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Mated
As the brother of the pack alpha, Wren knows his place, even if that place occasionally brings him to harm. It's simply pack rules. But when a handsome new alpha and his pack come to town, challenging the status quo, Wren finds himself torn between the old wolf shifter attitude and a new one.
Gideon is the alpha of the Corwin pack. Though he moved into the territory to take advantage of business opportunities, the moment he encounters the young black wolf with the blue eyes, he find his priorities changing. Wren is obedient as a good beta should be, but Gideon is banking on him having a rebellious streak. The only way to find out is to gamble: by forcing a marriage between their packs. But it's a step that unleashes homophobia, deadly danger, and the discovery of a dark secret that was never meant to surface. And it may involve Gideon losing his heart.
(M/M Paranormal Shifter Romance.)
Gideon is the alpha of the Corwin pack. Though he moved into the territory to take advantage of business opportunities, the moment he encounters the young black wolf with the blue eyes, he find his priorities changing. Wren is obedient as a good beta should be, but Gideon is banking on him having a rebellious streak. The only way to find out is to gamble: by forcing a marriage between their packs. But it's a step that unleashes homophobia, deadly danger, and the discovery of a dark secret that was never meant to surface. And it may involve Gideon losing his heart.
(M/M Paranormal Shifter Romance.)
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2019
31 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Owens
97 books539 followersI write urban fantasy, paranormal romance, m/m fiction and menage fiction, with probably more genres to come! Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter so you'll be kept apprised of my frequent new releases:
Website: http://www.triciaowensbooks.com/
Website: http://www.triciaowensbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 23, 2020
4 Stars
Mated was my first read by Tricia Owens and surprisingly it was very enjoyable. But there were some holes in the story that unfortunately I didn’t get my answers. Second, what happened with Corey?! I needed some closure with his crush and his behavior toward Wren but it was left out there! Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. It’s low on angst, liked both MCs, a bit emotional. Overall, had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
Mated was my first read by Tricia Owens and surprisingly it was very enjoyable. But there were some holes in the story that unfortunately I didn’t get my answers. Second, what happened with Corey?! I needed some closure with his crush and his behavior toward Wren but it was left out there! Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. It’s low on angst, liked both MCs, a bit emotional. Overall, had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
October 29, 2019
This one showed promise, but did not hit the mark for me at all. The story dragged in places and by 50% I was mostly annoyed by both MC's and that didn't change for the rest of the book. And don't even get me started on Drew, who was a 1 dimensional bad guy. I needed to know Gideon's motivations, but we're given nothing but vague statements and actions until close to the end. With all the secrets and lies on both sides, I just didn't buy the connection. There was also a glaring plot hole that was never addressed . By the end, I found myself more frustrated than anything.
July 2, 2019
Ms. Owens gives us yet another solid story in this shifter book. It contains various elements, such as pack dynamics and history (old school v. modern mentality), family issues, power dynamics, mystery and intrigue and also love and smexy times. It didn’t take long to grab and keep my interest.
Wren is a sweetheart, beta to a jerk of a brother who rules the pack with old school, outdated theory of following the lead of the wolf side, a more animalistic way of living that doesn’t have much in the way of compassion or common decency. On top of that, or with that as an excuse, Wren often endures general physical and mental abuse from not only his brother, the alpha, but the rest of the pack as well. When Gideon comes on the scene, Wren is a bit torn between the brother/pack he has always known, or the sexy new alpha he is undeniably attracted to.
Gideon moves his pack around fairly often, and he has settled into the area next to Wren’s pack land. He took over the previous pack and seems to have his sights set on the land of Wren’s pack, although he claims he has no interest in taking over the pack. As you can imagine, Wren’s brother does not see eye to eye about much of anything with Gideon. It is clear that Gideon has the best interests of his pack in mind, whereas Wren’s brother definitely doesn’t. Thinking it will appeal to the old school ways, Gideon proposes a mating between the packs – his top beta for theirs, who happens to be Wren.
Wren has his eyes opened as he learns how different a pack can be when it is ruled not by fear and violence, but an actual family who all looks out for each other. I loved Wren’s arranged mate, a tough female who, just as Gideon was hoping, would find a friend in Wren. Wren’s brother was holding some pretty heavy stuff over his head and put him in the middle or in a bad position more than once. Wren went along and did his best, as was his MO, to keep the peace and violence to a minimum. He was tough when it counted though, and I fell for him pretty quickly.
The mystery surrounds Gideon’s intentions, why he brought his pack there, why he brought Wren into his pack yet won’t claim him for himself, etc. In turn, there are questions and mystery surrounding Wren as well. Throughout this is the underlying attraction between Gideon and Wren which neither is able to fully ignore and they seem powerless to stop. It takes a good portion of the story before things become more clear and questions are answered as secrets are revealed. As that all unfolds, I was quickly turning pages to get to the bottom of things and see Wren and Gideon free to explore their relationship.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
October 28, 2019
*3,5 stars*
What a great set-up!
Young, ‘inexperienced in the world’, obedient beta (Wren).
A powerful, life-savvy and incredibly hot alpha (Gideon).
A forced marriage.
A homophobic pack dedicated to a weird cult.
But was it maybe too much for one single book?
I think what was most successful for me is the Wren-Gideon relationship development. The pull between them is as tangible as two super strong magnets clicking with each other. I also loved all the firsts for Wren, and the power of his feelings.
However, …
.) Imo, the plot does take some illogical, random twists and turns.
.) It felt as if the main characters are maybe not thought through enough.
Wren often comes across as very young, naïve, hesitant and complacent, and I failed to spot the inner strength Gideon supposedly sees in him.
Gideon who is described as exceptionally strong and intelligent, repeatedly fails to keep his hands off Wren even though he knows the consequences will cause mega trouble. Not only for him, but his pack, too. I don’t think an alpha like that would risk so much just for his own sexual gratification.
.) Drew, the villain in the story, is a totally two-dimensional baddie. He is just a giant a*****e, and that's it.
.) the ‘Petey story line’ comes up haphazardly but never goes anywhere. I could see no point in it, as Drew never takes his threat up to hurt the boy, and Wren never really thinks too hard about it.
So - good, engaging writing, a nice romance, but the plot left me a bit hanging.
Still, Tricia Owens is an author I'm going to look into.
What a great set-up!
Young, ‘inexperienced in the world’, obedient beta (Wren).
A powerful, life-savvy and incredibly hot alpha (Gideon).
A forced marriage.
A homophobic pack dedicated to a weird cult.
But was it maybe too much for one single book?
I think what was most successful for me is the Wren-Gideon relationship development. The pull between them is as tangible as two super strong magnets clicking with each other. I also loved all the firsts for Wren, and the power of his feelings.
However, …
.) Imo, the plot does take some illogical, random twists and turns.
.) It felt as if the main characters are maybe not thought through enough.
Wren often comes across as very young, naïve, hesitant and complacent, and I failed to spot the inner strength Gideon supposedly sees in him.
Gideon who is described as exceptionally strong and intelligent, repeatedly fails to keep his hands off Wren even though he knows the consequences will cause mega trouble. Not only for him, but his pack, too. I don’t think an alpha like that would risk so much just for his own sexual gratification.
.) Drew, the villain in the story, is a totally two-dimensional baddie. He is just a giant a*****e, and that's it.
.) the ‘Petey story line’ comes up haphazardly but never goes anywhere. I could see no point in it, as Drew never takes his threat up to hurt the boy, and Wren never really thinks too hard about it.
So - good, engaging writing, a nice romance, but the plot left me a bit hanging.
Still, Tricia Owens is an author I'm going to look into.
July 4, 2019
** 3.75 stars **
Read
October 29, 2019Drop at 80%.
February 8, 2021
If I could give this a 0 star rating and it go towards the overall rating, I would, however Goodreads doesn't work that way.
This was going to be a DNF pretty early on into the story for me, but I knew I had to make it through, or at least as far as I could in order to give this a full honest review (and I had minor hope, that maybe? just maybe, it would get better?).
The beginning held promise and the initial attraction and dynamic between Gideon and Wren pulled me in. I found myself intrigued by them and wanting to know more and see their relationship develop. However, my intrigue and optimism soon fell apart.
The relationship between Gideon and Wren is very much a dom/sub relationship; of which I despise. (Seriously cannot handle it) But I pushed through my personal views on that in order to try to get through this. But there were so many issues to come.
It's made clear from the beginning that Gideon knows about the past abuse and trauma Wren has experienced at the hands of his brother Drew and his pack. Yet, Gideon constantly manipulates Wren, and shows again and again how insensitive he is to Wren's past. Example: (and I nearly threw up from the nausea I experienced at this scene) Like what? I'm sorry, excuse me? Who brings that up in an almost joking manner? Especially during something that's supposed to be an intimate moment. *Angry screaming commences*
Furthermore, Gideon spends the entire book manipulating Wren. He is this alpha who is supposed to be looking out for the man he forced into his pack, someone he supposedly cares for, but spends the entirety of the book manipulating him. Gideon constantly tells Wren that all he wants for his pack is free will, for them to never need to worry about anything and be happy, yet right from the beginning of this book, Gideon forces Wren into his pack through a forced mating between one of his betas and Wren. And while he promises Wren to his beta, a female he claims to care for as well, he keeps Wren as his whore on the side. I'm sorry, but what?
This book was simply awful to read and I was torn between crying and throwing up throughout. I don't understand why or how people liked or in some cases loved this book or even Gideon as a character. My God, I just don't get it.
Wren deserved so much better than what he got.
This was my first book by this author and it will be my last.
This was going to be a DNF pretty early on into the story for me, but I knew I had to make it through, or at least as far as I could in order to give this a full honest review (and I had minor hope, that maybe? just maybe, it would get better?).
The beginning held promise and the initial attraction and dynamic between Gideon and Wren pulled me in. I found myself intrigued by them and wanting to know more and see their relationship develop. However, my intrigue and optimism soon fell apart.
The relationship between Gideon and Wren is very much a dom/sub relationship; of which I despise. (Seriously cannot handle it) But I pushed through my personal views on that in order to try to get through this. But there were so many issues to come.
It's made clear from the beginning that Gideon knows about the past abuse and trauma Wren has experienced at the hands of his brother Drew and his pack. Yet, Gideon constantly manipulates Wren, and shows again and again how insensitive he is to Wren's past. Example: (and I nearly threw up from the nausea I experienced at this scene) Like what? I'm sorry, excuse me? Who brings that up in an almost joking manner? Especially during something that's supposed to be an intimate moment. *Angry screaming commences*
Furthermore, Gideon spends the entire book manipulating Wren. He is this alpha who is supposed to be looking out for the man he forced into his pack, someone he supposedly cares for, but spends the entirety of the book manipulating him. Gideon constantly tells Wren that all he wants for his pack is free will, for them to never need to worry about anything and be happy, yet right from the beginning of this book, Gideon forces Wren into his pack through a forced mating between one of his betas and Wren. And while he promises Wren to his beta, a female he claims to care for as well, he keeps Wren as his whore on the side. I'm sorry, but what?
This book was simply awful to read and I was torn between crying and throwing up throughout. I don't understand why or how people liked or in some cases loved this book or even Gideon as a character. My God, I just don't get it.
Wren deserved so much better than what he got.
This was my first book by this author and it will be my last.
July 12, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I enjoyed Tricia Owens’ take on the shifter world in this paranormal story. There is a nice tone here, slightly dark and intense, that I think worked well for the book. The story gets twisty as everyone has hidden motives and I think it plays well into the tone of the book. I also thought the True Call concept made for some interesting world building. Wren is used to Drew’s leadership and philosophy, and while he doesn’t fully agree with the way Drew runs the pack, he also has been reared to be a loyal beta and support Drew regardless. It isn’t until he has spent time with the Corwin pack that Wren realizes others view Sezary as essentially a cult, and that there are leaders like Gideon who take a very different approach. The world building isn’t fully developed here, but I think the basics are nicely covered, especially showing the contrast between the two packs.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I enjoyed Tricia Owens’ take on the shifter world in this paranormal story. There is a nice tone here, slightly dark and intense, that I think worked well for the book. The story gets twisty as everyone has hidden motives and I think it plays well into the tone of the book. I also thought the True Call concept made for some interesting world building. Wren is used to Drew’s leadership and philosophy, and while he doesn’t fully agree with the way Drew runs the pack, he also has been reared to be a loyal beta and support Drew regardless. It isn’t until he has spent time with the Corwin pack that Wren realizes others view Sezary as essentially a cult, and that there are leaders like Gideon who take a very different approach. The world building isn’t fully developed here, but I think the basics are nicely covered, especially showing the contrast between the two packs.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 1, 2019
Tricia Owens’ Mated draws on intrigue, pack dynamics and most of all emotional intensity. Everything in this book fits incredibly well and left me completely satisfied.
The character development was very strong. I felt for Gideon and Wren and all that each of them faced individually and also together. Tricia Owens also did a great job pulling in other characters to compliment the story and adding depth without detracting from anything. The world building was flawless. It was intricate and incredibly vivid, I felt like I was right there.
The overall story had good pacing to it and definitely had some unexpected developments. I very much loved seeing it all come together. Tricia Owens skillfully weaved a tale and it held not only my interest but kept me emotionally invested in the characters.
5 stars for a skillful, compelling and vivid story!
The character development was very strong. I felt for Gideon and Wren and all that each of them faced individually and also together. Tricia Owens also did a great job pulling in other characters to compliment the story and adding depth without detracting from anything. The world building was flawless. It was intricate and incredibly vivid, I felt like I was right there.
The overall story had good pacing to it and definitely had some unexpected developments. I very much loved seeing it all come together. Tricia Owens skillfully weaved a tale and it held not only my interest but kept me emotionally invested in the characters.
5 stars for a skillful, compelling and vivid story!
July 3, 2019
3.75 out of 5 stars
“Mated” by Tricia Owens features beta wolf shifter Wren, who gets used by his pack leader/brother as a pawn in an inter-pack dispute. Gideon, the alpha of a new neighboring pack, is ready to overturn the status quo, and that includes forging a connection with the delicious beta who has captured his attention, despite anyone else’s plans.
This adult gay paranormal romance has interesting twists and turns in the dynamics in two separate wolf-shifter packs. The contrast is nicely portrayed between the harshly enforced hierarchy in the Sezary pack with their adherence to True Call that embraces their wolf nature and the Corwin pack that emphasizes logic and reasoning and comfort in their human aspects. I like the way the connection gradually strengthens between the two main characters but I was disturbed both by Gideon’s manipulation and hidden agendas and by Wren’s non-action during a pivotal point. To me, that would complicate any relationship and make it difficult to move forward, inserting the strain of deciding whether to trust each other.
I enjoyed watching Wren using his wits to solve issues and find a way to facilitate a positive outcome. The heat that intensifies between the two main characters is nicely portrayed, and the back story that is gradually revealed is heartbreaking and poignant, but things felt a little rushed at the end and I thought the decrees were accepted a little too easily. I feel there are loose ends still dangling, so I hope a sequel is in the works.
Those who enjoy male wolf shifters, pack dynamics, and a bit of a mystery should give this story a try!
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
“Mated” by Tricia Owens features beta wolf shifter Wren, who gets used by his pack leader/brother as a pawn in an inter-pack dispute. Gideon, the alpha of a new neighboring pack, is ready to overturn the status quo, and that includes forging a connection with the delicious beta who has captured his attention, despite anyone else’s plans.
This adult gay paranormal romance has interesting twists and turns in the dynamics in two separate wolf-shifter packs. The contrast is nicely portrayed between the harshly enforced hierarchy in the Sezary pack with their adherence to True Call that embraces their wolf nature and the Corwin pack that emphasizes logic and reasoning and comfort in their human aspects. I like the way the connection gradually strengthens between the two main characters but I was disturbed both by Gideon’s manipulation and hidden agendas and by Wren’s non-action during a pivotal point. To me, that would complicate any relationship and make it difficult to move forward, inserting the strain of deciding whether to trust each other.
I enjoyed watching Wren using his wits to solve issues and find a way to facilitate a positive outcome. The heat that intensifies between the two main characters is nicely portrayed, and the back story that is gradually revealed is heartbreaking and poignant, but things felt a little rushed at the end and I thought the decrees were accepted a little too easily. I feel there are loose ends still dangling, so I hope a sequel is in the works.
Those who enjoy male wolf shifters, pack dynamics, and a bit of a mystery should give this story a try!
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
October 19, 2019
3.5 stars
You know, adults sometimes talk to each other? And work out relationships? Drama generated by the main characters failing to communicate is a pet peeve of mine and explains the so-so rating. It's a shame because I really liked Wren, and Gideon...well, he grew on me. Minimal world-building, but that doesn't detract from the story. The convoluted plot of who knows what and when they know it just got frustrating by the end.
You know, adults sometimes talk to each other? And work out relationships? Drama generated by the main characters failing to communicate is a pet peeve of mine and explains the so-so rating. It's a shame because I really liked Wren, and Gideon...well, he grew on me. Minimal world-building, but that doesn't detract from the story. The convoluted plot of who knows what and when they know it just got frustrating by the end.
June 27, 2019
This story packed a punch. There was so much to it making it difficult to put down.
Wren is the brother of the pack Alpha, who runs his pack with an iron fist. Wren has followed his alpha obediently, put doesn't necessarily agree with his ways.
Gideon is the Alpha of the Corbin pack, who just took over the lands that border Wren's. He's looking to make a deal on the land, but there are quite a few mysteries and secrets that get overturned along the way.
This book was so interesting. It had me guessing at what could happen all along the way. I really enjoyed the world building that was accomplished through trying to bridge the gap between packs. The differences in how the rules were followed, how they governed, where they lived, etc were so different that it created an added layer of interest.
It was a wild ride of intrigue and fun and I would absolutely recommend this fast paced shifter romance.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
Wren is the brother of the pack Alpha, who runs his pack with an iron fist. Wren has followed his alpha obediently, put doesn't necessarily agree with his ways.
Gideon is the Alpha of the Corbin pack, who just took over the lands that border Wren's. He's looking to make a deal on the land, but there are quite a few mysteries and secrets that get overturned along the way.
This book was so interesting. It had me guessing at what could happen all along the way. I really enjoyed the world building that was accomplished through trying to bridge the gap between packs. The differences in how the rules were followed, how they governed, where they lived, etc were so different that it created an added layer of interest.
It was a wild ride of intrigue and fun and I would absolutely recommend this fast paced shifter romance.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
June 30, 2019
this was an interesting read. so much was going on.. so many things.. emotions.. people.. it was fast paced and it kept me guessing what was going to come next. i really enjoyed it and am glad i got to read it. very good and i hope to see more
June 16, 2019
A suspenseful sexy PNR that captured my attention from the beginning. I loved the mystery and high tension throughout the whole story. It kept me guessing till the end. The characters were enjoyable to read and watch as they grew into their relationship with each other and those around them.
July 9, 2019
2.5 bewildered stars
Some truly interesting shifter concepts, beliefs, and practices were introduced in this book and coupled with a mystery that has greater significance for Wren than he could fathom, and you've got the makings of a really great story. ...The makings of...what we got fell a bit short for me. It opened with an emotionally fraught situation and something quite intriguing and ended with all kinds of heart and hope. I just wish all the other parts supported the bookends.
I spent a lot of the book being incredibly uncomfortable and a bit confused with all the pushing and pulling. Gideon has ulterior motives, secrets, and isn't forthcoming about anything until the end. The surprise is truly the mother of all surprises and is absolutely heartbreaking but there's never any clue that it's for the benefit of anyone but himself up to the point it's all revealed. Even during the reveal it feels more like a punishment and something vindictive rather than freeing and supportive. I had a seriously hard time liking him as a character as well as getting behind pretty much anything he did. Constantly I felt that he was using Wren and was a manipulator without a lot of altruistic motives despite his pack coming across as open, happy, and satisfied.
Wren intrigued me right from the start with his damage, his unwilling subservience, his heart. But when Gideon came into the picture it threw Wren off big time and I don't know that I liked Wren's compulsion to be mated to Gideon. The way he doggedly persisted made me feel more like he was a doormat than determinedly going after the one he knew should be his mate. As the story progressed it felt more like Wren was falling apart piece by piece by taking everyone and everything on his shoulders since Gideon couldn't be fully trusted. Until nearly the end. When Wren finally managed to stand strong and take what was his it was great, but the lead up made it a pain to get to that point.
The ending was rushed and didn't do the climax justice. While it was wonderful, the ramifications for all that was revealed almost being worth the wait, it really needed something to lighten it all up before we got there. I was so drawn in by they synopsis and while so many others rave about the story, I just felt overwhelmingly uncomfortable for the majority of the read. The ending was night and day different from the dark feeling the book began with so if you can make it through, you just might find it worth your time.
Some truly interesting shifter concepts, beliefs, and practices were introduced in this book and coupled with a mystery that has greater significance for Wren than he could fathom, and you've got the makings of a really great story. ...The makings of...what we got fell a bit short for me. It opened with an emotionally fraught situation and something quite intriguing and ended with all kinds of heart and hope. I just wish all the other parts supported the bookends.
I spent a lot of the book being incredibly uncomfortable and a bit confused with all the pushing and pulling. Gideon has ulterior motives, secrets, and isn't forthcoming about anything until the end. The surprise is truly the mother of all surprises and is absolutely heartbreaking but there's never any clue that it's for the benefit of anyone but himself up to the point it's all revealed. Even during the reveal it feels more like a punishment and something vindictive rather than freeing and supportive. I had a seriously hard time liking him as a character as well as getting behind pretty much anything he did. Constantly I felt that he was using Wren and was a manipulator without a lot of altruistic motives despite his pack coming across as open, happy, and satisfied.
Wren intrigued me right from the start with his damage, his unwilling subservience, his heart. But when Gideon came into the picture it threw Wren off big time and I don't know that I liked Wren's compulsion to be mated to Gideon. The way he doggedly persisted made me feel more like he was a doormat than determinedly going after the one he knew should be his mate. As the story progressed it felt more like Wren was falling apart piece by piece by taking everyone and everything on his shoulders since Gideon couldn't be fully trusted. Until nearly the end. When Wren finally managed to stand strong and take what was his it was great, but the lead up made it a pain to get to that point.
The ending was rushed and didn't do the climax justice. While it was wonderful, the ramifications for all that was revealed almost being worth the wait, it really needed something to lighten it all up before we got there. I was so drawn in by they synopsis and while so many others rave about the story, I just felt overwhelmingly uncomfortable for the majority of the read. The ending was night and day different from the dark feeling the book began with so if you can make it through, you just might find it worth your time.
August 28, 2019
I really liked this book. It had great characters, action, and a bit shifting going on. I think the thing I liked the most about this book was the relationship between Wren and Gideon. Wren came across as insecure or a follower. Gideon was the complete opposite. He was so sure of himself. They just balanced each other perfectly. I also loved Gideon's pack. They were interesting and helped the story along quite a bit.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was Wren's brother. I won't go into details about what all happens, but he was a real jerk. He was sneaky and conniving. I don't like that and didn't like him from the very start. I'm just glad Wren got away from him.
I wish that I could go online and find out there were more books in this series. There aren't though. I will definitely be checking out what Tricia Owens has written other than this.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was Wren's brother. I won't go into details about what all happens, but he was a real jerk. He was sneaky and conniving. I don't like that and didn't like him from the very start. I'm just glad Wren got away from him.
I wish that I could go online and find out there were more books in this series. There aren't though. I will definitely be checking out what Tricia Owens has written other than this.
March 16, 2020
Review in English and Polish || Recenzja po angielsku i polsku
*4.5 - 5 stars*
Wren is a beta of a pack that lives according to the True Call philosophy, belief that the animal nature of shifters is superior to the human one. Therefore, his everyday life is not carefree and the most pleasant, but it's the only one he knows. However, everything changes when a new pack, which not only has completely different views, but also seems to pose a big threat, moves into the area next to them. What makes the situation even worse is the fact that the new pack's alpha, Gideon, and Wren are strongly attracted to each other. But apparently the alpha has a very strange way of showing his feelings, as unexpectedly to provide peace between the two packs he arranges a mating between Wren and his beta, Yelena.
"Mated" written by Tricia Owens is set in a paranormal universe similar to the one we live in, however enriched with shifters. And on this topic I would like to focus at the beginning of this review. There's no doubt that the author creates her universe in a rather minimalistic way, as in the novel we won't find any long, detailed descriptions of the world. Nevertheless, what we get is enough to ignite our imagination. What I have in mind in this case is the "shifter factor", in other words the things that are associated with these paranormal beings, the structure of the pack, differences in their way of life, etc. And this last element I've mentioned is the one I like the most, because in a certain way it distinguishes Tricia Owens's novel from the others. In the world of "Mated", apart from the completely normal differences between the functioning of particular packs, resulting from the fact that each individual is different, there is also a very significant difference which comes from the philosophy of life – the True Call – according to which some packs live. This is probably the most important element of the universe construction and I admit that it is a very interesting one.
I think that the really great advantage of "Mated" is the fact that the author focused to a large extent on the presentation of the alphas who are the heads of their packs. Tricia Owens shows us several different leaders who hold this position, which undoubtedly deserves credit, because most novels focus on one alpha, or maybe two but no more, and simply present "the evil one" and "the good one". In a way "Mated" moves away from this motif of juxtaposing good with evil by focusing on showing the qualities a leader should have. What's more, it also raises the subject of what makes an alpha the alpha, what they can or can't do, what makes them less respected, and what doesn't really matter in their case. The fact that the author combines all of this with the True Call philosophy also has its advantages. Thus, when we take into account everything that has been presented to us in "Mated" in relation to this subject, we will immediately love the way in which the author raises it. I really haven't expected the emphasis put on the topic of the alpha, but now I'm simply delighted that it was presented in the novel.
As for the story, I find it really interesting. At first glance, it may seem that it's quite simple, but in reality we can find here a lot of elements that contradict this view. This is because the story presented in "Mated" has been strongly linked with such topics as, for example, tradition, individual beliefs, the fight for domination, blackmail, the good of the child. In truth, we can keep going and list some more, but in this case the quantity doesn't really count, as the quality is the most important and the novel in this respect really looks great. What's more, the story can surprise us, and it's undoubtedly another of this book's advantages. While we are able to predict certain events or twists, there are also those that we do not foresee. Equally important in the context of the presented story is also the fact that although it focuses mainly on the two main characters, it has been built in such a way that it also introduces many side characters, which is fantastic.
I've mentioned the main characters and at the end I want to write more about them. I really like the way they are created in this novel. We don't get all the information concerning Wren and Gideon right away, as we get to know them better and better step by step, and it's similar with their past, which we discover as we read the novel. What's more, I have the impression that the two really become more and more interesting just as the story showed in "Mated" unfolds. There are moments when another piece of the jigsaw puzzle, which are the main characters, falls into place and is the cause of thousands of questions we want to ask about this new element and unknowns that would eventually follow it. In fact, even when we guess the further development of the action, we are not sure of so many factors that are associated with it, that we are really kept in suspense all the time. The difference between what we know and what we discover is really big, so reading "Mated" is a really satisfying entertainment.
In summary, "Mated" is a good and interesting novel in which romance appears to be just a sweet addition to the true heart of the story Tricia Owens presents, as it focuses on the theme of the leadership and throwing off the shackles of views imposed by the stronger. We can look at this book from so many different angles, that probably every reader will be able to see something else in it. I highly recommend it, and not only to the fans of shifters.
__________________
*4.5 - 5 gwiazdek*
Wren jest betą watahy żyjącej według filozofii Prawdziwego Zewu, która wyznaje wyższość zwierzęcej natury zmiennokształtnych ponad ludzką. Jego życie codzienne nie należy więc do beztroskich i najprzyjemniejszych, ale jest jednym jakie zna. Wszystko się jednak zmienia, kiedy w okolicy pojawia się nowa wataha, która nie tylko wyznaje zupełnie inne poglądy, ale też wydaje się stanowić duże zagrożenie. Co gorsze, między jej alfą, Gideonem, i Wrenem pojawia się wzajemne zainteresowanie. Tyle, że alfa najwyraźniej okazuje swoje uczucia w bardzo dziwny sposób, ponieważ niespodziewanie chcąc zapewnić pokój między dwiema watahami aranżuje związek Wrena ze swoją betą, Yeleną.
Powieść „Mated” autorstwa Tricii Owens osadzona została w paranormalnym uniwersum przypominającym nasz świat codzienny, jednak wzbogacony o zmiennokształtnych. I właśnie na tym temacie chciałabym się na początku tej recenzji skupić. Autorka niezaprzeczalnie podeszła do jego budowy minimalistycznie, toteż w powieści nie znajdziemy długich, szczegółowych opisów świata. Niemniej jednak, to co dostajemy jest wystarczające byśmy mogli go sobie wyobrazić. Chodzi mi przede wszystkim o „czynnik zmiennokształtny”, inaczej mówiąc o to, co wiąże się z tymi paranormalnymi istotami, strukturą watahy, różnicami w sposobie życia, itp. I właśnie ten ostatni wymieniony przeze mnie element najbardziej przypadł mi do gustu, ponieważ w pewnym stopniu odróżnia powieść Tricii Owens od innych. W świecie „Mated” poza zupełnie normalnymi różnicami między funkcjonowaniem poszczególnych watah, wynikającymi z faktu, że każda jednostka jest inna, pojawia się również bardzo znacząca różnica płynąca z wyznawanej przez niektóre watahy filozofii życia – Prawdziwego Zewu. To prawdopodobnie najistotniejszy element budowy tego uniwersum i przyznaję, że bardzo interesujący.
Uważam, że naprawdę ogromną zaletą „Mated” jest fakt, iż autorka w dużej mierze skupiła się na przedstawieniu osoby alfy stojącego na czele swojej watahy. Tricia Owens przedstawiła nam bowiem kilku różnych liderów piastujących to stanowisko, co niewątpliwie zasługuje na uznanie, ponieważ większość powieści skupia się raczej na jednym alfie, góra dwóch, prezentując nam po prostu „tego złego” i „tego dobrego”. „Mated” odchodzi od tego motywu zestawienia ze sobą dobra i zła, skupiając się na ukazaniu przymiotów, jakie powinien posiadać przywódca. Co więcej, porusza także temat tego, co czyni alfę alfą, co mu przystoi, a co nie, co go umniejsza, a co tak naprawdę nie ma znaczenia. Fakt, iż autorka łączy to dodatkowo z filozofią Prawdziwego Zewu również ma swój urok. Tym samym, kiedy weźmiemy pod uwagę wszystko, co w odniesieniu do tego tematu zostało nam zaprezentowane w „Mated”, od razu pokochamy sposób, w jaki autorka się do tego odniosła. Ja zupełnie nie spodziewałam się takiego nacisku położonego na alfy i jestem po prostu zachwycona.
Co się zaś tyczy zaprezentowanej w powieści historii, uważam ją za naprawdę interesującą. Na pierwszy rzut oka może się nam wydawać, że jest dosyć prosta, jednak w rzeczywistości znajdziemy w niej naprawdę wiele elementów, które przeczą temu poglądowi. A to dlatego, że przedstawiona w „Mated” historia została nierozerwalnie połączona z takimi tematami, jak na przykład tradycja, indywidualne przekonania, walka o dominację, szantaż, dobro dziecka. Prawdę mówiąc możemy wymieniać i wymieniać, ale w tym wypadku naprawdę nie liczy się ilość, a jakość i pod tym względem powieść naprawdę prezentuje się znakomicie. Co więcej, bywa zaskakująca, a to bezsprzecznie kolejna z zalet tej książki. O ile bowiem jesteśmy w stanie przewidzieć niektóre wydarzenia lub zwroty akcji to pojawiają się tu również takie, których nie przewidzimy. Równie istotne w kontekście przedstawionej tu historii wydaje mi się także to, że chociaż opiera się głównie na dwójce głównych bohaterów to jednak została pokierowana w taki sposób, że prezentuje nam także wiele postaci pobocznych, co jest rzeczą fantastyczną.
Wspomniałam o głównych bohaterach i na koniec właśnie przy tym temacie pragnę pozostać. Bardzo podoba mi się sposób, w jaki są oni w tej powieści tworzeni. Nie dostajemy bowiem Wrena i Gideona od razu na tacy, ale poznajemy ich coraz lepiej krok po kroku, podobnie jest z ich przeszłością, którą odkrywamy w miarę czytania powieści. Mało tego, mam wrażenie, że tak naprawdę ta dwójka staje się coraz bardziej interesująca właśnie w miarę rozwoju przedstawionej w „Mated” historii. Są bowiem momenty, kiedy kolejny puzzel układanki, jaką są główni bohaterowie, trafia na swoje miejsce i sprawia, że zadajemy tysiące pytań dotyczących tego nowego elementu oraz niewiadomych, które z czasem się z nim połączą. Tak naprawdę nawet kiedy domyślamy się dalszego rozwoju akcji, nie jesteśmy pewni tak wielu czynników, jakie się z tym wiążą, że naprawdę jesteśmy trzymani w napięciu przez cały czas. Różnica między tym, co wiemy, a co dopiero odkryjemy jest bowiem naprawdę spora, dzięki czemu czytanie „Mated” to naprawdę satysfakcjonująca rozrywka.
Podsumowując, „Mated” to dobra i interesująca powieść, w której romans wydaje się być zaledwie słodkim dodatkiem do prawdziwego serca przedstawionej tu historii, która skupia się na temacie przywództwa i odrzucenia kajdan poglądów narzucanych przez silniejszych. Na tę książkę możemy spojrzeć z tak wielu różnych perspektyw, że prawdopodobnie każdy czytelnik zdoła dostrzec w niej coś innego. Gorąco polecam i to nie tylko fanom zmiennokształtnych.
*4.5 - 5 stars*
Wren is a beta of a pack that lives according to the True Call philosophy, belief that the animal nature of shifters is superior to the human one. Therefore, his everyday life is not carefree and the most pleasant, but it's the only one he knows. However, everything changes when a new pack, which not only has completely different views, but also seems to pose a big threat, moves into the area next to them. What makes the situation even worse is the fact that the new pack's alpha, Gideon, and Wren are strongly attracted to each other. But apparently the alpha has a very strange way of showing his feelings, as unexpectedly to provide peace between the two packs he arranges a mating between Wren and his beta, Yelena.
"Mated" written by Tricia Owens is set in a paranormal universe similar to the one we live in, however enriched with shifters. And on this topic I would like to focus at the beginning of this review. There's no doubt that the author creates her universe in a rather minimalistic way, as in the novel we won't find any long, detailed descriptions of the world. Nevertheless, what we get is enough to ignite our imagination. What I have in mind in this case is the "shifter factor", in other words the things that are associated with these paranormal beings, the structure of the pack, differences in their way of life, etc. And this last element I've mentioned is the one I like the most, because in a certain way it distinguishes Tricia Owens's novel from the others. In the world of "Mated", apart from the completely normal differences between the functioning of particular packs, resulting from the fact that each individual is different, there is also a very significant difference which comes from the philosophy of life – the True Call – according to which some packs live. This is probably the most important element of the universe construction and I admit that it is a very interesting one.
I think that the really great advantage of "Mated" is the fact that the author focused to a large extent on the presentation of the alphas who are the heads of their packs. Tricia Owens shows us several different leaders who hold this position, which undoubtedly deserves credit, because most novels focus on one alpha, or maybe two but no more, and simply present "the evil one" and "the good one". In a way "Mated" moves away from this motif of juxtaposing good with evil by focusing on showing the qualities a leader should have. What's more, it also raises the subject of what makes an alpha the alpha, what they can or can't do, what makes them less respected, and what doesn't really matter in their case. The fact that the author combines all of this with the True Call philosophy also has its advantages. Thus, when we take into account everything that has been presented to us in "Mated" in relation to this subject, we will immediately love the way in which the author raises it. I really haven't expected the emphasis put on the topic of the alpha, but now I'm simply delighted that it was presented in the novel.
As for the story, I find it really interesting. At first glance, it may seem that it's quite simple, but in reality we can find here a lot of elements that contradict this view. This is because the story presented in "Mated" has been strongly linked with such topics as, for example, tradition, individual beliefs, the fight for domination, blackmail, the good of the child. In truth, we can keep going and list some more, but in this case the quantity doesn't really count, as the quality is the most important and the novel in this respect really looks great. What's more, the story can surprise us, and it's undoubtedly another of this book's advantages. While we are able to predict certain events or twists, there are also those that we do not foresee. Equally important in the context of the presented story is also the fact that although it focuses mainly on the two main characters, it has been built in such a way that it also introduces many side characters, which is fantastic.
I've mentioned the main characters and at the end I want to write more about them. I really like the way they are created in this novel. We don't get all the information concerning Wren and Gideon right away, as we get to know them better and better step by step, and it's similar with their past, which we discover as we read the novel. What's more, I have the impression that the two really become more and more interesting just as the story showed in "Mated" unfolds. There are moments when another piece of the jigsaw puzzle, which are the main characters, falls into place and is the cause of thousands of questions we want to ask about this new element and unknowns that would eventually follow it. In fact, even when we guess the further development of the action, we are not sure of so many factors that are associated with it, that we are really kept in suspense all the time. The difference between what we know and what we discover is really big, so reading "Mated" is a really satisfying entertainment.
In summary, "Mated" is a good and interesting novel in which romance appears to be just a sweet addition to the true heart of the story Tricia Owens presents, as it focuses on the theme of the leadership and throwing off the shackles of views imposed by the stronger. We can look at this book from so many different angles, that probably every reader will be able to see something else in it. I highly recommend it, and not only to the fans of shifters.
__________________
*4.5 - 5 gwiazdek*
Wren jest betą watahy żyjącej według filozofii Prawdziwego Zewu, która wyznaje wyższość zwierzęcej natury zmiennokształtnych ponad ludzką. Jego życie codzienne nie należy więc do beztroskich i najprzyjemniejszych, ale jest jednym jakie zna. Wszystko się jednak zmienia, kiedy w okolicy pojawia się nowa wataha, która nie tylko wyznaje zupełnie inne poglądy, ale też wydaje się stanowić duże zagrożenie. Co gorsze, między jej alfą, Gideonem, i Wrenem pojawia się wzajemne zainteresowanie. Tyle, że alfa najwyraźniej okazuje swoje uczucia w bardzo dziwny sposób, ponieważ niespodziewanie chcąc zapewnić pokój między dwiema watahami aranżuje związek Wrena ze swoją betą, Yeleną.
Powieść „Mated” autorstwa Tricii Owens osadzona została w paranormalnym uniwersum przypominającym nasz świat codzienny, jednak wzbogacony o zmiennokształtnych. I właśnie na tym temacie chciałabym się na początku tej recenzji skupić. Autorka niezaprzeczalnie podeszła do jego budowy minimalistycznie, toteż w powieści nie znajdziemy długich, szczegółowych opisów świata. Niemniej jednak, to co dostajemy jest wystarczające byśmy mogli go sobie wyobrazić. Chodzi mi przede wszystkim o „czynnik zmiennokształtny”, inaczej mówiąc o to, co wiąże się z tymi paranormalnymi istotami, strukturą watahy, różnicami w sposobie życia, itp. I właśnie ten ostatni wymieniony przeze mnie element najbardziej przypadł mi do gustu, ponieważ w pewnym stopniu odróżnia powieść Tricii Owens od innych. W świecie „Mated” poza zupełnie normalnymi różnicami między funkcjonowaniem poszczególnych watah, wynikającymi z faktu, że każda jednostka jest inna, pojawia się również bardzo znacząca różnica płynąca z wyznawanej przez niektóre watahy filozofii życia – Prawdziwego Zewu. To prawdopodobnie najistotniejszy element budowy tego uniwersum i przyznaję, że bardzo interesujący.
Uważam, że naprawdę ogromną zaletą „Mated” jest fakt, iż autorka w dużej mierze skupiła się na przedstawieniu osoby alfy stojącego na czele swojej watahy. Tricia Owens przedstawiła nam bowiem kilku różnych liderów piastujących to stanowisko, co niewątpliwie zasługuje na uznanie, ponieważ większość powieści skupia się raczej na jednym alfie, góra dwóch, prezentując nam po prostu „tego złego” i „tego dobrego”. „Mated” odchodzi od tego motywu zestawienia ze sobą dobra i zła, skupiając się na ukazaniu przymiotów, jakie powinien posiadać przywódca. Co więcej, porusza także temat tego, co czyni alfę alfą, co mu przystoi, a co nie, co go umniejsza, a co tak naprawdę nie ma znaczenia. Fakt, iż autorka łączy to dodatkowo z filozofią Prawdziwego Zewu również ma swój urok. Tym samym, kiedy weźmiemy pod uwagę wszystko, co w odniesieniu do tego tematu zostało nam zaprezentowane w „Mated”, od razu pokochamy sposób, w jaki autorka się do tego odniosła. Ja zupełnie nie spodziewałam się takiego nacisku położonego na alfy i jestem po prostu zachwycona.
Co się zaś tyczy zaprezentowanej w powieści historii, uważam ją za naprawdę interesującą. Na pierwszy rzut oka może się nam wydawać, że jest dosyć prosta, jednak w rzeczywistości znajdziemy w niej naprawdę wiele elementów, które przeczą temu poglądowi. A to dlatego, że przedstawiona w „Mated” historia została nierozerwalnie połączona z takimi tematami, jak na przykład tradycja, indywidualne przekonania, walka o dominację, szantaż, dobro dziecka. Prawdę mówiąc możemy wymieniać i wymieniać, ale w tym wypadku naprawdę nie liczy się ilość, a jakość i pod tym względem powieść naprawdę prezentuje się znakomicie. Co więcej, bywa zaskakująca, a to bezsprzecznie kolejna z zalet tej książki. O ile bowiem jesteśmy w stanie przewidzieć niektóre wydarzenia lub zwroty akcji to pojawiają się tu również takie, których nie przewidzimy. Równie istotne w kontekście przedstawionej tu historii wydaje mi się także to, że chociaż opiera się głównie na dwójce głównych bohaterów to jednak została pokierowana w taki sposób, że prezentuje nam także wiele postaci pobocznych, co jest rzeczą fantastyczną.
Wspomniałam o głównych bohaterach i na koniec właśnie przy tym temacie pragnę pozostać. Bardzo podoba mi się sposób, w jaki są oni w tej powieści tworzeni. Nie dostajemy bowiem Wrena i Gideona od razu na tacy, ale poznajemy ich coraz lepiej krok po kroku, podobnie jest z ich przeszłością, którą odkrywamy w miarę czytania powieści. Mało tego, mam wrażenie, że tak naprawdę ta dwójka staje się coraz bardziej interesująca właśnie w miarę rozwoju przedstawionej w „Mated” historii. Są bowiem momenty, kiedy kolejny puzzel układanki, jaką są główni bohaterowie, trafia na swoje miejsce i sprawia, że zadajemy tysiące pytań dotyczących tego nowego elementu oraz niewiadomych, które z czasem się z nim połączą. Tak naprawdę nawet kiedy domyślamy się dalszego rozwoju akcji, nie jesteśmy pewni tak wielu czynników, jakie się z tym wiążą, że naprawdę jesteśmy trzymani w napięciu przez cały czas. Różnica między tym, co wiemy, a co dopiero odkryjemy jest bowiem naprawdę spora, dzięki czemu czytanie „Mated” to naprawdę satysfakcjonująca rozrywka.
Podsumowując, „Mated” to dobra i interesująca powieść, w której romans wydaje się być zaledwie słodkim dodatkiem do prawdziwego serca przedstawionej tu historii, która skupia się na temacie przywództwa i odrzucenia kajdan poglądów narzucanych przez silniejszych. Na tę książkę możemy spojrzeć z tak wielu różnych perspektyw, że prawdopodobnie każdy czytelnik zdoła dostrzec w niej coś innego. Gorąco polecam i to nie tylko fanom zmiennokształtnych.
July 16, 2019
We follow the story of Wren the beta and alpha’s brother. His pack believe their wolf side is their true nature. The pack is set in its ways, known as true call. The Alpha’s word is law, Brutality is often the way they punish anyone that does not conform.
Wren suffers abuse by his fellow pack members and is finding it harder by the day to condone his brothers’ actions and the true call beliefs.
Suddenly there is a new pack that has bought out the neighboring packs territory. This does not sit well with Wren’s alpha brother, who goes immediately into defensive mode.
Wren manages to guide his brother to a meeting with Gideon the new alpha, where it agreed the top betas of each pack will be mated to ensure peace.
This means Wren must leave his pack and join Gideons pack, which he sees as the right thing to do and a new start for him and an escape from the True call mentality
But all is not as it seems, Wren’s brother is demanding that wren is still in their pack and is on a mission to kill Gideon and take over the new pack. He does not tell Gideon about the plan and thinks he can find away to keep the peace, knowing he could never challenge Gideon.
And Gideon is not telling Wren the full story, which leaves wren wondering if their growing relationship is real or if he is being used for whatever reason Gideon has.
We are taken on an intense journey, with high stakes for everyone involved. The story is a just one more chapter before bed, kind of book.
The story world is like our own, but the two different beliefs that each pack lives by gives an extra dynamic to Wren, who must learn that in his new pack each member has a say on how they live. He really struggles to get his head round the new ways and find his place in the new pack.
When the shit hits the fan Wren and Gideon have to come clean to each other, which leads to a fantastic and nail-biting ending.
There are good Shifter stories and there are great shifter stories, and Mated is very much a great story. To me a great shifter stories, take you into the shifter world and their culture. Making the story as much about their world as it is about the characters. The author certainly does that in this novel.
Wren suffers abuse by his fellow pack members and is finding it harder by the day to condone his brothers’ actions and the true call beliefs.
Suddenly there is a new pack that has bought out the neighboring packs territory. This does not sit well with Wren’s alpha brother, who goes immediately into defensive mode.
Wren manages to guide his brother to a meeting with Gideon the new alpha, where it agreed the top betas of each pack will be mated to ensure peace.
This means Wren must leave his pack and join Gideons pack, which he sees as the right thing to do and a new start for him and an escape from the True call mentality
But all is not as it seems, Wren’s brother is demanding that wren is still in their pack and is on a mission to kill Gideon and take over the new pack. He does not tell Gideon about the plan and thinks he can find away to keep the peace, knowing he could never challenge Gideon.
And Gideon is not telling Wren the full story, which leaves wren wondering if their growing relationship is real or if he is being used for whatever reason Gideon has.
We are taken on an intense journey, with high stakes for everyone involved. The story is a just one more chapter before bed, kind of book.
The story world is like our own, but the two different beliefs that each pack lives by gives an extra dynamic to Wren, who must learn that in his new pack each member has a say on how they live. He really struggles to get his head round the new ways and find his place in the new pack.
When the shit hits the fan Wren and Gideon have to come clean to each other, which leads to a fantastic and nail-biting ending.
There are good Shifter stories and there are great shifter stories, and Mated is very much a great story. To me a great shifter stories, take you into the shifter world and their culture. Making the story as much about their world as it is about the characters. The author certainly does that in this novel.
July 3, 2019
Great read! Wren and Gideon's story is full of Shifter twist and turns that held my attention and grabbed me. Loved the fresh take on Shifter dynamics and seeing these guys build a connection and relationship. Both of these guys are different and complement each other perfectly. Each pack met and come to a head, mixing in and at the center is these two men trying to see how they fit together. Side characters like Drew add to the struggle and break your heart too. Don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil it, this was filled with action, mystery and a great couple who chemistry and connection grabs you. Can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
July 1, 2019
I don't know what to do with myself after finishing this book, it was that beautiful.
Wren and his story has put me through so many emotions that I'm an absolute wreck right now. He's selfish, loyal and giving, and life only delivers him blow after blow. He has only ever tried to do the right thing for his undeserving pack mates,never considering his own needs or have his own wellbeing as a priority.
I don't know what to say about Gideon. Yes,he's a great, considerate alpha but I kinda hated that,at the beginning, Wren was just a pawn in his plans. Well,I guess he does redeem himself by the end...
Mated is all Wren. Intense and gripping, the story is heartbreaking, beautiful, amazing and overwhelming.
I really hope many readers choose to read Mate.
Wren and his story has put me through so many emotions that I'm an absolute wreck right now. He's selfish, loyal and giving, and life only delivers him blow after blow. He has only ever tried to do the right thing for his undeserving pack mates,never considering his own needs or have his own wellbeing as a priority.
I don't know what to say about Gideon. Yes,he's a great, considerate alpha but I kinda hated that,at the beginning, Wren was just a pawn in his plans. Well,I guess he does redeem himself by the end...
Mated is all Wren. Intense and gripping, the story is heartbreaking, beautiful, amazing and overwhelming.
I really hope many readers choose to read Mate.
July 2, 2019
A great book that starts off with a bang and keeps up the breakneck speed.
Wren is the beta to his pack and his brother Drew is the alpha. Drew rules with an iron fist. He's malicious, violent and homophobic. That last part is especially troubling for Wren who's had to hide his true self his whole life. A new pack and alpha by the name of Gideon move in near their territory. He makes some threatening moves towards their pack, them proposes a mating between the top betas. This is done with ulterior motives. Things go sideways for Gideon because he doesn't expect to feel a connection to Wren. Secrets ate revealed leaving both Gideon and Wren unbalanced.
Wren is the beta to his pack and his brother Drew is the alpha. Drew rules with an iron fist. He's malicious, violent and homophobic. That last part is especially troubling for Wren who's had to hide his true self his whole life. A new pack and alpha by the name of Gideon move in near their territory. He makes some threatening moves towards their pack, them proposes a mating between the top betas. This is done with ulterior motives. Things go sideways for Gideon because he doesn't expect to feel a connection to Wren. Secrets ate revealed leaving both Gideon and Wren unbalanced.
July 2, 2019
Did you ever get a gift wrapped in several layers of paper or put in several boxes? And all excited, you get to peel all the layers to get to the gift itself?
THIS is what reading this book felt like! I loved the twists and turns of the story, the characters that were so complex and so vividly presented. I even loved the fact that I couldn't help but dislike one of the MCs for most of the book!
In a package of a book you receive an amazingly riveting story that will make you question everything at every turn.
Tricia Owens did an awesome job with this one!
THIS is what reading this book felt like! I loved the twists and turns of the story, the characters that were so complex and so vividly presented. I even loved the fact that I couldn't help but dislike one of the MCs for most of the book!
In a package of a book you receive an amazingly riveting story that will make you question everything at every turn.
Tricia Owens did an awesome job with this one!
July 2, 2019
If you want something that is fast paced and full of page-turning goodness, then you will want to read Mated by Tricia Owens. There is a lot going on in this book and it is full of great characters, emotions, actions, steam, romance, and so much more, but even though it seems as if your head is spinning, it's not a hard read and you won't get lost. It's a story that is interesting and keeps you turning the page. It doesn't move slowly, and it's definitely not boring. This is one I highly recommend picking up for yourself. One click this 4.5 star book today!
July 2, 2019
Wren is brother to the alpha of the pack, he goes along even if he doesn’t agree with his brother’s ways. Gideon is the leader of the Corwin pack bordering their lands. These two meet and the chemistry is instant and explosive. The mysteries and secrets that come out may leave Gideon with a broken heart. Will Wren accept Gideon and can their relationship survive? A wonderful mm shifter romance.
I received a copy of this book via Gay Book Promotions and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Gay Book Promotions and am leaving a review.
July 2, 2019
Mated by Tricia Owens is a Paranormal MM stand alone Romance with a high heat index. It has mystery, suspense, tension, secrets and betrayal. It is steamy and sexy, and reflections of family. Wren and Gideon have a bond and their pack is family, something Wren really needs. I love the characters and their story.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation
August 23, 2019
I feel like the blurb for this book is intentionally deceptive. While the impression is given that Wren will be mated to the alpha, that is not Gideon’s intention at all. If you dislike books involving cheating and liars, I would avoid this book. While Gideon talks about what a nice pack he has and how everyone has free will, he still sets up Wren and one of his pack members to be trapped in a loveless relationship while he uses Wren as his whore. It only goes downhill from there. This book was an extremely aggravating read.
July 5, 2019
DNF
I can't read this author ... I have no idea the point of this book...this Willamette last book I try to read from this author... This was the third book I've tried to read and each one is a END for me which is rare...
I can't read this author ... I have no idea the point of this book...this Willamette last book I try to read from this author... This was the third book I've tried to read and each one is a END for me which is rare...
August 17, 2019
DNF at 48%. Gideon was too manipulative. Wren deserved better.
October 4, 2020
I have mixed feelings for Mated. There was a lot that worked for me in this book, and a lot that didn't. I found the blurb of the book to be slightly misleading, so I'll clarify some of what confused me when I read the book:
Wren belongs to Sezary back, where's he's the top-beta to his brother, Drew. Drew is a tyrannizing and abusive alpha, and Wren does his best to curb the edges of his anger, often becoming the target of his wrath. When their neighboring pack is taken over by the Corwin pack, led by Gideon, tensions arise. To afford peace between the packs, Gideon offers his top-beta, a woman named Yelena, to be mated to Wren. Wren then enters the Corwin pack, with the understanding that he will be mated to Yelena. That being said, the main couple in the story is Gideon and Wren. As the relationship between Wren and Gideon develops, Wren starts to suspect that Gideon has more in store for him than he's letting on. Meanwhile, Wren feels torn about where his loyalties lie between the two packs.
The premise was promising and the first chapter pulled me in. I instantly loved the dynamic between Gideon and Wren: I liked how they were mutually attracted to each other and that both were aware of it. There was also a sense of underlying trust between them. Wren trusted Gideon as his Alpha and was happy to be part of the Corwin pack.
There was definitely a dominant/submissive element to their relationship, and I thought it was handled well. It was a healthy relationship and both Gideon and Wren were clear about what they wanted from each other. As far as the sex went, I liked the moments when it included emotional intimacy. The rest was good too, but some of the dirty talk didn't work for me. The language was a little repetitive.
The romance in the first third of the book was good: Wren learns to trust Gideon among his feelings of attraction towards him, and there's a good amount of vulnerability in the beginning, at least on Wren's end. When things start to pick up, the physical aspects of their relationship takes the forefront along with more pressing plot points. The emotions come back in towards the end. The emotional development didn't feel consistent and towards the end, I didn't feel entirely convinced with how sincere their feelings were.
I liked how Tricia Owens introduced the concept of True Call philosophy and the debate around balancing the wolf and the human side of a shifter's personality. That added to the world-building, and I appreciated that discussion.
We know from the very start that Wren was abused by Drew in the Sezary pack, and it's clear that Gideon knows about it too. At the start, Gideon seemed to understand the toxic and dangerous environment that Wren was subjected to, but there were later moments in the book where I felt he was insensitive to it. I don't think this is a character flaw: I think Owens herself needs to be more careful about saddling a character with a backstory that includes abuse without following through on how that impacts the story and the character's relationships.
There were other things I liked about this book: the found-family aspect and the plot, which kept me guessing. With everything combined, however, the book wasn't up to par.
Wren belongs to Sezary back, where's he's the top-beta to his brother, Drew. Drew is a tyrannizing and abusive alpha, and Wren does his best to curb the edges of his anger, often becoming the target of his wrath. When their neighboring pack is taken over by the Corwin pack, led by Gideon, tensions arise. To afford peace between the packs, Gideon offers his top-beta, a woman named Yelena, to be mated to Wren. Wren then enters the Corwin pack, with the understanding that he will be mated to Yelena. That being said, the main couple in the story is Gideon and Wren. As the relationship between Wren and Gideon develops, Wren starts to suspect that Gideon has more in store for him than he's letting on. Meanwhile, Wren feels torn about where his loyalties lie between the two packs.
The premise was promising and the first chapter pulled me in. I instantly loved the dynamic between Gideon and Wren: I liked how they were mutually attracted to each other and that both were aware of it. There was also a sense of underlying trust between them. Wren trusted Gideon as his Alpha and was happy to be part of the Corwin pack.
There was definitely a dominant/submissive element to their relationship, and I thought it was handled well. It was a healthy relationship and both Gideon and Wren were clear about what they wanted from each other. As far as the sex went, I liked the moments when it included emotional intimacy. The rest was good too, but some of the dirty talk didn't work for me. The language was a little repetitive.
The romance in the first third of the book was good: Wren learns to trust Gideon among his feelings of attraction towards him, and there's a good amount of vulnerability in the beginning, at least on Wren's end. When things start to pick up, the physical aspects of their relationship takes the forefront along with more pressing plot points. The emotions come back in towards the end. The emotional development didn't feel consistent and towards the end, I didn't feel entirely convinced with how sincere their feelings were.
I liked how Tricia Owens introduced the concept of True Call philosophy and the debate around balancing the wolf and the human side of a shifter's personality. That added to the world-building, and I appreciated that discussion.
We know from the very start that Wren was abused by Drew in the Sezary pack, and it's clear that Gideon knows about it too. At the start, Gideon seemed to understand the toxic and dangerous environment that Wren was subjected to, but there were later moments in the book where I felt he was insensitive to it. I don't think this is a character flaw: I think Owens herself needs to be more careful about saddling a character with a backstory that includes abuse without following through on how that impacts the story and the character's relationships.
There were other things I liked about this book: the found-family aspect and the plot, which kept me guessing. With everything combined, however, the book wasn't up to par.
April 6, 2020
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
Only last Friday (while our world struggles with the impact of Corona Virus) one politician in Northern Ireland pontificated that COVID-19 is God's punishment to the world because Northern Ireland recently introduced equality legislation recognising both gay marriage, and freedom of choice on abortion. Who knew?
The fact that we suffer ill-educated and frankly disgraceful philosophical outlooks made this book feel all the more relevant. Sadly in this case real-life imitating art.
I found 'Mated' gripping from the first page.
We are introduced to an omegaverse where humans and werewolves live side by side. Wren is an enforcer in his brother Drew's pack. Drew leads through fear and coercion (much like the power structures in Northern Ireland actually). Drew excuses brutality and greed for power embracing the philosphy of 'True Call' a fundamentalist outlook that celebrates the dominance of the underlying wolf at the expense of human ethos of equality and progressive thinking.
I love how the story explores themes that resonate within wider real-life society, exploring honour and duty; integrity and authenticity and personal sovereignty.
Wren feels morally obligated to adopt a role as enforcer within his brother's pack and follows 'True Call' even though this causes inner conflict. Instinctively Wren keeps aspects of himself hidden (such as his attraction to other men and his draw towards a more progressive and egalitarian approaches). He strives to keep both his brother and his pack happy and aims to avoid unnecessary conflict wherever possible.
During a meeting with a rival pack Wren is dismayed that he is offered as a pawn to keep the peace. He dutifully accepts Drew's decree that he will mate with a beta from the other pack.
Wren encounters the more enlightened philosophy of the Corwin pack led by the charismatic Gideon Corwin.
He struggles with his underlying attraction for Gideon, and an abiding suspicion that there must be some ulterior motive to this arrangement. Wren needs to work out whom he can trust where is loyalty should lie. The Corwin pack welcomes Wren, despite wariness of 'True Call' and a concern that Wren's affiliation may impact the dynamics and relationships within their own pack as well.
The pace of the story is intense and kept me pondering the moral quandaries that Wren and Gideon address. I also enjoyed untangling the mysteries that presented and like Wren trying to work out the underlying motivations (a minor niggle though, was that Wren found himself the victim of malevolent texts and I can't quite fathom why he didn't simply call the number back and demand to know who was on the other end).
I love the world-building and juxtaposition of philosophical affiliations. I really enjoyed the flair of the storytelling and the unpredictable outcome as Gideon and Wren work to weigh up the consequences for themselves and for their respective packs. I love how Tricia Owens has a unique take on omegaverse society, that has left me wanting more.
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of her book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Male/Male Romance Group's Don't Buy My Love Event.
Only last Friday (while our world struggles with the impact of Corona Virus) one politician in Northern Ireland pontificated that COVID-19 is God's punishment to the world because Northern Ireland recently introduced equality legislation recognising both gay marriage, and freedom of choice on abortion. Who knew?
The fact that we suffer ill-educated and frankly disgraceful philosophical outlooks made this book feel all the more relevant. Sadly in this case real-life imitating art.
I found 'Mated' gripping from the first page.
We are introduced to an omegaverse where humans and werewolves live side by side. Wren is an enforcer in his brother Drew's pack. Drew leads through fear and coercion (much like the power structures in Northern Ireland actually). Drew excuses brutality and greed for power embracing the philosphy of 'True Call' a fundamentalist outlook that celebrates the dominance of the underlying wolf at the expense of human ethos of equality and progressive thinking.
I love how the story explores themes that resonate within wider real-life society, exploring honour and duty; integrity and authenticity and personal sovereignty.
Wren feels morally obligated to adopt a role as enforcer within his brother's pack and follows 'True Call' even though this causes inner conflict. Instinctively Wren keeps aspects of himself hidden (such as his attraction to other men and his draw towards a more progressive and egalitarian approaches). He strives to keep both his brother and his pack happy and aims to avoid unnecessary conflict wherever possible.
During a meeting with a rival pack Wren is dismayed that he is offered as a pawn to keep the peace. He dutifully accepts Drew's decree that he will mate with a beta from the other pack.
Wren encounters the more enlightened philosophy of the Corwin pack led by the charismatic Gideon Corwin.
He struggles with his underlying attraction for Gideon, and an abiding suspicion that there must be some ulterior motive to this arrangement. Wren needs to work out whom he can trust where is loyalty should lie. The Corwin pack welcomes Wren, despite wariness of 'True Call' and a concern that Wren's affiliation may impact the dynamics and relationships within their own pack as well.
The pace of the story is intense and kept me pondering the moral quandaries that Wren and Gideon address. I also enjoyed untangling the mysteries that presented and like Wren trying to work out the underlying motivations (a minor niggle though, was that Wren found himself the victim of malevolent texts and I can't quite fathom why he didn't simply call the number back and demand to know who was on the other end).
I love the world-building and juxtaposition of philosophical affiliations. I really enjoyed the flair of the storytelling and the unpredictable outcome as Gideon and Wren work to weigh up the consequences for themselves and for their respective packs. I love how Tricia Owens has a unique take on omegaverse society, that has left me wanting more.
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of her book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Male/Male Romance Group's Don't Buy My Love Event.
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