Moore Than Expected

Blackwater Pack #0.5

by Liam Kingsley

The pain of unrequited love. The seduction of a second chance. Can these two wolves overcome their doubts to claim each other? Ryker's been away from home for six long years, undergoing the rigorous training required of the next pack Alpha. Now he's back, ready to take his place as the leader of Blackwater's wolves - and to claim the man he's always wanted to be his mate. Austin can't remember a time when he wasn't attracted to Ryker, but when Ryker left town, so did Austin's dreams that they would one day be together. When fate gives them a second chance to rekindle their friendship, Austin is eager to get to know Ryker all over again. But when a spurned suitor tries to interfere in their budding relationship, can these two lovers stand together against a wolf who wants to divide them? If you like small hometowns, second chances, and a dangerously hot alpha claiming his fated mate, you won't want to miss Moore Than Expected, the first novel in the new Blackwater Pack mpreg series. This book contains steamy sex scenes, a guaranteed happily ever after, and can be read as a standalone title!

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Omegaverse, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Audiobook, Paranormal

122 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2019

Reviews

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this! I am constantly in search of a shifter romance series that I enjoy and I think I might have found one. I am a sucker for small town romances as well and am hopeful that this is just a taste of what is to come.

My favorite part of this story though, the insecure Alpha. He had everything an Alpha should have but the added bit of insecurity and nervousness was beautiful! I loved it!

Fingers crossed that this was just the beginning of a series that I will continue to enjoy.

[Barbara➰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was sweet, and I was really liking it until about halfway, then it just fizzled out. It annoyed me that they were mates and Austin had been with other people. It wasn't ever really said if Ryker had that I can remember. They didn't know they were mates growing up but were glued to each other's side. It seemed like everyone else knew but them. They were clueless and it's just a pet peeve of mine in mate stories. But like I said, I did start out liking it regardless. There was something endearing about Ryker, even though he was an alpha, he was still unsure and timid almost. But after a while, I wanted him to man up and become an alpha. He just didn't quite get there for me.

I'm willing to try a few of the others in the series. Not really sure I want to read Lukas and Owen because already Owen is on my last nerve.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was amazing.. sexy. fun and interesting.. i really felt as if i was part of these characters lives.. their feelings.. their emotions. it was wonderful.

[S a n d r a · Rating 3 out of 5]

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2.5🌟 round up.

Ok, I can't deny I was expecting more. Not only because the little I read by Liam I truly liked, but also because all the reviews I read were so very good.

The starting is nice. Austin is a bored teacher. He's stuck in a job that he doesn't enjoy and that's reflected on the results. But he keeps going on, day after day, until some news shake his world: Ry, his best friend, will be back home after 6 years of radio silence.

Ry was at college preparing to be the next alpha of the pack. After 6 years out of town he feels kind of disconnected with his old friends and hometown, but he only need to see Austin once to remember how much he loves him.

It's the usual "childhood friends turned lovers", both of them being secretly in love and thinking the other won't love them back.

As I said, the start was good and pretty interesting. The dynamics of this world (a mix between classical shapeshifters and omegasverse) is quite interesting and the advances between the main couple gets you hooked. Plus, we have some funny supporting characters and a potential stalker appearing from time to time.

But then the story stalles. It gets a little bit boring. Uninteresting. There's not much going on apart from the sex, that gets somewhat repetitive. And then we have the final climax, that ends pretty fast.

I think Liam could have developed better the stalker plot line. Nico felt like a character that comes and goes randomly and in the end he doesn't do much in the story... It could have been an intense drama, but it felt bland.

I'm not sure why this is the 0.5 of the series and not the book 1, but I hope next books will be better. Don't think I will read them right away, even though I liked the characters and wish they have good stories.

[Mel Sparks · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 50%

The characters of this book had no substance, everything was bland (at least from my perspective). Ryker returns from Alpha college or whatever - soon to assume his role as Alpha something or other, his personality is two dimensional as it seems he switches from feelings of want for Austin to leader of his tribe or community (again whatever the fuck).

Boring ass Austin a.k.a Ryker's love interest adds nothing to this plot and the chemistry between the two is luke warm at best. From the pages that I've read I can only assume that they work together to make their inner wolf happy and the rest of their pack pleased with the new direction their new leader has in store for them but really throughout all this I could have cared less.

This wasn't for me and that's all there is to say. The end.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

4 stars

Austin and Ryker were close as youngsters but has time changed the connection they once shared?

These two guys were adorable. They yearned for each other and the years apart didn’t diminish their feelings. The author captured their bond perfectly - it made my heart melt every time they got lost in each other.

I enjoyed Austin and Ryker’s story. Their love was slow burn but it made my toes curl.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story of Ryker and Austin and how they finally acknowledge the love they feel for each other. It is a well written story and holds your attention. Ryker has returned from college to become the Alpha Select of their pack and to finally tell Austin how much he loves him. Austin admits his love for Ryker and from this point the story is centered around the two of them. This is a great story that also includes some unsavory people but in the end Ryker and Austin thrive. I would highly recommend this book as a great read.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moore Than Expected is the first book in The Blackwater Pack series by Liam Kingsley. I absolutely love this friends to lovers romance. Ryker and Austin have always dreamed of being together, it is no secret... except to each other. I loved watching them find each other again and evolve into mates. I am looking forward to more books in this series.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this friends to lovers romance. Ryker and Austin have always dreamed of being together, it is no secret... except to each other. I loved watching them find each other again and evolve into mates. I am looking forward to more books in this series.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker has been away from his home for 6 years undergoing rigorous training in preparation of being his pack’s next alpha. He’s prepared to take over the back and claim his best friend, Austin.

Austin has always loved Ryker. When Ryker left to the alpha school for training he didn’t think he’d ever see him again or that they’d have any kind of future together.

When Ryker finally returns, Austin realizes that Ryker isn’t the same man he was when he left. He’s even more gorgeous than he remembers. When they finally get the chance to spend time together it’s as if no time has passed. They still need to learn each other again but the familiarity between them is still there.

Ryker has his mind set on claiming Austin but Austin knows that as pack Alpha, Ryker can have anyone he wants so why would he choose him.

This was a great book from start to finish. This pack dynamic is very interesting and nothing I’ve seen before. There was just enough of everything from danger to romance to keep me engaged in the story. This could be the start of a great series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Terry Sasada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series called Blackwater Pack. What a wonderfull start. I loved the writing, it felt like you were inside the characters head, to feel their pain, their fear, and their inability to communicate how they feel. Austin is an omega and a teacher who is struggeling to get his class to learn, but right now all he can think of is the information he was just given. Ryker Bennett is coming cack to Blackwater. Six long years he has been away going to Alpha Select College. So he will be the new Alpha of the town and the pack. Ryker is very nervous about being back. His best friend Austin is there and he knows he is going to see him. Great story about the love Austin and Ryker have had for each other for so long and now is the chance to express that love and find out that they are mates. Keeping outside forces away so they can enjoy their new life is not easy. I loved the HEA, and can not wait for more books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, intriguing Mpreg shifter romance with an undertone of “friends to lovers” & a splendid start to a new series “Blackwater Pack” It has a well-written story-line & plot fill with unexpected events. The individual characters are quite complex with unique personalities & some of them exhibit devious tendencies combined with slyness to achieve their goals.
There is: a alpha (Ryker Bennett) is back after six years at a alpha select school & comes home to Blackwater to take over as alpha & at his initiation ceremony he comes into contact with his childhood friend & love of his life (Austin Moore, a teacher), Austin’s friend & fellow teacher (Lucas), Austin’s brother & police officer (Owen), a domineering & abusive father (Cade Bennett), a determined but not so nice alpha (Nico Quintero), family issues, mated mates, twists & turns, intrigue, drama, threats, danger, a stalker, some violence, confrontations, memories, attractions, surprises, abduction, conflict, declaration, love, contentment, steamy scenes & a wonderful happy ending.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. this is the first book in the new series Blackwater Pack. In this book, Ryker returns home to take over as the Alpha Select after being away at college training for this for the last six years. Austin was Ryker's childhood friend and always had a crush on the alpha. When Ryker asks Austin to come and work as his assistant, Austin agrees. They work closely together and the night Ryker is sworn in as the Alpha select, Austin goes into heat and Ryker takes him home to take care of him. While there, they give into their attraction to each other and learn they are fated mates. Both Ryker and Austin are thrilled to be together, but another alpha thinks Austin should be his and sets out to get him, leaving Austin in danger. I loved this book and think it is a great start to a new series. I love how Ryker and Austin were together. They both were so in love and were so happy to be together. I loved their friends and look forward to reading their stories as well.

[Deb Swietek · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing start to a new series.! I loved this book! Liam has created a wonderful new world in the Blackwater Pack. The characters are vibrant and alive. This book has it all: powerful alphas, strong omegas, a psycho ex, pack politics, love, lust and MM sex. There is violence. These are shifters after all.
Ryker has been away at Alpha college for 6 years, training to become pack alpha. Austin has been waiting for Ryker to return, hoping against hope Ryker will remember him. Ryker has never forgotten Austin, wanting to reunite with him, on a forever basis. Watching these two reconnect is something special. Seeing their passions ignite... talk about hot!. Throw in a psycho ex alpha, pack politics, and steamy MM sex... what's not to love! You are going to love this story! I can't wait for Book 2.
This book contains adult themes and language, violence, MM sex and is intended for mature 18+ readers.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The characters were sweet, vulnerable, and shifters. The story was well developed and made me feel good after finishing it.
Austin and Ryker have been friends since childhood. Ryker has been away for 6 years at alpha select school and has come back to Blackwater to take over as alpha. Austin has burned out teaching advanced academics to children. They have both been in love with each other forever but have never acted on it. At Ryker's initiation ceremony Austin comes into heat and Ryker brings him home where they finally give in to their desires. Ryker claims Austin and it looks like HEA but Austin is kidnapped by another alpha and Ryker has to save him. They do get their HEA and a baby boy in the end. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Clyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of childhood friends who were separated just as they were feeling a change in their relationship. Ryker came from a difficult home life, and his best friend, Austin's family was a welcome refuge. They were inseparable from the time they were cubs. But Ryker is chosen to take over the leadership of their pack and sent to an intense college program for six long years. Now he's coming back and the two men must learn to adapt to their new realities. Ryker struggles with balancing his new role, memories of his hidden abuse, and expressing his feelings to his old friend. The characters are fully developed and show that each has traits not expected. The plot is mostly emotional and psychological but contains some good action.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin was surprised to hear that his best friend and love of his life Ryker was returning to Blackwater.
Teacher Omega Austin Moore is told by his Teaching Assistant Lukas that Alpha Ryker Bennett his best friend and love of his life is returning from Alpha Select College after six years away. Austin wonders how he will have changed and whether there was a chance for them to get close again. Ryker is returning to Blackwater to be inaugurated as the new Alpha Select leader of the shifters and on an equal footing with the Mayor plus he is hoping to reconnect with his friend Austin. Neither is willing to risk all to claim the other but is that going to change.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic start to a new series the Blackwater Pack and I can’t wait to read book 2. Ryker left home to go through training to be Blackwater’s next alpha but he had to leave his best friend Austin behind. 6 years later Ryker is back and the packs alpha and he is ready to claim Austin as his mate. Ryker and Austin grew up together they were best friends they loved each other but they never told the other but now Ryker’s back and there is a jealous ex who’s determined to keep them apart. This is a heart melting drama filled story I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. They haven’t seen each other in 6 years, Ryker was sent to Alpha College and Austin became a substitute teacher but when Ryker comes back and about to have the Alpha roll in co-managing their little town. Both live will change when Austin comes into heat, feelings are revealed and bonds are forging but there is Rykers’ father causing problems and Austin’s stalker pushing his way to what he wants.

[Becky Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and Ryker grew up together. Ryker went away to alpha college while Austin stayed. When Ryker came back he asked Austin to work for him. Austin was being stalked by Nico who said he was his fated mate. In reality he was Ryker's fated mate. They had to overcome issues they each had. Once they did Ryker claimed Austin as his and started a family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookloverIAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

They have always been friends but once Ryker comes back to take his place as Alpha Select, he and Austin see how much they both need and love each other. They have to deal with a bully of a dad, a psycho wanna be lover to get to their HEA. Read this story if you want a feel good sexy story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to this series. I look forward to more from this series. The story was well written, strong likeable characters that grew along the way and steamy hot chemistry. A great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Barbara Lampron · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a great book!

I liked it so much. It had all the intrigue with Ryder’s Father and then all the trouble from the one who took Austin. I loved it. Thank you for writing such a good book. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Marjorie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

I’m going to love this new series! This was the perfect starter book. It was a nice change of pace that the Alpha was the one scrawny and bullied when younger and the Omega was the daring one. I can’t wait to read Owen and Lucas book!

[Linda A · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book of friendship to lovers. The story was well developed and kept me engrossed from the beginning to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start

This was a wonderful start to a new series. This quick paced book had romance, sweet chemistry, and a little action as well. Definitely a must read for fans of this author.

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great friends to lovers story. Ryker and Austin have both hidden their feelings for one another. Ryker has much to learn about being an Alpha, beyond what he learned over the last few years. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[lorikayhorsfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wake up call !!!

Ryker is an Alpha that shows a confidence that he doesn't feel and Austin is an Omega unsure of his alphas love. These two just needed a kick in the a** to wake them up to what's important , each other .

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming story about childhood friend turning into a lover. I just wish that they didn't need the heat to make them admit their feelings. I loved the side characters and I hope to see them get their own stories.

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ryker and Austin's story. I enjoyed the role reversal they experienced as teens. There are some especially intense and suspenseful moments, too.