now we learn that the predatory shifters really have to work together to bring peace to the overall shifter world.
My one thing is that I wish Oscar had listened a bit more and communicated a bit better - lots of drama could have been avoided that way! And despite learning about all of his markings, we didn't get to see his mating mark on his back I don't think. Either way, there was a lot going on in this story and I recommend having read the others in the series.
Ollie's story better be #6!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2021
***2.5 stars***
So, the story itself is not so bad but the chemistry between the two MCs is nonexistent my opinion.
So, the story itself is not so bad but the chemistry between the two MCs is nonexistent my opinion.
July 16, 2022
4 stars!
I liked Oscar!
I liked how he was always Max's little shadow; and how endearingly weird he was.
I, also, really liked Oscar's shifter animals... They were different, cute and cool.
Uttermost, I liked that Max was able to find love, peace, strength and happiness... even if he, initially, thought he was too broken to have, keep or deserve it.
And I SO liked Oscar and Max together. I liked their connection and how, even though they struggled a little bit, they pulled through and were able to stay together.
Overall, this was a pretty enjoyable shifter romance to read.
I'll read the final book of the series next - Found - which is Ollie's book.
I liked Oscar!
I liked how he was always Max's little shadow; and how endearingly weird he was.
I, also, really liked Oscar's shifter animals... They were different, cute and cool.
Uttermost, I liked that Max was able to find love, peace, strength and happiness... even if he, initially, thought he was too broken to have, keep or deserve it.
And I SO liked Oscar and Max together. I liked their connection and how, even though they struggled a little bit, they pulled through and were able to stay together.
Overall, this was a pretty enjoyable shifter romance to read.
I'll read the final book of the series next - Found - which is Ollie's book.
March 27, 2020
I'm feeling frustrated again and yet here I am still reading this series. Quietly laughing at myself. It's the curse of craving mindless cliché reads but still hoping for them to be great, I guess.
So, what I enjoyed: Lots of character interaction and team effort to solve problems. A bunch of new interesting shifter animals. A sort of greater plot arch that spans the whole series.
What I didn't like: The plot is all over the place. There are a lot of things happening, conflicts stemming from previous books, new stuff, plot elements referring to upcoming books - and none of them are relevant for more than a few pages, two chapters at most. They come up and get solved so fast it gives you whiplash and as a consequence they all feel cut short and random and inconsequencial for the story as a whole. What is posed as inevitable decisions the characters make is actually mostly incomprehensible or at least unlikely.
Also, the relationship between Max and Oscar felt very childlike and innocent, especially since Oscar has little experience living as a human. There is no mention of their actual age, but apart from living on their own, they talk and act a lot like ten-year-olds. The sex and subsequent pregnancy felt all wrong in that context.
And don't get me started on hard logic, like the concept of distance and time to cover it or the severence of wounds and omg, I can't even.
So, what I enjoyed: Lots of character interaction and team effort to solve problems. A bunch of new interesting shifter animals. A sort of greater plot arch that spans the whole series.
What I didn't like: The plot is all over the place. There are a lot of things happening, conflicts stemming from previous books, new stuff, plot elements referring to upcoming books - and none of them are relevant for more than a few pages, two chapters at most. They come up and get solved so fast it gives you whiplash and as a consequence they all feel cut short and random and inconsequencial for the story as a whole. What is posed as inevitable decisions the characters make is actually mostly incomprehensible or at least unlikely.
Also, the relationship between Max and Oscar felt very childlike and innocent, especially since Oscar has little experience living as a human. There is no mention of their actual age, but apart from living on their own, they talk and act a lot like ten-year-olds. The sex and subsequent pregnancy felt all wrong in that context.
And don't get me started on hard logic, like the concept of distance and time to cover it or the severence of wounds and omg, I can't even.
April 7, 2024
4 stars
When Alpha Max is called away to help rescue shifter from hyenas, he meets Oscar, an Omega. Oscar is skittish around Max growing up he was taught to beware of predators and Max was a tiger while he was a a rabbit, prey.
Max deals with the aftermath of the Arena and Oscar deals with being in human form and trying to find out how to fit in. The construction on the new den is slow going but they make progress. Oscar discovers that his family has been taken and Max and several shifter friends aid in their rescue.
The end sees the shifters aware of a possible war with the bears.
*****
POV… third person
Standalone or series… book 5 in series (read in order)
Hangover… no
Recommend… sure
Reread… maybe
When Alpha Max is called away to help rescue shifter from hyenas, he meets Oscar, an Omega. Oscar is skittish around Max growing up he was taught to beware of predators and Max was a tiger while he was a a rabbit, prey.
Max deals with the aftermath of the Arena and Oscar deals with being in human form and trying to find out how to fit in. The construction on the new den is slow going but they make progress. Oscar discovers that his family has been taken and Max and several shifter friends aid in their rescue.
The end sees the shifters aware of a possible war with the bears.
*****
POV… third person
Standalone or series… book 5 in series (read in order)
Hangover… no
Recommend… sure
Reread… maybe
November 13, 2022
Good story
I'm giving this a solid 3.5. It's a good quick read with a decent story behind it. Overall, very enjoyable.
I'm giving this a solid 3.5. It's a good quick read with a decent story behind it. Overall, very enjoyable.
June 7, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********
Wow, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the connection between Oscar and Max and that they’re great for each other and I liked that they had to work for their relationship. I found this book was slower paced than the previous stories especially with Oscar and Max getting together. They both had a lot of issues to sort through first like Oscar being kidnapped and nearly sold off as a slave by the lions, having his family sla*ghtered and the rest taken by the lions and Max being held hostage and forced to fight constantly in the Red Fang’s arena for his brother Dara and to live, he has the memories of all the blood and death in an arena. I loved how Oscar was covered in tattoos which told the stories of dens and that the packs need to work together so the shifters can be whole and thrive. He also passed that knowledge on to Max and the others so they all know an omegas purpose and how important they are. I loved Max showed Oscar how to do things since his family basically live in their animal form and he only giggled when Oscar was painting one of the house rebuilds in their new den and it looked like a Jackson Pollock painting and showed him how to do stuff properly and never got fed up with having to teach him a lot. I also loved how even though Max wanted to put his foot down and not teach Oscar how to protect himself in both shifter and animal forms since he’s all protective and doesn’t want him to get hurt but he knew that it was a big thing for Oscar to learn after everything he’d been through, it also showed Oscar how much Max cares that he’d put his reservations aside to do this for Oscar, so it made him fall more in love with Max. I’m looking forward to reading the final book so we can see what comes of Nevan and Ajax the bear alpha banding together to go up against the Dens and the wolves. Also Ollie deserves love since he’s seen the rest of his brothers find their happiness.
Wow, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the connection between Oscar and Max and that they’re great for each other and I liked that they had to work for their relationship. I found this book was slower paced than the previous stories especially with Oscar and Max getting together. They both had a lot of issues to sort through first like Oscar being kidnapped and nearly sold off as a slave by the lions, having his family sla*ghtered and the rest taken by the lions and Max being held hostage and forced to fight constantly in the Red Fang’s arena for his brother Dara and to live, he has the memories of all the blood and death in an arena. I loved how Oscar was covered in tattoos which told the stories of dens and that the packs need to work together so the shifters can be whole and thrive. He also passed that knowledge on to Max and the others so they all know an omegas purpose and how important they are. I loved Max showed Oscar how to do things since his family basically live in their animal form and he only giggled when Oscar was painting one of the house rebuilds in their new den and it looked like a Jackson Pollock painting and showed him how to do stuff properly and never got fed up with having to teach him a lot. I also loved how even though Max wanted to put his foot down and not teach Oscar how to protect himself in both shifter and animal forms since he’s all protective and doesn’t want him to get hurt but he knew that it was a big thing for Oscar to learn after everything he’d been through, it also showed Oscar how much Max cares that he’d put his reservations aside to do this for Oscar, so it made him fall more in love with Max. I’m looking forward to reading the final book so we can see what comes of Nevan and Ajax the bear alpha banding together to go up against the Dens and the wolves. Also Ollie deserves love since he’s seen the rest of his brothers find their happiness.
December 29, 2018
Max is an alpha shifter rescued from a forced fighting ring. He suffers from PTSD and fears that one day he might accidentally hurt someone during a flashback. He tires himself out by restoring homes in an abandoned shifter den.
Oscar was an adventurous omega until he’s captured by shifter traffickers and his previously safe world is shattered. Fortunately, he is rescued when the River Den shifters come for Joe and Kai (probably best to read this series in order). Unfortunately, when he tries to return home, Oscar discovers that his entire family has been killed or captured.
Unsure what to do, he returns to the last place he felt safe...by Max’s side. Together, maybe they can rescue Oscar’s family and overcome past traumas to find happiness.
Crossed answers a lot of questions about how the shifter community became so dysfunctional as Max and the reader explore Oscar’s tattoos. Oscar’s grandfather remembered the time before, when dens were protected by bears and shifter species coexisted peacefully. He shared this knowledge with his grandson so that it wouldn’t be forgotten.
Again—lots of “huh?” moments (If shifters heal so fast, can they retain tattoos? Are there little bunny shifters hopping around with tattoos? Who gave Oscar all these tattoos if his family had been living in their shifted form for years and don’t understand human ways?)...but still a fun read.
Oscar was an adventurous omega until he’s captured by shifter traffickers and his previously safe world is shattered. Fortunately, he is rescued when the River Den shifters come for Joe and Kai (probably best to read this series in order). Unfortunately, when he tries to return home, Oscar discovers that his entire family has been killed or captured.
Unsure what to do, he returns to the last place he felt safe...by Max’s side. Together, maybe they can rescue Oscar’s family and overcome past traumas to find happiness.
Crossed answers a lot of questions about how the shifter community became so dysfunctional as Max and the reader explore Oscar’s tattoos. Oscar’s grandfather remembered the time before, when dens were protected by bears and shifter species coexisted peacefully. He shared this knowledge with his grandson so that it wouldn’t be forgotten.
Again—lots of “huh?” moments (If shifters heal so fast, can they retain tattoos? Are there little bunny shifters hopping around with tattoos? Who gave Oscar all these tattoos if his family had been living in their shifted form for years and don’t understand human ways?)...but still a fun read.
June 6, 2018
Shifter m/m romance
3.5 stars-
Well written shifter romance. This book is a continuation of the timeline through the series (although this book and books timeline coincides with the last books timeline). Max is working on the new omega den but rushes to help rescue the omegas being sold by the hyenas. One of those Omegas takes to Max but he has his own challenges to overcome before it can be HEA.
This was a cute story. As always they are well written and the storyline contains more that just the MPREG story. I like that there is a main conflict in each book, as well as, an overarching storyline for the whole series. It feels nice that we are solving problems but also working toward a large goal. I feel the author has been smart in the pace of the story and I can't wait for the next book. I really want it to be Ollie's story!
This is a must read series and I will read all future books but I don't feel compelled to reread them once I've read them once.
3.5 stars-
Well written shifter romance. This book is a continuation of the timeline through the series (although this book and books timeline coincides with the last books timeline). Max is working on the new omega den but rushes to help rescue the omegas being sold by the hyenas. One of those Omegas takes to Max but he has his own challenges to overcome before it can be HEA.
This was a cute story. As always they are well written and the storyline contains more that just the MPREG story. I like that there is a main conflict in each book, as well as, an overarching storyline for the whole series. It feels nice that we are solving problems but also working toward a large goal. I feel the author has been smart in the pace of the story and I can't wait for the next book. I really want it to be Ollie's story!
This is a must read series and I will read all future books but I don't feel compelled to reread them once I've read them once.
April 26, 2018
HEALING AND LOVING
Max is a strong Alpha, he is on a mission to get the newest den ready. Oscar is an Omega, found in the latest rescue against the lions. Oscar knows that in animal form he is prey and Max is a predator. This is a healing love story between Max and Oscar. With the help of his Omega brothers and the River Den Shifters they show Oscar a new way of life, he had only dreamed about. With his knowledge passed down from his Omega Grandfather, Oscar tells them the history of the dens and the role of the Omega through their beginnings. This story is a journey more of discovery and healing. I thought this story answered a lot of questions. I can't wait to see where the series goes from here now that we have all this new information. I wish I had a pinch of an imagination like Claire Cullen. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS FASCINATING SERIES!!!!!
Max is a strong Alpha, he is on a mission to get the newest den ready. Oscar is an Omega, found in the latest rescue against the lions. Oscar knows that in animal form he is prey and Max is a predator. This is a healing love story between Max and Oscar. With the help of his Omega brothers and the River Den Shifters they show Oscar a new way of life, he had only dreamed about. With his knowledge passed down from his Omega Grandfather, Oscar tells them the history of the dens and the role of the Omega through their beginnings. This story is a journey more of discovery and healing. I thought this story answered a lot of questions. I can't wait to see where the series goes from here now that we have all this new information. I wish I had a pinch of an imagination like Claire Cullen. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS FASCINATING SERIES!!!!!
April 21, 2018
This is a great book and I really enjoyed it. Oscar and Max are perfect for each other and I love how their relationship develops. Oscar was taught to fear all shifters that are predators so it takes a leap of faith for him to trust Max. I like how omegas have a special and useful place in this society and with Max's support Oscar's confidence in himself in his human form grows throughout the story. Oscar is amazing and he is able to shift into more than one form but he is happiest when he is an owl. Max is my favorite type of alpha in that he is strong, capable, protective and very loving towards his family and mate. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
April 22, 2018
Sweet
Sweet installment in the River Den series- we see Max and Oscar overcome their own personal demons. It’s a fairly quick read, and we see the new den slowly coming to life. I loved the story about the tattoos, and loved seeing the history of the dens in it. It could be me, but I just wasn’t as invested in Max and Oscar as I wanted to be. I adore this series and cannot wait for sweet Ollie’s turn at love.
Sweet installment in the River Den series- we see Max and Oscar overcome their own personal demons. It’s a fairly quick read, and we see the new den slowly coming to life. I loved the story about the tattoos, and loved seeing the history of the dens in it. It could be me, but I just wasn’t as invested in Max and Oscar as I wanted to be. I adore this series and cannot wait for sweet Ollie’s turn at love.
September 6, 2019
Happily screams...I love rabbit shifters so much. This is my second favorite book in the series. This couple was so heartwarming and made each other stronger. I've been eyeing max since he entered the series and I'm so happy to see him happily mated with oscar. I truly loved the world building in this book and love how the omegas can shift into multiple forms. This book was a roller coaster ride of emotions and I loved it.
November 29, 2019
The series is heating up!
I loved Max and Oscar’s story, perhaps more than the others. I just loved how they both struggled from their pasts and found a way despite everything. The world building is also going amazing and leading the series to what is going to be a terrifying yet spectacular event. This book furthered that plot so much, and I’m eager for the next book. When will Ollie find his mate?!
I loved Max and Oscar’s story, perhaps more than the others. I just loved how they both struggled from their pasts and found a way despite everything. The world building is also going amazing and leading the series to what is going to be a terrifying yet spectacular event. This book furthered that plot so much, and I’m eager for the next book. When will Ollie find his mate?!
November 7, 2020
2.5 Stars ~ Unfortunately, the author really lost me with this book. Each installment in this series has become a little more convoluted and Max and Oscar’s story really threw it out there.
This story was filled with more legends and hand-me-down stories about their origins and what happened to the dens... all good things except it was just randomly thrown out there with no true rhyme or reason.
This story was filled with more legends and hand-me-down stories about their origins and what happened to the dens... all good things except it was just randomly thrown out there with no true rhyme or reason.
April 27, 2018
This book is the 5th in a series about human shifters .
I really enjoyed this book to me this book was very emotional more so than the other's O love these brothers and their mate's . Every couple is unique and likable I can't wait to read about the last two brothers especially Ollie make it happen author lol .
I really enjoyed this book to me this book was very emotional more so than the other's O love these brothers and their mate's . Every couple is unique and likable I can't wait to read about the last two brothers especially Ollie make it happen author lol .
November 24, 2021
Their World Comes Together
While Max is busy creating his new den, he meets his omega, Oscar. They have many trials and stumbling blocks to overcome, but they manage to come out stronger. They realize that Oscar is the missing piece to their quest to restore the shifter world. There are still challenges ahead, to be met in book six.
While Max is busy creating his new den, he meets his omega, Oscar. They have many trials and stumbling blocks to overcome, but they manage to come out stronger. They realize that Oscar is the missing piece to their quest to restore the shifter world. There are still challenges ahead, to be met in book six.
January 10, 2023
A great story of inner strength, perseverance and instinct
Max has had to unthinkable to stay alive. Now he has to challenge himself to fight for his future. Oscar has to realize his strength and compassion is what makes him the stronger & role model for the future. Two can build a better future. MM Romance
Max has had to unthinkable to stay alive. Now he has to challenge himself to fight for his future. Oscar has to realize his strength and compassion is what makes him the stronger & role model for the future. Two can build a better future. MM Romance
April 17, 2018
A pregnant flying owl. A lot happened in this book and I enjoyed it but all I can think of is the poor pregnant owl! Good story - a little sad and a lot happy. Part of a series but reads well as a standalone.
April 19, 2018
Sweet and endearing
I like the premise of the shifter mythology that's emerging in this series. While Max and Oscars story was sweet and endearing, I found the ever evolving emergence of the shifter history to be most informative for the continuation of the series
I like the premise of the shifter mythology that's emerging in this series. While Max and Oscars story was sweet and endearing, I found the ever evolving emergence of the shifter history to be most informative for the continuation of the series
September 9, 2018
Enjoyed
This book had a more series to be than the others.... It was still very enjoyable...what I liked most was leaning the shifter history and how they ended up like they are.... Off to the next book...
This book had a more series to be than the others.... It was still very enjoyable...what I liked most was leaning the shifter history and how they ended up like they are.... Off to the next book...
April 24, 2023
Never a reason to get CROSSED about this book.
Ok, Book Five was just as enjoyable as the previous books, but this one was a shade darker, with a little more angst; but so worth the discomfort. I'm so looking forward to each book I've yet to read, or been published yet.
Ok, Book Five was just as enjoyable as the previous books, but this one was a shade darker, with a little more angst; but so worth the discomfort. I'm so looking forward to each book I've yet to read, or been published yet.
August 31, 2024
Oscar is the epitome of anxious people being the most stubborn people.
April 19, 2018
Loved it 💖
I really enjoyed Max and Oscar's story and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, I hope it's Ollie's turn because he has waited so long.
I really enjoyed Max and Oscar's story and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, I hope it's Ollie's turn because he has waited so long.
May 27, 2018
Love Oscar and Max! I want to her about the bears and Ollie soon.
October 18, 2018
The story didn't grab me, once put aside I forgot about it and never finished.
November 26, 2018
3,5 stars
May 20, 2019
I am enjoying this series. Well written with well developed characters.
August 24, 2021
Good reads
I have really enjoyed this series following the way things are being reversed looking forward to the last book in the series Thankyou
I have really enjoyed this series following the way things are being reversed looking forward to the last book in the series Thankyou
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews