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Wolfgang County #2
Blood of the Pack
As the new Alpha of the Scottish Wulver pack, Kenrick Wulver has a bright future ahead. All she needs is her destined mate to share it with. Zaria Lupa isn’t looking for love. She’s been on the run from Leroux, Alpha of the American Lupa pack, ever since Leroux killed her sister.
When the Lupa wolves find Zaria, she runs to Wolfgang County for protection, where Kenrick is visiting her friend Dante. Kenrick takes Zaria under her wing, showing her the care and attention she’s never experienced. Zaria refuses to believe she is Kenrick’s destined mate. To her, mating is just an excuse for abuse and control, no matter how kind Kenrick may seem.
When Kenrick convinces Zaria to come to Scotland to visit the Wulver pack, she hopes for a fresh start. But the Lupa wolves aren’t finished with Zaria, and their revenge may destroy any chance at love.
When the Lupa wolves find Zaria, she runs to Wolfgang County for protection, where Kenrick is visiting her friend Dante. Kenrick takes Zaria under her wing, showing her the care and attention she’s never experienced. Zaria refuses to believe she is Kenrick’s destined mate. To her, mating is just an excuse for abuse and control, no matter how kind Kenrick may seem.
When Kenrick convinces Zaria to come to Scotland to visit the Wulver pack, she hopes for a fresh start. But the Lupa wolves aren’t finished with Zaria, and their revenge may destroy any chance at love.
255 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2019
70 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Frame
30 books453 followersJenny Frame is from the small town of Motherwell in Scotland, where she lives with her partner, Lou, and their well loved and very spoiled dog. She has a diverse range of qualifications, including a BA in public management and a diploma in acting and performance. Nowadays, she likes to put her creative energies into writing rather than treading the boards. When not writing or reading, Jenny loves cheering on her local football team, which is not always an easy task!
Jenny Frame is the Royal Academy of Bards 2013 Hall of Fame Author.
Jenny Frame is the Royal Academy of Bards 2013 Hall of Fame Author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 29, 2019
3.75 Stars. This was better than book 1 and on about the same level of novella 1.5. After enjoying the novella I was happy to see that Frame kept up the quality for this book too. This was not without its problems but it was an entertaining paranormal read. I guess technically you could read this without reading book one and novella 1.5, but I would suggest starting at the beginning. There are a ton of recurring characters including villains from book one, that might be too confusing to keep straight if you start at this book.
In this book we are introduced to Ricky, a soon to be Alpha from Scotland visiting her American family members in the Wolfgang pack. And Zaria, who is from the Lupa pack, and sworn enemies of the American pack. Ricky can’t help but want to protect Zaria but is Zaria hiding secrets that could put the pack in danger?
While I thought the whole book was entertaining, the second half really picked up for me. Frame took us to Scotland to meet the Wulver pack. While these were still more werewolves, they had differences from the American pack and were much more interesting to read about. Frame actually gave them a small history and the pack felt more tangible instead of just existing like the American pack. There was also a likable mate-less wolf named Rhuri and her charge Milo who is half were/half witch, who are just screaming to star in Frame’s next book.
What I did not like were the villains. They were the same villains from the first book and I hated them in that read. These villains are bad because they are bad. Their favorite thing to do is to kidnap someone, than get their own ass kicked, rinse and repeat. I just need more. The best part about paranormal books is that authors can use their imagination. With magic and supernatural beings there is so much out there that can happen, and I feel that Frame is just letting big opportunities go to waste. I need the villains to have some story to them and I need some excitement, not one repeating action. This feels like to me Frame wants to write about werewolves falling in love. Fine but then this should be a romance with paranormal elements and not a paranormal-romance with villains.
This series just cannot hold up to Gill McKnight’s Garoul series or Radclyffe’s (LL Raand) Midnight Hunters series. It just doesn’t have that body and imagination, but they are still entertaining. Frame’s books are more for the characters and romance/relationships than the other paranormal aspects. I’m expecting the next book to star the werewolf Rhuri and if it does I will be reading it.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
In this book we are introduced to Ricky, a soon to be Alpha from Scotland visiting her American family members in the Wolfgang pack. And Zaria, who is from the Lupa pack, and sworn enemies of the American pack. Ricky can’t help but want to protect Zaria but is Zaria hiding secrets that could put the pack in danger?
While I thought the whole book was entertaining, the second half really picked up for me. Frame took us to Scotland to meet the Wulver pack. While these were still more werewolves, they had differences from the American pack and were much more interesting to read about. Frame actually gave them a small history and the pack felt more tangible instead of just existing like the American pack. There was also a likable mate-less wolf named Rhuri and her charge Milo who is half were/half witch, who are just screaming to star in Frame’s next book.
What I did not like were the villains. They were the same villains from the first book and I hated them in that read. These villains are bad because they are bad. Their favorite thing to do is to kidnap someone, than get their own ass kicked, rinse and repeat. I just need more. The best part about paranormal books is that authors can use their imagination. With magic and supernatural beings there is so much out there that can happen, and I feel that Frame is just letting big opportunities go to waste. I need the villains to have some story to them and I need some excitement, not one repeating action. This feels like to me Frame wants to write about werewolves falling in love. Fine but then this should be a romance with paranormal elements and not a paranormal-romance with villains.
This series just cannot hold up to Gill McKnight’s Garoul series or Radclyffe’s (LL Raand) Midnight Hunters series. It just doesn’t have that body and imagination, but they are still entertaining. Frame’s books are more for the characters and romance/relationships than the other paranormal aspects. I’m expecting the next book to star the werewolf Rhuri and if it does I will be reading it.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
April 8, 2025
Superb!
A future Alpha, family loyalty, sizzling hot scenes, revisiting characters, drama, action and a gorgeous setting. There is just so much to love in Blood of the Pack! It has a brilliant plotline, very engaging characters and an amazing romantic love story. Jenny Frame never fails to deliver a magical and exciting story. I put the entire series high on my favorites list and I certainly will reread all 3 books asap. Now I'm looking forward to the next one and hopefully it will be a story about Rhuri. I highly recommend all her books.
A future Alpha, family loyalty, sizzling hot scenes, revisiting characters, drama, action and a gorgeous setting. There is just so much to love in Blood of the Pack! It has a brilliant plotline, very engaging characters and an amazing romantic love story. Jenny Frame never fails to deliver a magical and exciting story. I put the entire series high on my favorites list and I certainly will reread all 3 books asap. Now I'm looking forward to the next one and hopefully it will be a story about Rhuri. I highly recommend all her books.
August 2, 2019
I enjoyed some aspects of this story but there were things that I found distracting. Kenrick leaves her Scottish home and the Wulvers to join Dante and the Wolfgang pack to prepare for her impending ascendence as Alpha of the Wulvers. On the day of her arrival in America, Kenrick and the Wolgang pack come across a wolf shifter from the Lupa pack. She is seriously injured and although she’s from the sworn enemy of the Wolfgangs, they take her to the hosital. Zaria Lupa has been on the run for a long time but she’s reluctant to leave the edges of Wolfgang territory.
One of the standouts for me is that the women are diverse in the way they look. What does distract me though, is that Frame often gives her butch characters very masculine names. I struggle to keep the image of a woman in my head when the name is so traditionally masculine. I think I’ve been phenomenally well-indoctrinated to view many names as exclusively male and it doesn’t help that I know males with the characters’ names.
Other than the naming thing, this was fun to read. The story has a good pace and the action scenes are exciting. It was also nice to read a storyline that veered off the beaten formula path in terms of the development of the mains’ relationship.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
One of the standouts for me is that the women are diverse in the way they look. What does distract me though, is that Frame often gives her butch characters very masculine names. I struggle to keep the image of a woman in my head when the name is so traditionally masculine. I think I’ve been phenomenally well-indoctrinated to view many names as exclusively male and it doesn’t help that I know males with the characters’ names.
Other than the naming thing, this was fun to read. The story has a good pace and the action scenes are exciting. It was also nice to read a storyline that veered off the beaten formula path in terms of the development of the mains’ relationship.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
January 10, 2020
“Blood of the Pack - (Wolfgang County #2)” is the third book in the series (there’s a 1.5 between books 1 & 2), and features the third narrator in the series.
I was excited to see Melissa Sternenberg as narrator (I love her narrations), even though I did enjoy AJ Ferraro in book 2. Having now finished the book, though, I actually wish Jenny Frame had stuck with AJ Ferraro. Ferraro did a much better job with continuity for the voices between books 1 and 1.5. Sternenberg does an excellent job narrating, but I found her voice for Caden so completely different it was distracting. Also, she pronounced Lena as “Leh-nah”, rather than “Leee-na”, and I found that very distracting too.
This book introduces MC Kenrick, about to become alpha of the Scottish Wulver pack, and MC Zaria Lupa, on the run from her pack and its sinister villains Alpha Leroux and her second, Avid.
This book also begins expanding the Wolfgang County world to include witches, vampires (Jenny Frame’s vampire Byron is mentioned), and the legend of the Scottish shape shifting water spirit, a kelpie.
I generally enjoyed the romance between dominant Kenrick and submissive Zaria, but while I understood Zaria’s extreme wariness of dominants, once she realized she loved and trusted Kenrick, I found her “why won’t she touch me?” thoughts, and her panicking whenever Kenrick touched her to be overdone. Also overdone was her sense of being a strong submissive, surviving on her own since age 16, with her frequent self-doubts, insecurities and lack of self-esteem.
Kenrick has her own worries as she prepares to become Alpha, as her father is retiring. But her personality and behavior is fairly predictable.
The villains were also predictable, and offered no real suspense anywhere in the book.
The book certainly is setting up for a sequel, probably featuring Kenrick’s #2 in the pack, the unmated Zora, who is caring for Milo, the cute witch-werewolf hybrid. I’m sure Milo will be featured in a future sequel too, but I do hope they age her a bit first. One thing uncomfortable in the book was discussions of “sweet kissing” at age 11, “grown up kissing” at age 15, grooming of a child and raping a 16yo. Sex and violence featuring children is just not my interest, so be warned if this bothers you.
On a more enjoyable note, I enjoyed the new locale for the storyline, the links between the Wolfgangs and the Wulvers, and the history provided for the creation of werewolves.
Especially with the introduction of other paranormals to the storyline, you may consider this as similar to L.L. Raand’s (aka Radclyffe’s) paranormal Midnight Hunter series. I’d say Jenny Frame’s series is “Midnight Hunter” light. The villains are more like Disney cartoons, the characters are less complex, and the sex, while entertaining, is much less frequent.
Still, I enjoyed “Blood of the Pack” and I look forward to the sequel(s). 3.8*
I was excited to see Melissa Sternenberg as narrator (I love her narrations), even though I did enjoy AJ Ferraro in book 2. Having now finished the book, though, I actually wish Jenny Frame had stuck with AJ Ferraro. Ferraro did a much better job with continuity for the voices between books 1 and 1.5. Sternenberg does an excellent job narrating, but I found her voice for Caden so completely different it was distracting. Also, she pronounced Lena as “Leh-nah”, rather than “Leee-na”, and I found that very distracting too.
This book introduces MC Kenrick, about to become alpha of the Scottish Wulver pack, and MC Zaria Lupa, on the run from her pack and its sinister villains Alpha Leroux and her second, Avid.
This book also begins expanding the Wolfgang County world to include witches, vampires (Jenny Frame’s vampire Byron is mentioned), and the legend of the Scottish shape shifting water spirit, a kelpie.
I generally enjoyed the romance between dominant Kenrick and submissive Zaria, but while I understood Zaria’s extreme wariness of dominants, once she realized she loved and trusted Kenrick, I found her “why won’t she touch me?” thoughts, and her panicking whenever Kenrick touched her to be overdone. Also overdone was her sense of being a strong submissive, surviving on her own since age 16, with her frequent self-doubts, insecurities and lack of self-esteem.
Kenrick has her own worries as she prepares to become Alpha, as her father is retiring. But her personality and behavior is fairly predictable.
The villains were also predictable, and offered no real suspense anywhere in the book.
The book certainly is setting up for a sequel, probably featuring Kenrick’s #2 in the pack, the unmated Zora, who is caring for Milo, the cute witch-werewolf hybrid. I’m sure Milo will be featured in a future sequel too, but I do hope they age her a bit first. One thing uncomfortable in the book was discussions of “sweet kissing” at age 11, “grown up kissing” at age 15, grooming of a child and raping a 16yo. Sex and violence featuring children is just not my interest, so be warned if this bothers you.
On a more enjoyable note, I enjoyed the new locale for the storyline, the links between the Wolfgangs and the Wulvers, and the history provided for the creation of werewolves.
Especially with the introduction of other paranormals to the storyline, you may consider this as similar to L.L. Raand’s (aka Radclyffe’s) paranormal Midnight Hunter series. I’d say Jenny Frame’s series is “Midnight Hunter” light. The villains are more like Disney cartoons, the characters are less complex, and the sex, while entertaining, is much less frequent.
Still, I enjoyed “Blood of the Pack” and I look forward to the sequel(s). 3.8*
July 5, 2019
I was looking forward to reading the third installment of Jenny Frame's Wolfgang County urban fantasy series, "Blood of the Pack," so obviously when it dropped on my lap, I devoured it at no time at all! As expected, I absolutely loved everything about it, most of all, when the story took it to the majestic highlands of Scotland!!! Frame had revealed about the Scotland angle where we'd be introduced to another pack, Wulver, cousins of the Wolfgang Pack, who would play an important role in the series, and she delivered and then some! YES!!!
As mentioned, "Blood of the Pack" is the third book of the series, continuing the story of the Wolfgang pack of werewolves led by Dante, the pack's Alpha and her mate, Eve, the Mater. Before I proceed with this story, I strongly recommend reading the series chronologically because there's a serialised story arc that acts as a backdrop of every installment. Although, if you're not particular about following the overall arc, then the books can be read as a standalone since every installment features a new romance between two new MCs within the Wolfgang County universe. In any case, as usual, the MCs from the previous installments made appearances in this installment, with Dante, Wolfgang's Alpha, essentially being this story's lead secondary character, as she should since she's the leader of the pack after all. If you've read the previous books, you'll also recognise their respective MCs - Caden and Lena, Kyra and Ripp, plus Eve, Dante's mate, the pack's Mater amongst a few others, as they were all part of the Wolfgang Pack linked to the overall story arc which served as a backdrop of this 3rd installment.
This book began with an intro of a new character, Kenrick (Rick), a Wulver wolf from Scotland, paying a visit to her cousin, Dante. The Wolfgangs and the Wulvers were cousins and their families had been each other's close family and ally since the beginning. Meanwhile, Dante and her Wolfgang pack were still reeling over what happened at the end of Book 2 where Dante's arch enemy, Leroux, the Lupa pack's Alpha, led her pack of Lupa wolves to a full-on attack on the Wolfgang pack with deadly consequences. So whilst Dante and her Wolfgang pack regrouped and getting ready for any eventuality when it came to Leroux and her Lupa gang, Frame introduced the reader to Zaria, a Lupa who'd been running and hiding from her pack since she was 16.
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
*An ARC copy was given to me, with much thanks and appreciation, by Bold Strokes via NetGalley in return for an honest review*
As mentioned, "Blood of the Pack" is the third book of the series, continuing the story of the Wolfgang pack of werewolves led by Dante, the pack's Alpha and her mate, Eve, the Mater. Before I proceed with this story, I strongly recommend reading the series chronologically because there's a serialised story arc that acts as a backdrop of every installment. Although, if you're not particular about following the overall arc, then the books can be read as a standalone since every installment features a new romance between two new MCs within the Wolfgang County universe. In any case, as usual, the MCs from the previous installments made appearances in this installment, with Dante, Wolfgang's Alpha, essentially being this story's lead secondary character, as she should since she's the leader of the pack after all. If you've read the previous books, you'll also recognise their respective MCs - Caden and Lena, Kyra and Ripp, plus Eve, Dante's mate, the pack's Mater amongst a few others, as they were all part of the Wolfgang Pack linked to the overall story arc which served as a backdrop of this 3rd installment.
This book began with an intro of a new character, Kenrick (Rick), a Wulver wolf from Scotland, paying a visit to her cousin, Dante. The Wolfgangs and the Wulvers were cousins and their families had been each other's close family and ally since the beginning. Meanwhile, Dante and her Wolfgang pack were still reeling over what happened at the end of Book 2 where Dante's arch enemy, Leroux, the Lupa pack's Alpha, led her pack of Lupa wolves to a full-on attack on the Wolfgang pack with deadly consequences. So whilst Dante and her Wolfgang pack regrouped and getting ready for any eventuality when it came to Leroux and her Lupa gang, Frame introduced the reader to Zaria, a Lupa who'd been running and hiding from her pack since she was 16.
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
*An ARC copy was given to me, with much thanks and appreciation, by Bold Strokes via NetGalley in return for an honest review*
July 15, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 STARS for book #2 of Jenny Frame’s Wolfgang County Series.
Book #1 is Heart of the Pack that introduces us to the Wolfgang pack of werewolves. The pack is based in Wolfgang County, Utah and they own and operate a successful meat and distribution company, run by their Alpha, Dante. This book centers on the second in command, Caden and her new human accountant, Selena. It also introduces the rival Lupa pack. This pack and its leader, Leroux is determined to overthrow the Wolfgang pack and take over their lands and company. There is also a novella (Book #1.5 Soul of the Pack). It is best that you read the previous books first as this is a continuation.
Blood of the Pack, Book #2, welcomes Kenrick (Ricky) who is about to become the new Alpha of the Scottish Wulver pack. Her father is retiring and Kenrick is sent to Dante Wolfgang to learn her company’s methods. Ricky wants to implement modernizing their company which produces top quality Scotch Whiskey and bottled water. The two packs are “cousins”. Many generations ago they split off, some staying in Scotland/UK and others going to America. They still share many of their traditions and beliefs. The Lupa pack are descendants from the Eastern European Wolf families.
The second MC is Zaria. She is a submissive wolf in the Lupa pack. In Frame’s world the packs are made of larger dominant and smaller submissive wolves. In the Wolfgang and Wulver packs, the dominants protect and provide for their family, while the submissives raise their cubs and run the household. It is a loving relationship and partnership. The Lupa pack however, it is an abusive relationship. And Zaria has seen and experienced the worst. Her older sister was the “wife” of the leader and Zaria witnessed Leroux mistreat her sister. When Zaria was only 16 she was promised to Leroux’s second in command, Ovid. The two sisters escape. Years later (I don’t remember exactly how long) Zaria is captured by Leroux’s henchmen. She escapes by jumping out of the car and rolling down an embankment. As luck would have it, Kenrick and Dante were driving when they find her roadside. They remove the silver manacles on her wrists and rush her to a Wolfgang hospital to remove the silver bolt in her leg. The silver, if not removed would soon kill her. It was one of those impossible coincidences that I roll my eyes and just read on.
So this book is basically two parts. The first half the book deals with the Wolfgangs and Lupas in a final showdown and the second half is Kenrick returning to Scotland to become her clan’s alpha. She asks Zaria to come with her. We meet and learn about the Wulver pack, its leaders and the art of making whiskey. Not to mention a travel guide for the beautiful Wulver Scottish countryside. And of course, the continuing love story between Kendrick and Zaria. Because of the way Zaria was raised, she had no self-confidence but at the same time resists when she feels Kendrick is making decisions for her. We meet a large cast, including Kendrick’s parents, her second Rhuri and Rhuri’s remarkable niece Milo who is half witch. There is also a group of submissives (females and a male) who take Zaria under their wing, offering her friendship and help, of which Zaria never had before.
I enjoyed this book and as with most of Frame’s books it is very readable for me. There’s a couple of exceptions such as her Vampire series, I just couldn’t get into it. Oh, and some of her phrases she uses over and over again during the sex scenes in this book that just makes me cringe. Nevertheless, I hope there is a Book 3. I’m guessing and hoping it will be about Rhuri and her niece Milo.
**An advanced reading copy was sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review. **
Book #1 is Heart of the Pack that introduces us to the Wolfgang pack of werewolves. The pack is based in Wolfgang County, Utah and they own and operate a successful meat and distribution company, run by their Alpha, Dante. This book centers on the second in command, Caden and her new human accountant, Selena. It also introduces the rival Lupa pack. This pack and its leader, Leroux is determined to overthrow the Wolfgang pack and take over their lands and company. There is also a novella (Book #1.5 Soul of the Pack). It is best that you read the previous books first as this is a continuation.
Blood of the Pack, Book #2, welcomes Kenrick (Ricky) who is about to become the new Alpha of the Scottish Wulver pack. Her father is retiring and Kenrick is sent to Dante Wolfgang to learn her company’s methods. Ricky wants to implement modernizing their company which produces top quality Scotch Whiskey and bottled water. The two packs are “cousins”. Many generations ago they split off, some staying in Scotland/UK and others going to America. They still share many of their traditions and beliefs. The Lupa pack are descendants from the Eastern European Wolf families.
The second MC is Zaria. She is a submissive wolf in the Lupa pack. In Frame’s world the packs are made of larger dominant and smaller submissive wolves. In the Wolfgang and Wulver packs, the dominants protect and provide for their family, while the submissives raise their cubs and run the household. It is a loving relationship and partnership. The Lupa pack however, it is an abusive relationship. And Zaria has seen and experienced the worst. Her older sister was the “wife” of the leader and Zaria witnessed Leroux mistreat her sister. When Zaria was only 16 she was promised to Leroux’s second in command, Ovid. The two sisters escape. Years later (I don’t remember exactly how long) Zaria is captured by Leroux’s henchmen. She escapes by jumping out of the car and rolling down an embankment. As luck would have it, Kenrick and Dante were driving when they find her roadside. They remove the silver manacles on her wrists and rush her to a Wolfgang hospital to remove the silver bolt in her leg. The silver, if not removed would soon kill her. It was one of those impossible coincidences that I roll my eyes and just read on.
So this book is basically two parts. The first half the book deals with the Wolfgangs and Lupas in a final showdown and the second half is Kenrick returning to Scotland to become her clan’s alpha. She asks Zaria to come with her. We meet and learn about the Wulver pack, its leaders and the art of making whiskey. Not to mention a travel guide for the beautiful Wulver Scottish countryside. And of course, the continuing love story between Kendrick and Zaria. Because of the way Zaria was raised, she had no self-confidence but at the same time resists when she feels Kendrick is making decisions for her. We meet a large cast, including Kendrick’s parents, her second Rhuri and Rhuri’s remarkable niece Milo who is half witch. There is also a group of submissives (females and a male) who take Zaria under their wing, offering her friendship and help, of which Zaria never had before.
I enjoyed this book and as with most of Frame’s books it is very readable for me. There’s a couple of exceptions such as her Vampire series, I just couldn’t get into it. Oh, and some of her phrases she uses over and over again during the sex scenes in this book that just makes me cringe. Nevertheless, I hope there is a Book 3. I’m guessing and hoping it will be about Rhuri and her niece Milo.
**An advanced reading copy was sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review. **
April 28, 2020
She did it again! Frame wrote another page turner!
This is, by far, was my favourite Wolfgang story. Might even be my favourite Frame book, yet. (I'll let ya know when my favourite Vampire make a return, Byron)
I loved catching up with my cute Caden and her mate Lena. As well as Dante, Eden and their cubs. I was more pleased to experience a higher level of intimacy between the Alpha and her mate, Eden. It wasn't something we got the pleasure of reading from previous books in this series. I will be honest, I was leery about newcomer, Alpha Kenrick, but that feeling left rather quickly and I was falling for the powerful, stupidly handsome yet tender, Alpha. She was extremely gentle, kind, compassionate and understanding when it came to her destined mate, Zaria. After Zaria's hesitations towards Kenrick, she warmed up to the idea of becoming mated, so much so, she travelled halfway around the world to a beautiful, mystical, and magical land. I want to visit this land!
I've read every one of Frames' books, and it's no secret that the sex never disappoints, but this was the first book where she had left my jaw open while blushing a bit (I said a bit!) I will most definitely be reading this again. I highly recommend this story if you love shapeshifters, passion, love, and Alphas who protect their family with ferocity. Also, if you're not familiar with the Wolfgang stories, I suggest you get on it.
P.S. Yes, I was warmed from the ends of my toes to the tips of my ears at the mention of Byron DeBrek in this book. Okay, okay, fine, I was giddy with glee and smiling like a freaking idiot! Man, I got it bad for this Vamp.
This is, by far, was my favourite Wolfgang story. Might even be my favourite Frame book, yet. (I'll let ya know when my favourite Vampire make a return, Byron)
I loved catching up with my cute Caden and her mate Lena. As well as Dante, Eden and their cubs. I was more pleased to experience a higher level of intimacy between the Alpha and her mate, Eden. It wasn't something we got the pleasure of reading from previous books in this series. I will be honest, I was leery about newcomer, Alpha Kenrick, but that feeling left rather quickly and I was falling for the powerful, stupidly handsome yet tender, Alpha. She was extremely gentle, kind, compassionate and understanding when it came to her destined mate, Zaria. After Zaria's hesitations towards Kenrick, she warmed up to the idea of becoming mated, so much so, she travelled halfway around the world to a beautiful, mystical, and magical land. I want to visit this land!
I've read every one of Frames' books, and it's no secret that the sex never disappoints, but this was the first book where she had left my jaw open while blushing a bit (I said a bit!) I will most definitely be reading this again. I highly recommend this story if you love shapeshifters, passion, love, and Alphas who protect their family with ferocity. Also, if you're not familiar with the Wolfgang stories, I suggest you get on it.
P.S. Yes, I was warmed from the ends of my toes to the tips of my ears at the mention of Byron DeBrek in this book. Okay, okay, fine, I was giddy with glee and smiling like a freaking idiot! Man, I got it bad for this Vamp.
July 14, 2019
Jenny Frame is one of my favorite author's and I think I have read most if not all of her published books. This is technically the 2nd book in the Wolfgang series; however, there are mentions of the Debrak vampire series in here as well. Its not necessary to have read Dapper or Hunger for You but I feel like one will eventually need to as the they all take place in the same world.
Anyway, the story does start off in Wolfgang County. And it's a very satisfying story there as certain things are resolved that were not in the first book. We also get a nice update on the other couples. I wanna say this takes place about 8/9 months after the novella Soul of the Pack. The two MCs are great for the first part of the book you could really feel all of Zaria's emotions and how much Ricky wants to be there for her.
The second part of the book takes the two back to Scotland. This part drags a bit as new characters and settings needed to be described (It was almost like reading two books in one). The Wulfers are more traditional than the Wolfgang and it was interesting to be introduced to them. I will say the story is a complete one. There is no real cliffhanger but there are avenues that can be taken. It should be interesting to see what happens in future additions to this world. Easily a 4.75 for me.
***ARC from Netgalley for an honest review from me :) ***
Anyway, the story does start off in Wolfgang County. And it's a very satisfying story there as certain things are resolved that were not in the first book. We also get a nice update on the other couples. I wanna say this takes place about 8/9 months after the novella Soul of the Pack. The two MCs are great for the first part of the book you could really feel all of Zaria's emotions and how much Ricky wants to be there for her.
The second part of the book takes the two back to Scotland. This part drags a bit as new characters and settings needed to be described (It was almost like reading two books in one). The Wulfers are more traditional than the Wolfgang and it was interesting to be introduced to them. I will say the story is a complete one. There is no real cliffhanger but there are avenues that can be taken. It should be interesting to see what happens in future additions to this world. Easily a 4.75 for me.
***ARC from Netgalley for an honest review from me :) ***
October 20, 2022
A visiting wolf falls for a pack member of her host's enemy. This story continues the Lupa enmity, supplies insights into Zaria's insecurities, the understanding of family and friendships and of course the gravitational force called love.
While this story supplied all of the above, i must confess i jumped pages. The story had some action and romance but it felt redundant on some pages and that bored me.
While this story supplied all of the above, i must confess i jumped pages. The story had some action and romance but it felt redundant on some pages and that bored me.
October 4, 2019
After listening to this book I rate this book as one of the better books of this series. I liked the Scottish Wolver pack and the way Frame described them in the book. The romance, the fierce lovemaking. I’m not going to say more, just a great book: read it or listen to it. I promise you’ll enjoy yourself.
Melissa Sternenberg did a good job narrating this book.
Melissa Sternenberg did a good job narrating this book.
August 20, 2019
I love the series, but this addition is on point!
Kenrick has the patience of a saint, and whilst I understand Zaria's fears... the constant mention of what she'd been through with Ovid and the Lupa clan got a tad redundant. I have a feeling Milo's going to be one of my favourite characters... and that something amazing will happen for Rhuri, at least I'm hoping for it in the next book!
Kenrick has the patience of a saint, and whilst I understand Zaria's fears... the constant mention of what she'd been through with Ovid and the Lupa clan got a tad redundant. I have a feeling Milo's going to be one of my favourite characters... and that something amazing will happen for Rhuri, at least I'm hoping for it in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
Is it the end?
Ohh I hope not.
This book is about someone running but never finding. Until now.
Being accepted for who you are is everyone's dream.
I can't tell you much because a little is a spoiler in itself.
Just know at times you'll laugh, times of sadness, times of sorrow and injustice. But so much love and acceptance.
Enjoy
Ohh I hope not.
This book is about someone running but never finding. Until now.
Being accepted for who you are is everyone's dream.
I can't tell you much because a little is a spoiler in itself.
Just know at times you'll laugh, times of sadness, times of sorrow and injustice. But so much love and acceptance.
Enjoy
July 13, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Enjoyable read.
It's a two part of story you might say.
First is we meet Zaria who on the run from her pack the Lupa who aren't the greatest wolves we don't know how long she was on the run her and her sister Marta ran when Marta learn their suppose Alpha Leroux promise her second in command Ovid her sister and even though Marta couldn't stand up for herself she wasn't going to let Zaria get hurt more then she already was. Leroux beaten Marta so badly that she died of her injuries not before she gave birth to a little boy and made Zaria promise to take him to the Wolfgang County for protection.
Kenrick who everyone calls Ricky comes to visit the Wolfgang County to learn the ropes from her cousin Dante who is the Alpha of the Wolfgang pack as Kenrick is preparing to become Alpha of her pack Scottish Wulver all she wants is to find a mate to share it.
Ricky and Dante come upon Zaria after the Lupa found her she escape from them but she was seriously injury Ricky feels connection to Zaria that she never felt before and she realize she found her mate but it takes a lot of care and kindness to get Zaria to see that not all dominant wolves are horrible. We learn that Dante have score to settle with Leroux because she attack her mate Eden and her pack once they destroy Lupa pack Zaria feels she finally free.
The second part of the story is Kenrick asking Zaria to come to Scotland with her to show her life and this is where we meet Kenrick family and this is where Ricky hopes Zaria can start a new life with her. I like the love story between them and how Ricky shown respect and let Zaria come to her. I like all the characters and how they were welcoming to Zaria.That Ovid character was sick and obsess with Zaria that I'm happy she got what she deserve.
I hope in the next book we get see Rhuri find her mate and learn more about family.
Enjoyable read.
It's a two part of story you might say.
First is we meet Zaria who on the run from her pack the Lupa who aren't the greatest wolves we don't know how long she was on the run her and her sister Marta ran when Marta learn their suppose Alpha Leroux promise her second in command Ovid her sister and even though Marta couldn't stand up for herself she wasn't going to let Zaria get hurt more then she already was. Leroux beaten Marta so badly that she died of her injuries not before she gave birth to a little boy and made Zaria promise to take him to the Wolfgang County for protection.
Kenrick who everyone calls Ricky comes to visit the Wolfgang County to learn the ropes from her cousin Dante who is the Alpha of the Wolfgang pack as Kenrick is preparing to become Alpha of her pack Scottish Wulver all she wants is to find a mate to share it.
Ricky and Dante come upon Zaria after the Lupa found her she escape from them but she was seriously injury Ricky feels connection to Zaria that she never felt before and she realize she found her mate but it takes a lot of care and kindness to get Zaria to see that not all dominant wolves are horrible. We learn that Dante have score to settle with Leroux because she attack her mate Eden and her pack once they destroy Lupa pack Zaria feels she finally free.
The second part of the story is Kenrick asking Zaria to come to Scotland with her to show her life and this is where we meet Kenrick family and this is where Ricky hopes Zaria can start a new life with her. I like the love story between them and how Ricky shown respect and let Zaria come to her. I like all the characters and how they were welcoming to Zaria.That Ovid character was sick and obsess with Zaria that I'm happy she got what she deserve.
I hope in the next book we get see Rhuri find her mate and learn more about family.
August 21, 2019
I love Jenny Frame's book, and this one was no exception.
This is the second book in the Wolfgang County series, but it could be read as a stand-alone. I think you'd get more of an emotional impact if you read the other books first, but it wont stand in the way of enjoying this stand-alone romance and the action packed journey. Ricky is visiting the US from Scotland, to work with her friend Dante to learn what it's like to be Alpha and run a company for when she returns home. It's there she meets Zaria, who is on the run from the Lupa wolves. The two have an instant connection, but betrayal and loyalty muddy the waters and threaten to keep them apart.
This book had it all. The romance was steamy and packed with tension. There were so many sweet moments and just as many action moments that left us racing to find out if everyone was going to be ok. I love the way that the author really engages all the senses when they're describing a scene, especially with the shapeshifter aspect it's perfect and almost necessary, but adds so much to the story.
I also love the heart-warming nature of the pack, as one big family. I love that as a reader we get invested in the lives of so many people and young pups. I think this series could never end and we'd still want more books from this little world!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Wolfgang County series, but it could be read as a stand-alone. I think you'd get more of an emotional impact if you read the other books first, but it wont stand in the way of enjoying this stand-alone romance and the action packed journey. Ricky is visiting the US from Scotland, to work with her friend Dante to learn what it's like to be Alpha and run a company for when she returns home. It's there she meets Zaria, who is on the run from the Lupa wolves. The two have an instant connection, but betrayal and loyalty muddy the waters and threaten to keep them apart.
This book had it all. The romance was steamy and packed with tension. There were so many sweet moments and just as many action moments that left us racing to find out if everyone was going to be ok. I love the way that the author really engages all the senses when they're describing a scene, especially with the shapeshifter aspect it's perfect and almost necessary, but adds so much to the story.
I also love the heart-warming nature of the pack, as one big family. I love that as a reader we get invested in the lives of so many people and young pups. I think this series could never end and we'd still want more books from this little world!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 4, 2019This is the third in Frame's paranormal romance Wolfgang County and probably would not work well if you read it without reading the first two (Heart of the Pack and Soul of the Pack) as characters and plotl ines from the first two are carried through into this one.
As you may have deduced from the series name and the cover - this one is all about werewolves. In this one we meek Kenrick, the soon to be alpha the Scottish Wulver pack and cousin of Dante. Kenrick has arrived in Wolfgang County to learn the ropes of being an alpha in the 21st century from her cousin. Enter Zaya, a submissive wolf who has been hiding from the abusive Lupa pack for years and ends up taking shelter in Wolfgang County. Kenrick, and her wolf, are instantly attracted and begin to try to woo the gun-shy Zaya who has some pretty serious apprehensions around dominant wolves.
If you've read the other two books and enjoyed them, you'll probably like this one as well. Unfortunately, the issues I had with the first two are still present in this one and I was pretty much disappointed. Lots of tell rather than show , the characters were two dimensional, the plot kind of meandered (there's the big battle with the Lupas before the halfway mark and was underwhelming after two and half books of Leroux being this dastardly villian). The dynamics between Kenrick and Zaya were also off kilter. I know that the whole dominant/submissive thing is popular in werewolf novels (and I have no problem with it in other books), but the way that Frame presents is a bit off-putting.
Sigh. I think this one has done me in for Frame's paranormal novels.
As you may have deduced from the series name and the cover - this one is all about werewolves. In this one we meek Kenrick, the soon to be alpha the Scottish Wulver pack and cousin of Dante. Kenrick has arrived in Wolfgang County to learn the ropes of being an alpha in the 21st century from her cousin. Enter Zaya, a submissive wolf who has been hiding from the abusive Lupa pack for years and ends up taking shelter in Wolfgang County. Kenrick, and her wolf, are instantly attracted and begin to try to woo the gun-shy Zaya who has some pretty serious apprehensions around dominant wolves.
If you've read the other two books and enjoyed them, you'll probably like this one as well. Unfortunately, the issues I had with the first two are still present in this one and I was pretty much disappointed. Lots of tell rather than show , the characters were two dimensional, the plot kind of meandered (there's the big battle with the Lupas before the halfway mark and was underwhelming after two and half books of Leroux being this dastardly villian). The dynamics between Kenrick and Zaya were also off kilter. I know that the whole dominant/submissive thing is popular in werewolf novels (and I have no problem with it in other books), but the way that Frame presents is a bit off-putting.
Sigh. I think this one has done me in for Frame's paranormal novels.
August 4, 2019
The complexity of the characters inspires the reader to delve deeper than just the story that’s on the surface. The seams of intricacy that is created between the emotional, physical and mental bonds of the characters endears readers to not only the shifter part of these people. But the human part. The soul. The part that is underneath. 5/5 for a stellar romance and story that both stirs and probes intimacy at it’s very core.
January 1, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via. NetGalley for an exchange of my honest review.
Result: It was Anticlimactic.
The Good.
Blood of the Pack from Jenny Frame what can I say; when I was offered this book, I was like ok cool I get to see what the Wolfgang’s are up to. I want to say a lot about this book, but I don’t know if I have enough time or room to do so; but lucky for everyone I tend to overwrite. If I had to compare this book to something it would be akin to crack; its highly addictive but you know it’s not good for you, and that’s the same with Ms. Frames books and I don’t mean that in a good way. Now I do find the Wolfgang County Collection to be a likable series, and for all the waiting along with the opportunity to read this free copy; I have to say that it was very anticlimactic and did not do a good job at subverting my expectations.
Nevertheless, I will get on with the good of the book. It was very tightly closed in the Wolfgang chapters, even some things were explained; as I have no doubt that she listened to my rants and reviews over these past two years. It’s clear to see that Frames writing style has developed as I didn’t get the repetitive words that I’d normally get, and the sex wasn’t not nearly as gross and annoying; as it seemed that Frame had something to write about this time. I enjoyed the kids and Zaria’s interaction with them as that was a sweet spot. For me as a writer myself and a book snob of sorts, I appreciated her attempt to give an educated try; minus the few spelling errors that I found, but those I can blame on the idiot of an editor not her. Now that my positive comments are out the way; let’s get to the heart of it as there were several things I did not enjoy about this book. I’ll be mapping them out one by one so hang tight people.
The Bad
1. A Cheap Rendition of History.
This for me hurts me to say this, as I complained about her lack of Wolfgang history in her previous books Heart and Soul of the Pack. The Scota story which is a supposed event in real history in which Scotland was found, is told by Kendrick as she says that their ancestors came from Egypt; and that Scota had a female lover, and I guess some guys said that she couldn’t do it cause she’s a girl, so she huffs and puffs and gets on a sail boat and finds Scotland. Promising that the duality of the sexes would be equal in her lands, it’s the base rule in which packs run by. I found that the history lacked any imagination of its own as it was a play on alternative history, it would’ve done her good to change the Scota legend with a different name or something. What bugged me the most was the Egyptian thing despite the legend of Scota having some real-life validation with historians today; I just felt it to be a tad bit blown out of proportion as it felt kind of white-washed.
Really to me book three or two if you want to call it that, is too late to introduce a history as it could’ve been done in Heart of the Pack and Soul of the Pack; it lacked detail and originality to be honest. It was good that she drew from her culture, but a changing of names and motivations would’ve made for a good origin story. Personally, I would suggest that she do a bit more reading into other mythologies outside Scotland and use her own imagination to make her own tale. To me piggybacking from history and mythology then changing it does not tell an origin story, as it comes off as cheap and uninspiring.
2. The mention of other book Characters and the Potential labeling of Black Antagonists.
This is what annoyed me to no end although it was a quick line in the book; the mention of Byron Debrek and Witches. I really didn’t ask for Byron in the series as she was by far the most annoying character in her last book. I think most of us could agree that no one is asking for the Hunger For you series; and that the book was lackluster and downright annoying for a vampire book. Now adding to the witches plot-line really there was no need for it, but I could somewhat appreciate that she added a woman of color aka Madam Anka; but I took offense slightly as making her a potential villain is downright insulting, as too many people of color in the USA are made to be villains on the daily bases. I may be getting ahead of myself here, but as a writer and a woman of color myself I find the potential of demonizing Anka to be belligerent; for if Anka is casted as a villain, and Amelia’s character in the future Hunger For You Series is drafted as the “good white witch.” Well it may spoil my whole view of Frame as a storyteller. For now, I need to rest my suspicions and pray that Ms. Frame doesn’t demonize Anka; as I think such a move would be very predictable, uninspired, and downright ignorant. Still I can see where she is going with the witches thing, and I feel as if she’s going to use the witches to tie the vampire and werewolf series together in some strange way.
The Ugly
3. Mary-Sue’s, Plot, Conflict, and Repetitive Scenes.
What can I say about the characters and plot, that hasn’t been said about the war on Iraq; her plots and characters are bombed out, depleted, and horrifying to read about. I’m going to leave out Lena, Caden, and baby Chase because I was waiting on that. However, as for the couples in the previous books coming together in the first half; I really didn’t care about that. Now for the main characters themselves. Kendrick was decent but I found Kendrick to be a Wolf version of Quade from Wooing the Farmer; which I did finish that book and well, let’s just say I hated it. I found that there was no conflict with Kendrick when it came to her becoming alpha and Zaria being a Lupa. Kendrick and the others are all strong, dominant, noble, trusting, and good; I found it to be annoying as people run on deeper emotions, Kendrick should’ve struggled with her leadership and attraction to Zaria. For Kendrick all I read across her mind was, “Well come on in and let me love you, despite your pack killing one of my unborn family members.”
Once again, the submissive wolves like Zaria are weak and have no backbone until Ovid slaps her around, which makes no sense as Frame repeatedly says the Lupa’s are weak. Like really? Couldn’t Zaria just had taken Ovid herself since Lupa’s are so weak right? The Submissive wolves play the role of the good wife or troubled future mate in waiting; a lot of it reminded me of her other softer protagonists. Just as well, I was reminded of Lena with the I’m not worthy crap through Zaria at the end of the books, and that got on my nerves real fast. I found myself screaming at the book most of the time praying that Frame would find another emotional hang up to develop her characters, but no she didn’t. Even though Ms. Frame tries to and I loosely use this term; give these characters “depth” such as have Kendrick question her position to lead the Wulver pack, everything falls short as the reason why she doesn’t want to is because she has to wear a suit. Really a suit?
Overall the conflict within Kendrick about leading goes to shit in a short amount of time; as I didn’t buy the dead ten year old brother thing, now if her brother was older and next in line for the Alpha and then he died, then I could see her guilt. Also, it would be nice to have Frame not have a butch character gripe about suits; I mean that’s not a personality trait and I found that to be super annoying, as Frame does it in all her books. The cast were all Mary-Sue characters as they don’t use common sense and they never paid for their trusting intentions, they turn out to be the winners and good guys no matter what and it really made the book predictable.
As for the repetitive scenes and dialog. I noticed a lot of them such as finding Zaria was almost like Caden finding Lena minus the cuffs and kidnapping; along with Kendrick not letting the paramedic touch her reminded me of Ripp and the relocated wolf from the other books. That’s just to name a few, and that’s next to the “Height of all cowardice” line that seemed to almost get repeated to death; lucky she stopped when she did.
4. Cheap Villains, Power Rings, and Magic that Falls out of Everyone’s Asses.
Now to the part that annoyed the hell out of me, the fucking power ring and Lupa pack. Yes, I’m cursing because this is just wrong on so many levels, and enough is enough. It seems like Frame doesn’t seem to know the extent in which magic works as there are laws within magic, hell even the Harry Potter series has a listing of rules. It seems like there are no limitations of magic in her books and there are no costs to it at all, just give your villains a power ring and everything will be fine. Unless you’re a Mary-Sue character with plot armor so thick you need x-ray glasses just to get through to something. It’s like Frame drops people in like Milo with magic powers and expects her readers to follow it. It’s the lack of build-up, detail, and mystery that annoys me the most when it comes to her view of the paranormal world; hell even the biggest secret about Marco wasn’t handled well, there was no tension as both Zaria and Kendrick pretty much spilled their secrets easily with no long term consequences. It makes the conflict come off as sloppy as she should know better by now.
Which leads me to another problem her villains, why is it that all her villains are all poor and weak physically? Not to mention the Eastern European vs. Western European thing; now I’m from America and well-traveled and educated in a sense, but even I know an underhanded stereotype when I see one. I find that Frame is painting Eastern Europe as poor and evil; now mind you, there are darker-skinned countries of the Muslim faith along with immigrants as well in Eastern Europe. In the real-world immigrants are painted in a not so good way for they are assumed to be predatory and problematic by Western Europeans, US, and some Eastern Europeans as well. Really, I don’t need to paint out the picture here on what I think is wrong. All I know is she’s painting a political image through her characters like Ovid and Leroux, who are from Eastern European roots making them seem like immigrants of sort. Now before you jump the gun no, I’m not calling her Xenophobic just careless with her plot and how it views people; it would’ve been best not to reveal the geography of the Lupa’s and also not everyone from Eastern Europe are poor.
However, the message is clear that white Western Europe are the good guys and Eastern Europe is poor and evil for no reason; it’s uninspiring and downright lackluster when painting her villains. Like I’ve said before, she makes her antagonists evil for the sake of doing so and it’s highly exasperating and unimaginative. Frame really needs to take a careful look on what makes a villain; a well-rounded antagonist has depth and it comes from a source of pain, nonchalantly saying the Lupa’s are from Eastern Europe and that’s why their evil is not what makes a rival. Also Frame needs to power-up her adversaries as it adds a sense of tension to fights, especially if they are on equal footing. Which leads me to the fights, which are not detailed or long enough; really the whole thing reminded me of a cheap imitation of West Side Story. Lastly it was downright annoying when she had her villains kidnap almost everyone all the time, like didn’t they try this already?
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this book was a complete let down as it was anticlimactic. A lot of things like the wolves in Scotland and the war of the races reminded me of the show Lost Girl. In my opinion the book had some shining moments, but not enough to push me to read without stopping. Personally, I don’t think of Ms. Frame as a writer as she is more of a good imitator of books, history, and television. Sure, the characters and plot are of her own making; but I can’t help but feel that she is drawing on other books that she has read in the past. This is a simple case of quality vs. quantity, as her Royal Romance Series is analogous to Neil Stark’s Royal Princess Series; also, her Wolfgang Series is akin to L.L Raand. It’s good to be inspired, but if you have inspiration and not enough passion to put more ink to the page, then it becomes a good copy of Fan Fiction at best.
Jenny Frames books are good for readers that don’t require much thought; but it’s going to be a two out of five stars for me, I know if I ran this book close to Gill McKnight’s werewolf series McKnight’s would clearly out class it. It’s a clear-cut line between quality verses quantity and as a writer myself, I could remember writing such stories like Frames when I was fourteen on Fan Fiction. Mind you, I’m twenty-eight and have two sets of supernatural series complete and ready for publishing myself. I can only hope that other readers will wake up and smell the coffee, as they are being sold the same characters and useless plots repeatedly in all her books. Frame clearly lacks the stamina to write true works of art; to say her works are good is a falsehood, as there are those who write and take years to master their craft and have great works such as Rebekah Weatherspoon, Gill McKnight, G. Benson and that’s just to name a few. With Frame she has a quantity of books, but her books are not of quality.
Result: It was Anticlimactic.
The Good.
Blood of the Pack from Jenny Frame what can I say; when I was offered this book, I was like ok cool I get to see what the Wolfgang’s are up to. I want to say a lot about this book, but I don’t know if I have enough time or room to do so; but lucky for everyone I tend to overwrite. If I had to compare this book to something it would be akin to crack; its highly addictive but you know it’s not good for you, and that’s the same with Ms. Frames books and I don’t mean that in a good way. Now I do find the Wolfgang County Collection to be a likable series, and for all the waiting along with the opportunity to read this free copy; I have to say that it was very anticlimactic and did not do a good job at subverting my expectations.
Nevertheless, I will get on with the good of the book. It was very tightly closed in the Wolfgang chapters, even some things were explained; as I have no doubt that she listened to my rants and reviews over these past two years. It’s clear to see that Frames writing style has developed as I didn’t get the repetitive words that I’d normally get, and the sex wasn’t not nearly as gross and annoying; as it seemed that Frame had something to write about this time. I enjoyed the kids and Zaria’s interaction with them as that was a sweet spot. For me as a writer myself and a book snob of sorts, I appreciated her attempt to give an educated try; minus the few spelling errors that I found, but those I can blame on the idiot of an editor not her. Now that my positive comments are out the way; let’s get to the heart of it as there were several things I did not enjoy about this book. I’ll be mapping them out one by one so hang tight people.
The Bad
1. A Cheap Rendition of History.
This for me hurts me to say this, as I complained about her lack of Wolfgang history in her previous books Heart and Soul of the Pack. The Scota story which is a supposed event in real history in which Scotland was found, is told by Kendrick as she says that their ancestors came from Egypt; and that Scota had a female lover, and I guess some guys said that she couldn’t do it cause she’s a girl, so she huffs and puffs and gets on a sail boat and finds Scotland. Promising that the duality of the sexes would be equal in her lands, it’s the base rule in which packs run by. I found that the history lacked any imagination of its own as it was a play on alternative history, it would’ve done her good to change the Scota legend with a different name or something. What bugged me the most was the Egyptian thing despite the legend of Scota having some real-life validation with historians today; I just felt it to be a tad bit blown out of proportion as it felt kind of white-washed.
Really to me book three or two if you want to call it that, is too late to introduce a history as it could’ve been done in Heart of the Pack and Soul of the Pack; it lacked detail and originality to be honest. It was good that she drew from her culture, but a changing of names and motivations would’ve made for a good origin story. Personally, I would suggest that she do a bit more reading into other mythologies outside Scotland and use her own imagination to make her own tale. To me piggybacking from history and mythology then changing it does not tell an origin story, as it comes off as cheap and uninspiring.
2. The mention of other book Characters and the Potential labeling of Black Antagonists.
This is what annoyed me to no end although it was a quick line in the book; the mention of Byron Debrek and Witches. I really didn’t ask for Byron in the series as she was by far the most annoying character in her last book. I think most of us could agree that no one is asking for the Hunger For you series; and that the book was lackluster and downright annoying for a vampire book. Now adding to the witches plot-line really there was no need for it, but I could somewhat appreciate that she added a woman of color aka Madam Anka; but I took offense slightly as making her a potential villain is downright insulting, as too many people of color in the USA are made to be villains on the daily bases. I may be getting ahead of myself here, but as a writer and a woman of color myself I find the potential of demonizing Anka to be belligerent; for if Anka is casted as a villain, and Amelia’s character in the future Hunger For You Series is drafted as the “good white witch.” Well it may spoil my whole view of Frame as a storyteller. For now, I need to rest my suspicions and pray that Ms. Frame doesn’t demonize Anka; as I think such a move would be very predictable, uninspired, and downright ignorant. Still I can see where she is going with the witches thing, and I feel as if she’s going to use the witches to tie the vampire and werewolf series together in some strange way.
The Ugly
3. Mary-Sue’s, Plot, Conflict, and Repetitive Scenes.
What can I say about the characters and plot, that hasn’t been said about the war on Iraq; her plots and characters are bombed out, depleted, and horrifying to read about. I’m going to leave out Lena, Caden, and baby Chase because I was waiting on that. However, as for the couples in the previous books coming together in the first half; I really didn’t care about that. Now for the main characters themselves. Kendrick was decent but I found Kendrick to be a Wolf version of Quade from Wooing the Farmer; which I did finish that book and well, let’s just say I hated it. I found that there was no conflict with Kendrick when it came to her becoming alpha and Zaria being a Lupa. Kendrick and the others are all strong, dominant, noble, trusting, and good; I found it to be annoying as people run on deeper emotions, Kendrick should’ve struggled with her leadership and attraction to Zaria. For Kendrick all I read across her mind was, “Well come on in and let me love you, despite your pack killing one of my unborn family members.”
Once again, the submissive wolves like Zaria are weak and have no backbone until Ovid slaps her around, which makes no sense as Frame repeatedly says the Lupa’s are weak. Like really? Couldn’t Zaria just had taken Ovid herself since Lupa’s are so weak right? The Submissive wolves play the role of the good wife or troubled future mate in waiting; a lot of it reminded me of her other softer protagonists. Just as well, I was reminded of Lena with the I’m not worthy crap through Zaria at the end of the books, and that got on my nerves real fast. I found myself screaming at the book most of the time praying that Frame would find another emotional hang up to develop her characters, but no she didn’t. Even though Ms. Frame tries to and I loosely use this term; give these characters “depth” such as have Kendrick question her position to lead the Wulver pack, everything falls short as the reason why she doesn’t want to is because she has to wear a suit. Really a suit?
Overall the conflict within Kendrick about leading goes to shit in a short amount of time; as I didn’t buy the dead ten year old brother thing, now if her brother was older and next in line for the Alpha and then he died, then I could see her guilt. Also, it would be nice to have Frame not have a butch character gripe about suits; I mean that’s not a personality trait and I found that to be super annoying, as Frame does it in all her books. The cast were all Mary-Sue characters as they don’t use common sense and they never paid for their trusting intentions, they turn out to be the winners and good guys no matter what and it really made the book predictable.
As for the repetitive scenes and dialog. I noticed a lot of them such as finding Zaria was almost like Caden finding Lena minus the cuffs and kidnapping; along with Kendrick not letting the paramedic touch her reminded me of Ripp and the relocated wolf from the other books. That’s just to name a few, and that’s next to the “Height of all cowardice” line that seemed to almost get repeated to death; lucky she stopped when she did.
4. Cheap Villains, Power Rings, and Magic that Falls out of Everyone’s Asses.
Now to the part that annoyed the hell out of me, the fucking power ring and Lupa pack. Yes, I’m cursing because this is just wrong on so many levels, and enough is enough. It seems like Frame doesn’t seem to know the extent in which magic works as there are laws within magic, hell even the Harry Potter series has a listing of rules. It seems like there are no limitations of magic in her books and there are no costs to it at all, just give your villains a power ring and everything will be fine. Unless you’re a Mary-Sue character with plot armor so thick you need x-ray glasses just to get through to something. It’s like Frame drops people in like Milo with magic powers and expects her readers to follow it. It’s the lack of build-up, detail, and mystery that annoys me the most when it comes to her view of the paranormal world; hell even the biggest secret about Marco wasn’t handled well, there was no tension as both Zaria and Kendrick pretty much spilled their secrets easily with no long term consequences. It makes the conflict come off as sloppy as she should know better by now.
Which leads me to another problem her villains, why is it that all her villains are all poor and weak physically? Not to mention the Eastern European vs. Western European thing; now I’m from America and well-traveled and educated in a sense, but even I know an underhanded stereotype when I see one. I find that Frame is painting Eastern Europe as poor and evil; now mind you, there are darker-skinned countries of the Muslim faith along with immigrants as well in Eastern Europe. In the real-world immigrants are painted in a not so good way for they are assumed to be predatory and problematic by Western Europeans, US, and some Eastern Europeans as well. Really, I don’t need to paint out the picture here on what I think is wrong. All I know is she’s painting a political image through her characters like Ovid and Leroux, who are from Eastern European roots making them seem like immigrants of sort. Now before you jump the gun no, I’m not calling her Xenophobic just careless with her plot and how it views people; it would’ve been best not to reveal the geography of the Lupa’s and also not everyone from Eastern Europe are poor.
However, the message is clear that white Western Europe are the good guys and Eastern Europe is poor and evil for no reason; it’s uninspiring and downright lackluster when painting her villains. Like I’ve said before, she makes her antagonists evil for the sake of doing so and it’s highly exasperating and unimaginative. Frame really needs to take a careful look on what makes a villain; a well-rounded antagonist has depth and it comes from a source of pain, nonchalantly saying the Lupa’s are from Eastern Europe and that’s why their evil is not what makes a rival. Also Frame needs to power-up her adversaries as it adds a sense of tension to fights, especially if they are on equal footing. Which leads me to the fights, which are not detailed or long enough; really the whole thing reminded me of a cheap imitation of West Side Story. Lastly it was downright annoying when she had her villains kidnap almost everyone all the time, like didn’t they try this already?
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this book was a complete let down as it was anticlimactic. A lot of things like the wolves in Scotland and the war of the races reminded me of the show Lost Girl. In my opinion the book had some shining moments, but not enough to push me to read without stopping. Personally, I don’t think of Ms. Frame as a writer as she is more of a good imitator of books, history, and television. Sure, the characters and plot are of her own making; but I can’t help but feel that she is drawing on other books that she has read in the past. This is a simple case of quality vs. quantity, as her Royal Romance Series is analogous to Neil Stark’s Royal Princess Series; also, her Wolfgang Series is akin to L.L Raand. It’s good to be inspired, but if you have inspiration and not enough passion to put more ink to the page, then it becomes a good copy of Fan Fiction at best.
Jenny Frames books are good for readers that don’t require much thought; but it’s going to be a two out of five stars for me, I know if I ran this book close to Gill McKnight’s werewolf series McKnight’s would clearly out class it. It’s a clear-cut line between quality verses quantity and as a writer myself, I could remember writing such stories like Frames when I was fourteen on Fan Fiction. Mind you, I’m twenty-eight and have two sets of supernatural series complete and ready for publishing myself. I can only hope that other readers will wake up and smell the coffee, as they are being sold the same characters and useless plots repeatedly in all her books. Frame clearly lacks the stamina to write true works of art; to say her works are good is a falsehood, as there are those who write and take years to master their craft and have great works such as Rebekah Weatherspoon, Gill McKnight, G. Benson and that’s just to name a few. With Frame she has a quantity of books, but her books are not of quality.
August 13, 2019
I absolutely love this series, already cant wait for the next, Rhuri maybe?? Fingers crossed
August 15, 2019
A nice read for lgbt wereromance, enjoyable enough but I found it just seemed to lack real chemistry and a certain spark, but a nice tale.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
July 24, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2 of the Wolfgang series. I did not think much of book 1 (Heart of the Pack), but found the novella for this series (Soul of the Pack) an improvement, so figured I’d give this a shot. There’s also some references to vampires in this book that may be related to Frame’s Hunger for You but I’m not a vampire fan, so can’t say for sure.
This is a fair improvement on book 1, not least because the two MCs are way more interesting than Cade and Lena (MCs from book 1) could ever hope to be. The MCs here are Kenrick (Ricky), who is Dante’s cousin from Scotland who is about to become pack leader there and has come to Dante for tips about taking on the role, and Zaria, who is on the run from the evil Lupas and hiding a few big secrets.
Kenrick is very different from the other dominants we’ve been introduced to, in appearance and attitude, and she’s also possibly the sweetest MC featured so far. Zaria has been alone for years and had to overcome a lot, so the two together are pretty interesting.
The first part of the book is set in Wolfgang territory and therefore features the main players from the last 1.5 books, but then the setting moves to Scotland and we’re introduced to a new pack (that I much preferred). I especially liked Rhuri (Kenrick’s second) and her young niece Milo.
Kenrick and Zaria are together pretty much the entire book, so there’s plenty of interaction between them and due to the whole ‘wolf soulmate’ thing, we know right off that they’re destined for each other. There’s a few big hurdles in the way, most of which revolve around Zaria’s backstory, which also involves the Lupas (bad guys) from the first book. Thankfully, that storyline is tied up here, because I wasn’t overly impressed by either bad guy and am happy to not see them again.
I did tire of Zaira’s ‘I’m not worthy’ schtick, especially towards the end of the book, but otherwise liked her. Kenrick was by far the best character though, and I enjoyed her storyline and the stories she told quite a bit. I’m guessing Rhuri will feature in the next story should there be one, which should also see Milo featured more heavily, an added bonus.
All in all, I enjoyed the romance and I’m glad the plot has moved out of Wolfgang country and to the new pack. As I said, this is much improved over the first entry (especially in regards to the squicky crap in the sex scenes in book 1, I assume Frame read some of the feedback around those). It’s not my favourite Frame novel (or werewolf novel) but worth the read. I’d give this 3-3.5 stars, so I’m leaving it at 3.
This is book 2 of the Wolfgang series. I did not think much of book 1 (Heart of the Pack), but found the novella for this series (Soul of the Pack) an improvement, so figured I’d give this a shot. There’s also some references to vampires in this book that may be related to Frame’s Hunger for You but I’m not a vampire fan, so can’t say for sure.
This is a fair improvement on book 1, not least because the two MCs are way more interesting than Cade and Lena (MCs from book 1) could ever hope to be. The MCs here are Kenrick (Ricky), who is Dante’s cousin from Scotland who is about to become pack leader there and has come to Dante for tips about taking on the role, and Zaria, who is on the run from the evil Lupas and hiding a few big secrets.
Kenrick is very different from the other dominants we’ve been introduced to, in appearance and attitude, and she’s also possibly the sweetest MC featured so far. Zaria has been alone for years and had to overcome a lot, so the two together are pretty interesting.
The first part of the book is set in Wolfgang territory and therefore features the main players from the last 1.5 books, but then the setting moves to Scotland and we’re introduced to a new pack (that I much preferred). I especially liked Rhuri (Kenrick’s second) and her young niece Milo.
Kenrick and Zaria are together pretty much the entire book, so there’s plenty of interaction between them and due to the whole ‘wolf soulmate’ thing, we know right off that they’re destined for each other. There’s a few big hurdles in the way, most of which revolve around Zaria’s backstory, which also involves the Lupas (bad guys) from the first book. Thankfully, that storyline is tied up here, because I wasn’t overly impressed by either bad guy and am happy to not see them again.
I did tire of Zaira’s ‘I’m not worthy’ schtick, especially towards the end of the book, but otherwise liked her. Kenrick was by far the best character though, and I enjoyed her storyline and the stories she told quite a bit. I’m guessing Rhuri will feature in the next story should there be one, which should also see Milo featured more heavily, an added bonus.
All in all, I enjoyed the romance and I’m glad the plot has moved out of Wolfgang country and to the new pack. As I said, this is much improved over the first entry (especially in regards to the squicky crap in the sex scenes in book 1, I assume Frame read some of the feedback around those). It’s not my favourite Frame novel (or werewolf novel) but worth the read. I’d give this 3-3.5 stars, so I’m leaving it at 3.
October 30, 2020
I have always enjoyed a good lesbian werewolf book and found myself greatly enjoying the approach this book took for the genre. Although I had not read the first book in the series, this one was done well enough that it made me want to check all the works by this author. The chemistry between Kenrick Wulver and Zaria Lupa, along with all the other wolves, both allies and enemies, have such a dynamic between them that I couldn't stop reading once I picked it up. All the interactions and the emotions behind them, from passion to rage, just captivated me and made many of the characters very endearing to me, and I found myself continuously wondering what would happen next in the story.
What was most lovely to me was the imagery the author used when describing Scotland, which I found out is where she was from! The fact that story had its own lore for how werewolves came to be was most interesting to me. I wish to learn more about werewolf lore in all the packs in this story setting. One can tell how much love the author and her character, Kenrick, has for Scotland and the importance of family and pack. It was an exciting to read the Scottish part the most, and I honestly wish and hope that future books come back to the Scotland wolves. I look forward to the next book in the series and hope that I get the chance to read the first book as well in the near future. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a story with a slow burn relationship built on trust and love, with plenty of action and suspense!
What was most lovely to me was the imagery the author used when describing Scotland, which I found out is where she was from! The fact that story had its own lore for how werewolves came to be was most interesting to me. I wish to learn more about werewolf lore in all the packs in this story setting. One can tell how much love the author and her character, Kenrick, has for Scotland and the importance of family and pack. It was an exciting to read the Scottish part the most, and I honestly wish and hope that future books come back to the Scotland wolves. I look forward to the next book in the series and hope that I get the chance to read the first book as well in the near future. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a story with a slow burn relationship built on trust and love, with plenty of action and suspense!
January 31, 2023
More! Give me more. I love the Wolfgang pack and now the Wulver pack. I want to move to Scotland and live with the Wulver Pack! I love Kenrick! Her style, accent, and personality. She cares so much for Zaria from the very beginning. She is so careful with her and tries so hard to show Zaria that she can trust her. I love the vulnerable side she shows to Zaria. Zaria is so strong. Everything she’s had to live through and all she had to do just to survive and keep her nephew safe. I was so happy when they finally got to talk to one another. She’s been watching and protecting him from afar for years and finally she gets to be a part of his life. I hope there is another book in the series soon!
Bonus: Caden and Selena have their cub! I love seeing the Wolfgang Pack and getting updates on all the wolves.
Bonus: Caden and Selena have their cub! I love seeing the Wolfgang Pack and getting updates on all the wolves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2019
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books for an un-biased review.
The 3rd in the Wolfgang County Series. Ms. Frame hooks with her innovative take on romance. Zaria and Kenrick are the leads in this fast-paced "shifter" romance. There's angst, sex, abuse and love of family. Best appreciated when read in sequence. Highly recommend with 5 stars.
The 3rd in the Wolfgang County Series. Ms. Frame hooks with her innovative take on romance. Zaria and Kenrick are the leads in this fast-paced "shifter" romance. There's angst, sex, abuse and love of family. Best appreciated when read in sequence. Highly recommend with 5 stars.
January 22, 2020
I want more of this series. And the fact that this adds to her vampire books. I'm completely sold! Jenny Frame you're shaking amazing
October 14, 2025
5 stars. A beautiful conclusion to this series though I wish there were more books. This series was fantastic from beginning to end and this book did a great job wrapping everything up. Kenrick and Zaria were perfect for each other and I LOVED the slow burn between them Zaria is apart of the pack that attacked Wolfgang in book one but she's on the run. She's a submissive wolf and does not want to be trapped and forced to be the mate of Ovid, an abusive dominant wolf.
Kenrick is about to take over being the Alpha of her pack and with her being a dominant wolf she really has to work to get Zaria to trust her. I thought it was great, she's so incredibly patient and kind and it was beautiful watching Zaria fall for her as she slowly got more comfortable around her and the Wolfgang pack. The chemistry between them was fantastic and there were a lot of emotional and heavy moments that made their HEA feel hard earned. I loved this book so much and I can't wait to read this series all over again.
Kenrick is about to take over being the Alpha of her pack and with her being a dominant wolf she really has to work to get Zaria to trust her. I thought it was great, she's so incredibly patient and kind and it was beautiful watching Zaria fall for her as she slowly got more comfortable around her and the Wolfgang pack. The chemistry between them was fantastic and there were a lot of emotional and heavy moments that made their HEA feel hard earned. I loved this book so much and I can't wait to read this series all over again.
August 4, 2019
This book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Uuuuh... Okay, what did I just read...
Blood of the Pack was a very strange read, not because I didn't read the first book or the novella. I could catch up to that just fine, because the characters mostly tell the story of what happened anyways. It was strange in the sense that I never knew whether someone was female or male. A lot of females had male names which was very confusing.
What also confuses the heck out of me is the sex scenes. It seems these females have a dick but I'm pretty sure the whole point of being called a female is not having one (I'm pretty sure they weren't transgender but just lesbians) so yeah the sex was very weird. Also the whole female-female having kids, kinda not possible you know... It's never explained how that works which is totally weird and makes it hard to understand the book.
The writing style is easy and short sentences. Scenes are short and to the point. I wasn't annoyed by the writing style, but I also didn't like it. Scenes where they're in trouble are too fast paced. Problems are too easily solved.
I'm a mayor wolf lover and have always been a great fan of werewolf books. But most books portray werewolves very strangely. I hate it when authors don't seem to know how wolves work. I don't know everything either, but if an amateur can notice that something isn't quite right then the author should have put more time into researching wolf behavior.
Terms that were used in this book were throwing me off and made sentences didn't flow right. There were several typos in the book which is a pity. The Scottish accent was very forced and didn't sound natural at all.
I read this book in one day but I skimmed over some boring paragraphs and just read quickly so I could finish this and pick up another book. This book gets two stars from me and shall not be recommending this to anyone.
Uuuuh... Okay, what did I just read...
Blood of the Pack was a very strange read, not because I didn't read the first book or the novella. I could catch up to that just fine, because the characters mostly tell the story of what happened anyways. It was strange in the sense that I never knew whether someone was female or male. A lot of females had male names which was very confusing.
What also confuses the heck out of me is the sex scenes. It seems these females have a dick but I'm pretty sure the whole point of being called a female is not having one (I'm pretty sure they weren't transgender but just lesbians) so yeah the sex was very weird. Also the whole female-female having kids, kinda not possible you know... It's never explained how that works which is totally weird and makes it hard to understand the book.
The writing style is easy and short sentences. Scenes are short and to the point. I wasn't annoyed by the writing style, but I also didn't like it. Scenes where they're in trouble are too fast paced. Problems are too easily solved.
I'm a mayor wolf lover and have always been a great fan of werewolf books. But most books portray werewolves very strangely. I hate it when authors don't seem to know how wolves work. I don't know everything either, but if an amateur can notice that something isn't quite right then the author should have put more time into researching wolf behavior.
Terms that were used in this book were throwing me off and made sentences didn't flow right. There were several typos in the book which is a pity. The Scottish accent was very forced and didn't sound natural at all.
I read this book in one day but I skimmed over some boring paragraphs and just read quickly so I could finish this and pick up another book. This book gets two stars from me and shall not be recommending this to anyone.
January 3, 2020
I loved the audiobook!! Takes you right there in the woods. Good story line and lots of chemistry. Also loved the side characters, leaves it right open for book 3?
April 2, 2020
Loved the Story but not so much Zaria.
It seemed like all she did was hurt Ricky when all Ricky did was prove herself to her. Then she kept asking herself why Ricky didn’t want to touch her. She would tell Ricky that she wasn’t ready and then wonder why she wasn’t touching her. She was confusing and I get she was hurt in her past but she made me not enjoy the book as much. Don’t understand how easily Ovid kidnapped her or even got inside to kidnap her. Loved me some Ricky tho!
It seemed like all she did was hurt Ricky when all Ricky did was prove herself to her. Then she kept asking herself why Ricky didn’t want to touch her. She would tell Ricky that she wasn’t ready and then wonder why she wasn’t touching her. She was confusing and I get she was hurt in her past but she made me not enjoy the book as much. Don’t understand how easily Ovid kidnapped her or even got inside to kidnap her. Loved me some Ricky tho!
December 16, 2019
Overall enjoyment: 2.5/5
Characterization: 2/5
Overall worldbuilding: 3/5
Diversity: 3/5
I was given a free advance copy of this book through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I wanted desperately to like this book more than I did. Lesbian werewolves?! I was so excited. I was pumped. I became very frustrated very quickly. First, I didn’t realize that this was part of a series. My fault I didn’t do the research and so some things were confusing but may have been explained in previous books of the series. This is book three. Some confusion though was not what truly frustrated me so much as the missed potential of this book. The premise of the book and most of the major plot points were amazing ideas! I could have easily fallen in love with this book if not for the writing style. Now, that may sound petty, but listen. Every problem that arose in this book was solved in what felt like five pages or less. Any part of the book that could have been a secret or big reveal to other characters was somehow discovered through the random senses of the characters. It made me want to scream.
The characters of this book were pretty lackluster. They had potential. A female alpha paired with a woman who has been abused by alphas? There was a lot of potential for long conversation, dates, mutual respect and honest. Beautiful character development. Did we get that? Nope, we got instant feelings and wolf senses. I’m not opposed to wolf senses. That’s one of parts of werewolf stories that I enjoy, but senses were used to replace any meaningful conversation and compromises.
Worldbuilding: It seems to be set in modern times, but there was definitely an attempt to develop a history and culture. There was mention older wolf packs and battles. Kenrick had different bracelets that represented different things. I appreciated the attempt though I still felt a bit off put at time about the dominant and submissive roles. There may have been what I felt like a sexist line or two in there.
Diversity. What is story have is at least a bit of diversity. There are obviously lesbian women in this book which is refreshing for a change. There are hints that Zaria is a woman of color. There may also be a transgender character? I’m not quite sure if that’s the case or there is some added female alpha wolf anatomy happening.
Overall, if you don’t mind insta-feelings stories where the romance is mostly the focus you could enjoy this story. If you’re looking for something more in-depth with lots of fantasy action and a more slow build relationship this book is NOT for you. I wanted to like this book. I was so very excited about it, but it was just frustrating to read.
Characterization: 2/5
Overall worldbuilding: 3/5
Diversity: 3/5
I was given a free advance copy of this book through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I wanted desperately to like this book more than I did. Lesbian werewolves?! I was so excited. I was pumped. I became very frustrated very quickly. First, I didn’t realize that this was part of a series. My fault I didn’t do the research and so some things were confusing but may have been explained in previous books of the series. This is book three. Some confusion though was not what truly frustrated me so much as the missed potential of this book. The premise of the book and most of the major plot points were amazing ideas! I could have easily fallen in love with this book if not for the writing style. Now, that may sound petty, but listen. Every problem that arose in this book was solved in what felt like five pages or less. Any part of the book that could have been a secret or big reveal to other characters was somehow discovered through the random senses of the characters. It made me want to scream.
The characters of this book were pretty lackluster. They had potential. A female alpha paired with a woman who has been abused by alphas? There was a lot of potential for long conversation, dates, mutual respect and honest. Beautiful character development. Did we get that? Nope, we got instant feelings and wolf senses. I’m not opposed to wolf senses. That’s one of parts of werewolf stories that I enjoy, but senses were used to replace any meaningful conversation and compromises.
Worldbuilding: It seems to be set in modern times, but there was definitely an attempt to develop a history and culture. There was mention older wolf packs and battles. Kenrick had different bracelets that represented different things. I appreciated the attempt though I still felt a bit off put at time about the dominant and submissive roles. There may have been what I felt like a sexist line or two in there.
Diversity. What is story have is at least a bit of diversity. There are obviously lesbian women in this book which is refreshing for a change. There are hints that Zaria is a woman of color. There may also be a transgender character? I’m not quite sure if that’s the case or there is some added female alpha wolf anatomy happening.
Overall, if you don’t mind insta-feelings stories where the romance is mostly the focus you could enjoy this story. If you’re looking for something more in-depth with lots of fantasy action and a more slow build relationship this book is NOT for you. I wanted to like this book. I was so very excited about it, but it was just frustrating to read.
August 9, 2019
This was the first Wolfgang County book that I read, having skipped the first one when it came out. It's not that hard to get into the groove of things, because Frame did a great job of providing enough exposition to help new readers along. It is a continuation of the first book, but with new characters as leads. And it seems to have expanded the world a little bit, with Kenrick being the Alpha to be of the Wulver werewolf pack, the cousins of the Wolfgangs. I will point out that the first half of the book seems to be tying up some loose ends of events that happened in the first boo, so I wasn't as interested in that, so much as being with Zaria as we explored the Wulver pack's territory in the Highlands of Scotland. After all the things that Zaria had to go through to even survive, her wonder at the differences between her pack and Kenrick felt extra special.
So werewolf stories either really lean into the submissive/dominant trope that comes with the territory (heh), or its there, but in different grades. Frame really leans hard into the submissive/dominant trope in a fairly simple way, which is fine, because it works for the story she's telling. But what really gets me annoyed is the constant reminder that the characters are not human - they talk about their wolves as being slightly separate from their human form, but, instead of saying "right hand" they'' say "right paw." It is distracting, because I got it. There are other, more subtle ways that Frame used to remind me of the character's wolfy sides.
There are other small issues I had, but they are even more nitpicky than the way the wolves talk to each other. I do have to say, though, that Kenrick's and Zaria's relationship is very awkward, but in a good way. They're both inexperienced in many ways, and I thought it was fun watching them fall into their relationship.
Overall, though, this is a solid entry into the expanding Lesfic urban fantasy/ paranormal romance genre. I look forward in seeing more from the Wolfgang County series.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
So werewolf stories either really lean into the submissive/dominant trope that comes with the territory (heh), or its there, but in different grades. Frame really leans hard into the submissive/dominant trope in a fairly simple way, which is fine, because it works for the story she's telling. But what really gets me annoyed is the constant reminder that the characters are not human - they talk about their wolves as being slightly separate from their human form, but, instead of saying "right hand" they'' say "right paw." It is distracting, because I got it. There are other, more subtle ways that Frame used to remind me of the character's wolfy sides.
There are other small issues I had, but they are even more nitpicky than the way the wolves talk to each other. I do have to say, though, that Kenrick's and Zaria's relationship is very awkward, but in a good way. They're both inexperienced in many ways, and I thought it was fun watching them fall into their relationship.
Overall, though, this is a solid entry into the expanding Lesfic urban fantasy/ paranormal romance genre. I look forward in seeing more from the Wolfgang County series.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
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