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Shadow City: Demon Wolf #1
Ruined Mate
Some things are better left forgotten.
Dreams taunt me, filling me with questions even more so than the supernatural world I’d only just learned about. Making matters worse, a vampire attacked me while I was alone in the middle of the night.
Death was imminent until a silver wolf saved me.
A silver wolf who shifted into the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen, and no matter how hard I try to ignore it, there’s something pulling me toward him.
Secrets come to light, and nothing is as it seemed.
I'm being hunted.
The silver wolf vows to protect me, no matter the cost, but the stakes are becoming too high. Not only are we fighting an unseen enemy, but we're battling the forbidden attraction between us.
Leaving the only home I've ever known behind, I’m forced to face my destiny as the ones I love struggle to stay alive.
Dreams taunt me, filling me with questions even more so than the supernatural world I’d only just learned about. Making matters worse, a vampire attacked me while I was alone in the middle of the night.
Death was imminent until a silver wolf saved me.
A silver wolf who shifted into the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen, and no matter how hard I try to ignore it, there’s something pulling me toward him.
Secrets come to light, and nothing is as it seemed.
I'm being hunted.
The silver wolf vows to protect me, no matter the cost, but the stakes are becoming too high. Not only are we fighting an unseen enemy, but we're battling the forbidden attraction between us.
Leaving the only home I've ever known behind, I’m forced to face my destiny as the ones I love struggle to stay alive.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2022
3171 people are currently reading
1438 people want to read
About the author
Jen L. Grey
129 books3,745 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.
My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.
I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.
I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
I am so pleased that you stopped by my page! Please feel free to follow or contact me at the following pages -
email - authorjenlgrey@gmail.com
website and newsletter - www.jenlgrey.com
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Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.
My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.
I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.
I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
I am so pleased that you stopped by my page! Please feel free to follow or contact me at the following pages -
email - authorjenlgrey@gmail.com
website and newsletter - www.jenlgrey.com
bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-l...
amazon - amazon.com/author/jenlgrey
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorjenlgrey
facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/13863...
instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorjenlgrey
twitter - https://www.twitter.com/authorjenlgrey
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
July 16, 2023
Okay, honestly a lot of this was very cheesy.
Half the book was spent talking about feelings and being angsty and what not. Annie and Cyrus are adorable, and I really like her character, but some of this was really mushy.
I also have to say the romance her is written really well.
You actually see why Annie and Cyrus are meant for each other. I also liked Cyrus better than Griffin and Alex. You understand his personality and motivations, and his character depth felt way more realistic. You actually get why he feels broken and traumatised. Jen does a great job on writing about them.
I the book cover though and the world building is really nice to read. I am going to finish out the rest of this verse though, so onto the sequel! And while the writing is cheesy, these characters and world have my heart.
Half the book was spent talking about feelings and being angsty and what not. Annie and Cyrus are adorable, and I really like her character, but some of this was really mushy.
I also have to say the romance her is written really well.
You actually see why Annie and Cyrus are meant for each other. I also liked Cyrus better than Griffin and Alex. You understand his personality and motivations, and his character depth felt way more realistic. You actually get why he feels broken and traumatised. Jen does a great job on writing about them.
I the book cover though and the world building is really nice to read. I am going to finish out the rest of this verse though, so onto the sequel! And while the writing is cheesy, these characters and world have my heart.
April 9, 2022
Welcome back to Shadow City. Looks like it's Ronnie's sister Annie's turn to find her mate in Sterlyn's twin brother, Cyrus, and face unknown supernatural enemies. This book was awesome, the angst because these people do not have their romantic lives together, the opposition between other supernaturals causing all the drama, but most of all because of all the craziest secrets that get revealed. Freaking awesome.
We first meet Annie in her sister Ronnie's trilogy, she was a victim who didn't know about the supernatural and appeared slightly self-centered. However, that's not the Annie in this book, apparently, Annie has always been struggling with depression but she hid it well and the trauma from the events in Royal Vampire have taken its toll but Annie is getting stronger. She isn't up to the level of fierceness the other girls in this series are but she is getting stronger, realizing her faults, taking a stand, and facing things head-on. Annie isn't my favorite of the girls but I still like her.
Annie isn't alone in her trauma. Cryus has his own traumatic past and in a way, it helps them understand and connect to each other on a level that most can't since their trauma is so similar. There is an attraction but both are in their heads and it turns Cyrus into the biggest jerk at times. At one point he says something to Annie that was such a low blow and he got a reaction that even I wasn't expecting. However, above all that Cryus is a good guy who just wants to prove to himself and others that he is capable of being a leader. Just like with Annie, Cyrus isn't my favorite but I still like him well enough.
I seriously love this universe and how all the trilogies connect together. Sterlyn and the gang are still a crucial part of the story, just the gang is getting bigger and things are connecting more. It was interesting seeing things from Annie's perspective, it was a lot darker than I thought it would be, she's a totally different person than how Ronnie thought of her. I also like getting to know Cyrus better, to see him as a leader, trying his best to make up for the past. This time the gang face a couple of threats one from within as well as an outside force. Annie's past is revealed but not in much detail and the newcomers hold all the cards. I have a few questions about them and they fit into all of this.
One thing is for sure, things are never boring in the Shadow City universe. Ruined Mate was a very entertaining read and left on quite the cliffhanger. I can't wait to see how the gang faces this new threat.
We first meet Annie in her sister Ronnie's trilogy, she was a victim who didn't know about the supernatural and appeared slightly self-centered. However, that's not the Annie in this book, apparently, Annie has always been struggling with depression but she hid it well and the trauma from the events in Royal Vampire have taken its toll but Annie is getting stronger. She isn't up to the level of fierceness the other girls in this series are but she is getting stronger, realizing her faults, taking a stand, and facing things head-on. Annie isn't my favorite of the girls but I still like her.
Annie isn't alone in her trauma. Cryus has his own traumatic past and in a way, it helps them understand and connect to each other on a level that most can't since their trauma is so similar. There is an attraction but both are in their heads and it turns Cyrus into the biggest jerk at times. At one point he says something to Annie that was such a low blow and he got a reaction that even I wasn't expecting. However, above all that Cryus is a good guy who just wants to prove to himself and others that he is capable of being a leader. Just like with Annie, Cyrus isn't my favorite but I still like him well enough.
I seriously love this universe and how all the trilogies connect together. Sterlyn and the gang are still a crucial part of the story, just the gang is getting bigger and things are connecting more. It was interesting seeing things from Annie's perspective, it was a lot darker than I thought it would be, she's a totally different person than how Ronnie thought of her. I also like getting to know Cyrus better, to see him as a leader, trying his best to make up for the past. This time the gang face a couple of threats one from within as well as an outside force. Annie's past is revealed but not in much detail and the newcomers hold all the cards. I have a few questions about them and they fit into all of this.
One thing is for sure, things are never boring in the Shadow City universe. Ruined Mate was a very entertaining read and left on quite the cliffhanger. I can't wait to see how the gang faces this new threat.
June 30, 2022
Once I started it I couldn’t put it down!
Amazing story and I’m glad to see that Cyrus and Annie are getting their own story! I’m excited to see what the next book brings although by the end of this one is, I know how the starting of the second book is going to be!
Amazing story and I’m glad to see that Cyrus and Annie are getting their own story! I’m excited to see what the next book brings although by the end of this one is, I know how the starting of the second book is going to be!
April 13, 2022
I always felt bad for Cyrus. Cyrus and Annie's relationship has a rocky start but the chemistry started early on. Steady paced story with a cliffhanger.
April 13, 2022
I received an ARC for this book. What a great start to this series. Annie is confused every since she was compelled. Her barrier is starting to slip. She finally learns what has been hidden from her. Cyrus feels like an outsider. He's always been alone. He doesn't think he's worthy of love. Annie and Cyrus are perfect for each other. They make each other feel at peace. I love seeing the characters from the other series. I hate cliffhangers though lol. Can't wait to read what happens next!
November 4, 2023
Book: RUINED MATE
Read By: Ebook
Author: Jen L. Grey
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I loved this.
“Every moment we spend together, you make me feel needed and important. The rage I’ve felt my entire life melts away at a glance from you.”
The first half was set up so well. We got some much information and internal monologue that when the action and exciting stuff happened I didn't have any questions, I just went along for the ride!
Very well written
“I’m not into sharing, not even when I was a little girl, so I need a vow that I’ll be the only one you see while we’re together.”
Highly recommend!
Read By: Ebook
Author: Jen L. Grey
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I loved this.
“Every moment we spend together, you make me feel needed and important. The rage I’ve felt my entire life melts away at a glance from you.”
The first half was set up so well. We got some much information and internal monologue that when the action and exciting stuff happened I didn't have any questions, I just went along for the ride!
Very well written
“I’m not into sharing, not even when I was a little girl, so I need a vow that I’ll be the only one you see while we’re together.”
Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2022
Another bang!
Shadow City is A M A Z I N G!!!! seriously you need to start reading this world!!! This one doesn’t disappoint and we get a fresh new swoony kick butt romance!!! plus all the shenanigans and action pack like always! I just love this world and ALL characters so much! especially my sexy beast of wolves!!!! A new trilogy is here and im so ready!!! Cyrus is Hot Hot hot!!! howls: aaauuu!!!! 😘
Shadow City is A M A Z I N G!!!! seriously you need to start reading this world!!! This one doesn’t disappoint and we get a fresh new swoony kick butt romance!!! plus all the shenanigans and action pack like always! I just love this world and ALL characters so much! especially my sexy beast of wolves!!!! A new trilogy is here and im so ready!!! Cyrus is Hot Hot hot!!! howls: aaauuu!!!! 😘
April 15, 2022
Cyrus and Annie are going to be great. I love it when someone who doesn't know about the supernatural gets dragged into it kicking and screaming (which we already knew). Now we get to see the reprecussions of that. If you didn't read the previous Shadow City books, go do that now before this set takes off, please. It will help put some things together for you. Nevertheless, Ruined Mate was good. It was a slower start than Ronnie's book, but steady and solid.
May 11, 2022
Couldn’t Stop Reading!!!
Honestly, it was a slightly slow start but still interesting and infuriating watching Annie & Cyrus piss each other off. But by the half way mark the action started and I couldn’t put it down. At one point I feared Annie was dreaming, 🌶, but nope!!! I’m excited to learn more about these dark wolves. 😁
Honestly, it was a slightly slow start but still interesting and infuriating watching Annie & Cyrus piss each other off. But by the half way mark the action started and I couldn’t put it down. At one point I feared Annie was dreaming, 🌶, but nope!!! I’m excited to learn more about these dark wolves. 😁
January 5, 2024
Another good continuation of the shadow city world. I enjoyed Annie finding herself and all the foreshadowing throughout the book. With all the foreshadowing, it does feel a little predictable, but it helps you follow along and doesn’t diminish the feelings you get from the “revelation moments“. The Cyrus redemption arc coming back from the Silverwolf series is a nice surprise too. Per usual from the series it ends on a cliffhanger to go into the second book.
May 9, 2022
I’m at the edge of my seat!!!
Ahhhhh, why did it have to end!!! I desperately need to know what happens next!!!
Absolutely amazing! I’m so in love with this world, it’s not even funny!!
I cannot wait for the next one.
Ahhhhh, why did it have to end!!! I desperately need to know what happens next!!!
Absolutely amazing! I’m so in love with this world, it’s not even funny!!
I cannot wait for the next one.
May 27, 2022
I’ve been going thru this whole series and love all of them…Each series has held me from the beginning with Sterlyn,to Ronnie and now Annie..So much action, with Wovles, Vampires,Angels,to demons and I love how things change and switch around…I’m now into Shattered Curse and can’t wait to see how this all turns out…Dark demon wolves are now after Annie…
May 2, 2022
Couldn’t put it down❣️
September 11, 2022
Love All Shadow City
I love all the books in the Shadow City world and this series is no longer exception. I’m excited to hear Annie’s story.
I love all the books in the Shadow City world and this series is no longer exception. I’m excited to hear Annie’s story.
April 28, 2022
Loved as always
Shadow City continues through Annie's story. As always I love how this author has a balance. I am just bummed I have to wait until the release of the next book.
Shadow City continues through Annie's story. As always I love how this author has a balance. I am just bummed I have to wait until the release of the next book.
May 1, 2022
I adore this world. Cyrus and Annie are just amazing what a perfect couple to read now. Their stories are emotional and had me really feeling it. Jen is the best.
May 1, 2022
Oh I absolutely loved reading about Annie and Cyrus. It was a whirlwind from the start and kept me captivated all the way until the end. I can't wait to see what happens next.
May 21, 2022
Great read!
This is Annie's story, and were heading back to my favorite place again, Shadow City. Where you know to expect the unexpected and nothing is as it seems. I just love this series and Jen L Grey ,keep writing your amazing books.
This is Annie's story, and were heading back to my favorite place again, Shadow City. Where you know to expect the unexpected and nothing is as it seems. I just love this series and Jen L Grey ,keep writing your amazing books.
May 24, 2022
love these books
I can honestly say the whole series is a must read. I love following all characters stories. Can’t wait for the next book
I can honestly say the whole series is a must read. I love following all characters stories. Can’t wait for the next book
April 9, 2022
Annie's and Cyrus story...Annie is strong to indure what she went through. Emotional is a very good way to describe this book are main carictors are in so much need of healing. Will they be able to make it work?
April 10, 2022
Love the new story line. Annie and Cyrus are so made for each other. Do feel bad for Annie with everything she finds out but I think she us finally feeling whole.
May 28, 2022
Oh wow.
This book was intense. This is my first book from this author but damn it had me hooked from the first chapter. This book did end in a cliff hanger but damn it makes you want to pick up the next one, which I will be doing. The plot was amazing and the suspense was great, I loved the way the trauma was explained, and talked about as well as seeing it from different points. I also really loved the different characters and they're differences and how they all worked together. So well written. Loved it.
Merged review:
This book was intense. This is my first book from this author but damn it had me hooked from the first chapter. This book did end in a cliff hanger but damn it makes you want to pick up the next one, which I will be doing. The plot was amazing and the suspense was great, I loved the way the trauma was explained, and talked about as well as seeing it from different points. I also really loved the different characters and they're differences and how they all worked together. So well written. Loved it.
This book was intense. This is my first book from this author but damn it had me hooked from the first chapter. This book did end in a cliff hanger but damn it makes you want to pick up the next one, which I will be doing. The plot was amazing and the suspense was great, I loved the way the trauma was explained, and talked about as well as seeing it from different points. I also really loved the different characters and they're differences and how they all worked together. So well written. Loved it.
Merged review:
This book was intense. This is my first book from this author but damn it had me hooked from the first chapter. This book did end in a cliff hanger but damn it makes you want to pick up the next one, which I will be doing. The plot was amazing and the suspense was great, I loved the way the trauma was explained, and talked about as well as seeing it from different points. I also really loved the different characters and they're differences and how they all worked together. So well written. Loved it.
June 8, 2023
You must read the first two trilogies before reading this one. In the first two you will be introduced to Annie and Cyrus. You need to know how those two enter into Shadow City. If not, then when reading this book, you will be a little lost.
Anyways, this book was a little better than the first two trilogies. Annie is an okay character but is still in the “growing” phase. At first she starts off being a little immature in this book. I did like how her and Cyrus was able to learn from each other and in turn help each other.
Now throughout the book, the author does do a lot of recaps, but they are shorter and not like the other books. Having to many recaps throughout the book doesn’t work for me because I lose track of what’s actually taking place. And it seems like this is the authors writing style. I’m hoping that it does get a little better with the other books.
Anyways, this book was a little better than the first two trilogies. Annie is an okay character but is still in the “growing” phase. At first she starts off being a little immature in this book. I did like how her and Cyrus was able to learn from each other and in turn help each other.
Now throughout the book, the author does do a lot of recaps, but they are shorter and not like the other books. Having to many recaps throughout the book doesn’t work for me because I lose track of what’s actually taking place. And it seems like this is the authors writing style. I’m hoping that it does get a little better with the other books.
June 30, 2022
If you have not read the 2 prior trilogies in the verse you will be slightly lost. Repetitive statements guess it takes repeating several times that her demon powers were repressed if it was stated to new people who did not know, would be one thing but it’s stated in FMC’s inner thoughts and musings like it’s new information. FMC is trying to portray a strong willed female but comes off as a child dressing up in her mom clothes…she is quite immature. If I was a 14-15 year old I would think this was an amazing story as it’s on the same maturity level but as someone much older the characters were too immature for me to like.
May 1, 2025
DNF @ Chapter 7
Maybe it is just me, but the writing on this was WAY too young. It also became apparent very quickly that even though this says it is Book 1 in the series, it is a part of a wider world with established characters and scenarios. From Chapter One onward, things and people are mentioned that had me thinking, "Did I miss something?" and it only got progressively worse.
Maybe it is just me, but the writing on this was WAY too young. It also became apparent very quickly that even though this says it is Book 1 in the series, it is a part of a wider world with established characters and scenarios. From Chapter One onward, things and people are mentioned that had me thinking, "Did I miss something?" and it only got progressively worse.
January 12, 2023
Une belle suite
Toujours aussi bon. J’ai hâte de lire la suite, afin de savoir qui sont ces nouveaux ennemis par rapport à Annie. J’ai bien ma petite idée, mais peut-être que je me trompe….
Toujours aussi bon. J’ai hâte de lire la suite, afin de savoir qui sont ces nouveaux ennemis par rapport à Annie. J’ai bien ma petite idée, mais peut-être que je me trompe….
February 5, 2024
Inhaltsangabe:
Das Buch Zerstörte Gefährten Shadow City Band 1 von Jen. L Grey.
Würde ich empfehlen erst zu lesen, wenn man die Silberwolf Trilogie und die Vampire Bände,Königliche Vampire gelesen hat.
In der Reihe Zerstörte Gefährten, geht es Annie die Schwester von Ronnie und Cyrus dem Bruder von Sterlyn.
Annie wird in der Nacht als sie auf dem Weg zu ihrem Auto ist von einem Vampir angegriffen. Sie versucht sich zu verteidigen doch gegen den starken Vampire hat sie keine Chance.Doch auf einmal bekommt sie Unterstützung von einem Silberwolf der sie rettet und dieser ist kein geringer als Cyrus.
Annie wird weiter gejagt, doch die Silberwolf nehmen sie in Schutz und stehen hinter ihr.Annie erfährt außerdem das sie kein normaler Mensch ist sondern übernatürliche Kräfte hat, sie verlässt ihr Zuhause und zieht zu Cyrus Silberwolf Rudel in den Wald.
Doch nach wenigen Tagen fühlt Annie eine verbotene Anziehungskraft zwischen ihr und Cyrus.Sie versucht sie zu ignorieren doch die Kraft wird immer stärker und auch Cyrus fühlt die Kraft doch was genau ist es was die beiden zueinander zieht ?
Persönliche Meinung:
Das Buch beginnt sofort auf den ersten Seiten spannend, Annie wird angegriffen und Cyrus hilft ihr. Annie und Cyrus als Hauptprotagonisten fand ich realistisch dargestellt. Beide sind ein wenig dickköpfig und versuchen am Anfang ihre Gefühle für einander zu unterdrücken. Doch zusammen sind Annie und Cyrus ein gutes Team. Die Liebesgeschichte zwischen den beiden Hauptprotagonisten ging mir ein wenig zu schnell. Durch den flüssigen Schreibstil konnte ich mir die einzelnen Szenen gut vorstellen, ich habe die Geschichte innerhalb von einem Tag beendet.
Fazit:In der Geschichte war zwar einige Handlungen vorhersehbar doch das Ende hat mich überrascht. Das Buch Endet mit einem offenen Ende ich bin schon gespannt auf den zweiten Band der Trilogie.
Das Buch bekommt von mir drei Sterne.
Das Buch Zerstörte Gefährten Shadow City Band 1 von Jen. L Grey.
Würde ich empfehlen erst zu lesen, wenn man die Silberwolf Trilogie und die Vampire Bände,Königliche Vampire gelesen hat.
In der Reihe Zerstörte Gefährten, geht es Annie die Schwester von Ronnie und Cyrus dem Bruder von Sterlyn.
Annie wird in der Nacht als sie auf dem Weg zu ihrem Auto ist von einem Vampir angegriffen. Sie versucht sich zu verteidigen doch gegen den starken Vampire hat sie keine Chance.Doch auf einmal bekommt sie Unterstützung von einem Silberwolf der sie rettet und dieser ist kein geringer als Cyrus.
Annie wird weiter gejagt, doch die Silberwolf nehmen sie in Schutz und stehen hinter ihr.Annie erfährt außerdem das sie kein normaler Mensch ist sondern übernatürliche Kräfte hat, sie verlässt ihr Zuhause und zieht zu Cyrus Silberwolf Rudel in den Wald.
Doch nach wenigen Tagen fühlt Annie eine verbotene Anziehungskraft zwischen ihr und Cyrus.Sie versucht sie zu ignorieren doch die Kraft wird immer stärker und auch Cyrus fühlt die Kraft doch was genau ist es was die beiden zueinander zieht ?
Persönliche Meinung:
Das Buch beginnt sofort auf den ersten Seiten spannend, Annie wird angegriffen und Cyrus hilft ihr. Annie und Cyrus als Hauptprotagonisten fand ich realistisch dargestellt. Beide sind ein wenig dickköpfig und versuchen am Anfang ihre Gefühle für einander zu unterdrücken. Doch zusammen sind Annie und Cyrus ein gutes Team. Die Liebesgeschichte zwischen den beiden Hauptprotagonisten ging mir ein wenig zu schnell. Durch den flüssigen Schreibstil konnte ich mir die einzelnen Szenen gut vorstellen, ich habe die Geschichte innerhalb von einem Tag beendet.
Fazit:In der Geschichte war zwar einige Handlungen vorhersehbar doch das Ende hat mich überrascht. Das Buch Endet mit einem offenen Ende ich bin schon gespannt auf den zweiten Band der Trilogie.
Das Buch bekommt von mir drei Sterne.
December 18, 2025
Fast-paced, emotionally charged, and surprisingly layered.
Ruined Mate kicks off the Shadow City: Demon Wolf series with a strong blend of paranormal intrigue, forbidden romance, and personal transformation. The story follows a heroine thrust into a supernatural world after a vampire attack—only to be saved by a mysterious silver wolf shifter who becomes her protector and emotional anchor. It’s a familiar setup, but Jen L. Grey adds enough depth and tension to make it feel fresh.
The romance is central and compelling. The attraction between the leads is intense and immediate, but it’s not just about heat—there’s emotional weight behind their bond. The forbidden nature of their connection adds tension, and the slow unraveling of secrets keeps the stakes high. Readers praised the chemistry and the way the relationship balances protectiveness with vulnerability.
The heroine’s arc is a highlight. She starts off overwhelmed and uncertain, but her growth is steady and believable. Her trauma isn’t glossed over, and the story gives her space to heal and find strength. That emotional realism adds depth to the otherwise fast-moving plot.
The pacing is tight and action-driven. The book doesn’t waste time—there’s danger, mystery, and emotional fallout from the start. Some readers noted that the worldbuilding is light, but the supernatural elements are clear enough to support the story without bogging it down.
Other positives:
• Strong emotional beats and character development
• High-stakes romance with real tension
• Clean writing and a satisfying arc
Minor negatives:
• The plot leans heavily on genre tropes
• Some side characters and world details feel underexplored
Overall, Ruined Mate is a solid start to a series that promises emotional depth, supernatural danger, and steamy romance. Great for readers who love protective shifters, resilient heroines, and fast-paced paranormal drama.
Ruined Mate kicks off the Shadow City: Demon Wolf series with a strong blend of paranormal intrigue, forbidden romance, and personal transformation. The story follows a heroine thrust into a supernatural world after a vampire attack—only to be saved by a mysterious silver wolf shifter who becomes her protector and emotional anchor. It’s a familiar setup, but Jen L. Grey adds enough depth and tension to make it feel fresh.
The romance is central and compelling. The attraction between the leads is intense and immediate, but it’s not just about heat—there’s emotional weight behind their bond. The forbidden nature of their connection adds tension, and the slow unraveling of secrets keeps the stakes high. Readers praised the chemistry and the way the relationship balances protectiveness with vulnerability.
The heroine’s arc is a highlight. She starts off overwhelmed and uncertain, but her growth is steady and believable. Her trauma isn’t glossed over, and the story gives her space to heal and find strength. That emotional realism adds depth to the otherwise fast-moving plot.
The pacing is tight and action-driven. The book doesn’t waste time—there’s danger, mystery, and emotional fallout from the start. Some readers noted that the worldbuilding is light, but the supernatural elements are clear enough to support the story without bogging it down.
Other positives:
• Strong emotional beats and character development
• High-stakes romance with real tension
• Clean writing and a satisfying arc
Minor negatives:
• The plot leans heavily on genre tropes
• Some side characters and world details feel underexplored
Overall, Ruined Mate is a solid start to a series that promises emotional depth, supernatural danger, and steamy romance. Great for readers who love protective shifters, resilient heroines, and fast-paced paranormal drama.
August 22, 2022
I'll be honest i used to read Jen's books religiously but I felt like things in Sterlyns book was over explained and I didn't get far in Ronnie's book as it was the same but I reallyy enjoyed Annie's story, maybe because she's a bit of an outsider to the rest of the gang that's inside shadow city. Annie and Cyrus are both similar in that they're both struggling with their inner demons.
When Annie is attacked after work by a vampire trying to send a message to the new vampire queen who is her sister, she's surprised that the same silver wolf that jas come to her aid b4 does so again, which leads to her finding out that he's been hiding in the shadows protecting her.
Cyrus is rude and grumpy but she's still grateful but when her mother and sister agree that she'd be safer back in shadow city she leaves with Cyrus after learning she's technically not all human in fact her supernatural has been bound numerous times throughout her life for her protection and like her sister Ronnie she has a little demon in her.
When they make it back to shadow city they learn that the head council is not happy that not only does Annie know about supernaturals but she's returned intending to live with them. Cyrus suggests Annie goes with him to where the silver wolved are in hiding saying that they'll keep her safe. But not everyone in the pack is happy with Cyrus standing in as pack Alpha for Sterlyn or that he's brought a human back something that could risk exposing them and putting them all in danger. Pack tensions run high and it's only a matter of time b4 everything comes to a head. When an outside pack no one has ever seen before moves on the silver wolves everything changes and perhaps Annie isn't technically a demon but something else entirely something that leaves her linked to Cyrus in a way neither were ready for.
When Annie is attacked after work by a vampire trying to send a message to the new vampire queen who is her sister, she's surprised that the same silver wolf that jas come to her aid b4 does so again, which leads to her finding out that he's been hiding in the shadows protecting her.
Cyrus is rude and grumpy but she's still grateful but when her mother and sister agree that she'd be safer back in shadow city she leaves with Cyrus after learning she's technically not all human in fact her supernatural has been bound numerous times throughout her life for her protection and like her sister Ronnie she has a little demon in her.
When they make it back to shadow city they learn that the head council is not happy that not only does Annie know about supernaturals but she's returned intending to live with them. Cyrus suggests Annie goes with him to where the silver wolved are in hiding saying that they'll keep her safe. But not everyone in the pack is happy with Cyrus standing in as pack Alpha for Sterlyn or that he's brought a human back something that could risk exposing them and putting them all in danger. Pack tensions run high and it's only a matter of time b4 everything comes to a head. When an outside pack no one has ever seen before moves on the silver wolves everything changes and perhaps Annie isn't technically a demon but something else entirely something that leaves her linked to Cyrus in a way neither were ready for.
March 30, 2025
I had miss the omegaverse so I picked this one up. This book was so boring and it was a drag to finish but I did it just to see how it ended and because I really did want a good werewolf story.
This one was not it. Once I figured out it was part of a long series I knew I had to lock in to figure out characters from previous books and it wasn’t hard to do because the book mentioned what happened previously enough for me to get the gist of it. Maybe not reading the previous books made this feel distant but I did not care for the plot or characters.
Annie, our fmc started out as someone promising but after two chapters she quickly became annoying, inconsistent and whiny. Don’t get me started on how many times she said she hated Cyrus but he was so sexy and whatever.
Cyrus was no better. He played the hot and cold character but did it wrong. There was no chemistry between them. It felt fast paced but nothing really happened and was a drag and dialogue felt ick.
Even when you’re made to understand characters, there’s no connection and at least for me I didn’t care for them.
The world itself was easy to immerse but it felt soooo cringe and honestly everything about this felt cringe and cliche - WORST than a Wattpad book… I’ve read omegaverse from Wattpad 100x better than this.
So my itch for a good omegaverse? Not taken care of 😢
This one was not it. Once I figured out it was part of a long series I knew I had to lock in to figure out characters from previous books and it wasn’t hard to do because the book mentioned what happened previously enough for me to get the gist of it. Maybe not reading the previous books made this feel distant but I did not care for the plot or characters.
Annie, our fmc started out as someone promising but after two chapters she quickly became annoying, inconsistent and whiny. Don’t get me started on how many times she said she hated Cyrus but he was so sexy and whatever.
Cyrus was no better. He played the hot and cold character but did it wrong. There was no chemistry between them. It felt fast paced but nothing really happened and was a drag and dialogue felt ick.
Even when you’re made to understand characters, there’s no connection and at least for me I didn’t care for them.
The world itself was easy to immerse but it felt soooo cringe and honestly everything about this felt cringe and cliche - WORST than a Wattpad book… I’ve read omegaverse from Wattpad 100x better than this.
So my itch for a good omegaverse? Not taken care of 😢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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