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Briar Wood Pack #4
Ensnared: The Omega and the Protector
Eager for a challenge to keep him out of trouble, Max goes undercover in the search for Griffin’s brother, Michael. But finding the omega and rescuing him are two very different things. When he learns Michael is about to be sold to Griffin’s enemies, Max has to do something before it’s too late.
There are worse lives than the one Michael is living. He gets to be close to his kids, Ryan and Eliot, who matter more to him than anything. He’ll do whatever he can to stay with them, even if it means playing nanny for the alpha and beta he’s a surrogate for, even when the resentful beta treats him no better than a slave. It’s all worth it to be with his boys.
When a new guard arrives at the house, Michael tries to keep out of his way and out of trouble. But trouble finds him all the same. Dragged unwillingly from his life by Max, he’s torn away from his kids with the promise of being reunited with his brothers. When Max is injured during the escape, Michael winds up trapped with a protective, near-feral bear in the middle of nowhere with no idea what to do next.
Max’s past and present collide when he’s injured, leaving a blank slate where his memory should be and a scared omega by his side. All he knows is that Michael is his to protect, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe from the people chasing them.
Ensnared is a novel-length read, featuring a protective alpha, a courageous omega, mpreg, knotting, some difficult themes, and scenes not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen
There are worse lives than the one Michael is living. He gets to be close to his kids, Ryan and Eliot, who matter more to him than anything. He’ll do whatever he can to stay with them, even if it means playing nanny for the alpha and beta he’s a surrogate for, even when the resentful beta treats him no better than a slave. It’s all worth it to be with his boys.
When a new guard arrives at the house, Michael tries to keep out of his way and out of trouble. But trouble finds him all the same. Dragged unwillingly from his life by Max, he’s torn away from his kids with the promise of being reunited with his brothers. When Max is injured during the escape, Michael winds up trapped with a protective, near-feral bear in the middle of nowhere with no idea what to do next.
Max’s past and present collide when he’s injured, leaving a blank slate where his memory should be and a scared omega by his side. All he knows is that Michael is his to protect, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe from the people chasing them.
Ensnared is a novel-length read, featuring a protective alpha, a courageous omega, mpreg, knotting, some difficult themes, and scenes not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2018
122 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cullen
63 books644 followersClaire Cullen is an author and aspiring baker. Since she was a toddler, she has loved making up stories. Getting them down on paper proved a challenge in the early years when her preferred medium was finger puppets. She moved on to pen and paper, and later to keyboards, and hasn't looked back since, except for occasional bouts of nostalgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 21, 2019
I’m so glad that this series is picking up again. 😊 After the disappointment with the third book in the series, we finally got the long-awaiting the story of Michael, Griffin’s omega brother. Usually, I’m not big on a MC who has kids from a previous situation but I really like Micheal in this story, strong, brave, kind and loving and Max was the perfect mate for him, patient, loving, caring and understanding. They both have ugly pasts and are battling their own inner demons that are threatening and chasing through their lives. 😢 They really had to overcome a lot to have their HEA but all was worth it in the end. I especially loved Michael’s transformation, from a shy and scared caterpillar to a beautiful, brave and majestic butterfly. 😍
And Ooo-la-la, we git lots of Claire Cullen’s brand of sexiness in this one. The smut is hot! 🔥 Loved it. Can’t wait for another installment in the series. ❤️
4.5 family is where your loved one is stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
And Ooo-la-la, we git lots of Claire Cullen’s brand of sexiness in this one. The smut is hot! 🔥 Loved it. Can’t wait for another installment in the series. ❤️
4.5 family is where your loved one is stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2023
Okayish book. Okayish series, review to come (if I don't forget)
April 23, 2020
3,5 stars!
Michael and Max’s story was definitely a sweet addition to the pack’s tales. It was lovely to see a big part of the story resolve itself in the book and to also get to meet the brother that Griffin had been searching for for a while now. I love getting glimpses of the older characters in their happiness and this book delivered on that. I also loved the strong focus on family and overcoming our pasts. A great read!
Michael and Max’s story was definitely a sweet addition to the pack’s tales. It was lovely to see a big part of the story resolve itself in the book and to also get to meet the brother that Griffin had been searching for for a while now. I love getting glimpses of the older characters in their happiness and this book delivered on that. I also loved the strong focus on family and overcoming our pasts. A great read!
June 20, 2022
My love for this one came very close to my love for Griffin and Beau's book (book 2) but it didn't make me cry so it can't top it. However Michael absolutely broke my heart and I needed him to get his happily ever after. It didn't take long for Max to also steal my heart with his unconditional caring of Michael. They were just fantastic together and deserved the happily ever after they fought for.
December 16, 2019
3.5 stars!
October 15, 2019
When a man's instinct is to protect you, even when he has no memory of who he is, who you are or know why he has a strong need to protect you... tells you he will protect you for the rest of your life.
January 9, 2020
I’ve read three books by Cullen and so far she’s reliable for three things: fantastic covers; intense, emotionally compelling stories for the first half; and... sappy, weak stories for the concluding half.
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April 25, 2019Amazing
That was an amazing story made me laugh and cry, if I could get this collection in hard copy I would . Just can't wait for the next one. Fantastic xxx
That was an amazing story made me laugh and cry, if I could get this collection in hard copy I would . Just can't wait for the next one. Fantastic xxx
May 22, 2021
All kinds of HEAs
There are lots of happy endings in this one. Max and Micael get theirs, and Michael gets an extra one, which is very nice.
There are lots of happy endings in this one. Max and Micael get theirs, and Michael gets an extra one, which is very nice.
December 5, 2021
4.5☆ I loved this one. Definitely a series that needs to be read in order IMHO. Even with each book focused in a separate couple, I don't really see them as standalones.
July 15, 2021
I loved, loved, loved the beginning of this book. This had all the ingredients to being so very awesome, intense and dramatic and emotional and actiony and I so wanted to love all that followed.
But then the same old same old annoyances from the previous books kept getting on my nerves and I'm all out of f*cks to give.
Dare I say world bulding yet again? How come that we're in the fourth book of an ongoing series with a sort of societal focus on mpreg and there are still new rules introduced to the whole pregnancy thing? Introduced being the wrong word really, because -foolish of me to expect otherwise- actual answers or explanations for the stuff happening are still scarce.
And the information we do get seems to never apply to the current situation at hand. Like supposedly necks are purposefully scarred to prevent bonding, but it actually never works. It's very special and important to get an alpha heir, but alpha babies are born all the time - the only real rare thing seem to be betas, but there is no information on those whatsoever anyway. Wolf and bear shifters are supposedly very rare and special, and still three out of five babies happen to be those. The shifter animal is supposedly not inheritable (never mind how that actually works, there is no word on it) and yet - surprise! - it happens for the MCs repeatedly.
I sort of hate myself for craving books that end up annoying me. But still, there is just something about them that makes me want to keep reading anyway.
Only saving grace: The last book is about Drew and I didn't like him as a side character at all, so maybe I'll be able to skip that one - at least for now. I so need a break.
But then the same old same old annoyances from the previous books kept getting on my nerves and I'm all out of f*cks to give.
Dare I say world bulding yet again? How come that we're in the fourth book of an ongoing series with a sort of societal focus on mpreg and there are still new rules introduced to the whole pregnancy thing? Introduced being the wrong word really, because -foolish of me to expect otherwise- actual answers or explanations for the stuff happening are still scarce.
And the information we do get seems to never apply to the current situation at hand. Like supposedly necks are purposefully scarred to prevent bonding, but it actually never works. It's very special and important to get an alpha heir, but alpha babies are born all the time - the only real rare thing seem to be betas, but there is no information on those whatsoever anyway. Wolf and bear shifters are supposedly very rare and special, and still three out of five babies happen to be those. The shifter animal is supposedly not inheritable (never mind how that actually works, there is no word on it) and yet - surprise! - it happens for the MCs repeatedly.
I sort of hate myself for craving books that end up annoying me. But still, there is just something about them that makes me want to keep reading anyway.
Only saving grace: The last book is about Drew and I didn't like him as a side character at all, so maybe I'll be able to skip that one - at least for now. I so need a break.
December 20, 2018
This is an amazing addition to the Briar Wood Pack series and I loved everything about it. It is beautifully written, emotional, heartbreakingly sad, joyful, has sweet shifter babies, the storyline is engaging, there are several surprising twists and the characters are incredible. Claire Cullen has done an excellent job creating this world and even though it can be a brutal and violent place there are also a lot of good people trying to help those in need. Griffin is still on his quest to find his brother and with Max's help he finally knows where Michael is. When Max helps Michael escape they start out on an amazing journey. They have to rely on each other and even though Max can't remember why he is with Michael he will do everything in his power to protect him. They are perfect together and one of my favorite couples so far in this series. I love how they are able to help each other deal with their difficult pasts and they share some very sweet moments. The secondary characters are amazing as always and I love the ending. I hope Drew will get his own story soon and I look forward to reading the next book in this fabulous series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 2, 2019
BEAUTIFUL JUST BEAUTIFUL
Beautiful is the only way to describe this story. Michael, the Omega and brother that Griffin and Andrew have been searching for is rescued. Max, the fierce Alpha Bear was assigned to get Michael and his children out of the Alpha house he had been sold into. Things didn't go according to plan. On the run, forced to overcome unseen difficulties these two determined men learn to trust. This book has ALL the adventures of the previous stories. But there is something softer in the approach of this relationship. The beauty of this relationship was created in a way that just warmed my heart. I fell in love with both these characters SO hard. There story was so different than the others before it. I Loved This Book. These books can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. Each one has its own unique style and story. But I love a great series and this is a GREAT SERIES. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!
Beautiful is the only way to describe this story. Michael, the Omega and brother that Griffin and Andrew have been searching for is rescued. Max, the fierce Alpha Bear was assigned to get Michael and his children out of the Alpha house he had been sold into. Things didn't go according to plan. On the run, forced to overcome unseen difficulties these two determined men learn to trust. This book has ALL the adventures of the previous stories. But there is something softer in the approach of this relationship. The beauty of this relationship was created in a way that just warmed my heart. I fell in love with both these characters SO hard. There story was so different than the others before it. I Loved This Book. These books can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. Each one has its own unique style and story. But I love a great series and this is a GREAT SERIES. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!
May 24, 2022
Ensnared was a nice book by Claire Cullen, who is rapidly becoming my favourite author. She has written stronger books definitely, but it is still a nice book overall.
Spoiler for those that haven't read it yet
I liked the part where Max and and Michael were on the run, it was a nice time, reading them interact was actually pretty nice, I think it was a little unrealistic how willing Michael was to help Max with his rut after what happened to him, but people cope differently. The amnesia trope combined with he I want to protect you thing was really cute and I liked reading it, I also adored Max bonding with Michael's kids, it was very cute.
Again, not her strongest book, but it was a nice read I would recommend to fans of Omegaverse, shifter romance and fans of the amnesia/protector tropes.
Spoiler for those that haven't read it yet
I liked the part where Max and and Michael were on the run, it was a nice time, reading them interact was actually pretty nice, I think it was a little unrealistic how willing Michael was to help Max with his rut after what happened to him, but people cope differently. The amnesia trope combined with he I want to protect you thing was really cute and I liked reading it, I also adored Max bonding with Michael's kids, it was very cute.
Again, not her strongest book, but it was a nice read I would recommend to fans of Omegaverse, shifter romance and fans of the amnesia/protector tropes.
December 19, 2018
Ensnared by Claire Cullen is the fourth book in the Briar Wood Pack series. It's the story of a protective Alpha assisting an enslaved but strong omega find freedom... and then find love and passion together.
Max and Michael are great characters. Their story is filled with sweet, tender moments, protective instincts and hot and sexy mating. It's an interesting read that furthers the overall story of the Briar Wood pack. This series is great and I cant wait to see what comes next.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Max and Michael are great characters. Their story is filled with sweet, tender moments, protective instincts and hot and sexy mating. It's an interesting read that furthers the overall story of the Briar Wood pack. This series is great and I cant wait to see what comes next.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
December 21, 2018
Griffin and Andrew (Drew) have finally tracked down Michael, their long lost omega brother. The challenge? To remove him from the pack that owns him (with minimal loss of life). The job is made more complicated by the fact that Michael is also being hunted by Griffin’s enemies as leverage and that Michael will be forced to leave behind two sons.
Max agrees to infiltrate the household as a hired guard. What he doesn’t expect is to care so deeply for the omega...or to lose his memory during a violent, emergency extrication.
The series has been leading up to Michael’s story for some time and it does not disappoint. Can’t wait to read Drew’s story next.
Max agrees to infiltrate the household as a hired guard. What he doesn’t expect is to care so deeply for the omega...or to lose his memory during a violent, emergency extrication.
The series has been leading up to Michael’s story for some time and it does not disappoint. Can’t wait to read Drew’s story next.
April 27, 2020
Ms Cullen continues to exceed expectations! Michael's story is absolutely heartbreaking. The same strength that kept him alive and a good nanny/father is needed through the trials of this story. Max, shows his inner strong character by carrying on with his mission while suffering a devestating injury. With everything he went through, Michael's journey is far from over and he must dig deeper than he ever has for continued strength. Will Michael ever see his kids? Will his reunion with his brothers meet his expectations? Can he really trust Max? I couldn't put the story down. Totally riviting and exciting. Well done!
January 9, 2023
This one was surprising. I truly enjoyed Max & Mike, especially the sequence where Max doesn’t know much. The bear simply knows an Omega needs his help, therefore he’ll keep him safe. Max was an elusive character, very briefly introduced, but 100% an asset to BW. Evidently, seeing Micheal be reunited with his brothers was awesome and a long time coming.
I don’t truly know what it is about this book, but it just works for me. The overarching plot and conflict was handled well, progress was made. I don’t know, I just really liked the couple and the side characters roles in this one.
Now accustomed to the more barbaric and archaic topics found in Clare’s books, I actually liked this one. I’ve realized that although difficult to read at times, they kind of tend to be palate cleansers. Same formula, multiple conflicts, however a happily ever after.
I don’t truly know what it is about this book, but it just works for me. The overarching plot and conflict was handled well, progress was made. I don’t know, I just really liked the couple and the side characters roles in this one.
Now accustomed to the more barbaric and archaic topics found in Clare’s books, I actually liked this one. I’ve realized that although difficult to read at times, they kind of tend to be palate cleansers. Same formula, multiple conflicts, however a happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2018
Hurt/comfort
Sweet Michael, I’ve been waiting for him to be found since book number one. The siblings have all had rough lives, but Michael just touched me, stoically tolerating abuse as the key to staying in his children’s lives. Hurt / comfort is one of my favorite tropes and Max certainly fits the bill as the perfect protector. I loved their connection and how Max never changed his compassionate and sweet nature, even though he had a head injury and lost his memory. A truly enjoyable book that I recommend.
Sweet Michael, I’ve been waiting for him to be found since book number one. The siblings have all had rough lives, but Michael just touched me, stoically tolerating abuse as the key to staying in his children’s lives. Hurt / comfort is one of my favorite tropes and Max certainly fits the bill as the perfect protector. I loved their connection and how Max never changed his compassionate and sweet nature, even though he had a head injury and lost his memory. A truly enjoyable book that I recommend.
December 18, 2018
The blurb is accurate but the book is even better. The plot has twists and turns that had me wondering how in the world there could be a happy ending but it happened. Combine that with good writing, engaging characters, shifter babies, a great story and it's a book I will be reading again. Claire Cullen's work is always dependable and she's an auto-read for me but this book has just a little bit more.
January 8, 2019
Enjoyed
This series is getting better with each book... I enjoyed this book ... There were certain parts I felt just came together a little to well ... Like with Claude and the children... That part in all honesty could have been better and more believable.... I don't want to put in spoilers but that was just to neat.... Other than that it was enjoyable .... Can't wait for Drew's book...
This series is getting better with each book... I enjoyed this book ... There were certain parts I felt just came together a little to well ... Like with Claude and the children... That part in all honesty could have been better and more believable.... I don't want to put in spoilers but that was just to neat.... Other than that it was enjoyable .... Can't wait for Drew's book...
January 27, 2019
Alpha/Omega MPREG romance
3 stars!
This is book 4 in the Briar Wood Pack.
I felt like this book felt like more of the same. How many books can we read with all doom and gloom? How many books can we read about breeding houses? I did like the characters and the MPREG was a large part of the story.
Overall, it was a fine book but it was depressing and didn't really feel unique.
3 stars!
This is book 4 in the Briar Wood Pack.
I felt like this book felt like more of the same. How many books can we read with all doom and gloom? How many books can we read about breeding houses? I did like the characters and the MPREG was a large part of the story.
Overall, it was a fine book but it was depressing and didn't really feel unique.
March 17, 2019
Micheal and Max. Wow, so far in this series, Griffin and Beau have been my favorites, but oh sweet Micheal. I loved Max and Micheal. This one was a heartwrenching tear jerker. I was loving this story right from the beginning. Micheal and Max are such a sweet endearing couple who go through A LOT to reach their hea. I really like Claire Cullens writing style and I really am enjoying this series.
December 24, 2018
Great continuing of Briar Wood Pack.
They characters were great to watch them evolve into their new family life. Lots of emotion throughout. I will not give it away. You will have to read it for yourselves. Looking forward to the next installment. I am keeping my fingers it will be about Drew.
They characters were great to watch them evolve into their new family life. Lots of emotion throughout. I will not give it away. You will have to read it for yourselves. Looking forward to the next installment. I am keeping my fingers it will be about Drew.
March 3, 2019
Great story
Great read. And continuation of the story. I look forward to the next book. If you enjoy these sorts of stories then this will please you very much. I chose this rating because the story was interesting and I especially like happy endings. The sauce there has a very interesting style and I believe that their storytelling ability is like dating.
Great read. And continuation of the story. I look forward to the next book. If you enjoy these sorts of stories then this will please you very much. I chose this rating because the story was interesting and I especially like happy endings. The sauce there has a very interesting style and I believe that their storytelling ability is like dating.
December 18, 2018
Absolutely Brilliant ❤
Max and Michael's story was just...wow. Theirs was an emotional heartbreaking journey as they struggled to grasp a happy ending. This was an amazing addition to the Briar Wood Pack series and I can't wait to see what next for this trailblazing pack.
Max and Michael's story was just...wow. Theirs was an emotional heartbreaking journey as they struggled to grasp a happy ending. This was an amazing addition to the Briar Wood Pack series and I can't wait to see what next for this trailblazing pack.
December 27, 2018
Another great addition
This series is really great. I have enjoyed all the books. This one may be my favorite just because of all that Michael went through to finally find his happy ending.
This series is really great. I have enjoyed all the books. This one may be my favorite just because of all that Michael went through to finally find his happy ending.
January 1, 2019
Sweet and exciting
Full of drama, tough times, scary moments and sexy fun. This well written story finds the missing brother Michael and tells his and Max's stories perfectly. A must read book in this amazing series.
Full of drama, tough times, scary moments and sexy fun. This well written story finds the missing brother Michael and tells his and Max's stories perfectly. A must read book in this amazing series.
January 3, 2019
Briar Wood Pack ❤️
I read everything by this author! This series shows that love can and should win. The characters are interesting, the world is relatable and the stories intermingle seamlessly. Bring on the next pack member!
I read everything by this author! This series shows that love can and should win. The characters are interesting, the world is relatable and the stories intermingle seamlessly. Bring on the next pack member!
January 4, 2019
A Good Addition to the Series
The story continues into this fourth book, with both old and new characters. Good character development for Max and Michael, and enough background to support the cast. Ends positive with a promise for the future.
The story continues into this fourth book, with both old and new characters. Good character development for Max and Michael, and enough background to support the cast. Ends positive with a promise for the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews