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Pine Ridge Pack #3

Mine to Protect

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Stone - So much has changed in the past few months. My packmates Rowan and Phoenix have found their fated mates and have never been happier. They've also never been more ridiculous; the big, strong shifters are constantly going all giggles and googly-eyes over their men. The strangest part of it all has been realizing that's what I want for myself (my mate...NOT the giggles). For the longest time, I was in no hurry to meet my mate. I had fun playing the field and sowing my wild oats. But watching the four of my packmates together, I realized that meaningless sex with countless strangers was just that; meaningless. Seeing the smiles on my friends’ faces and knowing the contentment in their hearts, it was impossible not to want that for myself. I don’t regret my wild past, but I'm ready for something deeper. It's difficult to wait for Fate to deliver my mate. I never expected her to deliver a terrified beauty running for his life.

Wren - All I was trying to do was bring my boyfriend Preston his favorite treat from the diner where I wait tables. We work different shifts and it’s difficult to find time to get together, so I decided to leave my job a little early and surprise him at his home before he left for his evening shift with the police department. Through a series of terrifying and dangerous events, I learn that Preston isn’t the nice guy I thought he was. And now to make sure I don't blab about what I saw, he wants me dead. With nowhere else to go and needing to hide, I run into the woods...and right into the muscled arms of a sexy park ranger who promises to protect me. But can I trust him?

*This M/M paranormal romance is for readers 18 and up! It has no cliffhangers or cheating and a very happy HEA. It contains a sexy wolf shifter, his devoted pack and his lovable fated mate. Look out for lurking dangers, heartwarming moments and steamy scenes! My books are low angst and insta-love. They’re full of sexy moments, teeth tingling sweetness and a healthy dose of humor.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2020

274 people are currently reading
237 people want to read

About the author

Jayda Marx

84 books534 followers
I live in rural Ohio with my husband and two sons who drive me nuts, but I love them with all my heart. I enjoy reading and writing romance of all types, but gay romance is my forte and favorite! Twice the sexy men? Yes, please! My books tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart, but they do contain lots of heartfelt moments, steamy scenes and a healthy dose of humor. Thank you to everyone for checking out my page and I hope you enjoy my books. Happy reading!

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5 stars
622 (42%)
4 stars
463 (31%)
3 stars
303 (20%)
2 stars
72 (4%)
1 star
18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
2,349 reviews456 followers
December 8, 2023
Re-read December 2023

Insta-love to the max, but who cares.

--------------------

3.5 stars

In this final installment we finally get to meet Stone’s forever mate.

Wren has been dating police officer Preston for about a month now. He just arrived at Preston’s house to surprise him. Not expecting to witness his boyfriend and some fellow police officers killing another man.

Now on the run from them Wren flees into the woods. He wasn’t expecting to get caught though.

Stone has this feeling when he is inspecting the trails on his round. A feeling that something is about to happen. When he runs into a young man he isn’t sure at first, but when he grabs the man when he tries to run away he is sure. This is his mate!

It takes some time but Stone finally has Wren believing he is indeed a park ranger and not some assassin sent to kill him.

When Stone takes Wren to his cabin, he is planning on telling Wren about wolves and mates and everything immediately, since he hates lying. Now he hopes Wren will take it well…

While I really like this series, I still think it could have been better if every main couple gets just a little more time to fall in love instead of within the first day of meeting. I usually don’t have a big problem with insta-love, but it has to be done right. And it’s not exactly done wrong here, but I still would have loved it if things had moved just a tiny bit slower.

The insta-love in the first book somehow felt the most realistic of the three books. The second book was insta-love on steroids. And this one was something in the middle. Still too fast though..

But hey, it was sweet, it was cute and I had fun, so 3.5 stars and rounding up.
Profile Image for magic_of_darkness_and_books.
177 reviews78 followers
July 11, 2022
This is my favorite book in the series!

I knew from the first book that I'll love Stone's story! 😍

I was really curious who his mate would be and how will Stone act toward him. Ahhhhh, I screamed, giggled, laughed, smiled like a fool and swooned while reading this book.

Stone was exactly how I imagined him. He is so strong, protective and caring. It was amazing seeing the romantic side of him with Wren. Sweet, sweet Wren. He was the perfect one who made the Pine Ridge Pack whole.

Stone and his songbird were everything. I'll definitely be rereading this book. Now I'm going to check some other books by Jayda Marx because it seems I'm obsessed.
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,661 reviews459 followers
August 21, 2020
This one was better than the last but was still a bit cheesy. I wanted Stone to stay true to character and he was a little too mushy.
Profile Image for Misty.
259 reviews19 followers
June 6, 2025
Yes, I'm still in avoidance of all angst, so sticking with Jayda.
This was exactly what I need right now.
The most insta of insta-love, overly written shmoopy dialogue, and the fluffiest of fluffy love.
Profile Image for Juli.
73 reviews23 followers
dnf
February 24, 2023
DNF after 3 pages. No rating. I always forget that the author’s writing isn’t for me.
Profile Image for Chloë.
423 reviews25 followers
November 11, 2022
Well, it was definitely a quick & easy series to get through. We’re given a teensie bit more external angst in this one, but it’s still the same instalove story, this time between the largest of the shifters & the smallest of the human mates.

My first time reading a spicy scene that included docking, so that was…certainly something!
Profile Image for Rαιɳ.
263 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2023
It all happened so so fast, it wasn't a special read but i didn't expect anything different, and that's what i wanted to read now.
Profile Image for Shawna (endemictoearth).
2,331 reviews33 followers
February 12, 2022
3.5 stars - Apparently, Marx’s paranormals are way more palatable for me. If the mates be fated, who am I to disagree? I lol’ed several times, and even though it was the 3rd in a series, I wasn’t lost or annoyed. The previous couples were included very naturally.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,682 reviews
September 11, 2020
Awesome short. I always enjoy this author's books.
Profile Image for vrstal.
621 reviews8 followers
January 24, 2022
4/5.
"I’m on the run from my murderous ex-boyfriend who wants me dead, only to find my fated magical wolf boyfriend who wants to bite my neck and turn me immortal. How is this my life?"


As usual, Jayda Marx is hilarious. Out of the three I think this book is the funniest because of both Stone and Wren's inner dialogue. I also think she did my favorite tropes the best in this one - size difference, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort. Unlike in her Arrested Hearts series, she does not attempt to try and make this an epilogue/ending trilogy for everyone. All the other characters feature of course, but it isn't done in a way that it feels like it overtook the plot.

There isn't too much to say except that I enjoyed this one very much and I'm sad the series has come to an end. Where's my wolf husband park ranger? What do you mean I'd have to go outside to find that?
Profile Image for ~BookNeeds~.
799 reviews16 followers
April 14, 2025
Usually I get annoyed when an author follows the same story line in their books, usually. But Jayda Marx is so good at adding tiny endearing variances to her stories, she’s that good!! I am officially a fan!!!
Profile Image for Audi♡.
761 reviews76 followers
February 25, 2024
Giggling, blushing, feet swinging in the air😍I just knew Stone would be mushy asf. My heart is warm, my pickle is tickled!!!!
I absolutely LOVED these 3 cheesy books!! Rory, Dax, and Wren were so ridiculously funny.
Fated mates, OTT fluffy a wee bit spicy and super freaking sweet!!! 10/10

"Holy shit, your cock just ate mine,"
Profile Image for RestlessPages.
154 reviews12 followers
Read
November 24, 2025
I've finally gotten around to this book (after reading "Mine to Keep" around two months ago) and, gosh, you just gotta love Stone. Him calling Wren is the sweetest thing ever.

Same as the previous book, this one was fast-paced, insta-love and a bit cheesy. Sometimes I'm simply in the mood for things like this, but I think this author's writing might really not be my cup of tea. Which is a pity, because Jayda has plots that are exactly my thing. It's just the writing, I prefer more details, more description I guess. But I'd say, if you're craving something fast and sweet, then this is for you.

Even though the writing isn't my cup of tea, I absolutely loved Stone and Wren. I did find Wren's reactions and the overall plot really unrealistic. Like, Wren was chased by ex who wants to kill him, has spent the whole day in the woods in the middle of winter, wearing only sweater and jeans and trying to warm himself up with a fire (how did he even light the fire when he had nothing except wallet with him, I don't know), but once he's at Stone's house, he is all ready for watching having dinner, watching movies, meeting Stone's friends... Then the next day they're going to shop for his new clothes, despite having witnessed a murder just the day before and the ex still being after him... Like, yeah, so fast-paced and ridiculous at moments, but you know what, who cares?

And once again (because this happened when I was reading "Mine to Keep" too), I was shocked speechless because it was all glitter and pancakes, fluff and softeness and rainbows, and then it suddenly turned gory and bloody, throats snapping, blood gushing, eyes bulging and skin turning blue. And then afterwards, glitter and pancakes again.



But I'm still glad I've read Stone's story. Stone and Wren are just so precious. And I craved something sweet and sugary, so, I guess that's it.

"We're bonded together forever", I whispered in his ear. "I'll always love you and keep you safe. I'll do anything to make you happy, and hold you above all others. You're my life."
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,286 reviews44 followers
September 20, 2020
Worth the Wait



I have been (not so) patiently waiting for this book. The Pine Ridge Pack series has been wonderful and I really enjoyed Phoenix and Rory and Rowan and Dax. But Stone has been my Big Kahuna from the start. I knew that a mountain of a man needed a pixie to wrap him up. Oh, what a pixie we got in Wren. When Stone described holding a fighting Wren as like holding a “pissed off kitten who didn’t want a bath”, I was done for with these two.

Stone has always been a very forthright wolf, it’s what we’ve always known about him. I loved that he didn’t pull any punches with Wren and just dropped the truth down at his feet. It was so much better than the tap dance that’s usually done with shifter books. Don’t get me wrong, there’s always a delicacy to these things, but delicacy, thy name is not Stone. Wren, for his part, takes things rather well, except for the whole *ahem* stabby part. Given what Wren witnessed with his ex, Preston, I guess wolfy issues seem like the smaller part of the equation for him.

Seeing the whole pack come together for Wren was so great. They are a cohesive unit and literally only want what’s best for everyone involved. This was a wonderful conclusion the the Pine Ridge Pack series and I can only hope to see more shifter stories come from Mizz Marx.
19 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2020
This book was awesome! Stone was my favorite character in all three of these books and I was so happy to see him get his happily ever after. His attempts at romancing Wren were adorable. I loved how he was so forward with his mate and didn't beat around the bush. Wren was in shock but still accepting. If you're looking for a low angst, instalove, sweet and HOT read, pick up this series!
16 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2020
I waited so long for this book and it was worth the wait!! Stone and Wren were the perfect match. Stone is gruff, strong, and protective and Wren is timid and shy, and needs protecting. This story was sweet and sexy! All three books in the series were great. Highly recommend.
11 reviews
July 30, 2020
Stone and Wren were the perfect pair. This book had me smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. I laughed out loud at some parts. This was a great conclusion to the series. I'm happy big man Stone fell HARD for his sweet mate.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,568 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2022
********** Contains Spoilers**********

This was the first series that I read by Jayda Marx, a couple of years ago but I never got around to posting a review on any of the books, so here goes. Jayda’s books are always filled with sunshine, sweetness and little to no angst. They just make me smile. I enjoyed this book and found it the best of the series. I thought that Stone and Wren were great together. Wren witnessed his cop boyfriend Preston and his partner, kill another cop in cold blood. He also found out that they were all dirty, and the cop that they killed was getting greedy and wanted more money. He ran as soon soon as he heard Preston say that he’ll have to kill Wren since he saw what just happened as he found the dessert that Wren brought as it was dropped on the ground. Wren ran into the woods as he knew that the cover of the trees as he knew that he’d be safe if he wasn’t out in the open as Preston couldn’t track him with his resources as a cop.

Wren’s completely freezing and he lights a fire for warmth but completely freaks out when this giant a man comes upon him, he thinks that Preston must’ve sent him so he puts the fire out and runs but the man yells stop and catches him. Wren fights with everything he has but it’s no use, the man then tells him that he’s a ranger and saw the fire, and his name is Stone. It’s obvious to Stone that Wren is his mate, and that he’s scared and running from something or someone. I loved that when Wren followed Stone back to his house, Stone gave him a knife so it made Wren feel a bit safer. I also liked how after Wren told Stone what happened, that Stone decided to just be upfront about being a wolf shifter and the reason that Wren can trust Stone to never hurt him is because they’re mates. I was so right when I said that Stone would fall hard and fast for his mate when he found him, and he’s putty in Wren’s hands.

Even though Stone struggles with how to romance Wren he shows Wren little ways that he cares. Like teaching him how to protect himself. I also loved how Stone calls Wren songbird, totally adorable. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Jayda in the future. The rest of the pack loved and accepted Wren straight away, and Wren finally has family since the only family member (his grandfather) that loved and accepted him passed. Wren’s parents disowned him, just like Rory and Dax’s so Fate righted that wrong and gave them all a found family that will love them for eternity. I’m glad that Preston and his cohorts got what was coming to them, for all the sh*t they’ve done. Man, I was really proud of Wren, just like Stone when he did everything to protect himself using the moves that Stone taught him even though he was scared. I’d recommend this book, series, universe and author to others.
Profile Image for Danielle Hendrikse.
313 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2024
"Mine to Protect" unfolds as a captivating exploration of love, redemption, and the unexpected twists of fate in a world where pack bonds and fated mates intertwine. This review delves into the dynamics of the story, capturing the essence of the characters' journeys and the enticing blend of passion, suspense, and humor.

The narrative is skillfully introduced through Stone's perspective, offering readers a glimpse into the protagonist's evolution from a carefree shifter enjoying life's pleasures to a wolf yearning for a deeper, more meaningful connection. The review effectively conveys Stone's internal shift, emphasizing the poignant realization that genuine love surpasses the transient allure of casual encounters. This transformation sets the stage for a compelling exploration of Stone's desires and the challenges he faces on the path to finding his fated mate.

Wren emerges as a vulnerable yet resilient character, thrust into a dangerous situation by the revelation of his boyfriend's true nature. The review adeptly captures the suspenseful elements of the plot, highlighting Wren's desperate flight into the woods and the fortuitous encounter with Stone, the protective park ranger. The mention of Wren's struggle to trust in the face of danger adds depth to his character, creating a sense of empathy for the challenges he faces.

The central conflict, anchored in Wren's need to hide from a perilous past and Stone's determination to protect his newfound mate, contributes to the narrative's suspenseful undertones. The review skillfully navigates the delicate balance between danger and the promise of love, ensuring readers are enticed by the stakes and invested in the characters' journey toward a very happy HEA.

The thematic emphasis on pack dynamics and fated mates is seamlessly woven into the narrative, providing a familiar yet enchanting backdrop for the unfolding romance. The commitment to low angst and insta-love aligns with the promise of a heartwarming and emotionally resonant story. The inclusion of humor as a narrative element adds a delightful touch, creating moments of levity amid the challenges faced by the characters.

In conclusion, "Mine to Protect" promises a journey filled with passion, suspense, and the transformative power of love. The review successfully encapsulates the emotional nuances of the characters and the narrative's exploration of trust, redemption, and the unbreakable bond between fated mates. The blend of romance, danger, and humor positions the book as an engaging choice for readers seeking an M/M paranormal romance that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves them with a smile.
Profile Image for Deirdre.
1,571 reviews16 followers
September 19, 2020
I was so busy working from home and battling power outages that I missed the release of the Third book in this trilogy about the Pine Ridge Pack. I only recently learned about it and purchased it immediately. I was eager to read Stone's story. This big, protective Wolf shifter loved the growing pack, but was not ready to settle down or so he said.

But watching the love between his fellow packmate couples made him happy for them and kinda jealous too. He didn't like how sappy they acted but the closeness, tenderness, and unconditional adoration touched something deep inside him. When he found a small terrified half frozen skittish Human suddenly everything about having a mate crystalized for him. Despite the grave danger the Human brought with him Stone was prepared to welcome him into his home, heart, and pack. But was he risking too much?
738 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2020
Low angst, but sweet, sweet lovin'!

This finale to the trilogy was, as the author says, 'teeth tingling sweet with low angst' but I have to add deeply loving and loyal. You feel the wolves thrill, focus, and deep feelings for having finally found their soulmates. And the sweet, loving, human males that love them are adorable. In this book there was a few lol moments like in the first two books too. You'll love take-me-as-I-am- Stone, and sweet and totally accepting, Wren. I wish we found out what Wren was short for because it's an odd name for a guy, especially given how anti-gay his parents were. All three books were wrapped up nicely, and btw- no mpreg- thank you very much.
Profile Image for els✨.
1,068 reviews46 followers
June 20, 2024
- a MM shifter romance! instalove, fated mates, age gap, omegaverse, found family, grumpy/sunshine!
- well this got off to a scary start
- love that they met so quickly!! and in such a fun way hehe
- not Stone just straight up telling him he’s a wolf 😂 no beating around the bush with this one
- not Stone trying to romance Wren 😂💀
- i loved all the scenes where he’s learning to protect himself!!
- how many times do we think Wren’s gonna stab Stone
- i love how everyone comes together to make this amazing found family
- great sex scenes!!
- look we all knew that was going to be the third act conflict but it was written v well!!
- no third act break up besties x
- and the epilogue was super cute!!
- i’m so gutted this series is over it was so fun and sweet!
492 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2020
*Screeches maniacally*

! !!!!!!!!!

That's mostly all I have to say about this book. I knew Stone would be super sweet with his mate but he was amazing. I loved that he encouraged Wren to stab him repeatedly if he got scared in the beginning.

Kinda short, which made me sad; but so amazing that I didn't care. My face HURTS because I was smiling so hard. Not that that is a new phenomenon when it comes to jayda marx. So very satisfying. Makes me want to go back and have a marx-a-thon and re-read everything she has ever out out.
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,858 reviews21 followers
January 19, 2022
This book was absolutely awesome with Stone finally finding his mate, Wren, who was in trouble. Their relationship was beautiful and through Stone's love for Wren, Wren had grown in bravery, courage and strength. This story had me enthralled from the very first page to the last. I totally appreciated how quickly Stone had revealed his true self to Wren, which kept their mating from dragging like other books with shifters. The author had conveyed their love for one another so sweetly that I was left with the warm fuzzies and wishing that this series wasn't ending. This was amazing.
Profile Image for read with lee.
277 reviews7 followers
Read
April 28, 2023
I ❤️ Stone and Wren

Finally got Stones story and I couldn’t be happier 😭 I always knew he was gonna be such a sappy romantic once he found his mate and I loved that his whole pack made a bet on it 😂

I loved getting to know Wren and seeing how he came into Stones life. This series has very low angst and is perfect when you want that sappy insta love connection between fated mates.

I’m sad the series is over but so glad I read this series and got me back into reading this month after being in a slump lol
18 reviews
July 28, 2020
Amazing

Honestly amazing is one of the many words I can use to describe this author and her books. They catch you and keep you on the edge of your seat and make you just want to keep reading. This series has been my saving grace when I just want to go back and read a good book. If you love shifter books and instant love this is a great author to read! It’s also a great series to read!
583 reviews
January 21, 2021
Making Him Strong

Wren was small in statute, but he had a big heart. Dating a cop he thought he was in heaven. Preston was patient with him, not pushing him to have sex. One day Wren decided to surprise him, walking into something that had him running for his life. He ran until he found himself in the woods, where he ran into Stone. Stone knew instantly that Wren was his mate. Not being a romantic person he set out to learn. I loved their journey.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
22 reviews
June 17, 2021
It was bad. Not my cup of tea the instalove but totaly unbelievable in this story. To much space between the words and big type words so it does not read nice.
Totaly unrealistic situations, childisch written ( the monster kock , but they just met!!!!!) Stupid charakters. Stopped reading with the bacon and eggs scene.
Lucky I did not read book 1 and 2. Will not read books from Jayda Marx again. Elliot Grayson did a much better job about mates and shifters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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