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Wildflower #1
Clayton
How do you tell yourself not to breathe?
He is my mate, and she is his everything. But he chose her, against every single instinct that we both know. For that, I have been whipped, shunned, shamed, disgraced, and broken. All for one moment of madness I could not control...
After two years, I left, unable to bear the pain and loneliness anymore. That was then. This is now!
I am back, and I am not the juvenile I was. I am now a full grown female. I feel his eyes on me, but I can’t. I won’t. I shouldn’t!
Time has healed my wounds, but not the deep scars the whip seared into my flesh or his indifference to my heart. Each breath is a pain, and his scent overwhelms me. But I can smell her in it. He still will not give her up, despite his own body crawling with a deep, physical desire, that only a mate can satisfy...
I breathe: I exist; barely!
I am a midwife. I bring life into a cruel world that haunts me every day, and the Doctor I work with, is the only one in this pack, who holds faith in me. He is the one person who stands up for me - and I feel light again, when I am with him...
What kind of life is this when two mates cannot be together, yet every part of their primal soul yearns for it infinitely? What kind of cruel moon would torture a she-wolf like this? I can’t go on, but I must!
Whatever happens, I must attend to my purpose and give my miserable life some meaning; perhaps I can snatch some joy in pieces, but now, I see that he needs me - but he also wants her too!
How do you tell yourself not to breathe?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2016
1680 people are currently reading
3108 people want to read
About the author
Rachelle Mills
11 books987 followersA writer of wolves who loves the grey
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachelle Mills is a 2016 Watty winner for Voracious Reads - Clayton, and Featured Writer on Wattpad where she first published the acclaimed read under her breakout pseudonym, Whiskeyqueenn.
Ms. Mills has won the devotion of her international “Wildflower Pack" fandom, new readers and critics alike for her fantastically realized paranormal universes, where alpha male and luna-made werewolves fight tooth and claw for hierarchy. And the often blood-red path of true love is made as rocky and perilous for them as possible by society and the capricious deities it serves. Her disturbingly relatable shifters at once frustrate and enthrall readers, drawn with an expert grasp of the real-life complexities with which she imbues these primal beings, yielding the eternal conflict between their controlled, infinitely human side and their vicious, virtually untamable were-side. Mills' emotive style is singularly descriptive, bringing her trademark dark romances with their grey characters to vivid life.
She comes by the broad knowledge base that informs her worlds’ ethnically diverse characters and mix of global cultural traditions organically.
Ms. Mills lives in Canada with her family of humans and two judgmental dogs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachelle Mills is a 2016 Watty winner for Voracious Reads - Clayton, and Featured Writer on Wattpad where she first published the acclaimed read under her breakout pseudonym, Whiskeyqueenn.
Ms. Mills has won the devotion of her international “Wildflower Pack" fandom, new readers and critics alike for her fantastically realized paranormal universes, where alpha male and luna-made werewolves fight tooth and claw for hierarchy. And the often blood-red path of true love is made as rocky and perilous for them as possible by society and the capricious deities it serves. Her disturbingly relatable shifters at once frustrate and enthrall readers, drawn with an expert grasp of the real-life complexities with which she imbues these primal beings, yielding the eternal conflict between their controlled, infinitely human side and their vicious, virtually untamable were-side. Mills' emotive style is singularly descriptive, bringing her trademark dark romances with their grey characters to vivid life.
She comes by the broad knowledge base that informs her worlds’ ethnically diverse characters and mix of global cultural traditions organically.
Ms. Mills lives in Canada with her family of humans and two judgmental dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 692 reviews
November 27, 2019
When I think about mates, I think they’re the one and only mate. Not the second best or even second choice. Heroine suffered a lot because her mate chose another female. I hated everyone in this pack. I even hated the heroine for not being that strong. I hated Clayton with passion. I wanted him DEAD. This is a book about fake mates because no mate will reject his own mate for another female.
Clayton is a cheater. He emotionally cheated on his chosen mate Kennedy. Kennedy was a pathetic loser who knows her chosen mate had a another mate and she still decided to stay with him even knowing that he fought his mating pull towards his REAL MATE. She did not deserve Cash her original mate. Apparently her mate stayed true to her and stayed a virgin waiting for her. Clayton going and looking and running to his real mate was a shitty thing to do for his real mate and his chose mate. He was this pathetic, POS man who couldn’t make up his own mind. He said that he wanted his real mate but he couldn’t leave his chosen one because he loved her. She was his first love, his first everything, that he really loved her and he wouldn’t leave her for his real mate. He deserves to be shot point blank.
Dallas was another wolf that I hated. He had a mate that died with his pup. And he loved her. I might be able to pass this if the book wasn’t paranormal but not here.
I don’t feel like writing a review for book 2. So basically the heroine will die being everyone second choice and best. Sad life to live.
How many times did I say “mates” 😂😂😂
Clayton is a cheater. He emotionally cheated on his chosen mate Kennedy. Kennedy was a pathetic loser who knows her chosen mate had a another mate and she still decided to stay with him even knowing that he fought his mating pull towards his REAL MATE. She did not deserve Cash her original mate. Apparently her mate stayed true to her and stayed a virgin waiting for her. Clayton going and looking and running to his real mate was a shitty thing to do for his real mate and his chose mate. He was this pathetic, POS man who couldn’t make up his own mind. He said that he wanted his real mate but he couldn’t leave his chosen one because he loved her. She was his first love, his first everything, that he really loved her and he wouldn’t leave her for his real mate. He deserves to be shot point blank.
Dallas was another wolf that I hated. He had a mate that died with his pup. And he loved her. I might be able to pass this if the book wasn’t paranormal but not here.
I don’t feel like writing a review for book 2. So basically the heroine will die being everyone second choice and best. Sad life to live.
How many times did I say “mates” 😂😂😂
Read
December 5, 2021This is romance?
Sooooo, basically this is using the shifter premise to have another story where the H gets to cheat and have his cupcake too, but she has to remain celibate because he's her mate? Please tell me she doesn't take him back at the first opportunity?
Give me a break. It's 2021 folks. We're supposed to be better than this.
Sooooo, basically this is using the shifter premise to have another story where the H gets to cheat and have his cupcake too, but she has to remain celibate because he's her mate? Please tell me she doesn't take him back at the first opportunity?
Give me a break. It's 2021 folks. We're supposed to be better than this.
June 9, 2023
Wow, this author can WRITE!
He is my mate, and she is his everything. But he chose her, against every single instinct that we both know. For that, I have been whipped, shunned, shamed, disgraced, and broken. All for one moment of madness I could not control...
This angsty AF book ruined me!!! But it was also of the best shifter/werewolf stories I've ever read.
The premise:
✔Brutally rejected mates
✔Werewolf/contemporary world
✔Angst-filled. Will HURT your heart
✔FMC who is vulnerable and emotionally mature
✔Physical vs mental (biology vs emotion?)
✔Pack politics & manipulation
I would classify this as a super uncomfortable not-a-love triangle. There are so many tags that list this as PNR romance, but it's not. It's a shifter story, packed full of EMOTIONS. But it's not really a love story...although there is budding romance.
"Sometimes good people are meant to suffer. You learn from it, grow from it, become better from it."
This story ends with a cliffhanger of sorts, but it's more a continuing journey with Rya. I'm hoping the series name "Wildflower" is for her. Because she deserves to be someone who flourishes wherever she plants herself.
Isabella, we survived this story, barely, but we did...on to book two!!!
He is my mate, and she is his everything. But he chose her, against every single instinct that we both know. For that, I have been whipped, shunned, shamed, disgraced, and broken. All for one moment of madness I could not control...
This angsty AF book ruined me!!! But it was also of the best shifter/werewolf stories I've ever read.
The premise:
✔Brutally rejected mates
✔Werewolf/contemporary world
✔Angst-filled. Will HURT your heart
✔FMC who is vulnerable and emotionally mature
✔Physical vs mental (biology vs emotion?)
✔Pack politics & manipulation
I would classify this as a super uncomfortable not-a-love triangle. There are so many tags that list this as PNR romance, but it's not. It's a shifter story, packed full of EMOTIONS. But it's not really a love story...although there is budding romance.
"Sometimes good people are meant to suffer. You learn from it, grow from it, become better from it."
This story ends with a cliffhanger of sorts, but it's more a continuing journey with Rya. I'm hoping the series name "Wildflower" is for her. Because she deserves to be someone who flourishes wherever she plants herself.
Isabella, we survived this story, barely, but we did...on to book two!!!
June 11, 2023
Book 1: Clayton ==> 5 STARS
Book 2: Dallas ==> 5 STARS
Book 3: Cassius ==> 4.5 STARS
5 STARS!!
RE-READ: August 2021 ==> 5+ STARS!!
RE-READ: June 2023 ===> 5 STARS!!
Plot in a nutshell: As a juvenile wolf coming into her own, Rya becomes aware of who her fated mate is . . . Clayton, the alpha's son and the heir apparent. But Clayton's already in love with Kennedy and he rejects the pair bond ===> what ensues will tear your heart out.
Holy crap, the author did such a good job of balancing all the characters and their motivations. I savored every heartstring-jerking word here. Rya wasn't a straight-forward victim and Clayton wasn't a straight-forward villain.
The world-building was fabulous and the writing was emotional and heartfelt. I highly recommend!! I've already finished the sequel - another 5 stars - and I've started the 3rd.
Rachelle Mills is now on my list of favorite authors.
Book 2: Dallas ==> 5 STARS
Book 3: Cassius ==> 4.5 STARS
5 STARS!!
He's ruined my past, and now he's tampering with my future.A drama-rama angst-fest of EPIC proportions . . . and I LOVED every word!!!
RE-READ: August 2021 ==> 5+ STARS!!
RE-READ: June 2023 ===> 5 STARS!!
Plot in a nutshell: As a juvenile wolf coming into her own, Rya becomes aware of who her fated mate is . . . Clayton, the alpha's son and the heir apparent. But Clayton's already in love with Kennedy and he rejects the pair bond ===> what ensues will tear your heart out.
Holy crap, the author did such a good job of balancing all the characters and their motivations. I savored every heartstring-jerking word here. Rya wasn't a straight-forward victim and Clayton wasn't a straight-forward villain.
"He doesn't want you, Rya, but he doesn't want any other male to have you, either."It was all deliciously tragic . . . and the twists? Amazing!
The world-building was fabulous and the writing was emotional and heartfelt. I highly recommend!! I've already finished the sequel - another 5 stars - and I've started the 3rd.
Rachelle Mills is now on my list of favorite authors.
lost-my-interest
February 1, 2019Didn't the Hero contemplated killing the h or her death? When his beloved girlfriend suggested that so they can be together. Without him being so conflicted. That is appalling, not something I can overlook.
October 1, 2020
2.5 Wavering Stars
So this didn't have me swearing a blue streak like I thought I would but there were a fair few what the hell moments. Filled with angst.
If you're expecting a true mate romance where they end up having a HEA walk away now, this shows what happens when one true mate turns from the other.
So many moments of manipulation unfurled as the story progressed.
Issues of consent manifest when it comes to secondary characters.
Book 2 provides an ending to this book, not sure if I'll read it.
Acquired via KU.
So this didn't have me swearing a blue streak like I thought I would but there were a fair few what the hell moments. Filled with angst.
If you're expecting a true mate romance where they end up having a HEA walk away now, this shows what happens when one true mate turns from the other.
So many moments of manipulation unfurled as the story progressed.
Issues of consent manifest when it comes to secondary characters.
Book 2 provides an ending to this book, not sure if I'll read it.
Acquired via KU.
March 10, 2020
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
===============
The author totally fucked up the concept of mate! But the story hooked me because I wanted to know how she was going to develop this.
Clayton and Kennedy are despicable and selfish. To consider murdering his mate so they can be together is unacceptable. It demonstrates their character.
The two made a point of humiliating the heroine and showing how insignificant she was to them.
Our heroine suffered all kinds of abuse and was then completely ignored, as if she were a ghost. It was horrible!
===============
The author totally fucked up the concept of mate! But the story hooked me because I wanted to know how she was going to develop this.
Clayton and Kennedy are despicable and selfish. To consider murdering his mate so they can be together is unacceptable. It demonstrates their character.
The two made a point of humiliating the heroine and showing how insignificant she was to them.
Our heroine suffered all kinds of abuse and was then completely ignored, as if she were a ghost. It was horrible!
July 24, 2020
Wow! It has been forever since I have read a story that brought out this much angstiness, and I loved every second of it. Rya's life turned upside down once she met her mate and was so devastatingly rejected by him. She was cast aside for someone else even though Rya and her mate have this undeniable and unbreakable bond, Clayton went against every instinct instilled in him and refused to have anything to do with Rya.
As a child, Rya lost everything. Her dignity, her self esteem, her friends, pretty much everyone in her clan, and to a degree her family as well. She was forced to become a broken and shattered replacement of the shining person she had been before. My heart broke for this poor little girl and the trials she went through at such a young age, as well as her experiences once she came back home as an adult. I don't want to give anymore of this awesome story away, but I was sucked into this baby from the very first page and I could not put this story down. I'm so happy I don't have to wait for the second story of this series to come out to find out what happens to these characters next. I hope it holds up to be as an amazing story as this one was. Onto book two!
May 29, 2020
The language drew me in and dragged me along its painful path. Every bump is felt in blistering detail. I am in awe.
I read almost zero PNR/SCI-FI but this book does not deserve the criticisms in the top rated reviews. The plot has been simply and meanly culled to a basic denominator that in no way reflects the truth or intent of the plot. It’s terribly petty and misleading.
4.5 stars
I read almost zero PNR/SCI-FI but this book does not deserve the criticisms in the top rated reviews. The plot has been simply and meanly culled to a basic denominator that in no way reflects the truth or intent of the plot. It’s terribly petty and misleading.
4.5 stars
August 2, 2020
4.5 stars
Own in: The Wildflower Series
I read this a while ago on Wattpad. When I saw a GR buddy's review, it sounded familiar. I messaged her with, "does this happen, does that happen..." I knew I had read it before. I was excited that the books (Clayton and Dallas) were now available in kindle format. I scored when I found the 3 Wildflower books in a bundle at a bargain price. I was ecstatic. I had read Dallas but not Cassius.
Both Clayton and Dallas take the reader on an emotional, angsty trip. I hate Clayton and Kennedy with a passion. My feelings after reading again have not changed from my Wattpad reading. Rya has so much strength to endure everything dished out to her, the reader cannot help but want all good things for her - even her mate.
Own in: The Wildflower Series
I read this a while ago on Wattpad. When I saw a GR buddy's review, it sounded familiar. I messaged her with, "does this happen, does that happen..." I knew I had read it before. I was excited that the books (Clayton and Dallas) were now available in kindle format. I scored when I found the 3 Wildflower books in a bundle at a bargain price. I was ecstatic. I had read Dallas but not Cassius.
Both Clayton and Dallas take the reader on an emotional, angsty trip. I hate Clayton and Kennedy with a passion. My feelings after reading again have not changed from my Wattpad reading. Rya has so much strength to endure everything dished out to her, the reader cannot help but want all good things for her - even her mate.
January 19, 2022
I don't even know what to say about this book. It had potential and the overall plot was intriguing I guess but with all the drama added it was too much. The world building wasn't great in my opinion either and there were a lot of confusing parts when it came to mating and the town. It was like the important details were glossed over to make room for more drama.
And don't even get me started on the ending. I was still reading along at least happy enough to get to know Dallas and waiting to see him fight for Rya but then his family came into the picture and it became a lot of "what the fuck" moments.
And don't even get me started on the ending. I was still reading along at least happy enough to get to know Dallas and waiting to see him fight for Rya but then his family came into the picture and it became a lot of "what the fuck" moments.
Read
June 22, 2024DNF’d at 52%
Life’s too short to read badly written torture porn
Life’s too short to read badly written torture porn
April 19, 2024
I'm quite the fan of the rejected mate trope, and this one hit the spot.
3.75 stars
3.75 stars
May 3, 2021
Trigger Warnings: This is a little harder to put trigger warnings on since it's a werewolf romance and some of the stuff that happens in this book is unclear since I'm new to the genre/trope. It's either that or I'm stupid cuz there were many parts in this book where I was confused. So here we are.
Holy shit, this is my first werewolf romance and wow, this has opened a new genre and trope that I can explore. A huge thank you to Shilpa for recommending this book, she was right, this is angst city. This book was so damn entertaining and although some of the writing felt a bit wonky, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was interrupted constantly while reading this book with shifts at work and I was going insane at work since I wanted to know how this book ended. And after finishing this book with THAT CLIFFHANGER, I literally cannot wait to start the next book. This is the first in the Wildflower series and this is my first Rachelle Mills and it was really entertaining. I feel like a lot of the stuff that happens in this book would have been problematic and still are problematic but because it was a werewolf romance, I wasn't bothered too much by it. There are stuff that wolves do that isn't the same as humans and if the characters were fully human and did what they did, I would've DNFed the book but because it was a werewolf romance, I was okay with it. I'll give you an example, werewolves have mates and it's like their body and soul react the second they are near their mate. They are destined to be together, it's supposed to be a blessing from the moon, but in this book, it doesn't seem like a blessing, it seems like a curse. The main character in this book, Rya, is mates with Clayton, a guy who is in love with his childhood sweetheart Kennedy. Rya sees Kennedy as a threat and attacks Kennedy to a point where she was ready to kill her. If this was a normal contemporary book, I would've been like fuck that this book is messed what the hell. But since it is a werewolf romance, they're more animalistic, it focuses on wolves and how they act by nature. Wolves who find other wolves as threats try to eliminate the threat (competition), whether it is to hurt the other or to kill them, which can bother some so if you don't like that typa thing, stay away from this book.
As I have mentioned before, this book follows Rya, a girl who is mates with Clayton. Clayton, a guy that is in love with his childhood sweetheart Kennedy, who wants nothing to do with his actual mate Rya. After making a mistake and being punished in front of her whole pack, Rya leaves and transfers to another pack until she is called back when she is needed. Four years later, she gets a call and she is forced to face her mate, the mate that doesn't want her and stands by the side of his lover. Rya faces many challenges but she might have possibly met someone who might actually want her.
Now for spoilers
Anyway, that is all, stay safe folks!
Holy shit, this is my first werewolf romance and wow, this has opened a new genre and trope that I can explore. A huge thank you to Shilpa for recommending this book, she was right, this is angst city. This book was so damn entertaining and although some of the writing felt a bit wonky, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was interrupted constantly while reading this book with shifts at work and I was going insane at work since I wanted to know how this book ended. And after finishing this book with THAT CLIFFHANGER, I literally cannot wait to start the next book. This is the first in the Wildflower series and this is my first Rachelle Mills and it was really entertaining. I feel like a lot of the stuff that happens in this book would have been problematic and still are problematic but because it was a werewolf romance, I wasn't bothered too much by it. There are stuff that wolves do that isn't the same as humans and if the characters were fully human and did what they did, I would've DNFed the book but because it was a werewolf romance, I was okay with it. I'll give you an example, werewolves have mates and it's like their body and soul react the second they are near their mate. They are destined to be together, it's supposed to be a blessing from the moon, but in this book, it doesn't seem like a blessing, it seems like a curse. The main character in this book, Rya, is mates with Clayton, a guy who is in love with his childhood sweetheart Kennedy. Rya sees Kennedy as a threat and attacks Kennedy to a point where she was ready to kill her. If this was a normal contemporary book, I would've been like fuck that this book is messed what the hell. But since it is a werewolf romance, they're more animalistic, it focuses on wolves and how they act by nature. Wolves who find other wolves as threats try to eliminate the threat (competition), whether it is to hurt the other or to kill them, which can bother some so if you don't like that typa thing, stay away from this book.
As I have mentioned before, this book follows Rya, a girl who is mates with Clayton. Clayton, a guy that is in love with his childhood sweetheart Kennedy, who wants nothing to do with his actual mate Rya. After making a mistake and being punished in front of her whole pack, Rya leaves and transfers to another pack until she is called back when she is needed. Four years later, she gets a call and she is forced to face her mate, the mate that doesn't want her and stands by the side of his lover. Rya faces many challenges but she might have possibly met someone who might actually want her.
Now for spoilers
Anyway, that is all, stay safe folks!
January 28, 2019
Great idea but..
I picked this book up from a large group of people recommending it in a Facebook group I’m a part of. I thought the idea sounded fresh, interesting and for as many people saying it was an awesome read, I was excited to read it. I came in knowing that at one point this was on Wattpad and had quite a bit more length to it. I think that this version should include what was edited out from Wattpad, so that things are a bit easier to understand how who relates to whom and why.
The good:
New idea of a trope- werewolves and mating- mates being shunned by pack for a reason. I like para romance, I read that genre almost exclusively.
- complex characters that you get a mass of feelings for(more on this in the bad, because it’s a 50/50 for me)
-fairly quick read- I had it done in about three hours.
The bad:
- The characters are so wordy and wishy washy that several times I put the book down and walked away. I don’t know if it is the author’s style of writing, but continual non stop angst and one step forward, five steps back gets really old after a while. This book is almost entirely nothing but that. The way the three main couples in the book act is just tedious to read. It’s like high school, the way they pick at each other and yet pine for each other. The drama that unfolds is just Jerry Springer episode ridiculous, with no resolution except forcing characters to submit a certain way and that’s that.
-The use of some words by the author—if you don’t know how to use a word correctly, don’t use it. I don’t know if it’s that English is not the author’s first language or if they are trying to use such words to give them more credibility, but it just falls flat.
- the “sex scenes”- really sound like teenage backseat of the car kind of stuff. There’s no real visual to it, the wording is just off. If it was supposed to get me hot under the collar, so to speak, it did the complete opposite. It turned me off more than anything.
-Continuity of the story- Many of the small details didn’t add up as you read along. I don’t know if this was due to the heavy editing from Wattpad’s original story to break this up into more books for sale, or sloppy editing by author/editor. Dallas’ father has a name, Alpha Clinton, but for the entirety of the book, he’s known as the Silverback male. Not by name, like all the other characters in the book. Just call the guy by his name, and describe him once as a silverback male. The author describes one character’s physical features so much that in my mind, I kept seeing a Barbie doll for that character. I get it, she looks this way, I don’t need to be reminded multiple times throughout the book.
-Grammar- Spelling, use of words, punctuation, pluralization of words need to be checked before publication. Makes for a tough read when you’re correcting as you read.
Wrap up- I really wanted to like this book, and I guess I expected more from it for all the shining recommendations I read about it. But honestly, it just fell flat for me. Too much Jerry Springer drama, too much angst, too much wordiness that was unnecessary, stilted dialogue, predictable characters, and ho-hum “sex scenes.”
2 stars- I hope the second part is more cohesive and less of the points mentioned above.
I picked this book up from a large group of people recommending it in a Facebook group I’m a part of. I thought the idea sounded fresh, interesting and for as many people saying it was an awesome read, I was excited to read it. I came in knowing that at one point this was on Wattpad and had quite a bit more length to it. I think that this version should include what was edited out from Wattpad, so that things are a bit easier to understand how who relates to whom and why.
The good:
New idea of a trope- werewolves and mating- mates being shunned by pack for a reason. I like para romance, I read that genre almost exclusively.
- complex characters that you get a mass of feelings for(more on this in the bad, because it’s a 50/50 for me)
-fairly quick read- I had it done in about three hours.
The bad:
- The characters are so wordy and wishy washy that several times I put the book down and walked away. I don’t know if it is the author’s style of writing, but continual non stop angst and one step forward, five steps back gets really old after a while. This book is almost entirely nothing but that. The way the three main couples in the book act is just tedious to read. It’s like high school, the way they pick at each other and yet pine for each other. The drama that unfolds is just Jerry Springer episode ridiculous, with no resolution except forcing characters to submit a certain way and that’s that.
-The use of some words by the author—if you don’t know how to use a word correctly, don’t use it. I don’t know if it’s that English is not the author’s first language or if they are trying to use such words to give them more credibility, but it just falls flat.
- the “sex scenes”- really sound like teenage backseat of the car kind of stuff. There’s no real visual to it, the wording is just off. If it was supposed to get me hot under the collar, so to speak, it did the complete opposite. It turned me off more than anything.
-Continuity of the story- Many of the small details didn’t add up as you read along. I don’t know if this was due to the heavy editing from Wattpad’s original story to break this up into more books for sale, or sloppy editing by author/editor. Dallas’ father has a name, Alpha Clinton, but for the entirety of the book, he’s known as the Silverback male. Not by name, like all the other characters in the book. Just call the guy by his name, and describe him once as a silverback male. The author describes one character’s physical features so much that in my mind, I kept seeing a Barbie doll for that character. I get it, she looks this way, I don’t need to be reminded multiple times throughout the book.
-Grammar- Spelling, use of words, punctuation, pluralization of words need to be checked before publication. Makes for a tough read when you’re correcting as you read.
Wrap up- I really wanted to like this book, and I guess I expected more from it for all the shining recommendations I read about it. But honestly, it just fell flat for me. Too much Jerry Springer drama, too much angst, too much wordiness that was unnecessary, stilted dialogue, predictable characters, and ho-hum “sex scenes.”
2 stars- I hope the second part is more cohesive and less of the points mentioned above.
December 19, 2018
Absolute garbage
January 6, 2019
No words to describe how horrible this book is.
A giant run-on sentence with no flow.
Real book title is what to expect when you're expecting.
Shallow. No depth.
What kind of idiot doesn't realized she's being used?
Whoever wrote this book should pursue another vocation.
A giant run-on sentence with no flow.
Real book title is what to expect when you're expecting.
Shallow. No depth.
What kind of idiot doesn't realized she's being used?
Whoever wrote this book should pursue another vocation.
December 19, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book, so bear with me while I sort them out in this review. I believe this story has excellent bones, but some of the fine details made this hard to rate.
I loved the angst of Clayton. I loved the premise of the story. Rya is a female wolf rejected by her fate/moon chosen mate, Clayton, and someone who is deemed valuable when she reaches her adulthood… just not by her mate. His human side chooses another wolf over her, and the circumstances around this situation are horrific. I won’t spoil that much for y’all.
What bothered me was I spent the whole book wondering why it was called Clayton or the Wildflowers Series. I didn’t understand what it meant to be moon touched and why it was deemed valuable till somewhat late in the game. And still, why was this important to a pack? Also, the packs weren’t named, so they were basically identified by whose pack it was… I wanted more explanations on how their world worked. I liked that it was different than every other PNR Shifter book that I’ve read. I just wanted some clarity on some aspects of it.
Now, I loved Dallas but felt he did this drastic change when he accepted some aspects of himself (don’t want to spoil it). He wasn’t the blushing guy who had a crush on the girl. I wasn’t eased into his change.
Rya was such a strong character. I loved her and her resiliency. I really wanted her to stand up for herself with Clayton though. I wanted her to have some snappy, sassy comebacks to his awfulness.
Overall, I couldn’t put this book down because I wanted to know what happened next, but the devil is in the details—those killed me. Also, the ending left me wanting… there is no resolution because we’re left off on a cliffhanger. Had I realized there was one, I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up, but I’m glad I did. It’s a unique and angsty read.
Edited to add: This book had a real Charlaine Harris feel/tone that I really enjoyed. The author has a really great voice.
3.5 to 4 Stars
I loved the angst of Clayton. I loved the premise of the story. Rya is a female wolf rejected by her fate/moon chosen mate, Clayton, and someone who is deemed valuable when she reaches her adulthood… just not by her mate. His human side chooses another wolf over her, and the circumstances around this situation are horrific. I won’t spoil that much for y’all.
What bothered me was I spent the whole book wondering why it was called Clayton or the Wildflowers Series. I didn’t understand what it meant to be moon touched and why it was deemed valuable till somewhat late in the game. And still, why was this important to a pack? Also, the packs weren’t named, so they were basically identified by whose pack it was… I wanted more explanations on how their world worked. I liked that it was different than every other PNR Shifter book that I’ve read. I just wanted some clarity on some aspects of it.
Now, I loved Dallas but felt he did this drastic change when he accepted some aspects of himself (don’t want to spoil it). He wasn’t the blushing guy who had a crush on the girl. I wasn’t eased into his change.
Rya was such a strong character. I loved her and her resiliency. I really wanted her to stand up for herself with Clayton though. I wanted her to have some snappy, sassy comebacks to his awfulness.
Overall, I couldn’t put this book down because I wanted to know what happened next, but the devil is in the details—those killed me. Also, the ending left me wanting… there is no resolution because we’re left off on a cliffhanger. Had I realized there was one, I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up, but I’m glad I did. It’s a unique and angsty read.
Edited to add: This book had a real Charlaine Harris feel/tone that I really enjoyed. The author has a really great voice.
3.5 to 4 Stars
July 26, 2020
I don’t normally gravitate to werewolf romance, but I really enjoy this author. I loved Dallas and Rya. I had to finish the series. Poor Rya went through so much at Clayton’s hands. His story is also tragic. This book was very angsty, which I loved. The world the author created is a fascinating one.
Rya overcomes a lot and Dallas supports and encourages her even though he has a lot at risk. Rya must make a decision between her mate and her chosen love.
Rya overcomes a lot and Dallas supports and encourages her even though he has a lot at risk. Rya must make a decision between her mate and her chosen love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2020
This book one Wildflower Series. It is not your typical were, or jilted lover book. It is Rya’s journey that is both heart warming and wrenching. Life is messy and Ms. Mills writes a beautiful story of hope, loss, love, forgiveness, strength... I highly recommend.
Agony is on his face. She’s in his bones, he might not be able to hold her mark, but she has branded his soul. They have greedily invaded and gorged themselves full on their love for each other. The legacy that they are making is a forked tongue trail. They have no one to blame but themselves.
She can have him.
He’s not worth my fight.
Agony is on his face. She’s in his bones, he might not be able to hold her mark, but she has branded his soul. They have greedily invaded and gorged themselves full on their love for each other. The legacy that they are making is a forked tongue trail. They have no one to blame but themselves.
She can have him.
He’s not worth my fight.
November 7, 2024
2.5 Stars
Quick Opinion: I'm a sucker for the messy romances and I felt like this one was going to be a winner for me. I'm not a huge fan of the paranormal subgenre, but the idea of a rejected mate sounded like some unrequited angsty goodness. Sadly, not so much. Especially sad because I am in the minority again because it seems like all my GR friends that have read this loved it. Did I read the same book?! I struggled. A lot. I called the whole "Clayton" thing early on, I didn't feel a connection between the characters or with the characters themselves, and most importantly for me -- I didn't feel much of anything. I never skimmed but I was bored and I felt like nothing really happened. I felt little connection, zero chemistry, and zero angst. So much so that I didn't even feel like writing my typical review 🤷🏻♀️
But! Please know that I always struggle with paranormal romances for some reason, so it 100% could be a me thing (and it seems like it is because of the other reviews). If there is a rejected mate book that you can recommend to help cleanse my palate, please do!
Quick Opinion: I'm a sucker for the messy romances and I felt like this one was going to be a winner for me. I'm not a huge fan of the paranormal subgenre, but the idea of a rejected mate sounded like some unrequited angsty goodness. Sadly, not so much. Especially sad because I am in the minority again because it seems like all my GR friends that have read this loved it. Did I read the same book?! I struggled. A lot. I called the whole "Clayton" thing early on, I didn't feel a connection between the characters or with the characters themselves, and most importantly for me -- I didn't feel much of anything. I never skimmed but I was bored and I felt like nothing really happened. I felt little connection, zero chemistry, and zero angst. So much so that I didn't even feel like writing my typical review 🤷🏻♀️
But! Please know that I always struggle with paranormal romances for some reason, so it 100% could be a me thing (and it seems like it is because of the other reviews). If there is a rejected mate book that you can recommend to help cleanse my palate, please do!
January 12, 2023
I regret reading this. Everyone in this book aside from Rya was a POS. I couldn't put it down though, it was like watching a car crash.
April 16, 2023
This was so strange for me up to around 60% I was obsessed it was pain and anguish and dispute, it made sense and it flowed well the story was heading in a way I couldn’t work out but was difficult to put down, then something so bizarre happened, it just stopped making sense, dialogue became stilted and poorly written, the story didn’t make sense, people swiftly changed character into something they were not before, no development just stilted change back and forth to suit the strange twist in plot, at 80% I still had no clue who to trust and what was going to happen which would usually be good but by that point the characters were so far from their original descriptions that it wasn’t good suspense it was just confusing. At 90% it was utter chaos!
A really odd ending to what was a fantastic beginning, I can’t quite get over the enormous nose dive, it’s almost like someone totally different wrote the end it has that much of a different feel.
Since the book is called Clayton you expect their mate bond to win out which I think is what caused a lot of the confusion. The main character is consistently second best and cheated on to no resolve as the story ends in a new beginning and she hasn’t really progressed in character at all. In stark contrast the males in this book change drastically in a tiny timeframe.
Frustrating to say the least, I can’t continue with the writing the way it was towards the end of this book sadly. A promising start with a disappointing turn.
A really odd ending to what was a fantastic beginning, I can’t quite get over the enormous nose dive, it’s almost like someone totally different wrote the end it has that much of a different feel.
Since the book is called Clayton you expect their mate bond to win out which I think is what caused a lot of the confusion. The main character is consistently second best and cheated on to no resolve as the story ends in a new beginning and she hasn’t really progressed in character at all. In stark contrast the males in this book change drastically in a tiny timeframe.
Frustrating to say the least, I can’t continue with the writing the way it was towards the end of this book sadly. A promising start with a disappointing turn.
February 13, 2019
First things first.
I rarely read PNR and a small fraction of what little I read is Shifter PNR.
But I do have reading buddies that love them and Clayton came highly recommended. Mainly because one friend in particular had been obsessed with finding a good rejected mate story. I was so excited for her that I decided to read it too.
I'm happy I did. I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
Strengths:
World building and structure of the wolf pack was done very well. Author's voice and writing style are unique
Weaknesses: Ending is a little cliffhanger-y, but not obnoxious. Author's voice and writing style are unique
I rarely read PNR and a small fraction of what little I read is Shifter PNR.
But I do have reading buddies that love them and Clayton came highly recommended. Mainly because one friend in particular had been obsessed with finding a good rejected mate story. I was so excited for her that I decided to read it too.
I'm happy I did. I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
Strengths:
World building and structure of the wolf pack was done very well. Author's voice and writing style are unique
Weaknesses: Ending is a little cliffhanger-y, but not obnoxious. Author's voice and writing style are unique
January 14, 2024
Updated 1-13-24 Reread
I still absolutely love this series. Every reread I do gives me all the feels over and over.
A lot of feels
This book was heartbreaking in several areas. The constant rejection of Clayton towards Rae was awful. He words were so vile. The treatment from the rest of the pack was sickening. None of it was Rae's fault either. How can your own Alpha forget to take you off punishment, disgusting!
Kennedy is even in my mind with what she had done, hopefully she and Clayton both feel pain. I just want to see Rae get some kind of HEA.
I still absolutely love this series. Every reread I do gives me all the feels over and over.
A lot of feels
This book was heartbreaking in several areas. The constant rejection of Clayton towards Rae was awful. He words were so vile. The treatment from the rest of the pack was sickening. None of it was Rae's fault either. How can your own Alpha forget to take you off punishment, disgusting!
Kennedy is even in my mind with what she had done, hopefully she and Clayton both feel pain. I just want to see Rae get some kind of HEA.
December 8, 2021
The first half of the novel was really good but unfortunately I didn’t like the second part of it.
December 18, 2021
Brutal. Torturous. Painful to read.
When I think of mates, I think of love so deep that you don’t know where one begins and the other ends. But hey, we like rejected mate books because the angst is delicious. I didn’t think it was delicious here. It was depressing as fuck! Rya is literally the gum under everyone’s shoe. She’s the second choice to everyone around her. Kennedy is a damn loser and didn’t deserve any of the males who loved her.
Don’t get me started on every stupid “man” in this book either. To be frank, THEY ALL SUCK ASS. Only complaint about Rya is that I wish she was stronger. So she can say screw you to every one in the story. She deserves much better than any of them.
I’m going to read the second book and I hope I end up liking at least ONE male.
When I think of mates, I think of love so deep that you don’t know where one begins and the other ends. But hey, we like rejected mate books because the angst is delicious. I didn’t think it was delicious here. It was depressing as fuck! Rya is literally the gum under everyone’s shoe. She’s the second choice to everyone around her. Kennedy is a damn loser and didn’t deserve any of the males who loved her.
Don’t get me started on every stupid “man” in this book either. To be frank, THEY ALL SUCK ASS. Only complaint about Rya is that I wish she was stronger. So she can say screw you to every one in the story. She deserves much better than any of them.
I’m going to read the second book and I hope I end up liking at least ONE male.
July 29, 2019
This book started off interesting, then toward the end took a very odd turn. I'm not exactly sure what I feel was wrong with it, but it just went sideways somehow. I have to say I really didn't like the book overall.
June 12, 2023
Omg, I don’t even know how to get my brain cells working! This better work out in the end how I hope it works out!!!
April 21, 2024
First half, why I liked this book and second half why I gave it 1 star. (Also if you've found this book on one of those pay apps, and you're looking at reviews to see if it's worth sticking with, just know that all 3 books are on kindle for like 12 bucks TOTAL.)
So the premise is that Rya is fated mates with the alpha's son, and he chooses someone else, and how Rya deals with the fallout. The writing was really different from what im used to. Very descriptive and kind of elegant, sometimes I felt like I was reading a poem. And although I avoid these super angsty reads for a reason, the style of writing is was what kept me in. I completely appreciated the more realistic medical descriptions in the writing. I cannot stand when an author writes about a profession, and clearly they don't know anything about it. The author sounds like she has, at minimum, some medical experience or at least researched it. The thing I liked most about this was actually the more animalistic nature of these people, such as nuzzling eachother and other physical gestures that would look so weird to see humans doing, but would be normal for animals to do. I REALLY liked that there wasn't a clear-cut hierarchy in the pack other than the alpha and beta families. Individual shifters' status dropped based on their behavior, not who their parents were. And I liked that the alpha is held accountable by the pack rather than being a ruler with an iron fist. I was super into it until after what I'll call the alpha showdown between Clayton, Rya and Kennedy, which is where things started to get really inconsistant and confusing. Overall, I liked it up to this point and it went down hill from there. I have no desire to go on another emotional rollercoster with Rya over another guy who doesn't deserve her. And I have absolutely no desire to read about someone as disgusting as Cash. Super disappointing. It would have been 4, maybe 5 stars if not for the massive nose dive. Why do I day that? Spoilers below!
***SPOILERS***
*
*
*
*
So from here were my big issues with the book and what lost me. Spoilers!!!
I really liked the way Rya and Dallas's interactions start off. Dallas was not from her pack so he didnt treat her like everyone else. I loved that he had no issue approaching the alpha when he was disgusted with the way the pack was treating her. Later finding out he's next in line to be alpha of his own pack, it made more sense that he would be bold enough to get confrontational with her alpha. I had a huge problem with the relevation that Rya's punishment of being shunned was only supposed to be for a week, and that her alpha just "forgot" to tell her that for YEARS. And that the luna had no idea he never told her also made non sense.
Once the alpha showdown happens Dallas really changes towards Rya. I see a lot of comments about how he just "comes into his own" when this happens. I don't think so. Its not like he becomes more assertive, confident, ect. Instead he goes from very cautious, understanding and tender with Rya to being a dick and wanting her to submit completely to him. For example, when they shift together for the first time it's only the third time Rya's shifted. So Rya doesn't hunt, and has no experience with actually being a wolf. Dallas catches mice and gives them to her to play with and kill. Which is sweet in animal terms. But then he catches a rabbit, bites her hard enough to bleed when she tries to take it, makes her watch him eat it and throws her the scraps. Super domineering and humiliating. What is the point of being an asshole? And isn't he the one who had a problem with the pack making her wait until they finished eating? There's no reason for it, other than to teach Rya her place. And if they are going to mates, aren't they supposed to be equals?
At first Dallas is slow and reapectful of Rya in how far they go physically, but makes it obvious he is hurt when she still feels the mate bond to Clayton, and isn't ready to go further. But at one point Rya's wolf marks him in a spontaneous moment, without permission, and it severs the remaining bond he had with his dead mate. Dallas is furious and in agony over it. He doesn't want Rya to be affected by her mate bond to Clayton, expects her to turn it off, but he can't or won't do that with someone who is dead? Ridiculous. Also we find that after marking him Rya can feel Dallas's emotions - or the ones he wants her to. And he makes sure she feels all of the anger and hatred he feels for her because she marked him. It's intentional, he wants to hurt her. He completely ignores her, and won't acknowledge her at all. He does the same thing her pack did. And then when he's over his temper tantrum he just expects her to be totally okay with everything. He caused her a lot of emotional pain on purpose and his excuse is that it was "a dick move" but he was upset! And gosh what about the positive feelings for her he had underneath all the rage? Didn't she feel that, too?! After Rya discovers his room is basically a shrine to his dead mate, she gets upset that she's basically second to a dead person. When he tries stopping her from leaving she tells him she wants to be the first thing he thinks of when he wakes up and the last thing before falling asleep, and Dallas tells her she isn't. Which is just horrible and cruel. Dallas doesn't want to just be her second option, but he wants her to be okay being his second option. Like, fuck off buddy.
My next biggest issue is with Cash and Kennedy. I didn't even realize Kennedy was his mate until halfway through his talk with Rya about it. I hated Kennedy, but she was attacked by her chosen mate and would have been killed if not for Rya. So, it would make sense that she's going to be messed up and not ready to throw herself into the arms of another man right away. But instead of respecting that she's been through something horrible, and trying to win Kennedy's heart, Cash is domineering, aggressive and outright abusive to her. In one scene she refuses to eat with him, so he makes her. He tells her she will cooperate and if she spits the food out he will pick it up and make her eat it again. But she's not even just spitting it out to be defiant, she actually starts throwing up this food because he shoves it down her throat. And every time she throws up the food he makes her eat what she threw up. Over, and over, and over. It's disgusting and abusive and cruel. Then they have a marking ceremony which she is forced to participate in, and afterward he gives her an hour head start - telling her if he catches her, he will claim her. Really what he is saying is she has one chance to escape, and if he catches her he will rape her. And Dallas is totally fine with this, even keeping track of the timer. Are you kidding? Dallas even tries to justify Cash's behavior as being a result of his pain and anger over Kennedy wanting someone else, and insists Cash is a good person. No, he isn't. He is abusive and sick. And to top it off, this is the guy Dallas chooses as his beta? Dallas is supposed to be Rya's second chance at happiness, and the first half of the book he's great. Then he turns into a completely different person, and he's just as much of a prick as Clayton was. No thanks.
And BTW, why is this book named Clayton?! It's not even about him! He's literally a background character. Or is it because Dallas' first name is actually Clayton too? That's not a clever twist, it's just dumb.
*end rant*
#dnf
So the premise is that Rya is fated mates with the alpha's son, and he chooses someone else, and how Rya deals with the fallout. The writing was really different from what im used to. Very descriptive and kind of elegant, sometimes I felt like I was reading a poem. And although I avoid these super angsty reads for a reason, the style of writing is was what kept me in. I completely appreciated the more realistic medical descriptions in the writing. I cannot stand when an author writes about a profession, and clearly they don't know anything about it. The author sounds like she has, at minimum, some medical experience or at least researched it. The thing I liked most about this was actually the more animalistic nature of these people, such as nuzzling eachother and other physical gestures that would look so weird to see humans doing, but would be normal for animals to do. I REALLY liked that there wasn't a clear-cut hierarchy in the pack other than the alpha and beta families. Individual shifters' status dropped based on their behavior, not who their parents were. And I liked that the alpha is held accountable by the pack rather than being a ruler with an iron fist. I was super into it until after what I'll call the alpha showdown between Clayton, Rya and Kennedy, which is where things started to get really inconsistant and confusing. Overall, I liked it up to this point and it went down hill from there. I have no desire to go on another emotional rollercoster with Rya over another guy who doesn't deserve her. And I have absolutely no desire to read about someone as disgusting as Cash. Super disappointing. It would have been 4, maybe 5 stars if not for the massive nose dive. Why do I day that? Spoilers below!
***SPOILERS***
*
*
*
*
So from here were my big issues with the book and what lost me. Spoilers!!!
I really liked the way Rya and Dallas's interactions start off. Dallas was not from her pack so he didnt treat her like everyone else. I loved that he had no issue approaching the alpha when he was disgusted with the way the pack was treating her. Later finding out he's next in line to be alpha of his own pack, it made more sense that he would be bold enough to get confrontational with her alpha. I had a huge problem with the relevation that Rya's punishment of being shunned was only supposed to be for a week, and that her alpha just "forgot" to tell her that for YEARS. And that the luna had no idea he never told her also made non sense.
Once the alpha showdown happens Dallas really changes towards Rya. I see a lot of comments about how he just "comes into his own" when this happens. I don't think so. Its not like he becomes more assertive, confident, ect. Instead he goes from very cautious, understanding and tender with Rya to being a dick and wanting her to submit completely to him. For example, when they shift together for the first time it's only the third time Rya's shifted. So Rya doesn't hunt, and has no experience with actually being a wolf. Dallas catches mice and gives them to her to play with and kill. Which is sweet in animal terms. But then he catches a rabbit, bites her hard enough to bleed when she tries to take it, makes her watch him eat it and throws her the scraps. Super domineering and humiliating. What is the point of being an asshole? And isn't he the one who had a problem with the pack making her wait until they finished eating? There's no reason for it, other than to teach Rya her place. And if they are going to mates, aren't they supposed to be equals?
At first Dallas is slow and reapectful of Rya in how far they go physically, but makes it obvious he is hurt when she still feels the mate bond to Clayton, and isn't ready to go further. But at one point Rya's wolf marks him in a spontaneous moment, without permission, and it severs the remaining bond he had with his dead mate. Dallas is furious and in agony over it. He doesn't want Rya to be affected by her mate bond to Clayton, expects her to turn it off, but he can't or won't do that with someone who is dead? Ridiculous. Also we find that after marking him Rya can feel Dallas's emotions - or the ones he wants her to. And he makes sure she feels all of the anger and hatred he feels for her because she marked him. It's intentional, he wants to hurt her. He completely ignores her, and won't acknowledge her at all. He does the same thing her pack did. And then when he's over his temper tantrum he just expects her to be totally okay with everything. He caused her a lot of emotional pain on purpose and his excuse is that it was "a dick move" but he was upset! And gosh what about the positive feelings for her he had underneath all the rage? Didn't she feel that, too?! After Rya discovers his room is basically a shrine to his dead mate, she gets upset that she's basically second to a dead person. When he tries stopping her from leaving she tells him she wants to be the first thing he thinks of when he wakes up and the last thing before falling asleep, and Dallas tells her she isn't. Which is just horrible and cruel. Dallas doesn't want to just be her second option, but he wants her to be okay being his second option. Like, fuck off buddy.
My next biggest issue is with Cash and Kennedy. I didn't even realize Kennedy was his mate until halfway through his talk with Rya about it. I hated Kennedy, but she was attacked by her chosen mate and would have been killed if not for Rya. So, it would make sense that she's going to be messed up and not ready to throw herself into the arms of another man right away. But instead of respecting that she's been through something horrible, and trying to win Kennedy's heart, Cash is domineering, aggressive and outright abusive to her. In one scene she refuses to eat with him, so he makes her. He tells her she will cooperate and if she spits the food out he will pick it up and make her eat it again. But she's not even just spitting it out to be defiant, she actually starts throwing up this food because he shoves it down her throat. And every time she throws up the food he makes her eat what she threw up. Over, and over, and over. It's disgusting and abusive and cruel. Then they have a marking ceremony which she is forced to participate in, and afterward he gives her an hour head start - telling her if he catches her, he will claim her. Really what he is saying is she has one chance to escape, and if he catches her he will rape her. And Dallas is totally fine with this, even keeping track of the timer. Are you kidding? Dallas even tries to justify Cash's behavior as being a result of his pain and anger over Kennedy wanting someone else, and insists Cash is a good person. No, he isn't. He is abusive and sick. And to top it off, this is the guy Dallas chooses as his beta? Dallas is supposed to be Rya's second chance at happiness, and the first half of the book he's great. Then he turns into a completely different person, and he's just as much of a prick as Clayton was. No thanks.
And BTW, why is this book named Clayton?! It's not even about him! He's literally a background character. Or is it because Dallas' first name is actually Clayton too? That's not a clever twist, it's just dumb.
*end rant*
#dnf
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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