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The Stoneridge Pack #1
Wolf Hunts
How can you escape the hunt when everybody is hunting you?
Calli was born an impossibility. With the dual soul of a shifter and the natural magic of a witch, she was the first known shifter/witch hybrid.
But in a world where witches hunt wolves to siphon their magic, and wolves kill witches no questions asked, could she ever hope to find a place where she belonged?
When Calli’s parents, a shifter and a witch, met and realised their mating would never be accepted, they went into hiding from both the Coven and the Pack. Despite living this way, Calli and her brother had grown up in a happy and loving home.
After her parents are killed in a car crash one night, Calli’s world spirals out of control. Now the guardian of her five-year-old brother, Jacob, they flee to America to hide. In Arbington, Calli and Jacob settle into the safe house their parents had set up. Even in death, they were watching out for them, but they soon discover a small wolf pack lives in the same town. Battling her confusing emotions towards the shifters only complicates things forcing Calli to make a decision.
Trust her parents and stay? Or was it time to run again?
Calli was born an impossibility. With the dual soul of a shifter and the natural magic of a witch, she was the first known shifter/witch hybrid.
But in a world where witches hunt wolves to siphon their magic, and wolves kill witches no questions asked, could she ever hope to find a place where she belonged?
When Calli’s parents, a shifter and a witch, met and realised their mating would never be accepted, they went into hiding from both the Coven and the Pack. Despite living this way, Calli and her brother had grown up in a happy and loving home.
After her parents are killed in a car crash one night, Calli’s world spirals out of control. Now the guardian of her five-year-old brother, Jacob, they flee to America to hide. In Arbington, Calli and Jacob settle into the safe house their parents had set up. Even in death, they were watching out for them, but they soon discover a small wolf pack lives in the same town. Battling her confusing emotions towards the shifters only complicates things forcing Calli to make a decision.
Trust her parents and stay? Or was it time to run again?
542 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2021
1998 people are currently reading
1903 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Cooke
16 books404 followersI’m a British author who writes paranormal reverse harem romance books.
I couldn’t survive with tea and potentially swear far too much for any kind of polite society. So I spend most of my days shut inside the writing cave and talking to all the voices in my head. Being a writer has given me the ideal excuse to fully embrace the crazy side of my personality, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
I have an amazing reader group on Facebook, which I would LOVE you to join. Be the first to find out all the news on my upcoming projects and chat with me daily.
Join here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/CJCoo...
Sign up to my newsletter here if you prefer to stay up to date by email >>
https://www.subscribepage.com/authorc...
If you need any more information, check out my website here >>
https://www.authorcjcooke.com
I couldn’t survive with tea and potentially swear far too much for any kind of polite society. So I spend most of my days shut inside the writing cave and talking to all the voices in my head. Being a writer has given me the ideal excuse to fully embrace the crazy side of my personality, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
I have an amazing reader group on Facebook, which I would LOVE you to join. Be the first to find out all the news on my upcoming projects and chat with me daily.
Join here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/CJCoo...
Sign up to my newsletter here if you prefer to stay up to date by email >>
https://www.subscribepage.com/authorc...
If you need any more information, check out my website here >>
https://www.authorcjcooke.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
February 14, 2024
✅ Characters (Jacob is the cutest little guy ❤️)
✅ Slow-burn romance and some smut
✅ Reverse-Harem
✅ Pace
✅ Shifters, witches, and vampires
✅ Multiple POVs
✅🆗 World-building
🆗 Complexity of the plot
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sexy wolf shifters and reverse-harem with slow-burn romance. Add to that cute and funny characters and just enough action to keep us hooked.
Because her father was a shifter and her mother a witch, Callie and her family spent their lives hiding from the supernatural world. They are an anomaly, something that should not exist because a shifter and a witch simply cannot fall in love and live happily ever after. It is unimaginable, against nature, and against the rules of both the witches and the shifters. After her parents died in a tragic accident, Callie becomes the legal guardian of her 5 years old brother, and she decides to move to America to try to have a fresh start in the secure house their parents set for them a few years ago in case the worst happened.
I really liked Callie as the main character. She is fierce and strong, but she also struggles with her grief and with the weight of all the new responsibilities she has. It made her feel more real when she admitted that she could not do it all on her own and that she had to accept other people in her life. I also have to say that I ADORE the fact that even though Callie ended up meeting and recognizing her 3 mates, she always put her brother first. She thought about him before getting more involved with her mates, and she thought about him before accepting new housing arrangements and she put his happiness and safety above everything else. She would have been willing to ditch her 3 mates if Jacob didn’t like them or was not ready to have them in his life, and that made her the best sister/guardian ever. I would have been very disappointed if she just stopped thinking about Jacob first because she suddenly found love.
Jacob is the cutest, sweetest little guy. He’s young and adorable, but he’s very clever and understands very well everything that is happening around him. The pack and Callie often say that he's like a 40-year-old in a 5-year-old body. Seeing him and Callie together was really heartwarming, as was seeing him with Callie's mates.
The fact that Callie’s mates accepted and welcomed Jacob into their life from the very beginning, going as far as calling him “their pup” was so cute. I love that even before realizing that Callie was their mate, they were willing to do just about anything to make Jacob smile and to bring some happiness to his life. I love that they all managed to build a bond with him, and they were all so adorable together.
Grey is the alpha of the pack. He is brave, strong, and has that unmistakable alpha vibe, but he also listens to his pack members and really tries to create a good, healthy and steady life for them. He would be willing to uproot everything and move to the end of the Earth for Callie and Jacob though, and I love how he was always there to ground them and appease them whenever they were feeling strong emotions.
Tanner is the clown, the one who is always trying to lift the mood and joke around to defuse the tension, but he’s not overdoing it. He also has a more serious side that comes out whenever there is a serious conversation or when action needs to be taken. I like his lighthearted vibe and how he connected easily with Jacob. They were like two kids together, and I know they will most probably become best buddies in no time.
River is the more discreet and soft-spoken member of the trio. He works as a counselor in the elementary school Jacob goes to, and it shows in his interactions with Jacob and Callie. He always takes into consideration the emotions of the others and tries to do what he can so they feel safe and happy. He does have a sexy and kinkier side that comes out in the bedroom though, and I hope to see more of that side in the next book.
The romance and sexual tension were well done and well balanced. I love reverse-harem series, but I hate insta-love, which sadly happens quite often with the mate trope. Even though Callie knows and accepts that River, Grey, and Tanner are her mates, they don’t just fall into bed with each other and kiss or rub against each other whenever they are in the same room. The building of their relationship takes time and work, as they want to know each other, but also have to deal with their wolf wanting to mate and mark each other. I find that the balance between the mate-trope and the slow-burn was well done here and I am eager to read the next book to see if there will be more sexy moments now that they are closer to each other and getting used to being together.
The first part of the story mostly focuses on the building of the relationships between Callie, Jacob, and the pack. The plot does not progress much, but the relationships do and it was well written so I am not complaining about that. Even though this book is over 500 pages, it was very easy to get into it and I was easily sucked into Callie’s story, but I have to admit that there were some parts that felt a little longer. The last 30% of the book is really more centered on the shifter politics and their war against the witches. There is more action and fighting, and I think it sets a nice tone for the next book. Overall I really enjoyed reading this one!
On a side note, I would have liked just a tiny bit more information on the structure and role of the Council. We know that they are a threat to Callie, whether it is because they will want to kill her when they learn about her witch heritage or because they will want to take her and use her. But let’s be honest here, they all seem like major a-holes so I am really wondering how they came into their positions because I sure as Hell would never have voted for any of them.
There are new characters that became more important in the last 30% of the book, and I can already see them getting integrated into the pack and becoming “full members” in the next books. I really hope that they will stay with Callie and the guys and that there will be a “found family” vibe that I usually really enjoy.
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✅ Slow-burn romance and some smut
✅ Reverse-Harem
✅ Pace
✅ Shifters, witches, and vampires
✅ Multiple POVs
✅🆗 World-building
🆗 Complexity of the plot
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sexy wolf shifters and reverse-harem with slow-burn romance. Add to that cute and funny characters and just enough action to keep us hooked.
it was just three knocks on the door: one to break my heart; one to destroy my dreams; and another to irrevocably change my life forever.
Because her father was a shifter and her mother a witch, Callie and her family spent their lives hiding from the supernatural world. They are an anomaly, something that should not exist because a shifter and a witch simply cannot fall in love and live happily ever after. It is unimaginable, against nature, and against the rules of both the witches and the shifters. After her parents died in a tragic accident, Callie becomes the legal guardian of her 5 years old brother, and she decides to move to America to try to have a fresh start in the secure house their parents set for them a few years ago in case the worst happened.
But fuck my life, another problem! Do you ever get that feeling that the universe hates you? Maybe not hate, I think it just thinks my life is a massive joke.
I really liked Callie as the main character. She is fierce and strong, but she also struggles with her grief and with the weight of all the new responsibilities she has. It made her feel more real when she admitted that she could not do it all on her own and that she had to accept other people in her life. I also have to say that I ADORE the fact that even though Callie ended up meeting and recognizing her 3 mates, she always put her brother first. She thought about him before getting more involved with her mates, and she thought about him before accepting new housing arrangements and she put his happiness and safety above everything else. She would have been willing to ditch her 3 mates if Jacob didn’t like them or was not ready to have them in his life, and that made her the best sister/guardian ever. I would have been very disappointed if she just stopped thinking about Jacob first because she suddenly found love.
Jacob is the cutest, sweetest little guy. He’s young and adorable, but he’s very clever and understands very well everything that is happening around him. The pack and Callie often say that he's like a 40-year-old in a 5-year-old body. Seeing him and Callie together was really heartwarming, as was seeing him with Callie's mates.
I found Tanner at the stove in the kitchen singing a song and dancing as he cooked up a pan full of bacon. Jacob was standing next to him on top of a dining chair, passing him things and singing along. It was possibly the most adorable thing I’d seen in my life.
The fact that Callie’s mates accepted and welcomed Jacob into their life from the very beginning, going as far as calling him “their pup” was so cute. I love that even before realizing that Callie was their mate, they were willing to do just about anything to make Jacob smile and to bring some happiness to his life. I love that they all managed to build a bond with him, and they were all so adorable together.
I wondered if that was what it felt like sometimes to be an Alpha, that you were in charge of a massive group of children— strong unruly children at that.
Grey is the alpha of the pack. He is brave, strong, and has that unmistakable alpha vibe, but he also listens to his pack members and really tries to create a good, healthy and steady life for them. He would be willing to uproot everything and move to the end of the Earth for Callie and Jacob though, and I love how he was always there to ground them and appease them whenever they were feeling strong emotions.
“Like I said, Tanner’s good with kids because he basically still is one,” came River’s voice from behind me.
Tanner is the clown, the one who is always trying to lift the mood and joke around to defuse the tension, but he’s not overdoing it. He also has a more serious side that comes out whenever there is a serious conversation or when action needs to be taken. I like his lighthearted vibe and how he connected easily with Jacob. They were like two kids together, and I know they will most probably become best buddies in no time.
Fucking hell, out of the three of them, River was not the one I would have bet on being the dirty talker.
River is the more discreet and soft-spoken member of the trio. He works as a counselor in the elementary school Jacob goes to, and it shows in his interactions with Jacob and Callie. He always takes into consideration the emotions of the others and tries to do what he can so they feel safe and happy. He does have a sexy and kinkier side that comes out in the bedroom though, and I hope to see more of that side in the next book.
The romance and sexual tension were well done and well balanced. I love reverse-harem series, but I hate insta-love, which sadly happens quite often with the mate trope. Even though Callie knows and accepts that River, Grey, and Tanner are her mates, they don’t just fall into bed with each other and kiss or rub against each other whenever they are in the same room. The building of their relationship takes time and work, as they want to know each other, but also have to deal with their wolf wanting to mate and mark each other. I find that the balance between the mate-trope and the slow-burn was well done here and I am eager to read the next book to see if there will be more sexy moments now that they are closer to each other and getting used to being together.
Things were very black and white in the world of kids, and us grown-ups just lived in shades of grey.
The first part of the story mostly focuses on the building of the relationships between Callie, Jacob, and the pack. The plot does not progress much, but the relationships do and it was well written so I am not complaining about that. Even though this book is over 500 pages, it was very easy to get into it and I was easily sucked into Callie’s story, but I have to admit that there were some parts that felt a little longer. The last 30% of the book is really more centered on the shifter politics and their war against the witches. There is more action and fighting, and I think it sets a nice tone for the next book. Overall I really enjoyed reading this one!
On a side note, I would have liked just a tiny bit more information on the structure and role of the Council. We know that they are a threat to Callie, whether it is because they will want to kill her when they learn about her witch heritage or because they will want to take her and use her. But let’s be honest here, they all seem like major a-holes so I am really wondering how they came into their positions because I sure as Hell would never have voted for any of them.
“Hunter, honey, it’s cute that you think you have an opinion, but it’s getting a little annoying now. Why don’t you go upstairs and see if you can find something to eat while we talk,” Calli said, dismissing him.
There are new characters that became more important in the last 30% of the book, and I can already see them getting integrated into the pack and becoming “full members” in the next books. I really hope that they will stay with Callie and the guys and that there will be a “found family” vibe that I usually really enjoy.
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May 5, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. The storyline was good, and I really liked the female 𝐌𝐂 and her little brother. They’re both really well written and I was rooting for them from the start. I was also very intrigued by the whole found family vibe and the fact that these two are hybrid in hiding and what it means for them to find a pack and a place to call home. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
There were a couple of things that made this a no for me. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. There was a lot of words without having much happening, except her saying the same thing over and over again. Not that i really minded that but then around 30% 𝐵𝐴𝑀! In the space of a day we have at least seven major problems happening at once.
"A pup was taken by witches, She exposed herself to save Grey, she killed for the first time, then was savagely beaten by an a**hole, her brother was taken from his bed by the same a**hole, she found out the guys were her mates, the pup was found, then they found out Blake's wife & baby were being magically drained, and finally she sacrificed her talisman the only thing masking her wolf/witch scent from every Supernatural creatures to stop the spell."
All of that happened in the spam of 10%. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐱 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞. Why did everything needed to be crammed in our faces all at once. Now it does go back to the same slow tempo of the first chapters right after, but frankly the pacing of the story just seemed off to me. How can i possibly get emotionally invested when I'm not given the chance to feel anything. Hell I don't think she actually mentioned the fact she killed someone, enemy or not that was her first kill. We had her grief but not her trauma and 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐞, since she didn't seem to be affected by it.
The other issue that bothered me were the guys in the harem. Now don't get me wrong they wasn't anything wrong with them but they were also pretty much identical in both personality and looks. Which in turn made them very bland to me and were easily interchangeable it kinda ruined the whole point of the 𝐑𝐇 aspect of the story. There was 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 about them and that sucks because if you just had one guy, he would have made a great character. But the fact that we had basically 3 copy of the same guy with one personality trait each, really bored me and i lost my interest in them.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Jacob was the 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 reason i didn't gave up on this and 𝐃𝐍𝐅'𝐝. My last issue with this book was that we spend a lot of time on characters development. Telling us exactly who they were and the length they will go to or what they were capable of to protect the ones they love. But then 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅#𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍 for plot sake. They were alot of things happening here i didn't agree with, decisions that didn't make any sense except to add this or that plotline to the story. Some i forgave but others not so much because by doing it the author betrayed and ruined her characters essence.
I have many examples but the one that needs to be said is this one. Calli killed the witches to save Grey but also to protect her secret after exposing herself, so in what world would she let Wallace live after he was released from the cage, when he is 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐀 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑?? The only reason he lived was to have him expose them to the council. Same with Aiden choosing him over her or Nash choosing Jean over Jacob. Now I get why the author let him live or had those characters chose the way they did, i really do but do it without sacrificing your characters development for plot sake. Every issue or obstacle that occurred here only happened because the characters weren't true to themselves, and did something that they wouldn't normally do just so we could have that plotline added to the story. And that just 𝐅𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐄. You can't tell me for over 300 pages that they will never do this or that and then make them do exactly that, when you need to justify the plots direction.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
There were a couple of things that made this a no for me. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. There was a lot of words without having much happening, except her saying the same thing over and over again. Not that i really minded that but then around 30% 𝐵𝐴𝑀! In the space of a day we have at least seven major problems happening at once.
"A pup was taken by witches, She exposed herself to save Grey, she killed for the first time, then was savagely beaten by an a**hole, her brother was taken from his bed by the same a**hole, she found out the guys were her mates, the pup was found, then they found out Blake's wife & baby were being magically drained, and finally she sacrificed her talisman the only thing masking her wolf/witch scent from every Supernatural creatures to stop the spell."
All of that happened in the spam of 10%. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐱 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐞. Why did everything needed to be crammed in our faces all at once. Now it does go back to the same slow tempo of the first chapters right after, but frankly the pacing of the story just seemed off to me. How can i possibly get emotionally invested when I'm not given the chance to feel anything. Hell I don't think she actually mentioned the fact she killed someone, enemy or not that was her first kill. We had her grief but not her trauma and 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐞, since she didn't seem to be affected by it.
The other issue that bothered me were the guys in the harem. Now don't get me wrong they wasn't anything wrong with them but they were also pretty much identical in both personality and looks. Which in turn made them very bland to me and were easily interchangeable it kinda ruined the whole point of the 𝐑𝐇 aspect of the story. There was 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 about them and that sucks because if you just had one guy, he would have made a great character. But the fact that we had basically 3 copy of the same guy with one personality trait each, really bored me and i lost my interest in them.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Jacob was the 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 reason i didn't gave up on this and 𝐃𝐍𝐅'𝐝. My last issue with this book was that we spend a lot of time on characters development. Telling us exactly who they were and the length they will go to or what they were capable of to protect the ones they love. But then 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅#𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍 for plot sake. They were alot of things happening here i didn't agree with, decisions that didn't make any sense except to add this or that plotline to the story. Some i forgave but others not so much because by doing it the author betrayed and ruined her characters essence.
I have many examples but the one that needs to be said is this one. Calli killed the witches to save Grey but also to protect her secret after exposing herself, so in what world would she let Wallace live after he was released from the cage, when he is 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐀 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑?? The only reason he lived was to have him expose them to the council. Same with Aiden choosing him over her or Nash choosing Jean over Jacob. Now I get why the author let him live or had those characters chose the way they did, i really do but do it without sacrificing your characters development for plot sake. Every issue or obstacle that occurred here only happened because the characters weren't true to themselves, and did something that they wouldn't normally do just so we could have that plotline added to the story. And that just 𝐅𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐄. You can't tell me for over 300 pages that they will never do this or that and then make them do exactly that, when you need to justify the plots direction.
March 11, 2021
First I will say this is not a typical read for me. Why? Because it is what I would term as a emotional/suspense type read. For me I did not necessarily feel like a romance, but I surprisingly enjoyed it!
The storyline is what made this stellar. I can not say the FMC or the MCs solely did it for me. It was the writing as a whole. The world build, backstories, FMC, MCs, secondary characters and future set up were the perfect storm for me.
I have not doubt this is a love it or hate it type of read. For those needing a super steamy read this is not the one. For those wanting a strong storyline pick it up!
Happy reading,
DD
The storyline is what made this stellar. I can not say the FMC or the MCs solely did it for me. It was the writing as a whole. The world build, backstories, FMC, MCs, secondary characters and future set up were the perfect storm for me.
I have not doubt this is a love it or hate it type of read. For those needing a super steamy read this is not the one. For those wanting a strong storyline pick it up!
Happy reading,
DD
January 30, 2021
I really enjoyed the start to this series. This was a different and refreshing take on shifters and wolves and it kept me hooked and wanting more! This book was filled with great world building, tough topics, and mystery.
I thought Calli was a realistic character because even though she’s fierce and can hold her own, she can still rely on others and doesn’t always try to do it on her own. Jacob, her brother, was probably my favorite character and I loved the sibling bond that the two had. I don’t think I can choose a favorite of her guys, but I loved the connection that they all had with Calli and how well they accepted Jacob.
I’m really impressed by CJ’s writing and I’m surprised that I haven’t read any other her other work before. I love how she can write all of the feels and draw you into a story so fast. I can’t wait to see what happens next in The Stoneridge Pack series!
I thought Calli was a realistic character because even though she’s fierce and can hold her own, she can still rely on others and doesn’t always try to do it on her own. Jacob, her brother, was probably my favorite character and I loved the sibling bond that the two had. I don’t think I can choose a favorite of her guys, but I loved the connection that they all had with Calli and how well they accepted Jacob.
I’m really impressed by CJ’s writing and I’m surprised that I haven’t read any other her other work before. I love how she can write all of the feels and draw you into a story so fast. I can’t wait to see what happens next in The Stoneridge Pack series!
October 31, 2022
DNF at 10%
Instalove, juvenile writing, and characters that say and do the strangest things followed by other characters in return not batting an eye.
Bizarre, and certainly not in a good way.
I have no confidence things will improve so I’m bailing here.
Instalove, juvenile writing, and characters that say and do the strangest things followed by other characters in return not batting an eye.
Bizarre, and certainly not in a good way.
I have no confidence things will improve so I’m bailing here.
June 8, 2022
This wasn't bad - I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, so it gets the meh label from me. There were a couple problems that kept this from being a much better book.
The pacing was all over the place.
It went slow, fast, slow, fast, sloooooooow, fast ... and honestly this whole book needs to be like 100 pages shorter. Some parts dragged so badly I really struggled to keep my attention on it. There were also inexplicable periods of slowness tucked right in the middle of a fast part. Like... Jacob, a 5 year old boy, has been taken by witches that they know drain people to death. Rather than dash out and track him, or even start making a plan, Calli and Tanner sit down to talk about what had been happening right before that (the Council meeting). Seriously, WTF.
The narrative seemed inconsistent.
Seriously, sometimes it felt like maybe the author couldn't keep their attention on it any better than I could. There's one point I highlighted to try and keep an example in mind for my review - Calli was surrendering to the witches. And in her narrative, she talks about how she knows they won't kill her, or even drain her right away, because her magic is tapped out from all the healing she did. They'll hold her until she recharges. Then a page later - LITERALLY, a page - she's with the witches, waking up in a basement, SHOCKED they didn't kill her. Again, WTF. And that's not the only time that happens.
The characters themselves were also inconsistent. Like, I'm still not sure I trust Nash. He sided with Wallace, which was shocking because that dude was like frothing-at-the-mouth nuts. Then he seemed to like Calli. Then, when the witches attacked, he chose to let them take Jacob. Here's the problem. We're told that it is forgivable that he sided with Wallace, because Wallace is his pack-bonded brother and he'd naturally feel more of a pull towards him over Calli, who is not pack. But then with Jacob ... this 5 year old baby who is in fact pack-bonded, so a brother to Nash, he chooses to protect Jean - the not pack-bonded girlfriend - over Jacob, the pack brother. This means either the author is being woefully inconsistent, or Nash is anti-Calli and Jacob, and not to be trusted.
Wallace, too, was weird. Like, was he legit crazy? He swung wildly between normal and raving, frothing lunatic. I was wondering if we were going to find out that someone had, I don't know, magically fucked with him or something and that was why he was being so erratic. Maybe we still will, who know? I'll withhold judgement on him.
Also, another weirdly inconsistent character beat - Calli murders two witches in the woods, no problem, no bad reaction from Calli (like, no shock or PTSD). They were trying to kill Gray. But at the end of the book, she kills the head witch, and seems shocked and horrified at taking a life. Huh, what?
Calli tended to lean into TSTL / martyr territory too much for my liking.
It's a trope I hate, honestly. Like, killed the witches because they were a threat. Wallace nearly kills her - TWICE! - and she lets him go despite knowing he's going to reveal her secret to the Council, risking not just her, but also Jacob. Because she's a stupid martyr. Pours her energy into people despite a battle coming, because... apparently she doesn't think she needs to be able to function. Makes spectacularly stupid choices that risk not just her safety, but more importantly, Jacob's safety ... repeatedly. And while I hate the martyr trope normally, when the person being a martyr is the sole guardian of her 5 year old brother and is risking HIS safety and happiness as well, without a single thought of him, man, I hate it even more. She's a selfish asshole.
There are some weird plot holes.
The worst one, for me, is the one that kicked off the Wallace arc. Okay, so. Calli with her amulet on passes for human - she doesn't smell of magic, is not identifiable as either a witch or a shifter. They come across an unconscious Gray and Calli in the woods, with witch corpses around them. Calli is wearing her amulet, so no scent. We're told the witches can suppress their magic/scent for extremely short windows - enough to sneak in and out of the pack house to kidnap someone - but it's very short, and in fact they are found in the woods here (where Calli and Gray have just killed them) because that time ran out and they stunk like witches again.
So they take the unconscious Calli and Gray back to the pack house. And the pack just assumes - and is adamantly positive in their assumption - that Calli is a witch. Despite not smelling of magic. Not when they found her unconscious among the smelly dead witches, not when they tie her to a chair in their basement, not however amount of time later when she wakes up. They then beat her nearly to death for info about the other witches. Wallace, primarily, but the others are there hanging out while he does it. They go to her place, kidnap the 5 year old child (Jacob), and threaten to shred him into pieces right in front of her if she doesn't talk.
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?
She doesn't smell like a witch. Nor does Jacob. They beat her until she has broken ribs and internal bleeding, and then threaten to murder what - to them - is a human child. They haven't seen her do magic. The woods where they found her is ON HER FUCKING PROPERTY - that's why she was investigating when she found Gray and the witches - so that part doesn't prove she's a witch either.
This is a huge fucking plot hole. They have no reason to be so positive she's a witch. Imprisoning her until they can figure out what is going on, fine. I buy that. But this?! This makes them monsters. Completely and totally, they are entirely monsters. But the book doesn't want you to think that. Yes, Wallace ... he's a nutter, and you can view him as a monster, but not the whole pack. But they are. If they would sanction this, under any circumstances - beating a human woman to death, and threatening a 5 year old human child with torture - they are all fucking monsters.
Because according to the rules of the plot, there is NO WAY they knew she was a witch. And this is never addressed in the book. Not even some kind of hand-wavy bullshit comment like, oh, the dead witches' magic so saturated the area that they were found in that Calli sort of smelled like them. (I wouldn't have believed that, because dude, they took her out of the woods, tied her up in the basement, and waited for her to wake up ... that's way too much time for that excuse to be believable. But at least the author would have TRIED to explain it.) But no, nothing. And it makes no sense at all.
So that's my review. Right now, I'm kind of tentatively, loosely planning to read the next one, maybe. Probably. But not right away, because I'd like to read something that will hold my attention next.
The pacing was all over the place.
It went slow, fast, slow, fast, sloooooooow, fast ... and honestly this whole book needs to be like 100 pages shorter. Some parts dragged so badly I really struggled to keep my attention on it. There were also inexplicable periods of slowness tucked right in the middle of a fast part. Like... Jacob, a 5 year old boy, has been taken by witches that they know drain people to death. Rather than dash out and track him, or even start making a plan, Calli and Tanner sit down to talk about what had been happening right before that (the Council meeting). Seriously, WTF.
The narrative seemed inconsistent.
Seriously, sometimes it felt like maybe the author couldn't keep their attention on it any better than I could. There's one point I highlighted to try and keep an example in mind for my review - Calli was surrendering to the witches. And in her narrative, she talks about how she knows they won't kill her, or even drain her right away, because her magic is tapped out from all the healing she did. They'll hold her until she recharges. Then a page later - LITERALLY, a page - she's with the witches, waking up in a basement, SHOCKED they didn't kill her. Again, WTF. And that's not the only time that happens.
The characters themselves were also inconsistent. Like, I'm still not sure I trust Nash. He sided with Wallace, which was shocking because that dude was like frothing-at-the-mouth nuts. Then he seemed to like Calli. Then, when the witches attacked, he chose to let them take Jacob. Here's the problem. We're told that it is forgivable that he sided with Wallace, because Wallace is his pack-bonded brother and he'd naturally feel more of a pull towards him over Calli, who is not pack. But then with Jacob ... this 5 year old baby who is in fact pack-bonded, so a brother to Nash, he chooses to protect Jean - the not pack-bonded girlfriend - over Jacob, the pack brother. This means either the author is being woefully inconsistent, or Nash is anti-Calli and Jacob, and not to be trusted.
Wallace, too, was weird. Like, was he legit crazy? He swung wildly between normal and raving, frothing lunatic. I was wondering if we were going to find out that someone had, I don't know, magically fucked with him or something and that was why he was being so erratic. Maybe we still will, who know? I'll withhold judgement on him.
Also, another weirdly inconsistent character beat - Calli murders two witches in the woods, no problem, no bad reaction from Calli (like, no shock or PTSD). They were trying to kill Gray. But at the end of the book, she kills the head witch, and seems shocked and horrified at taking a life. Huh, what?
Calli tended to lean into TSTL / martyr territory too much for my liking.
It's a trope I hate, honestly. Like, killed the witches because they were a threat. Wallace nearly kills her - TWICE! - and she lets him go despite knowing he's going to reveal her secret to the Council, risking not just her, but also Jacob. Because she's a stupid martyr. Pours her energy into people despite a battle coming, because... apparently she doesn't think she needs to be able to function. Makes spectacularly stupid choices that risk not just her safety, but more importantly, Jacob's safety ... repeatedly. And while I hate the martyr trope normally, when the person being a martyr is the sole guardian of her 5 year old brother and is risking HIS safety and happiness as well, without a single thought of him, man, I hate it even more. She's a selfish asshole.
There are some weird plot holes.
The worst one, for me, is the one that kicked off the Wallace arc. Okay, so. Calli with her amulet on passes for human - she doesn't smell of magic, is not identifiable as either a witch or a shifter. They come across an unconscious Gray and Calli in the woods, with witch corpses around them. Calli is wearing her amulet, so no scent. We're told the witches can suppress their magic/scent for extremely short windows - enough to sneak in and out of the pack house to kidnap someone - but it's very short, and in fact they are found in the woods here (where Calli and Gray have just killed them) because that time ran out and they stunk like witches again.
So they take the unconscious Calli and Gray back to the pack house. And the pack just assumes - and is adamantly positive in their assumption - that Calli is a witch. Despite not smelling of magic. Not when they found her unconscious among the smelly dead witches, not when they tie her to a chair in their basement, not however amount of time later when she wakes up. They then beat her nearly to death for info about the other witches. Wallace, primarily, but the others are there hanging out while he does it. They go to her place, kidnap the 5 year old child (Jacob), and threaten to shred him into pieces right in front of her if she doesn't talk.
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?
She doesn't smell like a witch. Nor does Jacob. They beat her until she has broken ribs and internal bleeding, and then threaten to murder what - to them - is a human child. They haven't seen her do magic. The woods where they found her is ON HER FUCKING PROPERTY - that's why she was investigating when she found Gray and the witches - so that part doesn't prove she's a witch either.
This is a huge fucking plot hole. They have no reason to be so positive she's a witch. Imprisoning her until they can figure out what is going on, fine. I buy that. But this?! This makes them monsters. Completely and totally, they are entirely monsters. But the book doesn't want you to think that. Yes, Wallace ... he's a nutter, and you can view him as a monster, but not the whole pack. But they are. If they would sanction this, under any circumstances - beating a human woman to death, and threatening a 5 year old human child with torture - they are all fucking monsters.
Because according to the rules of the plot, there is NO WAY they knew she was a witch. And this is never addressed in the book. Not even some kind of hand-wavy bullshit comment like, oh, the dead witches' magic so saturated the area that they were found in that Calli sort of smelled like them. (I wouldn't have believed that, because dude, they took her out of the woods, tied her up in the basement, and waited for her to wake up ... that's way too much time for that excuse to be believable. But at least the author would have TRIED to explain it.) But no, nothing. And it makes no sense at all.
So that's my review. Right now, I'm kind of tentatively, loosely planning to read the next one, maybe. Probably. But not right away, because I'd like to read something that will hold my attention next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this story and I can’t wait for the next! Such a beautiful story of strength, family and love. I think it really hits home on many issues as well as keeping your mind open, following your gut and doing what’s right. The rest of the series can’t come soon enough! Thank you for writing this wonderful story!!
Description
How can you escape the hunt when everybody is hunting you?
Calli was born an impossibility. With the dual soul of a shifter and the natural magic of a witch, she was the first known shifter/witch hybrid.
But in a world where witches hunt wolves to siphon their magic, and wolves kill witches no questions asked, could she ever hope to find a place where she belonged?
When Calli’s parents, a shifter and a witch, met and realised their mating would never be accepted, they went into hiding from both the Coven and the Pack. Despite living this way, Calli and her brother had grown up in a happy and loving home.
After her parents are killed in a car crash one night, Calli’s world spirals out of control. Now the guardian of her five-year-old brother, Jacob, they flee to America to hide. In Arbington, Calli and Jacob settle into the safe house their parents had set up. Even in death, they were watching out for them, but they soon discover a small wolf pack lives in the same town. Battling her confusing emotions towards the shifters only complicates things forcing Calli to make a decision.
Trust her parents and stay? Or was it time to run again?
Description
How can you escape the hunt when everybody is hunting you?
Calli was born an impossibility. With the dual soul of a shifter and the natural magic of a witch, she was the first known shifter/witch hybrid.
But in a world where witches hunt wolves to siphon their magic, and wolves kill witches no questions asked, could she ever hope to find a place where she belonged?
When Calli’s parents, a shifter and a witch, met and realised their mating would never be accepted, they went into hiding from both the Coven and the Pack. Despite living this way, Calli and her brother had grown up in a happy and loving home.
After her parents are killed in a car crash one night, Calli’s world spirals out of control. Now the guardian of her five-year-old brother, Jacob, they flee to America to hide. In Arbington, Calli and Jacob settle into the safe house their parents had set up. Even in death, they were watching out for them, but they soon discover a small wolf pack lives in the same town. Battling her confusing emotions towards the shifters only complicates things forcing Calli to make a decision.
Trust her parents and stay? Or was it time to run again?
January 13, 2021
AMAZING. I don't even need to say anything more than that, but I will of course. This book was incredible, and I am so glad I read it! I couldn't put it down once I started, usually it takes me a few chapters to really get hooked on a book and find it interesting, but this one captivated me from page 1! It had everything I could possibly want on my checklist, with sexy shifters, multiple partners, lots of action and drama, lots of sweetness and adorableness, I just loved it! I highly, highly, highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys reverse harems, sexy wolf shifters, and all things paranormal. I loved that the Female MC was a strong independent woman, who had a tragic backstory that she didn't let hold her back, and she was willing to lean on others for help, it felt grounded and realistic, even within the fantasy world. Absolutely amazing writing, and it left me desperate for more, I seriously cannot wait for the sequel now.
January 13, 2021
Wolf Hunts • The Stoneridge Pack Book 1
*ARC Review*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
@catherinejcooke.author
I'll be the first to tell anyone, paranormal/shifter romances are not my thing. I struggle to read things I find unrealistic. However, I never turn down an opportunity to try something new & boy, am I so glad I did!
Wolf Hunts is about a rare witch/wolf shifter hybrid, Calli, and her little brother, Jacob. After the tragic loss of their parents, they end up on the run to a safe house where she meets 3 handsome male wolf shifters & becomes friends with their pack. She falls in love, but the drama & turmoil soon find them.
I absolutely fell in LOVE with these characters. The intensity of their bonds & their protection of each other makes my heart happy. Plus- 3 hot, dominate men protecting their woman is all kinds of sexy 🔥🔥 This story is emotional, intense, & so so good!
*ARC Review*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
@catherinejcooke.author
I'll be the first to tell anyone, paranormal/shifter romances are not my thing. I struggle to read things I find unrealistic. However, I never turn down an opportunity to try something new & boy, am I so glad I did!
Wolf Hunts is about a rare witch/wolf shifter hybrid, Calli, and her little brother, Jacob. After the tragic loss of their parents, they end up on the run to a safe house where she meets 3 handsome male wolf shifters & becomes friends with their pack. She falls in love, but the drama & turmoil soon find them.
I absolutely fell in LOVE with these characters. The intensity of their bonds & their protection of each other makes my heart happy. Plus- 3 hot, dominate men protecting their woman is all kinds of sexy 🔥🔥 This story is emotional, intense, & so so good!
January 22, 2021
If you want epic, then you must read this book! Great story and relatable characters that I didn't want to put down. I felt so entrenched in their story and wanted to hug them all. Jacob is adorable and I love the bond between him and Cali. The guys are amazing, I think I love Grey the most. Something about the growly, strong alpha. Phew, sexy. I'm hoping there is more with him and Tanner as well. Great story with multiple pov's that deal with deep emotions. A definite must-read of this year!
January 13, 2021
ARC REVIEW
CJ Cooke pulled me into grief and left me feeling like I was part of a tribe anticipating our very next adventure.
Calli has two spirits, shifter and witch. Very rare and fantastic to read about, there is so much wonder other shifters have about her, and the dreaded Council. Immediately she had my heart. Calli is faced with tremendous loss and has to protect her brother Jacob. So many times she swallowed her grief until she meets a pack of wolves, her mates, where she can let go of some of her grief and start a new life.
I was laughing at the banter between her and her mates. Grey the alpha, who exudes power, strength and sex. River is Grey’s brother, and he may appear to be soft, but he can be reasonable, he offers great emotional support, and is a bad ass dirty talking wolf. Tanner, he may seem like the jokester of the group (i mean he is pretty funny!) but he is Grey’s beta, and he can go from goofy to serious when needed, in and out of the bedroom. I was never so happy that Calli didn’t have to choose and that Jacob would belong to all of them.
I had no trouble keeping up with this story. I found the side characters enjoyable but not distracting from what was going on. The fight scenes were great. When the wolves attack, they claw, they bite, they make you bleed. There is good magic and bad, and the build up to the end was incredible. The anticipation I felt in the middle of the book got stronger each page I swiped, and by 80% I was on the edge of my seat.
Honestly, I cant wait for book 2! It’s PNR and executed so beautifully. It was the human spirit I found myself connecting to with Calli and the sense of family from her pack. The wolves, the secrets, the magic, excited my imagination. Lastly, three hot wolves definitely excited something else too! Ahaha (basically it tingled my imagination and my vagina)
CJ Cooke pulled me into grief and left me feeling like I was part of a tribe anticipating our very next adventure.
Calli has two spirits, shifter and witch. Very rare and fantastic to read about, there is so much wonder other shifters have about her, and the dreaded Council. Immediately she had my heart. Calli is faced with tremendous loss and has to protect her brother Jacob. So many times she swallowed her grief until she meets a pack of wolves, her mates, where she can let go of some of her grief and start a new life.
I was laughing at the banter between her and her mates. Grey the alpha, who exudes power, strength and sex. River is Grey’s brother, and he may appear to be soft, but he can be reasonable, he offers great emotional support, and is a bad ass dirty talking wolf. Tanner, he may seem like the jokester of the group (i mean he is pretty funny!) but he is Grey’s beta, and he can go from goofy to serious when needed, in and out of the bedroom. I was never so happy that Calli didn’t have to choose and that Jacob would belong to all of them.
I had no trouble keeping up with this story. I found the side characters enjoyable but not distracting from what was going on. The fight scenes were great. When the wolves attack, they claw, they bite, they make you bleed. There is good magic and bad, and the build up to the end was incredible. The anticipation I felt in the middle of the book got stronger each page I swiped, and by 80% I was on the edge of my seat.
Honestly, I cant wait for book 2! It’s PNR and executed so beautifully. It was the human spirit I found myself connecting to with Calli and the sense of family from her pack. The wolves, the secrets, the magic, excited my imagination. Lastly, three hot wolves definitely excited something else too! Ahaha (basically it tingled my imagination and my vagina)
January 22, 2021
A unique and dramatic shifter story!
Wolf Hunts is CJ Cookes newest novel and starter of her Stoneridge Pack series. If you know me you know I'm a sucker for wolf/shifter stories but they are often SO hard to get right. CJ COOKE GOT IT RIGHT! Not only did I immediately fall in love with almost every single character in this story (shame on you wallace), but the emotions this story evoked within me was heart wrenching.
Jacob (5yrs old) is left with just his sister Callie after their parents die. We follow their journey through survival, grief, and healing as they navigate through their new lives.
"It was just three knocks on the door; one to break my heart; one to destroy my dreams; and another to irrevocably change my life forever."
LUCKILY they have 3 fabulous male wolves to anchor them. I think one of my FAVORITE parts of this story was the inclusion of there being a young child in the folds. I just adored the way Jacob was mixed into their pack and world. Callie was the perfect mix of a tough as nails heroine and somewhat of a hopeless romantic.
I can't say enough great things about this book! I am eagerly awaiting the chance to jump back into the Stoneridge Pack world.
Wolf Hunts is CJ Cookes newest novel and starter of her Stoneridge Pack series. If you know me you know I'm a sucker for wolf/shifter stories but they are often SO hard to get right. CJ COOKE GOT IT RIGHT! Not only did I immediately fall in love with almost every single character in this story (shame on you wallace), but the emotions this story evoked within me was heart wrenching.
Jacob (5yrs old) is left with just his sister Callie after their parents die. We follow their journey through survival, grief, and healing as they navigate through their new lives.
"It was just three knocks on the door; one to break my heart; one to destroy my dreams; and another to irrevocably change my life forever."
LUCKILY they have 3 fabulous male wolves to anchor them. I think one of my FAVORITE parts of this story was the inclusion of there being a young child in the folds. I just adored the way Jacob was mixed into their pack and world. Callie was the perfect mix of a tough as nails heroine and somewhat of a hopeless romantic.
I can't say enough great things about this book! I am eagerly awaiting the chance to jump back into the Stoneridge Pack world.
January 25, 2021
Calli and the pack
I enjoyed this story, I enjoyed the characters, and most of all I enjoyed the writing skills here. My only issue was how long this book was, not that I don't enjoy a long well written book. But this is a book that goes on and on with some same issues, and is one of those books that describs of lots of s**** in very detailed information. There is a lot of grief in this book, and although I know it was a important part of this read, it also felt just a tad to much for me. I love a strong fmc, and I did feel she was strong sometimes, but other times by felt like she wasn't trying hard enough to be she could be.
I enjoyed this story, I enjoyed the characters, and most of all I enjoyed the writing skills here. My only issue was how long this book was, not that I don't enjoy a long well written book. But this is a book that goes on and on with some same issues, and is one of those books that describs of lots of s**** in very detailed information. There is a lot of grief in this book, and although I know it was a important part of this read, it also felt just a tad to much for me. I love a strong fmc, and I did feel she was strong sometimes, but other times by felt like she wasn't trying hard enough to be she could be.
January 14, 2021
This book takes everything you love about shifter romances and adds real emotional characters. Cali is on the run with her brother after her parents death. And no it isn’t a spoiler because it happens first paragraph. Trying to manage her grief while caring for her younger brother is what keeps her moving.
All of her choices are now centered around Jacob and when she meets wolves she has hid from her whole life... she struggles to know what to do. The characters all have something to add and you can’t help but love them all. There are threats at play and this small pack has to decide their role in it all.
There is a comfortable home vibe dynamic that we tend to not have in shifter books. They truly are pack and are learning how to be that for one another. It will be interesting to see how things play out, which enemies are the true villains and how they will find a way to survive.
Strong emotions especially surrounding grief are laced throughout this book. While they are fated mates you still feel their connection and relationship development. There are plenty of great sexy times and I hope something comes between two of the guys. Multiple POV. Med Burn. Triggers for loss of parents. No real cliffhanger. It has a good ending with closure. There are still things to figure out but it’s not in a state of peril.
Great shifter RH that pulls you into the story. Definitely a must read for me!
All of her choices are now centered around Jacob and when she meets wolves she has hid from her whole life... she struggles to know what to do. The characters all have something to add and you can’t help but love them all. There are threats at play and this small pack has to decide their role in it all.
There is a comfortable home vibe dynamic that we tend to not have in shifter books. They truly are pack and are learning how to be that for one another. It will be interesting to see how things play out, which enemies are the true villains and how they will find a way to survive.
Strong emotions especially surrounding grief are laced throughout this book. While they are fated mates you still feel their connection and relationship development. There are plenty of great sexy times and I hope something comes between two of the guys. Multiple POV. Med Burn. Triggers for loss of parents. No real cliffhanger. It has a good ending with closure. There are still things to figure out but it’s not in a state of peril.
Great shifter RH that pulls you into the story. Definitely a must read for me!
January 17, 2021
I mean really CJ you had to hit me with all the tears right off the bat in Wolf Hunts like damn! I don’t think I have ever been such an emotional mess throughout a book but you can literally feel every emotion bleeding through the pages and into your soul. There were so many beautiful and heart breaking moment throughout this book that you can’t help but have tears in your eyes.
Calli is so incredibly strong, independent, beautiful and utterly selfless she would do absolutely anything and everything to protect her brother Jacob and the ones that she cares for. Calli really does have the weight of the world on her shoulders with trying to keep her and Jacob’s identities concealed, grieve for the loss of her parents and step up to be everything Jacob needs. Grey, Tanner & River are completely smitten with Calli from the moment each of them meets her. There is this unmistakable chemistry between them and they don’t quite understand where it’s coming from.
This book completely sucks you in from the moment you start reading until the very last page. This is an absolute must read. The author has this way with words and this unlike any shifter book that you have ever read these characters go through some real life issues and real struggles.
Calli is so incredibly strong, independent, beautiful and utterly selfless she would do absolutely anything and everything to protect her brother Jacob and the ones that she cares for. Calli really does have the weight of the world on her shoulders with trying to keep her and Jacob’s identities concealed, grieve for the loss of her parents and step up to be everything Jacob needs. Grey, Tanner & River are completely smitten with Calli from the moment each of them meets her. There is this unmistakable chemistry between them and they don’t quite understand where it’s coming from.
This book completely sucks you in from the moment you start reading until the very last page. This is an absolute must read. The author has this way with words and this unlike any shifter book that you have ever read these characters go through some real life issues and real struggles.
January 11, 2021
Wow, this book is amazing!!! A definite must read. It will leave you on the edge of your seat. Every time you think you have it figured out, something else happens. Your heart will break and go out for FMC Callie. She is witty, loving, fierce, protective, and just has this way about her that draws everyone to her. You will fall in love with her mates. Its hard to choose a favorite because they all have qualities that you would enjoy. I love how she fights so hard for the kids and doesn't think twice about risking her own life for anyone. This book is addicting. Once you start reading it, you do not want to put it down because you just have to know what is going to happen next. And don't even try to figure it out because the author loves leaving you on your toes and changing it up. You will not be disappointed. Leaves you wanting more
January 8, 2021
I fell in love with CJ Cooke’s writing in her Destiny Series! When she released this preorder I jumped all over it. I knew it was going to be fantastic. This book sucked me in I absolutely devoured it!
Wolf shifters❗️Witches❗️Sexy Men❗️I mean what more could you want!?!?
Calli the FMC has always been in hiding because of what she was. A hybrid. After he parents get killed in a car accident which causes their death she ends up on the run with her 5 year old brother. Dealing with her grief and her secrets and also raising her brother takes a toll on her.
So many twist and turns and WTF moments that I did not see coming is was awesome I can’t wait for book 2!
Wolf shifters❗️Witches❗️Sexy Men❗️I mean what more could you want!?!?
Calli the FMC has always been in hiding because of what she was. A hybrid. After he parents get killed in a car accident which causes their death she ends up on the run with her 5 year old brother. Dealing with her grief and her secrets and also raising her brother takes a toll on her.
So many twist and turns and WTF moments that I did not see coming is was awesome I can’t wait for book 2!
January 9, 2021
What a book!
CJ Cooke has taken what is believed and made it her own. Truly blew me away how incredibly gifted this author is.
What worked for me was how different from other shifter stories Wolf Hunts is.
When I started reading this book it surprised me how fresh this is and I was hooked! I found it hard to put this book down because I couldn't! My kids had to fend for themselves. No mowing got done 😂 make sure you have no obligations because you will want to read!
I really liked the use of food in this story and how it brought pple together. Also, be warned, you will want to make Yorkshire puddings because I ended up making some thanks to this book. And red wine! Yum!
The interactions between characters was exceptional. There's some brilliant flashes of humour that made chuckling happen! For a young female character she was really mature and had her head on right. I loved that she was selfless and put her brother before her.
I liked the different point of views in the story too.
The plot was tight. The back stories were down pat. The ending was tidy with no questions, well there is one question, when is the next book? 😂
There are so many elements that really work well to make one hell of a book and CJ Cooke has them down pat. One of the most exciting authors yet.
I really connected with the grief Calli was dealing with. The all encompassing sorrow where you feel like you're going to suffocate and there's no light at the end of the tunnel. There was some sage advice regarding grief and how to deal with it. I wish I read this year's ago because I've struggled dealing with my grief.
If you enjoy Kris Butler and Letty Frame then CJ Cooke is an author for you.
CJ Cooke has taken what is believed and made it her own. Truly blew me away how incredibly gifted this author is.
What worked for me was how different from other shifter stories Wolf Hunts is.
When I started reading this book it surprised me how fresh this is and I was hooked! I found it hard to put this book down because I couldn't! My kids had to fend for themselves. No mowing got done 😂 make sure you have no obligations because you will want to read!
I really liked the use of food in this story and how it brought pple together. Also, be warned, you will want to make Yorkshire puddings because I ended up making some thanks to this book. And red wine! Yum!
The interactions between characters was exceptional. There's some brilliant flashes of humour that made chuckling happen! For a young female character she was really mature and had her head on right. I loved that she was selfless and put her brother before her.
I liked the different point of views in the story too.
The plot was tight. The back stories were down pat. The ending was tidy with no questions, well there is one question, when is the next book? 😂
There are so many elements that really work well to make one hell of a book and CJ Cooke has them down pat. One of the most exciting authors yet.
I really connected with the grief Calli was dealing with. The all encompassing sorrow where you feel like you're going to suffocate and there's no light at the end of the tunnel. There was some sage advice regarding grief and how to deal with it. I wish I read this year's ago because I've struggled dealing with my grief.
If you enjoy Kris Butler and Letty Frame then CJ Cooke is an author for you.
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June 23, 2021Another DNF :(
Keep pulling out dud‘s lately. I feel like everything happened at once. There was no buildup, there was no “rising action”, there was no big climax. It was all very uneventful. I also was not a fan of the insta-love.
Keep pulling out dud‘s lately. I feel like everything happened at once. There was no buildup, there was no “rising action”, there was no big climax. It was all very uneventful. I also was not a fan of the insta-love.
April 22, 2021
This was a first read from this author for me and I loved every second of reading this book! I love a good paranormal romance reverse harem and this book did not let me down at all!
From the beginning I felt that I was a part of Calli, like she was closer to me than other characters. I felt her pain and her grief, she has gone through so much but keeps taking care of everyone. Always finding solutions for those around her because she is such an amazing person. Calli is so deserving of such amazing mates, she also grew so much in this first book and I’m excited to see how much more she grows in the second book.
All the mate’s personalities match perfectly with Calli, I’m glad to see that no one clashed or tried to control her. I was disappointed in the lie that Tanner gave her but then I could completely understand where he was coming from with that one and I’m glad that Calli gave him the chance to explain. I can’t wait to see their relationship evolves.
I’m excited to see how things move along for Jacob and Abby, that was something that I have never read in a book yet. I thought it was cute and perfectly put, I enjoyed that Abby is like him and Calli too. Liked that Cassia was called out for being different as well, and that her coven didn’t want her to begin with. I hope that she finds a home with Calli and the pack. I almost wonder if Calli is going to form a coven with Cassia and maybe some other different witches along the way.
So many things happened in this first book, I felt like it was a wild ride that was going to be worth it. The worry about if her mates will accept her and then putting herself out there to save someone she barely knew and expose who and what she really is. I was so glad to see that there are many people she can trust. I’m still stuck on what Wallace and Kelly may be getting into because I don’t think we have heard that last of them.
I’m excited to see what happens for Hunter and Cassia because there at the end, I think we all knew what was going on with that and I’m here for it. I will also admit that I was really surprised when Hunter made comments about not always agreeing with the council even though he was sent by them. It will be interesting to see how that all plays out.
Patiently waiting for book two now!
From the beginning I felt that I was a part of Calli, like she was closer to me than other characters. I felt her pain and her grief, she has gone through so much but keeps taking care of everyone. Always finding solutions for those around her because she is such an amazing person. Calli is so deserving of such amazing mates, she also grew so much in this first book and I’m excited to see how much more she grows in the second book.
All the mate’s personalities match perfectly with Calli, I’m glad to see that no one clashed or tried to control her. I was disappointed in the lie that Tanner gave her but then I could completely understand where he was coming from with that one and I’m glad that Calli gave him the chance to explain. I can’t wait to see their relationship evolves.
I’m excited to see how things move along for Jacob and Abby, that was something that I have never read in a book yet. I thought it was cute and perfectly put, I enjoyed that Abby is like him and Calli too. Liked that Cassia was called out for being different as well, and that her coven didn’t want her to begin with. I hope that she finds a home with Calli and the pack. I almost wonder if Calli is going to form a coven with Cassia and maybe some other different witches along the way.
So many things happened in this first book, I felt like it was a wild ride that was going to be worth it. The worry about if her mates will accept her and then putting herself out there to save someone she barely knew and expose who and what she really is. I was so glad to see that there are many people she can trust. I’m still stuck on what Wallace and Kelly may be getting into because I don’t think we have heard that last of them.
I’m excited to see what happens for Hunter and Cassia because there at the end, I think we all knew what was going on with that and I’m here for it. I will also admit that I was really surprised when Hunter made comments about not always agreeing with the council even though he was sent by them. It will be interesting to see how that all plays out.
Patiently waiting for book two now!
January 23, 2021
didnt know what to expect with this book. I am new to this author and although I love shifters, I usually tend to go contemporary first, but this book exceeded my expectations. Right away I was pulled into such emotion with the death of her parents. Grief is such a complicated, twisted emotion but I love the fact that it didnt just go away. It was adressed throughout the book and I was so impressed. Then It just took off from there. Right away I loved that she had interactions with the guys, and I loved that they included her little brother as well..
This book was so well written, and so much action. I loved that it held my attention throught out the whole thing, I did not put it down...Its such a unique take on shifters. Callie is the only one of her kind as far as she knows. Shes a witch and a shifter. I loved this element of her. Her little brother Jacob is the cutest little wolf and I have to say I enjoyed the fact that the kids in this one had alot of parts to play. It was real in the sense that people messed up and said the wrong things, and cried and got mad and lost control. I love that it was passionate but classy...I honestly started it and did not put it down until the end. It made me laugh out loud at times and that is when I gave it a 5 star rating...
The way the author had sub stories around the main character really kept my attention as well. . Between the other witch and the shifter (Hunter and Cassia), to whatever is going on with Aiden, and then Nash and Holly and Blake and Jean, It just keeps you guessing...I cant wait to find out what the vampires want in exchange for their help. I hope the cost is not too high...BUT If you want to know more about all of them, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS. You will not be disappointed. I will be reading more from this author and I cant wait to see what happens in book 2....
This book was so well written, and so much action. I loved that it held my attention throught out the whole thing, I did not put it down...Its such a unique take on shifters. Callie is the only one of her kind as far as she knows. Shes a witch and a shifter. I loved this element of her. Her little brother Jacob is the cutest little wolf and I have to say I enjoyed the fact that the kids in this one had alot of parts to play. It was real in the sense that people messed up and said the wrong things, and cried and got mad and lost control. I love that it was passionate but classy...I honestly started it and did not put it down until the end. It made me laugh out loud at times and that is when I gave it a 5 star rating...
The way the author had sub stories around the main character really kept my attention as well. . Between the other witch and the shifter (Hunter and Cassia), to whatever is going on with Aiden, and then Nash and Holly and Blake and Jean, It just keeps you guessing...I cant wait to find out what the vampires want in exchange for their help. I hope the cost is not too high...BUT If you want to know more about all of them, YOU HAVE TO READ THIS. You will not be disappointed. I will be reading more from this author and I cant wait to see what happens in book 2....
January 20, 2021
Wow. This book was absolutely mind blowing, it sucked me in since the first chapter, and I just couldn’t put it down for a second. It’s been a few months since I read a PNR book that got me this engrossed and invested, but this one...it was exactly what I needed. The plot was perfect, I loved that it took time for the characters to know each other and build a relationship instead of love at first sight. It was the perfect slow burn, which made everything so much more exciting. It has so much drama, the poor characters didn’t have a moment of peace. I loved it. Calli...well she’s one of a kind, unique. A miracle. She’s selfless, strong, loyal, she’s amazing. And guys, damn I need some shifters in my life. They’re so caring, thoughtful and protective of their pack, nothing comes between them. This book left me really excited for this series, I can’t wait to their relationship grow, as well as what will happen between all the other characters and the drama that awaits them ❤️
January 22, 2021
Calli is one bad*ss! From just losing her parents, to taking on the responsibilities of taking care of her brother and keeping them safe, she powers through. The story captivated me and pulled me along this wonderful unique story. CJ kept me on my toes with the suspense and turns in this book. I loved Jacob and want to see more of him and this story!
January 30, 2021
Wolf Hunts by CJ Cooke is a paranormal reverse harem romance. This is the first book in The Stoneridge Pack series.
This is the first book of Catherine's that I have read and it definitely won't be my last. She did an amazing job pulling me in from the first chapter. I am loving the relationship that is blooming between Calli, Grey, Tanner, and River. I really enjoyed that we got each of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
The book ends on an amazing cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book in the series Shadow Wars to be released in August 2021.
I would highly recommend this book if you love paranormal romances or reverse harems.
This is the first book of Catherine's that I have read and it definitely won't be my last. She did an amazing job pulling me in from the first chapter. I am loving the relationship that is blooming between Calli, Grey, Tanner, and River. I really enjoyed that we got each of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
The book ends on an amazing cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book in the series Shadow Wars to be released in August 2021.
I would highly recommend this book if you love paranormal romances or reverse harems.
January 21, 2021
This is a long book! However, it does not drag like a long book. It has action from beginning to the subtle cliffhanger ending.
Calli is not your normal fmc she doesn't take crap from no one! Not her mates, her friends, and certainly not anyone who means her mates, her brother, her pack, or her self harm.
There's times in this book you don't know who you can trust. Is one of the Pack betraying her? Is it a friend? Is it the council themselves? This book leaves plenty of questions that hopefully get answered and books to come.
Calli is not your normal fmc she doesn't take crap from no one! Not her mates, her friends, and certainly not anyone who means her mates, her brother, her pack, or her self harm.
There's times in this book you don't know who you can trust. Is one of the Pack betraying her? Is it a friend? Is it the council themselves? This book leaves plenty of questions that hopefully get answered and books to come.
January 27, 2021
This book hit me with all the feels. It is a slow burn RH paranormal book with a bad ass heroine in Callie. I love when an author puts a spin on the traditional shifters and you will not be disappointed. The Stoneridge wolves are anything but your typical dominant Alpha and his pack. I personally couldn’t choose but I guarantee you will find a favorite amongst Grey, Tanner and River.
Once you start to read you will not want to put this book down! There are a lot of twists and turns and as the story unfolds you are constantly trying to figure out who the actual bad guy is. Is it one of the pack members, the Council, someone connected to the underground? I really enjoyed the storyline and character development and am looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Once you start to read you will not want to put this book down! There are a lot of twists and turns and as the story unfolds you are constantly trying to figure out who the actual bad guy is. Is it one of the pack members, the Council, someone connected to the underground? I really enjoyed the storyline and character development and am looking forward to the next installment in the series.
January 23, 2021
Normally I'm not one to try authors that I haven't heard of, but I'm happy that I took a chance on C.J. Cooke.
To say I loved Wolf Hunts would be an understatement. It is full of personal growth, strength, trust, family (blood related or not) and most importantly love.
In a world where Calli and Jacob are one of a kind, while grieving their parents they get one problem on top of another, and they can't seem to catch a break.
Moving to a new place how do you know who can be trusted and who not?
Taking the role of guardian her 5-yeat old brother on her while doing the best she can, while finding her mates isn't as easy as it could be and the problems keep on coming.
I sat on the edge of my seat for this one and can't wait to see what's next in store for Calli, Jacob and the pack...
To say I loved Wolf Hunts would be an understatement. It is full of personal growth, strength, trust, family (blood related or not) and most importantly love.
In a world where Calli and Jacob are one of a kind, while grieving their parents they get one problem on top of another, and they can't seem to catch a break.
Moving to a new place how do you know who can be trusted and who not?
Taking the role of guardian her 5-yeat old brother on her while doing the best she can, while finding her mates isn't as easy as it could be and the problems keep on coming.
I sat on the edge of my seat for this one and can't wait to see what's next in store for Calli, Jacob and the pack...
January 26, 2021
Fabulous read
This was the first book that I have read by this author and it fantastic. The fact that it was only the first book in the series and has 500 plus pages, I couldn't believe that it held my attention through the entire book. I fully expected for half of it to be rambling but that is so not the case. It has its own unique storyline and the characters are amazing. Be prepared for a few laughs and in my case more than a few tears.
This was the first book that I have read by this author and it fantastic. The fact that it was only the first book in the series and has 500 plus pages, I couldn't believe that it held my attention through the entire book. I fully expected for half of it to be rambling but that is so not the case. It has its own unique storyline and the characters are amazing. Be prepared for a few laughs and in my case more than a few tears.
January 23, 2021
This book is an amazing rollercoaster ride of emotion. I cried, laugh, raged, grieved, and everything in between. This book hooked me from the first page and I couldn't put it down. I love when an author puts a twist on witches and shifters and C.J. gave us a few. I am so excited for book two.
January 22, 2021
I loved the book first you learn about her parents dieing. Her putting on her big girl pants and take on taking care of her 5year old brother and a problem there parents try to protect them from. So they go on the run to move in to a town with wolfs. Now there problem(** witches take magic of wolfs to be powerful) well she is a hybrid of a witch and wolf so it’s not safe on both sides or so she thinks come a long for a twisted and turning ride with her and her brother as they find a wolf pack an have to defend the little pack at that (it’s a cliffhanger) fair warning but It a must read for me
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