Undeniable Bonds

Hidden Wolves #6

by Kaje Harper

Some bonds are strong enough to last a lifetime, and change the world.

Rory O'Sullivan has spent his life alone. Once upon a time, he made one real human connection as a gay man. That moment happened in Nazi captivity, and the wolf he escaped with was a Soviet soldier. They had a taste of what love might mean, but in 1944, personal happiness had to come second to survival.

Now, seventy years later, when he feels the presence of Nikolai, somehow close and needing him after all that time, no one— not gay Alpha Aaron of the Minneapolis West pack, or rising political threats, or even top Alpha Rick Brown himself— will stop him. Rory's going to answer the appeal he's waited a lifetime for. Some bonds can't be denied.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, M M Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Werewolves, Urban Fantasy

350 pages, ebook

First published June 10, 2021

About the author

I get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.

I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.

I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)

My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.

I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.

You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.

You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a long-time fan of Kaje Harper and the Hidden Wolves series, I was thrilled to discover that Kaje was publishing another book in the series. I read the first Hidden Wolves book, Unacceptable Risk, 8 years ago, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I love the way that Kaje writes her stories, and this entire series has been 4-5 stars for me. The werewolf world that she has built is just so full of detail and nuance that it makes a lot of shifter books seem lackluster, IMO. Undeniable Bonds carries on in that excellent tradition.

I have a few minor caveats about the story. First of all, this book should not be read as a stand-alone. The series builds upon itself, and though the blurb makes it sound like the story is about a new couple, in reality, it isn't. That brings me to my next point: Undeniable Bonds is as much (if not more) about Aaron and Zach than Rory and Nikolai. I'm a huge fan of Aaron and Zach and their Dom/Sub and Alpha/11th dynamic, and I was thrilled to have more of them in this book. However, Rory and Nikolai's story truly took a backseat.

I really admire Kaje Harper for weaving such a complex, interesting, dynamic story with lots of sexy elements and enough action to keep readers riveted. I didn't want to stop reading, and I felt the love for these characters all over again. It made me want to re-read all the previous books in the series. I think fans of the Hidden Wolves series will be extremely pleased, and I know I want just *one* more book. I'm not ready for this to be the end!

*Copy provided by the author- thanks Kaje!*

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[Kaje Harper]

The brand new final book in this series. Amazon preorders are now up with other sites to come, and full release date June 10th.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I’ve been trying to find reasons not to round up ever since I’ve finished reading and I keep coming up only with all the things I’ve liked about this book.

Was it perfect? No, although only one minor thing comes to mind that I would’ve really changed, given the chance: the pack kneeling to Aaron at the end. There was no need, nobody who read this series would doubt the cohesion of the Minneapolis West pack and the respect they have for their alpha, so it ended up a little on the cheesy, showy side.

Was it life-changing? No. But if I gave 5 stars only to life-changing books, my average rating would be even lower than it already is.

Was it a great conclusion to an amazing series? Yes, it was. After a few burning disappointments, I’ve learned to appreciate those when they come around.

I loved all the MCs, all four of them. I loved Rory and Kolya’s story, it was raw and real, realistic and bittersweet and yet full of hope and loving feelings where it could’ve easily been depressing. It never was, because the writing balanced the bad with the good very well and I was left with a good feeling about them, happy to imagine their next 30 or more years finally together in the midst of an accepting and loving pack, after all they had to endure. I especially appreciated that while Kolya had broken his promise, even though he had extenuating circumstances, the “blame” for Rory’s situation wasn’t put all on his shoulders, the trauma from the war and losing his own pack also played a huge part in how Rory decided to wait for Kolya. The alternative would’ve diminished Rory’s character, so I was happy with how that aspect was handled. I also loved how their story was interwoven with the Minneapolis West pack and the continuing issues from the wolves coming out to the humans in the previous books.
Not to mention that it doesn’t happen every day to be able to read a romance about two guys in their nineties, knowing that you still get to imagine their happy ending lasting decades.

Aaron & Zach…💜 do I need to add more? In between sweet moments, tense moments, and laughs, this book delivered everything I wanted for and from them.

What else? I liked everything that went on with the plot—and if you have misgivings about the timing of this book, don’t miss the author’s note at the beginning.
This book also included an interesting array of secondary characters. Among them, special mentions go to Rick Brown and all the Minneapolis West pack wolves, especially Cord. I loved how he had Aaron and Zach’s backs, and Rory and Nikolai’s too.

Will everybody love this book as much as I did? Probably not, but that’s true for the entire series. I’ve been pretty fond of these wolves for years and I know I’m biased, but I think I can objectively say that the conclusion lived up to the beginning and I’m glad of that. These books proved that it’s possible to have great characterization, realistic plots and complex relationships in a shifter series. Sadly, I can’t say that the subgenre is known for that.

I’m especially grateful for Rosa’s company, it’s been a lot of fun to have a friend to comment with while revisiting one of my favorite series and finally discovering what was in store for the characters’ final adventure.

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've reached the end and was very satisfying. I liked the way the series ended. Wolves have won their first battle against prejudice and bigotry, but there's a long way to go. They will need to keep fighting and making allies.
I liked we come back to the wolves I've been missing from the last two books, and I loved the new additions to the pack. I think they have a lot to offer and I'm glad they finally found a place to be themselves. It was good to see Rory and Nikolai get a second opportunity after everything they've been through in their long lives. I also liked the balance between how we learnt how Rory and Nikolai came to know each other during WWII and the story hapening in real time. Usually I'm not too fond of going back and forth in stories, but it was very well done and balanced. I also was very grateful when the description of what they had to endure in their time with the Nazis were kept to a minimun. Enouhg to know they faced horrible things there, but not enough to make me stop reading (I'm too sensitive lately...).
I also liked how the conflict between these two was handled. It could have been easy to put the blame of the broken promise onto Koyla, but that wasn't the case here. I think it's more realistic this way, their separation was due to multiple factors, like everything in life.
So, this book is full of action, and some of the events are too close to what we've been living lately. For a moment, it looked January again when the unthinkable was happening in Washington. It's unnerving how close fiction could come to real life. So we find our wolves fighting another country trying to put American human wolves and American humans against each other. People who won't mind to kidnap, torture and kill to fulfill their objetive. People who would use two old people and a teenager as scapegoats. So, I liked that at the end wolves had a public recognition despite Aaron not liking much leaving behind his anonymous person, because they had put their lives on the line a lot of times and it was only fair. I also liked that the survivors from Nikolai pack won't end up in Aaron's pack. His pack is not fit for everyone, and I think they'll be happy in another setting. I was glad when Brown thought on arranging that.
I also liked that finally Aaron took the risk of bond mating Zach, even if Zach got a bit more than he was expecting with the bond... Beware of what you wish for, Zach... What I didn't like much, appart from the bedroom dynamic these two have, which I'm absolutely grateful to the author for keeping it light, was that scene at the wedding... but it's a me thing, I could have done without the kneeling part... Wolves hierarchy has been bothering me since the first book, and I didn't like the reminder when things seemed to be more loose. But I'm glad they finally did it and now they are "official" to wolves and humans.
Overall I liked this series a lot, it was enjoyable and I loved to be able to comment it with Ele, who made these books much better.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I first read Kaje Harper's take on werewolves series. Hidden Wolves, when it was first released, in October 2011. The last book of this series that I read was back in 2016. Now, five years after that last book, Unsafe Exposure, and a decade after it is first released, this series has finally reached the (almost) finish line (apparently, there's an additional coda that will be out next month).

Undeniable Bonds is basically the story about two couples.

One is Rory and Kolya who have been separated for seventy years, across continents even. But when Kolya is brought to the United States and manages to escape his horrible torturers, the mate bond that connect them helps Rory finds Kolya again.

The other one, is Aaron and Zach, our main couple from way back of the second book, Unexpected Demands. Aaron, the Alpha of Minneapolis West Pack, and Zach has been mates, but Aaron hasn't push that mate bond over Zach because, well, complication, with Aaron also hold the Alpha bond against the younger Zach. This book finally resolves that.

And all of this, is surrounded by the aftermath of werewolves coming out, of the repercussions of that humans finally aware of them. There are Senate meetings, there are marches of demanding equality, and well, a terrorist plan to make havoc of everything.

I LOVE this series so much!! And I'm happy with how it ends. I may be not exactly satisfied on how Rory/Kolya has to share the spotlight with Aaron/Zach... I guess I want them to have their own happiness in their own book, with all the hurt/comfort moments that are just about these two beings, who have been SUFFERING a lot over the decades...

...but at the same time, this being the last book, I can understand that Harper also wants to settle the mate-bond issue of Aaron and Zach... and I couldn't grumble as much because I adore the Aaron and Zach's moments too. ESPECIALLY, the wedding part. And I admit that telepathic mate-bond between the two of them is really cool.

In any case, it's a wonderful, WONDERFUL addition for the series. Now I cannot wait for that coda! It'll go back to the "original" couple of Simon and Paul, apparently.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

Kaje Harper made an interesting choice here …
While we get Kolya and Rory’s story, Aaron and Zach’s relationship is also developed further. Which means that we get four POVs which could lead to all sorts of trouble, but I have to say it totally worked for me here.

Koyla and Rory really tore my heart out. All that despair and pain and yearning for so many years! Lucky that ‘human wolves’ live that bit longer than humans, so at least these two old wolves are going to have some time together.
On a personal note, I must say that I’ve never been a fan of flashbacks, and I found them sometimes a little too long here, even if I get why they are needed to explain how these two wolves relate to each other.

As for Aaron and Zack … I adored what’s happening with them, but did not expect that wonderful finale! Also fun that we get glimpses of their dom/sub relationship in the bedrooms developing further without really delving in too deep. Love their dynamic in and out of the bedroom.

And ultimately, I really really love Aaron! He has grown into one powerful alpha, having the best of his pack and human wolves always at the centre of his heart. All his wolfy possessiveness is very much appealing, as are his honesty and integrity.

The plot is action packed, turning and twisting, making my head spin (in a good way!) There are so many things on the line – Koyla and Rory’s lives, the future of werewolves, lots of political strands etc etc. Yes, that does make the story a little busy, and it probably is all a bit much, but it certainly kept me on the edge of my seat!

This has been a great series I would highly recommend if you like shifters and werewolves, in particular. A very worthwhile read.

Looking forward to the ‘coda’ now.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Interesting reminder that one can never understand another person thoroughly unless we have walked in their shoes. Great addition to the series with poignant, emotional, and thought-provoking elements. Full review to follow.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this one hit so right! It has such a delightful sense of hopeful angst, where both Nikolai and Rory hope for the other's love yet believe themselves lacking for the other. That and the shared past, added to the current issues at hand, added a level of richness to their relationship that is just *chef's kiss ~*
We also keep on following Zack and Aaron. I'm also pretty satisfied their ends were tied, and the way it went on was marvelous! I wish we'd seen more Paul and Simon. They're not as prominent in protagonism as thhey once were. But I can't fault it much for it.
I only wish we'd had a more satisfying ending to Nikolai's packmates. It feels too left in the air for the narrative of them to feel concluded.

[Sherry F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow...I love this series and am sad to see it end. But what a finish!

[Fritz42 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite werewolf series. And what a fantastic book this is for the series. I don't know if it's the final book or not, but if it is, what a way to round out the whole series. If it isn't the final book, then my heart is just as happy because I will ALWAYS read any book in this series.

The poignant, sad, and touching story of Rory and Kolya is a great addition to the series. It made me hurt, thinking of everything both of them went through in their lives in order to be with together.

And the plot. OMG, the plot was mind-blowing, intense, nail-biting, "how the hell are they going to get out of this one" fantastic. I just hung on for the ride, and what a ride it was.

And it leaves our great Alpha and his mate in such a wonderful place. Hell, all the wolves of Minnesota West, in great places.

This is a series that I will be re-reading again and again.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable conclusion to the series!

I will say, I think the blurb is pretty misleading, as Rory & Nikolai's story actually seemed to be one of the secondary plot-lines of the book behind the overarching political aspect and Aaron & Zach's relationship Which I absolutely didn't mind at all, as I think the strongest books in the series were the first three with the greater presence of Aaron's pack, and I really enjoyed getting more of them in this one again. I enjoyed the characters and relationships and the plot was interesting. I did find myself wanting a bit more conversation between Nikolai & Roy regarding Nikolai's ghosting Rory for 60+ years, as the fairly quick resolution between them wasn't entirely satisfying for me, but it was addressed, even if not quite in the depth I wanted. But overall I liked this one and I thought it was a great end to the series.

[Eden Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I've loved Kaje Harper's Hidden Wolves series, this installment is by far my favorite. Not only do we catch up with a familiar pairing, we're introduced to two new wolves with a history and a lot of years under their romantic bridge. It's rare to see a story about an older couple in a romance novel these days, and Rory and Nikolai don't disappoint. From two different worlds, they came together for a time and left a lasting impression on the other's heart. The lost years are heartbreaking.

The scenes were riveting and I found I couldn't put the book down. So many of the conflicts in the story offer a mirror image to society's problems today. I understand there is to be a final novella. I'm thrilled, but kind of sad too, to say goodbye to a group of shifters who have wormed their way into my heart.

Highly recommended.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read 5/8-9/25 with Barb, Kassu and Teresa -- loved it just as much the second time through. I loved all the different POV, not just one couple. I loved the flashbacks to Lol ya and Rory escaping the Nazis. I loved Aaron and Zach's commitment to each other. I absolutely adored Zach and Rory connecting. Aaron fighting the homophobic asshole from Idaho. Just everything. It's perfect. Happy sigh.

Original review after first reading: SOOOOO GOOD! This was the perfect ending to the series. More review to come after work.

Original review before reading: I'm so excited!!!!

[Lois - Who Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved every book in this series and this one did not disappoint. It has it all – political intrigue, weddings, new wolves with an amazing back story, a new baby, and a check in with all the Minneapolis West pack. There is a lot going on in this story, but it flows so brilliantly I flew through the book. Rory and Nikolai’s story is heartbreaking and ends so hopefully with a real future on the horizon. I would by happy to read another book or ten in this series.

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rory & Nikolai, but with lots of Aaron & Zach

I love this series. The new couple introduced is a seriously long overdue second chance romance between Rory, a lone wolf in Aaron’s territory, and Nikolai, his Russian lover from World War II. But there is also plenty of Aaron and Zach and a whole lot of politics surrounding the wolves coming out of the closet.

I’ll admit, as sweet as Rory & Nikolai are, mated then torn apart, my favorite part was more of Aaron & Zach.

Over time Aaron has noticed his bond with Zach has strengthened. That comes in handy when Aaron is in the line of fire and Zach only has their bond to warn him of incoming fire. And even more so when Zach is poisoned and Aaron is the only thing keeping him breathing.

Aaron does everything in his power to hold onto Zach, and when Zach wakes up, their bond has become almost all consuming. A powerful blend of alpha and mate bond. Speaking telepathically is handy, especially when one or both of them are shifted, but initially the intimacy overwhelms Zach.

Zach closed his eyes and reached inside for his pack bonds. Like most wolves, his bond to his Alpha was a ribbon of light, arching toward Aaron, but for Zach bonds also had a weight. Light finger touches from the rest of the pack, almost unnoticed unless they were in need, all running through Aaron. And the solid, competent feel like a hand on his arm where Aaron’s bond touched him.

But now— now that ribbon of light was like a tree trunk, dense and solid, straight and true, a bark of swirling patterns dancing bright along its length. The bond weighed down on him in a new way. Like Aaron, lying on him in a warm bed, holding him still until settling was the only choice he could make. Until his busy mind and restless body fell into a quiet peace beneath his Alpha.

He loved that, in bed. He wasn’t sure he wanted it in his head 24/7.

***

“Does it scare you, like it does me?”

That made [Aaron] blink. He’d somehow missed, among all the things that had terrified them both over the last couple of days, that their bond was in that mix for Zach. “No,” he said, carefully and out loud. “I like knowing I can reach you, even at a distance. I like being able to talk to you when I’m in fur.”

“That, yeah.” Zach rubbed his chin on Aaron’s wrist. The faint scrape of his unshaven skin sent a pulse of electricity through Aaron’s groin, but he ignored it.

“But?” Zach shrugged, a lift of one slim shoulder. “You’re so much… denser than I am.”

“I’m what?” He struggled between a laugh and the need to put this boy in his place, right now.

“No! Jesus, not like— fuck my life.” Zach rubbed a hand over his face. “I mean, you’re this huge presence, like a solid wall of energy, and I’m this little spark, next to that. At least I used to have this inside private bit that the heat and weight of you didn’t reach. And now that’s yours too, and I’m afraid I’ll disappear in there.”

“Zachary.” Love and worry and a deep need to protect his mate rose within him. “I won’t let you get lost. You’re my most precious, unique, bratty spark.”

***

“Do you want us to try to keep the bond closed down? Not speak that way unless it’s an emergency?” He closed his mental hand around that thick golden lattice that ran between him and Zach, cutting the flow, blocking his sense of his mate down, and down. His wolf whined unhappily in his head. “Better?”

“I don’t know.” Zach moved restlessly on the sheets.

“I don’t think a mate bond can be undone. An Alpha bond can.” He rode ruthlessly over the protests of his wolf. “But I’m not sure, even if we chose that route, that I can untangle the one from the other between us.”

Zach launched himself at Aaron, and suddenly his arms were full of half-naked young man. Zach’s muscular thigh wrapped across the healing slash in his hip, and his hair went into Aaron’s mouth, but he accepted the discomforts gladly. “I don’t want to lose you, you stupid Alpha,” Zach growled in his ear. “I can be scared without wanting to change things.”

The relief that flashed through him surprised him. He covered it with a laugh. “First dense, now stupid?” He rolled and pinned Zach with his weight, holding both slim wrists above Zach’s head with his good hand. “I don’t know why you worry about me hearing your thoughts when you happily say things like that out loud.”

Zach gave him a cheeky grin. Aaron wondered if he was thinking something rude. He held the bond throttled down tight, even though play with Zach wasn’t as much fun without feeling his boy respond to it. Zach raised an eyebrow. Aaron nipped it, then kissed him. “I’m thinking about ways to keep you quiet.”

Zach tilted his head. There was a push in Aaron’s head, then the bond spilled out of his control. His head filled with Zachness, that particular brand of fizzy, hot, presence.

Aaron blinked. “Did you do that?”

Yeah. And it worked! He could feel Zach’s triumph. How do you like that?

He felt… odd about it. For so long, it had been his choice, his control as Alpha, to open that bond or close it down, to feed his desire and needs to Zach and take his in return, or to shut him out. He’d never considered that a mate bond might not work the same way.

Zach’s grin dimmed. He worked a hand out of Aaron’s slackened grip and raised it to touch his cheek. “You didn’t like that?”

“No, I— it’s fine. It’s good that you can take control like that—”

“Shh.” Zach arched up and kissed him. “I wanted to see if I could, but it doesn’t change my choice.”

“Your choice?” He wasn’t tracking right. Too many shifts in too little time, maybe.

“Aaron, you’re not just my Alpha. You’re my Dom. I give control into your hands in a hundred ways every day, and I fucking love that. This is just one more way. Tell me to close it down, and I will. Open it, flood me with all that you are, and I’ll say, ‘Thank you, sir.’” Zach stared up at him, eyes dark and warm.

“You’ll probably say, ‘Thank you, boss,’ because you’re smart-mouthed that way.” His voice barely shook. “Now shut that thing down.”

“Yes, boss.”

***

Aaron and Zach also get married. Love the scene where they are picking out rings and the jeweler is concerned that Zach is being abused.

“Can I help you, gentlemen?” …

“Wedding rings,” Aaron said. “Men’s. White gold. What do you have?”

“For both of you?” Her eyebrows didn’t raise so much as a hair.

“Yes, thank you.”

As she moved to a different case to pull out a tray, Zach tugged on Aaron’s shirt and murmured, “This place is expensive. We can wait.”

Aaron’s brow did climb, in his best Spock imitation. “Questioning my choices?” The “boy” was silent, but still loud and clear.

“No, sir.”

The saleswoman set the tray in front of them. “This is our white-gold selection, and of course, we have several artists who do lovely custom work.”

Aaron bent over the tray, and Zach moved a little closer to check them out. Some were gaudy with diamonds and other stones, some thick and clunky, aggressively masculine, and some smooth and ordinary.

“That one for him.” Aaron pointed. “And that for me.”

A smile tugged at Zach’s lips. The ring he was getting was made like a tight coil of twisted rope, while Aaron’s was simple and wide with a brush finish. It figures, putting a rope on me. Not that he objected.

“Those are lovely choices.” The saleswoman flicked a quick glance at Zach. “That wider band has a matching narrow version that’s still a solid, masculine style.”

“I don’t need them to match,” Aaron said.

“Well, it is nice to be individualized.” She turned to Zach. “You must be excited. Do you like these choices?”

Zach felt Aaron’s gaze too and turned to meet his Alpha’s eyes. All he saw there was steady certainty. He knows me inside and out.

“He likes them,” Aaron said firmly.

“Yeah, I do.” He tipped his head a fraction, and Aaron opened the bond enough for him to feel a warm flash of approval. Good boy.

“We’ll want a chain to match his,” Aaron said. “Zach, you’ll wear them till it’s time. Something long enough to slip over his head and sturdy enough to keep the rings safe.”

“Of course.” She inclined her head at Zach. “Would you like to see the selection?”

He followed her to another case, swaying his hips slightly because he could feel Aaron’s eyes on him. A little mental smack of lust made him bite down a smile.

The woman said, “These are the heavier white-gold chains.” She lowered her voice to a breath. “I don’t mean to invade your privacy, but… are you safe, with your fiancé?”

Zach’s brain stuttered. Asking if we use condoms isn’t invading our privacy? “Huh?”

She whispered, “Is he… kind to you? He orders you around without asking, so I wondered…”

“Oh!” That made more sense. “Like physically safe.” Of course, Aaron could hear her. Over the bond, his Alpha felt more amused than annoyed.

“I’m fine. He likes to tell me what to do, and I like to let him. He doesn’t hurt me.” Not more than I want him to.

Her pale skin showed a flush creeping up her neck. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No.” He put a hand on top of hers on the case. “It was a kind thing to do. Most people wouldn’t get involved. … And I appreciate it. But—” He couldn’t resist. He pitched his voice low, knowing Aaron could still make out every word. “Underneath that toppy exterior, he’s a big pussycat, really.”

Aaron choked a laugh behind his fist.

And the vows….

Aaron turned to face the minister, and Lucas nudged Zach’s elbow till he did the same, then stepped back.

The minister gave each of them a steady look. “Every marriage I conduct is different,” the man said, his voice deep and resonant. “Every couple is different. Some are young and unsure, and I speak of hope. Some are settled and powerful, and I speak of patience. And some are so deep in each other’s souls already that they need no words of mine.

“These rings, these words, the paper we’ll sign, all have value in this Year of our Lord two thousand and eleven. But they only seal a bond already so strong that even someone like me can see it. These two will build a marriage all their own, and then live its evolution, all the years of their lives.

“Aaron, Zach, do you have words for each other?”

Zach was supposed to go first. He’d spent way too many hours writing and rewriting what he’d say. But right now, his tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth and his hands shook. There was Aaron and in a moment, he’d be married to that man, and what he felt was too big for words.

Easy boy, just like we’re alone here. Aaron held out his hands and Zach laid his damp palms on Aaron’s warm, dry ones. “That’s right.” Aaron smiled, easy and bright, eyes only for him. “You and me. Who’d have thought it, huh? I remember when you stood in front of my desk and said, ‘I’m good with computers,’ and I thought this kid needs a keeper, or maybe a spanking. I didn’t see the strong man inside the boy. But damn, I learned.”

“Good idea about the spanking, though.” It was out before he could think. Zach knew his face flushed red, but Aaron chuckled.

“And sometimes the keeper. And then we turn around, and there you are, keeping me upright when I’m close to falling.” Aaron closed his fingers over Zach’s. “I almost lost you, and felt how dark my world would be without you.”

“You too. Let’s don’t do that again, either of us.” … Zach raised their locked hands and nipped playfully over Aaron’s knuckles. Aaron laughed and didn’t let go.

“Wolves have never needed a human marriage, really. It was for appearances, for children. The bond came before, or after, and that’s what mattered. But I want this, with you. To know that ring on your finger says you’re mine. To have the right to be there at your side in the human world, come what may. To change your name to Tremaine.”

“To what? Wait, we didn’t talk about that?”

Aaron eyed him gravely, but there was the slightest twinkle in his eyes. Zach was going to suggest Aaron take his name, to tweak him, but heaven forbid Aaron might take him seriously. “Zach Tremaine,” he said. “Has a kind of ring to it.”

“Speaking of rings.” … Aaron took the ring and turned, and Zach’s attention focused down to that braided circle of silver-gold. He’d worn it around his neck, loving the way it nestled above his heart with Aaron’s, but he wanted it on his hand, like, yesterday. Aaron took his fingers in a firm grip. “You’ll wear this for me. My ring, my rope, my name, my bond.” That was a command, not a question, and filled with enormous power, Alpha and Dom, a man with twice his years and experience. But Zach’s heart soared because he knew how all that power was balanced between them.

And if I say “red”?

Aaron’s gaze bored into his. This all stops. Always, without question. You know that.

He dropped to his knees, as gracefully as he could. “Please put that ring on me, sir,” he said. Human subs sometimes wore a collar, but he’d worn one for punishment, and that was all wrong between them. This was so right he could hardly breathe.

Aaron threaded the silver circle of rope over Zach’s finger, slowly and deliberately. “With this ring, I thee wed.” He raised Zach to his feet and kissed him.

Without being asked, Lucas put the other ring in Zach’s hand. Zach’s fingers were surprisingly steady as he eased it onto Aaron’s ring finger. “With this ring I thee wed.” He looked up, and Aaron kissed him again.

The minister said, “By the power vested in me by the State of Iowa, I pronounce you legally husbands. You may kiss. Again.”

By the way, Simon and Paul also marry, offstage.

[Astra Astrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I binged this series, and now it's over (I assume). I has a sad.

I really like shifters; I especially like it when they're born, not made. It's a whole different dynamic.

The series has an overarching theme of coming out. Werewolves, being extremely patriarchal AND hierarchical, are tremendously homophobic. However, between advancing technology and encroachment on the wilderness, it's only a matter of time before the species itself is outed.

And if they don't want to be deemed too dangerous to let live, they need to...soften themselves a tiny bit. Like by letting gay wolves live.

Personally, I prefer urban fantasy to paranormal romance because the former tends to have better character development and a better story. This series actually had the best of both worlds - lots of romance (gay romance) AND many of the characters continue to be important and to grow, throughout. And there's a story that can be resolved.

I would love to get more, but if this is it it was a satisfying ending.

[Kassu · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

The series has been good but this one sucked me in especially hard from the beginning. I was at the edge of my seat. The legend of Whitefoot gave me chills. The whole story was very thrilling and action-packed.

We're following two couples here. In addition to returning to Aaron and Zack, there's two genuinely old werewolves here, which is just lovely. They're both good characters, and I guess it's never too late to love, and Nikolai has been through hell, but I still want to smack him in the head for leaving Rory all:



I will not give 5 stars without without more groveling. There is a quota to fill.

[John Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Hidden Wolves series is one of my favorite series I’ve ever read, and I’ve anxiously anticipated its conclusion for nearly 5 years. After finishing Undeniable Bonds, I have to say… I’m extremely disappointed.

The book details how the Minneapolis West pack, or rather, just Aaron and Zach, navigate the world after wolves have been outed. The two help reunite a lone-wolf, Rory O’Sullivan, a WWII vet, with his Alpha, Nikolai, after nearly 70 years.

The finale feels like just another addition to the series, not the conclusion. It did not give me the closure I was hoping for, specifically for the characters I fell in love with over the course of the previous 5 books. From the first book in the series, Unacceptable Risk, I fell in love with Simon and Paul. Their story, their relationship, their banter, and their love is why I’ve loved this series as much as I did. I expected them to have much larger roles in the story, given that their voices were the first heard in the series - but they were almost nonexistent. The same is true for all other members of the pack, excluding Aaron and Zach.

While it’s nice to see Aaron and Zach receive the happy ending they deserved, I feel cheated because we did not get to read Simon and Paul’s happy ending. All we get is a sentence about how they were wed in secret and now wear wedding rings. That’s it. They have almost no dialogue throughout the book and none about how they were just married. If you were to take away the few lines they did have, it changes nothing to the plot. It’s disappointing to say the least because it feels like I did not get the closure I waited 5 years for.

Overall, Undeniable Bonds is a disappointing conclusion to the series. While Rory and Nikolai’s story was exciting, heartwarming, and enjoyable to read, it seemed superfluous. Rather than be introduced to new wolves, I wanted to hear from the previous members of the Minneapolis West pack, namely Simon and Paul. Instead, I feel let down by the lack of closure from the characters I fell in love with and the series as a whole.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

Excellent end to a favourite series. It is told by Zach, Aaron, and new wolves Rory and Nikolai. I liked seeing the older wolves though they still seemed like the boys who first met under horrible circumstances. This was much more political than previous books but still lots of action and love.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent chapter of the lives of Aaron’s pack and those who come to their attention.

[ancientreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaje Harper has an interesting author's note at the beginning of Undeniable Bonds, pointing out that she wrote this in 2019 so that it doesn't take account of a number of traumatic US and world events that have taken place since. That having been said, her nefarious Russian autocrat acts exactly the way our real-world nefarious Russian autocrat would act if werewolves existed, which is one of the pleasures of this book.

But overall, and even though I gobbled it down, this one didn't succeed for me as well as Unjustified Claims and Unsafe Exposure did. A few reasons:

- Rory and Nikolai weren't as convincing a couple as the others in the series. They had too short a time together before their separation, so that although I could believe in the mate bond as it exists in this world, I had a harder time believing in their connection on what you might call a non-mystical level. Plus, while Nikolai did the best he could under the circumstances, that's a rational truth, and rational truth can't by itself undo emotional harm -- the damage his choices did to Rory. I'm not nuts about the word "healing," but I can't think of a better one: wouldn't Rory have needed more time to heal before he could fully trust Nikolai again?

- As much as I enjoyed getting a good look at the Alpha di tutti Alphi, Rick Brown, the politics of wolves' engagement with the human world were less interesting to me than the complications and changes in wolf politics. (Pluses: watching Rick and Aaron interact, watching Aaron take down Oscar, watching Rory and Nikolai watch Aaron's pack and marvel at its relatively casual approach to hierarchy.)

- I wound up somewhat unnerved by the workings of the mate bond between Aaron and Zach. It seems as if Zach becomes able to close things down from his end, at least to some extent? but never mind they have a 24/7 dom/sub relationship, it still makes me uneasy (a mild word!) to think of someone permanently and continuously giving up the privacy of thought.

But I love the ways this series explores masculinity, masculinism, sexuality, and power. I'm tempted to end this review by sneering at litfic that tries to do the same kind of work but manages only to be self-serious and boring, but nah, why bother? I just did a Marc Antony friends-Romans-countrymen thing there anyway.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This was my favorite of the series. It had all the action, all the drama, and all the feels. Plus, it not only featured Aaron and Zach and others from earlier books, it focused heavily on a new couple: an older lone wolf from Aaron's territory and a Russian wolf he fell in love with, and bonded to, during WWII. He's waited 70 years to see his mate again and the way Nicola, Kyola comes to the US bound in chains is heartbreaking.

There's wolf politics in Washington as Rick Brown leads the wolves against their opposition now that human wolves are out and theirs politics between the US wolves and the Russian wolves and all the resulting espionage to go with it. This was better than watching a spy thriller on TV. I swear, every other chapter brought a new threat, or a new predicament, and I was caught up in the action right from the beginning. No slow-going with this one. Characters we know and love face hardship, pain, danger, and yet they also face heartwarming moments of love and intimacy and the embrace of friends and family of the heart.

I highly recommend the whole series and if you've started it, by all means don't quit until you get this far. Definitely not a stand-alone, but it is memorable and I can't even find enough positive words: amazing, awesome, incredible are enough to start. Don't miss this!

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this final story in the Hidden Wolves series. Rory and Kolya's story was so sad and my heart ached for the wasted years. Their reunion was not an easy one, but their relationship and their standing with Aaron's pack ended on a high note.

There was perhaps a bit more politics in this book than I liked, but I appreciated that the author was showing what might REALLY happen if "human wolves" appeared in the world. It would take something like Rick Brown's shenanigans to even begin to make acceptance work. I enjoyed seeing Aaron and Zach in a different arena, but mercifully they didn't end up having to be excruciatingly political themselves. Or at least not for long.

We got to see most of the wolves in Aaron's pack and the main couples from the previous novels, and how they've settled into their relationships--with each other and with the pack. At the end, we see Aaron and Zach even closer than before, and I was mostly happy with their story. I could wish for a nice coda to really cap it off though. ;)

[ΛNNΞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me most of the summer to read. I was fascinated by the world the author created in this series. But in the end, I struggled through most of the books even though I kept reading. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what caused me to stay engaged -- but it may have been a pacing issue and an overly complicated plot. I also did not get a lot of chemistry from the two MCs in this book. I did not particularly love all the characters in this series either. Aaron is an interesting but a slightly inconsistent character for me and I never really felt Zach got under my skin like some of the others did. I think I enjoyed the first book in this series the most and kept reading hoping that the series would grow on me which it never quite did. Still, the world-building is really quite amazing and the author is a talented writer. I am not sure I would continue with this series if there were more books. This was a bit of a slog for me and even though I enjoyed it, I don't think I am that engaged in this series to want to continue.

[Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy" Knowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to do my typical full review. I mostly just going to give my reasoning for 5 stars. It had above average writing, highly detailed intricate plotting, and a very realistic feel that still allowed for a HEA/HFN for our characters. There was no sudden everybody lives wolves. The world as a whole was still in turmoil, but it wolves were settled and as safe as they could be considering. As real life has shown us, civil rights have a very long evolution with lots of set backs; yet... I never lost hope for their future. But what pushes this book (and the series as a whole) to 5 stars is how unique each couple is and how memorable this world Kaje built is even months after reading. I remembered it from the ones I originally read years ago. They added ones are just as good. No short cuts are taken. For m/m, especially shifter fiction, the quality and depth is way far above most of the rest. Preferences may vary but quality is quality.

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing series. I was grabbed in the first pages of the first book and didn't even stop to post updates, rate, or review between books. The action, characters, and storyline kept me reading as non-stop as humanly possible for someone who has to eat, sleep, and work. Each book features a different couple, but it's very much an ensemble series with pack life and the very future of the packs a large part of the story. Each couple is also distinct - including one couple reunited in their seventies I believe - so, there was no feeling of redundancy from book to book. I loved this series and actually am glad that I wasn't aware of it as it was first being published... I would have been so impatient waiting in-between for each one.

[Airi · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023: 4 stars

1. Characters: ★★★★☆ (Nikolai and Rory were interesting but the almost 70 year time gap between their interactions was just too sad for me. Aaron and Zach were great all around though)
2. Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆ (Very political, a bit too much for me to be honest)
3. Writing: ★★★★★ (Great)
4. Plot: ★★★★☆ (There was a lot of political plot that, while fitting to the story, was a bit too much for me, I missed the day to day life both in the city as well in Ethan's property. I was invested in the older characters plotline but it made me a bit depresso expresso )
5. Enjoyment: ★★★★☆ (While definitely not one of my favorites in the series it gave me some of my favorite Aaron and Zach moments so that's a win)

[Ange · Rating 5 out of 5]

DAME POLÍTICA, ACCIÓN, AMORES VIEJOS, MATRIMONIO, FAMILIA Y LOBOS.

Es increíble cuando un libro está bien escrito y la historia está bien hecha, segmentada y lista para deleitar a los lectores. Cuando comencé esta serie nunca pensé tener tantos family issues a la deriva de mi corazón, que hermoso lo que tienen estos human wolves y su relación tan estrecha con todos y sobre todo devota hacia su alfa. Yo también quiero convertirme en lobo, correr a toda velocidad en un gran bosque verde bajo la luna de testigo y formar alianzas de toda la vida con otros de mi especie.

Con respecto a Nikolai y Rory, no doy más del amor que hubo y existe entre ellos, no puedo ni imaginar el dolor que han sentido durante 70 años luego de encontrarse para finalmente amarse en libertad.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - while I could have wished for more on Simon and Paul, this story was so poignant. The focus on the two older wolves and the trauma and hurt so many suffered during the early half of the last century due to war and bigotry was deep and sorrow-filled yet heartwarming in the hope it built. I found the wrap-up of where Aron and Zack were along with the rest of the pack to be satisfying. One last book and I hope it centres on Simon and Paul.

[Chappy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series can do no wrong...
This installment is darker and features 2 older wolves who have been apart for almost 70 years.
Poor Rory never got over Kolya/Nikolai and almost lost himself to his wolf. We get some flashbacks to how it was for wolves during the second world war.
Against all odds, Kolya finds himself in the US and Rory is able to find him.
Very sweet; these guys deserve some happiness.

We also get to follow Aaron and Zach and their relationship also takes a leap forward.