Rogue Shift

The Wolves of Rock Falls #2

by A.J. Skelly

An outcast all his life because of his half-human, half-werewolf genes, Kyp is finally getting a chance to belong with the Wolfe pack.

Though fully human, Rachel never cared about his mixed blood. When a family tragedy strikes, Rachel makes an impulsive decision with deadly consequences. Kyp must come to her rescue. But when saving her turns her into a werewolf, it sets off a chain of events that puts them at odds with the Wolfe pack, and brings them straight into the path of the Wolfe's greatest enemy—Victor Atwood.

War is coming to the packs, and Kyp and Rachel are at the center of it. With their fledgling love and a tenuous mental tie their only weapons, they must overcome the wrath of Atwood. But a toxic secret threatens to devastate them, destroying not only them but the entire Wolfe pack as well.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2021

About the author

AJ Skelly (also writing as April J. Skelly) is an author, reader, and lover of all things fantasy, medieval, and fairy-tale-romance. And werewolves. She has a serious soft spot for them. As an avid life-long reader and a former high school English teacher, she's always been fascinated with the written word. She lives with her husband, children, and many imaginary friends who often find their way into her stories. They all drink copious amounts of tea together and stay up reading far later than they should.

You can read more of her short stories at www.ajskelly.com.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I can’t believe I read this in under 12 hours 😅 It was so good! While I loved Meg and Sam, Kyp and Rachel are even more adorable! Their energy was more me, and I loved the underlying tension through the whole book about Atwood. Solid follow up to First Shift!
•
5 out of 5 🌟

[underseabookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an ARC copy for an honest review**

Kyp and Rachel!!! Their story was so sweet. I loved seeing how they slowly, but surely admitted their feelings for the other towards the end. The sweetest slow burn.

The latter half of the book had me as an anxious mess! There were certain reveals I called at the beginning, but it was still surprising to see the characters admit it to themselves.

Kyp's whole journey in accepting himself, and his new role was really interesting. I felt so bad for him, but I'm glad towards the end he found himself. Rachel also had a lot of moments where I felt bad for her, but I'm glad she also came to her own towards the end as well. I was gripped by their story from beginning to end.

I also enjoyed seeing the original cast return and have prevalent roles in this book. It felt like a true continuation with a shift in pov, which is what this book is promoted as!

All in all, I enjoyed this one. Maybe even a bit more than the previous book. Rachel and Kyp have my whole heart. <3

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally continued this series! (took me long enough 😅) Thankfully I remembered the major things that happened in First Shift so I wasn’t lost on what was going on in the continuing events and character relationships.

Speaking of relationships, Kyp and Rachel were really cute and great to follow in their romance! I did find Rachel’s impulsiveness—ESPECIALLY that one time, like wooow take a chill pill and THINK a minute, girl—to dance on the line of I want to smack her upside the head every five seconds but thankfully, except that one time which she DID pay for, thank you dear author, she never crossed it to the point of no return for me. Kyp is a sweetheart and his growth was amazing, no complaints about him here, haha.

Like in First Shift, the romance is on the steamier side of the clean spectrum but unlike FS since there’s no marriage of convenience the sexual tension is dialed down a touch, though kissing with tongue is still mentioned. The higher PG-13ish romance didn’t bother me, but I could see that being the case for others.

This is definitely a romance first and foremost so like FS the external plot doesn’t come into play until the last third or so of the book, though threads are teased and woven from the beginning so stuff doesn’t totally come out of nowhere, plus we’re continuing the plot set up in FS to its conclusion and the start of the next problem for future characters.

A wonderful upper YA to NA paranormal romance I highly recommend! It was a fun time and I’d definitely read it again!


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a character’s sister is in the hospital for drug overdose

Language: sult; sucky; crap; thank God (1); screw up; screwed; crappy; sucks

Violence: werewolves fight with teeth and claws (not to semi detailed); injuries and blood (not to semi detailed); a character bites another and turns them into a werewolf; blood spews from a character’s mouth (not detailed); blood of a werewolf’s daughter is left outside another pack’s territory; people are found dead with their faces torn off (not shown or detailed); a bloody hand is found sticking out of a bush; a bloody barely alive girl is found (not shown or detailed); a girl slaps a guy’s face; in the past a guy was held down and beaten for having a crush on a girl (not detailed); a wolf’s head is impaled on a wooden spike (not detailed); in the past a character was tortured with werewolf poison (not shown or detailed); a character was abused in their previous pack (not detailed)

Sexual: mild to medium suggestive hints/comments; werewolves shift back into their naked human forms (not shown or detailed); kissing (not to very detailed); a guy takes a girl’s clothes off (not sexually); “get a girl naked”; a girl slides her hands under a guy’s shirt and wants sex outside of marriage but he refuses; two guys want to see a girl’s boobs and try to grab/attack her (nothing happens, she gets away); a girl thinks a guy told people that she free to be seen naked (he didn’t); a character’s mother was taken advantage of while drunk resulting in their out of wedlock birth

Drug/Alcohol: a drug dealer; drugs; a character’s sister is in the hospital for drug overdose; poison is set out to trap werewolves

Other: werewolves; death and grief; a party of high school and collage aged kids where “the stench of beer, sweat, and sex” was; a character is kidnapped and chained up; a character is insane; a character can use mind control on others

[Elentiya (aka fireheart✨️) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I want to formally Claim you."
Rogue Shift - Wolves of Rock Falls (#2)
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

I'm back with a review of Skelly's 2nd book in this installment, and man this was exhilarating. This book is even better than the first which i thought would be impossible!! A perfect series to binge during this October season🥧🍁. Kyp and Rachel's journey starts after an incident that ends in turning Rachel into a werewolf. I'd like to point out that it was a brilliant move to turn her, she seemed like she'd fit perfectly within the pack! And who knew Kyp was such an Alpha, after I've finished the first book i thought that he's just some average, normal werewolf with nothing special, and boy was i wrong. I've loved every second of this book not gonna lie, it was such a roller-coaster of emotions between Rachel and Kyp, they're so freaking CUTE. I felt like a teenager all over again. The last few chapters were the best, i mean that PLOT TWIST at the end?!! I also loved that the book focused on Kyp's character development and his journey to accept himself as a half-werewolf, while the 1st one concerned another character development, adding a lil pumpkin spice flavor to the series ;) This series is definitely for you if you love teenage werewolf love stories. Overall this was a fun, light read and I'm glad to have been granted an ARC to review it, thank you Miss Skelly btw :)

Book 2 comes out October 13th, make sure to read the first book before starting with this one!!!

[Christina Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book is even better than the first. I read it in one day. I love how this one went into more depth about Kyp and Rachel's story. Looking forward to Book #3!

[A.J. Skelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue Shift picks up right where First Shift ended. The narrators change, but the storyline keeps going. Lots of action, romance, tension, and werewolves! Fabulous read!

[Sharon Loves to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one isn’t my favorite installment, but I do love Kyp and his arc.🥹 I really don’t care for Rachel as an MC, but I don’t really relate to her very much, so maybe that’s why. (I love her as a side character—she’s great in the other books.)

Steamy content is about the same as in the first book. There may be less make-out scenes, but Rachel can get quite forward. The upside to this is that Kyp knows he has to protect her from her own rashness, so he keeps himself under control. Kyp is the hero of this story, being convinced of the value in waiting for marriage to go beyond kissing.💜

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as good as book one maybe even better! This time we follow Kyp and Rachel and their journey with lots of love, emotions, action and having what it takes to be a strong Alpha! I felt like this one had more intrique in it as well as a great fight scene in the end! I absolutely loved both Kyp and Rachel and seeing past characters as well as some new ones! I can't wait to read book 3 and see what happens next!

[J.M. Hackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thrilled to read more clean shifter stories! AJ Skelly keeps the action going in book 2. I wasn't sure if I'd love these characters as much as Megan & Sam, but oh, I loved Rachael & Kyp (the cinnamon roll). :-) I'm looking forward to the next installment!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so ready to jump right back into Rock Falls and Rogue Shift did not disappoint. As the second book, we follow along the stories of Rachel and Kyp. I loved this story line so much(even more than First Shift, which I wasn't sure was possible). Kyp is so wholesome and watching how he looks out for Rachel is just swoon worthy. There was something different about this book-it seemed a bit more sophisticated and you could almost feel Skelly's passion for this story line through her writing. Those traits alone made the book more enjoyable than I could've expected. We're also introduced to some twists that I was just not expecting-again reflecting on Skelly's advancement in writing and plot development. Cannot wait to see what's next!

[Nite0wl29 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Rachel and Kyp in First Shift. I was so excited to see they were getting their own story. I love them even more after reading this!!

The angst didn’t feel quite nearly as bad as it did in Sam’s and Megan’s story; it was wholesome and sweet. There were a few twists towards the end that I didn’t see coming, but left me mind blown as all the pieces started coming together. I’ll keep this as non-spoilery as possible so I’ll only say I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series!!!

[Amanda Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic book. Thanks AJ for another fantastic story. They are super cute Rachel and kip. The way you the story is written gets you hooked from the very start. A brilliant second book and can’t wait to find out if there will be more books in the series to come. I like how the second story extends from the first but with views from different characters.

[Lacey Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ’s done it again! Rouge Shift continues on at Rock Falls with all the characters we came to know and love in First Shift, only this time the story follows Kyp and Rachel. I love how fast paced this book was and it was refreshing to get a glimpse into the minds of other characters who are so different from Sam and Megan. As with the first book I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story since I’m usually not into YA or werewolf books, but AJ just does it so well! I love the healthy relationships these kids have with their families while also still hitting on some pretty tough subjects and the way the romance develops between Kyp and Rachel is just *chef’s kiss*. If you enjoyed First Shift then definitely give Rouge Shift a read!

[Jessica Gwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wolves of Rock Falls return with another epic adventure of suspense and young love! In Rogue Shift, Skelly shares the story of Kyp, former outcast who wants nothing more than to finally belong in a pack and Rachel, best friend of female protagonist Megan from the first book.
Kyp and Rachel, both a little on the outside, find each other during a time of tumultuous family struggles and stress from all sides. Their story is one woven together in a “non-conventional” way, even for werewolves.
You don’t want to miss it or the story where it all starts: First Shift.

[Kristen N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picked up where First Shift left off, but in a different perspective of Kyp and Rachel. I loved this book from start to finish. A good read that clean, had action that kept me interested, and YA love that was also clean (but not cheesy or unrealistic)
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for more from the Author.

[M.H. Elrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steam-kissed paranormal romance...
This book was a perfect sequel to the first. It could be read without the other one, but it was nice to come back into a familiar world. I loved reading about Rachel and Kyp's developing relationship. The struggles of Rachel's family were very relatable, as well as Kyp's desire to belong to a family. I totally could relate to each of the characters and I felt like their struggles were well portrayed. The plot was also well-paced, moving quickly with different elements coming together well at the end. I would say that there is a bit of a quick wrap-up to a possibly big antagonist, but that's alright. I really liked the book for the relationship between Kyp and Rachel more than the action itself.
The reason I call it steam-kissed is because that this novel is clean, but it gets as close to the line as it can get. There are multiple descriptions of their physical attraction to one another. I don't mind, but I do know that I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 18 to read. Overall, a great book!

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in The Wolves of Rock Falls Series By AJ Skelly. Although this book is about a different couple, they should be read order to understand the backstory of the continued plot throughout this series.

This story is about Rachel and Kyp. Kyp is the halfling shifter who is rogue and working his way into the Rock Falls Pack with his friend Sam. Rachel is Megans best friend who is mated to Sam. Rachel was introduced to shifters when when Megan was accidentally turned into a wolf. Rachel gets herself into a bind and calls for help. When Kyp arrives, there is nothing to do but change Rachel into a wolf in order to save her life. The consequences of those events make up this story and boy, is it amazing.

I loved how the story weaves into Rachel and Kyps story but keep with the main sub plot of the last book. There relationship between Kyp and Rachel is very sweet and i loved both characters. rachel is very fun loving and understanding. She is the kind of friend you want on your side. Kyp is the hardworking and devoted best friend that you need in your life. Both of them together make for a great main character couple. I read this book in one sitting and couldn't put it down This book is amazing and I cannot wait to see where the next in the series takes me. This book gets 5 stars

[Cassandra Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

Paranormal shifter romance is not exactly my genre, but I still enjoyed this. Swoony kisses, interesting pack dynamics, and lots of danger. I wasn’t really surprised by the big twist—I’d already been considering the same thing—but the finale was still very exciting. I will say I wasn’t a huge fan of certain tropes (alpha male, fated mates), but those are some of my least favorite tropes, and Skelly does them in such a way that they aren’t unhealthy. Also, it’s about werewolves, so I’m not surprised they were in there. Another thing is I think the couples in this series get married a liiiiiittle too young, but ah, well. XD

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again I am impressed with the care and consideration that Skelly has taken to figuring out how a pack of wolves would be able to live amongst humans unknown. The Wolfe pack itself is well described, with fleshed out dynamics and their customs explained. The concerns, the dangers, the secrets… it all feels very real.

I loved how intertwined the characters from the first book are with the central ones in this book, and I have to admit that poor Kyp just reached out and stole my heart. Like Rachel, I’m not sure I’d be able to resist this cinnamon roll of a young werewolf. This series has fabulous characters, great, loyal friendships, and romances that flourish in tough situations. I am so excited to see how things continue in the future. I can’t wait to read more.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book is every bit as good as the first and every bit as addictive! This is Kyp and Rachel’s story and they have such great chemistry! They have their troubles, their problems but they also have their highs and good times. There’s intrigue, danger, drama and action and we also still see Sam and Meg from book one which is great. It’s an exciting, clean paranormal romance that’s also gripping and full of surprises! A great addition.

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is the thing. My personal opinion : Meg&Sam is very cute BUT Kyp&Rachel hits different. They fits so well together and I just love it! We get to see how their relationship progressed and how they helped each other to overcome their personal issues to be together. And I also love that this 2nd book has more action scenes and pact politics than the 1st one! Looking forward book 3!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Some parts I enjoyed more than Sam and Megan's story from book 1. The writing really draws you in and you feel fully invested in Rachel and Kip. Kip is wonderful he's complex and broken and hopeful. I sympathized with his history and struggles. I think Rachel was a great side character from the first book so I was happy to follow her along in her HEA story. The ending was a bit of a surprise for me. I didn't see the turn things took in the last few chapters and that's always great.
Again another clean romance with fated mates and happily ever after with a few strings for the next book.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-reading this YA series! This is probably my least favorite of the 4 books, simply because the major plot points are more far-fetched. But also….its fantasy so maybe it’s just me 😂 Still, I enjoyed the two main characters and recommend it for a fast paced, fun read.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved going back to Rock Falls!! Loved everything about this book! I devoured it in less than 24 hours! Couldn’t put it down. I thought it would be hard to top First Shift, but Skelly did it. The story sucked me in immediately. Loved that the original cast showed up in this sweet story of Kyp and Rachel. <3

[Valerie Whitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready for more....

Love it...it's as good as the first book...and I'm hoping there will be more...full of surprises...I don't want to give any spoilers so I'm just gonna need y'all to read this book....you won't be disappointed...

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 stars

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by AJ Skelly. Rachel is feisty and a great female lead. Kyp is the underdog and so lovable.This story pulls you into Rock Falls and makes you never want to leave.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel won’t disappoint! Great character development. A narrative style that quickly pulled me in. While Sam and Megan are still favorites, Rachel and Kyp’s story was even better! Can’t wait for more.

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really good surprise. I loved it and was immediately hooked from the start.
I loved the characters, how their relationships developed. They were lovable, sweet and made me want to be friends with them in real life.
The plot was good too, I enjoyed how faced paced the book was and how the twists worked out in creating more action.

Overall this book is a huge success, a book I would definitely have loved as a teenager too as it had all of the twilight vibes to it and the kind of easy romance that I enjoyed. But even as an adult this book is really well written and enjoyable.

I did accidentally read this book first thinking that it was book 1 and have just realised that in actual fact it isn't... But I didn't feel lost or confused so that's a good thing as you could read this as a standalone book.

Pick it up and start reading it !

[Brittany Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rogue Shift is a perfect follow-up to First Shift. The second book in the series, this book is best enjoyed after reading First Shift and probably while drinking warm spiced tea. Continuing in the world of The Wolves of Rock Falls, the central romance is about characters we briefly met back in First Shift and their story touches on so many important issues that author AJ Skelly handles in an honest, truthful way. Rogue Shift is an exciting, clean paranormal romance with all the drama and action you'd expect from a few feuding packs of werewolves, but this is also a story full of heartfelt relationships and the hard work it takes to keep them.

Playlist for Rogue Shift:
Someone To You (The Piano Guys)
From Now On (Andy Brown)
the lakes (Taylor Swift)
To Make You Feel My Love feat. Maisy Stella (Nashville Cast)
SOS (Live) (We The Kingdom)