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Grayhaven #1

Escaping Monsters

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First comes love…
Then comes marriage…
…and then comes my con-artist husband selling me to werewolves on our honeymoon.

On the run from my cruel captors, I stumble into Grayhaven. This secret supernatural settlement is packed with biker demons, fae royals, and witches dealing in death-magic. Their small town could be my salvation... or doom.

But when the Grayhaven werewolf pack tracks me down, I feel the noose of impending capture tightening around my throat. I’m an omega, the least dominant werewolf in the supernatural world. If I’m given an order—any order—I’m powerless to refuse.

The five dominant werewolves could enslave me with a word. Instead, they take me in, protect me, and call me their mate. I want to believe that they are mine... that I’m safe.

Yet, there is a malevolent darkness hunting me and it won’t stop until it’s claimed me once more, body and soul.

If you love sexy-as-hell alpha werewolves, feisty heroines, fated mates, and dominant shifters who would do anything to protect their mate, get ready to devour this medium/fast burn reverse harem romance!

Escaping Monsters is the first book in this steamy new Why Choose werewolf series by Alexa B James and Rita Stradling. This book is for 18 and over only please.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2020

1302 people are currently reading
887 people want to read

About the author

Rita Stradling

33 books833 followers
Rita Stradling is a USA Today Bestselling Author with an all-consuming addiction to popcorn.

She writes young adult and new adult romances about flawed people who find their perfect together (often these people are dragon-shifters, werewolves, or have magical powers).

Rita believes in soulmates, happily ever afters, and that love can overcome any obstacle.

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5 stars
799 (36%)
4 stars
703 (32%)
3 stars
496 (22%)
2 stars
129 (5%)
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44 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
108 reviews
June 16, 2020
This story has so much potential. It was an interesting idea, and it had an original take on omegas that I hadn’t read before. The biggest issue for me was just the actual writing and flow of the story. I don’t know if it’s because it was written by two authors and they just have different writing styles, or what, but it could be so much better and polished. Personally, there were a lot of incongruences in the book and I feel that there was room for more world-building, relationship-building, character development, and just more background information in general. It just lacked a lot of context and some parts left me confused. Whether this was done purposefully to be found out in later books, or if it could've been expanded on, I'm not sure, but there was just so much room for more regardless. Nevertheless, I was intrigued enough that I finished the book and that I would like to follow up with the next book in the series to see if it gets better.
Profile Image for Katyana.
1,805 reviews291 followers
September 23, 2020
I'm just not sure about this book.

I like the concept - this mysterious town that can only be found by supernaturals who are running for their lives.

I really dislike the idea of the FMC compulsively having to do everything she's ordered to do. It's basically Ella Enchanted with werewolf dickheads. It might be a hurdle I can't overcome in this series. Because what on fucking Earth is the purpose of such a thing? It seems like the ultimate horrific disability. A person who is literally born to be abused, to be the world's fucking doormat. It is gross.

And then with this book, I specifically had a real problem with how fast things were moving. We have Teagan, the FMC who has been horrifically abused for 10 years. Her will has been robbed, no one even calls her her NAME (she's shocked when someone says it, because it has been so long since she's heard it) - she's just Omega. She's run away several times, but is always found, and - it is said - punished pretty horribly. So that's our setup.

She meets these 5 wolves, and initially panics - totally reasonable - and gets the fuck away from them. For ... one night. The next day, she's going to see the doctor one to help with an injury. Okay, still reasonable. The next day, she's fucking them. There is literally no time spent on them ... oh, I don't know, gaining her trust as she struggles with living after a whole fucking decade of abuse?

She doesn't even know them! They were nice to her for like a day. And that's all it took. I get this girl is a little starved for affection, but this is insane, and it doesn't track for someone who has survived abuse like that. Everything just moves way too fast. I would rather have had time jumps or something, to make it believable, and make these emotions have weight. Right now they just feel frivolous, and she feels reckless. WTF.

I'm also not impressed with the men.

So in the end it just feels super, super contrived. They left her with him for a decade, because ... they could not fathom KANE was lying. They couldn't even fathom the possibility, so they didn't try to talk to her. When she meets them, in the very beginning, they seem surprised (and furious) to find out she wasn't happy with her "husband". And that also doesn't track.

So I just don't know. This feels like it was random threads, tossed together, with no real attempt to make things consistent or make sense.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,959 reviews61 followers
September 14, 2021
*Spoiler Alert*
Omega Teagan (FMC) has been on the run for a long time. Trying her best to stay one step ahead of her unwanted husband she ends up in Grayhaven. A place for all sorts of Supernaturals. Untrusting of any wolves she ends up being helped by Alpha-Jasper as well as the rest of his pack-Lucas, Declan, Chad & Ace. Its a pretty good start and i really liked all the main characters. Yes its a little dark in places but its also about trust and love. Which Teagan has to learn to do both of. I actually enjoyed reading this book and im curious to see what will happen next
Profile Image for Jeanny.
2,050 reviews171 followers
August 14, 2020
2 stars if you like a powerful kickass FMC this is not the book for you.

FMC is classic powerless victim in need of a hero(s). Being an omega in this series has absolutely no redeeming qualities.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,345 reviews131 followers
June 17, 2020
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

OMG, this book was just so damn good, it was freaking amazing. If you like your paranormal reverse harem a little dark, a lot funny and full of steam then this is for you.

The book is co-authored by Rita Stradling and Alexa B. James and they have done a fantastic job. The story is set in a fictional town and told from Teagan's perspective.

Teagan is a rare omega wolf, she is at the mercy of a cruel and vicious pack and has to endure a lot. This is my first time coming across the omega lure, with dominating and submissive wolves and I find it interesting and problematic because in this story omegas have to follow any command which essentially makes omegas possible victims of any dominate wolf they come across. That is just crazy and seems to make relationships kinda impossible, to be so easily forced to do things even by accident, to have your will so easily taken is a hard way to live.

Teagan is a great character, we see her before the supernatural invaded her life, and after she lives through some of her darkest times. I love how Teagan fights for her will not to be taken from her, she doesn't give in she runs, fights, and accepts help when she can. Still, after everything she been through, after the walls that she built, she still manages to have light-hearted moments, laughing with people, flirting, and being snarky as heck. Teagan is funny and manages to find joy after everything.

I love the guys, every single one of them has a place in my heart. Rita and Alex have just barely skimmed the surface of the guys past and I am really interested in knowing more about them. Lucas is caring, Jasper protective, Declan is funny, Chad who brings a piece of the past, and Ace who has the best nickname, sexy-nerdy, is smart. All the guys are adorable and caring, they give Teagan a balance and peace she didn't have before.

My absolute favorite thing about this story is the town of Grayhaven. This magical town where things are crazy, confusing, and don't make any type of sense, even to those who have been there for a while. The town is like a mini supernatural world, that has so much detail about the things that go on and all the different supernaturals that live there. Grayhaven adds a little something special to the story and I wanna know more about all its little quirks.

The story overall just went so smoothly, there was just enough action, steam, horrifying past tragedies, and funny scenes. I was highly entertained through the entire book and I love that I laughed out loud and often with this book. It just gave me that feeling you get when you read a book that seems like it was specifically made to be something you would love and I am so happy that I stumble upon it.

Escaping Monsters is the first book in the series and I am ready for more. More fights, more supernaturals, more of this crazy magical town, and more of Teagan and her guys. Things are just getting good and I am ready for what's next.
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,796 reviews30 followers
January 20, 2022
Rec from the RHR group. Always up for soft omegaverse. Felt like there was danger all around with the demons, fae, witches, vampires and everything else. Feels like one slip of the tongue or a wrong trade could endanger the pack. I’m glad the Kane parts weren’t included and things didn’t get too dark. The pack was really sweet and I liked how conscious they are giving Teagan her freedom. I did like how no one could leave Grayhaven, good thing because the dominant thing is overkill. HFN rounded ending. I get why she’s panicking about the guys not being strong enough to take on Kane, but she was the one that made things difficult by not allowing them to kill Oliver. Looking forward to the next one but need a break from this one for now.

Recap:

Asshole husband jailer Kane and his enforcers
FMC - Teagan escaping omega
Pack - Jasper(alpha), Lucas (Vet), Ace(bartender), Chad (former rockstar), Declan (Firefighters)

Married to the big bad wolf through con man…escaped ten years later…Finds Grayhaven…Can’t leave…Finds five true mates…does stock inventory…sister dead?...Flag underwear…Memory eater free pass used…Third dominant wolf Oliver defeated…Married to Lucas…Kane and the enforcers still a threat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,312 reviews195 followers
February 14, 2021
Received ARC from one of the Authors for Honest Review.

I Give this Book 2/5 Star Rating.

Will I read more of this Series? No.

(Haven’t Done one of these in a while: Word of the Day: WEIRD)

This was a weird read for me, this book just didn’t work, and I’m honestly disappointed cause this books synopsis got my attention. But didn’t deliver at all.

Cliffhanger(?): I Believe So, Yes.
Relationship Type: Reverse Harem > MMFMMM
Drama: 4/5
Suspense: *Head Scratching*
I Can’t Rate This One Correctly For Some Reason...
Dark(?): 2.5-3ish/5 (to me), other readers may think differently.
I love dark books but this wasn’t that dark to me.
Heat: 3 maybe 3.5/5
Romance: How about in its believability? 1-1.5/5
Did Characters Primarily Stay In Human Form(?): Yes. 90%
Did Characters Shift into Wolves(?): Yes, but the guys did more than Teagen, and it’s overall not many scenes. But I do love wolf behavior.

Pacing: it’s a bit faster than I was expecting.

*Past memories should’ve been italicized that way it’s easier to spot the separation from present to past then back to present.

I think the Huge Time Jump didn’t help at all, I really think it was a BIG Mistake.
I really think it would’ve been a good idea for the reader to see Teagen from/at her weakest point from the very beginning.
To see what her reaction was to her first shift, who taught her the life and history of being a werewolf or how did she gain some much knowledge, to witness the alleged HORROR she had to endure during her time with Kane and when she was able to get strong enough to escape, what happened to her during when she had runaway, AND THEN to the Present Day. The reader NEEDED to go through this with her, to SEE what happened to her.

There’s things you shouldn’t have to learn AFTER the fact, the Reader should’ve been there WITH her during her trauma. So when SHE feels relief/freedom later on, the reader does as well. Just Listing vague things that happened to her didn’t help, if anything it/they needed way more explaining.

I would’ve loved to see when she went from completely broken to the pretty much normal person she is now

The way it is now, I feel like the reader is being completely deprived, especially from critical information to understand this version/take of a werewolf as well as this book universe, cause it’s all confusing as heck.

Your expected to read between the lines WAY TO EARLY ON and know everything about everything (even if you clearly know nothing at all), and your expected to essentially come to your own conclusions what happened during >10 YEARS<, and what you are given or told is actually VERY vague or very confusing to fully understand.
The Biggest side effect was that fact that I had a hard time believing that she was actually a Traumatized Victim, and that was a disappointment cause I couldn’t sympathize with her properly.

One thing I found very weird: in all the time Kane has Teagen he seriously never tried to rape her? Really? For someone who forced Teagen to do monstrous things and terrified her with mind-games... and NON-CON wasn’t his thing?


I can’t explain it other than in a movie term: I did feel like all the characters were ‘over’ acting.

There’s quite a bit of Awkward/filler conversations.

There’s some weird discrepancies and contradictions that just don’t make sense. Also, Wrong things were focused on, lots of things are going on and there’s way too much to absorb. And Way Too Many Things are Unanswered.

I feel like this book was made to satisfy multiple readers: MC lovers, Rockstar/Musician Lovers, Werewolf Lovers, Paranormal Lovers etc. etc.

Paranormal beings like the Succubus(s) were confusing.
The shape shifting side effect as well as the healing side effect, it’s almost not worth being a werewolf.

Even though it was a small part, It stood out as the weirdest moment in this book for me.
I don’t need a weird awkward minor soap box moment of the ethical treat of animals.
Seriously it’s a..
Paranormal.
Fictional.
World.
With werewolves...WEREWOLVES.
That moment wasn’t needed in the book at all, DID NOT at all need to be spot lighted.
Good Grief.
I just want a fictional world to escape into, and away from the toughness that is Reality.
Profile Image for Des ❀ (Book Boys Do It Better).
139 reviews35 followers
July 13, 2020
2 Stars- It was ok.

Interesting plot, mediocre execution. This book has so much potential, but it definitely needs some more work. I enjoyed the unique concept for Omegas and how it wasn’t like others i’ve read before, but it fell a little flat for me.

My review boils down to this: It wasn’t super good, but it also wasn’t really bad. I liked the idea, and i liked the characters, but it could’ve used a lot more world building. I also would’ve liked to see more from Chad than him just being in his wolf form most of the time or being an asshole, especially since apparently she feels close to him?... I dunno, i think there was definitely something lacking from their relationship.

For most of the book, the sexual and romantic relationships between the characters moved at a reasonable and authentic pace, but then at the end it’s like they went 0 to 60. It made absolutely no sense and seemed very inconsistent with the characters after everything, especially the FMC. On her very first date with one of the guys before they had even kissed each other they got “married.” yikes. It felt completely unnatural and you can’t even blame it on the fated mates aspect because 1) it didn’t speed up or effect anything before and 2) the FMC doesn’t even believe in fated mates. If their relationship had progressed a little more naturally I probably would’ve rated it higher.

Overall the story flow was ok, writing was decent, and it was interesting enough for me to stay invested up until the end, but I likely won’t read the next book. It ends in a decent enough way that i’m not too concerned about the characters.

NOTE: this is just my personal opinion and has no reflection on the author. As always, I would suggest reading it yourself before forming your own opinion. It wasn’t for me but it very well could be for you!
Profile Image for Annelie.
684 reviews25 followers
September 19, 2021
Loved this book

I re-read this book because between this one and the second one a lot of time has spent and I couldn't well remember the plot😅
So, Teagan is an omega wolf shifter, the less dominant. If a more dominant wolf ordered her, she's forced to obey. Sold by her husband to the alpha of the North America pack, she's forced to obey him during 10 years and doing despicable things. When she finally fled, she arrived in a strange town named Grayhaven which is protected by magic to hide the ones that are running for their lifes.There, she met five guys who told her they were her mates.
I liked the concept of omega forced to obey the will of other wolves and how their mates took care not to use this power against her. Teagan is a brave woman who distrust totally other people and is willing to fight for her life by all means. When she met the guys, nothing settled instantly. Not instalove here. They had to gain her trust and let me say that it would be hard for some of the guys (yeah, the dick one🙄).
I'm happy to read the next one and knowing more about Teagan!
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,985 reviews24 followers
August 28, 2020
3.5-4 stars

Okay.. I really got hooked in to this book, and HOLLA for that because I have been in the biggest slump it was unreal! I really loved Declan and Teagan's relationship. I think that there needed to be more development for the relationship between the five guys and Teagan to be believable for me. Also the last scene with Lucas was a little rushed for my liking and didn't flow like I hoped.

But the writing was super easy to follow for a romantic fantasy, which I loved. I will definitely read more of Rita and Alexa's books.

Overall though very enjoyable and an easy quick read... which I should have waited until the second book was closer to release.
Profile Image for Cassandra Doon.
Author 58 books84 followers
March 19, 2024
This book is an enchanting masterpiece that will leave you wanting more. If you are a fan of dark and tantalizing paranormal reverse harem stories, then this is a must-read. Co-authored by the talented Rita Stradling and Alexa B. James, the story follows Teagan, an omega wolf living in a fictional town filled with secrets and danger. Her journey to freedom takes her to the mysterious town of Grayhaven, where she finds unexpected laughter and joy amidst her struggles. Each character, with their unique quirks and personalities, adds depth to the story and leaves me eager to learn more about them. As for Grayhaven itself, its magical atmosphere only adds to the intrigue and mystery surrounding the town. The perfect balance between action, romance, tragedy, and humor keeps readers on the edge of their seats and thoroughly entertained. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down. I'm already counting down the days until the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
216 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2020
Escaping Monsters

Oh, this book has it all! Beyond a great start to a PN RH story and I honestly can't wait to read the next book! Escaping monsters starts off running and doesn't stop developing characters and relationships that grow while expanding all that is Greyhaven. The world building is great as an entire "safe" town is created with various PNs (vamps, fae, witches, oh my) seeking safety. Tigan definitely needs sanctuary as she fled her forced mating to a powerful and cruel Alpha that wants her back at all costs. Will this place truly be safe for her especially when the town's wolfpack (oh my, personality, inexhaustible sexiness, good people) intent on keeping and protecting the skittish young woman. Very interesting world with even better characters! Absolutely wonderful read and can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,895 reviews116 followers
July 19, 2020
OMG I loved this! Set in a secret supernatural settlement that is packed with biker demons, fae royals, and witches dealing in death-magic we find Teagan a rare omega wolf shifter on the run from a bad bad background! There’s action and there’s plenty of steam in this fast burn reverse harem romance, there’s fighting and past tragedies but there’s also fun moments , light hearted moments and let’s not leave out the five totally hot guys who are part of the harem! In this magical yet crazy town called Greyhaven anything could happen And I for one cannot wait to read what these two authors have for us next! A fantastic collaboration!
Profile Image for Autumn Miller ~ autumnbookreads.
1,259 reviews601 followers
February 27, 2021
4.5 Stars
MINOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
I loved this book! I was honestly so shocked at how fast I was hooked and how I connected to the characters so quickly. I absolutely adored their story and the plot kept me always wanting more. I could not put this one down and thought about it when I was away! I’m dying to get my hands on the next one!

I loved Teagan. I felt so bad for her situation with Kane and I wanted nothing more than to see her succeed. I loved watching her slowly open up and become comfortable with the guys. It just warmed my heart and I loved seeing her relationships progress with each of them
Profile Image for Rachel Osborne.
1,093 reviews19 followers
July 2, 2020
This new series by these two amazing authors will take you on a intriguing journey into the world of wolves, fae and witches. I adored the alpha and omega dynamic and Teagan was a fantastic FMC. You have the vulnerability but also the strength in what she does and how she copes. It was refreshing to not get a strong female through and through as soon as the story begins. I devoured this book. My favourite man in this book constantly changed and at the end... I couldn't choose who I loved more. Rita and Alexa have a big hit on their hands and I'm so looking forward to where this story is heading. The scenes were hot and the banter was entertaining. I really enjoyed their take on werewolves and it's one of those book that I would read again! Loved it!
592 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2020
I loved this so much! Such a great backstory and great characters and everything flows so nicely. Not a slow moment and the connection to each day individually is fantastic. I can’t wait to see how it builds, especially will the few we haven’t been able to spend as much time with. I love this little town they live in and can’t wait to see how the supernaturals all fit in and I’m ready for a big showdown with the bad guy.
Profile Image for Bonnie .
217 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2020
Rubber Ducky....

This was intense sort of mind boggling, had you asking a lot of questions from every turn of the page, super laugh out loud funny and super duper hot steamy men with some hot action . Very different RH book but so worth the read , hate the cliffhanger but will have you begging for book two, so worth the binge read, cannot wait to see what happens next !! This book was reviewed by a Book Loving Vixen..
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,798 reviews18 followers
August 14, 2020
Escaping is right

I really enjoyed reading and listening to this book. When I read the blurb about i was intrigued and couldn't wait to find out more about Teagan. The town of Grayhaven definitely has a lot of interesting characters that i want to know more about. And I want to see how the guys can help Teagan stay safe.
The narrator does a really great job as well. I look forward to the next installment
Profile Image for 4foxsake.
892 reviews14 followers
July 27, 2020
Great book.

There’s some serious heartbreak to unpack in this book that is filled with monsters. The omega angle is interesting and depicted in a way I haven’t seen before. Grayhaven is a fresh and new supernatural community almost like Hotel California; you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. Hope the next book is published sooner than 2021!
1,016 reviews
July 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I think the intriguing with the type of town Greyhaven is. I enjoy that even though there are some deeper components with the characters there is also some silliness. Each of the men are so different and protective. Declan is my favorite. He just seems like a big teddy bear. Well I really love them all. I look forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Skay Dee.
558 reviews
July 3, 2020
If you are a fan of RH and werewolves then absolutely read this book! It is everything I always want in this type of book. It was a great pace from beginning to end. Everything flowed perfectly natural. I love Teagan! I love her tenacity. The guys are of course perfect and I’m falling in love with each one,
Profile Image for Lois Young.
376 reviews65 followers
October 3, 2020
An interesting PRH story that presents both the negatives and the positives of "pack" life. Loving and brutal at the same time. I love the inclusion of the rest of the paranormal beings.

I can't wait to read Book 2.
Profile Image for Daphnne.
1,312 reviews8 followers
July 3, 2020
Liked this read

I enjoyed this book very much. I liked Teagan and I love the guys. Can't wait to see where this goes.
Profile Image for Erin.
357 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2020
Freaking love this

I freaking love this story! It moved at a decent pace, good story line, hot guys, girl isn't a pushover. Can I have a Declan please? Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Christina.
902 reviews36 followers
April 3, 2021
Great start

The mc is strong even though she is one of the least dominant wolves. She still has a lot of fight. The romance was medium burn. Doesn't really end on a cliffhanger.
599 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2020
I loved this book. The omegas in this book are very interesting. Teagan is a rare female omega that every wolf wants to get their hands on. She escapes from her current pack. She stumbles into a town full of supernaturals. This is a med-fast burn RH. This is a great start to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

I was given an ARC copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jenni Lennen.
180 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2020
What. A. Book.

I loved this book so much!!! This book took some crazy twists and turns but it sure was an amazing ride. I cannot wait to see what happens next.


I received this as an ARC, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Maya Monroe.
502 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was great to read Teagan’s story as she took control of her life. She has been seen as an individual that is below everyone but that is farther from the truth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews

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