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Shy and unsure, what Shiloh needs is a steady hand to guide him.

Shiloh Formes has lived his young adult life in fear of turning into his brother. Seamus couldn’t make the right choice if it bit him in the bottom. But Shiloh didn’t graduate high school early to spend his life partying like his brother. Shiloh plans on dedicating his life to his academic passion and he knows just the professor to help him get started.

Secret billionaire and respected professor, Beckett Crawford has everything but a mate to love.

Blind since birth, Beckett is an alpha who knows what it’s like to have to work twice as hard as his peers. He understands Shiloh’s passion but the student asks him for a favor Beckett simply cannot grant. But Shiloh doesn’t leave without making an impression on Beckett, and soon, he can’t stop thinking about the student who should be so clearly off-limits.

Shiloh needs to be careful. He can’t afford to fall into the same downward spiral that dragged down his brother. Even if Shiloh has fallen hard for his teacher, nothing can come of it. But when an old enemy threatens Shiloh, it’s Beckett who rushes to protect him. It’s Beckett who offers Shiloh the key to unlocking his academic future, and it is Beckett who cares for Shiloh like he’s the most precious thing in the world. But with as many reasons Shiloh has for why they should be together, there are just as many threatening to tear them apart.

Picking Cherries is the ninth novel in the Welcome to Morningwood Series. It may absolutely be read as a standalone and features an age/gap, student/professor, omegaverse romance with a dash of domestic discipline (lite) to keep it spicy.

Other books included in the Welcome to Morningwood Series:
Gingerbred Lessons
Ball Drop
Sweet Meat
Sack of Gold
Hop On
Red, White & Blew
Pumpkin Cream Pie
Love Nest

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2020

105 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Kiki Burrelli

98 books622 followers

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5 stars
154 (47%)
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109 (33%)
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56 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,464 reviews378 followers
April 26, 2020
I love the Morningwood stories, they're just sweet and a good time! Turns out, I somehow missed reading book 7, but this stands on its own very well, although you'll see characters from previous books through this one.

Shiloh is a young hawk shifter who is desperate to get into Beckett Crawford's college classes. When his attempts don't work, it isn't until Beckett overhears something that causes him to worry about Shiloh's safety that he reaches out to help protect him. (this whole part at the start probably would have made much more sense if I had read book 7, though.)

I loved the progression of their relationship, from teacher/mentor to more. Lots of tropes people will enjoy here - age gap (Shiloh is 18, Beckett is early 40's), forbidden relationship with a college professor/student, first times, and a light bit of domestic discipline kink. You know that meme of the sub asking his dom for rules and the dom is all "eat a salad, go work out, take care of yourself"? This story reminded me of that!

I loved Beckett and how patient, caring, and nurturing he was with Shiloh. He understands that he is young, and he tries to explain domestic discipline to him the best he can. And I love how independent he is and doesn't let his blindness deter him from doing anything he wants.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Scooby2.
1,086 reviews19 followers
April 23, 2020
I always love returning to Morningwood and “Picking Cherries” didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t wait to read this story when I found out it was going to be Shiloh’s story, I’ve been curious about him since we met him. I loved watching Shiloh and Beckett come together as a couple, they were perfect for one another. I enjoyed getting to see Seamus and Leo again as well. My only complaint is, I wished this time it hadn’t went the “fated mates” route, I actually liked them better not being “fated mates” but that’s just me. If you haven’t read any of the books in the series, don’t worry, you can pick this one up and not be lost. If you love reading a story with an age gap, shifters, student/professor, and a touch of angst; give “Picking Cherries” a try. I can’t wait to see what’s up next in the series.

I give this book 4 stars.

I received an arc from the author for honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Penumbra.
1,195 reviews20 followers
March 29, 2024
Picking Cherries is the ninth book in the ‘Welcome to Morningwood’ series. It stars Shiloh Formes, a college student and hawk shifter, and Professor Beckett Crawford, a blind and poisonous snake shifter. This is told in first person from Shiloh and Beckett’s pov.

2.5 Stars

This is the first book I’ve read in this series so I don’t know how this story fits in with the others. I think there may have been appearances by previous characters, but since I don’t know who they were, it was confusing as to where they fit.

The blurb gives a rundown of the plot, but it’s more dramatic than the story really is. Beckett and Shiloh fall into a relationship quickly, faster than the blurb describes. The blurb emphasizes Shiloh’s fear of becoming like his brother, but there aren’t any events that occur that would tempt Shiloh into the same behavior as his brother. There is one incident where Beckett finds Seamus talking to a suspicious character, but nothing ever comes of the stranger threatening Shiloh. It’s like a dropped subplot that wasn’t used. All it did was have Beckett think he needed to protect Shiloh, so Beckett made sure Shiloh was occupied or almost never alone. There was no actual threat. I dislike when authors write dangers where nothing happens, making the scene a forgotten topic.

The blurb says this has mild domestic discipline/BDSM aspects. I don’t consider it domestic discipline. It reminds me more of a Daddy/boy relationship even though Beckett and Shiloh don’t call each other Daddy/boy. Beckett’s behavior is all about control and taking on Shiloh’s worries and troubles. Shiloh likes relying on Beckett and letting Beckett make Shiloh’s decisions. It’s shown and repeatedly told after Beckett tells Shiloh what kind of relationship he wants from Shiloh, that Shiloh becomes all indecisive and worried. This is one of the inconsistencies in this book. At the beginning, Shiloh knows what he wants to do with his life. He’s determined and studious with his studies, and made sure not to fall into trouble like his brother. He has a goal to join one of Beckett’s advanced classes on shifters. Shiloh is not a misguided or worried individual. He’s independent and goal focused. There’s a total switch in Shiloh’s personality once he’s involved with Beckett. I dislike it when authors don’t keep their characters consistent. If Shiloh was insecure and worried a lot at the beginning of the story, I could believe in Beckett and Shiloh’s BDSM relationship. As it was, it didn’t work. Beckett also kept telling Shiloh that Shiloh had choices to obey or not, but if Shiloh didn’t behave the way that Beckett wanted, he’d be punished. That is not a choice, that’s like a parent expecting obedience from a child. Speaking of which their relationship was an age-gay trope with Beckett, forty-two, and Shiloh, eighteen. That makes me think if it was a male and female age gap, that it would be creepy and grooming. Yes, this story is fiction, it’s still creepy, especially with the BDSM of obedience and the Daddy/boy dynamic.

I found the writing ragged, and especially in the beginning, there were inconsistences in the flow of events. Like when Seamus was sent to jail, then the rabbit community, then suddenly he found his mate and had a baby, in relation to the time sequence of the story dealing with Shiloh and Beckett. Seamus’ situation wasn’t woven into Shiloh’s story well since Seamus’ experiences were part of what happened to Shiloh. The subplot felt convoluted.

Overall, this story was okay. The subplots and tropes all felt fragmented and weren’t completed making it difficult to connect to the characters or believe in their lives and lifestyle. I had to push myself to finish reading this book. I want to give this 2.5 stars, but since I finished reading this, I’ll give it 3 Stars. I wouldn’t recommend this book and I won’t be re-reading it.
Profile Image for Becca.
3,214 reviews47 followers
May 5, 2020
I love shifter stories, but whoo, this one gave me the willies to a point. I love me some Beckett, don’t get me wrong, but his animal makes me want to run for the hills. But I still love him. And so does someone else.
Shiloh is such a smart shifter, only being 17 and in college. He’s good at his studies and he’s found a course in which he’s passionate about. But the professor won’t let first or second year students enter his class. Mainly because it’s a heavy workload. But Shiloh is determined to make it in. After several run ins with Prof. Crawford, who is not at all what Shiloh expected, he’s extremely upset. Which, of course is what got Seamus in trouble back in his story. But when Beckett comes across Shiloh in a hallway, upset and crying, something in Beckett changes. It’s been hard enough trying to keep Shiloh off his mind and his scent out of his brain. But seeing Shiloh upset, hurts him. But can Shiloh accept the kind of relationship that Beckett needs? And when push comes to shove, will Shiloh stand by Beckett’s side or will his age and uncertainty break them apart?
I knew way back, that Shiloh was going to need a different relationship than the others. He needs someone in control and to take care of him in a way that some wouldn’t understand. And Beckett needs to be the one in control. You’d think it would be a perfect match, right? But sometimes, age can be a factor and other things as well. Such as people’s opinions. It doesn’t mean their opinion is right, but if it gives you pause in what you are doing and what you are thinking, maybe you aren’t where you should be or maybe you shouldn’t be ashamed of what you need and not listen to everyone else. It’s hard. And for Shiloh, I truly felt for him, because he was being torn in so many directions and listening to too many things, instead of the one thing he should have been listening to all along. His heart. And Beckett. But Beckett was right in some things. Some thing he can take the control over and make the decisions about, but some things Shiloh has to do for himself.
But I love them. It’s hard when you’re feeling your way around new territory. It doesn’t help when pheromones are overwhelming you in every sense either. But, the key thing in this book, was a rule of Beckett’s. Be honest and communicate. No one is a mind reader. I love this series so much. I love learning the ins and outs of everyone. Seeing the new characters that come about. It’s interesting in how they all intertwine as well.

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63 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2020
Omg this is such a precious gift of a story. I’ve been going in order reading the books in the welcome to Morningwood series one by one. But I kept wanting to jump to this one because i love that Kiki has written a story about a blind man who gets his happy ever after. It’s so refreshing and it’s so hopeful. I’ve mentioned this before in a previous review but I want to reiterate how amazing it is that Kiki Burelli is so inclusive. I love that everyone gets a shot at love. People with disabilities, people who have age gap, People who are over weight.. I love how she gives everyone a chance. The fact that she is so inclusive is very close to my heart cos I myself have been living with a chronic illness since the age or 13 and have struggled with my weight since then. And I never felt attractive but to have your other half find you attractive is such a gift. At 35 I’ve finally found my other half who finds me beautiful.. She makes her characters beautiful and perfect in the eyes of their partners/mates and to me that is amazing. What I want to say is books like this let people like me feel hopeful. Like even we have a chance. It’s really beautiful, the character dynamics between shy awkward Shiloh and and confident, independent Beckett. How Beckett takes responsibility of taking full care of Shiloh while Shiloh still retained full power. Their mutual respect for each other was lovely to read. I enjoyed reading this story so much, in fact I have loved all of the morning wood books each different n unique and each has completely drawn me in.. Kiki is such a super star.. she never ceases to amaze me. Each book she writes is such a treat. Thank you to kiki burelli for this book.. it really brightened my whole day. Binge reading her books during this corona time has been such a treat. I apologise to the author cos I haven’t made a point of reviewing her other books and series (which have all been so fantastic) and letting her know how phenomenal she is. But here I am making up for past reviews I should have written. This is a gem of a book n I give it 5 stars. She really is the queen of mpreg and shifter books.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
April 26, 2020
I will admit that this MM shifter romance is a truly outstanding addition to the series. It certainly grabbed my attention & kept it until the end. The characters are likable with interesting complex personalities & they have good chemistry between them although there is a certain amount of insecurities portrayed by the younger male character in particular I like how one of the characters is portrayed as having a sight/seeing disability that does not interfere in the way he approaches life. The well-written plot is entertaining & there are some tantalizing scenes with good descriptions & world building.
There is: a shy & academically-minded young male omega hawk shifter (Shiloh) is highly attracted to a blind alpha male snake shifter professor (Beckett) but realizes deep in his heart that nothing could happen between them then Beckett overhears a conversation & decides to help Shiloh & the attractions flare, Shiloh’s brother (Seamus), various kinds of shifters, age-gap, student/teacher, intrigue, drama, secrets, some mild twists & turns, anguish, strange attractions, mild BDSM, discipline, spankings, domination/submission, misunderstandings, decisions, compromises, mates, contentment, some steam, love & a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed reading this book & would recommend it.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,005 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2020
I have to say that this is the first book in this series that I have read, but not the first book by this author. I really enjoy this authors writing and enjoyed this book too. It is a part of a series but I was able to read the book as a standalone, despite not knowing who some of the characters mentioned were. Shiloh is a seventeen, almost eighteen year old hawk shifter. Smart and a year ahead of the others at the university he attends in Morningwood, he meets Beckett, a professor that he wants to learn from. The two can't take their eyes off of each other. I mean that figuratively as Beckett is blind. When Shiloh could be in danger, Beckett decides to keep him close to him so he can protect the young man. The two are doing a research project together and grow closer as the dean of the school sets them up for failure. There is definitely angst and of course controversy between two to add spice to the story. A secondary story threads throughout about Shiloh's brother Seamus. A sweet, romantic read with angst, alpha/omega and some D/s elements. a book worth reading. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
Profile Image for Claudia Lezár.
1,409 reviews39 followers
May 2, 2020
3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
Profile Image for Shaira.
61 reviews
April 24, 2020
We're back to Morningwood, and now it's about Seamus' brother, Shiloh and Professor--and secret billionaire--Crawford. This book made me felt like I was part of the university while reading. That I was learning among the students, especially our main character. This is also my first time reading.. or even knowing about puff adders. I've read about snake shifters before, but not like this. Not only he can mask his scent, his also blind. But that doesn't hinder his abilities and aspirations. And Shiloh is just so sweet, caring and has a lot of determination and aspirations. We also still continue to see the issue about shifter and normie issue. Hence the subject professor Crawford teaches to. It made me happy to see some of the characters from the other books show up here. It makes me want to see more of Morningwood residents.

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,054 reviews11 followers
April 25, 2020
Shiloh carries a lot on his shoulders: the youngest student at Morningwood U., the burden of what his brother Seamus did (but has made good on his payback to the Morningwood population), and now he's found his mate in Professor Beckett Crawford. This relationship is a careful but sweet connection as one is willing to fight for it and the other is reluctant to acknowledge the possibility of their mating being a successful one. Read this with an open mind as to Beckett's weakness of not only being blind but not wanting to stifle Shiloh's potential for striving for maturity. The age difference is mentioned but not played up like other Daddy/Boy stories. I liked how the author set up the explanation of why/how Beckett was born blind. That bit of actual medical knowledge was not made up but an actual bit of birth or early eye defect. This added a sense of realism to the story. A good story that I was given an ARC from the author for my honest review.
998 reviews36 followers
April 27, 2020
Shiloh is smart and wants to make something of himself. He works hard and gets himself into college. Beckett is the one professor that he longs to take classes from. Will Shiloh get his wish and find purpose in his life?

I enjoyed Shiloh and Beckett. Watching their relationship grow made for a nice read. Beckett may be blind, but he is strong and can fend for himself. I enjoyed seeing his blindness as just a difference not a disability. Shiloh is young and finding his way. I loved seeing his growth throughout this story. The two are good together and it was nice to watch the trust and understanding grow between the two. Both Beckett and Shiloh must learn to love and trust. Their story is both a hot and sweet read that kept my attention all the way to the end. I love that the author continues to pair up different shifters and is not afraid to take chances with the couples. Love finds its way to the men no matter what.
288 reviews1 follower
Read
February 22, 2022
Good

3.75☆
Shiloh is shy and awkward, he is almost 18, and he is determined to follow his academic dreams.
Bennett is 42, lives a fairly regimented life - mainly due to his blindness, and he is a professor who is teaching and working on a research project that is exactly what Shiloh is deeply interested in.
They both feel a connection from the moment they meet, but for various reasons tread carefully, they have some ups and downs, and soon love and passions lead them to a satisfying HEA.
I was a bit squeamish about their ages but the way they connected felt genuine and progressed at a slower, get-to-know-you pace.
This book needs proofreading for things like using the wrong word or wrong or missing punctuation, etc, and it needs a new blurb. The part that says "when an old enemy threatens Shiloh .." it is misleading. I cannot say more without spoilers.
1,488 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2020
It is interesting how with every book we learn more and more about Morningwood, its inhabitants and the world in which the series is set. Now this book followed up the story of Shiloh in the same timeline the events in Pumpkin Cream Pie were happening. Beckett and Shiloh's story is not only about love and about finding the one that complemented you, but also is about acceptance, tolerance and how we need to overcome and understand our fears to be truly happy. A wonderful addition to the series... I can't wait to read more stories in this amazing series!!
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,240 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2020
Love love love this so much!!!

This is one of my most favorite shifter series ever. Not your standard types of shifters is one of the main reasons. I had to look up what a puff adder was lol. And the pairings are amazing. The author put a lot of thought in the characters and their inner animal making sure that their mannerisms matched. That makes the connection to the characters that much stronger. Plus I love seeing some of the old characters we haven’t seen in a bit. I can see me reading this series many many times.
Profile Image for Danis  ❤️ MM.
808 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2022
Shiloh, a shy, barely legal shifter college student wants to study the psychology of shifters. Who else could teach him but the premier researcher in the field Dr. Becket Crawford. At first Shiloh is rebuffed, too young to take any of Dr. Crawford's classes. But alpha Beckett feels the need to keep shy omega Shiloh close so offers him a research assistant position. Shenanigans ensue. I hope this is not the last Morningwood. Or better yet, the author decides to write Dix Wallow stories (the next closest shifter city).
Profile Image for Ilona Fenton.
1,060 reviews33 followers
April 23, 2020
This is one of my favourite shifter series' because of the wide variety of shifters that can be found in it. This one was an especially good story as it had a blind shifter who was both sexy and confident, and Kiki got it just right without being mawkish or over the top with her depiction of him. Add in a romance with a younger man and a BDSM kink and it becomes a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good shifter romance.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
April 25, 2020
Picking Cherries is part of the Welcome to Morningwood series by Kiki Burrelli. I absolutely adored this sweet and sexy tale about a younger student and an older professor. We get age gap, shifters, teacher/student elements plus there is drama, humor and steam. Great addition to series and definitely a read that made me happy.
Profile Image for Patricia Nelson.
1,739 reviews20 followers
April 25, 2020
This was such a sweet, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, fantastic, beautiful, delightful, poignant, charming, engaging, heartfelt, endearing, powerful, tug-at-your-heartstrings, sexy, and totally awesome story. This marvelous gem had me hooked from beginning to end, and I would definitely recommend getting it immediately!
1,919 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2020
Great Read

Loved this story it is part of the Morningwood series and was a great addition. The storyline is fun and interesting. The characters Shiloh and Beckett who is blind make a fun interesting adventure together. You get the ups and downs and sweet and amazing loved it from start to finish can’t wait for more of this series.
21 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book, I just personally am not a fan of an age gap this big.
I think the fact that Beckett is blind added to the story.
They just seemed to fit together really well. I really enjoyed reading this story, I haven't read much else of this series yet, but I really want to read the rest now too.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,957 reviews16 followers
April 27, 2020
I love coming back to Morningwood. Kiki Burrelli doesn't disappoint in pulling me into a story. I absolutely love Shiloh and Beckett! They are perfect for each other. This is such a sweet that I just absolutely love. This is such a sweet story and I love these two relationship with each other. Definitely another amazing addition to this world.
124 reviews
May 3, 2020
Disappointing

The plot was quite interesting but from the very beginning I had to force myself to finish it. Nothing new, all was a cookie cutter version of previous works. The story ends up lacking development so you get bored. I'm returning it and never buying anything from Kiki, she's no longer an author I care about it unfortunately
Profile Image for lorikayhorsfall.
400 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2020
Shifter diversity.

Kiki Burrelli is one of my favorite writer's as she always puts so much feeling into everything she writes .Picking cherries caught and held my attention because of the diversity in the shifters involved . And who doesn't like a story with a protective Alpha in it.
Profile Image for Jolene.
686 reviews
April 23, 2020
Wow. Shiloh and Beckett were just hot. I loved how Beckett dealt with his sight issues and was able to accomplish so much, while Shiloh was dealing with being so young but getting a higher education.

I received an advanced copy of this book and was not required to leave a review
2,383 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2020
Pretty good!!

Pretty good read! Didn't like that Shiloh was so young and Beckett didn't seem like a good match for him. They just didn't work for me. But I love Ms. Burrell , so managed to enjoy it any way. Not one of my favs though.😕
Profile Image for Danielle.
738 reviews
June 22, 2020
Gotta love college stories

Mix of things age play, some BDSM and shifters. Makes for great reading and the setting in college, even better. Of it all I would love to see Grub get his.
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,203 reviews17 followers
April 25, 2020
Shiloh and Beckett’s story was refreshingly different from all the others in the series. Beckett’s disability made him stand out but it was the way he used all his other senses, that truly amazed me.

Great addition to the series!

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
1,159 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2020
Brilliant

I really loved this book but was disapointed how it finished i expected to be longer as i thought it finished abruptly.
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