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Midnight Wolves of Smoky Falls #1
Pack Dreams
Lost and alone, it seemed like I’d been running from my problems forever.
But everything changed when I almost died at the hands of a brutal stranger.
Nobody knows who attacked me or why, but then a long lost relative stepped forward to claim me and swept me away to Smoky Falls, Tennessee.
Turns out my uncle is a reclusive billionaire, and the locals seem to worship the ground he walks on. His only warning: never to venture into the forest after dark.
Enrolled in college, I’m thrilled to experience some normalcy for the first time in my life. Almost immediately, I’m adopted by a trio of friends who seem to run the place—little do I know that these boys are tied to me, and my family, in ways I can’t even begin to fathom. Their friendship is the one bright spot in my new, mysterious life.
Because every night, the dreams are getting worse. Ever since I arrived in Smoky Falls, dark images have haunted my dreams, and I wake, panting, to the sound of howling wolves.
Something out there is calling to me, and it’s only a matter of time until I find out what it is.
But everything changed when I almost died at the hands of a brutal stranger.
Nobody knows who attacked me or why, but then a long lost relative stepped forward to claim me and swept me away to Smoky Falls, Tennessee.
Turns out my uncle is a reclusive billionaire, and the locals seem to worship the ground he walks on. His only warning: never to venture into the forest after dark.
Enrolled in college, I’m thrilled to experience some normalcy for the first time in my life. Almost immediately, I’m adopted by a trio of friends who seem to run the place—little do I know that these boys are tied to me, and my family, in ways I can’t even begin to fathom. Their friendship is the one bright spot in my new, mysterious life.
Because every night, the dreams are getting worse. Ever since I arrived in Smoky Falls, dark images have haunted my dreams, and I wake, panting, to the sound of howling wolves.
Something out there is calling to me, and it’s only a matter of time until I find out what it is.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2022
897 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Night
22 books1,140 followersHi! I'm Laurel, I love all things fantasy, magic, and sci-fi, so you may find that my books have surprising twists that you didn't see coming.
I'm an avid traveller and adventurer, and I find my travels inspire stories I want to write! I have an amazing daughter and we currently live in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains. I love a good craft cocktail, sunny beaches and snowy slopes, and a cozy chair with a nearby fireplace for the perfect read.
I'm an avid traveller and adventurer, and I find my travels inspire stories I want to write! I have an amazing daughter and we currently live in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains. I love a good craft cocktail, sunny beaches and snowy slopes, and a cozy chair with a nearby fireplace for the perfect read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
December 8, 2022
Goodness me
That was one hell of a loooooong book that was made even more dull because not much happens thats interesting. I read almost the whole thing but I had to skip a few pages towards the end cause I just didn't care anymore.
The characters are flat, normally its easy to have a favourite. It should have been easy to get on team Layla given her background but we are bored to death with all the conspiracy theories in her head.... "I know they are not telling me the truth"....... Conversations that could have been knocked out in one chapter drag all the way to end. The annoying thing is Layla barely reacts to any of it, so why drag it out???
Not a fan of this writing style at all, trying to drag a series just to make more money only works if you can hook reader's interest.
3 stars because I've read worse.
That was one hell of a loooooong book that was made even more dull because not much happens thats interesting. I read almost the whole thing but I had to skip a few pages towards the end cause I just didn't care anymore.
The characters are flat, normally its easy to have a favourite. It should have been easy to get on team Layla given her background but we are bored to death with all the conspiracy theories in her head.... "I know they are not telling me the truth"....... Conversations that could have been knocked out in one chapter drag all the way to end. The annoying thing is Layla barely reacts to any of it, so why drag it out???
Not a fan of this writing style at all, trying to drag a series just to make more money only works if you can hook reader's interest.
3 stars because I've read worse.
December 30, 2022
I wanted to like this one a lot, but some of the characters just feel pretty one dimensional. I couldn’t really connect with the FMC and to be honest there was never really a good reason to keep her in the dark for so long (especially because as she finds stuff out she barely cares or reacts at all). It felt like everyone in the story was a teenager, not just the main characters. The adults all feel incredibly irresponsible and like NPCs if that makes sense. Nothing here felt tangible or believable to real life, and I don’t mean the paranormal aspects (those are fine). I just mean the human personalities, the immature dramatics, the bizarre secrecy, the 150,000 sq ft house (this would make it the second largest house in the US and it would beat out the next on the list by a whopping 40k sq ft. The largest house in the US is 178k sq ft but still only has 138k sq ft of living space so what gives…. I just can’t believe this).
I was not bothered at all by the lack of steam, the author warned about that at the beginning but I don’t need that to enjoy a story. I just felt like the relationship development wasn’t very good, again this all super one dimensional. I also was again disappointed to find that the main conflict in this book is the ‘bitchy jealous mean girl’ trope. I just really hate when this is used and it’s just so common in YA and in RH. I was hoping that since they’re in college this wouldn’t be the case but unfortunately this is very much written with middle school level maturity.
The ending was fairly predictable, even the little ‘cliff-hanger’ twist was something I saw coming from pretty much the beginning. I wasn’t sure in what capacity it would happen, but it felt inevitable and foreshadowed throughout.
Side note: I absolutely hate modern pop culture references in books because it’s so distracting from the story. Reading the characters describe Instagram, Snapchat, and Tiktok to the heroine and try to convince her to pick their favorite social media app to join made me almost quit reading the book. It felt so weird and cringey and took me out of the story.
I was not bothered at all by the lack of steam, the author warned about that at the beginning but I don’t need that to enjoy a story. I just felt like the relationship development wasn’t very good, again this all super one dimensional. I also was again disappointed to find that the main conflict in this book is the ‘bitchy jealous mean girl’ trope. I just really hate when this is used and it’s just so common in YA and in RH. I was hoping that since they’re in college this wouldn’t be the case but unfortunately this is very much written with middle school level maturity.
The ending was fairly predictable, even the little ‘cliff-hanger’ twist was something I saw coming from pretty much the beginning. I wasn’t sure in what capacity it would happen, but it felt inevitable and foreshadowed throughout.
Side note: I absolutely hate modern pop culture references in books because it’s so distracting from the story. Reading the characters describe Instagram, Snapchat, and Tiktok to the heroine and try to convince her to pick their favorite social media app to join made me almost quit reading the book. It felt so weird and cringey and took me out of the story.
September 2, 2024
Didn’t work for me. I found the characters annoying and unrelatable. Too much telling verses showing, too much info dumping. The h doesn’t have to do anything for herself or try to find out any answers. It’s just all handed to her conveniently.
I was bored through most of the book. I think the story could have worked better if it was single POV but because we know too much about the boys situation it just didn’t hit right. I found the guys to be way too passive with the h and didn’t like the convenience of them just following alpha orders. The author said it was a slow burn but it’s not. It’s a slow build towards the spice because of the story itself but it’s a fated mates book. There is nothing slow burn about this. The guys are all in and have been since birth. There’s no actually building of any sort of connection IMO.
I was bored through most of the book. I think the story could have worked better if it was single POV but because we know too much about the boys situation it just didn’t hit right. I found the guys to be way too passive with the h and didn’t like the convenience of them just following alpha orders. The author said it was a slow burn but it’s not. It’s a slow build towards the spice because of the story itself but it’s a fated mates book. There is nothing slow burn about this. The guys are all in and have been since birth. There’s no actually building of any sort of connection IMO.
December 7, 2022
4.5/5
I loved this first-in-series NA shifter/college romance by Laurel Night! It’s a great concept: a girl wakes up in a hospital after suffering a horrific attack to find that she is now under the care of an uncle she never knew about and that her deceased parents had been in hiding for her entire life. Secrets build upon secrets when she moves from the streets of LA to the forested mountains of Tennessee to attend college. Why did her parents leave, and what were they running from? Who is she, really?
I loved the way Laurel wrote the fated mates, making this a slow-burn romance rather than fast-burn, as fated mates are often written. First, their age – the main characters are still relatively young. Second - the boys have known their status as fated mates to the FMC their entire lives, but she didn’t even know she was a shifter until just after she turned 18. Being told you now have three guys you are tied to for life is one (or three) steps too far. I appreciate that Laurel lets the relationships progress naturally from friendship to attraction before becoming more.
There’s good friction within and outside the pack as the FMC learns who she is and the role she must assume. Just the right amount of stress to drive the plot. Otherwise, between the mates, it is a low-angst story. Her mates are incredibly supportive and bolster her strengths, being the best friends she needs and giving her the family she hasn’t had since her family died.
I look forward to continuing this series and watching their relationships build. We were left at the end of this book with a new player arriving at the school who opens even more questions that needs to be answered in the next book.
I loved this first-in-series NA shifter/college romance by Laurel Night! It’s a great concept: a girl wakes up in a hospital after suffering a horrific attack to find that she is now under the care of an uncle she never knew about and that her deceased parents had been in hiding for her entire life. Secrets build upon secrets when she moves from the streets of LA to the forested mountains of Tennessee to attend college. Why did her parents leave, and what were they running from? Who is she, really?
I loved the way Laurel wrote the fated mates, making this a slow-burn romance rather than fast-burn, as fated mates are often written. First, their age – the main characters are still relatively young. Second - the boys have known their status as fated mates to the FMC their entire lives, but she didn’t even know she was a shifter until just after she turned 18. Being told you now have three guys you are tied to for life is one (or three) steps too far. I appreciate that Laurel lets the relationships progress naturally from friendship to attraction before becoming more.
There’s good friction within and outside the pack as the FMC learns who she is and the role she must assume. Just the right amount of stress to drive the plot. Otherwise, between the mates, it is a low-angst story. Her mates are incredibly supportive and bolster her strengths, being the best friends she needs and giving her the family she hasn’t had since her family died.
I look forward to continuing this series and watching their relationships build. We were left at the end of this book with a new player arriving at the school who opens even more questions that needs to be answered in the next book.
September 16, 2024
There was nothing inherently bad about this one, I was just bored. At half way through we don't even have a real connection and the main character is still in the dark about everything so I just kept losing interest.
December 21, 2024
Um...banjos, lots of banjos
...and maybe webbed toes? So, instead a few of the reviews, just to make sure no hidden SA that neglectful authors forget to warn readers about. But only for that because I try to form my own opinions most of the time. This one? Weird. Contradictory. You get told that wolves can't shift off this property (NC) but she was attacked in LA first. Clearly by something with claws due to the scar patterns. Apparently if you leave the protected property you forfeit your wolf. You also go insane and commit suicide (not warned about in blurb) within a year. Her parents left and raised her until she was around 14? T
Her backstory is very vague. She was raised by Mom and dad, then landed in a foster home then ran away and lived on the streets for years. So, I don't know what kind of social workers they have in LA but I'm pretty sure they'd see locks on cabinets and the fridge as something to pull kids for. The alphas are matriarchal, passed mom to daughter (never says what happens if they have more than 1), and they shift the 1st time around 17. There's always 3 mates from the same families...hence the banjos comment. Because, for several hundred years the same 8 families, then down to 4 families, have been supplying the alpha and the 3 alpha males. Um. There's thing called genetic drift. It happens when there's less than 500 individuals to continue a species. That pack is not that big. And, repeat after me, same. Four. Families. No wonder all the alpha females look alike! There's a lot else to comment on but that was the clincher for me. I mean, I grew up in Appalachia, I know there's bluegrass played, but this is more like 100 Years Of Solitude. Also, I really wish the mean girl trope would just die off. Authors have the chance to promote healthy female relationships in their writing. Clinging to outdated tropes only hurts younger readers.
...and maybe webbed toes? So, instead a few of the reviews, just to make sure no hidden SA that neglectful authors forget to warn readers about. But only for that because I try to form my own opinions most of the time. This one? Weird. Contradictory. You get told that wolves can't shift off this property (NC) but she was attacked in LA first. Clearly by something with claws due to the scar patterns. Apparently if you leave the protected property you forfeit your wolf. You also go insane and commit suicide (not warned about in blurb) within a year. Her parents left and raised her until she was around 14? T
Her backstory is very vague. She was raised by Mom and dad, then landed in a foster home then ran away and lived on the streets for years. So, I don't know what kind of social workers they have in LA but I'm pretty sure they'd see locks on cabinets and the fridge as something to pull kids for. The alphas are matriarchal, passed mom to daughter (never says what happens if they have more than 1), and they shift the 1st time around 17. There's always 3 mates from the same families...hence the banjos comment. Because, for several hundred years the same 8 families, then down to 4 families, have been supplying the alpha and the 3 alpha males. Um. There's thing called genetic drift. It happens when there's less than 500 individuals to continue a species. That pack is not that big. And, repeat after me, same. Four. Families. No wonder all the alpha females look alike! There's a lot else to comment on but that was the clincher for me. I mean, I grew up in Appalachia, I know there's bluegrass played, but this is more like 100 Years Of Solitude. Also, I really wish the mean girl trope would just die off. Authors have the chance to promote healthy female relationships in their writing. Clinging to outdated tropes only hurts younger readers.
December 5, 2022
This was a really good and interesting read that I genuinely couldn't put down. I liked that the story felt unique and different to other shifter books, they can be quite samey and somehow this didn't feel that way.
Despite being a whychoose, there's no spice in this particular book, but I do believe there will be going forward. I actually loved the slow burn. I'm a huge fan of spice and a believer that whychoose romance should have lots of spice, so it says a lot that this still held my interest the way that it did, it just feels right and authentic for the characters involved to be building their friendship first. The guys are truly adorable and she's a genuinely likeable and relatable character.
I'm intrigued by the ending; I didn't see it coming until it happened, and I'm very interested to see how it plays out.
🐺 Shifters
🐺 Fated mates
🐺 Why-choose romance
🐺 Alphas
🐺 Friends to lovers
🐺 Slow burn
I received an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
Despite being a whychoose, there's no spice in this particular book, but I do believe there will be going forward. I actually loved the slow burn. I'm a huge fan of spice and a believer that whychoose romance should have lots of spice, so it says a lot that this still held my interest the way that it did, it just feels right and authentic for the characters involved to be building their friendship first. The guys are truly adorable and she's a genuinely likeable and relatable character.
I'm intrigued by the ending; I didn't see it coming until it happened, and I'm very interested to see how it plays out.
🐺 Shifters
🐺 Fated mates
🐺 Why-choose romance
🐺 Alphas
🐺 Friends to lovers
🐺 Slow burn
I received an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
December 7, 2022
Pack Dreams is a deliciously slow burn shifter romance that held me in a chokehold from beginning to end. The storyline is unique in the best of ways, only making me more interested. I loved reading about Layla's budding relationships with each of her guys. Getting to know each of the characters and the background with detailed world building makes for such a great story and a few genuine surprises (like that cliffhanger). I'm completely engrossed in this series and will be waiting, somewhat, patiently for the next book!
December 13, 2022
Absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from start to finish. I can't wait for more of Layla's story and all the emotions that come with it!
May 1, 2023
Oooo that ending! I really enjoyed this book and am about to start the sequel right now 💕💕
January 4, 2023
I truly loved this story. This first book is a slower paced getting to know our stunning characters. Layla is a sweet and caring young lady who has gone through some tough times but still manages to keep her beautiful personality. The guys are sweet and charming. You can tell this is a slightly younger group with some of their thought processes but not in a kiddy way. I love the slower pace between her and the guys. As we progress the action picks up greatly.
The writing is superb and it is extremely well developed. The descriptions are vivid and this allows me to easily see what is happening throughout the story. I throughly enjoy how this is unique in the way of the shifter world and not the same as a lot of other shifter stories. The ending was like “Wow” very shocking. I absolutely can’t wait to see what happens next. Absolutely a must read.
The writing is superb and it is extremely well developed. The descriptions are vivid and this allows me to easily see what is happening throughout the story. I throughly enjoy how this is unique in the way of the shifter world and not the same as a lot of other shifter stories. The ending was like “Wow” very shocking. I absolutely can’t wait to see what happens next. Absolutely a must read.
September 29, 2024
This book drags a lot. The first 20% is just Layla walking around describing her new house and yard.
She also has repetitive nightmares every night. They serve no narrative purpose since she doesn’t tell anyone about their content and they come true without consequence (she is attacked, but unharmed, and the plot is revealed).
Honestly, half this book is just Layla walking around the house or Layla having the same nightmare again.
No one tells her this is a wolf pack and she’s the long lost alpha for a really long time, which makes every encounter awkward, and it also clearly puts her at a disadvantage.
There’s a lot of basic unanswered questions that everyone is very mysterious about for no reason. When Layla finally gets Dom to sit down and talk about her mother, she doesn’t ask any of the questions she had. She doesn’t ask about her father at all, even though she knows he grew up in this town. What about his family? It’s like he sprang up from the ground instead of being born, for all anyone cares about him. What happened to her grandparents? Her grandparents’ generation would only be about 60 years old. Why are they all mysteriously dead?
Dom immediately runs off when she shifts, even though he felt responsible enough for the pack to stick around for 20 years and lead it. We’re also told wolves who leave can’t shift and will kill themselves. At a different point we’re told that wolves can find mates in other packs, so despite the dire warnings, apparently they don’t have to kill themselves. Which begs the question… why don’t people just leave and find a non-cursed pack to join if they’re unhappy?
I don’t really blame some of the pack for not wanting to follow Layla and her generic hot guy mates. They don’t display a lot of intelligence or leadership qualities. I mean… her hot guy mates didn’t even help her when she was being attacked. Technically, they were destined to be alphas too, but like Layla’s father, they lack a background or personality. They have no real pre-existing relationships, no friends, no history.
She also has repetitive nightmares every night. They serve no narrative purpose since she doesn’t tell anyone about their content and they come true without consequence (she is attacked, but unharmed, and the plot is revealed).
Honestly, half this book is just Layla walking around the house or Layla having the same nightmare again.
No one tells her this is a wolf pack and she’s the long lost alpha for a really long time, which makes every encounter awkward, and it also clearly puts her at a disadvantage.
There’s a lot of basic unanswered questions that everyone is very mysterious about for no reason. When Layla finally gets Dom to sit down and talk about her mother, she doesn’t ask any of the questions she had. She doesn’t ask about her father at all, even though she knows he grew up in this town. What about his family? It’s like he sprang up from the ground instead of being born, for all anyone cares about him. What happened to her grandparents? Her grandparents’ generation would only be about 60 years old. Why are they all mysteriously dead?
Dom immediately runs off when she shifts, even though he felt responsible enough for the pack to stick around for 20 years and lead it. We’re also told wolves who leave can’t shift and will kill themselves. At a different point we’re told that wolves can find mates in other packs, so despite the dire warnings, apparently they don’t have to kill themselves. Which begs the question… why don’t people just leave and find a non-cursed pack to join if they’re unhappy?
I don’t really blame some of the pack for not wanting to follow Layla and her generic hot guy mates. They don’t display a lot of intelligence or leadership qualities. I mean… her hot guy mates didn’t even help her when she was being attacked. Technically, they were destined to be alphas too, but like Layla’s father, they lack a background or personality. They have no real pre-existing relationships, no friends, no history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
I've seen a few Tiktoks saying that some books are written as trope machines and not actual stories. I was baffled. How could anyone write a bunch of tropes in a trench coat disguised as a story?
Well, this book feels like one of those. It's stuffed so full of tropes that it leaves room for nothing else. The characters are flat, the story is non-existent, the romantic tension is taking a coffee break. I could definitely recognise the tropes as they came up, and they are legion. I could list so many of them that I would probably miss some just from how numerous they are. But I couldn't tell you anything else about the characters or the plot.
Except this nitpick. It seems like everyone shames Layla's mother for not wanting to be in a polyamorous relationship, and instead choosing monogamy with only one of her fated mates. As much as I like poly/why choose/reverse harem stories, that kind of relationship isn't for everyone. It wasn't for Layla's mom, obviously. Maybe this was a way to get Layla to be comfortable with the idea having multiple mates, but it was done poorly. The way they talk about how she needs to accept all her mates feels almost cult-like, as if she has no choice.
This also felt rushed because there are spelling/grammar errors, including several characters having their names spelled differently throughout the book. I'm unsure if an editor was used.
Well, this book feels like one of those. It's stuffed so full of tropes that it leaves room for nothing else. The characters are flat, the story is non-existent, the romantic tension is taking a coffee break. I could definitely recognise the tropes as they came up, and they are legion. I could list so many of them that I would probably miss some just from how numerous they are. But I couldn't tell you anything else about the characters or the plot.
Except this nitpick. It seems like everyone shames Layla's mother for not wanting to be in a polyamorous relationship, and instead choosing monogamy with only one of her fated mates. As much as I like poly/why choose/reverse harem stories, that kind of relationship isn't for everyone. It wasn't for Layla's mom, obviously. Maybe this was a way to get Layla to be comfortable with the idea having multiple mates, but it was done poorly. The way they talk about how she needs to accept all her mates feels almost cult-like, as if she has no choice.
This also felt rushed because there are spelling/grammar errors, including several characters having their names spelled differently throughout the book. I'm unsure if an editor was used.
December 12, 2022
I really enjoyed reading Layla’s story. Story really grabbed me right from the beginning. Storyline is really good. All the characters are really amazing. This is a slower burn romance which was perfectly fine with me. Love the world this author created. Does end on a cliffhanger. No spoilers here. Looking forward to reading the next book. Definitely a must read.
not-interested
September 16, 2024DNF 50% or more
I was bored to death trying to read this book. I'm not interested in rereading it, so I have to shelve it at least and make a notation.
I was bored to death trying to read this book. I'm not interested in rereading it, so I have to shelve it at least and make a notation.
February 17, 2024
3,5 ⭐
Layla è una diciottenne che dopo la morte dei genitori vive per strada nella periferia di Los Angeles, dopo essere riuscita a sfuggire al sistema affidatario americano.
A causa di un'aggressione finita sul notiziario scopre di avere un parente in vita, un ricco zio che vive nella cittadina di Smoky Falls, e che la accoglie nella sua casa.
Lì però non tutto è come sembra, infatti pian piano Layla scopre che la città è popolata da lupi mutaforma e di essere l'erede dell'alfa locale.
Ovviamente il suo arrivo non è accolto con favore da tutti, ma una parte del branco crede che, dato che sua madre è scappata anni prima, lei non abbia diritto ad entrare nella linea ereditaria, e farà di tutto per metterle i bastoni fra le ruote.
Questa è la seconda serie che leggo della Night e e anche stavolta non mi ha deluso. La scrittura è scorrevole e la trama riesce a tenere viva l'attenzione, anche se verso la fine la storia si è un poco arenata, per riprendersi decisamente con il colpo di scena finale.
Vorrei aprire una petizione per far si che l'autrice insegni ai colleghi come si scrive un reverse harem slow burn: in questo primo libro non ci sono scene spicy (che avrebbero decisamente cozzato con il tono della storia) e l'autrice si focalizza sull'introduzione dei vari personaggi e sulla creazione di un legame tra di loro, sulla spiegazione del worldbuilding e sulla crescita della protagonista, che non sa nulla del mondo in cui viene a trovarsi e del ruolo che dovrà ricoprire.
Layla è giovane, tuttavia ha un atteggiamento maturo, probabilmente dovuto al fatto che dopo che i genitori sono morti quando aveva 14 anni ha passato il periodo successivo vivendo per strada.
Ho apprezzato molto il fatto che si facesse domande e non nascondesse la testa sotto la sabbia, il suo modo di prendere di petto quello che le succede non cadendo nel vittimismo.
Nonostante tutto ho però preferito l'altra sua serie sui lupi mutaforma, in cui c'è meno dramma adolescenziale.
Layla è una diciottenne che dopo la morte dei genitori vive per strada nella periferia di Los Angeles, dopo essere riuscita a sfuggire al sistema affidatario americano.
A causa di un'aggressione finita sul notiziario scopre di avere un parente in vita, un ricco zio che vive nella cittadina di Smoky Falls, e che la accoglie nella sua casa.
Lì però non tutto è come sembra, infatti pian piano Layla scopre che la città è popolata da lupi mutaforma e di essere l'erede dell'alfa locale.
Ovviamente il suo arrivo non è accolto con favore da tutti, ma una parte del branco crede che, dato che sua madre è scappata anni prima, lei non abbia diritto ad entrare nella linea ereditaria, e farà di tutto per metterle i bastoni fra le ruote.
Questa è la seconda serie che leggo della Night e e anche stavolta non mi ha deluso. La scrittura è scorrevole e la trama riesce a tenere viva l'attenzione, anche se verso la fine la storia si è un poco arenata, per riprendersi decisamente con il colpo di scena finale.
Vorrei aprire una petizione per far si che l'autrice insegni ai colleghi come si scrive un reverse harem slow burn: in questo primo libro non ci sono scene spicy (che avrebbero decisamente cozzato con il tono della storia) e l'autrice si focalizza sull'introduzione dei vari personaggi e sulla creazione di un legame tra di loro, sulla spiegazione del worldbuilding e sulla crescita della protagonista, che non sa nulla del mondo in cui viene a trovarsi e del ruolo che dovrà ricoprire.
Layla è giovane, tuttavia ha un atteggiamento maturo, probabilmente dovuto al fatto che dopo che i genitori sono morti quando aveva 14 anni ha passato il periodo successivo vivendo per strada.
Ho apprezzato molto il fatto che si facesse domande e non nascondesse la testa sotto la sabbia, il suo modo di prendere di petto quello che le succede non cadendo nel vittimismo.
Nonostante tutto ho però preferito l'altra sua serie sui lupi mutaforma, in cui c'è meno dramma adolescenziale.
January 2, 2024
Pack Dreams is the first book in Laurel Night's Midnight Wolves of Smoky Falls series. Laurel is a new author for me and I didn't know what to expect, what I got was a stimulating take on a wolf shifter reverse harem.
With the characters being in their late teens this book reads a bit younger, with bullies, classes, and secrets. They're young, goofy, and still trying to figure their stuff out but that's okay. I loved that Layla was intelligent and inquisitive and was very stubborn about it. However, my favorite thing is that she trusted her instincts. I can't tell you how valuable and rare that is. The guys are all different but they're cool. They already have their own bond with each other and Lalya was just the missing piece. There's no steam in this one, they're building a friendship first, and with how young the characters are and the situation they're in it makes total sense.
I enjoyed the unique aspects Laurel has woven into the story. The history of the pack, bloodlines, magic, and destinies all had an unexpected twist to them, especially the bit about the alphas. It was different and made the story more entertaining. I have loads of questions about a bunch of things across the board but there's this feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. I know something is coming and I have an idea about what it could be but I don't know when.
Pack Dreams was a nice read. A little mystery, creativity, and high stakes, all made for a good read. The ending was most definitely a WTF moment. I knew something was coming but not exactly this. I'm curious as to how this is gonna play out in the next book, I have a slight guess with the second being called Pack Nightmares, although I could be wrong.
With the characters being in their late teens this book reads a bit younger, with bullies, classes, and secrets. They're young, goofy, and still trying to figure their stuff out but that's okay. I loved that Layla was intelligent and inquisitive and was very stubborn about it. However, my favorite thing is that she trusted her instincts. I can't tell you how valuable and rare that is. The guys are all different but they're cool. They already have their own bond with each other and Lalya was just the missing piece. There's no steam in this one, they're building a friendship first, and with how young the characters are and the situation they're in it makes total sense.
I enjoyed the unique aspects Laurel has woven into the story. The history of the pack, bloodlines, magic, and destinies all had an unexpected twist to them, especially the bit about the alphas. It was different and made the story more entertaining. I have loads of questions about a bunch of things across the board but there's this feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. I know something is coming and I have an idea about what it could be but I don't know when.
Pack Dreams was a nice read. A little mystery, creativity, and high stakes, all made for a good read. The ending was most definitely a WTF moment. I knew something was coming but not exactly this. I'm curious as to how this is gonna play out in the next book, I have a slight guess with the second being called Pack Nightmares, although I could be wrong.
December 14, 2022
I love Laurel's style of writing and I think by now, I'm used to some of the slower burns that she cranks out. If you're looking for steam or fast burn of any sort, you will not get that here. That's not to say that the next book will be completely different. This book however, focused on friendship before lovers and I liked that Layla and her guys worked on establishing a more comforting and stable relationship with one another, even with the fated mates deal going on between them. There was a pull but nothing that would force them to go beyond what each other wanted, no wolf taking control and claiming. It was all very controlled and I appreciated that since Layla was basically thrown into this situation and was clueless about this world and her heritage. The guys were sweet and really took Layla's needs into consideration in their approach with her.
The cliffhanger at the end of this book was definitely one that snags your attention. I sort of saw it coming as I connected things between Layla's attack in the beginning of the book and I'm hoping I'm correct in my assumption as this series continues. But the question is, will it lead to something bad with a taste of betrayal or something good with the hopes of starting something new?
I'm excited to see what becomes of Layla as she dives head first into her new place in the pack. I want to learn so much more about her past and her family and see her grow into the Alpha she was meant to be. This book wasn't too intense in the issues Layla had to deal with but I'm betting that is about to change. The introduction is over and now the real hurdles are going to start popping up.
The cliffhanger at the end of this book was definitely one that snags your attention. I sort of saw it coming as I connected things between Layla's attack in the beginning of the book and I'm hoping I'm correct in my assumption as this series continues. But the question is, will it lead to something bad with a taste of betrayal or something good with the hopes of starting something new?
I'm excited to see what becomes of Layla as she dives head first into her new place in the pack. I want to learn so much more about her past and her family and see her grow into the Alpha she was meant to be. This book wasn't too intense in the issues Layla had to deal with but I'm betting that is about to change. The introduction is over and now the real hurdles are going to start popping up.
March 27, 2025
A NA / YA shifter novel (not quite a "romance" at this stage)
Layla has gone from being an only child with her two parents, always on the move and in questionable areas, to a foster child in a not-so-great home, to a young teen on the streets, to... living in a castle with a long-lost uncle? That was unexpected.
When Layla gets to Smoky Falls, she feels a sense of home and belonging like she never knew. Despite this, she has questions that no one seems to be willing to answer. It's later revealed that her uncle, the temporary alpha of Smoky Falls pack, has compelled everyone to keep quiet about anything wolf related until her mates finally tell her. After her first shift, the compulsion is lifted, and she's able to get the answers she's been wanting... and certainly wasn't expecting.
She comes from a long line of Alphas. She's expected to lead the pack, and there's a whole lot that comes with that, too. Talk about an info dump!
Can she wrap her head around it all and become who she needs to be?
--------------------
This story is definitely coming of age / young adult. The spice is 0.25/5 for the time being (there's one scene where she briefly makes out with a guy). Considering all that's just happened to the poor FMC and what she's learned, it really isn't surprising that there's other things on her mind!
The plot is pretty good. There's a little bit of mystery, some drama with another woman (not much), and it's essentially the FMC finding herself in this new life thrust upon her.
I'm jumping into the next book right now! I'm excited to see where that cliffhanger leads!
Layla has gone from being an only child with her two parents, always on the move and in questionable areas, to a foster child in a not-so-great home, to a young teen on the streets, to... living in a castle with a long-lost uncle? That was unexpected.
When Layla gets to Smoky Falls, she feels a sense of home and belonging like she never knew. Despite this, she has questions that no one seems to be willing to answer. It's later revealed that her uncle, the temporary alpha of Smoky Falls pack, has compelled everyone to keep quiet about anything wolf related until her mates finally tell her. After her first shift, the compulsion is lifted, and she's able to get the answers she's been wanting... and certainly wasn't expecting.
She comes from a long line of Alphas. She's expected to lead the pack, and there's a whole lot that comes with that, too. Talk about an info dump!
Can she wrap her head around it all and become who she needs to be?
--------------------
This story is definitely coming of age / young adult. The spice is 0.25/5 for the time being (there's one scene where she briefly makes out with a guy). Considering all that's just happened to the poor FMC and what she's learned, it really isn't surprising that there's other things on her mind!
The plot is pretty good. There's a little bit of mystery, some drama with another woman (not much), and it's essentially the FMC finding herself in this new life thrust upon her.
I'm jumping into the next book right now! I'm excited to see where that cliffhanger leads!
January 1, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "PACK DREAMS" This story kind of sets up what's going to happen later on when secrets get revealed, dark haunting dreams, danger, violence, brutal attack, emotional turmoil, grief, loneliness, feeling lost, twists that keeps you turning the pages.
Layla doesn't really know who or what she is, her parent left, what secrets were they running from, one night she brutally attacked by stranger taken to hospital, when a long lost relative comes for her, takes her to Smoky Falls Tennessee apparently her Uncle is a reclusive Billionaire the town respects who he is, he warns her never to go into the forest after dark.
Layla enters College meets three guys who become friends they've known forever that she was their mate but she doesn't know what she is, loved how they are with her protective, great guys, she sweet considering she's had a rough life.
I definitely recommend to get this interesting story Layla & her guys take you on quite the adventure, will they tell her what she is, will she believe them, she knows that have ties up her family, how does she deal with knowing their her mates.
I'm looking forward to "PACK NIGHTMARE" after that cliffhanger to how things change in next hook with the characters & everything they'll have to deal with.
GREAT START TO THIS INTRIGUING TRILOGY 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Layla doesn't really know who or what she is, her parent left, what secrets were they running from, one night she brutally attacked by stranger taken to hospital, when a long lost relative comes for her, takes her to Smoky Falls Tennessee apparently her Uncle is a reclusive Billionaire the town respects who he is, he warns her never to go into the forest after dark.
Layla enters College meets three guys who become friends they've known forever that she was their mate but she doesn't know what she is, loved how they are with her protective, great guys, she sweet considering she's had a rough life.
I definitely recommend to get this interesting story Layla & her guys take you on quite the adventure, will they tell her what she is, will she believe them, she knows that have ties up her family, how does she deal with knowing their her mates.
I'm looking forward to "PACK NIGHTMARE" after that cliffhanger to how things change in next hook with the characters & everything they'll have to deal with.
GREAT START TO THIS INTRIGUING TRILOGY 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
January 18, 2024
"Welcome to Smoky Falls, Layla."
Layla hasn't had an easy childhood. Although she loved her parents they were very secretive about their pasts and she knew they were hiding something, she just didnt know what. When they died she went into foster care but ran away living on the streets until she was the victim of a brutal attack. The story made national television and she was claimed by a rich uncle, her mothers brother who she never knew existed. After a year spent recuperating and getting her education to a level where she could attend classes at a local college Layla is taken to Smoky Falls to meet her uncle and start a new life.
This story was totally engrossing and there was a lot packed into it. Manifestations, fated mates and family bloodlines all play a large part in this story. The authors note at the beginning does warn about the slow burn and while I do prefer a bit of steam in the books I read I didn't notice the lack of steam until I finished because the story was just that good. Now the cliffhanger. I did have a feeling that particular person was going to emerge at some point as the name did keep cropping up... A lot! I was happy to realise that the next book is already out though so I don't have to wait to see what happens and can dive back into the story straight away which I fully intend to do
Layla hasn't had an easy childhood. Although she loved her parents they were very secretive about their pasts and she knew they were hiding something, she just didnt know what. When they died she went into foster care but ran away living on the streets until she was the victim of a brutal attack. The story made national television and she was claimed by a rich uncle, her mothers brother who she never knew existed. After a year spent recuperating and getting her education to a level where she could attend classes at a local college Layla is taken to Smoky Falls to meet her uncle and start a new life.
This story was totally engrossing and there was a lot packed into it. Manifestations, fated mates and family bloodlines all play a large part in this story. The authors note at the beginning does warn about the slow burn and while I do prefer a bit of steam in the books I read I didn't notice the lack of steam until I finished because the story was just that good. Now the cliffhanger. I did have a feeling that particular person was going to emerge at some point as the name did keep cropping up... A lot! I was happy to realise that the next book is already out though so I don't have to wait to see what happens and can dive back into the story straight away which I fully intend to do
December 27, 2023
"Pack Dreams" is the first book in the "Midnight Wolves of Smoky Falls" series, and I really enjoyed the idea behind this series. A young woman who knows nothing about the place she came from, and ends up with her uncle who's hiding the role she's supposed to fulfill in their town and what it means for her and those she cares for to do so. There's a lot of mysterie around her past and present, multiple questions that linger after this first book, and I'm definitely intrigued by it all.
Everything develops quite slowly in this first book though. While I don't mind a slow burn romance, the plot develops slowly as well, and there were moments where I felt myself losing interest. The author managed to pull me back in each time, so I still enjoyed this book and I'm definitely looking forward to start book two, but I can imagine people ending up dnf'ing this book when the plot development really slows down. I sincerely believe it's worth to pull through, and I have high hopes for book two because I believe in the idea behind this series and the potential once the story picks up.
The ending of this first was a cliffhanger I anticipated in a way, but I'm absolutely looking forward to find out what this will mean for Layla, and maybe even her men...
Everything develops quite slowly in this first book though. While I don't mind a slow burn romance, the plot develops slowly as well, and there were moments where I felt myself losing interest. The author managed to pull me back in each time, so I still enjoyed this book and I'm definitely looking forward to start book two, but I can imagine people ending up dnf'ing this book when the plot development really slows down. I sincerely believe it's worth to pull through, and I have high hopes for book two because I believe in the idea behind this series and the potential once the story picks up.
The ending of this first was a cliffhanger I anticipated in a way, but I'm absolutely looking forward to find out what this will mean for Layla, and maybe even her men...
December 28, 2023
Layla has to overcome so many challenges just to survive regular life. Surviving an attack is something next level, but seems to be in her wheel house. Finding out that one, you’re a wolf….no really. Two, that you have a destiny to fulfill, and a pack to protect and guide. Three, (the best part) you have three hunks as your fated mates.
The emotions of a teenager are a hot mess without undue pressure; imagine having an entire life change while just trying to figure yourself out. Imagine taking on responsibilities beyond yourself when you have been struggling to find food on a daily basis. Imagine finding family (and friends…hot hunks…cough cough) when you thought you were all alone. Imagine knowing you are meant to be something but believing the opposite. Imagine this story ending with a cliffhanger!
This story cover a range of emotions, trusting no one, having no friends, always on the run, loss of parents, survival, survival, survival….then flip and everything changes. This is safe for the YA reader. PG.
The emotions of a teenager are a hot mess without undue pressure; imagine having an entire life change while just trying to figure yourself out. Imagine taking on responsibilities beyond yourself when you have been struggling to find food on a daily basis. Imagine finding family (and friends…hot hunks…cough cough) when you thought you were all alone. Imagine knowing you are meant to be something but believing the opposite. Imagine this story ending with a cliffhanger!
This story cover a range of emotions, trusting no one, having no friends, always on the run, loss of parents, survival, survival, survival….then flip and everything changes. This is safe for the YA reader. PG.
January 18, 2024
Loved it!
Pack Dreams is the first in a new shifter slow burn romance series. Layla grew up in the streets of LA after the tragic death of her parents at a young age and issues with foster care. She was part of a group of other street kids that were kept safe by Derrek until Layla was attacked and hospitalized then her uncle discovers her and claims her. But it's not until she finally makes her way to Smoky Falls where her uncle lives that she realizes that things aren't quite as it seems. She's the next heir to the Harridan pack and she's a shifter!!!
Milo, Landon and Jared have known that Layla was there fated mate forever but meeting her in person made it very real. They have to show her what it means to be alpha and get her to accept them and their pack.
Lots of crazy stuff happens but I don't want to ruin the story!! The ending though .. Wow!!! Can't wait to find out where that goes!
This was a fantastic story and can't wait to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pack Dreams is the first in a new shifter slow burn romance series. Layla grew up in the streets of LA after the tragic death of her parents at a young age and issues with foster care. She was part of a group of other street kids that were kept safe by Derrek until Layla was attacked and hospitalized then her uncle discovers her and claims her. But it's not until she finally makes her way to Smoky Falls where her uncle lives that she realizes that things aren't quite as it seems. She's the next heir to the Harridan pack and she's a shifter!!!
Milo, Landon and Jared have known that Layla was there fated mate forever but meeting her in person made it very real. They have to show her what it means to be alpha and get her to accept them and their pack.
Lots of crazy stuff happens but I don't want to ruin the story!! The ending though .. Wow!!! Can't wait to find out where that goes!
This was a fantastic story and can't wait to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2024
slow burn at its finest!
This is my first time reading Laurel Night’s work and let me just say Pack Dreams, the first book in the Midnight Wolves of Smoky Falls series, definitely hooked me and lured me in with its slow burn anticipation, mysterious going ons and hidden pasts—though my only issue was I felt like it dropped you in rather abruptly into the story. However Laurel has such a way with words you soon forget all about it as the story pulls you in.
This is the story of our FMC Layla, who is essentially clueless of her past and heritage, having lived a hard life on the run, in foster care and then on the streets as a ru away-until an incident changes all that and she gets sent to a mysterious town to stay with a long lost uncle…and three sexy, protective and very magnetic men.
And just remember, this is an extremely slow burn romance, so don’t go in expecting much heat! However if you love slow burn, why choose, friends-to-lovers, fated mate, insta love romances this is the one for you!
This is my first time reading Laurel Night’s work and let me just say Pack Dreams, the first book in the Midnight Wolves of Smoky Falls series, definitely hooked me and lured me in with its slow burn anticipation, mysterious going ons and hidden pasts—though my only issue was I felt like it dropped you in rather abruptly into the story. However Laurel has such a way with words you soon forget all about it as the story pulls you in.
This is the story of our FMC Layla, who is essentially clueless of her past and heritage, having lived a hard life on the run, in foster care and then on the streets as a ru away-until an incident changes all that and she gets sent to a mysterious town to stay with a long lost uncle…and three sexy, protective and very magnetic men.
And just remember, this is an extremely slow burn romance, so don’t go in expecting much heat! However if you love slow burn, why choose, friends-to-lovers, fated mate, insta love romances this is the one for you!
November 10, 2023
This is book 1 of the series and the story continues in book 2. It's also a slow-burn why choose PNR.
Layla escaped the foster system to live on the streets after her parents die, but is claimed by a long-lost uncle just before her 18th birthday. Then she finds out she's about to inherit a pack and that she's a wolf shifter.
Layla is grateful to her uncle for stepping in and it masked some of the red flags she probably should have seen coming.
The guys are all super sweet and can't do enough for Layla, I'm just hoping they're not too good to be true.
I enjoyed the overall story, there's still a mystery surrounding her mother's reasons for leaving the pack and I'm sure there will be a whole lot more relating to the pack in general.
This was a bit slow going, but I think it suited the characters as they were all around 18 and just starting college.
I love the way it ended, it's not a cliffhanger as such, but it definitely makes me want to start the next book.
Layla escaped the foster system to live on the streets after her parents die, but is claimed by a long-lost uncle just before her 18th birthday. Then she finds out she's about to inherit a pack and that she's a wolf shifter.
Layla is grateful to her uncle for stepping in and it masked some of the red flags she probably should have seen coming.
The guys are all super sweet and can't do enough for Layla, I'm just hoping they're not too good to be true.
I enjoyed the overall story, there's still a mystery surrounding her mother's reasons for leaving the pack and I'm sure there will be a whole lot more relating to the pack in general.
This was a bit slow going, but I think it suited the characters as they were all around 18 and just starting college.
I love the way it ended, it's not a cliffhanger as such, but it definitely makes me want to start the next book.
January 2, 2024
Fun start
Pack Dreams is a fun start to a new werewolf series by Laurel Knight.
Poor Layla, having survived a gruesome attack in LA, is found by her long lost uncle and brought home to Tennessee, and unbeknownst to her - the pack.
This is a slow burn, why choose romance with fated mates. I enjoyed Layla’s character, she embodies the angst of being a teenager on the cusp of adulthood, forced to confront the unknown. Her openness contrasted well with her wariness and made her a likeable fmc.
Milo, Landon and Jared are all interesting as well, however, because it’s such a slow burn, we’re still developing a sense of them. But it will definitely be interesting to see how their relationship evolves.
It did take me a bit to get into the author’s writing style as it felt awkward at the beginning. However, the ending was surprising and I’m looking forward to learning the answers to all the outstanding questions.
Pack Dreams is a fun start to a new werewolf series by Laurel Knight.
Poor Layla, having survived a gruesome attack in LA, is found by her long lost uncle and brought home to Tennessee, and unbeknownst to her - the pack.
This is a slow burn, why choose romance with fated mates. I enjoyed Layla’s character, she embodies the angst of being a teenager on the cusp of adulthood, forced to confront the unknown. Her openness contrasted well with her wariness and made her a likeable fmc.
Milo, Landon and Jared are all interesting as well, however, because it’s such a slow burn, we’re still developing a sense of them. But it will definitely be interesting to see how their relationship evolves.
It did take me a bit to get into the author’s writing style as it felt awkward at the beginning. However, the ending was surprising and I’m looking forward to learning the answers to all the outstanding questions.
January 21, 2024
Loved this book! It's a perfect blend of shifter romance and slow-burn, suitable for YA/NA readers. It's got a PG rating, which is great for those who prefer a milder romance. The story follows Layla, a teenager dealing with the loss of her parents. After a brutal incident, she learns about a wealthy uncle who offers her a fresh start. Though it seems odd, Layla takes the chance to move on.
As she heals, Layla meets Milo, Landon, and Jared. They're sweet and caring, making Layla feel hopeful about her future. But there's a twist: these guys are her destined mates, and they knew it the moment she arrived in their pack's territory. They keep this secret from her, and here's another surprise – Layla herself is a shifter, but she's clueless about it! She's smart, though, and starts figuring out the mysteries surrounding her.
The book ends with a cliffhanger that totally sets the stage for book 2, and I can't wait to read it!
As she heals, Layla meets Milo, Landon, and Jared. They're sweet and caring, making Layla feel hopeful about her future. But there's a twist: these guys are her destined mates, and they knew it the moment she arrived in their pack's territory. They keep this secret from her, and here's another surprise – Layla herself is a shifter, but she's clueless about it! She's smart, though, and starts figuring out the mysteries surrounding her.
The book ends with a cliffhanger that totally sets the stage for book 2, and I can't wait to read it!
August 29, 2024
Smokey Falls
Pnr, rh, fated mates, lost heritage, royalty. Spoilers in review: this series crashes into existence as if you forgot to read the first few chapters. An orphan living on the streets has been gravely attacked, discovered by her wealthy uncle, and spent a year in rehabilitation with her uncle's employee. She is moved to his home only to discover that he is the alpha of a cursed wolf pack, she is the heir, has 3 fated mates and will turn into a wolf on the next full moon. This is a good trope and the series could have been quite satisfying. It is however quite juvenile, and the main characters definitely act their 18 year age. The romance reflects teenage angst with "does she like me overtones". Book 2 introduces entire new characters, but the ya theme continues. This might be an interesting series for teenagers? But calling it a reverse harem is unrealistic.
Pnr, rh, fated mates, lost heritage, royalty. Spoilers in review: this series crashes into existence as if you forgot to read the first few chapters. An orphan living on the streets has been gravely attacked, discovered by her wealthy uncle, and spent a year in rehabilitation with her uncle's employee. She is moved to his home only to discover that he is the alpha of a cursed wolf pack, she is the heir, has 3 fated mates and will turn into a wolf on the next full moon. This is a good trope and the series could have been quite satisfying. It is however quite juvenile, and the main characters definitely act their 18 year age. The romance reflects teenage angst with "does she like me overtones". Book 2 introduces entire new characters, but the ya theme continues. This might be an interesting series for teenagers? But calling it a reverse harem is unrealistic.
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