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Honey Creek Den #5

Gage's Serenity

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Not everything in life turns out how you expect it to. Sheriff’s Deputy Gage has always felt as if he didn’t quite belong where he was in life. After he lost his parents several years ago, he felt completely alone and often didn’t involve himself with the rest of his den beyond what was absolutely needed. He did what he could to try to fit in, but it never seemed to work, and he constantly messed things up.

Linus fled the only home he ever knew and traveled thousands of miles with his parents trying to escape the evil clutches of Alpha Hank, who was out to end all male omegas. On what should have been the worse day of Linus’ life, he scents something truly wonderful. His mate. Only Gage has been seriously injured in the confrontation with Hank. Would fate be so cruel to give Linus his mate, only to immediately take him away?

When everyone thinks Linus is too young and distraught to mate, Gage reluctantly agrees that he’s not what Linus needs just then, even if his mate is going into heat after having spent a night in bed with him. Things go haywire and consequences are unlike any the den has experienced before. Through it all, Gage and Linus discover each other, and that they are a stronger couple than either of them could have ever imagined. They’ll have to be to get through what fate has thrown at them.

Gage’s Serenity is book five in the Honey Creek Den Series. Each book contains a fated mate pair, Mpreg, lots of knotting during growly sexy times, and babies. Did I mention babies and pregnant omegas? So many pregnant omegas! These alphas will do anything for their mates, just read and see. The Honey Creek Den Series is meant to be read in order, and these books aren’t necessarily considered standalones, even though each book focuses on a different couple. This book is intended for adults only as these shifters tend to get growly and don’t watch their language.
42,000 words

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2018

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About the author

Taylor Rylan

95 books515 followers
M/M PNR Romance Author 📖
Multitasker
Coffee addict ☕️☕️☕️
Loves unicorns, dragons, pets, and HEAs 🦄🐱🐶🐱🐱🩷

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5 stars
458 (45%)
4 stars
327 (32%)
3 stars
168 (16%)
2 stars
37 (3%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,786 reviews163 followers
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed all the previous books from this series and had big expectations for this one. I was not happy. There is nothing wrong with the book. It was well written and full of secondary story lines that only added to it. I was happy to follow up on the lives of all the shifters of Honey Creek.

Gage. From the beginning of the series he was ridiculed and put down, the words and comments about him were not complimentary at all. I was already predisposed not to like him. This book didn't make him any better for me. All the drama that was in the book was very unimaginative and I skimmed a lot of pages. Even s*e*x didn't hold much of my interest here.

Linus. He was new to me and although he have gone through a traumatic event of losing his parents I couldn't find much to like about him either. There was a lot of whining. I hate whining both in books and in life!

The whole plot revolved around whiny Linus who could not get pregnant like everyone else. That's it. I found myself skimming more and more closer to the end of the book. I am sorry to write a review this bad but I am really disappointed this time. So much anticipation through random snippets from the author, I kind of made this image in my head of what it's going to be like and Bam! so not what the reality was. I recommend the series. It's a very nice read. But this book is not.
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,583 reviews
June 20, 2018
3 stars


Gage's Serenity runs the same timeline as Grayson's Enlightenment.

This was a quick read but all the back and for whining both characters were doing I did some quick skimming and read some. It was an OK read but I was disappointed that this might be the ending of the series. I hope we can get book 6 about Aticus and Brice.
Profile Image for Jessi  Thomas.
210 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2023
Once again another good book in the series, it was nice to see a change from the instantly mate and have a pregnancy.

One fault I do keep seeing in this series is with some conversations it feels like they needlessly repeat information over again for no reason. Other than that it is an enjoyable book to read.
Profile Image for Amanda Quarles.
2,169 reviews44 followers
December 11, 2022
Gage's Serenity

Gage and Linus were absolutely adorable. Gage is not your typical alpha in that he gets lost in his own head a lot of the times, lol. Linus even though he's really really young is wise for his age. He loves Gage and all his quirks. I was really sad for them for a moment but then things finally happened for them.
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,611 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2019
I love this series. A mpreg story set around the Honey Creek Den. This story is about Alpha grizzly Gage and his little omega mate Linus a beautiful arctic fox. A sad beginning to their story but more beautiful babies.
Profile Image for M..
476 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2019
This book brought on many tears. Poor Linus (omega, arctic fox) he’d just lost his parents & he was struggling to get pregnant. Oh and he is super young. So yeah, his character could get a little annoying at times. Gage (Alpha, grizzly), I’d say he has traits resembling ADHD. He is easily distracted, forgetful, and has a hard time staying on task. A “bumbling Bear” is what he tends to refer to himself as. This wasn’t my favorite book of the series but it’s still worth a read.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,027 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2018
Shifter m/m romance

3 stars (or maybe 2.5 since this was least favorite in this series)

This book was all the things I hate about the vast majority of shifter mpreg romances. It was just boring and unnecessary. The only story was the mating, pregnancy, and birth. The other books in this series at least had a conflict or overarching storyline. The whole time I honestly thought something was going to be going on with Gage- like a medical issue or someone poisoning him or using magic against him to make him forgetful but that was also nothing. The author eludes to multiple new pairings so I'm interested in if these stories will have a conflict or just be boy meets boy, boy gets knocked up, and babies.

I still gave this book 3 (2.5) stars because it was an ok story. The things I dislike about it are personal preference items but otherwise it was well written with few grammatical or spelling errors.

I believe the next book is a spin off type series and I will read it to see if we get any conflict but I would not reread this book.
Profile Image for Daverba.
188 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2025
Love Gage
I love, love this book. Ryker's book used to be my favorite but this book became my
new favorite. Can't wait to read other books from this series.
Profile Image for Deirdre.
1,571 reviews17 followers
July 30, 2018
Distracted Undeserving Mate

Let me start by saying I was so apprehensive as I slowly read this story, that this was the last book in the series. But as the story progressed new shifters were introduced, as well as some key secondary characters never finding their mate (yet?). I hope that means the author plans more for us Honey Creek Den fans.

I see why readers of the series were so happy to read Linus and Gage's story. It was slow build, sweet, problematic, yet just right. Taylor Rylan knows how to present Alphas that are not just one dimensional big macho controlling know it all types. Her Alphas have depth, interesting back stories, and can be insecure. Luckily the rest of the Den Alphas & even some of the Omegas are there to freely give solicited and unsolicited advice.

I really like how the Age Difference pairings written by Rylan don't automatically mean that the oldest one is always the one with all the answers. Her characters aren't perfect, but it's their flaws & how they overcome obstacles despite possessing them which makes for a wonderful reading experience. Gage has been portrayed as a bumbling distracted erratic Sheriff's deputy. He never really seemed close with anyone in the Den, despite being a part of it since it's inception. I was hoping for an understanding mate for Gage. Someone who would end his loneliness / isolation.

Linus in spite of his youth was perfect for Gage. He definitely fulfilled his needs, desires, and boosted his self esteem. Each time Gage doubted himself Linus was there to reassure him that he (Linus) was the fortunate one to find his mate so early. This was especially lucky for Linus seeing when as he'd lost so much prior to Gage coming into his life - when Linus needed him the most.

This is most certainly a Mpreg romance. This book dealt with the issue of infertility between mates. A very difficult condition for any couple to handle, but it seems even harder for fated mates. I really enjoyed how the author dealt with this delicate topic, within a Den of shifters that included several mated couples (and their children) - where nothing remains private, even the pain of not conceiving. I know some people didn't like this story, but I loved it. It showed just how much of a family the Den turned out to be.

Now what about War's brother Orin? Hhhhmmmm?
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,114 reviews15 followers
December 13, 2023
A great series more the shifter, magic and life lessons!

This series Honey Creek Den Series - A Paranormal Shifter Series

Several couple find their mate but unexpected means but "perfect timing", even if they disagree.

Book 1 Arik is a tiger shifter and his twin is a warlock. War the den Alpha the day he needs miracles he gets a gift.  This book hit home when you think you have had a bad day - was it life or death? Then a reminder it could be worse. Keep your cup grateful you have ONE to fill up (not half full or half empty but a place to start). 

Book 2 Troy shifter and Dens second in command and Elliot a warlock Rain & Erik brother. This is a great book to honor and be true to yourself is the best gift. To learn your lessons from past mistakes and to not repeat them.

Book 3 Ryker is a park ranger and a shifter & meets warlock and Arik's twin. The worry is Rain disappears upon meeting. This is the best reminder not to " assume" but to communicate to protect the heart & head from spinning.

Book 4 Grayson and Hai both shifters and both working as rangers. This story is standing up for your beliefs or see out dated and hateful beliefs threaten a future. Self confidence is something most have to work to accomplish.

Book 5 Deputy Gage shifter and Linus a young shifter that lost his entire family and has an injuries mate trying to give space. This is a great book for knowing family may be 1 or more but living and planning future is important but living in moment helps to heal the heart!

Book 6 Jules shifter+ and Orin shifter and War the Alpha brother. Orin didn't want to wait for a fated mate but had unrequited love. A year returns to pack and a lost pack seeking sanctuary brings a treasure. This is the best story for perseverance and never to give up.

Would have like a story for Brice shifter and Attic us a human - can't wait til their story?

MM romance with shifter with some variety I liked.

Profile Image for Claudia Lezár.
1,409 reviews40 followers
December 20, 2019
3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
1,222 reviews9 followers
September 4, 2020
Claiming your mate the right way makes all the difference!

This series keeps getting better & better! The saga continues. There are matings, babies galore, and surprises. You will love this book!
Amidst tragedy, there is joy. Linus has just lost his parents. At just 18, he doesn't expect to find his fated mate the same day. Gage almost died fighting to protect the Den. He scents his Mate from his recovery bed. Being absentminded and fumbling, Gage doesn't think he deserves a mate. But his bear knows better. He knows that Linus needs to be comforted and protected. These two start out rocky. A confused claiming adds to their angst. But with the help of good friends, things will smooth out the way fate intended. Ooh, and did I mention babies? Lots of babies! And a Valentine's Day to remember!
This is a continuation of the series. I recommend reading the previous books in order. You will be glad you did. I can't wait to read the next book.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,733 reviews15 followers
June 15, 2018
I wanted this to be so much better than it was

I was a bit disappointed in this book. I actually bought the series because I was intrigued by the blurb for this book, and I've enjoyed all of the previous books.

I think that my biggest complaint is that the story didn't actually match the title. I was wanting to see Gage really come into his own and become the asset to the den and to the Sheriff's Department that he clearly can be after finding Linus and serenity. That may have happened, but if so, it was never a part of the narrative; there were, at most, a couple of allusions to its possibility.

I also would have thought that it would have given the book a bit more veracity if Linus maintained hope of becoming pregnant at least for six months. I realize that he expected a mating night pregnancy, but even though he wasn't a bear, you'd think that with his own mother's history, he would assume that he might face the same difficulties without despairing.
Profile Image for Rachel Rā Chel.
147 reviews
September 29, 2023
2.5
Sinceramente aunque el libro me gusto, no fue de mis favoritos, amo a Linus y es de mis personajes favoritos de todos los que he leido en estos libros, es simplemente hermoso y bellos, pero durante todo el libros senti su constante necesidad de buscar compañia o apego hacia alguien, despues de la muerte de sus padres y de encontrarse con Cage senti como si viera en Cage su solucion a no quedarse sin nadie a no quedarse solo y su constante necesidad de quedar embarazado no se debia solo a que el queria tener hijos si no mas bien a que queria darle hijos a Cage senti que lo creia una necesidad muy grande casi casi una obligación aunque Cage constantemente le recordaba que lo amaba y que no le importaba tener o no tener hijos. Pero de resto su historia fue muy tierna y realmente se amaban mucho y con el tiempo llegaron a comprenderse mutuamente.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mak ♡.
1,171 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2024

. . .
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
Hot: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
É uma leitura F(. . .), desculpe pela palavra, eu amei 🖤. . .
Amei! Linus teve o pior dia da sua vida, seus pais estavam mortos e agora, ele devia levar uma bandeija de comida, e bom lá deitado estava seu companheiro, choque, mas tudo estava ocorrendo como deveria. Gage estava se recuperando, quando ele chegou e seu cheiro é perfeito, seu pequeno companheiro, uma doce e linda raposa. Mas bom tudo não começou como deveria, pois uma distância e uma reivindicação ao contrario, meio que dificulta a situação, mas nada de um feiticeiro não possa resolver, e tudo voltou a correr como deve, baby a caminho e felicidade para todos. 🥰🤭 que venha o próximo livro. . . Boa Leitura 😘
Profile Image for Pamela Cunningham.
723 reviews
January 24, 2022
This is the fifth book in the : Honey Creek Den Book Series

Another sweet yet fun read this time we have Gage one of Wars deputy's . And a young fox named Linus these two meet right after the events of Book five . Gage has been seriously injured and Linus has just lost his parents to a ambush from Alpha Hank and his crazy crew . So although this was a tragic event it turned out to be a blessing also . These two need each other both of them have lost their parents in tragic circumstances . All in all this was a cute read although I never get an explanation about why Gage is so scatter brained I wish the Author had cleared that up .
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
June 16, 2018
Gage and Linus are sweet and sexy...

Linus just lost his parents but the fates have blessed him with his Fated Mate the same day. Gage is hurt but healing and his strength and love will help Linus thru his devastating loss. But they have some obsticles ahead... Linus is just 18 and not everyone is sure he is ready to mate. But the fates know what they were doing...

Gage and Linus are absolutely adorable in their love story. The Honey Creek Den series is amazing and I definitely recommend this book and series!.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,377 reviews9 followers
March 20, 2022
Gage, the Barney Fife of the Honey Creek sheriff's office, gets his mate. An almost too young, barely legal omega artic fox, Linus hasn't even gone into his first heat yet. Plus his parents just got murdered defending the alpha mate, the omegas and babies from Hank's followers. When den alpha and sheriff, War, warns Gage away from his omega, things go south. Linus is pushed into a heat. And Gage resigns.
Fertility problems. Insecurity because of age and Gage's bumbling, this is a happy mess of a book. A quick, slightly angsty read.
Profile Image for Shan.
1,163 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2023
💜💜💜💜💜+

This is a paranormal queer romance with mpreg, the fifth book in the “Honey Creek Den” series that should be read in order. Deputy Gage is often left feeling like he bumbles things, says the wrong thing, and is in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s exactly how he feels waking up wounded but his life is about to change as he meets his darling and alone mate, Linus! This was an emotionally charged experience but bittersweet in their happily ever after! This one is one of my favorites as I reread the entire interconnected paranormal set of series!
💜💜💜💜💜+
Profile Image for Rebecca Park.
945 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2024
Linus has gone through a lot before he meets Gage and needs him more than ever. War made a mistake that hurt Linus and gage but in the end it worked out and War was forgiven. Gage and Linus are adorable together and they are perfect for one another. Gage has a lot that he’s dealing with but having his mate has helped him a lot. They get their HFN but there is a lot more we’re going to see of them and a lot more to come. ❤️😀
Profile Image for Denise Burris GremoryKohta.
4,394 reviews7 followers
June 24, 2018
So sweet.

I need more. I'm so happy for Linux and Gage. So many new babies. Now I need to know what's up with Brice. And what about Orin and Forest. Plus, there was mentioned dragons but we haven't met any. I am seriously addicted to this series and the world Taylor Rylan has created.
2,201 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2019
Good book

This was another good book in the series. Have and Linus made a great couple. I really didn't like the War and the others talked about Gage instead of trying to help him. But Linus was exactly what he needed ....They both needed each other so badly with their history of loss and grief. I'm glad that they came together and got the happy ending that they deserved.
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
2,536 reviews38 followers
June 24, 2019
This is the 5th book in the honey creek den series. We finally get to meet the perfect mate for our forgettable Gage. When he meet Linus and his Alpha War tells him to wait for mating. Then when their is a twist happening with their mate, it keeps you on the edge of the seat. highly recommend this series and cant wait for the next book and who it will be
Profile Image for Brandielle.
910 reviews
Read
April 22, 2021
So...is no one else concerned about the weird push to have people under 18 mating?

I mean I’m a fan of age gap in general but in this book they’re all riled up because Ivan (portrayed as the not great guy) wants to force Emerson to wait until his daughter, Cassie, is 18 to mate. Better have his more reasonable mate Sam talk him into it! Like why is this a storyline?
Profile Image for Mary.
518 reviews9 followers
June 11, 2018
Gage and Linus

I would really recommend reading the other 4 books first. This one begins in the aftermath of an attack. There are also mentions of the others in the den. Reading the others will give background so you are not confused.
157 reviews
June 29, 2018
Good read!😉

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series. The story lines in ALL five books was strong and I just love the characters. I hope you can pull at least two more books out of you for this series because I'd like to see Orin and the new deputies get their HEA. New devoted fan 😉
437 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2019
Gage's Serenity: Honey Creek Den Book 5

WOW, this book was absolutely wonderful! Definitely a must read, it was amazing, this entire series, Honey Creek Den, was exciting, I could not put it down! It was a beautiful love story! Many thanks, Honey Bee 🐝📚💙🎶
2,511 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2021
So good!

Linus was just what Gage needed. They were both what each other needed. This book was so good. I loved how Gage was hilarious so focused on making sure Linus got whatever he wanted. I love this den!!
3,051 reviews14 followers
May 23, 2025
I lost out reading this series, but I am making up for it now. Gage is such a sweetheart even if he gets lost in his head, while Linus is a little firecracker. Good story I enjoyed reading it. Recommend reading.
451 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2018
Worth reading

I like this series. I'm a fan of both this author series. This series is a different take on shifters and it's refreshing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews