Ginger Fella

Legends of the Packs #1

by Kaydee Robins

What’s an omega to do when he’s forced to serve his malevolent stepmother and dreadful half-sisters?

Why sneak off to a ball, of course.

But for Flynn Halfmaw, it’s not that easy. Along with his family, the bulk of the Shadowall Bay pack is homophobic and speciest, including the Alpha and his heir, Brody Shadowpaw, who happens to be the sexiest man Flynn has ever seen.

Even if Flynn and his half-brother can sneak into a ball they’ve been forbidden from, they would have to find an alpha that is not only willing to come out in a homophobic town but also willing to accept a half-breed fox and bastard as their mate.

Then the alpha would have to get approval from Flynn’s stepmother, which would be a miracle in and of itself.

Alpha heir, Brody Shadowpaw, hates his life. Having an endless string of prominent women on his arm is tiring; worse, his father is bugging him to settle down. The man knows that Brody is gay, but it’s the heir’s duty to settle down with a woman and produce an heir because Shadowpaw’s aren’t gay.

Can Flynn and Brody overcome the odds and find their way into each other’s arms? Or will one of Flynn’s half-sisters end up in the arms of the sexy alpha?

Ginger Fella is the first book in Legends of the Packs, a collection of your favorite fairy tales, retold in the modern world with shifters, alphas, omegas, and male pregnancy. Each story ends in a HEA or HFN and includes no cheating. It is recommended that the books be read in order.

Genres: Fantasy, Omegaverse, M M Romance, Shapeshifters, LGBT, Romance, Fairy Tale Retellings

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2021

About the author

My name is Kaydee Robins. Reading has always been a passion of mine. In middle and high school, I would participate in the summer reading programs at the local library, often winning many prizes. My mom called me a hermit because I’d rather be in my room reading a book than outside or with my friends. In high school, I discovered my love for books also extended to plays; thus, my passion for theatre was born. My favorite was working behind the scenes, creating colorful lighting effects.

I followed my passion in college and obtained an associate’s in theatre arts. I also wrote short stories and fan fiction (don’t judge). While I loved the theatre, I quickly learned that it wasn’t practical to do for a living unless I got a break. So I started studying web and graphic design and did theatre as a hobby. Four years later, I had a bachelor’s in information technology, followed by a master’s a couple of years later.

Today, I work as a system administrator in a NOC (network operations center), where I monitor my companies network for server issues. Since a NOC is 24×7, I work in 12-hour shifts giving me literally half the month off to work on my hobbies.

In 2019, I decided that I was going to start writing again. My kids were finally old enough that I could concentrate more on my hobbies than theirs. I published my first book, A Spy and his SEAL, at the end of August. In addition, I design all the covers for my books,

I learned long ago. I like reading all kinds of romances, straight, gay, bisexual; it doesn’t matter. My favorite being gay paranormal. Nothing beats a good book about fated mates, shifters, and male pregnancy. Another top pick is action/suspense romance. What’s better than falling in love while dodging bullets and saving lives?

As for my personal life, I am a cisgender straight woman. I am married to a wonderful man who supports me for my weird habits and interests. He is a stay at home dad taking care of our daughter and two sons. When I’m not working, I’m reading, writing, playing video games, or watching my favorite dramas. I also bake bread, mainly sourdough, and have started using my starter in just about any baked products.

Reviews

[M'rella · Rating 1 out of 5]

Warning: this is a very rough draft. Why do I think so? This is why:

- Typos, poor grammar,
- jerky narrative,
- extra chunks of text that are not even info dumps, just words,
- confusing timeline: Thunderbird production started in 1954, but the author tells us the car is over 70 years old; the general setting is that of 19 century or earlier, but with modern bits, and it’s jarring,
- characters have no life of their own, they are slaves to the author’s whim,
- characters keep slipping into this weird dialect that is a) inconsistent, b) absolutely unnecessary.

I just came to the point where Ginger fella and the Prince meet after the ball and I think it’s also a point where my patience has finally run out. One of the characters is recovering from a serious injury but all the author is concerned about is the bathroom decor. This is definitely the book, not me.

1.5 stars

[Keith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mostly Just Painful

While I’m sure the author heard the characters’ voices quite clearly in her head, the use of broken slang does not lend credibility or clarity to the same voices for the reader. Add to this garbled delivery the sometimes missing words, incorrect punctuation and bad grammar and we have a storyline which is difficult at best to follow. Other issues with the story include the juxtaposition of advanced electronics (cell phones and gaming systems) with primitive accommodations and the unpleasant fact no one (apparently) owns an umbrella?

I am a fan of shifters and other paranormal characters but this book is mostly confusing and unpleasant.

[... · Rating 3 out of 5]

New-to-me author and, as other reviewers have noted, the book is the kind of hot mess that makes me think it's a new -to-writing author, as well. There were editing errors all over the place and some continuity issues and awkwardness to the actual storytelling... BUT she still has a great imagination IMHO, and while all that was a bit clunky, I'm down to keep going with the series and trust that as with so many indie authors, those issues will resolve with enough time and books, and give us another super-fun (and apparently prolific, yay!) m/m author to read 😊

[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read with intrigue.

what I'll say about this book is this, the author should have written in more punishment for Martha and Pippa. Maybe have them whipped like Martha did to Flynn or have them drawn and quartered. He would have been justice.

[Soraya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cinderella elements are all there: Evil step-mother and sisters, someone playing the helping "fairy godmother," the Prince and the ball. I was slightly disappointed by the second half. There was no search after the ball, so the Cinderella elements wrapped up very quickly. Then the rest of the book felt like lead-in the the next book. If you plan on reading the whole series, maybe they'll roll together well. I shall see . . .

[bwrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Fractured' fairytale retelling of Cinderella, set in a contemporary Omegaverse with mpreg, replete with TV, media, texts and cars. A fox-shifter Omega, 'ginger' Flynn (foxes are lower-class bastards in this Alpha wolf pack, though tolerated elsewhere) does all the housework for his working wicked-bitch Alpha stepmother and step-sisters, with only his kind but stuttering half-brother Omega for comfort from the abuse. He dreams of escape; after bedtime he shifts and spends time under the moon and stars, staring down at the town. The Omega red fox is joined by another, a gentle and companionable Alpha silver wolf shifter; they dream together, curled up as sleepy pups, but don't share their human selves. Repeat, nightly.
-Funny, fast paced, with a fated-mates at the Ball 'reunion', the King's implied 'we don't do Gay' in the royal family, at least not in front of the camera, even though half the family is accepting or indulging. Cruel abuse (riding crop, and not the fun kind) at the hands of stepmother post-Ball. Alpha Prince Brody (silver wolf) saves the day of course, nurture and healing (a weeks' worth) leads to love and lust; kits or pups in the offing; and a hurried though cheerful wedding. King is delighted to have grandchildren and all is happy, no homophobia left in this fairytale world.
- Except (cliffhanger!) Flynn has 'visions' during recuperation/pregnancy/birth of: a witch, a tower, long flowing blonde hair; and a long-lost princeling brother ... to be continued.
- OK, humorous retellings, one-liners; gay themed acculturation of straight (?) fairytales; sign me up for the series, I guess. I've only one life to live, and I'm already blonde (sort-of, ash).

[James Hammontree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Story, Looking Forward to More

I was a little hesitant to get this book because one of the keywords that is associated with it is “mpreg” which isn’t, in itself, a plot point that I find the least bit appealing.

But, the rest of the description of the book did sound interesting, and the theme was unusual enough to pull me in. I am so glad that I did because I found both MCs and their friends to be interesting characters and I really wanted to see how things would work out.

I was curious when I got about halfway through the book and most of the story that I thought I knew seemed to be getting pretty much wrapped up. But that’s when the story gets more interesting, because the story continues in ways I wasn’t already expecting.

And, as it turns out, the “mpreg” aspect of the story does play an important part of the overall plot, because it helps strengthen the relationship between the two main characters and what the future holds for them.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Sionna Trenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

An intriguing twist on traditional fairy tales. Flynn, an omega half-breed horribly abused by his stepmother is in desperate need of his life to change, but given his status and the wolf pack in which he lives, he does not believe that will ever happen.

Little does he realize just how many changes are in store for him, or how quickly they happen.

For fans of omega verse or mpreg, this is an excellent addition to your collection. The main characters are lovable, the plot rich in detail and intrigue, side characters can stand in their own right (I love Caleb), and the villains are deliciously evil. What more could you want?

Note: there is heavy use of dialect in this book. The author includes a guide to aid readers should it become necessary. But it honestly only took me a few paragraphs of dialogue to become used to the dialect.

[Fátima Perochena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta es la primera novela de la serie “Legends of the Packs” de la autora Kadee Robins. Me llamó la atención porque cada entrega es un retelling de un cuento de hadas distinto, pero con una pareja m/m, omegaverse y un twist sobrenatural.

Por el título, se entiende que este es un retelling de “La Cenicienta”. Flynn, el omega protagonista de la historia, me pareció un personaje noble y de buenos sentimientos, pero a la vez con un espíritu muy fuerte. Por otro lado, me alegró mucho el hecho de que Brody, el alpha co-protagonista, haya tenido mucha más importancia en la historia que ser simplemente el “interés romántico” de Flynn, como típicamente se ve en “La Cenicienta”.

Entre los personajes secundarios, mi favorito fue Caleb, el omega medio hermano de Flynn. Me pareció un personaje tan noble como Flynn e igualmente fuerte de carácter cuando es necesario. Realmente tengo muchas ganas de ver cómo resulta su historia.

Otra cosa que me gustó mucho fue la trama secundaria, que será el hilo conductor de toda la serie. No sólo veremos diferentes parejas en cada historia, sino que los hilos que se irán tejiendo entre cada una para unir todo el universo van aumentando la complejidad del mismo y nos ayudan a entenderlo un poco mejor.

En definitiva, esta no es una historia muy profunda ni complicada, pero la trama es dinámica, ágil y entretenida, con momentos de acción tanto como de drama y romance. Definitivamente leeré las siguientes novelas de la serie. Recomendable.

[S Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This MM omegaverse story is loosely based on the Cinderella fairy tale, but this is a much grittier retelling. Flynn, aka Ginger, is an omega being abused by his stepmother after his father's death. He can't find a way out, not if he wants to save his omega brother from a similar fate.

The story progresses much along the lines of the fairy tale, with Flynn finding his alpha Prince Charming. However, the storyline is inventive and unique, with a good pace.

While I liked the story, a good proofreader would go a long way to make the language more consistent. Also, accents of the characters' spoken interactions are also inconsistent, making it unclear at first where the story takes place. With that said, I'm giving thus book four stars for the creative plot and layered main characters.

Trigger warning: physical abuse occurs and abortion is mentioned as an off page event.

[Siobhan Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wasn't sure what to say about this when i first started reading but it has hints of a fairytale magic woven throughout and a certain whimsical quality i enjoyed. Flynn, such a heavy weight lay upon his shoulders and he finds a slight respite in his midnight wolf. Brody is sick of following his father's rule and attending the ball is the last straw but little does he know how his world is about to change. Flynn is so brave and strong, I felt such sorrow for him but his prince will come when he needs him most. Such a huge twist at the end that had me clutching my pearls and looking forward to more. I was cheering for Brody and how he stood up for himself, the healer was funny and I welcome more from her.

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

The first part of this book is the re-telling of the Cinderella story and I really enjoyed it. The second part was pretty much a set up for the next book and while I did enjoy it, it wasn’t quite as good as the first part. I loved both of the MCs, although Brody as the alpha-heir was pretty clueless.

On another note, I don’t know who professionally edited this book but they did not do a good job. There were many typos that should have been caught. Some by doing a simple spell check. Still despite that I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating retelling of the Cinderella fairytale. Omega fox shifter Flynn is forced to do all the cooking and cleaning for his evil Alpha wolf shifter stepmother and his three half-siblings. I loved that he has an ally in his omega half-brother Caleb. Alpha wolf shifter and heir to the throne Brody, is told he must marry a woman despite the fact that he is gay. In classic Cinderella style there is a ball, but Flynn and Brody have met before in their shifted forms. After the ball is a whirlwind of events and some shocking revelations that lead into the second book in the series. This was a real page turner and quite a unique version of shifters, mates, and magic.

[wordsandblankspaces · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I liked the story but I am not sure how much of a Cinderella retelling this is. Inspired by it sure but I wouldn't go into this thinking it's going to be very similar to Cinderella. Which isn't a bad thing at all. What I had a hard time with was the language. I wasn't sure what was supposed to be spelled one way was misspelled on accident or if it was intentional to mimic accents. Once I just accepted that this wasn't going to be like American English, it got easier for my brain to move past the "typos". I will definitely read the next book for sure. I am looking forward to seeing everyone I've met in this book get their happy endings!

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Punya ekspektasi yang sangat tinggi terhadap buku ini tapi ternyata harapan hanyalah sekedar harapan, tidak sesuai dengan kenyataan. Narasinya terlalu banyak, terlebih lagi di sini dialognya memakai Irish dialect yang bikin kepala puyeng karena ga ngerti dengan apa yang dimaksud. Bagaimana mau menikmati sebuah cerita kalau isinya aja sudah ga dimengerti.

[Mstay · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Freaking Good

This story starts as a Cinderella retelling of course. It would have been good if it had just stayed on that path. What I really like here is that it doesn’t just end when the pair get properly together. We get to go further and see the set up for the next book in the process. It definitely leaves the reader eager for the next book.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

On one hand, this was a cute retelling of Cinderella, with the wicked stepmother, horrible half-sisters, and a princely Alpha prince to be the knight in shining armor.

On the other hand, where was the proof reader/editor? Words were missing or misspelled or simply the wrong word entirely. Messy punctuation, odd word choices... yeah, none of that was good.

[Li Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

This could have been amazing but the spelling mistakes ( which were so obvious) and grammar errors make it difficult to read. It needs beta reading and re releasing tbh. It’s a shame cos the plot is very good that’s the only reason I finished it and scored it 3*

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Fantastic!!

Well written story and well developed characters. Those are the most important things, to me, in a book. Such a great rewrite of Cinderella. Emotional and engrossing! The lead to the next book is great, too!

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good wins

I liked this book,it was interesting read on omega ‘s and alpha but more and with the nasty witch in the mix is a bonus

[Bianca M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too Shabby

It is what you’d expect. The POV would unexpectedly shift in the middle of a paragraph -which is irritating to follow in 3rd person. That’s my only complaint.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger Fella awesome new series!

Awesome new series! Legends of the Packs!
This was my first book from Kaydee Robins. Can't wait read the next in the series. Recommended to read.