Wolf Awakened

Willow's Forbidden Pack #1

by Avery Song

How do you thrive when you're an unwanted, worthless, human female?
Simple: alter your reality by switching sides.

During the day, I'm William De Luca, the only 'son' of Roberto De Luca, the king of the NYC mafia and Alpha of the deadliest wolf pack — one this city doesn't mess with. At night, I'm Willow De Luca, cage fighter champion with a slight temper problem.

Regardless of which role I’m playing, I’m plagued by the inability to shift, a condition that has Papa Dearest deeming me a ‘mistake.’ All the same, it’s worth enduring my double life if it means staying out of my father's business and ignoring the growing legacy that's waiting for me to claim.

Unfortunately, no matter how rich and powerful you are, the universe isn't going to grant you everything you want. In Father's case, it was having a son. In mine? Finding a mate. Without an inner wolf of my own, meeting a wolf shifter who’s connected to me is essentially impossible. It’s a forbidden dream I'd all but given up on.

Then my carefully balanced life is disrupted by the arrival of a new pack that intends to make me the target of a power play to take the De Luca territory. However, one glimpse of Dimitris, Neo, Saint, and Jayce is all it takes — I want to make them mine.

I’m willing to bet everything on a dangerous gamble, because maybe being a wealthy boy by day and lethal girl at night is the double-play I need to earn the grand prize.

THEM.

Fans of Wolf Tamer and Reflections of You are going to fall in love with this new, gender bender, enemies to lovers romance with thrilling action, suspense, and heated romance.

WOLF AWAKENED is a 171,000-word Paranormal Wolf Shifter Romance with enemies-lovers/bully themes.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Why Choose

804 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2020

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confusing, jumbled, and a mix of things

Are we just settling? I really have to ask because I'm not understanding how anyone made it through this book! Nor why it's a 5 star? In the beginning I was digging it, as I got to about 40% my mind just couldn't take it anymore with the clear overly silliness, and fashion overload! In the beginning we hear how she doesn't have much magic and she is pretty useless, yet throughout the read she's doing crazy powerful s**** that is just dropped out of no where? or how much she hates onyx, and how much he hates her in return, yet the book reads the totally opposite, matter fact this story is just filled with holes! We hear little bits of her horrible life that made her, or even made onyx the way they are, yet we get little to no information about this, just that she's a total bad*ss, actually everyone is a bad*ss and they are all really crazy, and blah blah blah. But everyone is actually really annoying and just boosting themselves up everywhere. it's not really shown why these characters are bad*ss they just are. And the fashion talk is so overkill I wish we had more explanation on things then my Louis vuitton cloths, with my Gucci belt, while I sign the paper with my tiffany in company pen. I grab my LV money clip! Jesus. And then the working for her dad, and that she's like I'm not doing it anymore you got 3 months before I'm done!?? Why now? Why did she stay if she really didn't have to? If she hates him so much why does she deal with him? Why give him the 3 months? I'm so lost? I'm lost about her fighting in the ring because we don't get to see it at all? I'm confused why she would sign into a pack without reading the contract? Then be mad about her own foolishness? How are you a person who signs billions of dollars in contracts everyday for 7 years but don't read a contract you all but sign without reading it? And then the packs pov is of how loyal and beautiful crazy she is, they don't even know her, and it's said how they dont, yet somehow they've come to this conclusion out of thin air! I just could not push on and dnf at 48%, just to many holes and not enough explanation for me

[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was about to get this book based on the cover before I realized I have read it before. Do I remember what it is about? No. That's not a good thing considering I read it not too long ago . Based on that, I can extrapolate that this book was mediocre so therefore, it shall be given 2.5 stars.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5 ⭐️

Love the unique spin on the rh shifter trope! So excited to get into the second book!

Also Onyx is my baby 😍🥵🤭😏

[Dew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Silly

This book is virtually unreadable. There are odd syntax errors throughout. The author has the main character refer to herself as 5’5 repeatedly and describe, in exacting detail, all of her attributes that men like - her boobs, her butt, her pink hair, and high cheekbones that look like she wears highlighter, but it’s all natural. Meanwhile the men are all short unless they’re well over 6’ tall. It’s almost amusingly childish.

I’m not quite sure why the author wanted to set the book into the future when the main character is the kind of girl who is dancing around her multi-million dollar penthouse in her panties rocking out to a Billie Eilish song. It’s like a teenager couldn’t decide which elements were important for a middle school writing assignment, so she included everything. It’s the past, it’s the future, it’s the present. There are werewolves and witches and vampires and fae and maybe the main character is all of them! The “mafia” element means that everyone is constantly violent regarding literally everything because that’s what wins people’s loyalties over, but also “Papa Dearest” is a legitimate business billionaire who is also the leader of the wolves and is also in control of the whole world!

[Cheryl Sedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I'm on such an emotional high that my head cant take it all in fully, this book has totally blown me away.
We get to meet Willow/William during the many twists she has to go through as she has grown up. We get taken throughout the book at different times back into past memories of the vile things that where done to her and also Onyx.
We get to see the two together while they fight the bond that you can feel as you read between the lines in the book. But we also get to meet Neo, Saint ,Jayce and their Alpha brother Dimitris.
Who dont know what to do with her as they try to take down her father. While they all go on some crazy emotional rides that will leave you feeling like your bleeding on the floor along with the strong characters to when they get to have moments of happiness too.
With the ending leaving you more in the light after everything that's occurred you are still left wondering so much more. Totally need book 2 now.

[Irene Kiew]

I only read the prologue (in the Kindle sample), so I won't rate. But the writing is clunky and overblown.

My lingering gaze was followed with my eyes shutting close as the blade exited my body and ignited the outward flow of the dark red liquid that kept me alive.

First: If eyes shut, they are closed, and if they are closed, they are shut. It's redundant to use both words. Second, ignition is used for fire. Wounds and blood do not ignite unless maybe your blood has special properties or you're using some kind of magic.

I heard the rushing footsteps coming towards me, and I braced myself before I gathered my strength to combat the next attack.

I believe the author probably meant "counter", not "combat"; and this sentence could have been condensed for readability (by cutting out the many "I"s, for one).

I could imagine one of Father's best medics racing over to come aid me with the simplest things, afraid of what would come if he didn't give his all in every assessment he was forced to give to ensure I was a healthy little shit of a puppy.

First of all: if she was so important to her father, why would the medic come to aid her "with the simplest things"? Wouldn't he try to use the most sophisticated medicines to ensure she would heal quickly? And second... HOLY RUN-ON SENTENCE. It is so long that it gets confusing.

The man of my peak of hatred watched me in shock before tiny traces of hope flooded those pink rings that dilated further.

I gather that she doesn't like this man and he is her enemy, but "the man of my peak of hatred"??? (The pink rings is a reference to his pink eyes.)

There's just too much attempt at description, so much so that it comes off as trying too hard. It doesn't flow naturally and is difficult to read. Other examples:
- "sucked in a heap of air"
- "caused blood to... cloak my lips" (should be "coat")
- "there stood the man of my angered envy"

Not only that, but there is a plot hole. During the course of the fight, her attacker manages to deal her some serious wounds, and she in turn stabs him in both eyes. Then he whips out a gun and she is too injured to move, so she thinks, At least I'd die with honor instead of as a woman who was filled with bullets and didn't lay a bit of damage on her killer. The last sight he'd see was the sin he committed, the lingering image of my dead body and the crime he'd face consequences for committing. Um... but he has been stabbed in both eyes. Firstly, how could he see where to aim his shot, and secondly, how could his last sight be the lingering image of her dead body when she's still alive and HE'S NOW BLIND?!

If the author had an editor, I think she got scammed.

[Siri · Rating 4 out of 5]

omg yes yes yes, this was so damn good! I need mooore, at first i was a bit hesitant cuz of how thick the book was. Some books that are that thick tend to get a bit draged out and that the author try to fill the page with whatever. But Avery really did good, i love the angst and feelings

[Aimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was interesting. I enjoyed the premise and concept but the characters didn’t connect with me. The concept was great and held the potential to be great but I had SO MANY ISSUES with it

This book felt like it was part of a series and like I missed the first two books. So much was over explained too quickly and then there were large gaps that didn’t make sense. Maybe this style of writing just didn’t gel with me. Like the mechanics of wolf packs and what an omega meant and who could turn into a wolf and all that stuff.
Also it was suppose to be 2050? Where is the fancy future technology? And why we still listening to billy eilish?

The intro made no sense and was frustrating. Honestly it really threw me at the start and I didn’t love that. I thought I might have read a dream or some other nonsense.

The mechanics of doing deals and being in business mad NO SENSE. When did she get the time to study and go to university and learn. Wth business is it? In the real world saying ‘oh the executive deal’ is not a thing anyone says. Was she a stock broker? It just felt like no real research went into that aspect.

Let’s talk about gender. Gender identity and being Trans. My god I felt like this book is not for anyone in that group. The way the characters talked about another smaller character transitioning and being trans? Not ok. And the main character was able to flip her gender and also be a man, ok interesting but they had no concept that YES PPL DO WANT TO BE OTHER GENDERS SOMETIMES. Use a ‘They’ pronoun or something else. It felt super on the nose and really not sensitive of a large group of people and it upset me.

‘Triggered’
Being triggered happened too often to too many characters. Yes they are allowed to be triggered. But if they are this triggered by this many things this often THEY NEED TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP. It just didn’t feel like a healthy way to present trauma and issues and I know the characters are suppose to be riddled with traumatic pasts and all that but this felt overdone and gimicky.

Which leads me into language. Why do they all say “ya” not yeah or yes or yep or anything else? Why when they are from opposite sides of the USA do they all use the same dialect with no variations and slang? This was confusing and weird.

Also none of these characters felt redeemable. None. I didn’t connect emotionally with any of them.

TLDR: concept was good. But I had deep issues with the way this book dealt with gender identity, trans people and mental health.

[Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of my most anticipated books for the year. There is a good reason why. Willow/William who has a crazy background story. The teasers didn't do this book just. Strap yourself for the ride as this is a book is no cake in the walk.

Willow/William is forced since as long as she remember to play a dangerous game. Her father rules the city and this book takes us behind the curtain and reveal the dark seedy to this town. Willow isn't what she tells us. There is a quiet strength to her and this becomes handy as the book goes and her men are introduced and her life becomes in more complicated.
The relationships are not what you think they they will be and Song surprises readers with her storyline. Nothing is straight forward and by the end of this book., you will be torn. I can't wait for more of this world in the future

[~Babette~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Whatever held you back has lost its battle, and now?"
He leaned back just so I'd lift my head and look into his deadly eyes.
"Now we wage war on all who dare defy us"

Actually loved this more than I expected

[Erin Dall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved!

This book is dark, enthralling, steamy and hits every emotion. For being a reverse harem she only has sex with one man through out the whole story but starts building other relationships with 4 more men.

There’s LGBTQ, gender fluidity, and trans aspects in this book that could capture many audiences.

I quite frankly thought it was sexy as all get out when Willow became William and started making out with a certain bad boy.

The darkness verses the humor written in here was perfect. The twist in the last couple chapters.... mind boggling!

I can’t wait to read the next one and hope that she gets with all the guys somehow!

[Heather Gilbert]

DNF @ 3%.... I'll try again later.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf Awakened is Avery Song's latest book and let me tell ya...this book is BIG! But I'm not complaining. I love big books and this book has a lot going for it. This book has it's good points and then it has it's low points, but overall it truly is an enjoyable story and one that I found myself blazing through.
In Wolf Awakened, the author introduces readers to Willow/William. Willow can alter herself into a man, and during the day she is William. At night, she is Willow, but no matter what persona she is she dominates in everything that she does. Her father despises her for being "weak" and not being able to shift into her wolf form, but Willow has hardened herself into being something more and it won't be long before she makes her father regret the way that he has treated her. Now! This book does have some dark themes, but since I like dark...I found this book to be absolutely delicious. The introduction of the four brothers...welcome to New York boys. LOL! At first, I didn't think that I was going to like them. At. All. I was prepared for: ego, bad attitudes, disrespect...you name it that's what I was expecting. What I got?? Surprise! I got calm, smarts, intellect, and more! I love how different each of them is. I even have a favorite brother!!! No, I won't tell though, but it's the one who appeals to me the most. lol!
I truly appreciate how the author warns readers of the darker elements of this book so that if readers have an aversion, or have certain issues that might be triggered by this book then they can avoid it and find something else to read. This book does have quite a bit of struggle and darkness in it, but I can easily say that the author doesn't delve so deep into it that she gets lost and drowns in it. You get just enough to give you a good picture of the things that not just Willow went through, but Onyx as well. So you get a two for one with the background story, but of course, things were worse for Willow.
Now, while I did enjoy this book, there is a reason why I am declaring 4.5 out of 5 instead of a full 5-star rating. Since things take a long while to connect to the prologue, it gives you a future scene and then begins the book with more of the "present" I don't see the point of having read it. Also, as is the case sometimes with longer books, there was a bit of repetitiveness in spots that were just a bit too close together. In the beginning, for example, the author states how tall Willow is in her female form. That was fine, but then literally a few pages later, hardly enough time for me to forget that one detail, it's repeated again. That particular detail wasn't needed. Then there were places where there was a bit too much thought-process going on, basically, the characters reflecting and going into a bit too much detail. Sometimes less is more, and in some places, I felt like it was just filler that really wasn't needed. It slowed the book down, so when I started coming across these places my brain would literally hunt for the important information and skip the rest to keep from getting bogged down. My only other issue is Willow/William. I'm disappointed in their lack of empathy towards others. I get that you are literally taking your life into your own hands and giving to another when you are a part of the mafia, but I'm still disappointed. Willow/William shows little to no empathy for the individual their father murders simply because he's "displeased." These individuals aren't the reason why he's angry...they are just a convenient target. I'm not saying that they should cry about it, but to show some empathy wouldn't be so bad, especially when they are the reason for that individual losing their life. But that's just me.
All in all, I am loving this story and I can't wait for what comes next. So I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. Willow/William is a fascinating character in both forms and I can't wait to see how they move forward to conquer NYC and show the world...you don't mess with the Forbidden pack.

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolf Awakened is a sexy, sizzling hot paranormal romance! If you enjoy smut in your reads with enemies-to-lovers, then this is definitely a must! I realized I really love reverse harem and Avery delivered it on point! At first I was intimidated by the sheer size of this close to 800 pages novel, but the writing flows smoothly which kept me entertained the entire time.

This was the first time I read about a main character that could turn both into a man and a woman. Willow at night and William during the day. Also the characters are so badass! They give off this sense of power and confidence that alongside the humorous jokes and snappy remarks made me giggle with excitement while reading. Sometimes I was put off a bit by the many reflection thoughts of the characters, but this didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I was glad that the author included a trigger warning at the start of the book, I love dark themes and Wolf Awakened delivers it!

One of my favorite elements of the story was all the angst and friction between the characters, as well as the entire wolf-pack worldbuilding and how their system works. I loved how the wolves were integrated with normal day society. Overall it was a fun, hilarious and spicy read, can't wait for Wolf Endangered!

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review!

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was a nice new twist for a paranormal/shifter book and was well written. It was very long but was able to keep your interest the whole time. Avery Song was able to introduce us to the characters and captivate us with their stories. I always love Avery’s world building. The plot twists kept you reading and the cliffhanger at the end made you excited for what the second book has to offer. The FMC is kick ass and I love that you see her vulnerabilities. I can’t wait to learn more about her men and the relationship they will build.

[Imee Benzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Action Packed***

Wow this is one of the best book that I've read this year it's amazing. The only criticism I have is its too long and too wordy but we got to know the characters intimately and cried and laughed with them. Willow is the best fmc there is, she is one bad ass woman who can give as much as she takes. If you don't like detailed violence than this book is not for you, some parts are pretty gruesome. Anyway I'm looking forward to book 2 now that Willow has awakened.

[Sheila Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anime Inspired?

DNF. The rhythm of the writing style was awkward for me. The over the top prose was similar to anime. The story itself unique if confusing. The prologue was too vague in the timeline & after 70% I was still unsure why it was significant if it hadn't been brought out\up yet. The main characters were there. Just strange.

[Ria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh man this was thicc for a first in a series book, could have been trimmed down tbh. Characters are great but lack of relo building sucked though. I hope they all get closer in the next book.

3.5 stars

[Klizbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I’m super confused by this book. It’s a crazy mish-mash of contradictory ideas and statements. Nothing makes sense. Every “fact” in this story is the opposite of true. My brain hurts.

1) She’s a useless human with barely any magic. She’s weak. Except she’s doing huge amounts of magic and accomplishing amazing thing with her awesome magic throughout the entire story. Huh?

2) FMC and Onyx are enemies! They can’t love each other because they are, for sure, the worst of enemies…. Except they’re not actually enemies. At no point in this story are they enemies. They love each other. They both know they love each other. And they work together. They grew up imprisoned together…sooo, not enemies.

3) FMC is a badass psycho bitch. She can take out any man. She can fight hordes of wolves by herself. She’s defiantly independent; she makes sure to have her own money so she never has to rely on anyone. Except she literally hands herself over to men who mean her harm, gives up all her power, her independence, and her freedoms.

I guess it was supposed to be about protection, but she doesn’t fucking need their protection. Also, they don’t protect her even once. She literally has to protect them. She sold herself to men, made herself their subordinate and gave up all her power for no goddamn reason. WTF? I almost DNF’d it at that point.

4) FMC hates her dad. He imprisoned her in a dungeon and tortured her for years. Except she works for him now, Why? We never got a good reason. He send people to kill her, sells her to his allies as a sex slave….and she gives him her 3 month notice for work in retaliation. She saves his life and protects him. Umm, what bitch? At the very least just quit. You’re supposed to be a crazy bitch, why aren’t you killing him?

Anyway, I imagine this story is like reading Alice In Wonderland while flying in the yellow submarine and tiptoeing through the tulips…all while on a drug high. I’m questioning my logic and reasoning skills here.

[DOA · Rating 1 out of 5]

I-

Quite honestly...I have no words. I had to skim through the last 75% of the book. This review will be of no help to anybody because I genuinely don’t even know where to start.
- Very immature
- Nothing is researched, so details about corporate procedure and daily life in a corporate environment are weird.
- Attempts to sound overly intellectual in the dialogue. Which it a very uncomfortable read.
- Everything is exaggerated and unrealistic. Like a piece of art work selling for a billion dollars?! Everyone is a billionaire and the heroine is also super rich from underground fight rings? Again, billionaires.
- the whole thing reads like a day dream pulled from a 13 years olds mind.

[Debra Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The preface ruined the book!

The book was very good. Well written. I recommend it highly, just don't read the preface. Its the last chapter of the book. How stupid is it to ruin a book like that! It tainted the whole book for me.

The trigger list left off a the very highly triggered topic of suicide. That seems wrong to me.

Other than that I really did like the book. I thought willow was an amazing character.

The guys were intriguing as well.

I debated on giving it 3 stars because of my above complaints but the book was good.

[Tiffiny · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember reading a book by this author a few years ago that was so bad she pulled it from the shelves to be re-worked. So even the author knew it was utter trash. But I was like "Hey, that was awhile ago maybe she's improved". Spoiler Alert: She has not improved. I made it to 81% and it took me 4 days to get there because it was...just torture ya'll.

Hold on to your butts because this review is about to be long...and none of it is good.... seriously don't know how this has so many 5-star reviews when it is honestly so poorly written. And by "poorly" I mean story-wise.... grammar was...not the worst.

Let's start at the beginning:

The "prologue" which was nothing but a spoiler chapter that I didn't even make it to. It doesn't matter anyways because a REAL prologue gives background or useful information to set the story up. Not essentially tell you the ending - because if I made it to 80% and that spoiler still hasn't happened then it's pretty much the ending chapter. Trash. So already we're off to a bad start.

Next, holy plot holes Batman. The one that sticks out the most to me is that we're told she doesn't have a lot of magic that's why she takes these booster shots from her bff every morning to help her hold her form. But don't worry, she stops taking those daily because she just has a shit ton of magic somehow. We also have a weird timeline of things that happened in the past, but we don't know when or where. How her abuse is talked about it seems to have happened relatively recently, but she's been running the business for years now? Honestly that would have been a prime prologue - give us the background or a look into her abuse and set a timeframe for when that actually happened. But what do I know.

The story is supposedly in the future but so many modern things were used. Recent artists and even technology was all the same as now. So, it doesn't feel futuristic at all, it feels like today but with wolves. Then we have everyone, their mother, son, and second cousin twice removed is a damn billionaire. I hate to have to be the one to say this but if everyone is so rich then it doesn't make anyone special anymore. One of the guys is an artist and his works start at a billion *gasp* zzz if everyone is so freakin' rich then they aren't even worth a lot. Please. Then we have the concept of mixing supernatural races as rare yet...jeezus if everyone isn't special there too. What made me finally stop reading was the surprise sister the FMC has. She's just like her!!! But don't worry, Willow is sPeCiAlZ somehow. No clue how if she has a sister just like her, but whatever. Her dad is bipolar because he's supposedly super cruel but then the author describes him as almost being scared to lose her. I'm sure the author will throw out some "I was doing it to protect you" bullshit. Sure.

Other things that bothered me. This one is funny: one of the guys says that the Papa is impotent lol but like he's still screwing tons of women to make babies....so I don't think that word means what the author thinks it means. Then we have the "deals this" and "mega deals that" what the hell does that even mean and when did business work like that? And lastly, the biggest gear grinder: is the constant flip of what the FMC is. Cross-dresser? Gender-Fluid? Transgender? They are used interchangeably, and it is actually insulting. I'm all for a gender-swapping character, in fact I think it's sexy AF, but at least get your story right so you don't insult half the rainbow. Like c'mon.

Overall, the 5-star reviews are no doubt bots and/or die-hard fans who'd give a piece of paper touched by the author a 5-star review. There's no way someone who actually read this would think it was good.

[Rhawna · Rating 2 out of 5]

There will be so many spoilers in this, FYI. I'm going to write this while actively reading it. Why? Because I couldn't get through the prologue without hitting some seriously awful turns of phrase, so now I feel the need to record these gems for future prosperity.

"Finally. Our sweet forbidden fruit is ripe and ready for us to pleasantly enjoy." -srsface? Try to picture literally anyone actually saying this. Say it out loud, just for yourself. It sounds ridiculous. If it SOUNDS ridiculous, it READS ridiculous.

And the concept of being a billionaire in three years due solely to competitive cage fighting is absolutely ludicrous. She'd have had to have made $913,242 every single day for the last three years. No missing a day or taking a day off. And that's even first starting out when she had no reputation and was a nobody. NO ONE is paying a nobody a million dollars a fight. Wolf shifters? Sure. Billionaire amateur cage fighters? Please stop.

And bears are lower-level shifters compared to wolves? That's new. And again, entirely unbelievable both in nature and in paranormal genres.

"No matter our history, the De Lucas were the most powerful alliance America had ever heard of, and everyone knew not to mess with our family unless death was the portion they wanted to receive".- melodramatic and histrionic? Yes. Scream highschool creative writing project? Also yes. Again, read this sentence aloud. "Death was the portion they wanted to receive". I snorted, IRL.

"Matched with black gloves that reminded me of the fingerless ones I wore at this moment, I couldn't help but smirk as I continued to approach." Do you see how disjointed and fragmented the writing comes off? Over and over I am jerked away from the actual content, not because the content is bad, but because the phrasing is incredibly distracting and, well, bad.

I actually enjoy Avery Song's story lines, in general. They have a good grasp on what will grab and hold attention, and how to maintain good vs bad levels of drama. The characters and motivations also tend to be good in their books.

Despite being sold on Willow's storyline, and truly wanting to read the collection, I can't. I've tried repeatedly over the last couple of years to read these books. I cannot tunnel vision enough on the good in the books to avoid having my attention mauled by the bad writing.

I made it to 5% today. That was a pretty good try.

[Bretnie Shep · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew if I lost her, that would be it. I'd die with her in my arms, just so that she wouldn't be alone in the afterlife."

I read this a couple years ago, I think book 2 had just came out. I absolutely love how Willow can change genders . It’s truly a unique magic system the author creates. Onyx is everything. He is by far my favorite. The pain him and Willow have been through together , both mentally and physically. As well as emotionally. I found myself tearing up a few times . The only thing that bothers me is Willow. lol she always refers to herself as a human. Weak, nothing, and woah is me, but somehow can take out 12 shifters? I mean , no human could do that. I feel like she constantly reminded us out through the entire book that she was not a wolf, and how no one is going to control her or keep her chained. I mean i get it, what her dad did and allowed to be done. It was horrific. But dayyummmmm , the constant reminder every chapter was a little too much. Also , i didn’t really care for the unrealistic banter. The smirking and winking , the hitting and beating on onyx , the rude stuff she says. Some of it felt just like, idk. Her and her besties banter was cringe as well. I like the idea of her being the bad a$$ fmc, love the magic system, and of course like I said, the way she can change genders . It’s truly one of the coolest things I’ve read . And I’m all for a fmc who’s been through a lot of bad and becomes this strong woman who trains her kind and body for protection against the bad, but hers was a little idk , dramatic? Then all of a sudden towards the end it was like every chapter she was almost dying. Just to do some more unrealistic stuff , while actively dying lol it just irritated me. I feel like her character had a lot more potential. Plus the fact that she doesn’t really spend anytime with the guys , she hung with Nero once and declared she loved him, while dying lol don’t get me wrong i love Nero too, all of them are pretty cool so far, but we don’t really read too much about them and Willow together , or getting to know one another at all. Of course she’s constantly on the verge of death every other chapter…. 🤷‍♀️ i gave this 4 stars because i do love it, I just hope the complaining and unrealistic stuff stops in the next couple books.

[ᥫ᭡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

warning : genderfluid

Twenty-five year old Willow De Luca is the daughter of a mother who is a witch, and her father a mafia leader and the Alpha of the biggest pack in their town. Willow lives with the problem that she cannot shift into a wolf and her witch powers are not strong enough. Which causes her to not be welcomed in either witch or wolf community. With the help of her best friend, she does manage to turn into a man with her powers. During the day she transforms into William De Luca a person formed by her father so they can fool the world that she is a man instead of a woman.

But soon she gets to know the new pack ( The Forbidden Pack ) who come to New York to destroy her father's wealth and have no problem dragging her into the fight. Or that was what they thought until they got to know Willow/William better.

With the goal later in the book they tried to protect Willow from her father's enemies. But soon came to realize that they had to protect Willow from the biggest threat, herself.

Because of all the abuse she had experienced, her self-esteem had risen considerably with the idea that she would never be more than a weak human.

Which, in counterpoint, is not so. Willow has the same abilities as a wolf, especially because of her father who is an Alpha. She is also stronger than she realizes it as a witch.

My biggest drawback to this book is the excess of tropes. Mafia, paranormal, reverse harem, enemies to lovers, and then also the plottwist at the end which is also a trope. What I find just too much.

It would also have been nice to have a warning about the genderfluid. It plays a big part in the plot and even bigger probably in the next book. Especially since it was revealed that one of the male main character is gay and likes the male form of the female main character, while the other men like her female form.

Personally, I was not impressed with the way this was written either.

However, there were moments where I did enjoy the book. Onyx and Neo were definitely my favorite.

[Mai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tenía expectativas altas. ya con el hecho de que ella se podía transformar en hombre y que fuera un harem inverso me llamó la atención y quise leerlo de una. Pero me decepcionó.
empezando por como está narrado, da muchas vueltas para avanzar en la historia y se enrosca en los mismo pensamientos una y otra vez, contandonos cosas que ya sabemos una y otra vez desde muchos puntos de vistas lo cual termina siendo desesperante y cansador de leer. Desde el inicio nos presentan a Onix y ya para el final te das cuenta que esto más que un Harem inverso es una "relación abierta". porque a pesar de que ellos no son novios, se aman con locura y se tratan como novios. Los otros chicos no pueden competir contra Onix y me parece estúpido como de la nada Willow le decía te amo a Neo cuando apenas lo conocía y se besaba con los otros solo porque es una zorita que le gusta coger, pero enrealidad NUNCA se los coge y creo que ese es mi mayor problema con este libro, porque vine buscando eso y no lo encontré (cuando llegué al final me enteré que tenía más libros, que no pienso leer).
Nunca pude empatizar con la protagonista y de los otros personajes no los desarrollaron tanto como para quererlos. el único vínculo que si me gustó fue el de Willow y Onix, si me pareció verdadero y los demás cero. Sentí que querían forzar la tensión sexual, pero nunca llegó a nada.
le doy 2/5 porque la trama si estaba buena, me pareció interesante, pero fue como leer el prologo de algo y no es un libro corto como para leerlo en un rato. No me gustó la forma de narrar, es medio aburrido, vueltero y repetitivo. Las escenas spicy que fueron pocas, no me gustaron demasiado tampoco, en fin, esperaba más.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pink

Where to start, ok first wow! Book 1 deserves more than 5 stars.
Wolf shifters, mafia, royals, assassins, it’s a whole different world.
Set in the future, not that far in the future, the world is definitely different, humans know of the paranormal and supernatural. Shifters among them and feared with most of the mafia across the world actually being wolf shifters.
This is a huge story, it’s raw, deep, emotional and pretty trigger happy.
This series is a game changer, not only is it a page turner and written incredibly well but anybody who loves paranormal romance and mafia reads then your in for a shock and a good shock as this will have you satisfied to finally read a story that gives you everything and more you could want when you search for this kind of read.

Expect a strong connection between between Willow and Onyx, their love is something I’ve never come across before, they gone through so much growing up together and I fell inlove with their love for one another, that has scars and some deep trauma.

Ive gotta admit I was second guessing about this series as I’ve been debating how willows character was gonna play out being a man in the day and a woman in the evening. Well it works and has a lot of good reasons why this works but on an added bonus I think we could see some m/m action and I don’t normally like much of that side but the way willow and William are written in this unique story it’s like you get the best of both worlds with the added sauciness 🤤 definitely drool worthy.
Best series I’ve found in a very long time ❤️

[Danielle Ligon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried a lot

Let me tell you all the pros first. I love the storyline and world building. I am invested in all of the characters and I have laughed and cried in the story and will eagerly continue with book 2.
The Only cons are this writer uses words that work by definition but not by reading if that makes sense. She also seems to use a thesaurus a lot to find other words to get a point across but really just muddies the flow of reading and so I had to keep stopping and try to figure out what point she was trying to make. There were also uses of double negatives that seemed to be the opposite of the point, I believe, she was trying to make by the next few lines of the continuing story. I was confused many times and had to stop and really try to figure what point she was trying to make with her use of words, phrasing, and sentences. It did ruin bits of the story for me and frustrated me enough to almost give up, but it did get better later in the story and happened less frequently. I actually stopped to look up this author to see if I was dealing with a language barrier. I thought for sure she was not an English speaking author. Which is ok. I love to read English and Aussie authors but I have to mentally know so my brain adjusts to their writing. I am not sure with this author, if that is the case or not, as it appears she is from Canada. Either way, I was able to overcome the frustration bcI really enjoyed the story and characters.

[T.L. Callahan · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you’re opposed to gory violence, psychotic or suicidal tendencies (like Hannibal Lector and Harley Quinn had kids level), lots of I-hate-you-but-I want-you sex, or rambling stories this book isn’t for you. This book was really hard to read. I skimmed a lot because the writing at times made absolutely no sense (ie misused words, awkward syntax, etc). The book could be cut way shorter by a good developmental and copy editor that could turn this into a really interesting story. The plot is original and the cast of characters all have their own kind of appeal, even if they are all on the dark and crazy side. Willow is a hot mess of mixed personas after the trauma she has experienced at the hands of her father who wanted a male wolf shifter heir to his NYC empire. Having X-chromosomes hasn’t held Willow back though from trying to be everything her father wants. She’s harnessed the magic from her mother to turn herself into “William” by day, a true physical transformation that has her living a double life. But her multiple personalities collide in an epic way when she’s sold to three rival packs and becomes the unlucky rope in a deadly tug-of-war. When a different group of wolves saves her, she gets a second chance to find out if she can ever unlock her wolf and fit in with a pack. But nothing in Willow’s life is ever that easy.

[Bo0kSLoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gender-binding fun ride

I can honestly say that this is the first book I have read where the author successfully sets up a character in a gender-swopping role. Willow's life is about not being enough - not being enough human to fit in, not being enough witch to be in a coven, not have a wolf to be a shifter, not being the son her father wanted. She can't change everything, but she can change herself into William to appease her father. So for most of her life, during the day she is William and by night she gets to be Willow.

To let all that hidden frustration and rage out, she as become the best underground cage fighter in the city but that still doesn't stop the haters from hating and the assassins from continually trying to kill her. Being the mafia kingpin's heir, you gonna stay on your toes. Now there's a new pack in town and they are doing more than just nosing around. When business and money is involved, things quickly escalate between the two packs a they go head-to-head to see who will take over the city and who will fall

Secrets never stay secrets for long and like they say keep your friends close and your enemies closer (it sure helps that those enemies are wicked hot🔥). Willow/William will soon learn that every one must pick a side in this fight. Whatever outcome will change her fate forever.