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Wolf Moon Rising #3
Hunter Moon
The prodigal alpha returns from the navy to a whole new sea of trouble...
Aspen Grove left his pack to ensure its future, and his own. After ten years in the navy, his father is dead, his brother is pack alpha, and he’s ready to return. But does the pack he turned his back on still have a place for him so many years later?
Brook Morgan has seen the dark side of alpha wolves—their violence, their brutality, their greed. He has only taken the first small steps toward recovery when Aspen Grove, the alpha who stole his heart then abandoned it ten years ago, returns to Grovetown. Thank the moon he can lose himself in video games and put the only alpha he'd ever wanted out of mind for good.
After abandoning his rightful place in the Grove pack, Aspen is struggling to find where he fits in, but when the feral wolves who tormented Brook return looking for more trouble, he has to protect his home, and his mate, or risk losing them both forever.
Hunter Moon is a second-chance, childhood sweethearts romantic wolfish romp featuring one misplaced navy alpha, a mechanic who’s better with cars and video games than with people, and enough apple butter to soothe all woes, in a non-mpreg ABO world.
Aspen Grove left his pack to ensure its future, and his own. After ten years in the navy, his father is dead, his brother is pack alpha, and he’s ready to return. But does the pack he turned his back on still have a place for him so many years later?
Brook Morgan has seen the dark side of alpha wolves—their violence, their brutality, their greed. He has only taken the first small steps toward recovery when Aspen Grove, the alpha who stole his heart then abandoned it ten years ago, returns to Grovetown. Thank the moon he can lose himself in video games and put the only alpha he'd ever wanted out of mind for good.
After abandoning his rightful place in the Grove pack, Aspen is struggling to find where he fits in, but when the feral wolves who tormented Brook return looking for more trouble, he has to protect his home, and his mate, or risk losing them both forever.
Hunter Moon is a second-chance, childhood sweethearts romantic wolfish romp featuring one misplaced navy alpha, a mechanic who’s better with cars and video games than with people, and enough apple butter to soothe all woes, in a non-mpreg ABO world.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2021
103 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 31, 2021
Hunter Moon was my least favorite of the three books I've read thus far. I was so looking forward to Brook and Aspen's story but never felt a true spark between them.
For one, both MCs read much younger than late-30s. They talked and acted like college kids.
Aspen had all the excuses in the world for leaving and groveled aplenty, but you don't just leave your long-term boyfriend and fuck off for a decade. It was such a selfish thing to do.
Brook was depressed, understandably so after being abducted and violated, but he didn't seem to want to get better. He refused to talk to a therapist, let his family baby him, and kept running off.
I also didn't like all the meddling pack members. There was some meddling in the other books, but it was kind of OTT in this one.
Frankly, beyond his family, close friends, and Brook, no one had a right to lecture Aspen. Yeah, he made a terrible life choice, but he was also a grown-ass man. I get that this is a close-knit pack but still found it kind of ridiculous.
I'm really hoping book 4 is a bang.
For one, both MCs read much younger than late-30s. They talked and acted like college kids.
Aspen had all the excuses in the world for leaving and groveled aplenty, but you don't just leave your long-term boyfriend and fuck off for a decade. It was such a selfish thing to do.
Brook was depressed, understandably so after being abducted and violated, but he didn't seem to want to get better. He refused to talk to a therapist, let his family baby him, and kept running off.
I also didn't like all the meddling pack members. There was some meddling in the other books, but it was kind of OTT in this one.
Frankly, beyond his family, close friends, and Brook, no one had a right to lecture Aspen. Yeah, he made a terrible life choice, but he was also a grown-ass man. I get that this is a close-knit pack but still found it kind of ridiculous.
I'm really hoping book 4 is a bang.
May 30, 2021
Aspen's good at grovelling.
And it's a good job, because boy does he need to, having left not only his family and Grovetown behind, but also Brook, his teenage sweetheart, when he joined the Navy.
Brook has been through Hell. Pay attention to the trigger warnings, although nothing is given in detail, there are mentions on page to what happened when he was kidnapped by a rival pack.
This second chance romance is, understandably, a . Although it's clear from the start that all the feelings which tied the two men together for 10 years before Aspen left - doing what he thought was the best thing for the pack - are still there.
It would be easy for everyone to reject Aspen if he were a douche, but he's not. Everything he's done has been out of a good intention, even if the execution has left the opposite result. He knew his younger brother would make a better Pack Alpha, so he took himself out of the equation.
Unfortunately, he hadn't considered the wider implications and there are lots of people he needs to make it up to when he returns 10 years later.
I really loved the pacing in this book, it feels like it's slowly drawing you into the intimacy of Aspen and Brook's rekindled relationship, first simply re-establishing their friendship bonds, but then reigniting the attraction and comfort of knowing they are mates.
Brook, for all he's an omega, isn't a weak man, even though he's dealing with massive trauma and sheltering himself away. When Aspen returns, it means he has to look again at what the effects were from his abduction.
Together they start the healing process and there's no magic dick cures all in this. It takes time and lots of work from both men.
There's also movement on the series' over-arcing plot and a big confrontation with the Reid pack which I won't go into any detail on.
Suffice it to say, by the book's end, I was more than happy with where Aspen and Brook's relationship ends up and champing at the bit for book four!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
And it's a good job, because boy does he need to, having left not only his family and Grovetown behind, but also Brook, his teenage sweetheart, when he joined the Navy.
Brook has been through Hell. Pay attention to the trigger warnings, although nothing is given in detail, there are mentions on page to what happened when he was kidnapped by a rival pack.
This second chance romance is, understandably, a . Although it's clear from the start that all the feelings which tied the two men together for 10 years before Aspen left - doing what he thought was the best thing for the pack - are still there.
It would be easy for everyone to reject Aspen if he were a douche, but he's not. Everything he's done has been out of a good intention, even if the execution has left the opposite result. He knew his younger brother would make a better Pack Alpha, so he took himself out of the equation.
Unfortunately, he hadn't considered the wider implications and there are lots of people he needs to make it up to when he returns 10 years later.
I really loved the pacing in this book, it feels like it's slowly drawing you into the intimacy of Aspen and Brook's rekindled relationship, first simply re-establishing their friendship bonds, but then reigniting the attraction and comfort of knowing they are mates.
Brook, for all he's an omega, isn't a weak man, even though he's dealing with massive trauma and sheltering himself away. When Aspen returns, it means he has to look again at what the effects were from his abduction.
Together they start the healing process and there's no magic dick cures all in this. It takes time and lots of work from both men.
There's also movement on the series' over-arcing plot and a big confrontation with the Reid pack which I won't go into any detail on.
Suffice it to say, by the book's end, I was more than happy with where Aspen and Brook's relationship ends up and champing at the bit for book four!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
February 5, 2023
I enjoyed this much more than the second book, but honestly second chance romances don’t work for me when the characters are essentially fated mates. Especially when they dated from high school until they were 28, knowing they’d be mates, and then one of them abandons the other (and the whole pack!) for TEN FUCKING YEARS!!!
Brook deserved better!! So much better. Ugh. Aspen wasn’t bad and I did enjoy them together but in my mind, nothing can make up for Aspen leaving without a word for a decade. 🙄
It was once again, much too long of a book, although I did enjoy the wolf fight for once.
Brook deserved better!! So much better. Ugh. Aspen wasn’t bad and I did enjoy them together but in my mind, nothing can make up for Aspen leaving without a word for a decade. 🙄
It was once again, much too long of a book, although I did enjoy the wolf fight for once.
June 10, 2021
4.5 Stars!
I remember seeing an early review of this book and the first line of that review was "Aspen's good at grovelling" and there have been no truer words typed. Lol!
You see all those second chance romances flying around? Well, toss then out because this is was a masterclass.
As we've been told all throughout the previous books in this series, Aspen left the pack some 10 odd years ago. His leaving hurt a LOT of people, most importantly of whom was Brook, his lover/mate so you can imagine all the damage control good ol' Aspen had to do when he finally returned.
One thing I particulary enjoyed about this book was how Aspen did not make any excuses for his behaviour and set about righting the wrongs he had done. As I indicated, it was so well done that i went from finding him annoying to actually advocating (behind my iPad that is, Lol!) for him to be forgiven by the pack.
There was a subplot of Brook and his mental health as well as some fresh danger facing the pack. Even though this could have been better fleshed out, it made the book quite nuanced and Far from being one-dimensional.
This was not perfect , hence my 4.5 star review but it was highly enjoyable and very well written so I will definitely recommend!
I remember seeing an early review of this book and the first line of that review was "Aspen's good at grovelling" and there have been no truer words typed. Lol!
You see all those second chance romances flying around? Well, toss then out because this is was a masterclass.
As we've been told all throughout the previous books in this series, Aspen left the pack some 10 odd years ago. His leaving hurt a LOT of people, most importantly of whom was Brook, his lover/mate so you can imagine all the damage control good ol' Aspen had to do when he finally returned.
One thing I particulary enjoyed about this book was how Aspen did not make any excuses for his behaviour and set about righting the wrongs he had done. As I indicated, it was so well done that i went from finding him annoying to actually advocating (behind my iPad that is, Lol!) for him to be forgiven by the pack.
There was a subplot of Brook and his mental health as well as some fresh danger facing the pack. Even though this could have been better fleshed out, it made the book quite nuanced and Far from being one-dimensional.
This was not perfect , hence my 4.5 star review but it was highly enjoyable and very well written so I will definitely recommend!
July 20, 2021
Didn't think the authors could top book two... But they did!
This series is now definitely my favorite of the year so far! Aspen and Brook just sucked me in and made me wish this book would never end. And the number of times I found myself brought to tears was way more than expected! Such an incredible story with so many awesome people in it!
This series is now definitely my favorite of the year so far! Aspen and Brook just sucked me in and made me wish this book would never end. And the number of times I found myself brought to tears was way more than expected! Such an incredible story with so many awesome people in it!
August 30, 2021
I enjoyed this one, but surprisingly not as much as the first two books, despite looking forward to this pairing. I appreciated that Aspen was remorseful, but at the same time, it felt like kind of a surface remorse, with a LOT of annoying angsting that got to be a drag. I think part of it was just me, as I personally would have a way harder time forgiving Aspen for what he did, and though I actually do think the authors did a good job of redeeming him, I think it just wasn't ever gonna be enough for me, which is totally a personal thing but it made it hard to really get into him or the pairing. I also thought the drama with the Reid pack felt a bit forced.
ALSO, am I the only one who, at this point, only cares about Rowen and his man??? I know they're not an alpha/omega pair like the 4 books in this series so far, but I think that's part of what makes them compelling and I'm gonna be bummed if we really don't get their book :(
ALSO, am I the only one who, at this point, only cares about Rowen and his man??? I know they're not an alpha/omega pair like the 4 books in this series so far, but I think that's part of what makes them compelling and I'm gonna be bummed if we really don't get their book :(
June 11, 2021
This is one of the best second chance romances I've read in a long while. There is so much hurt that has to be worked through, and the author's definitely don't shy away from it. There's so much wonderful atonement, understanding of new hurts as well as old, and just a slow burn back into the love that neither MC ever stopped feeling. There's some danger, which adds a level of suspense, and sets up the next work in a way which makes me extremely excited for it! If you're looking for a well written second chance story with a focus on healing and forgiveness, this book is an excellent choice.
January 10, 2024
Who's finally got his act together?
So, Aspen apparently has a tendency to do the wrong thing for the right reason, hurting everyone in the process. Sure, he didn't think he was the right alpha, and if he stayed, his father would have forced him to become one. Still, wasn't right of him not to tell Brook or offer him to leave with him. Even knowing Brook would never leave his family, just an empty gesture can mean lots.
I like to think of Aspen as a big dummy, who has no idea what to do and just trampled on everything in front of him, but you can't make yourself blame him because he didn't mean it.
Brook is so much stronger than I thought. Of course, he didn't jump on the idea of seeing a therapist or going on a date with another alpha, but he's learned how to deal with it, go past it and become stronger.
When Aspen discovers those humans on their lands somehow hiding, I have a feeling that's just a sneak peak for the next book (could it be the Sterling Corporation, am I being too paranoid in thinking it's them?). Grove pack thinks it's just Reids, but if they think Omegas are weak, surely they would go and conspire with humans, who by that very definition are even weaker.
I feel like I'm giving this maybe a slightly higher star rating simply because it's finally Aspen and Brook's story, and it was overdue - though it's still good, don't get me wrong.
So, Aspen apparently has a tendency to do the wrong thing for the right reason, hurting everyone in the process. Sure, he didn't think he was the right alpha, and if he stayed, his father would have forced him to become one. Still, wasn't right of him not to tell Brook or offer him to leave with him. Even knowing Brook would never leave his family, just an empty gesture can mean lots.
I like to think of Aspen as a big dummy, who has no idea what to do and just trampled on everything in front of him, but you can't make yourself blame him because he didn't mean it.
Brook is so much stronger than I thought. Of course, he didn't jump on the idea of seeing a therapist or going on a date with another alpha, but he's learned how to deal with it, go past it and become stronger.
When Aspen discovers those humans on their lands somehow hiding, I have a feeling that's just a sneak peak for the next book (could it be the Sterling Corporation, am I being too paranoid in thinking it's them?). Grove pack thinks it's just Reids, but if they think Omegas are weak, surely they would go and conspire with humans, who by that very definition are even weaker.
I feel like I'm giving this maybe a slightly higher star rating simply because it's finally Aspen and Brook's story, and it was overdue - though it's still good, don't get me wrong.
June 10, 2021
“You have never done anything to me that you need to apologize for. There’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be than with you, whether you’re laughing, crying, screaming, or anything else.” I leaned forward until our foreheads were pressed together, his face distorted by the nearness until all I could see was those guileless crystal-blue eyes. “Unless you send me away, Brook, I will never, ever leave you alone again.”
I’m so glad I enjoyed this book as well as Black Moon. I wasn’t a fan of the second book of the series, so I was a little afraid of reading this one. Luckily, I loved this installment and made me want to keep reading the books to come even better.
If you’re reading this series in order like me, which I’d recommend to do even though each installment follows a different couple, you are already aware of Brook and Aspen’s past. Aspen had to make amends not only to Brook but also to the entire pack. Ten years of absence weren't going to be forgiven at a stroke. But after reading his POV we could see why he thought that was the only option he had.
The romantic aspects of the story are slow-paced but it suited the MCs’ state of mind. Specially Brook’s, it wouldn't have been realistic to fall back between Aspen’s arms the second he saw him. He had to earn back his trust. And, in my opinion, he did it in a perfect way. Listening to Brook’s needs without being condescending. And understanding that everything was different not only due to the passage of time but also the recent events with the Reid pack.
Second chances and found family. A lovely addition to this series. Can’t wait to read Dante’s story next!!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
November 20, 2022
Unfortunately, it didn't grab me as much as I expected. I found, apart from a few exciting and emotional moments, the story dragged and just didn't have that special spark I was hoping for.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
June 15, 2021
I was waiting for these two. I so wanted for Aspen to do anything and everything to be forgiven and back with Brook and heal each other. And that I'm happy to say happened 100%. Aspen was ready and did all the grovelling without pushing, needing and respecting Brook's decisions on how to proceed without hurting him and Brook was despite trying to protect what was left of his heart, he was still open and willing to let Aspen in. So their second chance romance worked perfectly.
The thing is though what about the other people that Aspen needed to make amends to? His siblings and his best friend, Birch?
Aspen had a couple of very superficial talks with Linden and nothing in depth. He talked to Rowan because he happened to find him at home when he went to talk to Linden and he talked with Juniper very little when he happened upon her when he and Brook went apple picking. He never, ever talked with Birch!
Frankly for me it seemed like Aspen was waiting with a script at hand in the dark of a stage waiting for his queue to appear and then he disappeared into nothingness till it was his queue again. I mean in his POV chapters it was like he was in town or in the woods and the time spend there was like an hour or two, what did he do the rest of the time we have no clue, unlike Brook's chapters that gave a more complete image of his day to day life.
So yeah I like this series, it's fun and interesting but it also feels like there are things missing to make them more whole and exciting.
The thing is though what about the other people that Aspen needed to make amends to? His siblings and his best friend, Birch?
Aspen had a couple of very superficial talks with Linden and nothing in depth. He talked to Rowan because he happened to find him at home when he went to talk to Linden and he talked with Juniper very little when he happened upon her when he and Brook went apple picking. He never, ever talked with Birch!
Frankly for me it seemed like Aspen was waiting with a script at hand in the dark of a stage waiting for his queue to appear and then he disappeared into nothingness till it was his queue again. I mean in his POV chapters it was like he was in town or in the woods and the time spend there was like an hour or two, what did he do the rest of the time we have no clue, unlike Brook's chapters that gave a more complete image of his day to day life.
So yeah I like this series, it's fun and interesting but it also feels like there are things missing to make them more whole and exciting.
July 16, 2021
Aspen ghosted his boyfriend and the whole pack 10 years ago. When he found out (through a letter) that his father had been murdered, he decided to leave the Navy and stop ghosting everyone. I mean, that's pretty much it. His boyfriend Brook actually thought Aspen might have died in a car accident or something, till he heard through the grapevine Aspen was in the Navy. Why didn't Brook just move on? There's no real reason. This omegaverse doesn't have true mates. He could have married someone else, but just didn't. It wasn't very believable. I hate that Aspen ghosted Brook like a booty call. I don't think they should have gotten back together.
December 5, 2022
So I started reading this because I was interested in Brook's story after having read the first book in the series. But I will say that I went in with a few, probably unfair expectations, that weren't met the more I read. I wanted Aspen to grovel and suffer a bit for what he'd done. We didn't get that. Also I didn't love the introduction we got of him. Everything was explained and pushed aside too early in the book, no tension or mystery left for the reader. I think I'll pass on fully reading this one.
April 6, 2022
Yes, yes, yes...this was the book I was waiting for! After spending the last two books listening to Aspen being dragged, I was thrilled when he finally showed his face around town. Not to say this man doesn't have his work cut out for him, because he certainly does.
Aspen spent his early years falling in love with Brook and then he just up and disappeared. No one had any way to contact him and he left Brook and Brook's family heartbroken. Not to mention, poor Brook is still trying to recover from the trauma of being kidnapped and so much more. And the worst part is, that even with Aspen back, he isn't aware of how damaged Brook is and Brook feels too broken to ever be desired by an alpha again. These two broken men though are drawn to each other. And in a way, Aspen helps Brook put the pieces of his life back together.
Aspen gives Brook peace of mind, safety, and a shoulder to lean and through it all, Brook finds forgiveness. Aspen struggles to find acceptance and forgiveness for his own past decisions. And while making amends around town, he also finds his way back into Brook's heart. In the end, these two navigate things beautifully. I love that in terms of the plot, the Grove pack can now truly begin healing from the Reid pack and put the events behind and we also get some surprising visitors to the Grove which bring more questions than answer.
Aspen spent his early years falling in love with Brook and then he just up and disappeared. No one had any way to contact him and he left Brook and Brook's family heartbroken. Not to mention, poor Brook is still trying to recover from the trauma of being kidnapped and so much more. And the worst part is, that even with Aspen back, he isn't aware of how damaged Brook is and Brook feels too broken to ever be desired by an alpha again. These two broken men though are drawn to each other. And in a way, Aspen helps Brook put the pieces of his life back together.
Aspen gives Brook peace of mind, safety, and a shoulder to lean and through it all, Brook finds forgiveness. Aspen struggles to find acceptance and forgiveness for his own past decisions. And while making amends around town, he also finds his way back into Brook's heart. In the end, these two navigate things beautifully. I love that in terms of the plot, the Grove pack can now truly begin healing from the Reid pack and put the events behind and we also get some surprising visitors to the Grove which bring more questions than answer.
July 28, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Hunter Moon is the third book in the Wolf Moon Rising series and I have been eagerly anticipating this installment. Aspen’s departure has clearly weighed over the pack and we see its impact from the first book. We also saw Brook’s kidnapping and the aftermath in Black Moon, so the authors have set things up well for this story to finally bring the men back together. I think things work nicely as it is clear that Aspen is remorseful for leaving the way that he did and makes a sincere effort to apologize. He doesn’t assume he is welcome in town; instead, he takes the time to make amends and reconnect with everyone. While the men don’t fall back into a relationship immediately, they do reconnect fairly easily after they talk through things upon Aspen’s return. There is a nice sweetness to the pair and I enjoyed them together.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Hunter Moon is the third book in the Wolf Moon Rising series and I have been eagerly anticipating this installment. Aspen’s departure has clearly weighed over the pack and we see its impact from the first book. We also saw Brook’s kidnapping and the aftermath in Black Moon, so the authors have set things up well for this story to finally bring the men back together. I think things work nicely as it is clear that Aspen is remorseful for leaving the way that he did and makes a sincere effort to apologize. He doesn’t assume he is welcome in town; instead, he takes the time to make amends and reconnect with everyone. While the men don’t fall back into a relationship immediately, they do reconnect fairly easily after they talk through things upon Aspen’s return. There is a nice sweetness to the pair and I enjoyed them together.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 13, 2021
Not fluffy but not dark.
Second chance romance that skirts the edges of sweet and dark. Bad things have happened to the Grove pack and old dangers return making this not a fluffy romance though Aspen is so sweet to Brook while he makes up for past mistakes. I liked the flawed characters that try so hard to do right by each other.
Second chance romance that skirts the edges of sweet and dark. Bad things have happened to the Grove pack and old dangers return making this not a fluffy romance though Aspen is so sweet to Brook while he makes up for past mistakes. I liked the flawed characters that try so hard to do right by each other.
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July 2, 2024After the first, this was the sequel I was looking forward to most.
I'm not sure if the characters themselves resonated with me, so much as the circumstances and themes. For Aspen, leaving home, coming back to find you don't have a place any more. For Brook, being abandoned, both hurting but also endlessly annoyed at others seeing you as pitiable.
As always, I think the shifter/werewolf stories I love best are those that capture the packpackpack feeling of family, community, and belonging. Sure, there is romance too, but the reason for continuing the series is to spend more time with this supportive village of people. That, and to soak up that delicious hurt/comfort that I can see on the horizon. *wriggles down in anticipation*
I'm not sure if the characters themselves resonated with me, so much as the circumstances and themes. For Aspen, leaving home, coming back to find you don't have a place any more. For Brook, being abandoned, both hurting but also endlessly annoyed at others seeing you as pitiable.
As always, I think the shifter/werewolf stories I love best are those that capture the packpackpack feeling of family, community, and belonging. Sure, there is romance too, but the reason for continuing the series is to spend more time with this supportive village of people. That, and to soak up that delicious hurt/comfort that I can see on the horizon. *wriggles down in anticipation*
June 11, 2021
Another great book in the series. The romance between Aspen and Brook is exactly as it needed to be. The most sensitive issues were handled with care, which allowed time for each of them to find their own footing before resuming their relationship. The pack dynamics are strong and healthy. I'd move to Grovetown if I could.
May 5, 2023
Oh my, this was way better than I was expecting! I am coming to realize that these two authors are quickly shooting to the top of my "must-read" authors... like I needed more of them. 🤦♀️
Aspen and Brook were two very strong characters that were meant to be together... but, first (of course) they must conquer the threat that could tear them apart.
Aspen and Brook were two very strong characters that were meant to be together... but, first (of course) they must conquer the threat that could tear them apart.
February 1, 2022
This book is about healing in multiple ways. The main characters were both broken in different ways. ALL of my heartstrings were pulled. I could not put this book down. Yes there was a HEA but the journey is what mattered in this book!
June 18, 2022
⭐️ 3.5/4 stars ⭐️
September 28, 2024
Seeing Aspen and Brook pine and deal with their emotions was an angsty treat. I liked it
June 23, 2021
"Because he’d always needed me. Every bit as much as I needed him."
I really looked forward to this one and I wasn't disappointed. Aspen really needed to do some apologizing after his disappearing act, but no more so than to Brooks. I don't think he really understood the consequences his leaving would have on others in his pack besides his mate. I loved how the pack welcomed him back, but not before they all gave his shit for leaving. The Grove Pack is family and that's exactly how they all acted when Aspen showed back up.
I was glad to see Brooks improving more and I was also doubly glad that he got to exact a little revenge. What happened to him was horrendous and he deserves all the happiness he could get. Aspen makes him happy, it's always been him even when he wasn't around. It seemed inevitable for them to finally wind up together.
I'm excited for book 4. I love Skye. He is just the sweetest omega. Him falling for Dante, a wolf from the enemy laden Reid pack is definitely going to be interesting.
I really looked forward to this one and I wasn't disappointed. Aspen really needed to do some apologizing after his disappearing act, but no more so than to Brooks. I don't think he really understood the consequences his leaving would have on others in his pack besides his mate. I loved how the pack welcomed him back, but not before they all gave his shit for leaving. The Grove Pack is family and that's exactly how they all acted when Aspen showed back up.
I was glad to see Brooks improving more and I was also doubly glad that he got to exact a little revenge. What happened to him was horrendous and he deserves all the happiness he could get. Aspen makes him happy, it's always been him even when he wasn't around. It seemed inevitable for them to finally wind up together.
I'm excited for book 4. I love Skye. He is just the sweetest omega. Him falling for Dante, a wolf from the enemy laden Reid pack is definitely going to be interesting.
June 15, 2021
This book just missed the mark. The writing -- the characters, especially, were wrong somehow.
Truth be told, I simply did not like the book. The characters were unrealistic in personality and actions, more so given how both writers have written and described main characters in previous books. The plotline about the poisoning of werewolves was unique; yet that really didn't help the rest of the book as far as I'm concerned.
Very disappointing, and annoying to find errors like "Whatever you need to do,” Linden said lowly." Why do writers insist on misusing this adjective by forcing it as an adverb? The definitions given in dictionaries state "lowly" is used to describe a very subservient position or role in a company, household, or organization; the least ranking job or status; or a person having no power, and lacking any status or voice. Also, it's always an adjective, never an adverb. Another horrible sentence was toward the end, when Aspen was gushing about his and Brook's happy life - "...Brook and I got to be Brook and I." What. The. Hell? That says NOTHING! Perhaps " ...Brook and Aspen" might have given better contrast or made a better point, but this was a writing cop out. Seriously. What a letdown. I wasted good money on these books, and they only for progressively worse at each new book. I alienated my time, because they were so hard to keep reading! I kept.waiting for the story and writing to get better. One star. For all three books thus far.
Truth be told, I simply did not like the book. The characters were unrealistic in personality and actions, more so given how both writers have written and described main characters in previous books. The plotline about the poisoning of werewolves was unique; yet that really didn't help the rest of the book as far as I'm concerned.
Very disappointing, and annoying to find errors like "Whatever you need to do,” Linden said lowly." Why do writers insist on misusing this adjective by forcing it as an adverb? The definitions given in dictionaries state "lowly" is used to describe a very subservient position or role in a company, household, or organization; the least ranking job or status; or a person having no power, and lacking any status or voice. Also, it's always an adjective, never an adverb. Another horrible sentence was toward the end, when Aspen was gushing about his and Brook's happy life - "...Brook and I got to be Brook and I." What. The. Hell? That says NOTHING! Perhaps " ...Brook and Aspen" might have given better contrast or made a better point, but this was a writing cop out. Seriously. What a letdown. I wasted good money on these books, and they only for progressively worse at each new book. I alienated my time, because they were so hard to keep reading! I kept.waiting for the story and writing to get better. One star. For all three books thus far.
September 18, 2023
RE-READ 9/17/23 & UPGRADED TO 5-STARS: Huh... there are two tropes I generally don't like at all, enemies to lovers (not applicable here, just listing it) and second chances. This one is second chances and I was clearly a little underimpressed the first time I read it. But isn't that the best thing *about* stories? They don't change, we do, I guess, and reading it this time through I didn't skim the way it sounds like I did originally (well, except for some of the sex, but honestly, it just gets repetitive sometimes no matter what the author's skill, given how much m/m I read) and I just really, really appreciated both Aspen, Brook, and the entire world building / overarching plot development here. This time, a solid 5-star read for me, and I'm really enjoying immersing myself in this series again! 😊
ORIGINAL 4-STAR REVIEW 7-21-23: Still skimming a lot and not getting the kind of alpha fix I love, as per this whole series, but the story is sweet and the world building is excellent, so I've downloaded the next one even though I think I'll take a break and read other things first.
ORIGINAL 4-STAR REVIEW 7-21-23: Still skimming a lot and not getting the kind of alpha fix I love, as per this whole series, but the story is sweet and the world building is excellent, so I've downloaded the next one even though I think I'll take a break and read other things first.
June 16, 2021
It took me a bit to warm up to this story so this will be short: I liked the characters - Brooke since book one and I loved how he got his HEA. I also liked Aspen and how he saw his role within his pack. I liked the romance, the memories, the pack dynamic, and the action. I wish we would get more about the fight against The Condition but I hope we touch more on it in book 4 with Skye. I think this may be the weakest book so far but I did enjoy it a lot!
January 14, 2023
I dislike second-chance romance and this one didn't change my mind.
(To make a long story short: It makes everyone stupid. The love interest feels stupid because he left, the MC loses points for accepting him too easily, the whole cast of characters has to take stupid sides until I am just torn between the urge to declare some things cannot be forgiven and itching for them to make up. No, thank you.)
(To make a long story short: It makes everyone stupid. The love interest feels stupid because he left, the MC loses points for accepting him too easily, the whole cast of characters has to take stupid sides until I am just torn between the urge to declare some things cannot be forgiven and itching for them to make up. No, thank you.)
December 10, 2021
Rating (All ratings use a Scale of 1-5) = Solid 4 stars
Blurb = 4
My Genre Scale = 5
Odds if not your genre = 4 stars; if you like 2nd chance romance or characters overcoming trauma more realistically and not quickly / magically or characters that are/were military.
Development of: =
*World = 4 (but could be skewed having read the first book prior to reading this one.)
*Characters = 4.5 both grow as does their relationship. Asp has a lot to make up for with many in the pack, some more than he even realized. It was a process which took time as it should. As was Brook finally getting a strong start toward recovery. They also stay true for their world and previously created.
*Plot = 4
What stood out = The "barn", Brook's youngest sister, Brook's reactions and choices especially when at odds with himself or having fear responses.
Mood Type : Appeal to those looking for... (and /or those who should avoid)
Those that like watching an alpha male, so happy to be back with his pack; that he takes true steps toward restoration of his pack bonds (without expecting everyone to understand he'd had good intentions etc...), Watching a couple with a long backstory find their stride even after one had suffered severe trauma and originally abandoned by the other. Not for those that want a lot of action all the time. Though, there is some. Not for those extremely sensitive to previous abuse or abandonment.
Warnings = Taunting of victim raped and tortured previously.
HFN/HEA = For the couple yes!
Series Notes = 3rd
*Reading on? Yes
*Reading back to back? Not exactly, I skipped book 2 due to personal preferences and other reader reviews.
*Can be easily read without the previous? Having read the first, I felt mostly fine. But, I don't think cold there would have been enough info to understand everything going on with Sterling. I did not understand at all how they came to that conclusion or found out, but I at least understood about the "Condition", Colt, and his father.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
This moved somewhat slowly at times but I stayed engaged even when not "enthralled". It was really solid. I loved both characters and as a couple. The mates and Alpha / Omega roles made me a little more accepting of Brook's responses to Asp especially knowing he'd truly been lining for him the last 10 years.
***************
I am way off my usual rate of reading over the last 11+ years. Real life has hit hard this year. Most recently with the death of my mother, and I had just been getting back into the swing of things. More upheaval appears to be on the horizon, but it has as much potential to be good as bad. I have no idea what that means for the rate of my reading and reviewing, but we will see...
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
Blurb = 4
My Genre Scale = 5
Odds if not your genre = 4 stars; if you like 2nd chance romance or characters overcoming trauma more realistically and not quickly / magically or characters that are/were military.
Development of: =
*World = 4 (but could be skewed having read the first book prior to reading this one.)
*Characters = 4.5 both grow as does their relationship. Asp has a lot to make up for with many in the pack, some more than he even realized. It was a process which took time as it should. As was Brook finally getting a strong start toward recovery. They also stay true for their world and previously created.
*Plot = 4
What stood out = The "barn", Brook's youngest sister, Brook's reactions and choices especially when at odds with himself or having fear responses.
Mood Type : Appeal to those looking for... (and /or those who should avoid)
Those that like watching an alpha male, so happy to be back with his pack; that he takes true steps toward restoration of his pack bonds (without expecting everyone to understand he'd had good intentions etc...), Watching a couple with a long backstory find their stride even after one had suffered severe trauma and originally abandoned by the other. Not for those that want a lot of action all the time. Though, there is some. Not for those extremely sensitive to previous abuse or abandonment.
Warnings = Taunting of victim raped and tortured previously.
HFN/HEA = For the couple yes!
Series Notes = 3rd
*Reading on? Yes
*Reading back to back? Not exactly, I skipped book 2 due to personal preferences and other reader reviews.
*Can be easily read without the previous? Having read the first, I felt mostly fine. But, I don't think cold there would have been enough info to understand everything going on with Sterling. I did not understand at all how they came to that conclusion or found out, but I at least understood about the "Condition", Colt, and his father.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
This moved somewhat slowly at times but I stayed engaged even when not "enthralled". It was really solid. I loved both characters and as a couple. The mates and Alpha / Omega roles made me a little more accepting of Brook's responses to Asp especially knowing he'd truly been lining for him the last 10 years.
***************
I am way off my usual rate of reading over the last 11+ years. Real life has hit hard this year. Most recently with the death of my mother, and I had just been getting back into the swing of things. More upheaval appears to be on the horizon, but it has as much potential to be good as bad. I have no idea what that means for the rate of my reading and reviewing, but we will see...
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
May 30, 2023
So full discloser I skipped the second book. I was too excited to get to Brook and Aspen’s story and if you’re thinking about doing the same, you don’t miss out on much context so I’d say go for it.
Ok so overall I really enjoyed this story. That’s important for me to mention. I have some thoughts about the storytelling but overall I enjoyed the book and I look forward to the rest of them.
Now that’s out of the way, I’ve noticed a lack of like….oomph with these books. Like there is just enough background knowledge to get to the plot but with this story in particular I would have loved to explore Aspen’s life for the last 10 years more. His reason for leaving is fair enough but nothing, and I mean nothing, justified what he did to Brook. Going into the story I though “surely something else had rifted between the two of them” nope. Aspen just up and leaves in the literal middle of the night. We never find out what the final straw was for him, we only know the main reason he left. We’re also told that Birch was his best friend but he doesn’t make a single appearance in the story in this capacity. We don’t learn anymore about the Condition even though it feels like this is the overall plot of all books. Lastly, wtf happened with Dante? We just straight up never found out, I know he has a book coming up but if this was read as a stand-alone story we’d never know. There isn’t even mention of him after they get him to the clinic.
I will say I do think Aspen did a good job with groveling and taking whatever hit was sent his way, especially with Harmony. However, I would have liked to see him spend more time with his family as we likely won’t get anymore insight on Juniper and Rowan as they don’t have their own books.
So, I knocked off a star for the sheer amount of questions I was left with after this story but as I mentioned before, I plan to read the rest.
Ok so overall I really enjoyed this story. That’s important for me to mention. I have some thoughts about the storytelling but overall I enjoyed the book and I look forward to the rest of them.
Now that’s out of the way, I’ve noticed a lack of like….oomph with these books. Like there is just enough background knowledge to get to the plot but with this story in particular I would have loved to explore Aspen’s life for the last 10 years more. His reason for leaving is fair enough but nothing, and I mean nothing, justified what he did to Brook. Going into the story I though “surely something else had rifted between the two of them” nope. Aspen just up and leaves in the literal middle of the night. We never find out what the final straw was for him, we only know the main reason he left. We’re also told that Birch was his best friend but he doesn’t make a single appearance in the story in this capacity. We don’t learn anymore about the Condition even though it feels like this is the overall plot of all books. Lastly, wtf happened with Dante? We just straight up never found out, I know he has a book coming up but if this was read as a stand-alone story we’d never know. There isn’t even mention of him after they get him to the clinic.
I will say I do think Aspen did a good job with groveling and taking whatever hit was sent his way, especially with Harmony. However, I would have liked to see him spend more time with his family as we likely won’t get anymore insight on Juniper and Rowan as they don’t have their own books.
So, I knocked off a star for the sheer amount of questions I was left with after this story but as I mentioned before, I plan to read the rest.
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