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I thought Maxim Thorn was ruthless before, but I haven't seen anything yet...

Maxim's pack is under siege. His enemies will stop at nothing to lay claim to everything he holds dear. And thanks to an ancient prophecy, half the shifter world believes being mated to me (or my long-lost sister) is the key to unlimited power.

That's the other thing--the sister I haven't seen in years?

She's alive, and out to destroy Maxim.

When we were younger, Kelley was my hero, but now she's putting innocent people's lives at risk. Meanwhile, Maxim truly seems to want the best for his people, even as he pulls no punches when it comes to interrogating--and erotically torturing--me.

It's getting hard to tell light from dark, good from evil so wicked it'll scare the Big Bad Wolf himself.

Meanwhile, I'm starting to doubt any of us will make it out of this war for the throne alive...

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2021

214 people are currently reading
276 people want to read

About the author

Bella Jacobs

36 books267 followers
Bella Jacobs loves pulse-pounding action, fantasy, and supernaturally high stakes, mixed with swoon-worthy romance and unforgettable heroes.

She adores trips to the dark side and can't wait to take you on her next adventure.

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5 stars
351 (30%)
4 stars
352 (30%)
3 stars
301 (26%)
2 stars
88 (7%)
1 star
49 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Iman.
582 reviews17 followers
June 27, 2021
Trigger warning : the hero drugs the Heroine on their wedding night to make her horny for whatever reason ( No idea what messed up idea the author cooked to explain this, I stopped reading because it was a big « HELL NO » for me)
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
May 28, 2021
Ooh, the plot did thicken…

And it was a deliciously steamy, emotion-filled ride! Maxim and Willow’s story continued with a few more twists and some seriously gut-wrenching moments. Revelations about their siblings shook them both and how they dealt with them meant none of it was easy-going….

This pair is a study in contrasts but there were many glimpses of how good they could be if they agreed on things. Unfortunately, with the problems they were wrestling alliances were made for expedience and not taking into account feelings. Maxim pushed the envelope and Willow just burned it to a crisp as they both fought for right and the well-being of those they loved. Explosive and combative, the chemistry between was even stronger as they fought on opposite sites but always trying to find a way back…

The cliff-hanger has me waiting for the last story and the resolution of all the conflict. Their story is highly addictive and makes that waiting almost impossible… ~Diane, 5 stars
Profile Image for Readlove13.
316 reviews
November 17, 2022
The first book was okay, it's short but you can see a good world building, characters and even an interesting storyline.
In the second book nothing really change but the fact that the MMC drugged the FMC to have sex with her is unforgivable for me, I was disgusted and disappointed by the story. I will not read the rest of the serie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dominique F.
340 reviews33 followers
November 30, 2023
Oooooo whyyyyyyyyyy why did he dooooooo that?!?


Jeeeeez. He’s gunna have a lotta splainin’ to do Lucy


So. I’m hooked. These are good books…I really enjoy them. They are good to listen to the audio so not reading them but really good audio. Awesome character voices which is always nice.

This ending man. I’m just Really not over it and I can’t fathom how he can repent and grovel for how horrific what he did at the end was. I didn’t think he would go through with it. I also understand why he was upset but not that upset. I mean. I’d think if anything he’d be happy lol

Anyway. He’s gunna seriously seriously seriously need to figure out how this is gunna work.

I also love that ending w willow and Diana lol. Nice. Girl power and all that. Wonder how this will all work out and how they will help each other

On to audio book 3
Profile Image for Yousra (is a tired student) 🇵🇸.
95 reviews13 followers
August 11, 2022
Okay, I could tolerate some of the stuff the dude was doing at first but then again what he did at the end ??? I just can’t accept or tolerate that like at all!
I would also like to point out that I’m getting tired of all the miscommunication or shall I say the TOTAL LACK of communication between the two… I might finish reading this series but I think I’m gonna skip the next book in hopes that in the last one they’re at least a bit more mature and can freaking communicate effectively with one another…
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
3,099 reviews61 followers
January 4, 2023
Holy cliffhanger!
Things are really heating up between Maxim and Willow but not necessarily in the best way. As the alpha of his pack and the head of the mafia Maxim isn’t used to people telling him no, but Willow seems to be the exception. Not only does she stand up to him but she seems to be winning his pack to her side.
This book has a good amount of intrigue and suspense and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen in the next one.
Profile Image for Deena Deranleau.
390 reviews7 followers
April 17, 2025
Audiobook Edition
4 stars
2nd book in series

Maxim uses his gift of fear to question Willow. He believes she’s hiding something about her sister Kelly. Maxim finds a horrible childhood trauma erased from Willow’s memory.
Willow & Maxim’s dad plan an arranged marriage between her & Maxim. Maxim isn’t happy about it.
They find out more information about the prophecy & someone they thought they could trust is working with Bane & Kelly.
With Maxim backed against a corner, he drugs Willow & does what he thinks is best. After Maxim’s abhorrent action, Willow & Diana plan an escape.


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Arianna Rose.
105 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2024
Plot thickens and many betrayals! Love these characters! They have me cracking up! I also love the feminist aspect. Go women’s rights! Maxim needs to figure himself out. Like I know Willow lied to protect herself, but I don’t agree with drugging your mate and cumming in them without their consent. I kind of figured she would run away after that. I was really rooting for them too! Maybe he can fix this or he’ll be the bad shadow king. Interested to see where this will go and what is in store for Willow!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,080 reviews52 followers
May 19, 2021
Wolf Pawn is the second book in the Wolves of New York series by Bella Jacobs. You can not read as standalone. So, go read Wolf King if you haven’t yet! If you are a fan of mafia, shifter, or just darkness then you will love this series.

Maxim has to protect his pack. Any means necessary. Willow says she wants the same but can he trust her? She has only been in his presence for a few days and they have been packed with violence, drama, and trouble. He doesn’t know who is working for him and who is set out to destroy him. Not only that but a prophecy thrown into the mix...

A prophecy that can pin two sisters against each other. Or will it bring them closer together?

Is Willow the key to Maxim’s power? We shall see.

I. Need. Book. Three. Now. I also want to kick some ass. For real though, Willow is a badass and Maxim is intense. Together, they are a bomb ready to explode. They are full of anger, sexual tension, and passion to protect.

Quotes:

This is a much better reflection. This me looks ready to kick ass and take names and maybe toss back a shot of whiskey after. If someone put his big fat hand around her neck, she’d fuck that guy up real quick.

“If library smell was a drug, you’d be wasted by now,” Maxim mutters in faux irritation.

That’s a promise, big bad. And I never break my promises.
Profile Image for Janine Birt.
445 reviews14 followers
August 12, 2024
Book 2 of series, must be read in sequence. Ends on a cliffhanger.

I'm really enjoying the fated mates and prophecy aspect to this story. Seeing Maxim & Willow get closer only to push away multiple times is frustrating (but understandable for the story).

I spent most of this book wanting Willow to come clean and let the natural bond between herself and Maxim build. But she kept making choices... a lot of the conflict between the mates that happened at the end of this book causing the cliffhanger could have been avoided if she'd told the truth sooner.

BUT, with that said, it does not in any way excuse the horrible things that Maxim did to her along the way. I don't know how to come back from this. I will have to let my curiosity over the rest of the story lead me into book 3 and help me push past this betrayal of trust and boundaries.

The audiobook is performed by Lily Valente and Jason Clarke. I loved the performances. Both voices are fantastic and pull me into the story and characters easily.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,984 reviews25 followers
January 3, 2023
Another great installment in Willow and Maxim’s story

I loved this second part of Maxim and Willow’s fated mates, wolf pack shifter romance with a side of doomsday prophecy. This book is part two of a quartet and ends on a cliffhanger. As long as you are aware of that you’ll enjoy the continuation of the story. The story starts right where Wolf King left off. Maxim and Willow learn more about each other and the prophecy while the friction and intense feelings escalate. This book has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, fan your face steam, exciting action, danger, strong friendships, painful pasts, mystery, evil actors, plot twists, imperfect characters, mystical prophecies, and even a few chuckles. The book is well written, with witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, and an engaging storyline. I am usually not reader of books that end on a cliffhanger but this series has been sucking me in. Onto the book 3 to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Jodi - JodiReadsnListens.
1,274 reviews50 followers
January 8, 2023
**Audio Review **
Wolf Pawn by Bella Jacobs is book 2 in her Wolve of New York fated-mates PNR Wolf Shifter romance series. It picks up right where Wolf King leaves off jumping right back into Maxim and Willow's romance. In Wolf Pawn, the roles are much more reversed, and we begin to see that Willow does indeed hold some of the power. I loved that she did let Maxim boss her around and that she had her own agenda! More secrets about the prophecy are revealed, and both Maxim and Willow continue to learn more about their fated-mate romance including an engagement!

Lili Valente and Jason Clarke narrate this audiobook and are amazing at peeling back more and more layers of Maxim and Willow's intricate, complicated, and steamy relationship. Lili showcased Willow's fierce and perceptive personality perfectly turning the tables on Maxim. Jason is once again fantastic at conveying Maxim's deep dominant and overbearing persona.

Wolf Pawn ends in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to find out what happens next in Wolf Queen!
Profile Image for The Book Palace.
2,057 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2023
the ending scene (What the hero did to heroine...) i'm not sure how i should feel about it. this one was as addicting and entertaining as the first one but the choice being made here especially with that the hero did doesn't sit right. this is a CW/TW so i will just write it out: basically the hero drugged and rapped with heroine to get her pregnant for a prophecy that he was VERY adamant to not believe in it...

Willow wasn't better than Maxium, like i dont understand why she can't just tell him she's a virgin? she's always under their protection and confirmed that she is on their side so why? it was really there to cause drama for book 3 and probably use it to discount what the hero did. Back to what Maxium decided to do at the end, like why? just talk it out like adult and make each other see reason. better to be working together as a team (Which was the initial goal) than this.
Profile Image for Lia Zamir.
1 review13 followers
April 26, 2024
*Trigger Warning*
Disgusting! Nothing justifies rape, especially not love or good intentions! And make no mistake about it, it was rape!

I don't care that they are just fictional characters in a story! This book obviously tries to make you relate with the main characters when one of them is a man that says he's in love and yet drugs and rapes an unwilling woman! It doesn't matter that she says she wants it, because she says while drugged! That is not consent and yet the book tries to convince us that it's ok because she actually wants it and the drug is only heightening what she's already feeling. Which is f*cking bullsh*t when it's made clear that she would feel "hungry for him" either way as an effect of the drug.
Do yourself a favor and spare your mind from witnessing a rape from the point of view of the rapist. Honestly I'm surprised I didn't vomit.
Profile Image for Tami Talbert.
455 reviews17 followers
May 15, 2021
Wolf Pawn is book two in this phenomenal new series from Bella Jacobs, Wolves of New York. Willow and Maxim’s story continues here with more intrigue, mystery and hot sexy moments. While both Maxim and Willow want to do what’s best for the pack, they each have very different ideas on how to accomplish that feat. And when Maxim makes a decision to proceed with his plan believing it is the best course of action, Willow will need to make decisions and a plan of her own. But ultimately I am again left hanging onto the edge of my seat with the deepest desire to get my hands on the next installment of this series to see where Ms. Jacobs is going to take us next. I am completely obsessed with Wolves of New York, Maxim and Willow. Five stars is simply not enough for this book and Bella Jacobs has outdone herself yet again.
1,477 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2021
The twists and turns keep coming!

Oh Maxim - I'm not sure Willow or I can forgive you for this one!

"The Queen will be seeded before the King is seated." Oh my! That is a forewarning, for sure!

The ending to Book 1 was a stunner. We pick up right where we left off and see a side of Maxim that isn't very pretty. Keeping in mind that an alpha male wolf is a very one-track minded, focused wolf on protecting his pact. Unfortunately, that is one of his strengths and one of his faults.

Willow sees a side of him she wished she hadn't, but she also can't deny the overwhelming chemistry and attraction either.

This one has betrayal on both sides - Willow betrays Maxim, but oh Maxim's betrayal is SO MUCH WORSE!!

How this one plays out? I'm not so sure. But I am wholeheartedly rooting for Willow - whether that includes Maxim by her side or it doesn't!

I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
Profile Image for Emily (Mrs B's Books).
1,727 reviews83 followers
June 14, 2021
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This book starts where the last one leaves off with Maxim punishing Willow, it is here that she finally realises his power and it unlocks a memory that she had buried with the help of her mother.

It is in this book that we learn of Bane and Kelleys outcome, and some of what they will go to to get what they want.

Willow makes better friends with Maxims sister Diana and we get to see more of the father and Willow making allies within the pack. She becomes stronger in herself and learns more about herself and her special gift.

This is a brilliant book in the series and certainly leaves you craving the next book.
1 review
December 13, 2023
The hero drugs and rapes the heroine in this book feeling like he has no other choice because this was 'apparently' the only way to save his pack. She specifically told him that she was not ready to take things further with him and gave him MANY other options in which they could save the pack but instead he took the EASIEST way which was drugging and raping her and then has the fucking NERVE to be upset with her because she lied and said that she wasn't a virgin when the ONLY reason she went to see him was to admit that she hasn't slept with anyone before. The next day he says 'the betrayal of last night is too fresh' (referring to the fact she didn't admit she was a virgin)

His actions can't be justified no matter which way you look at it.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,443 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2025
Ugh I wanted to like this series but it just gets worse.
All the secrets and the fact they don’t communicate. The sick manipulation. I hate both Willow and Maxim now.
They both disgust me.

Willow with her plotting to be sole alpha - even if she says she doesn’t want to, the fact she’s thinking about it is just gross. And Maxim and his stupidity. Instead of being honest both of them avoid and lie. I hated this book and I’m pretty sure I’ll hate the next one unless they manage to fucking communicate honestly.

Seriously I think they’re both shady as hell. And if they don’t want to be a shadow king and queen they better make huge strides in book 3.
Profile Image for Kelly Greer.
276 reviews5 followers
May 12, 2021
Oh. My. Gosh. It just keeps getting better!

If Maxim gives Willow an inch, will she take a mile? WIll she take the mile before he can give her anything? How will he react? Can these two fated mates ever trust each other? And what happens if they can’t?

This book is really a page-turner. I didn’t know how the characters would react, or what would happen on each page. I cannot wait for the next book - or two?
Profile Image for Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers).
1,757 reviews143 followers
May 31, 2021
Wolf Pawn is the second book in the Wolves of New York by Bella Jacobs. Wow! I'm loving this series so far and already looking forward to more! Willow and Maxim each have things they need and want to do. But it's anybody's guess whether they will work together or against each other. He's alpha. She has a gift. But what about the prophesy? Oh man! Things are getting complicated and hotter and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Chris.
1,729 reviews27 followers
July 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! Willow is such a great character, so strong and smart! She's trying to find her place in everything and seems to get blocked at every turn. I was starting to think Maxim changed a bit at one point, but he does something and I have no idea how they're gonna work through it.
I spent the last quarter of this book so mad at Maxim. What the hell was he thinking?? Ugh.
I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,191 reviews11 followers
January 31, 2023
Things are heating up! In every sense. There is more danger, more attraction, and way more emotions. A day later and I’m still thinking about the way this installment ended. I am loving Willow more and more by the page. I cannot wait to see how great she becomes by the end. My feelings about Maxim are conflicting after his actions in this book. He has a lot to make up for, to Willow, as well as to readers.
Profile Image for Savannah Cherniwchan.
681 reviews10 followers
August 2, 2024
✅Fated mates
✅Paranormal romance

Willows past is learned, and she learns about Maxims gift and that her sister is still alive! Maxim may be doing what he thinks is in the best interest of his pack but does he lose his morals along the way?

I think that maxim and willows banter is so funny, but I don’t agree with him drugging her ! Like she would have done it willingly.. I’m curious to see how everything is going to unfold
Profile Image for CiCi | bookameme.
863 reviews50 followers
November 24, 2024
Uhm ..:
👆 Is this just a villain origin story? On the right are a murderous alpha and his chosen mate brain washing the masses, on the left a date-raping asshat who imprisons innocent people. Who will win and rule the free world? … You know what, this sounds like a pretty typical presidential election.
✌️Why have a dual narration if the voice actors are just going to take turns wih each chapter instead of voicing the lines of their characters, it’s just confusing.
259 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2021
I was honoured to get an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

This is book 2/3 which you need to read in order.

I really enjoyed this as you have so many prophecies in this story. We also see where Bane (Maxim's brother & Kelley Willow's sister) come into this story.

You also have the super hot chemistry between maxim & willow which keeps bubbling like an active volcano 🌋
Profile Image for Marcy Barth.
294 reviews13 followers
December 27, 2021
Loving but still no sings of mafia...:(

Woohoo! Go Willow! I was so happy with how this one ended.

The back and forth between these two is simply addictive and as much as I am hating Maxim and what he did, I’m still hoping he’s not evil...

Highly recommend for shifter but this is not a mafia series.
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