River's Edge

Banished #2

by B.A. Tortuga

Miguel is convinced he and River weren’t the fated mates he thought they were, so when his best friend asks him to go back to Lobo Canyon, New Mexico, he knows it’s a really bad idea. Why set himself up to see River again, and to go through all that pain and weirdness again? Wulf is desperate not to be the only banished one at his niece’s christening, though, and Miguel finally, grudgingly, goes along.

River knows how bad he screwed up with Miguel, but he’s been able to tell himself it was meant to be. At least until Miguel shows up. All of his fine plans to stay away from the man go out the window then, and River decides he has to figure out how to win Miguel back. Even if the pack doesn’t seem particularly helpful, between the constant interruptions and the visiting family making his job harder.

What’s worse is that Miguel seems to be accident prone now. Until River realizes what’s going on is no accident. Someone is targeting Miguel with violence, and they have to figure out who it is, and how their love can possibly work out, all at the same time.

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Audiobook, Romance, LGBT, Fantasy

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2020

About the author

Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

Reviews

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one so much more than the first book. It was sweet and intense at the same time and I was one hundred percent there for the main characters love story. This one was much more focused on the relationship between the two main characters and the mystery took the backseat which suited me just fine.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interesting MM shifter romance enfolds in such a way, that it keeps the reader totally absorbed all the way to the end. There are some characters crossovers from the previous book “In Wulf’s Clothing #1” but this book can be easily stand on its own although there is an underlying storyline that continues from the first book. The plot is quite intriguing with a second-chance undertone & has some good world building with vivid scene descriptions. The characters are strong-willed individuals with a variety of traits & realistic flaws.
It is about: a young male werewolf (Miguel) with memories of a devastating past is convinced (basically strong-armed) by his friend (Wulf) to go back to the Lobo pack to attend the wedding of Wulf’s brother (Stephen, the pack alpha) to his mate (Laurel) & after 3yrs Miguel comes in contact once again with his mate & pack’s enforcer (River) naturally these two stubborn men have some difficult choices to make.
There is: a pack of misfits, pack/family issues, pack politics, fated mates, villainous villains, action, drama, intrigue, mystery, danger, threats, some violence, deceit, betrayal, complications, memories, insecurities, misunderstandings, regrets, determination, compromises, contentment, love, some steam & a happy conclusion for this couple.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am loving this series.. i loved seeing miguel become who he needed to be.. i loved watching them both transform into who they are needed to be.. it was amazing and wonderful and sexy and so much fun to read. i cant wait for the next one.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

River’s Edge by author B.A. Tortuga is the second book in the Banished Series. This is my first time reading this series and I was not lost at all. There is a small-time jump in this book. Usually, I am not a fan of that, but it works great in this story. What really made me love this story is the characters and the chemistry. I fell in love, and I want to know more about secondary characters introduced as well. Ms. Tortuga does a phenomenal job of making a character I love and want more of. This story is no exception.

Miguel, his story is heartbreaking. He has had it rough. He has survived and grown stronger. He is more than he knows, he thinks he is average, I found him to be exceptional as a person, a friend, and a talented designer.

River, he is an enforcer. At first, I was not happy with him. I felt like he needs to grow up some. Then after getting to know him more I fell in love with his strength, his love, and his fierce loyalty.

Overall this story is really well done. What I love too is there is room for many more stories in this series. I know I will be looking forward to them. When you want a bittersweet mating story I highly suggest this one. I know I am really glad I got the chance to read this story.



Five Shooting Stars and Stardust award

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miguel and River are reunited after going their separate ways. The mates need each other and finally work out a solution.

Good red herring re the baddie. I was surprised. I like when mates can hear each other. Less misunderstandings and the closeness is sweeter. Miguel’s place in the pack finally give him what he has always wanted.

Nice writing and the book was happy and sweet (even with the threat hanging over them). I like stories with friends becoming families so this one satisfied me. Friends, Family, and Forever love, what more do you need?

I received an arc of this book.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

My first thought when writing this review was "give it time." I've got to be honest with you, it took me probably three or four times picking this up and putting it down to get to around 20%. River and I did not connect at all, and I felt for Miguel due to the amount of pressure he was under. But, the next time I picked it up, everything started getting better.

I still have the same complaint regarding glossing over past issues and immediately reverting to "insta-mate, I must get you to stay." But, I did enjoy the plot of this book more than the first. Miguel is a banished wolf like Trey/Wulf, but he was never part of this pack, and he's not the Alpha's brother.

Bad things keep happening, at first making Miguel look, and feel, like a klutz. The Alpha, Stephen, has ramped up security after the wedding, due to the birth of the Alpha pair's first child. This puts River in high demand, but what isn't expected is the role the moon has cast Miguel to play in this pack.

As more family gathers, tensions get high, and the little accidents aren't quite as harmless as before. But, I do have to say that although the reason behind the issues makes sense, it was not the obvious answer.

Miguel finds his strength and courage, and accepts that he does have a place in River's pack, and not only River is thrilled with that news. The next book is not as strictly lined out in this, but if it improves at the rate this did beyond In Wulf's Clothing, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens. But for River and Miguel, their happily ever after has just begun.

* I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Separating mates is never a good thing and I'm always wary getting into a story where the mates willingly separated themselves. In Miguel and River's case it's an easy fix, but the road to keeping their bond is definitely rocky. This series isn't an easy one because there are difficulties all along the way for everyone and it's always hard to change people's minds when they're set in their ways. Miguel and River fight hard and win, but not without more than their share of pain and misunderstanding long the way.

There's the obvious villain, and then there's the real villain, and I'm speaking a little metaphorically here. Acceptance is the real villain in the story because there are past prejudices, blind individuals who can't see a happier future and one without the judgments of the past they are often wrong. Accepting the mate bond when you'd ignored it before. Accepting your place in a family that is dysfunctional but has immense hope with leaders who love. Accepting yourself and all the scars you carry. Miguel has a lot against him and it's with River's love and determination as well as Trey's support that he makes it through.

I really like this series and despite having minor issues with the MC's for how they treat one another at times, this was a wonderful addition. Stories of redemption, well-deserved second chances, self-acceptance, discovery, family, love...these are the kind that keep me coming back for more.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t read book one of the Banished series but it did not detract from my enjoyment of this book. I love this author’s characters. They are always so complex and loveable at the same time. River and Miguel were instantly attracted to each other right from the start, but they did not see eye to eye and hurt each other with words they wished they could take back. Part of it stems from the fact that River couldn’t understand why Miguel wouldn’t want to immediately stay with him. Miguel was Banished from his old pack through no fault of his own when he was just a kid. He can’t hide the scars that make him a survivor. When he comes back with Trey to Lobo Canyon, he and River are forced to see each other again and realize that they really are mates and can’t be separated any more. Old prejudices in the pack run deep despite the new alpha’s work at changing the status quo. These two men have to fight for what they want, especially when it becomes evident that some wants Miguel hurt. My heart hurt for Miguel. He so strongly just wants to belong but he believes that is impossible for someone like him unless it is with his friend Trey. I loved this story as both characters grow and learn the worth they have, both with each other and with the pack. A truly beautiful narrative just like BA Tortuga’s other books! I highly recommend it. I did read an ARC of this book.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had some issues with this book. First, what does the title mean? I mean, clearly we have the character River, but what is his edge? Is Miguel River’s edge? If so, what is it in reference to? Is the edge a boundary? Is it a blade? Is it an advantage? Wouldn’t you think that, after having read the book, I should know?

Next, both River and Miguel were so incredibly selfish and mean to each other in the beginning of their relationship that I wanted there to be a whole lot more working through their issues before being forgiven. In this book, and really, the series so far, we not only get insta-love (which isn’t a deal breaker for me), but we also get insta-forgiveness for any hurt that they inflicted on each other, simply because neither character can deny the lust that being a mate entails.

I did like that the villain wasn’t obvious in this book, though I would have liked to have known about the possibility of that person existing before we found out who it was. The misdirection and suspicion due to not knowing who was behind the attacks was very well written, but did the author get the idea behind this from watching old re-runs of the Patty Duke show?

Overall, I liked the story well enough, but this wasn’t more than just OK for me.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received for an honest review.

Miguel and River meet in Banished book 1 (In Wulf's Clothing). They have a short and passionate fling and when it's time for Miguel to go back to his pack some harsh things are said from both Miguel and River. Now 3 years later Wulf is going back to his old pack to make christening clothes for his niece and sister-in-law and Miguel is going too. When Miguel and River meet up it doesn't take long before they're back in each other's arms. As they try to figure out how they're going to make this work someone is trying to hurt Miguel.

This book is a little better than book 1 IMO. Miguel and River say some hateful things to each other and when they get back together it's fixed all too fast and forgiven. The cheesy dialogue is still there and at times it was cringeworthy. I didn't like the way Wulf and Cody browbeat Miguel into going back to the pack where River was, when he clearly didn't want to. It bordered on abusive IMO. No one can guess the baddie as the author points fingers at multiple characters and none are it. I did like the way is was paved for Miguel and River to be together and Miguel found worth in himself. Onto book 3, really hoping it's good.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance, fated mates, shifter romance with a sweet HEA.
River is second to his alpha. Miguel is a banished one, now a member of a rag-tag pack, cobbled together by his best friend. River and Miguel met three years ago and sparks flew. They were drawn to each by that mysterious mate bond, but both chose to ignore the call of their instincts and they parted ways. Three years later they’re thrown back together and both men find that things aren’t always what they seem. Miguel finds that maybe he has a place in River’s pack after all and River has to work to find out who is trying kill Miguel—his fated mate.
River’s Edge is the second book in a series. I hadn’t read the first book, but it didn’t take me long to figure out what was going on. I liked the story and both River and Miguel had some character development in the book. The only issue I had was that it was sometimes hard to follow the dialogue—to figure out who was speaking. It also seemed to move from scene to scene without much transition. Overall I would recommend this story. I am curious enough to go back and read the first book.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the pack is family feel of this story, and the different mix and personalities of the characters. The world building is interesting, especially with how the politics etc work within the pack.

I loved how Miguel, despite how he’s been treated, has a lot of inner strength, and has made a new life for himself within a new pack with Wulf. He totally kicks arse when he goes up against the bad guy. Go Miguel! I wanted to roll my eyes at River at times, as he convinces himself he and Miguel can’t be together instead of actually talking to Miguel and seeing what he thinks about the situation. I loved how River sees Miguel’s scars as a sign of his strength rather than being ugly. I liked these guys together.

The pack members are definitely more than just pack, but also family. I particularly loved Laurel who is cool, smart, and kind. The relationship between Miguel and Juniper is sweet and I loved the idea of a protector. The mystery part of the story had me guessing, with a nicely done red herring.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe I was just in a mood but my heart broke for Miguel. After all the shit he's been through, him and his mate have a set-to because neither wants to leave (And River is too much of a chicken shit to leave the valley), then Wulf/Trey practically forces Miguel to go back for a baby christening. Who the fuck cares about clothes, you are forcing him to go back and face River. (I know, I know, he had to or the book wouldn't have been a romance) but I thought he was pushed around a lot and River treated him like shit until he found out WHY Miguel had been banished (there must have been a good reason right? There wasn't).

I also found that it said "3 years earlier" and it mentions the bride was pregnant at the wedding when they met but she's just had the baby now. No one is pregnant for 3 years.

But besides that, overall I enjoyed it and seeing all the gang again. I'm very curious about Ash, the bride's brother who has visions. Hopefully he gets a story.

Still 4* because it tugged at my heart strings.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the Banished series and I really enjoyed it. River's Edge takes place three years after the previous book and we get to see how Miguel and River finally deal with their relationship after being apart for so long. I love how welcoming the pack is to Miguel and that he has an important and specific role there. His horrific past makes it difficult for him to accept being part of any pack but especially such a traditional one. River will do anything to keep Miguel with him as he will not be parted from his mate again. Being apart did not work for either of them so now they will have to fight to stay together. They have several issues to deal with but they have the support of both packs and their friends. I love the secondary characters, the ending is great and I can't wait to read the next book in this intriguing series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great second chance story. River is the Lobo Canyon enforcer, but his heart belongs in Santa Fe with Max. These two meet when Max and Wulf aka/Trey return to the Lobo Pack for the new alpha Stephen's wedding to Laurel. Max is part of Wulf's banished pack and all he wants is to return home once the wedding is done. These two have an intense interlude but neither is willing to give up their positions in their respective pacts. Both could said to be cowards in not being able to face change. Each feels deep loyalty to their respective alphas, and both believe that to act on their attraction would be a traitorous act. Both were comfortable with the lives they led
but by the mate scent alone both recognized the "calling". This is a story of compromise that just works. Neither gives in nor gives up. They just need each other and
let the chips fall where they may. This is an ARC review that I have voluntarily given.

[Linda Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I don't need perfect. I need to belong."
Continuing from the previous book, but fine as a standalone, the theme of not being accepted because of others' beliefs and traditions bleeds once again. Some very hurting moments are described vividly enough to bring tears and grind teeth, but the utter joy of true mate love is rendered as a beautiful blanket and soft, downy cushion to overcome all the terrible trials. The deep ingrained need to belong to someone or something that needs you resonates throughout, and the fear of not being enough is felt by more than just the protagonists, so the special dynamics created by a wolf pack come to the fore in the best ways possible.
Also, the delightful ways the inner dialogues and interactions are playful, full of wonder, snarky, and sassy help keep a light atmosphere and tend to lead to grinning while reading.

[LJ Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is some cheesy dialogue between Miguel and River in River's Edge that I found annoying, but as a whole this book was good. Miguel and River were lovers in the past, had a fight, Miguel left to start anew somewhere else. River regretted what he said and when Miguel comes back home to his former pack, River wants to try again because the chemistry is still there between them. Old hurts within the pack rise up and both Miguel and River have to fight to be together. Someone is determined to hurt Miguel and River does everything he can to protect him. There are a few old characters in this book that were in the first and that has me hoping to see more of them in the next book in the Banished series. Enjoy!

I did receive an ARC of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review of River's Edge.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audible/ARC Review**

Once again I had an ARC but chose to purchase the audible. I enjoyed the previous book through audible with John Solo as the narrator and new this one should be good also and it was. River and Miguel was apart for so long for idiotic reasons knowing good and well they were mates. So I was glad that Trey made Miguel come back to Lobo Canyon with him for the christening. They needed to work out their crap and they really could not deny the mate bond for long. A long with a mysterious threat to Miguel, Miguel's new purpose and the guys romance rekindled, this was all in all entertaining. Old ways of the canyon are slowly being left behind and with each book we are seeing new and improved outlook for the pack. Lovely ending for River and Miguel with a nice HEA.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will they? Won't they? Miguel and River met when Miguel went to help Wulf during his brother, Stephen's wedding. They had a major connection, but Miguel still left Lobo Canyon and returned home. Wulf wanted company during his niece's Christening and asked Miguel to go with him. River, Stephen's second, felt a very strong pull toward Miguelat the wedding and vowed to make him his, pushing too hard. In spite of their strong pull, they are communication challenged. Then, for some reason, Miguel starts to have 'accidents'. River steps up and tries to find a reason. What's going on in the pack? Can they find a way to resolve their problems? Nice story. Characters are developing more. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this story, I didnt read the first book in the series, but that in no way hindered my enjoyment of the story.

The main story takes place 3 years after their meeting.

I loved Miguel, I wish I go go back in time and shake or beat those that banished him from his first pack, esp when we find out why he was banished and how he was treated.
River does love Miguel, but he did the impossible and choose his pack over his mate. Leading to them hurting one another, that hurt lasted for years. But when they got their second chance because of Juni, they both grab this chance with both hands.

This is definately encouraging me to read the first in this series and I cant wait for the next.

[Triciagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Miguel was banished from his birth pack as a child for circumstances that he had no control over. He was rescued by another banished shifter that became his best friend. Miguel goes with his friend to his brothers wedding where he meets River. River and Miguel are destined for each other but the have a battle to fight and win to get there. The story has you guessing who the villain right until the end. Great characters and a beautiful story. This is the first book from this series that I have read and I loved it a definite must read.

I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

[mich ⚘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book in the Banished series but that didn't really make this book too difficult for me to read as I was afraid it would at first.

River's Edge is a second chance at romance book between two men that are so very, very stubborn and fall apart a few times before they can truly come together. Not only is the chemistry between the two intense -- the storyline also is worth the ride. I really enjoyed this one because it had enough punch in all categories to make it truly enjoyable and kept me interested the whole way through. I will definitely be checking out more by this author.

3.5 stars

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miguel and River suddenly departed at the end of In Wulf's clothing and there are three years until River's Edge starts. I'm super surprised that either one could hold on that long. Once they're brought back together there is no denying that they belong together. Poor Miguel is targeted repeatedly and I was sure that River was going to lose it before they found the instigator. I loved everyone's reaction to the viral video (so to speak). Watching Miguel grow in his confidence was terrific. I loved watching him find that he belonged not only by River's side but in the pack as a valuable member.
Recommended author and series

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I hadn’t read book 1, it took me a bit to catch on but I did and enjoyed the story about River and Miguel. Miguel gave me all the feels, scarred and banished at a very young age he has created a new pack of “misfits” along with Wulf. River and him had a fallout and three years later they meet again. They are mates but they fight the bond like crazy. Someone is lurking and causing havoc, hurting Miguel and Laurel. I liked the action and the suspense but the romance is hot too.
Their friends and family are awesome. So many characters that deserve their stories to be told.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect the great mystery novel this turned out to be. It is an excellent shifter romance and I enjoyed the world building and seeing River's pack trying to change. I did not expect is to have such an excellent mystery as part of the plot, however. Reading about Miguel and River trying to track down who is responsible for the danger to Miguel was nerve wracking, scary and kept me glued to the story to the end. Miguel and River make a great, hot couple and I enjoyed this second volume in the series even more than the first.

[Elayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Banished series, we reconnect with Miguel and River who had a very shaky start in book one. This takes place 3 years later and we’re back in River’s neck of the woods, welcoming Stephen’s newest addition. Turns out Miguel has more than one reason to stay.
What with attempts on his life and dissent within the pack, it’s no wonder Miguel takes a while to settle in his new setting.
Intrigue and an action packed ending, leads us to a satisfactory HEA.

[Heather Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed River’s Edge. I haven’t read Wulf’s story yet but I definitely want to. I loved Miguel. Such a scrappy man, he totally has more under his vest. I liked that they are fated mates and separated and found their way back to each other. I also like some of the wolf ‘stuff’ in this series, pretty cool. It was super hot, sexy and funny. I also love that there was a mystery that kept you wondering but didn’t overtake the story. I definitely recommend this book.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read the first story in the banished series, but now I’m going to. I really like both main characters, River and Miguel. They were both strong and stubborn and unintentionally hurt each other. Once they get their act together, its awesome. They love hard. The chemistry is real. The connection is deep. I loved this story!! I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Shannon]

Great story

An emotional story that tugs your heartstrings, captures your interest right from the start, has unique characters, mystery, danger, ups and downs, twists, sizzling sexy times, intense love, and a satisfying HEA. Miguel and River have a rough journey but once they are on the right track, they really connect in a deep and meaningful way.
The story itself was worth 4.5☆ but needs a fair amount of editing from minor errors to inconsistencies.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book was basically written in the same template as the first book, I still really enjoyed it. Second chance love. Wolf shifters. Banished ones returning. Some people not happy about it. One of the MC’s finding a new home and struggling with it at first. A mysterious bad guy causing trouble. A shooting. A showdown by the river. Bad guy gets defeated. Happily ever after. I just absolutely loved that the baby chose Miguel. Best part of the book.