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Shifted Mates #1

Wolf's Bane

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He stole a kiss and ran off with my heart between his teeth.I should’ve expected as much from a wolf.I’m a fox shifter in a world run by humans. They treat us like we’re beneath them, and shoot us when they have the chance. I’ll do anything to protect my family, so I learned how to shoot back. My aim is true and I’m just waiting for someone to piss off the wrong vixen. Turns out, we have bigger threats than humans. Orion, the smoldering silver wolf, reappears suddenly and my heart can’t handle it. I refuse to let him hurt me again, but he’s here to warn me about a greater evil. The same one that plagued him that night, when I saw him through the crack in the door years ago.All I ever wanted was get over him and settle down with another fox. I just met a cute one named Conan too. But when shifters are being sacrificed for dark magic, a girl’s got to take aim and fire.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2019

452 people are currently reading
590 people want to read

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Crystal Ash

78 books1,080 followers

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5 stars
244 (38%)
4 stars
171 (27%)
3 stars
148 (23%)
2 stars
46 (7%)
1 star
21 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for TheDailyKaylee.
362 reviews71 followers
December 10, 2019
On to the next

Okay, I enjoyed this book and it did keep me interested. But then I checked my progress and seen that the book was almost over and not much had really happened. Idk if this book was just setting up the foundation for the harem and what’s to come in the next books or what, but I felt like the whole book was basically about her wanting to be with Orion, meeting Chase and Conan, Orion’s issue that was resolved by the end, and that’s about it. It wasn’t a bad book, it just kind of fell flat to me but I will keep going because this trilogy has such good reviews and I want to see it through.

I did enjoy the scene of her meeting Conan. It was pure happiness and makes you want to play tag in a meadow and makes you feel like a Disney princess.

Again, it wasn’t a bad book I just don’t personally feel like that much went on in this book.
Profile Image for Cat H.
1,988 reviews220 followers
May 26, 2022
4.4 stars.
So. I’m intrigued.
So far I’m really enjoying getting to know these characters.
The relationships are still new and underdeveloped, but I like where they’re leading.
The little bit of sex we got was hot and sensual and full of love, and excitement for finally being able to be together.

This is a sort of ‘collect them all’ kind of RH, which isn’t my favorite, but I am enjoying the attitude that Orion has about it all.

I’m excited to see where this all goes. Hopefully it can hold my attention long enough to get the full story.
Profile Image for Tiera McMillian.
1,160 reviews48 followers
June 29, 2020
I have read several Crystal Ash series now and absolutely loved her worlds. This series starter however, really just wasn't doing much for me. I'm just as surprised as anyone else! I grabbed this off KU in the complete set of 3 books (just knowing I was going to enjoy it) but after book one I decided to call it quits on this. To be honest the story was super rushed even the relationships for the most part seemed just rushed an mashed together. We have the "old friend" guy, the "meet the parents" guy, and the "hottie at the office" guy. To be fair, it's almost more that I have no idea what they see in our FMC to become so entranced by her. I mean she seems cool.. a little on the overly hostile side (almost like she is trying too hard to be cool). I don't get it.. all the relationships, including the guy she has known for the longest, all just seem forced. Since the relationships is all we have really gotten a glimpse of mostly, so far, I just can't really justify rolling forward on this.

I have no idea where this is headed. Shifters vs witches maybe? I'm just not feeling it at this point so I've decided to throw this series on the back burner for now. Might revisit later. Hasn't changed my opinion about the author though.
Profile Image for Krista.
1,135 reviews33 followers
February 24, 2023
50% DNF. I am disappointed since I have enjoyed Crystal Ash in the past but I don’t like the h. She may be a feisty fox but her arguments about humans shooting shifters is a little nonsensical. Humans shoot animals, it’s not great but true. How on earth would they know the difference between a shifted human and an animal while out hunting??

It’s a weird thing to read about. And these guys, Orion, Chase and Conan- I am just not feeling them at all. And unfortunately I don’t care. Moving on.
1,933 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2019
Another series to love from the talented Crystal Ash

This book is the first in another wonderful RH series from Crystal. If you have read the Unholy Trinity series, you will be familiar with Astrid, a fox shifter, and her three men. The events in this series take place before the Unholy Trinity series but do stand alone. If you are new to Crystal's books, you can start with any series, but I guarantee you that wherever you start, you're going to want to read all of them.
There is a prequel story, Falling For The Wolf, in which Astrid and Orion meet when he starts working for her father, and this story is set five years afterwards.
Crystal always writes about strong women and the men who can't help but love them and this is no exception. Astrid is fearless, brave and will do anything for the people she loves. We've already met Orion in the prequel and this book introduces us to two other men who are captivated by her.
Astrid is working away from home, trying to forget the wolf that broke her heart by kissing her and then disappearing, but he reappears and her life is turned upside down. She also meets Conan, who is sweet and fun and definitely catches her interest, and he's a fox shifter too. But Orion suddenly returning throws the proverbial spanner in the works, and events take a sinister turn as the reason he left so abruptly five years before is revealed. Orion's past catches up with him and he fears the worst but Astrid isn't going to lose him again.
The connection between Astrid and Orion is still as strong as it was, and grows exponentially during this book. Orion is just the epitome of tall, silver and handsome, with a side order of angst. Tortured but passionate, burdened but selfless, fierce but gentle. Call me biased but I do love a wolf shifter with a heart of gold, even if it is hidden beneath a gruff exterior. I know with an RH, you don't have to choose but I can't help it. I always have a favourite, and Orion is it for me this time.
I liked Conan and his meeting with Astrid was a beautifully written scene. I could feel the sunshine and the happiness. Conan seems to be the perfect foil for Orion, the light to his dark, but I'm sure that that is too simplistic a comparison and as the series continues, we will find out there is much more to each of them than meets the eye.
The third man in the story is quiet, reserved, thoughtful, seemingly with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better too.
There is no cliffhanger but the ending does set up the next book and I'm eager to find out where the story will go next.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,001 reviews16 followers
May 10, 2019
I loved this story!!! Astrid is a amazing main character. Loved the storyline and the plot. Story leaves you wanting more. I really want next book. I love shifter books and you don't really get to many shifters who are foxes. Really cannot wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Meka Weaver.
661 reviews13 followers
February 2, 2021
What a story.

This was a good story with the right amount of angst, drama, and villains. The other was good and flowed well. The characters were all amazing and interesting. The chemistry was on point. Can't wait for the next book. Rh. HEA...a must read
Profile Image for Carla.
334 reviews
January 15, 2020
So good

Not many books have a real deep plot any more. This one does. It might seem confusing in the beginning but it is well worth reading on.
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
June 19, 2019
DNF - quit at 28%
This just didn’t pull me into the story. I was bored with the story & had trouble keeping focused on it. I ended up giving up. There were too many possible RH guys introduced into the story at 28%, to really get a feel for any of them, I wasn’t really learning enough about any of them to form an opinion. It also felt like there were 2 different points of conflict, & I couldn’t decide which was the real threat to the shifters in general. That confusion added to my boredom. Astrid was the only dominant character to the story, & she wasn’t anything special in my mind to pull off being the heroine or the center of a RH.

At my age, life is to short & my time to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
Profile Image for Murphy.
726 reviews
September 17, 2021
This story continues from the prequel story line of Falling for a Wolf. Only now, it's fast forward about 5 years later and we don't know that right away. (I was not expecting that; it definitely caught me off-guard.)

Orion left right after that life-altering kiss. Astrid moved on with her life and now spends her days sitting at a desk job, day dreaming about being in the woods.
Now, 5-years later and on a weekend visit to her parents house, Orion shows up out of no where only causing more pain and confusion for Astrid. At the same time, she's crushing on colleague IT guy, Chase (Eagle shifter) and then meets new parents neighbor, Conan (fox shifter) and wants to get to know him better too. Orion couldn't have come back in her life at a worst time.

When Orion comes back with another, electrified kiss that runs through Astrid's entire body - he tells her his final goodbye and to never forget him.

Astrid, being Astrid is NOT ok with this and determined to find out WTH this guy is up to. She follows his scent and finally gets answers to all of her questions. But now, her heart doesn't just see Orion, and life is so messed up. Can she save him from his demons? Can she finally move on and continue this new feeling she feels for Conan?

***

Hoping to find out more in the next book. So far I am enjoying this storyline. It much slower than I would life, and am hoping for some more action all around in the next book. I feel like it's a bit toned compared to what I'm used to with Crystal Ash. I need more sexiness and more beat downs...lol, more something. But the fox and the wolf are so far doing it for me. I hope little bada** Astrid can tame Orion's demons and find her way with Chase and Conan.

*Overall 4/5
*Heat? 2/5
*Slow Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*Quick read
*HEA? No.
Profile Image for clockworkhime.
19 reviews27 followers
April 1, 2020
It was the weirdest reverse harem book I have read so far.

First of I hate guns, so the thought that the FML is a badass because she loves them and knows how to handle them didn't really sit with me well. But it is definitely based on my personal views and tastes!

The whole world built with the shifters is so different that what I had been used to, like for example that the humans know they're out there or that they're not powerful, they can just shift and that's about it. No mates no nothing..

So that brings us to the romance part....Orion..39??? Personally I'm not into older guys so I kinda cringed when that was revealed. I still don't know how I feel about it. 13 years difference is a BIG age gap imo.

Also the way it introduces us to the RH prospect is unexpected the least!! That's because so far all rh books I have read are also fantasy/paranormal, so it's smoother to the transition when they present the mate aspect or some other bond with many males. But here, despite the paranormal genre, it goes about it with more than a pinch of reality!

SO I still don't know if I liked it or not in general!! The "evil witches gangs up with feds" plot didn't leave me begging to unravel it, but I'll go to the second book, because I want to know more about Chase (I've never read about a bird shifter before!!) and Conan and I'm kinda curious as to how the author will push them all together.

I really hope it becomes more natural and not so forced as it was in this..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rasa Ievkalne.
1,087 reviews15 followers
October 26, 2021
DNF at 85%

Mainly because of 2 reasons. First-it was extremely boring. I was at 85% , book nearly done and nothing really had happened. There is very vague world building, very shallow introduction of characters and barely there plot.
Second reason is the way author set up premise for relationships. I understand this is supposed to be reverse harem. These type of books need a setup of premise that allows for all participants not only coexist in polyamorous relationship, but each bring something unique to it while maintaining a dynamic atmosphere. Here author introduces three men in separate situations, who have nothing in common and who each aims for polygamous relationship. I have no doubt that somewhere along the way there is a plan on making them all OK with sharing, but the way the beginning of each relationship is set up just don't resonate with me. I felt no sparks and any interest heroine experienced, felt shallow and forgettable. Except for Orion literally everyone else could be replaced by anybody else. There are no personalities to them. Nothing to set them apart or endear to reader.
And as I mentioned it was boring. Book is supposed to grab and hold my attention, not want to do anything else that could be even a little bit more interesting.

To be fair, as far as I got, there was no lines crossed on themes I feel strongly about. All was plain and safe topics.

Do not recommend it, but mostly because there are better written books out there.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
May 11, 2019
MIND BLOWING!!!
My buzzing blunder! Wow! Talk about one mind blowing, jaw dropping thrill. A wild rollercoaster ride of unpredictable activities and surprising events that have all of your swirling emotions bursting to life boldly. This bad boy will keep you in a tail spin, tighting that vortex until you pull that trigger. We have foes to fight, enemies to conquer and people to save. Just another day in paradise. You have all the drama, suspense and danger that keeps nipping at your heels undaunted. The scenes are so detailed and descriptive as it hustles and bustled and sponsored, jetting this bad boy together smoothly. Crystal pulls us into her imagination weaving a world around us until everything else ceases to exist. I can't wait for the next installment. Struggling through all the trials and tribulations along with so many twists and turns really thrusts this bad boy together wonderfully. Toss in all the drama, uncertainty and suspense you have the making for one intense experience. The characters are authentic, approachable and realistic with individual traits and qualities that balance and blend, playing off one another. The scenes are written with such realism theres no trouble interpreting each scenario as they flow smoothly along withput a glitch. Remarkable job Crystal, I can't wait for the next installment.
250 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2019
Wolf's Bane is an amazing first book of the Shifted Mates Trilogy.

Astrid is a sassy, beautiful and sexy fox shifter. She lives in a world where the humans look down upon all shifters and currently works in the city hiding among the humans to help her family. She's protective of her family and would do anything to protect her family.

Along came a sexy silver wolf shifter a blast from her past. Orion is sexy, hotter then h*ll with a golden eagle shifter sidekick. He's hiding something, something dangerous and he warns her of this evil. An evil that has been chasing and haunting him for years. The bad thing is, this Evil wields black magic, who wants more shifters, their blood and bones fuel and spread the magic.

Then there's Conan a hot and sexy charming fox who just moved in the area. What can Astrid do? The attraction between them is hot! And she can't help but be charmed. Three male shifters, all hot and sexy... This book is absolutely amazing. The storyline is fantastic! I was lured in from the get go and didn't put it down until I finished! You'll get plenty of action, drama, and sexy scenes! This book is a definite must read and you won't regret it! You're aiming for a fantastic roller coaster of a ride! I can't wait to read the 2nd book!
Profile Image for loosestocking.
83 reviews
February 19, 2022
Not my cup of tea

I struggled with this first book. I didn't connect well with the FMC. I really didn't like how she treated the fox shifter love interest and I didn't feel much of a connection between her and Chase, the eagle shifter. If it didn't say RH on the description, I would have assumed it wasn't an RH. She is just so laser focused on wolf shifter dude. Even if it's a slow burn, usually there is still some sort of spark in the first book with the other guys who end up in the harem.

Similarly, the plot seemed to just plow forward at light speed which in turn made the relationships go from zero to sixty in a blink. It seemed way too soon for the FMC to be in love after not seeing a guy for several years. It felt way too shallow (mostly physical) for that. She just came off as fickle and immature when she said the L word. I won't continue the series and I gave it 2 stars because it was average but forgettable. I will pick up her other MC series at some point because I think the author still has lots of potential.

Side note: I have nothing against "doll" as an endearment but "my doll" just made me think of a certain period cramp medication. I couldn't stop laughing. 😬
Profile Image for Miriam.
656 reviews13 followers
March 6, 2022
So, first, I give it 3.5 - 4 stars. I liked reading it. Though, it wasn't unique. But the premises of the plot caught my attention and stuck to it, during reading.

Astrid is a strong FMC. She is the kind of character I do like and don't like at the same time. I like her, cause she has her own mind and I get her thinking in some ways. She does think of her actions, but sometimes she doesn't. The doesn't part I don't like. For example, as she visited Hodge. That was kind of dumb. She had a feeling something wasn't right. Still, she gets in there. That isn't smart. But overall, she is a good character.

The males characters are the usual, I would say. I like them. They had their reasons, but I don't get their feelings fully. There is no real explanation or deeper insight. The most we get is about Orion, and his situation. Chase is a different case. And Conan wasn't much involved here. Only in the end.

The story itself was mostly rushed and everything fell into place. I could predict the course, and I was mainly right.

It's an easy read. I enjoyed the journey and will read the next book. Just to see the problems solved and how the RH will go.
Profile Image for Jessica Stevens.
432 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2020
Loved this first book!

I have issues with stories where the main characters have prior history. In this case, the author handled it really well and am 100% on board. She also toed a line I have another issue with: a decently older guy. If she knew him at any point when she was underage with that age difference, it would have been an immediate no go for me. But, she was of age from their whole history of knowing each other so the age difference was acceptable. Then I was wondering how the heck she was going to make the RH and I feel pretty satisfied with that too. So with all that said I absolutely loved the start to this trilogy and can't wait to read the next one! I've got high hopes, that's for sure!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
441 reviews
May 30, 2019
This was a shorter book, but still good. I enjoyed the story, and I look forward to how the characters and relationships develop from here.

I like this take on shifters. It's a bit different. The idea that shifters look more or less highly on other shifters dependent on type of animal. And the fact that interspecies is taboo. Should make for a fun story.

The main "bad guy" in this book could have been a little more "bad" so to speak. I didn't really feel like there was reason to be afraid nor that the main conflict was all that big. It does seem like the bigger bads to come will be the real deal though.
Profile Image for J.M..
975 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2019




No spoilers of any kind included.
So all I’m going to say about Wolf’s Bane is that I thought it was fantastic and I’m going to leave it at that.
Crystal Ash is a awesome story weaver, I love the way she’s able to transport her readers to another reality.
Because every single book that I’ve read of hers it’s like I’m actually experiencing it all right along with the characters and by the time I get to the ending I don’t want to leave the world that I am in.
So if you are wanting my advice, well my advice would be get this book because I can honestly guarantee you won’t be disappointed in doing it!
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,787 reviews85 followers
September 22, 2019
Fun

I liked this take on the shifter mythos, it takes what we generally accept and tweaks the rules just enough to make it stand in a separate universe - while still presenting the “accepted” characteristics of the paranormal. Mainly, who knows about shifters? Seems that everyone does, but that it is also a deeply shadowed knowledge - the edge of what humans are privy to. It’s interesting.

Pros:
- Good use of multiple POV.
- Love a fox shifter!
- RH is NOT just accepted as the norm here.... there are some obvious questions.

Cons:
- Orion... I really don’t know if I like this wolf or not. Per nature, he’s overbearing, but.... eh?
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
December 28, 2019

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Profile Image for Tab.
204 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2021
Not as good as her SDMC

This felt rushed and the characters had less personality than in Crystal Ash's Steel Demons Motorcycle Club book. The world building was a tad lacking. There were a couple different moments that didn't quite add up in reference to the world building. Like, the other supernaturals that the FMC is told about. It went from one sentence to the next knowing next to nil, and then knowing something of truth about the others which she had no clue about two sentences back. The interlocking subplots seem forced as well. Overall, there just seemed to be a disconnect.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews49 followers
May 12, 2019
Fantastic

As a huge Ash fan I had to read this new series and I was not disappointed! We get a Fox shifter that lives in the city. She goes to visit her parents where she runs into a wolf shifter from her past. The next thing she knows she is caught up in all kinds of things with danger at every turn. There are twists that were new to me which is fantastic and the story really just sucks you in as it evolves. A must read for fans of paranormal RH books. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
May 12, 2019
Wolf's Bane: A Reverse Harem Shifter Romance (Shifted Mates Trilogy Book 1) by Crystal Ash is an amazing story that I have read and loved very much. This is book number one in this amazing new start to a brand new series to read. I loved reading this story from the very begining and I can not wait to read the next book in this amazing series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about shifters.
Profile Image for Christina Luberts.
2,785 reviews7 followers
May 15, 2019
Wow, this toke a turn I was not expecting. Astrid is a sassy fox. Orion is an Older Alpha Wolf. They meet again after 5 years. Chase is a Golden Eagle that is working with Astrid. Conan is a fox that Astrid meets in the field. Orion left me once will he leave me again? Can I trust him? What are these feelings I'm having for others? Where is this black magic coming from? Can I help? I received a free copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Beth.
337 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2019
Astrid is everything a shifter should aspire to be. She’s strong, confident and as in tune with her animal side as she is with her human side. I’m glad she has a good relationship with her family and that they aren’t forgotten throughout the book. Orion is a great alpha and I’m happy with how accepting he is throughout the book. Chase is interesting and exactly what I’d expect from his kind of shifter. Conan I’ve yet to make a decision on but hopefully he’s a good guy.
559 reviews32 followers
October 15, 2019
Reverse Paranormal Romance

Astrid is a fox shifter ,working in the human world. She goes home on weekends to make sure her family is ok.She is a badass gun toting mc. A married cursed wolf shifter, a bird shifter that won't accept that hes on the bottom of the food chain and a sexy ,rich fox want to be her mates. Add black magic and you have what Astrid is dealing with. Cliffhanger alert.
414 reviews
November 11, 2019
Wolf's Bane

I started reading this book and couldn't put it down until I read all of it. I was totally hooked. Astrid had a rough life growing up because her father's boss knew they were shifters and treated them horribly. She went to college to become a forest ranger out in the field and ended up in an office instead. They had a helper at one time named Orion that left without telling anyone why. Five years later, he comes back in Astrid's life and she finds out why he left.
Profile Image for Mercy .
556 reviews13 followers
February 22, 2020
The whole thing felt forced, I mean the relationship between Astrid and Orion and Conan, like give it a rest. You want this to be an RH but it kind of can't. For some reason, her wolf boyfriend is totally ok for her to have another guy on the side as long as she tells him everything? And same in reverse?
Yeah, maybe not. Everything else plotwise filet fake, her job, parents, thoughts.
Yeah, you can guess I didn't like the book. I even started the second one but I will not bother anymore.
1,279 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2024
2 foxes, a wolf and a bird

Crystal Ash brings out the best stories and this series already is amazing.
I’m a sucker for a shifter read. After reading harem of freaks which by the way if you haven’t already read it, you need to. It left me down needing another fix so coming across this series knowing similar with being shifters and there is so,etching targeting shifters. Well I was game and now I’m happy again lol
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