Once Bitten

Welcome to Wheaton #1

by Preston Walker

A Friends To Lover Accidental Pregnancy Romance.

WILL

With as many secrets as I have, the last place I want to be right now is Wheaton: birthplace of small town gossip and my many emotional issues.

But dear old Dad never did anything when it was convenient for me, so why should dying be any different? Think that sounds harsh - it took leaving home and getting bitten by a freaking werewolf for me to find my first taste of acceptance. Of family.

I just wish my pack hadn’t cost me my connection with the one true friend I ever had.

Ryder Jackson.

The only person to ever see skinny little me as worth something just the way I am. Time may have pulled us apart, but that spark we’ve always had, it’s still there. But it’s damped, muted. It used to be so easy with him, but now it’s like everything I say is wrong.

Even when that spark flares bright for one night of intense passion…reality returns to slap me in the face.

Because now I’m pregnant. My best friend is going to be the father of a werewolf child.

Too bad his child’s other father still hasn’t even told him werewolves exist.


RYDER

The only thing that sucks more than being friendless and alone, is knowing you deserve to be.

Small town gossip can be vicious. I should know. I used to feed the beast.

It’s different when the shoe’s on the other foot. When everyone shuns you because your vindictive ex spread the lie you gave someone HIV. When the only companion you have is your dying mother, who you hate yourself for resenting, for being the reason you can’t leave.

Then Will Haverty returns to town and I jump at the chance to rekindle our friendship. Not gonna lie, I hoped the rumors might not reach his ears - he’s never been Mr. Popular. Harsh, but true. And we’ve always been honest with each other.

It’s why it stings so much when Will gives me crap about leaving, not using my mom as an excuse.

And it’s why it hurts so much when I realize just how much he’s not being honest with me about.

But I can’t waste time feeling hurt right now. Not when Will’s in danger because of his secrets.

And I’m the one who put him in the crosshairs.

This 50,000 word novel about werewolves and whispers is chock full of secrets, lies and mpreg, so be sure you’re over eighteen before putting your ear to the door!

Genres: Shapeshifters, M M Romance, Paranormal, Werewolves, Romance

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2018

Reviews

[Pianisuparse]

4.5 'I really enjoyed this. Best friends to lovers, second chance at love, hot as fuck werewolves, mpreg and more. Loved Will and Ryder and enjoyed their journey. Looking forward to the next oe in this series' stars.

[Becky]

DNF at 20%

[Nic]

Okay

This was an okay read. It was not as exciting as I anticipated. But that is just me. It felt as if something was missing from the story.

[Julianne Macneil]

i read this book as part of an arc program. Will and Ryder are childhood best friends that grew up next door to each other. When Will graduated high school, his father kicked him out of the house because he was gay. Will's mother had died recently and she had kept Will's father from taking his anger out on Will. Will left Wheaton and traveled around different countries until he settled in New York City. Will had his share of one night stands, but one with Clay changed his life forever. Clay bit Will in their passion and caused Will to become a werewolf. When Clay was killed, a new alpha named Kenneth took over the pack and they tried to help Will control his wolf. When Will's father dies, he goes home to Wheaton for the first time in eight years and is shocked to see Ryder knocking at his door. Ryder always thought of Will as the one that got away. Ryder was angry at Will for leaving without saying goodbye and always wondered where he went and why. When Will explained about his father, Ryder understood and wanted to know how long he would be staying in town. When Ryder called a friend to see if he would give some work to Will while he was in town, Will got a little insulted and angry at Ryder. Will knew he was in the wrong and after meeting with Ryder's friend, he found Ryder to apologize. They settled into a friendship and Ryder was taking care of his mother who was ill. Will would help and one night they had a lot to drink, Ryder kissed Will and they gave into their attractions. They started to see each other, but Will was getting pressure to return to his pack and he felt unsure if he should tell Ryder his secret. The pressures started to get to them and soon they were fighting, causing Will to need to shift, which could spell disaster. I really liked this story. I love the second chance romance between Will and Ryder. I think they always loved each other, but couldn't act on things when they were younger. i loved Ryder, he was so caring about everyone and wanted to help them. Will was scared of his secret and scared Ryder would reject him. I think they were great together and i look forward to reading more of this new series.

[Marcella]

Will Haverty comes back to Wheaton for his dad’s funeral. This is the last place he ever wanted to come back to. But with his mother gone, he has to be the one to put his father’s affairs in order. Being back in Wheaton brings back a lot of bad memories for Will and he can’t wait to get back to New York. After being kicked out of the house by his dad, Will moved to New York to start a new life. His life changed there forever when he was bitten by a werewolf. Through that he learned the true meaning of family. Will’s only regret in leaving Wheaton was never saying goodbye to his best friend, Ryder.

Ryder Jackson has faced a lot of hardships living in Wheaton. He became the victim of small town gossip when his ex spreads rumors that he gave him HIV. Because of that vicious rumor, Ryder doesn’t have many friends in Wheaton. His only true companion is his mother, who is dying. He hates himself for resenting her because she’s the reason he can’t leave since he is the one taking care of her. When his best friend, Will comes back into town, Ryder can’t wait to rekindle their friendship. Ryder has been so lonely and he missed Will so much when he left town. Ryder hopes that Will doesn’t hear the rumors about him, but knowing the small town he lives in, he knows that may not be possible.

Will and Ryder try to pick up their friendship where they left off but there are a lot of unresolved issues between them and there is awkwardness and disconnect between them. The one thing they do agree on is that they are still attracted to one another. They never told each other their feelings before Will left town, but there is no denying it now.

I really enjoyed this story. There were some gut wrenching moments between Will and Ryder that just broke my heart. I didn’t feel that this was a shifter based story even though Will is a shifter. I thought I would have had a problem with that but everything melded very well together. I am happy to see that this is a series. I am looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Anne Farrell]

Second chances.

Will returns home to bury his father that didn't want or tolerate him because he was gay. His mother passed ten years since and left him enough money to get away. After a wild night in New York, a stranger he'd taken to bed had bitten him in the heat of the moment and turned him into a werewolf. Will was a pack member so coming back home he was told to keep his mouth shut and given anti shifter pills. Ryder was his neighbor and best friend growing up, it's years since they've seen each other and have really missed each other. At a job interview Will hears the disgusting untrue rumour that Ryder deliberately infected his ex boyfriend with HIV. Ryder's life has been hard, he lost his dad then his mother seems to be in early stages of Alzheimer's disease, he is working two jobs to support them and because of the rumour he has no friends or support and is lonely. They spend the night together and want to see how it goes but Will is still keeping his big secret. Months pass Will is still in town and they're still together. The boys take Ryder's mother to hospital for her tests but whilst there Will faints and the doctor gives them some really unexpected news. Everything starts off fine then as time passes Ryders mother deteriorates and so does their relationship, Will wonders if he should head back to New York. The inevitable happens with Ryders mother, he's destroyed and needs Will so goes next door and finds Wills anti shifter prescription, he puts it all together and realises Will must of shifted and be loose in town and needs to find him before he gets shot., what ensues after is total chaos and help from unlikely sources and the pack showing up to help the boys and staking a claim in the town. Ryder and Will with an extended family and HEA. Well written and short read. I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Toni]

Eight years can be a long time when you leave home. Only Will left because his father kicked him out six months after his mother;s death.His mom left him enough of an inheritance that he traveled the world until settling into NYC. The first night there, he went out to a bar and met a guy, Clay, and took him home. Clay bit him and Will became a werewolf. He was with Clay a few years before he was killed in a dominance fight. He stayed but still felt apart, Then he learned his father had been killed in a car accident and he headed home with the pack sending him with anti shift pills. Ryder heads over to welcome him home. Ryder--Will;s best friend while growing up. The one he missed and thought about but didn;t try to stay in touch thinking he;d want nothing to do with him. They connect and start being together until they find out Will is pregnant. Then life becomes very intense especially since Ryder has no idea that Will is a werewolf.
WOW! Fantastic story about two best friends who need to learn about how to be best friends once again and add in the parents mix and life becomes past hectic.
Fantastic read!! You;ll find yourself rooting for both men to come to terms with each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erin]

In the past I have been reading books from this writer before and they always had an alpha male in it and I was missing that a bit in this story.
The story is nice enough, about Will moving back for a little time to sort out everything now his father who kicked him out of the house has died.
But Will is different since he left home, since he was bitten by a werewolf and is one now himself.

Back home also means meeting up with Ryder his neighbour and friend.
Ryder has his own problems about what they tell about in him time and with the health of his mother.
But from the moment they see each other the friendship is back and more.

Their relationship has his ups and downs and the secrets don’t help either.
Bringing it all together in the night when Will can’t control his shift and is arrested in wolf form, needing to be rescued.

Will everything turn out okay?
For that you have to read the book.

[Molly]

you can't ever really go HOME, but you can re-visit your hometown, even though you and it have changed

some folks just go thru different types of changes, like involuntarily getting turned into a werewolf

a big surprise, or several, awaited Will when he went home after the death of his father.

next door neighbor Ryder is also gay, out, and currently single - surprise he remembered Will mostly fondly - except for his abrupt departure after daddy dearest kicked his gay butt out

When Ryder and Will re-connected and draw close to each other, they face more difficult family issues - finally together, after almost destroying their newfound relationship more than once.

An off the wall shifter / gay/ dealing with the consequences of life in a small town story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teal Wolf]

Will comes home to settle his dad's affairs after his death and reconnect with his old friend, Ryder. Ryder is lonely, a nasty rumour ruining his social life in his small town and if he isn't working 2 jobs, he's taking care of his sick mother. When the two men reconnect, the passion explodes and a surprise pregnancy occurs. But will they work out considering Will is hiding a big secret - he's a werewolf.

Will and Ryder are hot and sexy together... But also sweet. Theý had a friendship that lasted over years of no contact and a strong connection. They both have things that are threatening their relationship but love can conquer obsticles.

I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Linda]

Ryder and Will had been childhood friends and neighbors. When Will graduated he left very suddenly without saying goodbye to Ryder. Now, after 8 years, Will is back to settle his fathers estate.
Ryder is happy to see his childhood friend but Will has a secret he’s been told not to tell.

I liked Ryder, he was working two jobs and looking after his mother (and still found time to sleep). Will was not so nice, he was pretty selfish really, constantly wanting Ryan’s full attention, and stalking away when he didn’t get it. Which leads to trouble for him.

I look forward to reading more of the pack in this series.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret]

Will returned to his hometown after his father dies and meets again next door neighbor Ryder.
Will is returning to his old home town from New York to sort out his father's affairs after his death. His old best friend Ryder brings around a casserole and they get talking . Both see and like the changes the gap of time has caused. Ryder helps get Will a job and they spend time together. Ryder is under strain as his mother id deteriorating to wards the end of her life then after they have too many drinks spend the night together and that has unexpected consequences. A MM MPreg romance to relax and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kirsty Mckenzie]

This was an extremely enjoyable book, it was short but packed full of goodness. I really liked the characters in this book, Ryder and Will where in need of just the right partner for each other which in turn was each others perfect half. I do hope we get to into depth with some new characters we meet with thier own books, hopefully for there are some interesting people.
You will fall for these to sweet men, grab it now you won't regret it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lacrymosa Quiñones]

An interesting new way too see shifters, I wasn't too sure about the book at first. But it wasn't bad I loved the concept of the pack and how they come together. And the main characters were likeable.

Character breakdown;

Will: it was hard to pin Will down, first he was cold then he was sweet. Then he was vulnerable, he was hard to keep up with.

Ryder: I liked him loved how he cared for his mother. I loved that he still was devoted even after all those years away from Will.

Despite it's slow beginning the story was intriguing and the characters were well written.

[Ruth]

This book was amazing

This book will have you going through some crazy emotions, Ryder and Will are childhood best friends, they grew up right next door to each other and when Ryder graduated from high school his father kick him out for being gay and his mother passed away, omg this book had me going through so many emotions, this was a really enjoyable read, I don’t want to say too much because I truly want you to enjoy it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kitt]

This is a well-written and enjoyable m/m romance with a paranormal twist. There is plenty of angst, secrets, hurtful exes, and small-town gossip as Will and Ryder try to work through unresolved issues in their past. They have to learn to trust and rely on each other if they want to be together and make a family. This is a great start to a new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia Lee]

Will has to settle the affairs of his late father, which didn't want to have anything to do with him. Will is change from that last time he was in town, now a shifter. Will has some regrets about his best friend Ryder. we will be taken on journey of two that has feelings for each other but how to show that they want more then friends. cant wait o see what come in the next book. Highly recommend this book

[Charlotte]

Preston Walker certainly knocked his book’”Once Bitten” out the park. Will Anders comes home to Wheaton to take of his Dad’s affairs after he dies. His best friend, Ryder Jackson, welcomes him back although it has been eight years. Both Will and Ryder have secrets which happened during those eight years. This book was full of laughter, frustration, love, and so much more. Definitely a must read!

[Atid151]

2,5 rounded up since two stars are for books I straight up don't like.

Nothing groundbreaking but it was ok to kill time with this one. Nice story but very simplistic writing with many plot holes. F.e. there is no explanation at all how the pregnancy worked (or even happened) and not a single character raised a brow how was that possible. Same with werewolfs - nobody knows they exists but once the MCs discovers the truth he takes it immediately as a fact without as much as shrug.

[Coral Mitchell]

Will doesn't feel like he fit in anywhere, and his new status makes him feel any better. Ryder is barely managing to keep his head above water caring for his mother. Two friends reconnecting, but nothing can ever be easy. Real relationships take work, and they must each decide how much they are willing to give. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Melody Hillier]

this is an amazing Mpreg/ second chance love story, that has it all, mystery, murder, tons of emotions, pack elemets and loads of angst. the characters were well written and developed the plot was deep and twisty with a great ending!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dixiecowgirl]

Complex friends to lovers story that had an interesting story-line.

Will and Ryder are really great together and i enjoyed this story! This is an emotional journey that has some real twists and turns. These guys have a lot to overcome and they find a way to their HEA.

This story deals with some challenging topics and i like the way they were handled.

[Tanya]

His life has never be easy, so why would his father be any different. He gets bitten and his friendship with his best friend has changed. They do get together but he is know having his child. Things are about to get more complicated. See how it will all go

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ally Lupold]

Good Reading 📚

I enjoyed the varied stories between the two friends, and how the one goes to a bar 🍸 for a one night stand and ends up a werewolf. Then his father died and he has to go home to take care of his his father's assets. He meets his old crush and from there secrets come out a pregnancy happens and a lot of rumors fly.

[Sue Wallace]

Once bitten by Preston Walker.
Will has his secrets. His dad never did anythinf good for him. But now he has to come home to sort the house out his father is dead now. He cannot hurt him anymore. But what will happen when ge meets Ryder jackson?
This was a very good read. I liked will. He was my favourite character. I do like prestons books. 4*.

[Amanda]

Will left his home town, and best friend, Ryder right after graduation without looking back. After being gone for eight years he returns to get his father's affairs in order as fast as he can so he doesn't get stuck in Wheaton. What he doesn't plan on is falling for Ryder while he is there, but is Ryder enough to keep Will in Wheaton?

[Janet]

Definitely not what I thought it would be. I loved it though. Their is a lot of soul searching and coming to terms with oneself. A very good story I liked it very much. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.

[Scarolet Ellis]

This a wonderful book writtten by a wonderful author Preston Walker. I love reading his books cause they are always so well written and keeps my interest from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annemarie]

Will and Ryder have so much of their own issues to resolve, but if they can they might find the love and family they both want. Read this awesome adventure to see how it all turns out!! Great job Preston!

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon)]

A great storyline! Hard to put down! Intense and Emotional! Hot Chemistry! I truly enjoyed this read! Get it and Read it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.