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One touch is all it takes ...

Riley is in hiding. He always knew his curse would get him in trouble, and now it has driven him to a gloomy island, hours away from Seattle. At least he gets to keep his job in social work and sure, Walker County is a little isolated, and the wealthy recluses who live on the other side of the bay are odd, but he’s lucky just to still be alive.

...to know the truth.

Branson Walker left his pack family ten years ago along with his three cousins. At eighteen, their families demanded the four young men fight to the death to decide who would become the pack’s next leader. The cousins refused and have made a good life for themselves, despite the schemes concocted by their manipulative families constantly trying to drag them back. The four Walker men want nothing to do with pack life, its rules or the blind loyalty it requires.

When Branson meets Riley on a call, he realizes immediately there is something different about the human. After a first date that turns into a first morning, Branson knows he must face his family—if only to ensure Riley’s protection. But when something happens, something none of them could have possibly expected, he knows talking won’t keep Riley safe, he must claim his human, and with his cousins’ help, become the pack they were always meant to be.

Truth is a full-length 80k gay romance and the first book in the Wolves of Walker County with steam, humor, magic, and intrigue as well as a surprise pregnancy that will change everything. For maximum enjoyment, this quartet should be read in order.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 24, 2019

382 people are currently reading
502 people want to read

About the author

Kiki Burrelli

98 books622 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
Profile Image for M.I.A.
412 reviews90 followers
August 21, 2020
2.5 Meh Stars,

I love Kiki Burrelli's writing style so much but the plot always seems to fall short for me.
Omegaverse/m-preg requires one to leave believability at the door... but then there is this: Nobody has any clue what happened, how it happened. I'm happy to avoid squeamish detail but when an entire world is built with 'gifted' human's, 'blessed' omegas, ...
This blend of magic and shifters is just disjointed. I require just a bit more world building to cement myself into the story.
So, Meh.
It's not bad, it's not great.
It has potential.
I'm sadly bowing out of this series
Profile Image for Erin.
365 reviews15 followers
February 17, 2020
It's been a hot minute since I dove into a gay shapeshifter romance novel. Kiki Burrelli's novel Truth has reminded me why. When I began the novel, I put on my mental snowsuit - I knew I was going to be wading in deep, but I intended to push through no matter how much snow (bad novel stuff) I was up against. I wanted to enjoy a romance novel, dammit. I wasn't going to give up like a coward.

Well, here I am in front of my mental fireplace sipping imaginary hot chocolate in my mental pajamas, because I've returned home and hung up the snowsuit. The snow was too deep. Sit down with me and my dubious snow metaphor and let me tell you a tale.

WARNING: Minor but completely predictable spoilers below.

The snow went from a dusting to ankle-deep when I was immediately confused about the conversation on the first page. I’ll freely admit that this might just come down to my reading comprehension skills, but the first sentence of the novel is as follows:

“Have you gotten your invitation?” Aver asked. A low but steady beep told me he was on site, hopefully pouring the concrete to reinforce the posts for the Lanser’s dock.”

What it took me way too long to realize is that the ensuing conversation that name drops about ten people is happening over the phone. This is somewhat clearly stated in this sentence, but didn’t click for me. Having no idea what this book was about, I didn’t immediately understand that the characters run a construction company and “on site” is at the construction site.

I’m going to take a sec to make fun of the name Aver (main guy’s brother’s name who he’s on the phone with) because I’m a petty jerk. Aver. Avery without the Y. Typo Avery. Makes me think of I Would Walk 500 Miles song when they say “I’m gonna be the man who’s havering to you.” Aver Aver Aver.

Anyway, things progress very quickly from the point the two main characters, Riley and Branson, meet. Their introduction comes after Branson’s werewolf mom sends him a refugee wolf teenager as a rent boy and Branson calls CPS, as Riley is a CPS worker. That same night the men go on a date, a date that becomes one of the longest dates in the world (which is specifically mentioned multiple times), going into the next day and weekend, if I'm remembering right. And you better believe they bang without protection on the night that they meet. Romance? The power of their attraction is certainly something to behold. Now I'm up to my knees and slogging through heavy, wet snow.

I will give the author credit for writing her characters as tender and caring. That’s something I really like. Branson is a real gentleman. Despite how desperate they are to bone, nothing raised red flags about lack of consent and there were no BDSM/powerplay elements (which is just not my preference). Branson is like a big hot lumberjack, which I will give two enthusiastic thumbs up. Riley I could take or leave, to be honest. I don’t tend to find the needier, insecure characters as compelling or interesting. That could be because it’s more challenging to write them in complex way that evades common pitfalls.

Now that I’ve said I like Branson’s character, I’ll point out that Riley often thinks that Branson is absolutely perfect: he’s kind, generous, thoughtful, physically strong, has perfect abs, a nice beard, runs his own company, and is the hottest guy he’s ever seen. It’s further in that Branson’s flaws emerge -he’s possessive, has a werewolf inside him like a Kinder egg surprise, and will break into your house. I love characters who fit that big buff guy with a gentle soul stereotype, but, just as Riley keeps saying, Branson is just a tad too perfect to be believable. His flaws only end up making him more perfect because after knowing Riley for a week he’s exhibiting behaviors that make him a good and extremely stereotypical werewolf mate: possessive and protective. When his aggression emerges, we're supposed to read it as romantic and protective instead of annoying, inappropriate, dangerous, or creepy. For example, Branson breaking into Riley’s apartment because he was worried about him isn’t cool. And why is Riley happy, relieved, or even accepting of the fact that Branson BROKE INTO HIS APARTMENT? It’s illegal and weird and scary.

By this point I’m wading through snow up to my thighs. Branson’s rude, somewhat estranged mother is forced to stay at the bachelor pad for a week, which, based on the build-up of how terrible she is, should’ve been something dramatic or have a large impact on the plot. Instead, it just kind of happens and then the week is over. It was completely pointless as far as I can tell.

There was also this completely cringey moment where the characters are a hair’s breadth away from breaking the fourth wall. Riley says to Branson,

“If people were reading the story of our lives, they would’ve rolled their eyes long ago. Not because you can turn into a wolf or because my touch compels people to tell the truth, but because I’ve fallen so hard and fast for you.”

I mean, he’s right. I was rolling my eyes. Unfortunately, the characters acknowledging this doesn’t actually change the way I feel or somehow excuse either the pace of their romance or the ridiculousness of the situation. I hate the hammed-up, “It’s like we’re in a romance novel WINK WINK.” Yikes. It's snowing harder and visibility is low. My thighs are ice cubes even inside my snow suit and I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't have tied a rope around my waist that led back to the house.

And then the blizzard hits.

Werewolf Nana says that Riley’s pregnant. Imagine me steepling my fingers and leaning forward on my elbows right here. After having bareback intercourse on the first day they met, Riley, a human, is werewolf pregnant. I guess you could say he’s like a Kinder egg surprise too at this point. Riley doesn’t believe Nana and no one else seems to either, which leads me wonder if male pregnancy is a thing in the setting of this novel or if Riley’s the first. I wasn’t expecting mpreg, so this surprised and dismayed me. I’m not against mpreg on principle or anything, but I like a heads up and I didn’t get one. That wintery blast knocks me straight on my ass.

By the time Branson was extremely predictably claiming Riley as his omega, I was on the ground, turning into a ice cube, and trying to make snow angels. Snow had snuck into my boots, my socks were wet, and my breath was freezing into a weird wet/frozen patch on the inside of my scarf. So I hauled myself up, turned around near the end of Chapter 15, and headed home.

So as I sit, warm up, and reflect on my journey, I think Truth was just too bleh. Too predictable, too cookie-cutter, too possessive, too “fated mate.” The trope is so used and abused that it really takes something special to work it into a truly fresh and enjoyable novel. Kiki Burrelli couldn’t get there and that’s disappointing. So here’s a toast. Don’t be afraid to hang up your snowsuit.
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,452 reviews
January 2, 2020
4.25 stars

This is the start of a new series for Kiki Burrelli and it is a great start. We have a lot going on, on this Island of Wolves amongst human.

We have our four Alphas who have separated themselves from there pack and made themselves anew. This story is about Branson and Riley. I don't want to spoil anything so please read!!!


****Given an ARC copy for my honest opinion****
Profile Image for Leaundra.
1,209 reviews47 followers
January 13, 2020
Loved this! I'm ready for the second book in the series.
Profile Image for Ntokozo M.
435 reviews19 followers
June 22, 2020
4 stars!

So good! And I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it after a bit of a slow beginning. I really got into the intrigue and the nefarious characters! Will be back in town for the next Walker story!
Profile Image for Fani *loves angst*.
1,837 reviews222 followers
September 3, 2021
Pretty disappointing to be honest. It's Kiki Burelli so it was easy to read and the MCs likable, but the plot, even for an mpreg sucked big time :( Those two meet and they go out on a date right away, only to end up having sex for a whole weekend. After that they establish such a connection that even Branson's Nana, who is somewhat of a psychic and adores her grandsons, can't stop with her unintentional cock-blocking, which happens again and again, for almost 2 weeks. How a psychic could be so obtuse was beyond me, especially with Branson's mother, whom she actually thought was salvageable.
There were also no explanations about Riley, where he came from, how he had those abilities, , it was thrown out there for the reader to try and make sense.

That said, the supporting characters were interesting, the backstory engaging and it was fast paced and easy to read. Not sure I want to go on with the series though, if the rest of the books are like that.
Profile Image for Mateo.
388 reviews14 followers
December 30, 2019
I'm sorry, but not for me. I really don't understand the concept of pregnant man, just to assimilate a gay relationship to a straight relationship. Why a gay man had to be a woman in disguise, to be more acceptable or just for being more easy for the writer. I really don't know. Sorry don't work for me.
Profile Image for Becca.
3,213 reviews47 followers
January 13, 2020
What a start to this series! I'm in love already. Wolf shifters who have been through hell, but making a stand against family and crappy traditions. But it's got some very interesting twists, because these Walker boys bucking the system is causing some major problems. And I love how they bad together to show everyone they are United.
Riley had to run from Seattle because of a curse he was born with. And because of an ex that was determined to destroy him. He vowed to stay away from men from now on, but he never counted on meeting Branson. When he had to go to the younger alphas's home to deal with a situation, he wasn't trying to be rude but he couldn't touch anyone. And that seemed to make Branson more determined. Brason also couldn't stop the feeling of mine from the moment they locked eyes. But the more they get to know each other, the more his mother is being conniving. And so are certain other pack members. And with Riley being his, Branson and his three cousins are now more than ever determined to stand their ground. But they didn't realize how determined Branson's mother really was. And they may not make it out alive.
Ok. So another omega I'm in love with. And more morons for me to throat punch for trying to hurt my boy. Riley is so special. The Walker's Nana knew the minute she laid eyes on Riley at how special he really was. And of course, you have to have moronic pack members who think they're not stuff to try to ruin it all. But what I loved the most, is Branson and his cousins: Aver, Wyatt and Nash. Despite being alphas, all of them, they refused to bow to the crap the rest of the pack was trying to force on them. They also up and moved off pack lands after a debacle. They were determined to prove not everyone had to be like those entitled pricks and because of it, they made the best of friends. Oh, they have their quirks alright lol. But they work as a team. All together. And are determined to never let anyone break up what they have. And that is super special. Because they chose to be better in spite of how they were raised.
I love this book and I think I'm going to love this series. This was one heck of a start and I have a feeling it's going to get much better.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
184 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2020
Really disappointed

I was so into this book. I've read a few of Kiki's books and was kinda ambivalent towards them. They weren't super good or super bad, just a way to pass time. I thought this one would be the same, but to my at first pleasant surprise, I thought it was much better written than her previous books. I was very eager to see Branson and Riley's HEA. However, the ending was just dumb. I thought Nana and her lack of help or useful information was straight up annoying. Delia was not, IMO, punished the way she should have been for almost causing Riley and the baby to be killed, and the whole situation with the pack was stupid. I wanted Branson and the boys to take over and make it what it should be, but instead they catered to his grandfather and the elders. Not the kind of ending I like to read. Might read the next one, but now I know not to get invested.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,997 reviews92 followers
July 25, 2023
Kiki Burrelli is one of my go to Mpreg authors so I went into this with high expectations, and they were all met. Branson was a typical caring and protective alpha, and Riley was super sweet with just enough flare. The sex scenes were firey (although no knottiness, which I missed), and the supporting cast was absolutely amazing. The subplot was super intriguing and I can’t wait to see the rest of the cousins stories!
Profile Image for lislelee.
247 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2025
I do now know why i am doing this to myself—i am giving it two stars because i didn’t hate it and it has all the things I would usually like, shifters, omegaverse, magic, but I hated the insta love and the lack of explanation for some thing, the underdeveloped mpreg was crazy, the random shifting too

like when you have these tropes, obviously reality gets further and further pushed away but I enjoy the attempt at at least trying to make up a system or explain how shit happens, for me this was too unbelievable at every corner it took me out of the story.


I want to know wtf happens to the pack so I’ll read the second one and that is also why I am not giving it one star but man
Profile Image for Leelah🍁♋️ Orion.
1,439 reviews52 followers
February 10, 2021
Enjoyed

I enjoyed this first book. The way the world was set up is great and very suspenseful. This one is bout the first cousin Branson finding his mate, who is blessed or cured depending who you ask. Between crazy exes and pack family with crazy ideas this book keeps you going. The writing was great that smexy was hawt and the side characters were intriguing.
Profile Image for Nic.
949 reviews8 followers
January 25, 2020
Interesting

Another book that I enjoyed by the author. It was entertaining and interesting. A few twists and turns. I will probably read the series because I liked the 4 cousins.
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,024 reviews109 followers
March 25, 2020
It was good ... but in between I was not totally enthusiastic about it
But I think this is a good start to a new series and I really want to read the next one
Profile Image for ᗰ.ᑕ. ❄️ O͎L͎D͎E͎R͎ ͎&͎ ͎W͎I͎S͎E͎R͎.
1,791 reviews35 followers
June 16, 2024
2020 = 3 stars
2024 = 1 star / DNF / review written

I'm not sure what I was thinking back in 2020, but this is not a 3-star read. Maybe it was b/c I was new-ish to MM romance and mpreg. 🤷‍♀️ All I know for sure is, I do not want to read this twice.

😵‍💫 The beginning is confusing.
It starts with this:

"Have you gotten your invitation?" Aver asked. A low but steady beep told me he was on site, hopefully pouring the concrete to reinforce the posts for the Lanser's dock.
"Invitation? Oh, that's right. The winter solstice." The last time I'd seen Aver had been this morning when he'd left for the day. I should've gone with him, but the paperwork was already piled high. The Lanser's was a big job, and they'd opened the doors to us booking up for the rest of the season. Aver hadn't been back to check the mail.


I felt like I'd been dumped into the middle of the story, and should've known what was going on. It didn't get any better as I continued reading. In fact, I started skimming to see if it would engage my interest. It never happened.

This is a series about four gay Walker men (two are twin brothers, all are cousins). Their stories are intertwined. They left home b/c of their evil pack and family members. There is a lot of boring info. about the Walker men, setting up future books. (Why I usually avoid book series.)

Branson meets Riley. The relationship happens quickly ("insta"). The same day they meet, they go on a date. That night, they have sex. It leads to a sex-filled weekend.

Dont Like That GIF - Dont Like That GIFs

That's when I DNF'd. I prefer it when the MCs take the time to get to know each other, before having sex. Sex with no emotional connection, does nothing for me. I may have liked it when I was new to MM, but not anymore.

Add in the fact that I dislike the way K.B. writes: the story doesn't flow well, it's too wordy and dull. After trying four of her books, she's been added to my "author not for me" bookshelf.

🚫 PERSONAL DISLIKE:
She's an attractive, perfect young woman."
"But?"
"But she… has this belief. And it's really crazy."
Jake winced. "Super religious? You can't change a person, Riley. And I would never stand between someone and their faith, no matter their boob size."

"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph," Riley muttered.
I smirked and peppered his erection with kisses as soft as a butterfly. "I didn't know you were so religious." But I couldn't wait to learn everything about him.
"How can I not be when that mouth makes me see God?"
I tsked jokingly. "Blasphemer." I winked.
Profile Image for the kevin (vaguely alive).
969 reviews177 followers
February 1, 2021
It's worth noting that I kind of rate shifter/fated mates/mpreg books on a different scale than the more...traditional(?) books, if anyone actually cares what I rate things in the first place. It's the mpreg.

Overall, I liked this book, it was fun, fated-mate/instalove type with some secrets floating around for the background plot/connections.

There were some odd discontinuities or unanswered events in this book, though I suppose it's possible they're meant to be addressed in later books? Things like

Just some things I wish had been expanded on or addressed. (edit after having read the rest of the series: the first and second things appear to be total mysteries in universe as well. oh well)

In the earlier parts of the book, I got lost sometimes and I think it was just poor sentence structure. Things that could be fixed via some editing.

Looking forward to reading the other stories!
Profile Image for Patsy .
89 reviews33 followers
April 27, 2023
I have to say this is a great series! Currently finishing the last one! I have crushed these books with some serious all nighters...but who needs sleep anyway? I have to say I am not a huge fan of mpreg books, mostly because child bearers are often treated horribly. I am not one who wants to read a dark and gloomy book. These are great shifter books, and I would even suggest them to people who don't like mpreg. Very classic wolf shifter vibes with a unique spin on things. Some book series that involve switching mc's in each book can get kind of redundant (same story, different names), but I like how Burrelli kept each book and its characters different from the previous ones and continued weaving a background storyline through all the books.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,464 reviews377 followers
February 28, 2020
4-4.5 stars for me. I thought this was a very solid story, and a great opening start for this quarter of stories.

The characters are all great - I loved the camaraderie between the brothers and cousins and the pack dynamics and family history is interesting to me. I feel like some things either weren’t really explained or they were, like, too easily explained lol but overall this was a fun, great story.

Definitely interested in the next stories!!
177 reviews
February 16, 2021
I don't recommend this series for the following reasons. Beware of Spoilers... but this is important.

1 - I dont like Branson. He's controlling and from the other books in this series I can tell you that he's like the Alpha of the Walker cousins and their mates. He's a hypocrite. But so are Wyatt and Nash. Riley didn't leave an impression on me. He was pretty forgettable.

2 - i especially didnt like Branson and the others in Aver's book where he (and the others as well) inserted himself in Aver's relationship and kept him away from his mate for a long time. For that reason and several others, I wish I never read the series and I dont recommend it.

3- The story is ridiculous. Murderous skeeving parents and adult sons who can't just move far away if they have such a deep hatred for the pack?

4- The mates are stereotypical. They get magically pregnant and are more vulnerable and are crybabies unlike the Alphas. I only like Kansas out all four mates because he came across as very humble to me and not annoying, pretentious nor haughty like the other three.

5- Paul. I dont get his character. I guess I liked him in Aver's story but in the first 3 books, he was just annoying, cringey af and intrusive as hell. He essentially became Jesus to the Walkers and their mates later on lol.

6- When the wolves shift, their clothes dont get ripped up. Huh?

7- The humans like the Sheriff come across as very dumb or have a my-life-is-easier-than-yours kinda feel.

8- There's just too much melodrama in the series and in-family fighting. I wouldve loved if they always stuck together to fight against their parents but there were times where they turned on one another and I'll just say this: I liked Aver the most (I didnt like the book - see my review on it) because he always sought out the greater good and he was put down by Branson, Wyatt and Nash and even his mate who didn't have his back. Aver saved them all and didn't get one thanks in return.

9- I don't recommend this series because the storyline is so dumb and... just silly. It was often at times too wishy-washy where every solution just falls into the characters' hands. It's filled with odd people like their Nana who somehow knows everything but doesnt say shit but also is domineering and has everyone whipped including Paul.

10- I like omegaverse. I do but when it gets this ridiculous and melodramatic, I have to call it.
Profile Image for Howling Scribe.
14 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2019
Truth: Wolves of Walker County. The story of Branson and Riley is a fast-paced romance with dashes of evil, well-rounded characters, surprises around the corner, and many secrets to be revealed.

It all starts with Riley moving into Walker County from Seattle. He’s looking for a new place to call home, as he hides from a past that he later reveals. His first call in his new job as a social worker brings him to Branson’s door. Riley has what is definitely a gift and a curse. I could imagine that if Riley was in Law Enforcement, having that ability could be extremely helpful in solving cases. However, in general, having it is a curse. I can see why he doesn’t want to shake hands in general. I think if I had that problem, I would continuously be wearing gloves.

Branson and his cousins are a small pack though they don’t know it yet. They have such a great bond that it’s evident from even before I read the book. I couldn’t believe that their parents thought it was a good idea to make all of them fight to the death. Luckily, they rose above this messed up situation and became better people for it, which says something for their characters more than anything.

Branson and Riley are just too cute. Though the relationship between the two could seem a little rushed to some people, I don’t get that feeling. Sometimes, I find some books like this annoying. However, with this book, I quickly forgot that they hadn’t known each other long even though they kept stating the fact that they hadn’t. The twists and turns in this book made me keep reading until the end. I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to find out what was going to happen next so badly!

This book was great. I even loved the parts of this book series that departed from some of Kiki’s other shifter books. I like how this series has its own mythos and specialness that sets it apart from her other books. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Hope.
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,544 reviews104 followers
March 13, 2020
This was the first book I've picked up by this author. Though it didn't knock me out of the park, I did enjoy it. This is book one in what I assume is a series about 4 close knit wolf shifter cousins whom on their 18th birthday were told they had to fight to the death to decide whom would assume the alpha position in their pack. Needless to say they weren't too happy about this and as a group decided to leave the pack. The problem is the pack is only located across the bridge from the large home they built for themselves and their parents in the pack have a hard time letting go. They do all manner of crazy things to insinuate themselves in their adult childrens lives and draw them back into pack life. Branson's mom continuously sends him sexy young scantily clad men to the door in order to lure him back into the fold, like he would ever be as shallow as her.

Riley is human. He has a special secret of his own. He is also in hiding. It is so not the right time for him to start any type of relationship. The man needs to keep himself under the radar. Fortunately for Branson Riley can't make himself stay away.

I loved the dynamic between the 4 cousins. It was interesting seeing them interact, how they all kinda deferred to Branson. It was also interesting how each of them felt about the pack. From absolutely despising anything to do with them to one of the cousins still pursuing a relationship with his awful parents. These parents don't even know he's gay and regularly set him up on dates with women. Now his book I really want.

Most of the drama in this book comes from pack shenanigans and Riley's past catching up with him. Throw in a surprise pregnancy and we've got the plot people. The book ends with Riley and Branson in a good place. I wouldn't say I was totally convinced it was forever devotion, but they are solid. Nash is book is up next. I look forward to the downfall of the narcissistic playboy.
430 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2020
An interesting shifter/SN mpreg beginning

I might be mistaken, but I believe this is the first book of this author's work I have read. I enjoyed the story overall, though a few things threw me off a bit. This is a good start to what seems to be an interesting series, and the author doesn't seem shy of changing typical trope details to reach an end goal. This is a cliffhanger, so the characters are still in development, although they have a good start. The back story is fairly weak at this point, but I am hoping more details will be revealed in the next book.

The "human" main character is a social worker named Riley with a truth serum touch. The author also created a secondary plot for this book to heighten Riley's unique abilities. I almost would have preferred the secondary suspense be left out and more development of the main characters and storyline take place, but I understand why it was done the way it was. Riley is unique, both with his power of touch, and his heretofore unbeknownst abilities as well.

Branson and his cousins are in a unique position, and the main pack is not happy. However, they have made the decision to stand together and avoid the pack rather than meet its demands. But, when yet another conniving scheme of Branson's mother's brings the police and a social worker to their door, everything is about to change.

This story combines a few different tropes; divided pack, forgotten AO pasts, mpreg as a blessing, not a norm, and the beginning of changing power. It's a lot to juggle, and with the added trope of lack of communication, things get a bit loose and less cohesive at times. But, aside from a couple of eyeroll moments or shaking my head, once I was able to get into the story, it was entertaining. I'll be reading the next book to see how things go.

Happy reading!
1,199 reviews8 followers
January 23, 2020
Wolves and humans and blessed omegas, oh my!

What a wonderful start to as new series! I am I love with the characters and the world they inhabit. Kiki has created characters you want to care about; a vibrant world that comes more alive with each page. This book has it all: romance, danger, lots of family/ pack angst, a quirky Nana, an evil ex, loyal friends, a "curse", steamy scenes, and unexpected mpreg. What's not to love!
When circumstances force Branson Walker and his cousins Wyatt, Aver, and Nash out of their pack, they form their own. When Branson's mother sends a vulnerable boy to try & lure him back to the pack, Brandon calls the cops. He doesn't expect the social services agent, Riley, to be his mate...his omega. Riley fled to isolated Walker County after witnessing something he shouldn't. He isn't looking for a relationship. The attraction to Branson is as intense as it is inevitable. But Riley has secrets; his touch causes people to blurt out the truth, and his ex is trying to kill him. When Branson finds out, will he run or stay?
Amid all the intrigue, there is humor. The cousins will become embroiled in pack politics. Nana will save the day more than once. Come. Follow Branson & Riley on their road to HEA. It won't be smooth, but Wyatt, Nash, & Aver will be there to help them over the bumps. You will love this book! I cannot wait for book 2.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,570 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

Wow, Kiki has done it again. This was a great start to a new series. Branson is a wolf shifter, he left the island that his pack is from with his 3 cousin’s when their parents tried to get them to fight to the death to see who would become the next Walker Alpha, even his twin cousins Wyatt and Nash were meant to fight to the death. Riley had to leave Seattle quickly as his ex-boyfriend found out and tried to use him for his gift/curse which he’s had forever and then when he realised what was happening he confronted Blaine as him and his friends were beating up the guy that he used Riley to get the guys secret out of, he then threatened to k*ll Riley so he ran and changed his last name. Riley’s skin well mainly his hands make someone tell them their deepest darkest secrets when they touch you. Branson and Riley hit it off straight away and their relationship grows quickly but the way Kiki writes it feels like they’ve known each other for ages. I loved the connection between them and the twist on mpreg with a bit of magic involved. Nana Walker was awesome, even though she speaks in riddles half the time. It was cool to see Wyatt, Nash and Aver accept Riley as part of the family even after they found out about his gift. I hope the guys parents get what’s coming to them as they’re absolutely horrible people. I’m looking forward to the continuation of this series since this book was a cliff hanger. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
Profile Image for Claudia.
219 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2020
A solid 4 Stars for me, this was a really enjoyable m/m shifter mpreg story with some interesting concepts and world building. What stopped me from giving it 5 Stars was the need for more detail and explanation of inter character relationships and a little bit more detail in the steamy scenes.

The way shifters work in this world is that they’re unknown, and in this town, living segregated but to the humans it’s just because they’re rich and eccentric. The town is named after the family of shifters who founded it, the Walkers, of which the MC Branson is one of four “alpha heirs”. Branson and his three cousins have long since rejected their family (for suitably fucked up reaSons) and live independently in the town.

Riley is the newcomer, running away from a homicidal ex and hiding the fact that when people touch him, they reveal their inner truths. He meets Branson in less them stellar circumstances and although the attraction is instantaneous they’re both hiding extremely large secrets.

The mpreg in this worked, it’s not expected or the norm and it’s handled in a cheeky and fun way rather than something awful or horrifying. I would have really liked more depth in terms of how it occurred and the birthing scene was a bit confusing but maybe it’ll be fleshed out more in future instalments.

A solid read and I’m looking forward to the next one and how Branson’s cousins end up paired off!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna.
3,342 reviews42 followers
September 17, 2020
Details! Why must I always be so picky about the details? I know that we all notice different things, but please explain to me how you are going to make waffles in a skillet... I'm waiting... LOL!!!

There were just enough missing words to catch my attention and annoy me... grrr As I always prepare myself to completely disregard reality when reading mpreg shifter books, I really didn't have any problems with those aspects of the story... but, what I did have a problem with were the parts of the story that seemed to be more important to me than to the author. Say, for instance...

As for the characters? I loved them! This is why I will continue with the next book in this series, Hope!!! I love the way this author writes her characters and the wonderful "family" emotions that they allow to show. Although I am hoping for more attention to detail as these books progress. We shall see...
Profile Image for Trip .
904 reviews30 followers
July 15, 2023
An entertaining read and the perfect book to get me back into the mood to read, exactly what I needed. I binged it in an evening and lovely writing, with a lot of interesting aspects to the story.

The MCs Branson and Riley were wonderful, I enjoyed seeing their backstories be slowly introduced throughout the story. Getting the details come together as they begin their relationship, Riley's ability is especially interesting. Its a fast paced romance, giving very much destined vibes and I didn't really mind. They were sweet together, all of the heated moments and humor thrown in too.

Also incredible cast in general, from the cousins to Riley's friendships and the antagonists were fascinating. I'd have loved more closure in some areas, as feel like so many great ideas that bounced around but then just felt left open and would have enjoyed seeing explored more.

Still not sure about the rest of the series at the moment, as felt rather abrupt ending - while fitting it left me a little disappointed. True it's a series so I'd like to think some things will be explained and shown more in future books, but each looks to focus on different cousin and at the moment I'm mainly interested Branson and Riley.

Overall I did adore this book though and it was perfect for evening read, with a very sweet ending 💛
Profile Image for Anabela.M..
959 reviews15 followers
December 27, 2019
This is an awesome start to a another series by Kiki Burrelli and this time the author created an island for the Walker wolves as setting for their stories.

And while 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 is an alpha/omega, fated mates romance,what I liked most was that I didn't find the usual alpha posturing and omega mind set,nor the instant mate recognition that's customary for this trope. Admittedly, things between Branson and Riley evolved rapidly,but what they initially felt was an insane attraction and they kinda grew into their alpha/omega dynamic. Sweet, hot and intriguing to witness,with ups and downs,secrets ,outside interferences and danger to overcome before they built a solid,enduring bond.

Another interesting part of the book is the lack of the traditional pack surrounding the main characters. As a matter of fact, Branson and his cousins left their original pack and they created a new life for themselves. I hated how much they still suffer because of their families. They're all charming,endearing and they deserve so much happiness.

Riley and Branson may have created something beautiful together, but theirs and the other cousins' future is full of uncertainties. Can't wait to see what happens next in the series.

Profile Image for Miriam.
928 reviews
January 10, 2020
I received an ARC edition of this book from the author.

Although I did like some of the elements of this story, I thought the world-building and the plot flow needed a bit more work. I thought there were a few too many loose ends (not sure if they'll be explored in later books in the series, but it felt like loose ends for this story). I think I actually liked some of the secondary characters more than the MCs in this story. I'm hoping since this is only the first in the series some of the world-building will be expanded as the series continues.

Riley is the new social worker in Walker county, and his first case is going to lead him to more mysteries then he could have imagined for this small town. Branson never thought that dealing with his mother's latest plot to drag him back home was going to lead him to his mate. Although I did like Riley and Branson together, I wasn't wowed by them. I thought the issues with the elder families were interesting, but I also thought they were so over the top that they overshadowed some of the rest of the story. The mpreg element also felt a bit off in this story (and normally I rather like it, but it felt forced in this story). I am interested to see where the story goes from here and what is in store for the cousins.
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