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Wounded Alpha
While Ryker’s body came back from Afghanistan just fine, his mind didn’t, and his thoughts wander back there in painful flashbacks that have present-time consequences. In order to avoid hurting anyone, Ryker secludes himself in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Then Officer Chess Medcull shows up with a case of were-animals being tortured and killed in a way similar to how Ryker almost died in the war. In order to stop the murders, Ryker must face the demons in his head, and maybe, just maybe, allow Chess to help. That is, as long as neither is the next victim.
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First published April 12, 2021
9 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Mell Eight
69 books279 followersWhen Mell Eight was in high school, she discovered dragons. Beautiful, wondrous creatures that took her on epic adventures both to faraway lands and on journeys of the heart. Mell wanted to create dragons of her own, so she put pen to paper. Mell Eight is now known for her own soaring dragons, as well as for other wonderful characters dancing across the pages of her books. While she mostly writes paranormal or fantasy stories, she has been seen exploring the real world once or twice.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 12, 2025
Surprisingly good and with more plot that you would think based on the number of pages! Excellent in-between book
May 7, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
For all that this is a fairly short story, the author manages to get in a lot of character building. The comparisons of Ryker, damaged and uncertain, to Alpha Medcull — Chess’s uncle — show what alphas are like in this world. Not so much growly and dominant as much as in control, always aware of the duality of shifters and the balance needed to keep from being overwhelmed by either the human or the animal needs, to not put one over the other. Ryker’s wolf and his bond with his wolf were damaged in Afghanistan, but where his body broke, his inner core didn’t. It’s something Chess sees in him, and helps him bring out.
Ryker has heavy PTSD after what he’s been through, and I appreciated that everyone involved, from Ryker to Chess and even the human chief of police understood that Ryker needed those moments to collect himself, that his reactions were colored by what he’d been through. And, at the end of the story, he’s not healed just because someone loves him. But he’s better, because he’s allowing himself to finally lean on the support system of a pack, of friends and family.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
For all that this is a fairly short story, the author manages to get in a lot of character building. The comparisons of Ryker, damaged and uncertain, to Alpha Medcull — Chess’s uncle — show what alphas are like in this world. Not so much growly and dominant as much as in control, always aware of the duality of shifters and the balance needed to keep from being overwhelmed by either the human or the animal needs, to not put one over the other. Ryker’s wolf and his bond with his wolf were damaged in Afghanistan, but where his body broke, his inner core didn’t. It’s something Chess sees in him, and helps him bring out.
Ryker has heavy PTSD after what he’s been through, and I appreciated that everyone involved, from Ryker to Chess and even the human chief of police understood that Ryker needed those moments to collect himself, that his reactions were colored by what he’d been through. And, at the end of the story, he’s not healed just because someone loves him. But he’s better, because he’s allowing himself to finally lean on the support system of a pack, of friends and family.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
April 14, 2021
Ryker, an alpha wolf shifter, had been through hell. Torture had turned him into a recluse. He was afraid he would attack someone and kill them that he lived alone, far away from people. Chess is a shifter policeman, sent to question Ryker about a series of were killings. They are slow to realize they are mates.
I love this authors writing but she always leaves me wanting more of the story. The title is spot on. Ryker is very a wounded man. The wound to his soul is very deep and Chess was just the balm he needed.
The story was short so not a lot of backstory, just enough to be able to feel for the characters. I figured out the bad guy early on but it was still a nice little mystery with a side of falling in love.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
I love this authors writing but she always leaves me wanting more of the story. The title is spot on. Ryker is very a wounded man. The wound to his soul is very deep and Chess was just the balm he needed.
The story was short so not a lot of backstory, just enough to be able to feel for the characters. I figured out the bad guy early on but it was still a nice little mystery with a side of falling in love.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
April 6, 2021
War is hell. Ryker suffered as a POW and suffers from PTSD. As a werewolf that could be deadly. He’s turned himself into basically a hermit to keep from hurting anyone. Now he has to help the cops solve the mystery of the dead were-animals with injuries like his.
The interaction between Ryker and Chess is terrific. The mystery is a little choppy. All in all a good read.
The interaction between Ryker and Chess is terrific. The mystery is a little choppy. All in all a good read.
April 6, 2021
"While Ryker’s body came back from Afghanistan just fine, his mind didn’t, and his thoughts wander back there in painful flashbacks that have present-time consequences. In order to avoid hurting anyone, Ryker secludes himself in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Then Officer Chess Medcull shows up with a case of were-animals being tortured and killed in a way similar to how Ryker almost died in the war. In order to stop the murders, Ryker must face the demons in his head, and maybe, just maybe, allow Chess to help. That is, as long as neither is the next victim."
The blurb pretty much summarises the whole book for you, except how they catch the killer. Not that that is a bad thing, I could relax reading this book knowing exactly where it was going. The main focus is on Ryker, his PTSD struggles a horrible consequence of war. His relationship with Chess is quite downplayed - they were both interested before Ryker shipped out and they take up that interest from there on meeting again, but in a quiet way. While not instalove, it was a bit underwhelming when they are commented on as mates by the Alpha. No gushing declarations of love here, more quiet showing by being there for the other.
I found the book flowed well, I liked Ryker a lot and felt for him. Chess seemed like a good fit for him, but neither he nor the other characters were as well developed, which kept me from being as deeply engaged while reading as I might have been. I'd happily read another book by this author , but I wouldn't hunt them out.
The blurb pretty much summarises the whole book for you, except how they catch the killer. Not that that is a bad thing, I could relax reading this book knowing exactly where it was going. The main focus is on Ryker, his PTSD struggles a horrible consequence of war. His relationship with Chess is quite downplayed - they were both interested before Ryker shipped out and they take up that interest from there on meeting again, but in a quiet way. While not instalove, it was a bit underwhelming when they are commented on as mates by the Alpha. No gushing declarations of love here, more quiet showing by being there for the other.
I found the book flowed well, I liked Ryker a lot and felt for him. Chess seemed like a good fit for him, but neither he nor the other characters were as well developed, which kept me from being as deeply engaged while reading as I might have been. I'd happily read another book by this author , but I wouldn't hunt them out.
June 4, 2021
Title: Wounded Alpha
Author: Mell Eight
Publisher: NineStar Press
ISBN: 9781648902550
Buy Link: https://ninestarpress.com/product/wou...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
While Ryker’s body came back from Afghanistan just fine, his mind didn’t, and his thoughts wander back there in painful flashbacks that have present-time consequences. In order to avoid hurting anyone, Ryker secludes himself in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Then Officer Chess Medcull shows up with a case of were-animals being tortured and killed in a way similar to how Ryker almost died in the war. In order to stop the murders, Ryker must face the demons in his head, and maybe, just maybe, allow Chess to help. That is, as long as neither is the next victim.
Total Score: 4/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
Ryker gave everything he had for his country until he was captured and tortured leaving him broken in mind and body. Ryker’s decision to move into a secluded cabin for other people’s safety. That is until the day Chess, a police officer, who remembers Ryker form when he was a young werewolf. Now Ryker remembers Chess, but his young age back them left him off limits. Chess has never forgotten Ryker, but the case of recent murders somehow places Ryker back in the spotlight. Ryker is forced to face his fears form his imprisonment as the danger unfolds.
The growing attraction between Ryker and Chess places their lives in danger as they struggle to find the culprit before it is too late. It was fascinating how the local police incorporates the paranormal abilities in their police work.
Author: Mell Eight
Publisher: NineStar Press
ISBN: 9781648902550
Buy Link: https://ninestarpress.com/product/wou...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
While Ryker’s body came back from Afghanistan just fine, his mind didn’t, and his thoughts wander back there in painful flashbacks that have present-time consequences. In order to avoid hurting anyone, Ryker secludes himself in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Then Officer Chess Medcull shows up with a case of were-animals being tortured and killed in a way similar to how Ryker almost died in the war. In order to stop the murders, Ryker must face the demons in his head, and maybe, just maybe, allow Chess to help. That is, as long as neither is the next victim.
Total Score: 4/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
Ryker gave everything he had for his country until he was captured and tortured leaving him broken in mind and body. Ryker’s decision to move into a secluded cabin for other people’s safety. That is until the day Chess, a police officer, who remembers Ryker form when he was a young werewolf. Now Ryker remembers Chess, but his young age back them left him off limits. Chess has never forgotten Ryker, but the case of recent murders somehow places Ryker back in the spotlight. Ryker is forced to face his fears form his imprisonment as the danger unfolds.
The growing attraction between Ryker and Chess places their lives in danger as they struggle to find the culprit before it is too late. It was fascinating how the local police incorporates the paranormal abilities in their police work.
April 8, 2021
Wounded Alpha is a very short mystery suspense novella. Ryker came back from his time in the military in Afganistan broken. He was tortured and only barely escaped with his life. Since then he's been living on the edge of society, avoiding contact with people. When the young man he once had a bit of a crush on at high school turns up investigating a series of murders that seem very similar to what Ryker went through, the attraction between them is instant. The three years age difference between Ryker and Chess is no longer an issue and they both feel the instant attraction.
This is a very short story. We do get enough about the past and what's going on now. Don't expect any twists or turns though, the mystery side of this is very straightforward and dealt with quickly. As for romance, there are clearly plenty of intense feelings, but again, this is dealt with in a short space of time and there's no huge angst or coming to terms with feelings. I think you could read this in one sitting more or less.
This is short, but it was still an enjoyable read. Chess and Ryder are both likeable characters that work well together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a very short story. We do get enough about the past and what's going on now. Don't expect any twists or turns though, the mystery side of this is very straightforward and dealt with quickly. As for romance, there are clearly plenty of intense feelings, but again, this is dealt with in a short space of time and there's no huge angst or coming to terms with feelings. I think you could read this in one sitting more or less.
This is short, but it was still an enjoyable read. Chess and Ryder are both likeable characters that work well together.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 9, 2021
I picked up Wounded Alpha by Mell Eight not realizing it was a novella which was more than fine for me. It gave me a chance to sample out the author who is new to me. Not too bad, I liked her writing style. As for the book I really enjoyed it. I’m not going to hash out the details of the book because they author has done a fine job of it in the blurb. Instead let me cover why I enjoyed the book.
For starts, I like the characters and their stories. The wounded Ryker and the gentle Chess. We get just the right amount of history about each of them so when they connect, it isn’t such an unbelievable insta-love. Not too many secondaries which made it okay because, as this was a quickie, it left me clueless as to whom the killer was. The story itself has just the right amount of angst, suspense, intrigue, and danger to keep me hooked enough to finish the book all in one sitting. All around a great story.
Received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For starts, I like the characters and their stories. The wounded Ryker and the gentle Chess. We get just the right amount of history about each of them so when they connect, it isn’t such an unbelievable insta-love. Not too many secondaries which made it okay because, as this was a quickie, it left me clueless as to whom the killer was. The story itself has just the right amount of angst, suspense, intrigue, and danger to keep me hooked enough to finish the book all in one sitting. All around a great story.
Received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 11, 2021
3.5 stars
Lots of action, suspense, and drama packed into this novella...
Alpha wolf, Ryker, came back from war damaged. He avoids people, and the pack, to ensure he won’t accidentally hurt anyone. But Chess, the Wolf who had a crush on him in high school, isn’t ready to give up on him.
Overall, the novella was good. I gave it 3.5 stars because of Ryker’s character. He’s well-written and believable. However, the story is a bit light when it comes to Chess’ character and the relationship between him and Ryker. Even though it’s a novella length story, I think even adding another 1000-2000 words would have been sufficient to thread in enough extra bits to build the relationship between the main characters. The book description pretty much lays out the entire story for you except the ending.
If you’re looking for a quick read that’s high on action with a bit of romance, give Wounded Alpha a try.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lots of action, suspense, and drama packed into this novella...
Alpha wolf, Ryker, came back from war damaged. He avoids people, and the pack, to ensure he won’t accidentally hurt anyone. But Chess, the Wolf who had a crush on him in high school, isn’t ready to give up on him.
Overall, the novella was good. I gave it 3.5 stars because of Ryker’s character. He’s well-written and believable. However, the story is a bit light when it comes to Chess’ character and the relationship between him and Ryker. Even though it’s a novella length story, I think even adding another 1000-2000 words would have been sufficient to thread in enough extra bits to build the relationship between the main characters. The book description pretty much lays out the entire story for you except the ending.
If you’re looking for a quick read that’s high on action with a bit of romance, give Wounded Alpha a try.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2021
I love Mell Eight and the whimsical view of fantasy worlds the author always brings to the table. This book is a shapeshifter romance. Ryker was captured and tortured in Afghanistan - in way that is very specific to were animals. He has severe PTSD and really fears that he is going to hurt someone. He has withdrawn to a remote cabin in the woods to keep others safe from himself. Chess was a few years younger than Ryker - but had a serious crush on him. Chess is now a police detective and is sent to question Ryker about murders of were animals where the MO is similar to what happened to Ryker during the war.
Chess and Ryker reconnect immediately - and seem to definitively choose each other as mates. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter Chess is kidnapped by the murderer and Ryker has to help find him.
This is a very quick story - but the details and emotions are so beautifully written you'll wish it was longer! I am hoping for maybe a few more stories about this community.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Chess and Ryker reconnect immediately - and seem to definitively choose each other as mates. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter Chess is kidnapped by the murderer and Ryker has to help find him.
This is a very quick story - but the details and emotions are so beautifully written you'll wish it was longer! I am hoping for maybe a few more stories about this community.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
April 9, 2021
Exact Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
This story was rather short, especially since there's a lot of stuff happening in the story. I liked how those who weren't an Alpha weren't portrayed as weak. The story flow was enjoyable and there weren't any dull moments in the story. However, there were some scenes that felt rushed - Especially the kidnapping and hospital scenes. Nonetheless, I would recommend this book to others.
This story's universe has members of the were community leaving in the open with no hatred or prejudice from humans.
I receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story was rather short, especially since there's a lot of stuff happening in the story. I liked how those who weren't an Alpha weren't portrayed as weak. The story flow was enjoyable and there weren't any dull moments in the story. However, there were some scenes that felt rushed - Especially the kidnapping and hospital scenes. Nonetheless, I would recommend this book to others.
This story's universe has members of the were community leaving in the open with no hatred or prejudice from humans.
I receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2021
This romance was so good, I wanted more. Wounded Alpha by Mell Eight is an M|M shifter romance. The blurb covers the majority of the plot quite well. Due to the length of the story, the characters were not as fleshed out as they could be. This was a short but entertaining read. I believe I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed that, although it is a paranormal romance, it does deal with real issues like PTSD. Overall, I would absolutely read another story by this author.
I received a complimentary electronic arc of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary electronic arc of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 17, 2021
This book moved quickly and addressed issues of PTSD with consideration and skill. The characters knew each other before, and now have the opportunity to build their relationship. While solving kidnapping, murder case, Chess needs Ryker’s help. Ryker struggles with his memories of being held against his will and tortured. Chess is respectful and loving. Their bond, not to mention their bond as shifters, is strong and natural. I read this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2022
I was going to give this a 2-star review, because it was mostly just okay….
But once I got to the end and there was no explanation of how the killer knew the details of Ryker’s time as a POW to copy cat on his killings… even though they had specifically trying to find the unsub based on it begins someone who would have known those details. Sloppy.
But once I got to the end and there was no explanation of how the killer knew the details of Ryker’s time as a POW to copy cat on his killings… even though they had specifically trying to find the unsub based on it begins someone who would have known those details. Sloppy.
April 20, 2021
What a boring story plot. Nothing in it was of any interest.
April 23, 2021
Short Romance
OK, there’s also memories of abuse and torture to deal with in this tale, but between the bad memories is this short romance. Minimal character development and a thin plot make this a short story.
OK, there’s also memories of abuse and torture to deal with in this tale, but between the bad memories is this short romance. Minimal character development and a thin plot make this a short story.
April 21, 2021
Weird undeveloped shifters romance between Ryker an Alpha wolf and Officer Chess, also a werewolf. Anyway something just didn't add up, so I can't rate it higher.
June 23, 2021
3,5*
Update Jun 23.
Started re-reading bc forgot I've already read it. Had even less favorable opinion. Rounding down.
Too short to understand why Ryker was targeted in civil life. At the point I started to be invested in Ryker and Chess's relationship the book has ended.
Update Jun 23.
Started re-reading bc forgot I've already read it. Had even less favorable opinion. Rounding down.
Too short to understand why Ryker was targeted in civil life. At the point I started to be invested in Ryker and Chess's relationship the book has ended.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews