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Perth Shifters #1
Blackwood
In a world that is still getting used to shifters, where everyone thinks omegas are second class citizens, nature photographer and omega Braden Payne lets everyone think he’s a beta. That way no one gives him a hard time and he doesn’t have to live a repeat of his failed relationship. But when his car breaks down in the remote Blackwood forest in Western Australia, without the medication that lets him hide who he is, he’s faced with what he fears most: an unmated alpha.
Government forest guardian and alpha Coll MacDubhar is tired of illegal loggers, foolish tourists and people who underestimate the wilds of Western Australia. He discovers Braden lost and in need of medical assistance in the forest he protects and knows something’s not right.
But there’s hidden depths to Braden that capture his interest, and no decent alpha would walk away when Braden’s unwelcome past comes to visit.
Government forest guardian and alpha Coll MacDubhar is tired of illegal loggers, foolish tourists and people who underestimate the wilds of Western Australia. He discovers Braden lost and in need of medical assistance in the forest he protects and knows something’s not right.
But there’s hidden depths to Braden that capture his interest, and no decent alpha would walk away when Braden’s unwelcome past comes to visit.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2018
41 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Pia Foxhall
16 books176 followersPronouns: They/them
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Aka not_poignant
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 8, 2018
A new author to me and a new way of examining the world of shifters and I really enjoyed it.
Set in the forests of Western Australia, this romance examines in detail the hormones made me do it aspect of an omegaverse where the dynamics of alpha, beta and omega are followed.
Branden is a really beautifully crafted character, he's strong but vulnerable, an omega masquerading as beta not only because he wants the freedom to roam as a nature photographer but also because of a traumatic previous experience with an alpha.
In this world, shifters have only been known for a few decades and I liked the way Pia Foxhall approached all the bureaucracy of dealing with wolf shifters through a lack of knowledge based on superstitions and outdated information.
Coll was a gem of an alpha. Way beyond the norm for the type, not an over-inflated egotistical jerk, but a complex man capable of not only controlling his emotions but using his ability to help Branden through his first heat in nearly a decade.
I loved that this book bucked all the must fuck tropes that often come with an omegaverse.
Yes, it touched on it, Branden's heat put him into that same almost painful and emotional driven state, but Coll's long lineage of alpha shifters gave him abilities which were able to help the omega move beyond the emotional need. It was an interesting way to deal with the biology of the mating instinct
Great world building and some really interesting secondary characters made this a book I didn't want to put down.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Set in the forests of Western Australia, this romance examines in detail the hormones made me do it aspect of an omegaverse where the dynamics of alpha, beta and omega are followed.
Branden is a really beautifully crafted character, he's strong but vulnerable, an omega masquerading as beta not only because he wants the freedom to roam as a nature photographer but also because of a traumatic previous experience with an alpha.
In this world, shifters have only been known for a few decades and I liked the way Pia Foxhall approached all the bureaucracy of dealing with wolf shifters through a lack of knowledge based on superstitions and outdated information.
Coll was a gem of an alpha. Way beyond the norm for the type, not an over-inflated egotistical jerk, but a complex man capable of not only controlling his emotions but using his ability to help Branden through his first heat in nearly a decade.
I loved that this book bucked all the must fuck tropes that often come with an omegaverse.
Yes, it touched on it, Branden's heat put him into that same almost painful and emotional driven state, but Coll's long lineage of alpha shifters gave him abilities which were able to help the omega move beyond the emotional need. It was an interesting way to deal with the biology of the mating instinct
Great world building and some really interesting secondary characters made this a book I didn't want to put down.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
March 28, 2021
this was such an interesting take on this subgenre. i enjoyed the characters, the writing was great, and coll was such a gentleman 😭- 4/5
braden was adventurous, daring, and creative. he was a photographer and seemed like he would really do anything to get the perfect shot. this time it just so happened to put him in danger. stuck in the australian wilderness with a broken down ute and a storm on the way, he had to make a choice, and make a choice fast - shift and run back to town, taking his chances with the storm, or shelter in place and hope he can get out of there before he completely ran out of suppressants.
opting not to leave behind his photography gear, he set up camp and waited for the storm to pass. having not had a heat in 8 years, and not been off of suppressants for 10, it was hitting him hard.
coll was a former logger turned forest protector. his job consisted of making sure illegal loggers stayed out of his forest and rescuing any would-be stranded tourists. he came across braden's tent in his regular patrols and took the young beta back to his home - or so he thought.
despite being in a pretty perilous situation, braden still gave as good as he got. he wasn't afraid to snap back at coll, and that's part of what i really loved about this book. they had an interesting banter and seemed to truly enjoy each other's company.
sharing his first heat in 8 years with an alpha was, of course, frightening, but coll was a gentleman and refused to step over that line with braden. he was insistent on not doing anything to scare him, especially after learning about braden's history.
this was a really refreshing take on this subgenre. i'm already adding the second book in the series to my tbr.
braden was adventurous, daring, and creative. he was a photographer and seemed like he would really do anything to get the perfect shot. this time it just so happened to put him in danger. stuck in the australian wilderness with a broken down ute and a storm on the way, he had to make a choice, and make a choice fast - shift and run back to town, taking his chances with the storm, or shelter in place and hope he can get out of there before he completely ran out of suppressants.
opting not to leave behind his photography gear, he set up camp and waited for the storm to pass. having not had a heat in 8 years, and not been off of suppressants for 10, it was hitting him hard.
coll was a former logger turned forest protector. his job consisted of making sure illegal loggers stayed out of his forest and rescuing any would-be stranded tourists. he came across braden's tent in his regular patrols and took the young beta back to his home - or so he thought.
despite being in a pretty perilous situation, braden still gave as good as he got. he wasn't afraid to snap back at coll, and that's part of what i really loved about this book. they had an interesting banter and seemed to truly enjoy each other's company.
sharing his first heat in 8 years with an alpha was, of course, frightening, but coll was a gentleman and refused to step over that line with braden. he was insistent on not doing anything to scare him, especially after learning about braden's history.
this was a really refreshing take on this subgenre. i'm already adding the second book in the series to my tbr.
dnf
December 13, 2018DNF 19%
No rating
Although well written and edited, and the author assuring me there was no mpreg, it’s still full-on ABO. Ugh. No thank you.
No rating
Although well written and edited, and the author assuring me there was no mpreg, it’s still full-on ABO. Ugh. No thank you.
December 8, 2018
There were a few good moments in this book, but it did not work for me as a whole. The pacing was off. The beginning 30% or so was so slow and boring. Then the big climactic fight happened around the 50% mark. And then all the should-have-been-cute relationship stuff happened in the second half. But because there was almost no plot or tension driving the book forward at that point, it all felt a little who cares. If you took all the pieces and rearranged them so the beats fell in the right place, it would be a much better book.
December 31, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Blackwood is the first book in Pia Foxhall’s new Perth Shifters series and it grabbed my attention from the very start as we see poor Braden stranded in the woods facing a dire situation. This is an interesting, somewhat genre bending story that has well-developed world building. I would say it is sort of a cross between a traditional shifter book and an omegaverse story. The story takes place in a contemporary world where shifters have made their presence known and they now live alongside humans. Wolves live in packs and there are both male and female shifters. So in that way, there is a lot of the general shifter genre here, but there are also some significant omegaverse elements. The most prominent aspects are the alpha/beta/omega dynamics and the fact that omegas go into heat (however, there is no mpreg in this story, nor in this world in general from what I can tell). So I think Foxhall has pulled together some interesting elements from both genres and combined them in some clever ways.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Blackwood is the first book in Pia Foxhall’s new Perth Shifters series and it grabbed my attention from the very start as we see poor Braden stranded in the woods facing a dire situation. This is an interesting, somewhat genre bending story that has well-developed world building. I would say it is sort of a cross between a traditional shifter book and an omegaverse story. The story takes place in a contemporary world where shifters have made their presence known and they now live alongside humans. Wolves live in packs and there are both male and female shifters. So in that way, there is a lot of the general shifter genre here, but there are also some significant omegaverse elements. The most prominent aspects are the alpha/beta/omega dynamics and the fact that omegas go into heat (however, there is no mpreg in this story, nor in this world in general from what I can tell). So I think Foxhall has pulled together some interesting elements from both genres and combined them in some clever ways.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 16, 2018
DNF @ 67%, I tried so hard to stick with it but I just could not handle any more of it.
The random question marks at the end of sentences that were not questions.
The excessive...
I mean... I mean it’s not that
But it’s not... It’s just not
I mean, I don’t... I don’t really understand it.
So it’s like... carrying a torch
I could go on!
And then there’s the -
I’ve not known-personally- a single
Without Braden’s heat- their hormones
I can say it’s not a bad storyline it’s the writing that just does not work for me.
What’s with the ... and the - ?
The random question marks at the end of sentences that were not questions.
The excessive...
I mean... I mean it’s not that
But it’s not... It’s just not
I mean, I don’t... I don’t really understand it.
So it’s like... carrying a torch
I could go on!
And then there’s the -
I’ve not known-personally- a single
Without Braden’s heat- their hormones
I can say it’s not a bad storyline it’s the writing that just does not work for me.
What’s with the ... and the - ?
November 23, 2018
This was a really good book and how I love alpha/Omega relationships to be. In the end. It was a little slow starting for me, and sometimes during but overall I loved it.
Having a bad past, Braden has been hiding himself for years. The sad part is, it was just a bad moment with an alpha. This went back to his family. So when he gets lost in the woods, panic attacks seem to become the norm. And when his suppressants start to wear off, yikes. When Coll finds Braden he knows something is very wrong. He can smell it. But Braden's reactions to everything makes him realize he has to tread very carefully. Little by little, Braden opens up and the more Coll learns, the madder Coll gets. Especially when the past comes back to get Braden. Not once, but twice. But Coll has only felt this one other time, and he's not giving up. With a lot of patience and understanding and little snark, Coll has to show Braden how the life of a shifter really is and can be.
Man, I love Coll. I'm normally gungho for the omegas. And don't get me wrong, I love me some Braden. But damn, Coll is how an alpha should be. Caring, loyal, protecting, patient, kind, etc. With everything Braden had been through, Coll knew he would have to take his time with him and be very gentle. But what got me even more, was how he was with Braden's heat. Being suppressed for so many years, it was hell, but Coll did all the right things, in spite of Braden at times being very angry and mouthy. I don't want to give anything away, but Coll was perfect.
Braden was how I love my omegas. Omegas are so often misjudged. They go through hell because they are considered the weaker sex. They are often raped, beaten, and much worse. Often told they will never amount to much because they are just omegas. Made to be bred. But Braden fought back. He fought back by going to therapy and going on with his life. Yeah, things weren't a picnic everyday. Panic attacks, triggers. But he still fought. And showed he mattered. Even when he didn't think so himself.
I love these two. I really enjoyed this book and I think I may have a feeling who would be next in the series. And I hope so. It's off to a good start.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
Having a bad past, Braden has been hiding himself for years. The sad part is, it was just a bad moment with an alpha. This went back to his family. So when he gets lost in the woods, panic attacks seem to become the norm. And when his suppressants start to wear off, yikes. When Coll finds Braden he knows something is very wrong. He can smell it. But Braden's reactions to everything makes him realize he has to tread very carefully. Little by little, Braden opens up and the more Coll learns, the madder Coll gets. Especially when the past comes back to get Braden. Not once, but twice. But Coll has only felt this one other time, and he's not giving up. With a lot of patience and understanding and little snark, Coll has to show Braden how the life of a shifter really is and can be.
Man, I love Coll. I'm normally gungho for the omegas. And don't get me wrong, I love me some Braden. But damn, Coll is how an alpha should be. Caring, loyal, protecting, patient, kind, etc. With everything Braden had been through, Coll knew he would have to take his time with him and be very gentle. But what got me even more, was how he was with Braden's heat. Being suppressed for so many years, it was hell, but Coll did all the right things, in spite of Braden at times being very angry and mouthy. I don't want to give anything away, but Coll was perfect.
Braden was how I love my omegas. Omegas are so often misjudged. They go through hell because they are considered the weaker sex. They are often raped, beaten, and much worse. Often told they will never amount to much because they are just omegas. Made to be bred. But Braden fought back. He fought back by going to therapy and going on with his life. Yeah, things weren't a picnic everyday. Panic attacks, triggers. But he still fought. And showed he mattered. Even when he didn't think so himself.
I love these two. I really enjoyed this book and I think I may have a feeling who would be next in the series. And I hope so. It's off to a good start.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
January 29, 2021
DNF @ 67%.... oh dear, sorry, I just can't carry on any more. The characters are quite nice, the story is...quite nice? errr, not much tension, not really much going on to be honest.
It's not TOO bad, it's just a bit boring. I was expecting much more from Pia Foxhall as I have read her free fan fiction/original fiction and enjoyed it and its quite dark/gritty...so I was expecting a similar vibe. But its really not... Braydon and Coll are cute together but at 67% I would hope to feel more invested in them and sadly I don't.
It's not TOO bad, it's just a bit boring. I was expecting much more from Pia Foxhall as I have read her free fan fiction/original fiction and enjoyed it and its quite dark/gritty...so I was expecting a similar vibe. But its really not... Braydon and Coll are cute together but at 67% I would hope to feel more invested in them and sadly I don't.
Want to read
December 6, 2021Thank you to Dirty Santa for the gift!
March 25, 2019
This is a good story and a very good read. it is a very different form of shifter reality and I enjoyed getting to know the world
Some aspects could have been a bit more detailed - eg. I would have loved a bi tmore pagetime for them as a couple.
Braden was very well drawn but Coll would have benifited from a bit more background.
the mystery part was well done and I enjoyed reading the whole book. and I hope that the next book comes soon
Some aspects could have been a bit more detailed - eg. I would have loved a bi tmore pagetime for them as a couple.
Braden was very well drawn but Coll would have benifited from a bit more background.
the mystery part was well done and I enjoyed reading the whole book. and I hope that the next book comes soon
November 22, 2018
I will write a full review later...but I will leave you with this...
This is SUCH a sweet book. Yes, Braden has trauma and things happen, but he's overcome that for the most part and now it's time for him to really get the truth and love from a real Alpha. Coll couldn't have been better. He's one of those calm slow and steady alphas and I just love him (Ginger love ;) )
Super sweet,super HEA...and I really can't wait for more Aoudhan, Dazza and Hunter. I'm really curious about them all!
This is SUCH a sweet book. Yes, Braden has trauma and things happen, but he's overcome that for the most part and now it's time for him to really get the truth and love from a real Alpha. Coll couldn't have been better. He's one of those calm slow and steady alphas and I just love him (Ginger love ;) )
Super sweet,super HEA...and I really can't wait for more Aoudhan, Dazza and Hunter. I'm really curious about them all!
November 24, 2018
There were a lot of things that I loved about this story.
Firstly, it’s set both where I live, and also just south of my home, in the forests where I love to holiday. I think a book is always that little bit more special when you can picture the exact, familiar places that the author writes about. Usually when books are set in Australia they’re in the outback, or somewhere fun like Sydney or Melbourne, it’s not often I find a book set in southern Western Australia.
Secondly, I love Alpha/Omega books that use that dynamic as a commentary on culture and society. Here the author has drawn attention to real life issues experienced by those who have less agency than others by including problems such as victim shaming, incorporating the attitude that “alphas will be alphas” and having our main characters deal with ridiculous government departments that operate under outdated opinions and policies.
Lastly, I appreciated the way that the author didn’t feel the need to stick to the usual alpha/omega cliches in regards to the relationship between Braden and Coll. Coll was protective rather than dominant, and he didn’t feel the need to smother Braden. As for Braden, just because he found a mate, he didn’t suddenly feel the urge to stop taking beta hormones and embrace his omega-ness. And Coll never once considered trying to change Braden’s decisions.
If I had one complaint it would be that using the word “mate”, as in Australian for friend, can get rather confusing when there are shifters involved. Also, the story really did start off slow, but once it gets going it’s absolutely enjoyable. The secondary characters were well fleshed out and I’m eager to get my hands on the next book of this series. I think that most lovers of shifter books will like what the author has done with this story.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/11/2...
Firstly, it’s set both where I live, and also just south of my home, in the forests where I love to holiday. I think a book is always that little bit more special when you can picture the exact, familiar places that the author writes about. Usually when books are set in Australia they’re in the outback, or somewhere fun like Sydney or Melbourne, it’s not often I find a book set in southern Western Australia.
Secondly, I love Alpha/Omega books that use that dynamic as a commentary on culture and society. Here the author has drawn attention to real life issues experienced by those who have less agency than others by including problems such as victim shaming, incorporating the attitude that “alphas will be alphas” and having our main characters deal with ridiculous government departments that operate under outdated opinions and policies.
Lastly, I appreciated the way that the author didn’t feel the need to stick to the usual alpha/omega cliches in regards to the relationship between Braden and Coll. Coll was protective rather than dominant, and he didn’t feel the need to smother Braden. As for Braden, just because he found a mate, he didn’t suddenly feel the urge to stop taking beta hormones and embrace his omega-ness. And Coll never once considered trying to change Braden’s decisions.
If I had one complaint it would be that using the word “mate”, as in Australian for friend, can get rather confusing when there are shifters involved. Also, the story really did start off slow, but once it gets going it’s absolutely enjoyable. The secondary characters were well fleshed out and I’m eager to get my hands on the next book of this series. I think that most lovers of shifter books will like what the author has done with this story.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/11/2...
November 23, 2018
This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author, and I’m very pleased to report I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more in the series! There was a strong plot, the writing flowed smoothly, and the characters had enough depth and complexity for me to care about what happened to them. This story was set in a human and A/B/O shifter world, one where things are not necessarily equal between different groups—just one area that is a point of strife in the story.
Braden was a strong, brave character even if he at times did not believe it. You can tell from his reactions and thoughts that he does crave the safety and affection of a pack and alpha, even given his troubled past. Coll is exactly the alpha to show Braden how an alpha/omega relationship should really be. He’s thoughtful, protective, and nurturing even when his dominant, aggressive alpha traits want to rise to the surface. He puts Braden’s needs first—always, even though Braden is a stranger to him when they first encounter each other.
In most A/B/O stories I’ve read, there is a lot of focus on mating and sex. Here, the focus is concentrated more on the relationship development and Coll’s need to show Braden he is safe and cared for. That’s not to say there’s no physical intimacy—you’ll find that Coll and Braden are a very well-matched pair and are crazy hot together. But the emphasis here is on Braden’s well-being and the meaning of pack.
The story sets some solid groundwork for this world and for the beginnings of the betterment of not just omegas, but shifters in general. That along with a solid cast of supporting characters who genuinely piqued my interest has me excited to see what direction the author takes the series. I was particularly intrigued by Braden’s friends Aodhan and Hunter, as well as Coll’s fellow alpha Dazza. There’s definitely plenty that can be explored with these characters and world.
Blackwood was a 4.5-star read for me, and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of shifter romance with A/B/O settings. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, and mentions of past abuse.
Braden was a strong, brave character even if he at times did not believe it. You can tell from his reactions and thoughts that he does crave the safety and affection of a pack and alpha, even given his troubled past. Coll is exactly the alpha to show Braden how an alpha/omega relationship should really be. He’s thoughtful, protective, and nurturing even when his dominant, aggressive alpha traits want to rise to the surface. He puts Braden’s needs first—always, even though Braden is a stranger to him when they first encounter each other.
In most A/B/O stories I’ve read, there is a lot of focus on mating and sex. Here, the focus is concentrated more on the relationship development and Coll’s need to show Braden he is safe and cared for. That’s not to say there’s no physical intimacy—you’ll find that Coll and Braden are a very well-matched pair and are crazy hot together. But the emphasis here is on Braden’s well-being and the meaning of pack.
The story sets some solid groundwork for this world and for the beginnings of the betterment of not just omegas, but shifters in general. That along with a solid cast of supporting characters who genuinely piqued my interest has me excited to see what direction the author takes the series. I was particularly intrigued by Braden’s friends Aodhan and Hunter, as well as Coll’s fellow alpha Dazza. There’s definitely plenty that can be explored with these characters and world.
Blackwood was a 4.5-star read for me, and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of shifter romance with A/B/O settings. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, and mentions of past abuse.
January 15, 2019
Meandering dreamy quality to this new ABO shifter series. In some ways, this is a book for those who do not like ABO dynamics because of the problematic elements. In telling Braden and Coll’s (and Aodhan’s and Hunter’s) stories, they delve into the troublesome elements of characterization of identities without being overly preachy or virtue signaling. Other than the obvious villain, no one is the cut and dried perfect person (although Coll comes close). There was an awkward vibe to the dialogue, it was stunted yet worked so well for Braden and a lot was said when nothing was said at all (Aodhan’s looks over Braden’s head at Coll).
The Blackwood was almost another character entirely in this story and the descriptions made me feel like I was there, but again, in a dreamscape way. I am all over the place in this review but this was an interesting book.
The steam level was low although there were sex scenes. The sex was almost superfluous. If you read ABO or shifter stories for the “Mine” moments, you won’t find that here. You will find though a unique new shifter series that’s more intentional about dynamics and has a twinge of emo angst running through it.
The Blackwood was almost another character entirely in this story and the descriptions made me feel like I was there, but again, in a dreamscape way. I am all over the place in this review but this was an interesting book.
The steam level was low although there were sex scenes. The sex was almost superfluous. If you read ABO or shifter stories for the “Mine” moments, you won’t find that here. You will find though a unique new shifter series that’s more intentional about dynamics and has a twinge of emo angst running through it.
January 3, 2019
3.5 stars
January 16, 2019
Ok book with no real angst between the MCs. Past traumas and current ones collide and cause some strain and angst for one MC but the couple is solid. Good book, just not remarkable in any way.
November 7, 2018
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
A new take on a world of shifters, this was such a sweet read. When Braden's car breaks down out in the wild, he ends up stuck. For the most part he is prepared for this, but he doesn't have enough of his suppression meds for him to stay out there too long. Without the meds, Braden starts to go into heat, something that he has avoided for years. When Coll comes upon Braden, he is already in a bad way but Braden maintains that he does not want to go to the hospital. So, Coll takes him to his house, but the more he learns about Braden the more Coll wants to help him. Braden's lack of trust and the fear that cripples him from past events means that Coll has to go at this as slow as possible. Can someone that is so broken learn to trust again?
I found this to be a very sweet slow burn type of read. The story that plays out, is a bit sad actually and at time kind of breaks your heart. With drama, some intense naughty times, and a bit of violence, I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
A new take on a world of shifters, this was such a sweet read. When Braden's car breaks down out in the wild, he ends up stuck. For the most part he is prepared for this, but he doesn't have enough of his suppression meds for him to stay out there too long. Without the meds, Braden starts to go into heat, something that he has avoided for years. When Coll comes upon Braden, he is already in a bad way but Braden maintains that he does not want to go to the hospital. So, Coll takes him to his house, but the more he learns about Braden the more Coll wants to help him. Braden's lack of trust and the fear that cripples him from past events means that Coll has to go at this as slow as possible. Can someone that is so broken learn to trust again?
I found this to be a very sweet slow burn type of read. The story that plays out, is a bit sad actually and at time kind of breaks your heart. With drama, some intense naughty times, and a bit of violence, I give this 4 stars.
November 3, 2020
Blackwood is the first book in the Perth Shifters series by Pia Foxhall. We jump straight into the action with Braden in trouble, in the middle of nowhere. He is rescued by Coll, who realises just what Braden has been through, and he tries his best to help him in the circumstances. Of course, it couldn't be that easy, so Braden's past is thrown into the mix, plus long distances.
What you get is an enthralling read that will keep you turning the pages. The story is fully fleshed out, with a multitude of other characters that I am hoping I hear from! There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.
This is the first in the series, so don't expect everything to be handed to you on a plate. Instead, look forward to the next installment, so you can get the full enjoyment. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
What you get is an enthralling read that will keep you turning the pages. The story is fully fleshed out, with a multitude of other characters that I am hoping I hear from! There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.
This is the first in the series, so don't expect everything to be handed to you on a plate. Instead, look forward to the next installment, so you can get the full enjoyment. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
December 20, 2021
Trigger warnings: PTSD, mental health, rape (in the past), blackmail, abusive and non-consensual relationships (in the past)
3.5 stars.
Look, my sole experience with the omegaverse comes courtesy of some VERY dubious Supernatural fanfic that I was subjected to on Tumblr years ago. So, uh, this was something of a rude awakening. That being said, it's set in Australia and 90% of paranormal and urban fantasy stories are set in the US, so I was interested to read it for that alone. The setting itself was fantastic, and I did like the characters.
But I definitely had to plough my way through waaaaaaaaaay more than I anticipated about being in heat and the abuse that omegas suffer at the hands of unscrupulous and toxic alphas. Definitely didn't anticipate that amount of sexual violence, that's for sure... 😬
3.5 stars.
Look, my sole experience with the omegaverse comes courtesy of some VERY dubious Supernatural fanfic that I was subjected to on Tumblr years ago. So, uh, this was something of a rude awakening. That being said, it's set in Australia and 90% of paranormal and urban fantasy stories are set in the US, so I was interested to read it for that alone. The setting itself was fantastic, and I did like the characters.
But I definitely had to plough my way through waaaaaaaaaay more than I anticipated about being in heat and the abuse that omegas suffer at the hands of unscrupulous and toxic alphas. Definitely didn't anticipate that amount of sexual violence, that's for sure... 😬
November 28, 2018
Super sweet and just as hot. This book was so deeply satisfying on every level to read. The writing is glorious and I fell into the world head over heels. I adored the characters and their journey, such great HEA. I am so excited to read more!
November 30, 2018
Simply stunning narrative
I am so impressed with this book. It is not a quick read for mindless pleasure like so many of the shifter books are. The characters are so real, solidly fleshed out in a manner that continues to define them through out the whole book. The world building is fantastic, based strongly on a Perth I would love to see , in a southwestern Australia that I recognised. This world though did not feel like a "Crocodile Dundee "Australia , but rather felt incredibly real, and much more like the W.A. I knew in the 80's, BUT with shifters. For a book that is completely packed with information and heavy with the descriptive background that is necessary for a first in a series book, it never felt draggy, or too slow.
I loved this story and the characters. I can't wait for the second book to come out. I couldn't tell from the hints just whose story would come next, but I have hopes that at least three of the characters we meet in book one will have much more to deliver in following books.
This book was not an easy read, it is very thought provoking and quite dark. It is also so full of beauty and hope and chocolate. I really can't wait to read more, I can only hope it is not too long of a wait for book 2 in the series. Highly recommend !
I am so impressed with this book. It is not a quick read for mindless pleasure like so many of the shifter books are. The characters are so real, solidly fleshed out in a manner that continues to define them through out the whole book. The world building is fantastic, based strongly on a Perth I would love to see , in a southwestern Australia that I recognised. This world though did not feel like a "Crocodile Dundee "Australia , but rather felt incredibly real, and much more like the W.A. I knew in the 80's, BUT with shifters. For a book that is completely packed with information and heavy with the descriptive background that is necessary for a first in a series book, it never felt draggy, or too slow.
I loved this story and the characters. I can't wait for the second book to come out. I couldn't tell from the hints just whose story would come next, but I have hopes that at least three of the characters we meet in book one will have much more to deliver in following books.
This book was not an easy read, it is very thought provoking and quite dark. It is also so full of beauty and hope and chocolate. I really can't wait to read more, I can only hope it is not too long of a wait for book 2 in the series. Highly recommend !
November 29, 2018
A wonderful gentle book, full of warm feelings, the true meaning of home, the tastiest hot chocolate in the world, love for Western Australia and its nature.
The characters felt true, real and relatable, the cast of side characters also felt great and intriguing, as for some of them it is planned to carry their own book of the series in the future (i love Aodhan with every bit of my soul so I'm excited!)
By the way, the author is great and I'd recommend checking their other works too! <3
The characters felt true, real and relatable, the cast of side characters also felt great and intriguing, as for some of them it is planned to carry their own book of the series in the future (i love Aodhan with every bit of my soul so I'm excited!)
By the way, the author is great and I'd recommend checking their other works too! <3
December 1, 2018
Great start to an Australian shifter series
This book had me completely immersed within the first few pages and it was hard to put down. The tropes are familiar but the rich quality of the writing, Australian idiomatic language and complex characters elevates this one. Highly recommended.
This book had me completely immersed within the first few pages and it was hard to put down. The tropes are familiar but the rich quality of the writing, Australian idiomatic language and complex characters elevates this one. Highly recommended.
November 24, 2018
Great new author!
This was a new author for me and I really loved this book, which looks like it will be the start of a series. Loved the MCs especially Coll who was an amazing calm alpha, who does an amazing job helping Braden deal with his PTSD. Can’t wait for the next one!
This was a new author for me and I really loved this book, which looks like it will be the start of a series. Loved the MCs especially Coll who was an amazing calm alpha, who does an amazing job helping Braden deal with his PTSD. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 20, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this fantastic, poignant, bittersweet, slow burning, angsty, raw, gripping, made-me-shed-tears-of-both-sadness-and-joy, and totally awesome start to a fascinating new series.
November 12, 2020
this was really good..sexy and different.. interesting and a curious amount of things going on... it kept me on the edge of my seat and curious.. i enjoyed it a lot.
December 17, 2018
Wow. This one of the best omega-verse books I've read in a really long time. I loved how the author was aware of the fact that you can't just "get over" physical abuse even with "omege-alpha hormones". You see that too many times in these kinds of stories, so I appreciated the hell out of the author for taking any kind of intercourse between Coll and Branden slowly. That was so perfect and made me respect Coll tremendously.
Wonderful, sweet, emotional read. Highly recommend!
Wonderful, sweet, emotional read. Highly recommend!
March 7, 2019
✮3.5 Stars✮
July 25, 2019
Okay, so it seems that Alpha/omega books all have that one cliched thing in common: omegas going out of their minds with lust when their heat comes, and alphas going out of their minds because of said heat. So when I started reading this book, I was like "here we go again, insta-lust, insta-mate, fated-mate, yada-yada-yada." But this book surprised me.
I just loved Coll and how he treated Braden during his heat, proving that hey, alphas aren't actually ruled by their dicks and are able to exercise self-control.
And what I loved even more about this book was that they pursued a relationship outside of heat, and that their first time together was by mutual - with all their faculties intact and not influenced by pheromones and whatnot - choice. Coll and Braden were super adorable together.
Don't get me wrong, though. I do enjoy that insta-lust, fated-mate Alpha/omega story once in a while, but in a sea of those, it's refreshing to read one that's a little bit different.
I just loved Coll and how he treated Braden during his heat, proving that hey, alphas aren't actually ruled by their dicks and are able to exercise self-control.
And what I loved even more about this book was that they pursued a relationship outside of heat, and that their first time together was by mutual - with all their faculties intact and not influenced by pheromones and whatnot - choice. Coll and Braden were super adorable together.
Don't get me wrong, though. I do enjoy that insta-lust, fated-mate Alpha/omega story once in a while, but in a sea of those, it's refreshing to read one that's a little bit different.
January 2, 2019
Found it kind of boring tbh, couldn't find myself interested in Braden or Coll. If what the book starts with had instead been its 3rd act maybe I could have been into it, but it just kind of dropped me into a crisis without any build up of the characters (or plot but lbr I wasn't expecting much) and I just didn't care. Also, Coll sarcastically talking about how he'd rape Braden (to emphasize that he wouldn't) was...not cool. The reader knows it's all above board but y'all are total strangers. Be kinder. Also possibly it could've used a line editor, but maybe I'm just being picky 'cause it's a self pub and I'm bored.
Someone into a slightly different flavor of a/b/o shifters than I am might like this, I can't say it's a bad book, but. Not for me.
Someone into a slightly different flavor of a/b/o shifters than I am might like this, I can't say it's a bad book, but. Not for me.
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