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Shifting Destinies

Claiming the Wolf Princess

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Darkness rises and darkness comes.
With it, the House of Conri falls.


Brokenhearted, non-shifter Rory Conri returns home to the Wolfden enclave. There's only one thing she knows will help take her mind off of her ex: the annual Summer Solstice Ball. But those plans are shattered when her parents, the Wolf King and his Consort, forbid her from attending. Their refusal stems from the fear of her curse—a ruinous birthright that prophesized the downfall of the Conri line the day Rory takes a mate.

Determined, Rory sneaks into the ball anyway. There's no reason for them to worry. Conris only mate wolves, and no one would ever want a non-shifter without a wolf inside. But when a tall and ripped masked stranger claims that she's his mate, Rory questions the life of solitude that her parents have thrust upon her.

Adrien Bloodwing hates suits and masks, and he especially hates balls. Forced to attend by his dragon clan leader, Adrien dreads every second he's at the Summer Solstice Ball until the fleeting scent of his mate catches his attention. He is immediately drawn in by her sultry curves and shocked when she tells him about some silly curse she carries. It's a lie. At least he believed it was before she practically dropped dead in his arms after an innocent kiss.

With Rory whisked away, Adrien is determined to save and protect his mate while also clearing his name of murder. But things only darken as the pair begin to unravel the lies of Rory's past. Together, the two will have to face an evil that has haunted her entire life or forever be torn apart.

~~~
Step into the world of Shifting Destinies, where the men and women you meet might just be a little more than human. Their towns are protected by magic, and their hearts are open and ready for love. But watch your step - more than darkness lurks in the shadows.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2018

541 people are currently reading
185 people want to read

About the author

Cecilia Lane

53 books221 followers
If you'd like to be notified of new releases and special sales, subscribe here: http://cecilialane.com/CLML

Cecilia grew up in a what most call paradise, but she insists is humid hell. She escaped the heat with weekly journeys to the library, where she learned the basics of slaying dragons, magical abilities, and grand adventures.

When it became apparent she wouldn’t be able to travel the high seas with princes or party with rock star vampires, Cecilia hunkered down to create her own worlds filled with sexy people in complicated situations. She now writes with the support of her own sexy man and many interruptions from her goofy dog.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,408 reviews234 followers
February 27, 2019
"This isn't about the curse, is it?"
Of course it was about the curse. Every single moment of her life was about the curse. All decisions made for her pointed back to the curse. It dangled like a sword over her head anytime she tried to make a place for herself in Wolfden.

Another 4.5 star shifter read!

Cecilia Lane, I am so amazingly happy to have found your lovely shifter novels! These novellas are filled with such heart and depth, and I am quickly becoming obsessed with the worlds and characters you have created.

CLAIMING THE WOLF PRINCESS is a loose retelling of Disney's Sleeping Beauty, with Rory acting as our cursed princess and Adrien, the dragon shifter, playing the part of her sworn mate and protector. I absolutely loved how protective and dedicated Adrien is towards Rory; he believes in his connection with his mate above all else and is willing to do anything to ensure her safety--wolf curses be damned. Rory has been beaten down and shunned by her parents her entire life, so she is hesitant at first to trust in Adrien's sincerity, but his steadfast nature quickly wins her over and ultimately allows her to find something that has been taken from her. Their road to freedom is far from easy however, and they are repeatedly torn apart by old friends and new enemies. The ending had me on the edge of my seat, dying to see how it would end, but I am happy with how everything turned out. Definitely recommend this series and this author!

My Adrien Bloodwing, the moody and possessive dragon shifter...
Profile Image for Cindi.
1,716 reviews84 followers
March 20, 2019
This is a nice enough novella but I ended it feeling like I had missed most of the story. Everything happens WAY too fast.

Rory is cursed. She's a non-shifter in a royal wolf family. For that reason she's kept hidden from society. Everyone knows she exists but they treat her as if she's beneath them. She arrives home a day earlier than expected for a planned visit with the intention of attending her parents' Summer Solstice Ball. Dear old Mom and Dad forbid her from attending. She goes anyway. When she's spotted by her parents' enforcers she runs right into a gorgeous man who claims to be her mate. Of course this confuses Rory as she's been told her whole life that she has no wolf and wouldn't be mated to anybody. And who would want a non-shifter anyway in a land of nothing but wolves?

That would be Adrien, and he's definitely not a wolf.

Adrien is a dragon shifter and he scents his mate the minute he walks into the ballroom with his twin. When it looks like Rory is about to be caught by the enforcers he pulls her away and keeps her hidden. That is, until he kisses her at midnight and things go all kinds of wrong.

I liked Adrien right off. I liked Rory. I even liked Rory's brother Finn (her parents' golden child) even though he had a few moments. Rory's mother and father are jerks, as are most of the other characters in the book. There's a fae queen that had me more confused than anything else. I understood what the point of the fae queen was but it was all so rush, rush that I simply didn't feel that part of the story.

Not a bad book. Just way too rushed. I wanted to know more about the characters. I feel that the little bit told about their backstories fell flat. I wanted more of Adrien. Perhaps there's more in future stories in the series. Maybe I'll check them out. I'm curious to see what happens with Finn.




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Profile Image for Jai.
170 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2018
This was a really good read. My only gripe is that I wish it was longer. Each character seem to flow very well with one another and I love the fact the heroine was not an irritating twit. Plenty of action, lots of love and a great storyline. Definitely would recommend this book. It was enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Mary Clark.
799 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2018
This is a very well-written intriguing shifter story and one I enjoyed reading immensely. Adrien and his dragon thought they had found their mate once, but when she disappears man and dragon become separated and Adrien leads a lonely life. For some inexplicable reason Rory returns home early and attends the ball against her parents’ express wishes. Fate finds a way to reunite the two and break Rory’s curse. This is an excellent book and one I would have no hesitation in recommending.

Rory might have the name and title of Wolf Princess, but no one treated her like a royal Conri. Her brother Finn is the only one to truly accept her, but while he revels in being an arrogant princeling, Rory is hidden away outside the Enclave, only welcome home at holidays; all because she is shiftless. There were no secrets in Wolfden and Rory’s early arrival home hasn’t gone unnoticed; it had been a spur of the moment decision on her part, plus Rory didn’t want to spend her birthday alone. Rory had driven home early so as to be part of the Annual Summer Solstice Ball. Rory soon regrets her decision; she didn’t belong in Wolfden and her parents didn’t want her in the Enclave or at their precious Solstice Ball. Cursed, shiftless, it didn’t matter; she was nothing to them. Adrien eyed the gathering crowd with apprehension while his brother peered at them more adoringly. Adrien hated Wolfden, his twin and Gideon the Leader of the Bloodwings for making him attend the ball; he has no patience for politics or his silent dragon. Rory notices Adrien the moment she steps onto the landing of the grand staircase and the attraction is immediate. As Adrien glances up at Rory his dragon rumbles loudly in his head; he has found his mate. Cursed Conri she might be, but no one would take her away from him. As the bells chime through the night, they herald Rory’s birthday; it is perfect timing, a new year and a new life with Adrien. Collapsing, Rory can see, hear and think, but her body refuses to move. Adrien is the only one convinced Rory is not dead; she had healed him with one kiss and pushed him and his dragon back together again. Now Adrien will do anything to stop her pack from burning her alive. The curse was right in one aspect; he would bring the House of Conri to its knees to keep his mate out of their clutches. His mate still hasn’t awoken, but some instinct keeps Adrien at the cave. Darkness and fire swirls in Rory’s head. One was her wolf and one was her mate and she didn’t want to lose either; they were the missing pieces that would make her complete. Adrien is her mate, her other half and the one destined to match her in every way and she cannot wait to begin her life with him. As they claim one another, the curse is broken. But fate isn’t quite done with Adrien or Rory. The Fae Queen, Iona, threatened his mate once; she wouldn’t be allowed a second opportunity. His dragon demands blood and vengeance, but Finn leads Adrien into a trap. To Finn it is an honest bargain; Adrien’s life for the lives of his pack. Too much had already been taken from Rory that day; she wouldn’t lose her mate too. But Iona’s magic is too strong; no one can break free of it and no one moves to help Rory when Adrien attacks her. One last touch, that is all Rory wants; it brings Adrien to his senses and breaks the spell bewitching everyone. Rory’s wolf surges forward, the need to protect herself and everyone around them becomes her only desire. Rory howls her victory to her pack, even though the knowledge of her parents betrayal hurts. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.



Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
June 28, 2019
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

CLAIMING THE WOLF PRINCESS is part of the Shifting Destinies universe. While this story is novella length it does pack a powerful tale into that smaller framework. There is a point where this story has a strong Sleeping Beauty feel to it – and that unusual twist is part of the reason why I will always turn to a story by Cecilia Lane.

Rory is a princess born into a shifter family yet has never shifted into or felt her wolf form. Unfortunately, she was cursed at birth by a Fae and her parents strongly believe in that curse and have practically abandoned Rory who is seen as less than any other member of the pack and is often looked down upon in pity or completely dismissed as unimportant because, after all, that’s how her parents – the King and Queen – treat her. Only her brother, Finn stands with her, and even then when it’s convenient for him. She’s returned home a day early due to some drama in Denver and she’s going to go to the Summer Solstice Ball even if her parents forbid it. She has no idea that defying them is going to change her world forever.

Adrien is everything I adore about dragon shifters. Handsome and sexy, of course, but prideful in a strong way, determined to protect his mate at any cost, and stubborn until the end of time. He’s going to need all of those qualities as he fights for his mate against all odds.

I had a very good time with CLAIMING THE WOLF PRINCESS. It’s a quick-ish read but the story is compelling, Rory and Adrian are richly described characters who just work as a couple. There is a very real danger, questions finally answered, and an eventual happy ending for our couple. If you love a good Shifter Romance then this is one you’ll want to check out.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
1,240 reviews10 followers
June 6, 2018
Claiming the Wolf Princess is a stand-alone romance set within the Shifting Destinies universe. Rory is cursed, having no Wolf and knowing she’ll never find a mate. Often feeling shunned from Wolfden, she attends her first Summer Solstice Ball on the eve of her birthday, and is shocked she feels a pull towards a dark stranger. Adrien knows immediate that she is his mate, but doesn’t understand the curse. After their first kiss, she falls as though dead, but he knows she’s not. What soon follows is a fight for their relationship, a fight for their very lives, and a fight to find love in all of the darkness.

Oh my goodness, this book was so fabulous! It was like a fairytale, mixed with shifters, add in a lot of passion and love, with some highly emotional scenes, with power plays and... it was a shorter story that captured my attention and my heart. I loved this book. Rory was dealt such a crappy hand from her family and pack mates, but she had so much spirit and love and joy to give. Adrien was kind of broody, but dang, did he fight for what was his and what he loved! I loved the two of them together, so passionate and so deserving of the love they could only find through a mate. The curse was really interesting and the mystery of the missing wolf made everything even better! I’m curious to see if Rory’s brother will find a mate and I can’t wait to see what will come next in this universe! Fantastic book!
Profile Image for Poetic Puppy.
312 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2018
Rory is the curse princess. Unable to shift and being the harbinger of doom for her pack should she ever find a mate, she’s been kept on the outskirts of what should be her pack. She’s never even attended the Summer Solstice Ball before, but all that’s set to change when she returns home early. Will her mate be there? And if he is, will she trigger the curse her family fears?

I’m not the biggest fan of novellas but I keep giving them the benefit of the doubt and it’s ones like this that make me do it, as every once in a while you find one that’s exceptional. There’s really nothing to complain about with this one. It’s well written, thorough and doesn’t leave you with questions. It might however wish you hoping for a sequel.

I couldn’t help but think of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ while reading this one. It’s not a bad thing but something to consider if you’re not a fan of twisted fairytales. But it’s not just sleeping beauty, as you have shifters too; wolves, bears and dragons. It’s not something that put me off of the story, but I couldn’t help but mentally draw up comparisons between the two while reading. You won’t find any dwarves but you will find an overprotective sibling, some cold parents and some loyal clan members.

I’m not sure if I’ll be continuing with the series, as bears aren’t my favourite shifters, but I’ll be looking into one of the dragon related series in the future.
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews26 followers
June 6, 2018
Rory should have been the Conri wolf princess but due to a curse at birth she is shiftless. Her parents keep her separate from the pack since the curse came with a prophecy. The day she finds her mate, the line of Conri will fall. Rory has been sent away for school as so as she was old enough. Then right before her birthday, she discovers her boyfriend betrayal and returns home hoping for support from her family. She wants to attend the masked mating ball her family is having as a human to distract her from her emotions but her family forbids her to go. Rory lies to her parents and sneaks in anyway.
Adrian is a dragon shifter whose clan is having a rough time. His twin brother has said some negative things about their alpha so both brothers are being kept busy doing the Alpha's bidding. Adrian has been having problems with his dragon ever since a few months ago, he thought he scented his mate in Denver. However the scent quickly disappeared. Now Adrian and his brother are forced to mating ball for diplomatic reasons. Adrian is dreading the whole evening until he meets Rory. Rory is the mate he scented in Denver. Now that Adrian has found her, he refuses to give Rory up.
This is a great story involving fated mates and a curse. Watching the curse unfold has lots of twists and turns. I really enjoyed this story and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kereana.
188 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2019
Hmmmm

I think the story line was good
The wolf Princess was shift less, meaning she didn't have a wolf and is pretty much human. Her parents, the kind and queen seemed to be ashamed of her so they pretty much hid her away. Then 1 day she finds out that her human bf was cheating so she decided to go home back to the pack a day early, which happens to be the night of the ball that her parent held every year (which she has never been allowed to attend). Anyways at this ball she stumbles upon her mate, who happens to be a dragon shifter. They kiss and thn nxt minute she drops to the floor and ever1 but her mate thinks she's dead. This is where all the action begins.
I liked it and wanted to know more, I kept coming up with new questions and I really like that. However I think the story should have been a bit longer. It seemed a bit rushed in some parts and I think it shld have been dragged out a little longer. I no she was in her coma/dead state for over a week but breaking into the case seemed like a 5min job if that if u get my meaning. Also some parts I was a little confused, like the story jumps a little. One min I thought the dragon was in the air and nxt min he wasnt maybe I read it a little too fast or something I dnt no
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
June 8, 2018
Rory Conri is a non - shifter cursed at birth my a fae queen. The prophecy is if she ever takes a mate it will be the end of the Conri line. So she is sent away to school, lives away from the pack and is never a part of them . After a break up with a human she comes home a day early in time for the summer solstice ball but she is forbidden to attend by her parents the king and his consort. . Ha like that is going to stop her. She goes anyways. Her reason? Conri's wolves only mare wolves and she is a non-shifter safer! Well nope.
Adrien Bloodwing hates balls, suits and masks. He is forced to attend this ball by his dragon clan leader and is hating every second of it until he catches the scent of his mate.
Oh wow the twist and turns in this story is great. I love the characters. It's full of action, betrayal, mystery, intrigued, drama, and so much more. It's one of those books you just don't want to end. I loved it.
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.
Profile Image for Karen Shortridge.
1,459 reviews19 followers
August 1, 2018
Rory is a princess but cursed by a Fae at birth unable to shift and would bring her pack down should she ever find a mate, she has been kept on the outside of what should be her pack/ her family. She was never allowed to go to the Summer Solstice Ball or any other social gathering as her family knew the repercussions. All that changes when she returns home early determined to be a part of it...…. What if her mate is there, will she trigger the curse her family desperately fears ??????
You have shifter wolves, bears and dragons, an overprotective sibling, cold parents and some loyal clan members and a great story.
Profile Image for Sue MacKenzie.
1,688 reviews15 followers
June 7, 2018
She outdoes herself with every new story.

Again this author has drawn me into another world with her imagination.
I love the way all of her books tend to link together in some way and it makes it more realistic having the memories to fall back on when reading a new one of her books.
The seamless blending of two soles/mates of two different species is really starting to bring me back for more and more of her stories.
Cecilia has outdone herself again in letting us share in her wonderful imagination and as usual I will be waiting restlessly for more.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
June 7, 2018
This is a short, interesting quick read but I really enjoyed read it. This book offers a variety of twists, drama, intrigue, suspense, action, wolf shifters, dragon shifters, fae, family betrayal, a curse, mates, determination, conflict, lust, passion, love & steamy scenes. The story-line and plot is well-thought out and written, the pace is steady and not rushed. The characters have needs and desires according to their personality. I would recommend this book.
“I received a complimentary copy, so I could give my honest opinion”
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,294 reviews4 followers
June 7, 2018
Claiming the Wolf Princess by Cecilia Lane is a wonderful paranormal novella. The story is full of emotion, family, betrayal, magic, shifters, dragons, heartache and love. This is s a short book that can be read in an afternoon, yet it's packed full of excitement. Adrien and Rory's story has everything a full length novel has packed into it. I can see this story growing into a series about the Wolfden and the Bloodwings very easily. I received an ARC from the author. This is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for MooseGirl.
792 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2021
Rory was cursed as a baby and doesn't really belong with her pack. She is unable to shift and there is talk of the pack being destroyed should she ever take a mate. As a result, she is banned from attending the solstice ball. When she goes anyway, she is drawn to one of the guests. Adrian Bloodwing isn't thrilled to be at the ball until he realises his mate is there.

I liked this story, but it wasn't quite as good as many of the author's other books. There seemed to be a lot going on very quickly, but not enough attention was given to any of it.
Profile Image for Jan Janus.
871 reviews15 followers
June 6, 2018
You wouldn't expect that from someone who is to love you unconditionally. Amazing story-line. We are all familiar with some of the characters in here from other books. Princess cast-away not of her own choice, doesn't fit in with her own family. Then along comes a dragon that swoops her off her feet, Literally. Amazing read and I highly recommend it.

I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book for review.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,923 reviews15 followers
June 6, 2018
This short fated mate story resides in the same mythology of the Bearden books, but now we are in Wolfden. Unlike Bearden with their human like government, Wolfden is run by the Conri King. Like the saying goes though power corrupts, and their daughter Rory is paying the price. But fate is the final equalizer. This afternoon read has action, intrigue, and a sexy romance in a well told story hat leaves you with a smile.
Profile Image for Christine.
10.8k reviews33 followers
June 7, 2018
Arc review For honest review. Rory is a wolf princesses but she cannot shift due to a curse that a Fay cast on her at birth that's says darkness rises, in darkness comes, with it the house of Conri will falls. I curse this baby at her mother's breast when she finds her mate will be Wolfdens's last . When she was banned from the solstice she sneaks in where she finds her mate a bloodwing Dragon shifter named adrien her mate. This is their story. This is 10 stars. Story.
Profile Image for Sharon Richmond.
1,118 reviews11 followers
July 11, 2018
Loved This Book

Claiming the Wolf Princess by Cecilia Lane. 5 Stars

Sweet!! Now here is a story that makes you laugh, gasp and Ahh. I really enjoyed reading about Cal and Mariss journey from a one night affair to ten years later when they meet again. It's what happens next that grabs your attention.

Mature readers and a hand fan required, lol.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book by its author. Reviewer for Nook Books and Mire Blog.
Profile Image for Rebecca Stigers.
1,356 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2018
She's cursed! Or is she? They don't want her around, her parent's, but her brother loves her. Who is that stranger watching her at the ball that she's not supposed to be at? They are after her...her parents and their enforcers. They want to throw her out but she runs with "her" stranger. Good storyline and great characters.
Profile Image for Rickie.
457 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2018
Very well written and made me feel a kaleidoscope of emotions with the way Rory's parents treated her. But the truth of why she was shiftless wasn't as it was told. Aiden was definitely the one to bring her full circle, and not only because she was his mate. The action and suspense kept me involved right up to the last page. Kudos to Lane! A short, sweet read that you want to keep on reading.
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,326 reviews20 followers
July 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this quick paced story and want to thank the author for offering it on the Kindle Unlimited program.

The characters are good and the plot is solid. Some twists and turns give it a fairy tale feeling. I wish it were a little longer but it does give a complete story including a nice wrap up at the end. Grab this little gem and enjoy
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews27 followers
March 4, 2019
Please see the real me

Full of dragons, wolves and Fae, this book is sure to get your attention. It’s a little bit of a twist to an old tale. A curse, a mate, a sleep and evil doers at every turn. You won’t know where to look, but I’m sure you will enjoy the journey to the HEA. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Julie.
1,641 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2019
Very interesting read. I have read part of the Bearden stories and others of her work.
Good storyline and twist/turns. The end felt a little rushed to me.
I liked that she was making a life outside the enclave, but understood how she felt a need to be there also.
There wasn't quite enough detail on what is going on with the dragons, so I wasn't quite sure about Aiden's family and friends.
Profile Image for Julie Jackson.
2,312 reviews10 followers
June 12, 2018
Rory is the outcast and she knows it. When she meets Adrien, he makes everything seem possible. Together they have handle anything that comes their way. Awesome writing with a storyline that will tug at your heartstrings.
2,226 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2018
Foyle that curse

Cursed at birth Rory has never known her wolf. Then Adrian shows up and her life will never be the same. Good thing she has her brother as well because betrayal is handled better when you are surrounded with love.
Profile Image for Natalie.
4,806 reviews13 followers
June 26, 2018
Claiming the Wolf Princess

Her parents are deplorable. I'm too of that they made it seem as if she was never born with a wolf or that it was the fae queen who had taken her wolf. I'm glad her mate fixed that.
Profile Image for Obsessed.
340 reviews43 followers
July 9, 2018
I’m usually a big fan of the “fated mate” style of stories, but this one didn’t impress me. I didn’t care much about the characters, and it felt shallow and pretentious at the same time. I would not recommend.
1,535 reviews14 followers
September 19, 2018
Awesome book

This story was incredible,outstanding,exciting and just plain awesome!!.It has a great storyline with awesome characters 😊!. Cecilia is a very talented writer with an incredible imagination.!
Profile Image for  BookwormMomma7.
971 reviews
February 9, 2019
Magical

If you like paranormal books this baby is Magical! Rory and Adrien’s story is superb and a quick read. You get hooked right away and have new parts of the story pop up and keep you reading. Absolutely loved it:
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