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The Secrets of Shifters #1
The Darkest Wolves
My goddess has endless aspirations for my future.
I just don't think tricking the Prince of Hell to fall in love with me was one of them...
Three sinfully sexy hellhound shifters plot the Prince's murder while using me as their pawn to earn the trust of the royals. It’s a fool proof plan really.
Too bad it's what they don’t know that will kill them.
Because I'm no ordinary shifter. My secrets are the deadly kind.
For now, I'll be their greatest asset.
But in the end, I'll be their imminent demise.
This is book one in a tension filled enemies to lovers, MMF MFM reverse harem series. Recommended for readers over 18.
I just don't think tricking the Prince of Hell to fall in love with me was one of them...
Three sinfully sexy hellhound shifters plot the Prince's murder while using me as their pawn to earn the trust of the royals. It’s a fool proof plan really.
Too bad it's what they don’t know that will kill them.
Because I'm no ordinary shifter. My secrets are the deadly kind.
For now, I'll be their greatest asset.
But in the end, I'll be their imminent demise.
This is book one in a tension filled enemies to lovers, MMF MFM reverse harem series. Recommended for readers over 18.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2020
438 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Koonce
104 books885 followersA.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She's a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 24, 2020
DNF 35%
The h just seemed to be an angry individual who was willing to be led with little to no explanation. I wasn’t a fan of the H(s) either.
The h just seemed to be an angry individual who was willing to be led with little to no explanation. I wasn’t a fan of the H(s) either.
July 22, 2020
Rushed
I enjoy the plot, but it was far too rushed. Everything happened extremely quickly and there was not emotional exposition or character building really. The relationships were not really developed and the "villain" was not properly built. Also the world building was not their......oh and the reason she does it, is because she wants to go on an adventure, even though she might be tortured.... She had no emotional vested interest. If this had been developed and another 100 pages added, I would have really enjoyed it. I have enjoyed the authors other books, but this just seems underdeveloped and rush. Will not be reading the rest of the series. Sorry
I enjoy the plot, but it was far too rushed. Everything happened extremely quickly and there was not emotional exposition or character building really. The relationships were not really developed and the "villain" was not properly built. Also the world building was not their......oh and the reason she does it, is because she wants to go on an adventure, even though she might be tortured.... She had no emotional vested interest. If this had been developed and another 100 pages added, I would have really enjoyed it. I have enjoyed the authors other books, but this just seems underdeveloped and rush. Will not be reading the rest of the series. Sorry
January 6, 2026
The Dyslexic Reviewer - Spoil Free Reviews
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author:@a.k.koonce
POV: Single 1st person
Gene: Paranormal Romantasy
Triggers: Explicit Open door, Murder, Why Choose
Read Time: 5-6 hours
Expected Publishing Date: TOMORROW (KU)
❤️ World Building: The world building was the perfect balance of detail but not bogged down by them either. It evoked a nice imagery of the world around the story, as well as providing the feeling of the world and those in it.
❤️ The Characters: The four main characters have perfect chemistry between them all. I like how in harmony they all were with each other, either directly or indirectly. I also enjoyed some of the side characters and the glimpses of true loyalty.
❤️ The Story: The story was just great. It’s not a super epic story, but it is a great entertaining read, honestly, the kind of book I read the most of. There was more tenderness in this story than one would typically see in a why choose, but there is still plenty of that shifter energy.
❤️🔥Overall: This was a wonderfully fun read, with a perfect balance between story and spice.
Baby 🐺 Fact Inspired by the “puppies”: Wolf pups are born weighing about a pound, with no ability to see or hear. Blue at birth, the eyes of a wolf pup turn yellow between 8 and 16 weeks of age. At 2 weeks old, pups open their eyes and learn to walk, and grow teeth and leave the den a week later. (sciencing.com)
I was gifted this book free for my honest opinion, you know the drill 😉
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author:@a.k.koonce
POV: Single 1st person
Gene: Paranormal Romantasy
Triggers: Explicit Open door, Murder, Why Choose
Read Time: 5-6 hours
Expected Publishing Date: TOMORROW (KU)
❤️ World Building: The world building was the perfect balance of detail but not bogged down by them either. It evoked a nice imagery of the world around the story, as well as providing the feeling of the world and those in it.
❤️ The Characters: The four main characters have perfect chemistry between them all. I like how in harmony they all were with each other, either directly or indirectly. I also enjoyed some of the side characters and the glimpses of true loyalty.
❤️ The Story: The story was just great. It’s not a super epic story, but it is a great entertaining read, honestly, the kind of book I read the most of. There was more tenderness in this story than one would typically see in a why choose, but there is still plenty of that shifter energy.
❤️🔥Overall: This was a wonderfully fun read, with a perfect balance between story and spice.
Baby 🐺 Fact Inspired by the “puppies”: Wolf pups are born weighing about a pound, with no ability to see or hear. Blue at birth, the eyes of a wolf pup turn yellow between 8 and 16 weeks of age. At 2 weeks old, pups open their eyes and learn to walk, and grow teeth and leave the den a week later. (sciencing.com)
I was gifted this book free for my honest opinion, you know the drill 😉
July 23, 2020
Liked it a lot!
Cersia blessed with beauty by the Moon Goddess, and how she hates it, and that's why she's snarky. I mean, I would also be mad if people would expect nothing from me but to be pretty and live a dull life... But Cersia doesn't rely on her beauty that much, she is also kind and cares a lot.
I wish the story was a little less rushed so we could get to know Avian, Zilo and Roman. But I enjoyed the plot and was quite surprised at the little revelation at the end! I also wonder what kind of shifter Cersia is... Because it seemed like a huge deal to her father!
Definitely can't wait to read book 2!
Cersia blessed with beauty by the Moon Goddess, and how she hates it, and that's why she's snarky. I mean, I would also be mad if people would expect nothing from me but to be pretty and live a dull life... But Cersia doesn't rely on her beauty that much, she is also kind and cares a lot.
I wish the story was a little less rushed so we could get to know Avian, Zilo and Roman. But I enjoyed the plot and was quite surprised at the little revelation at the end! I also wonder what kind of shifter Cersia is... Because it seemed like a huge deal to her father!
Definitely can't wait to read book 2!
July 22, 2020
Wow what a read! From the very start I found myself hooked and engrossed in this story! Our female mc is snarky and sassy and she has amazing chemistry with her sinfully sexy hellhound shifters! It’s fast paced and has secrets, it’s hot hot hot and the world building is just amazing. Love the storyline, love the characters, this is a great first book!
October 15, 2020
Kindle Unlimited.
1.5 stars.
Ugghhhh. I wish I knew wtf was happening here. A little pacing, and some world and character building would've gone a long way.
This story takes place in hell, a place the main character has never been to and has ZERO curiosity about. Are there demons in hell? What different species are there? What's the ruling structure (besides "Prince")? Who are the enemies you've vanquished to earn your braids? What is this meat we're eating? She legitimately doesn't wonder about things.
The main character also trusts every character she meets, and does whatever she's told without any thoughts to consequences ("seduce this person", "kill that person", "kill that person, but do it this way"). WHY WOULD ANYONE DO THIS?
This is the third (?) book by this author that I've tried. I feel like I'm sucked into the premise of this author's work, and always left frustrated by the execution.
1.5 stars.
Ugghhhh. I wish I knew wtf was happening here. A little pacing, and some world and character building would've gone a long way.
This story takes place in hell, a place the main character has never been to and has ZERO curiosity about. Are there demons in hell? What different species are there? What's the ruling structure (besides "Prince")? Who are the enemies you've vanquished to earn your braids? What is this meat we're eating? She legitimately doesn't wonder about things.
The main character also trusts every character she meets, and does whatever she's told without any thoughts to consequences ("seduce this person", "kill that person", "kill that person, but do it this way"). WHY WOULD ANYONE DO THIS?
This is the third (?) book by this author that I've tried. I feel like I'm sucked into the premise of this author's work, and always left frustrated by the execution.
July 27, 2020
Unimpressed
Just wow? Ok, ok, let me start by saying there is nothing in the book I liked. I don't like our characters, (none) I don't like the storyline, I just don't like anything really about this read. The gaps of information or needing more information or yet, how about more to the story period? We're pretty much gliding over a lot, a lot of which is so damn needed here! like trying to tan on a cloudy day! Sure the cloud might move giving you a small fleeting Ray of warmth, but it's still a cloudy f***** day isn't it. Our fmc started out kind of intriguing, then just became every other heroine written these days, boring, contradicting personality, and throwing her self at the the male characters. As I skipped through and finally made it to the end cliffhanger I was no more impressed then watching paint dry. Won't finish this series
Just wow? Ok, ok, let me start by saying there is nothing in the book I liked. I don't like our characters, (none) I don't like the storyline, I just don't like anything really about this read. The gaps of information or needing more information or yet, how about more to the story period? We're pretty much gliding over a lot, a lot of which is so damn needed here! like trying to tan on a cloudy day! Sure the cloud might move giving you a small fleeting Ray of warmth, but it's still a cloudy f***** day isn't it. Our fmc started out kind of intriguing, then just became every other heroine written these days, boring, contradicting personality, and throwing her self at the the male characters. As I skipped through and finally made it to the end cliffhanger I was no more impressed then watching paint dry. Won't finish this series
July 21, 2020
Holy shifters this was good!
Can I just say how much I enjoy Cersia??? She's sassy, intelligent, snarky, kind and completely undervalued because she's beautiful. She's also a woman with secrets, secrets that apparently can cost her. The 3 men that bring her to hell are using her but they end up with way more than they bargained for. Cersia was gifted Beauty by the Goddess and she's always considered it a curse instead of blessing but what she doesn't see is that she has a beautiful soul. And, while she does indeed help the 3 men who are starting to see her, it comes with a cost that may be too steep to pay.
I really liked the story. The characters were also great and I can't wait for more of them. The book was also funny, sweet and sexy.
Can I just say how much I enjoy Cersia??? She's sassy, intelligent, snarky, kind and completely undervalued because she's beautiful. She's also a woman with secrets, secrets that apparently can cost her. The 3 men that bring her to hell are using her but they end up with way more than they bargained for. Cersia was gifted Beauty by the Goddess and she's always considered it a curse instead of blessing but what she doesn't see is that she has a beautiful soul. And, while she does indeed help the 3 men who are starting to see her, it comes with a cost that may be too steep to pay.
I really liked the story. The characters were also great and I can't wait for more of them. The book was also funny, sweet and sexy.
August 13, 2020
IT ALL STARTED with a look.
Cersia has no clue what the dark stranger wants from her. She is busy preparing for her wedding. The dark stranger approaches her with a challenge. What will she do? An awesome story!
Cersia has no clue what the dark stranger wants from her. She is busy preparing for her wedding. The dark stranger approaches her with a challenge. What will she do? An awesome story!
October 11, 2020
KINDLE UNLIMITED
MFM, MM
Fast read with a snarky/violent MC who winds up in Hell for an assassination. I liked Cersia's character, but by the end of the it seemed that she may have been played by the Hellhounds.
MFM, MM
Fast read with a snarky/violent MC who winds up in Hell for an assassination. I liked Cersia's character, but by the end of the it seemed that she may have been played by the Hellhounds.
July 23, 2020
"I have a special place in my soul for asshole shifter men and the snarky women who make them crazy ;)" — A. K. Koonce
I love everything by this author.
I love everything by this author.
January 4, 2026
The Darkest Wolves is the first book in Koonce's The Secrets of Shifters series. This why choose romantasy features Cersia, Roman, Avian and Zilo.
Cersia is a member of a wolf pack. She too is a shifter but she has never shifted. Cersia has long been known to be stunningly beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful in the land. She is also fiery and has a bit of a temper. The night she is to be mated to another pack member named Mika she is visited by another wolf, Roman, who does not belong to her pack. Cersia wants more out of life than just to bear beautiful pups. He convinces her to follow him and leads her to meet Avian and Zilo. The three are warriors of Hell. They received guidance to seek her out and gain her assistance in eliminating Prince Ravar, the Prince of Hell. They whisk her away to their realm where she will need to seduce the Prince and help get rid of him. She is definitely up to the challenge.
This was an entertaining read. There were some unexpected twists and turns, which definitely kept me engaged. I loved the big reveal, as well as the unexpected ending. Cersia is an interesting character. While she spent most of her life simply being the beauty, she wanted so much more, and she got it. I enjoyed her dynamic with each of the warriors. They shared some very spicy scenes together. I look forward to checking out the next release in this series.
There was a note from the author at the end of the book noting that this one is a bit of an amuse bouche for her series To Tame A Shifter. I'll have to check those out.
Cersia is a member of a wolf pack. She too is a shifter but she has never shifted. Cersia has long been known to be stunningly beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful in the land. She is also fiery and has a bit of a temper. The night she is to be mated to another pack member named Mika she is visited by another wolf, Roman, who does not belong to her pack. Cersia wants more out of life than just to bear beautiful pups. He convinces her to follow him and leads her to meet Avian and Zilo. The three are warriors of Hell. They received guidance to seek her out and gain her assistance in eliminating Prince Ravar, the Prince of Hell. They whisk her away to their realm where she will need to seduce the Prince and help get rid of him. She is definitely up to the challenge.
This was an entertaining read. There were some unexpected twists and turns, which definitely kept me engaged. I loved the big reveal, as well as the unexpected ending. Cersia is an interesting character. While she spent most of her life simply being the beauty, she wanted so much more, and she got it. I enjoyed her dynamic with each of the warriors. They shared some very spicy scenes together. I look forward to checking out the next release in this series.
There was a note from the author at the end of the book noting that this one is a bit of an amuse bouche for her series To Tame A Shifter. I'll have to check those out.
July 18, 2020
Holy Hell sticks this book was great. Cersia’s is getting ready to be mates and live a boring normal baby making life. Is she thrilled? No, but she sucks it up puts on a smile and pretends this is what she wants most in life. Then she sees a massive black wolf that transforms to a HAF guy and the snark this alphahole has is phenomenal. He convinced her to go to hell with two other HAF guys. Their names Roman the snarky alphahole. Avian the calming collected one. And Zilo the dominant alphahole. I love Cers name for Roman; Hell cunt. I about died when I read that. There’s some twists and turns and you find out the prince of Hell is a douche canoe. I can’t wait to read more.
August 17, 2020
The beginning of the book was pretty strange. The fmc, Cersia, left everything she knew to follow 3 strangers into hell realm. They were kind of rude and didn't need any arguments to convince her to go with them and help them in their quest. Really weird...
Anyway, the story was very, very fast paced, switching from one event to another. It was a twister. Even so, I still liked it :)) Maybe because I found it funny and I laughed a bit.
That's the reason I also gave it 4 stars, because it put in a mood where I didn't need to think, to analyze the story, I just relaxed, took it as it was, and enjoyed it.
Anyway, the story was very, very fast paced, switching from one event to another. It was a twister. Even so, I still liked it :)) Maybe because I found it funny and I laughed a bit.
That's the reason I also gave it 4 stars, because it put in a mood where I didn't need to think, to analyze the story, I just relaxed, took it as it was, and enjoyed it.
November 21, 2020
Not impressed
Typically I'm thoroughly impressed by this authors stories. the story lines itself is why it gets two stars, however, I'm really disappointed. The characters are undeveloped and I can't relate at all to any of the characters. I mean on your mating day you just walk away and into hell with 3 random guys then your agreeing to assisting to kill the prince of hell and sleeping with 2 of the 3 guys you leave with? I feel like there needs to be much more of a back story and maybe a believable motive for the main character to want to help. I can never read a book and not finish the series so I'm still going to give the other books a shot and hope they get better.
Typically I'm thoroughly impressed by this authors stories. the story lines itself is why it gets two stars, however, I'm really disappointed. The characters are undeveloped and I can't relate at all to any of the characters. I mean on your mating day you just walk away and into hell with 3 random guys then your agreeing to assisting to kill the prince of hell and sleeping with 2 of the 3 guys you leave with? I feel like there needs to be much more of a back story and maybe a believable motive for the main character to want to help. I can never read a book and not finish the series so I'm still going to give the other books a shot and hope they get better.
July 20, 2020
I am a diehard fan of Koonce but she has absolutely outdone herself with this one. I was immediately attached to the main character and rooting for her from the beginning. Her emotions are raw and real and her snark and hardness are what make her the most endearing. The men are all enticing in different ways and I find myself having a hard time picking a favorite. Koonce has a way of building worlds and characters that quickly draw you in and make you want to be part of the story. I can’t wait to see how Cersia’s story continues.
July 20, 2020
*Spoiler Alert*
Cersia (FMC) finds herself in the middle of a plot to get rid of Prince Ravar when dark wolves - Roman, Avian and Zilo ask her for help. Theres plenty of plot twists especially the one at the end of this book which was just knockout!! I was a little unsure if i liked Cersia or not as a character at the beginning but she kind of grew on me. I liked that she was strong-willed and sarcastic. Brought out more by the dark wolves i think. Im still trying to work them out but i guess Ill see how they play out in the next book. I really loved this one though. Its a flaming great read
Cersia (FMC) finds herself in the middle of a plot to get rid of Prince Ravar when dark wolves - Roman, Avian and Zilo ask her for help. Theres plenty of plot twists especially the one at the end of this book which was just knockout!! I was a little unsure if i liked Cersia or not as a character at the beginning but she kind of grew on me. I liked that she was strong-willed and sarcastic. Brought out more by the dark wolves i think. Im still trying to work them out but i guess Ill see how they play out in the next book. I really loved this one though. Its a flaming great read
July 20, 2020
Wow...... loved this! Cersia was blessed by the moon goddess with beauty but she is a snarky, sarcastic FMC that does not take any crap and does what she wants. She holds onto her secrets tight but when she meets Roman, Zilo and Avian she finally gets her chance at something she wants even if she has to travel to Hell. It’s a bit darker than other shifter stories but the dark ride is worth it. You will not be satisfied with just this book and you will beg the author for more! Definitely a must read! 💜💕
July 21, 2020
If you like FMCs that are quick-witted, men that are panty melting hot, with plots and twists look no further this book has all of that and much more. Cersia is my favorite character she is the FMC and her attitude and general demeanor make her completely relatable. Then you have 3 men who are hot as sin which is fitting because they are hellhound shifters and then the rude and arrogant prince of hell himself. This book is amazing I couldn't stop reading it once I started like a new addiction. I definitely recommend it as a must read.
February 11, 2024
Brilliantly witty, fun, lust filled looks and devilish excitement!
The Darkest Wolves is a completely different shifter book, and I absolutely loved every word of it. Refreshingly witty, beautiful characters, emotion inducing adventures. It made me laugh, cry, it even evoked panty melting moments of droolsomeness, all while on the edge of my seat with action filled excitement! This was the first book I've read from A.K. Koonce and it will most definitely not be my last. More please!
The Darkest Wolves is a completely different shifter book, and I absolutely loved every word of it. Refreshingly witty, beautiful characters, emotion inducing adventures. It made me laugh, cry, it even evoked panty melting moments of droolsomeness, all while on the edge of my seat with action filled excitement! This was the first book I've read from A.K. Koonce and it will most definitely not be my last. More please!
July 22, 2020
Mystery shifter
Omg! This has me on edge wanting to know what she is hiding, what her father is hiding really. The storyline is so good and has you hooked and losing sleep wondering whats going to happen next. The snark, tension and steam is on point. Can't wait for next book bc woo boy that ending got me like whhaaaa.... well done!
Omg! This has me on edge wanting to know what she is hiding, what her father is hiding really. The storyline is so good and has you hooked and losing sleep wondering whats going to happen next. The snark, tension and steam is on point. Can't wait for next book bc woo boy that ending got me like whhaaaa.... well done!
July 22, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! Cersia is an excellent character who is more than meets the eye. Most only judge her for her beauty granted from the goddess. The 3 Hell hounds really have taken on a handful that they were not prepared for! Cannot wait to read more of this series and see what happens next
July 22, 2020
Loop de loop and then sizzle
Wow!! I though the initial bad guy was going to be the bad guy throughout the series. Boy was I ever wrong in that one! This book is GREAT! I can’t wait to read more of Cers and the guys. It’s a great adventure with a dash of mystery and so much sexual tension and sizzling moments. This is a fast burn first installment and you won’t regret it!!
Wow!! I though the initial bad guy was going to be the bad guy throughout the series. Boy was I ever wrong in that one! This book is GREAT! I can’t wait to read more of Cers and the guys. It’s a great adventure with a dash of mystery and so much sexual tension and sizzling moments. This is a fast burn first installment and you won’t regret it!!
July 23, 2020
Alright. Cersia is officially my hero in terms of coming up with colorful swearing & language. I really enjoyed reading book 1 in this new series. Definitely a different storyline as we all know tropes can become repetitive. <3 loved the characters, even the big bad. Or are they the big bad? Guess we'll find out.
October 2, 2020
Interesting new series..
This was definitely an interesting new series and different from A.K. Koonce's other books, not necessarily in a bad way. It was just so short that by the time I was really getting into it and getting to know the characters, it ended. Rather abruptly too. I'll read the next book, but I'm so tired of these short books with these drawn out series'.
This was definitely an interesting new series and different from A.K. Koonce's other books, not necessarily in a bad way. It was just so short that by the time I was really getting into it and getting to know the characters, it ended. Rather abruptly too. I'll read the next book, but I'm so tired of these short books with these drawn out series'.
Read
May 5, 2021Quick and quirky read
This book was pretty good.
It was very short but in that time there was a lot going on. Although the relationships between the MC's didn't really feel organic, they still had some good chemistry even with the insta-love.
The twist at the end did make the story a bit more intriguing but I probably won't read the next one.
This book was pretty good.
It was very short but in that time there was a lot going on. Although the relationships between the MC's didn't really feel organic, they still had some good chemistry even with the insta-love.
The twist at the end did make the story a bit more intriguing but I probably won't read the next one.
July 21, 2020
Yess
Such a fucking fantastic read!!!! And we did have one good steamy scene!!!!! Yessss loved that!!!!! But that damn cliff hanger!!!!! I hope book two has some hotter steamy hell scenes!!!!
Such a fucking fantastic read!!!! And we did have one good steamy scene!!!!! Yessss loved that!!!!! But that damn cliff hanger!!!!! I hope book two has some hotter steamy hell scenes!!!!
July 22, 2020
Holy hell! A.K. Koonce does it again! I love this take no shit FMC! I can't wait til book 2! I devoured this book in a day. Highly recommend! It packs all the punches, quite literally LOL. We even get a nice hot sexy scene and it's 🔥🔥
July 22, 2020
This book! I am absolutely in love with this story and all the characters so dang much. The authir does a fantastic job writing stories that keep you hooked and on edge needing more. This book is one of the best to me and I cant wait for more!
July 23, 2020
Wow! I devoured every word in this book and loved every minute of it. I love asshole men, and Roman definitely fits that description! Its heart wrenching to read about the abuse he suffers. Cersia is a brilliant mc, full of grit, snark and so strong. I cant wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews