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Warriors. Outsiders. Alphas.

It all started with a mouse and a note. After that, Faust kept receiving strange messages delivered by forest animals. He’s no cartoon princess and this sh*t is weird but not life-threatening. He ignores it until he receives a flurry of notes all with the same message, help me, and there is no way Faust can ignore the odd messages any longer.

Storri was locked in a tower over five years ago, trapped there by a man he trusted. The man claims to be protecting Storri from himself and others, but Storri never had any enemies—only a teacher he thought had been a friend. Storri's ability to communicate with animals helped him stay sane in isolation, but after so long alone, hope has faded.

Rescuing his prince is only half the challenge. Faust and his pack already have a mystery, and they’ve never been closer to finding out who destroyed their family and why. But with knowledge, comes danger and the man who took Storri isn’t the only one willing to do anything to get their hands on him.

Ruler is the second book in the Wolves of Royal Paynes series. It is an action-packed, magically-infused, swelteringly hot, mpreg romance that continues a world of angels, demons, mystery, and magic. For maximum enjoyment, this series should be read in order.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2020

272 people are currently reading
161 people want to read

About the author

Kiki Burrelli

98 books622 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,662 reviews459 followers
June 3, 2025
**3.5 stars**

Story wise, I enjoyed this one more than the last one. Faust and Storri were great characters and I loved Storri's gift (power). Faust was patient and kind, never rushing Storri.

Knox grated on my nerves. I get why he's distrustful, but he comes across as a tyrannical brute. I still love Jazz. He's accepting and loving.

The only real issue I had with this book was can you say simile? The similes in this book were like grains of sand along the shore. They were frequent like seconds clicking away on a clock. They were dropped in the story like rain in a puddle overflowing. Get my point? I've never read a book that used so many, and at times they didn't even make sense! Honestly, I liked Burrelli's Kif Warriors but this seems like it's written by a different person. I don't remember there being that many similes. Maybe my brain missed it, who knows. I just can't believe no one else has mentioned it. Must just be me...

(I deducted half a star because of the similes)

I'm still going to continuing reading the series. I hope Diesel's book is better with less similes. They say less is more...wait...is that a metaphor?
Profile Image for Joanne Mccorkell.
1,643 reviews14 followers
August 20, 2020
Thanks to Storri's father, his messages finally make it to Faust.

I loved the interaction between the pack. But with the addition of Storri, the pack is getting stronger.

Faust is brilliant as Storri's alpha. Hes protective and loving. But when Storri shows a backbone, he sees when hes over stepped and treats him right.

I look forward to more interaction between Jazz and Storri, and hopefully the rest of the pack also
Profile Image for llv.
2,319 reviews14 followers
November 3, 2020
Ruler by Kiki Burrelli

Rating: 4 stars
Great second book in the Wolves of Royal Paines series. I loved both Storri and Faust equally. I loved Storri’s ability to communicate with the animals. It was great to see inside Dog’s mind as well as some of the other animals. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Judy Ferrell.
Author 20 books87 followers
February 6, 2022
The tower.

Storri is locked in a tower for years. He sends notes out with animals trying to find help. Faust figures out the clues. Great reading!
132 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2020
I got this second installment of the series through Gay Romance Reviews. I'm glad I read the first book because this book is not a standalone. The overarching task of figuring out who is targeting their newfound mates continues for the pack. Compared to the first book with the sexy banter between Jazz and Knox, we get a softer side of alpha Faust with his mate Storri. Storri is so good and pure, he needs a gentle mate to help him discover his own inner strength. Storri has survived years alone in a tower, with only animals to talk to. When he meets Faust, Storri is shy but for some reason the alpha brings out a new side of Storri... Feelings and urges he hasn't felt before. This book is just as steamy as the first but with a sweeter, slightly slow burn flavor. It has mpreg and action as well, like the first book. HEA guaranteed.
Profile Image for SophiaH.
592 reviews12 followers
January 5, 2021
***3.5 Rating***

It is really hard to write a review for omegaverse books for me. On the one hand I like them being able to become parents on their own, being able to create new life with the one(s) they love but the other hand is what always conflicts me.

I simply can't understand why Omega always equals soft spoken, love to cook/bake/decorate, lanky, submissive bottom boy only snarky at home and in desperate need of a strong Alpha to protect him from even a small cut to the pinkie (not that there is anything wrong with any of the describtions but every single one really?). I keep reading them because I keep on hoping for another outcome. I think there was only ONE omegaverse book I ever read where versitility was implied by the Alpha and that was in The Sound of You Overreacting and that Alpha went on the deep end on the other side being a little clueless, still I liked J.D. Light's version of an Omegaverse or her shifter world, the Chosen series where one 'chosen' can get pregnant the most so far (books where the one being able to get pregnant isn't your normal sweet boy: Grumpy Old Bear or Stealing the Cowboy's Hat). For me Alpha doesn't equal "I have to top or else my animal will snarl and think it is submitting". Equally Omega doesn't equal "I'm a childlike, softspoken, submissive puppy, fainting at the first glimps of a weapon, only being feisty when it comes to creating mischief and keeping my Alpha(s) on his/their toes". Has anyone ever worked in the hospitality sector? I dare any of you to wander into a kitchen during rush hour and come out the other side intact if the chef de cuisine catches you.

So in general, disregarding my previous mentioned hang-ups, I liked the series so far. The mystery is interesting and the characters are likeable – Dog is my favorite. Thankfully Faust was not as forceful and standoffish as Knox, he was rather sensitive to Storri's needs, which was really sweet. I also enjoyed this book more than the last one. I concur with another reviewer "Barbara➰" about the useage of similes 😂. I feel sorry for Diesel, I just want him to be happy. Can't wait for him to finally get his HEA.
Profile Image for Red Talisman.
93 reviews4 followers
April 27, 2022
Book 2 is actually better than 1... that's saying very little but something is better than nothing.

Ruler, second book on the Wolves of Royal Paynes series was... entertaining to read... most of the time. There were still a lot of issues with the plot (felt flimsy often enough to be distracting and/or annoying), the world building (again with people or things mentioned without backing or sense) and dialogue (between stevia tacky-sweet and simply ridiculous).

There was more consistency but I still felt constantly bothered by topics taken too lightly or too seriously, like mental health or storming a "big" enemy facility. The pacing suffered because of this as well. While romance-wise it was ok, I actually liked some of the romance, the rest of the plot draged or sprinted out of nowhere. Making some suspense feel like a red herring and some decisions like utter stupidity.

Ruler does have some good things like humor I found on point and unexpected. Small but satisfying twists and bits of suspense. Tid bits of information regarding the background plot of the nephilims and the fires that's becoming more complex (not precisely a bad or good thing yet, I'm witholding judgement until laters) but a tad entertaining.

One thing I really like was Dog, he was already an ok character in the previous entry but here, because of Storri's powers, he gets a lot more of a spotlight, which I enjoyed. Storri's power was also interesting and quite fun, going back to the negatives, I have to say the magic system is inconsistent but still pretty interesting, it just needs more work. I'm still unsure about Hallie's character, who had a small part that leads nowhere and of Dr. Tiff, whom I feel should be more relevant but is just a plot device and filler. The twins are a "meh" and I don't really care for their book much, but I like Diesel better know, he gets a bit more development, particularly in the relationships he's developing and that he's a little more than grunts and grief this time.

So, while it's not bad there's still a lot not working or missing in this novella. I'll continue on to Lovers (#3) hoping it gets better again. So far, I'm unsure about recommending the series, I don't believe a reader should "tolerate" a book or books to get to the "good part" or to finally enjoy a saga. This is conflicting, but I hope the author can do better. This one was a slow read, not because of length or difficulty but instead lack of interest and boredoom. We'll see what I get next time.

Profile Image for Kate.
2,571 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Storri was betrayed by his teacher and friend 5 years ago at about 18 years of age, his treacher Mr Grouse drugged him at took him to the woods and locked him in a secluded tower, dropped off food periodically. Mr Grouse locked him in the tower as he knew about Storri’s power of communicating with animals and he called him wrong and said that it’s for his own good as he could hurt someone. He spoke to animals and for years had been writing notes on tiny scraps of paper and tried to get the animals to deliver them to someone safe but no one came. Faust had been getting little scraps of paper for months while at the hotel but thought it was just rats until he finally got another piece of paper which had been dropped on the beach by seagulls that said help me, multiple seagulls kept dropping more of the same note. Faust knew that this must be what Sorrows, Jazz’s archangel mother was talking about, that this was the first Nephilim that they need to save. Knox is a bit apprehensive on what to do but Faust knows that he needs to save him so him, dog and Diesel go on a mission having no idea where they’re going or who they’re looking for but Faust decides to follow the seagulls until they can’t anymore.

They find an abandoned cabin and tower but when they look in the tower that a stiff wind could knock over they don’t scent anyone but Faust finds a hanging bucket and broken stairs so Dog jumps up with a boost from Faust and there they find Storri who is extremely frightened but dog tells him that he’s safe and can trust Faust so they just jump out and the tower collaspes. Storri has been on his own for 5 years and since he was betrayed by his teacher/friend he finds it hard to trust but dog is a huge support system for him and Faust shifts so Storri might feel safer talking to Faust as a wolf. I loved the connection between Storri and Faust, Faust is perfect for Storri as he offers safety, comfort and lets Storri decide what he wants and doesn’t pressure him to do anything he wants. I also love the connection between Faust and dog and Storri and dog, Dog seems not like a normal dog so I wonder if we’ll find out what he is. I’m looking forward to reading more about Huntley and Jagger, I have a theory that their mate is going to be interesting. What’s up with Pierce’s return, it seems a bit fishy to me. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author.
Profile Image for Donna.
613 reviews10 followers
January 12, 2021
I’ve developed a rather obsessive need to read alpha/omega mpreg books, something I never thought I would say. I first stumbled across Kiki Burreli’s stories a few years ago, and thought they were pretty okay, which, yeah. I realise that doesn’t sound like a glowing recommendation, but I feel the need to go on record saying that this author seems to get better and better with every series that she releases. Wolves of Royal Paynes are definitely one of my favourite of her series so far, and Storri in particular is one of my favourite all time characters from any author.

Storri is my very favourite flavour of pudding cup. He’s sweet, ridiculously sweet, and shy, and modest, and a little chubby, and so very very lovable. He’s one of those characters who is so over the top wonderfully unassuming that you wonder how you don’t just roll your eyes in exasperation, but trust me, you too will be unable to resist the lure of loving Storri. Especially when he fears for the safety of his loved ones and turns in to a vengeful, rampaging Doctor Dolittle of death and sends out his animal friends to slaughter the enemy. God, I love that cheeky little bugger.

In contrast, Faust is such a he-man alpha that even his dog, Dog, looks like he’s on roids. Yes, this man has a well-muscled killer dog, cleverly named Dog, who can rip baddies apart one minute, then snuggle with Storri the next.

But aside from the characters I love the overarching plot of this series. Angels and demons and shifters, oh my! I do love a twisty plot that evolves slowly yet surely over a series that looks to be wrapping up in four books.

In case I wasn’t clear enough, I absolutely recommend this series to lovers of shifter stories. Definitely start at book one, Hero, or even better start with the series prior to this one, Wolves of Walker County and be introduced to the Royal Payne Wolves from their very first appearances in Ms. Burrelli’s books.

Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
https://lovebytesreviews.com/2020/10/...



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Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
August 17, 2020
An absolutely amazing Mpreg shifter romance that is beautifully well-written. It is the second book in the series with some character crossovers from “Hero #1” but it can be read as a standalone although I would suggest reading the books in sequence to fully understand the underlying storyline. I found the plot had just the right amount of intrigue & mystery. The characters are extremely interesting with opposing personalities that actually complement each other. I particularly liked the way Storri communicated with the animals & the support from the secondary characters.
There is: a young man (Storri Warler) with a unusual ability to communicate with animals was held captive in a tower by a despicable man (David Grouse) whom he thought was a friend but he is finally rescued by a protective male alpha wolf (Faust), a devious company (Portal Ventures), wolf shifters, angels, demons, nephilims, alphas, omegas, humans, adventure, action, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, drama, magic, mystery, secrets, friendship, mates, evil, threats, danger, deceit, betrayal, disbelief, unexpected surprises, emotional turmoil, danger, violence, conflict, vengeful feelings, compromises, happiness, love, some steamy scenes & a well-deserved satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed reading this Mpreg shifter romance & definitely would recommend it.
Profile Image for Katherine.
2,866 reviews13 followers
September 20, 2020
The confusion of people

A fascinating second story as we meet the nephilim responsible for the notes from animals that plagued the group in the first book. After being bombarded by notes Faust sets out to find the writer and finds Storri locked in a tower, surrounded by animals but barely hanging on. Storri is shy and nervous around people, finding it so much easier to understand animals than humans. But the pack are not entirely human, helping him to understand dynamics, and soon Storri finds a place with Faust and the others. But Portal isn't willing to let another nephilim go.

This time the story doesn't depend on connections to another series so it doesn't feel like jumping in somewhere unknown. There is a changing world happening for this pack as they truly become a pack again with people to love and protect. Finding the nephilim is proving to be a harrowing journey, between the abilities they have and the people hunting them. It is never entirely clear where the threat will come from next, only that it is getting serious. There is also hints now that there have been experiments going on and perhaps there is even more to Portal, and to the nephilim abilities, than any of them know yet. Continuing to be an intriguing series I look forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
August 21, 2020
A story of trust, healing and learning to believe in love.  I really am enjoying this series and its world-building is very good.  I like the idea of wolf shifters and Nephilim and the unique abilities they have.  There is so much imagination in the dialogues between the characters and i loved how Storri could talk with Dog, they had some great conversations. 

Storri and Faust are the epitome of building trust and exploring who they are together as mates.  Faust is so incredibly patient and gentle. I was so impressed with his strength and love. I was amazed with Storri's resilience to keep searching for a way out of his captivity and how he never gave up.  

This is book two of the Wolves of Royal Paynes series and would be best if read as part of the series.  There is so much backstory in the first book that you will be missing if you start with this book.  The characters are strong and their story could stand alone, but i strongly recommend reading in order. 

I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review    
Profile Image for R.
2,115 reviews
August 7, 2020
Storri is like Rapunzel, locked in a tower by a crazy man. Five years alone, barely getting by on what his jailer leaves him. Called to the tower by birds leaving notes requesting rescue, brings Faust, face to face with his mate. Recognizing right away that the man is traumatized he manages to controls his impulses...sort of, till the fragile man can get more confidence with people.

The author wrote a second book as interesting as the first. Action combined with overprotective Alpha’s makes for good storytelling. The Alpha’s are just so overwhelming with their need to protect their Omega’s. The Mpreg is once again different than I’ve ever read. The Nephilim aspect is strange but the results are unusual.

Storri’s communication with animals is a great power to have and it was used to it’s advantage. Nice personalities and more background on the bad guys was welcome. Good book.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,054 reviews11 followers
August 8, 2020
I've read the first in this series (Hero Wolves of Royal Paynes #1) and but believe that "Ruler" has met the challenge of meeting the expectations of #1 in a photo finish. Faust and Storrie deserve their successful conclusion. I liked Ms. Burrelli's s alpha portrayal of Faust as his alpha didn't sport the usual alpha attitudes of "my way or the highway". He was full of such understanding and love for Storrie and Storrie's horrendous circumstances and he exerted the patience of a saint waiting for Storrie to accept himself and his station in life. The cute touches of Storrie's ability to speak with and listen to animals was quite unique. His exchange with the robin was so Cyrano de Bergerac that it has to bring a smile to any reader. Where Storrie finally meets his father is quite touching. The culmination is fraught with angst, explosions, deaths, but filled with priomises of hope for the Royal Payne wolves' future. This voluntary review is for the ARC I received.
998 reviews36 followers
August 8, 2020
When Storri trusted the wrong man, his life changed forever. As he languished away, he sent for help over and over again hoping that one day his hero would come. One day his hero does come but can Faust keep Storri safe from the evil that aims to capture him, and others like him?

This is the second book in the Wolves of Royal Paynes series and each story brings the reader deeper into this world. I loved Storri and Faust. Watching the two find their way was a beautiful read. It was nice to see Storri grow with the help of Faust and the rest of the pack. I loved seeing Storri talk with the animals and his special relationship with Dog. The love and trust that grows and deepens with all the members is nice to see. I loved getting to know each of the characters a little more in each story and I cannot wait to see the other men’s adventures in finding their mates.


Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,076 reviews517 followers
September 10, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars


Ruler is the second book in Kiki Burrelli’s Wolves of Royal Paynes series and follows closely on the heels of the first book. While this does feature a new couple in Faust and Storri, the series plot continues through this book (and beyond) and so you are best off having started with Hero.

Ok, normally when I review I focus on the things that worked for me before getting into the less successful areas, but I think here it makes sense to start with some issues I faced at the top of the book and then go from there. Basically, there was a lot that you just have to go with here, as things don’t always make a lot of sense or feel very realistic.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.


Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,281 reviews30 followers
August 8, 2020
Another good book

I have loved all of the books set in this world! These alphas may look tough but they have squishy centers. Birds keep bringing Faust desperate hand written notes begging for rescue. Storri wasn't sure if his notes were actually reaching anyone and had almost given up hope when Faust and Deisel find him locked in a tower. It takes a while but slowly Storri learns that he is safe and is no longer in danger of being alone. The threat of Portal hasn't gone away but the pack may not be ready for what the ultimately find out.

I love these characters and look forward to the twins story and hopefully Deisel as well. He deserves some love and healing! Another great book and one I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Bianca.
976 reviews7 followers
August 9, 2020
Oh my goodness the mystery deepens as more information is added to the story and a new couple is formed. You have everything mystery, action, humour, love.
Storri is a sweet soul that has suffered a lot a betrayed by the one person that should have protected him. His trust in humans is shaken but with patience and love Faust brings all the good things forward and together with his pack he shows him what happiness looks like.
There was a couple of surprises along the way and some information that change their perspective and their approach. And we can't forget about the little addition that brings them happiness and makes their family complete.
I highly recommend the book and extremely curious it what happens next.
Profile Image for Ally Lupold.
234 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2020
Good story yet confusing.

I was glad the story included the whole pack and little Angus. Since Belgium and their mates only get pregnant if they love 💘 one another does that mean more babies.I remember Sorrow saying the pack lives, but it's never been brought up by Jazz. Now with Pierce alive you gotta wonder was it a truth. Also how is it Storri is still considered pudgy when he's been held in a rickety old tower with one the bare necessities to get by. There was a whole month that he wasn't fed by his kidnapper and only received some food the animals brought he could eat. Soft maybe pudgy sorry just can't believe it. Even now he was pregnant right away, didn't eat much so where did pudgy come into it. Overall I loved the stories and the things the boys could do.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
August 13, 2020
Storri has been locked in a tower by some he trusted for more than 5 years, like Rapunzel. He has been sending messages. He can talk to and understand animals. Faust has been receiving the messages. He finds and rescues Storri. Storri is a Nephilim and must be protected at all cost. He is also Faust’s mate, his to love and protect. I love the angst, action, and romance. I love the work that Kiki Burrelli has built and imagined. Well written with awesome character development!! Loved it.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
August 9, 2020
Ruler by Kiki Burrelli is the second book in the Wolves of Royal Paynes series. This paranormal romance offers readers a story filled with magic, action, suspense, and heat. These characters are interesting and the universe they live in is fascinating, who doesn't love a well written world of shifters, angels, dem9ns, nephalim and mpregs.

Faust and Storri's lovestory is exciting, emotional and wonderful. It just made me fall deeper onto this world and crave the next book even more. Fantastic read.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,893 reviews
August 14, 2020
Talks to animals and other surprises.

Book 2 and we have a Rapunzel/snowwhite situation going on. Storri is locked in a 50 ft tower with a bucket and rope he has to throw down, oh and he can talk to animals. Faust goes looking for the author of the notes he’s been receiving, he comes home with a man who smells like cherries and who he knows is his.

In this book the reader is brought further into the world of shifters, nephilim and those who hunt them. Storri has been through so much and I liked how Faust treated him with so much understanding and respect. This book has action, explosions, magic, more than a few surprises and babies. I lovely addition to the series something I would expect from this author.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,512 reviews47 followers
August 23, 2020
I am loving this shifter series that is reimagining some favorite and well know fairy tales. Here we have characters who can communicate with forest animals, the delivery of mysterious notes, someone locked in a tower in need of rescue and more great world building where the mystery of who destroyed Faust's family and who the enemies continue to be is explored. There is humor, hot romance, mystery/danger/suspense all wrapped up in a fairy tale. An excellent extension of the series and I look forward to much more in this vein from this author.
Profile Image for Becky A.
2,013 reviews
September 12, 2021
"Ruler" received THREE stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything s/he writes."


Profile Image for Theresa Derwin.
1,135 reviews43 followers
January 27, 2023
Rapunzel Lite MM Shifter Romance

The Royal Paynes wolf shifters include Faust, who spent a lot of the last book receiving random notes dropped on him by squirrels and birds; notes that made no sense, until the final one "Help Me"
And the name Storri.
Faust is convinced it's a man and possibly his mate so off he goes to rescue a young man locked in a tower.
There's a lot in this one, including some nice body positivity for a new plus size character - romance, fairy tale talking to animals - with bloody results, sex and trauma.
Good fun.
Profile Image for lphharrison.
249 reviews
February 12, 2023
RULER by @kikiburrelli

This series has be all lit up inside! This one featured someone who could communicate with animals and that is my dream superpower. Faust and Storri were a dream to read about and follow. Though Storri was soft, gentle, and a little naive, he wasn’t a pushover and had a voice and a strength that really worked. Faust wasn’t what I expected from the first book and I think that’s because who he is with Storri is different than who he is with everyone else. So wonderful!

19/250

#onederreadsfivestars
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,245 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2020
I loved Storri's connection with animals. It was a fun addition to this book especially since Dog was really Faust's companion so we got to see and imagine the funny way dogs think and react. Storri and Faust's bond was instantaneous as soon as Faust and Diesel found Storri it seemed like he knew Faust was his even if he didn't understand it trust that feeling at first. This had really good action scenes and I'm excited to see what the twins get up to in the next book.
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