Wolves & Warriors

by Chloe Parker, Sophie Ash, Clarissa Bright

Get bitten, abducted, dominated, and claimed by these SMOKING HOT alpha-hole baddies…

Whether you prefer your hero dark and brooding, sweet and sensual, monstrous or beautiful, we’ve got him ready and waiting to give you exactly what you desire.

This collection holds nothing back with all the tension that drives you wild and all the panty-melting steam you crave. Rouse your desire for top-notch paranormal romance with 16 all new books, and then keep reading for 5 equally enticing stories of the sci fi variety.

Shifters, vampires, demons, and more are ready and waiting to bend you over that bed and pound their stories into your brain until you’re panting, moaning, and screaming for more.

Think you can stand the heat? Claim your copy of WOLVES & WARRIORS today.

This limited anthology contains exclusive stories by:

Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Kathryn Moon
Rory Miles
Loxley Savage
Aleera Anaya Ceres
Loni Ree
Sara Ivy Hill
RuNyx
C.M. Nascosta
Lana Kole
Lyx Robinson
Chloe Gunter
Flora Quincy
Lydia Reeves & Xu-Ji Westin
S.K. Reign
Lydia Guleva
Leann Castellanos
Jinx Layne
Crystal Ash (writing as Sophie Ash)
Clarissa Bright
Chloe Parker
Don't wait. This anthology is available for a limited time only.

Wolves & Warriors is a charity anthology benefitting the Shy Wolf Sanctuary, a safe haven for injured, abandoned or neglected un-releasable wild and captive-bred exotic animals.

Genres: Romance, Anthologies, Fantasy, Paranormal, Monster Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance

1588 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2022

About the author

Chloe Parker is a full-time smut peddler and part-time academic working on a PhD in alien eggplant. When she's not dreaming up angsty, fantastical love stories, you can find her spending time with her three little dogs and her delightfully weird husband.

Follow Chloe on Social Media!
Newsletter: chloeparker.substack.com
Tiktok: @chloe.parker.author
Instagram: @chloesinspace
Facebook Group: Clarissa Bright and Chloe Parker's Book Fiends

Reviews

[Janabookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟

Review for 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑬𝑽𝑬 𝑶𝑭 𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑽𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑬𝑵 ( 𝑨 𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒌𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒍) 𝑩𝒚 : author Runyx

I love this Prequel! It gives us the glimpse of the upcoming Fantasy Trilogy of Author Runyx. I love the world of Throndak, Can't wait to see more of it! I'm not much into Fantasy but I could read anything by Author Runyx🙈..Her words spell-bounds me always.

In this prequel, we see a Legend which occurs centuries before the actual story will take place. Where the Darkassan 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 his Queen😏🔥.

Even though this Prequel is so short, it leaves me wanting for more..more of this couple!! The Mating scene was *𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙨* *𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙨* *𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙨*🥵🦋💦👀
Let me tell you all the tropes here:-
🍆 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝!𝐧𝐠
🍌 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐭!𝐧𝐠
🍆 𝐁!𝐭!𝐧𝐠
🍌 𝐏𝐑!𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲
🍆 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 🍆
🍌 𝐁𝐥𝟎𝟎𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲
🍆 "𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞" 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐚!𝐦!𝐧𝐠
𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞! *𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀*

Go go read this prequel now!! I freaking love it!! Daddy Draker is waiting for you all😏🔥

[Meredith is a hot mess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for Pan and the Nymph by Lyx Robinson

“Words spoken are as an oath carved in stone,” he intoned. “I will ask you this once, because you and your friend have earned my graces. Are you certain these are the words you choose?”

“Those are the words I choose,” I said, heart thrumming.

He let that hang in the air a moment, too. Like I was sealing a pact. “Then what’s said is said.”

*Art by Lyx Robinson

When I saw the author tease her entry in this anthology I immediately jumped to read this. Pan and the Nymph is a standout short story in this collection for being a beautifully crafted Greek mythology retelling featuring Pan, a temple servant, and her warrior lover.

The writing was lush and whimsical, distantly reminding me of Tanith Lee's short story, The Heart of the Moon. For TL fans, make no mistake, Robinson's short story isn't quite as vast, layered, or epic -yet it shares a few similar qualities. A strong woman making sacrifices for her community and discovering someone worthy of her love along the way. However, the romance in Robinson's short story between the heroine and her lover doesn't take front and center. This is MMF and it's very much the journey of the heroine, her lover, and Pan coming together. Typically I wouldn't reach for this kind of MMF dynamic, but it 100% worked in this Greek mythology retelling. This also contains all of the debauchery one would expect to find while reading about a feast that celebrates the god Dionysus. An added plus is that this isn't a prequel ending on a cliffhanger, but a self-contained story with a solid ending. I adore reading this author's reinterpretation of myths, and can't wait to see what other fantasy worlds she has in store for her readers.

"You are mine, Eirene," he breathed. "Mine until you are part of this earth again...mine till the rivers carry you upon their currents. And when I stand in those waters, I will feel my nymph flowing between my fingers again, as we are now."

[amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

for: the eve of eleventeen by runyx

read May 29, 2023 - May 29, 2023: 4 stars

[Natalie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy read with RHR. I’m doing well on the anthology front this year. This one feels pretty big and there’s a handful of ones I’m looking forward to. 1,2, 9 and 10 I’m excited for.

1) Astaroth: The Great Duke of Hell by Kathryn Ann Kingsley. I loved this one. I could’ve done without the grandma after the opening but the rest was amazing. I liked the summoning, it was unique and more interesting than the standard smoke and poof. Astaroth knew what he wanted and took it. Strange how he was a demon but a lot nicer than the author’s other villains. It was cute and I wouldn’t mind more. I’m curious about what Kay’s bloodline is. Deals with family abuse and mentions of suicide. 5 stars.

2) The Basilisk of Star Manor by Kathryn Moon. From the series I’m impatiently waiting for. Given the smut level from the first book, I think I was expecting it to be more racy. Instead it was adorably sweet. A basilisk and a blind innocent. Cute story. 4 stars.

3) Anthia by Rory Miles. Spin off. Had a feeling it would be. Guess I’ll have to give the Blood mafia series a go. I liked Sam, how steadfast and patient he was. I liked the support Anthia had from those around her. 3.5 stars.

4) Untamed Alphas by Loxley Savage. Dark MMF omega verse. It was a good start and then it felt rushed. Focused on the omega treatment and the bad guy. Zero on the relationship side. I mean come on ménage. Curious about the male omega but disappointed with the story. 2 stars.

5) Her Alien Merman by Aleera Anaya Ceres. Took a hit from the glossary. Cute story. I thought the friend would see the error of his ways from one of the survivors but meh apparently not. Ended pretty abruptly. 3.5 stars.

6) His Curvy Goddess by Loni Ree. Ooh new author for me. Spin off from the Celestial falls series. Cupid’s daughter and the fae mate that abandoned her. For a second chance fated mates, it fell pretty flat. The reconciliation was almost immediate despite the slow start. I’m curious about the series but this one felt immature and the magic wand made me cringe. 2.5 stars.

7) Bound by the King by Sara Ivy Hill. Another new author. The ribbons confused me and the amount of salt that isn’t harmful. Other than that it was an alright story. Was hoping the father and cousin would be dealt with. 3 stars.

8) The Eve of Eleventeen by RuNyx. A Drakonara series prequel. I liked it. It was a unique way of setting up the omega mate system. It was a writing style I enjoyed and possibly a series I’ll read, depends on how dark and prison like it is. Shame they didn’t just smite Malin there and then. 4 stars.

9) Shadows & Light by C.M. Nascosta. A Cambric creek story. Loved this one. The wolf not so much but Lux and Jude were so sweet. The ability to change how he wanted was cool. 5 stars.

10) How Not to Date a Demon by Lana Kole. Felt like the longest one so far but not complaining. It was fun. The power switching was a bit weird but I liked Maeve trying to find out the truth and the puppies were adorable. I’m curious about her punishment. 4.5 stars.

11) Pan and the Nymph by Lyx Robinson. Satyr orgy. This was pretty much a ménage one with a lot of sex and I loved it. Always a fan of the myths and legends. Will be looking out for more by this author. 4.5 stars.

12) Tied to the Wolves by Chloe Gunter. The blurb sounds a bit random and gives nothing away. Spin off from the thread line agency series. Thought it was a ménage and then so happy it was a reverse harem. Four wolves and a witchling. Sutton was my favourite. 4 stars.

13) A Giant Love by Flora Quincy. Wtf on the blurb, makes it sound like robots or sci-fi. Greek gods. I liked that their wasn’t a miscommunication trope but it was an insta marriage, sexual fantasy list with a cliche ending. 2.5 stars.

14) Dark Symmetry by Lydia Reeves & Xu-Ji Westin. Didn’t like this one. Felt sorry for the demon and the Angel was obnoxious. The Angel ruined the story making it immature and headache inducing. DNF.

15) The Omega’s Secret by S.K. Reign. Prequel. I’m curious. I didn’t like the way the omegas were treated and couldn’t stand the parents. I liked Duncan and how caring he was. Mainly heat smut. 3 stars.

16) Bewitching my Dragon by Lydia Guleva. Took a while to get into and I was sure I’d missed a prequel or spin off somewhere. Not really that interested in the couple, more interested in the sisters and who they ended up with. 3 stars.

17) Luna’s Lullaby by Leann Castellanos. I liked this one. More hurt comfort than anything. Had a pack family vibe and some fun bits to keep it light. Mixed feelings on the mother. 3.5 stars.

18) Warrior Mine by Jinx Layne. Couldn’t really get into this one. Something about it made it feel immature and simple. Insta mates 2.5 stars.

19) The Traveler by Sophie Ash. It was different. Interesting but Aria was offish from the start and took some getting used to. The MCs were interesting and I’m curious about the angel. 3.5 stars.

20) The Killing Moon by Clarissa Bright. An Alien mafia novella. This one was really awkward. Alien mafia/spy. The spy playing seducer with the guy knowing all along and both of them set up in the first place. Interesting but awkward with an open ending. 3 stars.

21) Saved by the Lycanthrope by Chloe Parker. A Riftwolves novella. Post apocalypse angels, blessed and wolves. I tried but not my thing. The innocence was over the top, it was just annoying. DNF.

Pretty much went as expected with one new author to add to the TBR.

[p ☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

the eve of eleventeen - runyx

[Tieraney (arobynns version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

kathryn moon & KAKs shorts were amazing!

starting the anthology off with astaroth was a phenomenal choice and def set the tone for the rest of the stories!!

the alien merman was another amazing short !!

[Hilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 21 short stories in this beast of a book.

Astaroth: The Great Duke of Hell Kathryn Ann Kingsley
4/5 stars.

Hi. I’m Kaleigh Winters. I just summoned Astaroth, the Great Duke of Hell. And he ate my grandma.

A quick cute story about finding love with a demon you summon to help escape a very abusive grandmother.

The Basilisk of Star Manor: A Tempting Monsters Story Kathryn Moon
5/5 Stars

A shape shifting snake that can turn you into stone if you look directly at his eyes. Oh, but what if his lover is blind? Winner! This was so good. Probably my favorite and it felt like a real story.

The Eve of Eleventeen: A Drakonara Series Prequel RuNyx
5/5 Stars

“I am here to claim you, and show that spineless king what happens when you go against a Drakon.”

These stories are so good. I think I’m going to end my review here but all of them have been winners so far.

[mi · Rating 4 out of 5]

— ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

i just read the drakonara prequel, so my review is only about it.

damn, i can't wait for the actual book. very exciting, and i already ship drakarvesryn. i hope they show up in the future, and hopefully are the main characters.

we can already tell the world building will need all our brain cells to be able to catch up on and not miss a thing, and i completely ADORE when the universes are that complex and you can build your own theories. considering this was a sneak peek, i'm not gonna lie, it felt like too much information at once. perhaps it could've been a little bit simpler. anyhow, i loved it.

i'm extremely excited for drakonara.

[bookittothelibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only got to read about 8 or 9 out of the many novellas that were in this but the ones I did read were amazing, and you got just enough story and even angst in one little novella, you can really see all the talent in these ladies and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books by them.

I know some of you and I know what you read so i know you will enjoy reading this. You know who you are.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthology - shifter/alien/monster-themed

Romance trope: aliens/monsters
Length: 1588 pages

Astaroth: The Great Duke of Hell by Kathryn Ann Kingsley - This was one of my favorites in the book. Kaleigh, only twenty-one years old, is at a dead end, stuck in a dilapidated apartment with her abusive grandma. Not knowing what else to do, she attempts to summon a demon, not believing that it will really work. What she doesn't know is that she has magic in her; she does summon a demon: Astaroth, the Great Duke of Hell. It turns out that while he's happy to do her destructive bidding, he's also a bit of a gentleman and Kaleigh is just his type. The cinnamon roll of a demon might just be falling in love.
Complete story

The Basilisk of Star Manor by Kathryn Moon - Another of my favorites - the writing is tight and clean, and I so appreciate that! This is a companion to A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor. Marius, a basilisk who can use his venom in multiple ways, is looking for some companionship. Birsha, the slimy proprietor of a house of pleasure, offers him unfettered access to his wares, but only if he acts as a spy in Star Manor, a rival house. He agrees and goes to Star Manor where he is matched with Lillian, who is blind and thus one of the few people he can look at without an eye covering. At first, he doesn't see the appeal of the washed-out, innocent woman, but time will tell.
Complete story within established series

Anthia by Rory Miles - Anthia is a master vampire who has fought hard to maintain control over her territory. She is threatened on all sides, but that's what her bodyguard, Sam, is for, right? Sam would like to be more, if only Anthia would allow him inside the barriers she's built.
I'm not really into vampire stories - I burnt myself out on them in the late 90s - early 2000s. but this was a cute story of love after tragedy.
Complete story within Blood Mafia series

Untamed Alphas by Loxley Savage - The title says it's a MMF story, but the two male characters are twin brothers, so...?
Taryn is a prized omega, except that in her world, those omegas are prized for sex and breeding and aren't always treated well. Her family is killed and she ends up in a new pack, still a bit of an outsider. When the twin alphas of the new pack disappear and Taryn is captured by the wannabe new alpha, she has to find a way to save herself and maybe the real alphas as well.
Complete story

Her Alien Merman by Aleera Anaya Ceres - This one annoyed me a little, in the sense that there was a 2-page glossary at the beginning - I don't want to have to learn a whole new language for a short story. I don't mind (mostly) if it's for a long book or series, but this seemed a bit much, and tbh, I skimmed all those made-up phrases and words. So I got the gist of the story - Maria is on a spaceship going to another planet because things are bad on hers (aren't they always!) and there is a crash. She's found by a merman who happens to be her mate. Nothing against the author - it's me! My eyes glaze over with the made-up language, it doesn't matter which story it is.
Complete story

His Curvy Goddess by Loni Ree - Aurora, daughter of Cupid, almost had fated love when she was 18 years old. Nix, Fae royalty, was her mate, but when he first saw her, he was mean and then left. Now, years later, he wants her back. He has an explanation, but will it be enough?
This one was cute and sweet and was exactly what I expected from this author (I mean that in a good way!). All Aurora knows is that her mate humiliated her at a party and she wants nothing to do with the arrogant jerk. For his part, he was surprised and concerned; he couldn't take care of her the way he wanted until he secured his inheritance and position in his world. He's done that and now he wants to make amends. He concocts a scheme whereby she will have to spend time with him. Maybe then he can convince her of his sincerity.
Complete story within established series

Bound by the King by Sara Ivy Hill - Aster, human, has escaped her restrictive settlement where she was going to be forced to marry her repulsive cousin. She is found outside of her territory by Damir, king of the Nightborn, who is about to be forced to marry a human to fulfill the terms of the treaty. He is drawn to Aster, but cannot indulge his desires; his people and hers depend on them fulfilling their roles. But maybe there is a way in the end.
This story is connected to the author's Nightborn world, which I first read about in Big Feels: A Monster Romance Anthology. I don't think that book is available anymore, but if you come across it, it's a fantastic anthology.
Complete story

The Eve of Eleventeen by RuNyx - Vesryn is a human who has been taken care of by the king with the expectation that she would be his mate when she was fertile. That time has come and gone, though, and she's still not queen. Then one night there is a gathering for the four kings of the area, and it turns out that she is something more than just human and the Darkassan is coming to the party. He'll come for her and she'll have to be ready,
Again, so much information that I have to read just to understand a short story1 I know I sound really lazy! I just don't expect to have to study or flip back and forth to understand what's going on in the story. That said, I did like this one. I'm a fan of omegaverse and the Darkassan was relentless and did not care about anyone else. Lol, watch me through the glass!
Prequel to Drakonara series/complete story for this couple(as far as I know)

Shadows and Light by C.M. Nacosta - Jude is a shifter who doesn't shift. She's not valuable to her father so he bargains her away in a shady deal. She thinks she has a new mate, but once he finds out that she can't shift, he abandons her, except for when she's in heat. In fact, he sends her to live somewhere else completely, and she has a bodyguard: Luz, a creature of shadow who becomes something much more for her. I loved this one - no shaming from Lux about what Jude needs to do to make it through. Jude accepts Lux for what he is. They are perfect for each other, and they made it to Cambric Creek in the end.
Complete story

How Not to Date a Demon by Lana Kole - Maeve is happy, for the most part, with her new live-in boyfriend. Sure he doesn't pick up after himself, but he's great in every other way. But lately, she's been noticing some strange occurrences, and she finds out that maybe he isn't what he seems.
Galen is a demon, but are demons as bad as she first thought? She'll have to go to hell to find out!
Dominant heroine despite the fact that the hero is the Seventh Devil of the Seventh Region of Hell.
Complete story with deleted scenes available from the author's website.

Pan and the Nymph by Lyx Robinson - Eirene is a servant of the temple, sent to appeal to the god Pan to bless their harvest. She's happy to go - she'll see her secret lover, Orestes, there. Pan wants something from her, though, and he'll make a bargain that includes both her and Orestes. Not that they're complaining.
This author always brings the super squelchy, cross-the-line, orgiastic steam, and I'm here for it!
Complete story

Tied to the Wolves by Chloe Gunter - Sadie is escaping a bad ex who has taken over her coven. She goes home with a couple of wolves one night and has some fun, but she leaves in the morning to find work. She's matched with the wolf shifter alphas to be their assistant and finds that two of them are her companions from the other night, and the other two are just as intriguing. They can sense right away that she is their mate - all of them.
I cannot imagine how all of these alphas work together without killing each other! I would like to know their backstories, but it wasn't necessary to understand this story.
Complete story

A Giant Love by Flora Quincy - Charis is looking for a husband to create a scandal. She needs to avoid her mother's machinations and this seems like a good plan. She doesn't want just any husband though; she only wants Hephaestus, her cousin's ex. She's crushed on him ever since the wedding and sees this as her chance. Hephaestus, for his part, was captivated by Charis at the wedding but married Aphrodite for revenge. Now he's free, and maybe Charis can love a giant the way he needs.
Loved this one - one of my top three favorites in the anthology. Charis was good girl outside, bad girl inside. She knew what she wanted and went after it. It was hilarious that her bucket list was a list of romance tropes, and even more that Heph would help her fulfill those fantasies.
Complete story

Dark Symmetry by Lydia Reeves & Xu-Ji Westin - A desperate villager uses black magic to try and resurrect his family. He pulls the demon Abigor through to the human world, and his spell has disastrous consequences. Lilin, an angel, goes to try and mitigate the problem, but she and Abigor keep being drawn to each other. This is terrible; angels and demons are forbidden to be together. But maybe there's a way to override the predicted doom.
It took me a minute to get into this story. It was a prequel, but sometimes I felt like I was missing something - maybe worldbuilding? It was still good once I figured stuff out. I'm sure the full series will flesh things out.
Prequel to the Demons of Valarta series

The Omega's Secret by SK Reign - Violet is an omega and knows that her fate is to be given to a pack for mating and breeding. She doesn't want that but doesn't seem to have any choice. While at school, though, her heat hits early, and the only one there to help her is another omega, Duncan. What her parents and alphas don't know can't hurt them, right?
I couldn't tell if that was the end or not. I mean she is going to a pack, and maybe they're a good pack that we would want a story about? And she has a twin sister, so there's that.
Ends without any indication of a continuance

Bewitching my Dragon by Lydia Guleva - Lugaria is a dwarf trying to get to the right place to help her sisters. Instead, she's drawn to another world filled with dragons and other creatures. This one particular dragon is her mate, even if she refuses to accept that. Dayan is understanding, but he'll do everything in his power to make her want to stay with him.
I don't think I've ever read a story with a dwarf, hero or heroine, so this was interesting. Difficult to imagine, dwarf and dragon.
Complete story

Luna's Lullaby by Leann Castellanos - Emily is looking for her birth family after a hard life as an orphan. She is drawn to a particular town, and once there, meets Carter, the local alpha, and her mother. Since she doesn't know about shifters, this is a surprise. More than that, she also has an evil father and a whole new family. And she has Carter, who recognized her as his mate right away.
Complete story

Warrior Mine by Jinx Lane - Leah is on a vacation after being dumped by her ex. Everything is going okay-ish when she slips and falls into the water. When she wakes up, she's been rescued by a sea-dwelling alien/monster who claims her as his mate. She wants to go back to regular earth and he wants to keep her.
I draw the line at krakens (the hero wasn't a kraken, but one of his friends was) - I just can't imagine it.
Complete story

The Traveler by Sophie Ash - Aria is looking for adventure, and Fallon can offer her just that. But is she ready for the vampires, dragons, shifters, and angels that come along with that adventure?
Fun story - I've seen this author's work before but never read any of it. It's interesting how all of the paranormal factions belong to their own MC. Strange mash-up but it kind of worked.
Complete story within the Shyfterworld series

The Killing Moon by Clarissa Bright - Layla is on a diplomatic mission, but she's not a diplomat; she's a spy. She's sent to spy on alien Zaire. Both of them are part of a plot that they know little about though, and the outcome will change both their lives.
I didn't get the sense that these two actually fell in love. I'm not sure what it was, but I felt like there was a spark missing. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for an alien story.
Complete story

Saved by the Lycanthrope by Chloe Parker - In a post-apocalyptic world, Charlotte has been sheltered. When she leaves her home to look for her grandparents, she needs the help of Elijah, a clingy, annoying shifter. But Charlotte is not all she seems, and the world is falling down around them. Can he keep her safe?
Charlotte was so mean to him at first and he was just on the edge of giving up! I was surprised at the end that she cut off her grandparents, especially after the big quest to save them, but I get it - the betrayal is worse when it comes from someone you love.
Complete story within the Riftwolves series

Grammar/formatting: Some stories were near-flawless, and some stories needed a serious second pass with a proofreader - a mixed bag.

[Maddy Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE EVE OF ELEVENTEEN BY RUNYX: (4,5)

"The mate of my beast, the mate of my heart."

Queen RuNyx did it again. I was very excited for this prequel novella and it did not disappoint. My love for Vesryn and Drakar was instant and unconditional. They had such a hot chemistry and I seriously needed more. In other words, it was perfect. And now, 2023 will never come fast enough -- the Drakonara trilogy is going to be EPIC.


PS: I will definitely read more of the stories in this anthology in the future!

[mrs rhys · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only read this for RuNyx’s prequel and I’m sadly not impressed at all. This world doesn’t make any sense to me and consequently I didn’t understand what was going on or why any of that smut was necessary. I have a feeling that the upcoming fantasy series won’t be very interesting…the world already feels dry and disengaging to me.

[Sara Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eve of Eleventeen by Runyx:

I can’t tell you how excited I am for RuNYx's new series! This short story was such a tease and I cannot wait until September. The Eve of Eleventeen is a short prequel for her upcoming dark fantasy trilogy.

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for the overall anthology

I definitely recommend this anthology given the variety of stories and characters and I think there are stories here for most tastes. There were definitely some standout stories, some entertaining but more ok ones, and then some I ended up needing to skip because of personal preferences or DNF’d. Par for the course with anthologies. Of course all of them include some paranormal element and alpha men. There are also different relationship dynamics from MF to menage to reverse harem (the latter two include some with mm scenes). Length of stories and world building varied, naturally, and some are lead-ins to future worlds with other characters/stories to come. Each story I read included a HFN or HEA ending.

[whatsfordina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You should trust me,” the Darkassan ground out into her ear, his body tensed and still, “because you are mine. The mate of my beast, the mate of my heart. And I am yours. I have waited for you, for this night. I flew across the land for you. And now, I will claim you.” ”

only read runyx’s part. very intrigued can’t wait for her to start this new series.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first anthology I actually read front to back, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I picked it up for some familiar favorites: Kathryn Moon, C.M. Nascosta, and Lana Kole; but I was delighted with some of the short stories from new-to-me authors like Kathryn Ann Kingsley, Flora Quincy, Chloe Gunter and more!

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** putting "Pan and the Nymph" at the middle was the worst decision, all stories after, felt mediocre.

🔹Astaroth: The Great Duke of Hell by Kathryn Ann Kingsley 4/5 ridiculous fun
🔸The Basilisk of Star Manor by Kathryn Moon 5/5 queen of monsterfuckers
🔹Anthia by Rory Miles DNF
🔸Untamed Alphas by Loxley Savage 2/5
🔹Her Alien Merman by Aleera Anaya Ceres 3/5
🔸His Curvy Goddess by Loni Reed DNF
🔹Bound by the King by Sara Ivy Hill 4/5 so good!
🔸The Eve of Eleventeen by RuNyx 2.5/5
🔹Shadows & Light by C.M. Nascosta 3/5
🔸How Not to Date a Demon by Lana Kole 4.3/5 super fun
🔹Pan and the Nymph by Lyx Robinson 10/5 :chefkisses: Definitely picking more of this author
🔸Tied to the Wolves by Chloe Gunter 2/5
🔹A Giant Love by Flora Quincy 3.5/5 cute and fun
🔸Dark Symmetry by Lydia Reeves & Xu-Ji Westin 3/5
🔹The Omega’s Secret by SK Reign DNF
🔸Bewitching My Dragon by Lydia Guleva 3/5
🔹Luna’s Lullaby by Leann Castellanos 4/5 needed full book
🔸Warrior Mine by Jinx Layne 2.8/5
🔹The Traveler by Sophie Ash 4.5/5 make it a full novel
🔸The Killing Moon by Clarissa Bright 3.7/5
🔹Saved by the Lycanthrope by Chloe Parker DNF

[a seductive cactus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for The Basilisk Star Manor by Kathryn Moon
5 stars. A delightful return to the universe of A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor.

FMC Lillian has come to Star Manor after being imprisoned by a cousin who inherited her fortune and wished to wed her. The MMC Marius is a basilisk who is half heartedly spying on Star Manor.
She’s blind. His gaze kills people. Match made in monster heaven.
Delightfully steamy, gentle but dominating Marius helps Lillian uncover her desire.




Untamed Alphas:
There’s no sex. 1 star.

[Zen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star average for all

Like with any anthology, there were some I really liked and some I didnt. It was a good introduction to some new authors that I will be looking up in the future.

[Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth|| · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly fantastic anthology filled with such wonderfully magical stories all created by talented authors!

Merged review:

Another fantastic story from C.M. Nascosta! There’s nothing C.M. writes that I don’t fall in love with 🖤

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really late review, since I was convinced I would come back to this and finish the anthology instead of just reading authors I know I enjoy... but clearly, that didn't happen, and I've really pared down and gotten picky about who I will and will not read in the genre. So. Let's see what I can remember for this one—thank goodness I take notes as I go.

2. The Basilisk of Star Manor - Kathryn Moon : 5 stars

Really enjoyed this one—I enjoy this world as a whole. Loved that the MMC, Marius, didn't become A Good Guy™ just because of love and stayed a very gray character to the end; I would like to see that amatanormative narrative die as a whole: lack of romantic love doesn't make people do evil things or fix them when they find it. FMC, Lillian, from what I remember was very sweet. New to sex, but did not skew childish as the trope often goes. This short fills in some of the antagonist for the series' side dealings after the first novel, as well as introduces us to new monsters who may show up in the future.

9. Shadows &Light - C.M. Nascosta : 5 stars

This one is a little different. Nascosta likes to play in the genre and with the genre tropes. So if you get huffy about mating and bites, this one will not be your cuppa, because in this universe, the bite isn't a magical tether that ensures fidelity and devotion.

This story focuses on Jude, a female werewolf who isn't able to shift, and is married into a regressive pack where she proceeds to be mistreated by her mate. She ends up in a situation where she's hidden away with a guard who she develops a relationship with. This story sets up Run, Run Rabbit, introducing the Hemmings and their charity house they run for she wolves on the run from bad packs. We also get to see an MC from a yet-to-be published CC novel, who is similar to the MMC in this one.

10. How Not to Date a Demon- Lana Kole : 4.5 stars

This story was both very cute and charming, about a pre-existing MF couple where one starts to wonder just who is the person she's living with? Weird things have started to happen, and now she's thinking things that are impossible...right? Love that both characters in this are switches. Novel and interesting take on Hell and damnation. Would have liked more heat/detail to intimate scenes, thus the minor ding.

11. Pan and the Nymph- Lyx Robinson : 5 stars

This one is a love song to ancient Greece and its myths. And it might be my favorite story of the bunch. This one is framed in a fertility festival and traveling to make the proper offerings to the gods—one god in particular for this one, Pan, god of the wild and lover of orgies. There's a pre-existing MF relationship with the FMC and a second MMC that may or may not go somewhere permanent. Bi/Pan male leads. Fun story. Lots of steam and variety.

13. A Giant Love- Flora Quincy : 3.5 stars

Can not as clearly remember details for this one. Will have to rely on my meager notes:

"For some reason, everything I read of Quincy's just falls flat for me at some point after I've been really enjoying it. Olympian retelling. Cute. Did not appreciate the final trope presented—more like NIGHTMARE."



And that is what I read out of the 21 stories in the anthology, with no plans to read the others. I was impressed by the ones I did get through before my interest waned.

Real Rating: 4.6 stars

[EJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great mix of 21 stories with some that make getting the anthology worth it to read those alone. Additionally, there were some stories from authors I’m not yet familiar with who delighted me. I found the stories to not all perform at the same level. Yet, I would absolutely recommend getting this anthology while you still can!

Stories that make the anthology an immediately worthy buy:

- The Basilisk of Star Manor Kathryn Moon
- Shadows & Light C.M. Nascosta
- Pan and the Nymph Lyx Robinson

Stories that delightfully surprised me and I think others would enjoy, too!

- Bound by the King Sara Ivy Hill
- A Giant Love Flora Quincy
- Luna’s Lullaby Leann Castellanos
- The Traveler Sophie Ash
- The Killing Moon Clarissa Bright
- Saved by the Lycanthrope Chloe Parker

Limited runs are bittersweet for me. I suspect there’s good reasoning for it. I wouldn’t be surprised if it allowed writers to publish stories again, on their own digital properties. Some of these short stories are working ideas for upcoming full novels or novellas. However, I’m not in those conversations so I don’t really know.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Monster romance anthologies are great opportunities for readers to discover new authors and get great value for their money. I can also add that anthologies are great opportunities to dive deep into new and interesting themes and tropes. They are a brilliant reader strategy to get deep into Monster Romance without relying on the Great Amazon Algorithm.

I somewhat wish this anthology went harder on the wolves themes as opposed to warriors. But! Without the warriors part of this theme, we wouldn’t have some of their best stories in here in my view. So this is easily forgiven.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Basilisk of Star Manor

I loved this story so much!! Marius and Lillian are a perfect pair and it was oh so delicious of a short story. Kathryn has done it again. For fans of A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor, you need to read this before A Company of Fiends comes out. It's the perfect bridge story and a delight to read!

Shadows & Light by C.M. Nascosta

"Once she felt the breath leave her body, arcing through the air as free as a bird in a grand jeté, Jude had known there was nothing left on solid ground that would ever satisfy her again."

Jude describing the way dance made her feel resonated with me and made me love her all the more. Lux is perfect in all regards and so attentive to Jude. I loved seeing how this story fit into the broader Cambric Creek world; CM never fails to make me wish I lived in her universe.

*Review will be updated as I read more of the stories!

[Daphnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew! That antho was both sweet & spicy

So this review is mainly for How to Date a Demon by Lana Kole. That story was sweet and funny and sexy as all get out. The FMC is a pistol and the misunderstanding with her BF was hilarious. I loved that the story is about an established relationship and how they have to work through the secrets between them. Hope there's more to come on this.

All of the stories were fun and/or sexy reads but some other honorable mentions go out to:

Basilisk of Star Manor by Kathryn Moon - this was one hot read and I love this world so it was a fun story within it.

Anthia by Rory Miles was also a good one.

Pan and the Nymph by Lyx Robinson was hot! I mean just wow!

Tied to the Wolves by Chloe Gunter was sweet and I loved that it's part of the Threadline world.

A Giant Love by Flora Quincy and The Traveler by Sophie Ash were also excellent stories.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Basilisk of Star Manor by Kathryn Moon
This story takes place after the events in The Lady of Rooksgrave Manor, which I had loved! This short story is full of many new characters and some familiar ones. It is hot and sweet and patient. This was a highly satisfying continuation of that world.

Shadows & Light by C M Nascosta
This felt very different to the other Cambric Creek works. It is a bit dire and dark, but still engaging. You have to wait to feel the connection to that story world, but it gets there in the end. I found the shadow monster to be so interesting and imaginative, and I was rooting for the FMC Jude the whole time!

A Giant Love by Flora Quincy
This was so sweet and funny. It explores major size differences and many romance tropes are covered. Definitely a fun read!

Bewitching My Dragon by Lydia Guleva
This was the first thing I've read from this author. This short story explores very interesting magical systems and worlds. I'll have to check out what else she's written!

[Lucy Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing the Eve of Elventeen ~

This novella was an amazing introduction into the Drakonara series coming next year!

It’s important to learn the words at the beginning of the book, as RuNyx has made her own language that the characters use which I think is incredibly creative!

I loved this introduction and the characters! I can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Millie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Astaroth: the Duke of hell by Kathryn Ann Kingsley:

⭐️⭐️✨

The eve of eleventeen by Runyx:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[a 🔮 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preface, I only read Kathryn Moon’s story in this anthology. I will be reading the others later.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Parnormal romances, grab this set. Some will lead into a series, but that should not stop you. You will meet new authors you might not have read their books yet and realize that you like them too. Start reading and get your dark heros going to your wild side. I recieved a free copy for my honest review.

[Anna Koski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright Ive gone through the entire book. Total rating is 2.85 stars but rounded up to 3. Some of the stories were great, others were not. Some really dragged the score down but I would recommend the book to someone just for a few notable novellas.

The Reviews:

Book 1: Astaroth: The Great Duke of Hell
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
This was very basic story. Insta lust, insta love without any real added reasoning for why like soulmates, mates, that sort of thing. So that knocked off a moon.
The premise was decent and enjoyable but could have been done better. I get that the stories are short and that means not a lot of time for plot but there was a lot that could have been done with it that wasn't and left the story feeling a little flat. Which knocked off another moon.
It was enjoyable, dont get me wrong but not a story I would be compelled to read again. But a decently solid 3/5.

Book 2: The Basilisk of Star Manor
Kathryn Moon
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
This was a decent read. There was insta lust but there was also a chance for the characters to grow into it through meetings, which I appreciated. However the ending felt overly rushed, which is the reason for a dropped moon.

Book 3: Anthia
Rory Miles
🌗🌑🌑🌑🌑
I could not finish this one. At all.
The MC female says she has been 'resisting' her sexy bodyguard since she hired him. We are told she's cold and doesnt deal with men. That she keeps things professional. Repeatedly. I cannot stress that this point is hammered home.
Except the first time the MC male actually pushes her she folds like a wet paper bag. She gives in almost immediately and Im sorry. I cant handle that. Dont tell me a character is one thing and then have her immediately do the opposite right after. This also happens within the first two chapters. So we literally never see her actually resist this guy in any meaningful capacity to reinforce what we are told about her as a person.
Half a moon for decent enough writing style.

Book 4: Untamed Alphas
Loxley Savage
🌘🌑🌑🌑🌑
When I picked up this one I knew it was going to be bad from the first chapter. There was going to be a lot of wattpad werewolf tropes. And I was not wrong.
Parents died, she's treated poorly by those in charge, treated as an outcast because she's special (The author says its because she's a rare omega but there 3 others in the pack and none of the other Omegas are treated like she is. She also says they hate her because the Alpha responds to her but apparently all Alphas respond to all omegas. So Im confused as to why shes not treated well. Even as an outsider to the pack, one of the other omegas is an outsider too, hes not treated poorly. So the reasoning isnt there), shes also different. This is hammered home again and again and again. She's different, not like the others, very different, they dislike her cause shes different. Also, she's got a weird hair colour. Silver. All natural of course, and 'abnormally light' eyes, just to hammer home how different she is from everyone else.
The A/B/O aspect just... sometimes its done right but she literally says that with her heat coming on she has to continually wipe at herself with a towel cause of all her slick and all I can think of is... jesus fucking christ. You are gunna ruin your clothes and get dehydrated. Drink some fucking water.
The whole novella was just... im surprised I was able to read all of it.
A sliver of a moon for the fact the author wrote it down and I know how hard writing books, even novellas, can be.

Book 5: Her Alien Merman
Aleera Anaya Ceres
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
First off, I appreciated the language glossary at the front, however the fact that it contained phrases did irk me as when I came across one in the book I had to go alllll the way back to the beginning to understand what was said. Which was very, VERY irritating as a reader. Which caused a lost moon
Outside of that it was a cute little novella. Insta love and lust but it was explained through a soulmate bond.

Book 6: His Curvy Goddess
Loni Rae
🌕🌑🌑🌑🌑
There was immediately drama. And not the fun drama.
Female MC had her heart broken on her birthday because she wanted to catch the male MCs attention, he asked who let her dress like that with her 'ass and tits out', and that was the entire interaction. I dont know about you guys but yah as a teen that shit can hurt from a guy you like but after getting dress coded and being told I was indecent for having a larger chest, I got over it real quick. Most teens do.
But this interaction is how he broke her heart. Literally. Thats it. Thats all. He didnt even really do anything that I wouldnt expect the standard guy to do. Comments like that are a dime a dozen. So the fact that was the reason for her broken heart had me rolling my eyes hard. So a moon removed for that.
Then the male MC refers to her as a curvy goddess more than he actually uses her name. Its a problem. There are more descriptors than that, caveman. Use them. Half moon removed for that.
Four chapters in and two conversations down, she thinks she cant live without the male MC which had me gritting my teeth because that happened waaaaaaaaaaay too fast. Like she went from being, 'hes an asshole' to 'i cant live without him' in the span of about 4 paragraphs. And then chapter 5 she immediately is ready to sleep with him. Then in chapter 6 she declares her love for him. Which might seem like a bit of time but its literally less than a few hours. So another moon and a half moon off for that.
The 'magic wand' reference was atrocious. A full moon off for that.
Someone might enjoy this novella but I did not.

Book 7: Bound by the King
Sara Ivy Hill
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Not gunna lie. Absolutely loved this one. The plot was interesting and well done, the writing was great, and the insta lust was very much explained. Love this one the most so far from the entire anthology.

Book 8: The Eve of Eleventeen
RuNyx
🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
It was decently written but it felt very VERY incomplete but it didn't give me enough of an urge to read the series it was a prequel for. Which drops off 2 moons.

Book 9: Shadows & Light
C. M. Nascosta
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Not gunna lie, I was looking forward to this on simply because Nascosta wrote it and I was not let down. This was great. The plot was great, the writing was great, the entire thing was great! I like this one a little better than Bound by the King, not a lot but just a sliver.

Book 10: How Not to Date A Demon
Lana Kole
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
This was cute and we all love a himbo! The writing was decent, the plot was decent as well. An enjoyable read.

Book 11: Pan and the Nymph
Lyx Robinson
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Okay so this was a DEFINITELY interesting read. I know all about Pan so this author really did him justice. But holy hell, dont read this book public! I can read smut in public but this had me fanning my face. Learn from my mistake! Dont do it. A moon off for my embarassment and being hit with that much steam.

Book 12: Tied to the Wolves
Chloe Gunter
🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Black. Leather. Suspenders. Im really sorry but that was the funniest thing in the world to me and I actually looked them up and I CACKLED. They look like purse straps. Legitimate purse straps. The funniest fucking thing Ive seen in a LONG time. I'm not taking a moon off for this. Its fucking great.
Will be removing one for the "Nope," she said popping the 'p'. Absolutely one moon off for that atrocity.
Also a moon off because the mates concept was super weird. Like blood relation is a bit understandable for multiple people to one person but these guys, from what I can tell, are all unrelated and are just together to be a Council, yet they all have the same mate? Same with another woman. Its just confusing because it isnt really explained fully.
Outside of that it was a decent read.

Book 13: A Giant Love
Flora Quincy
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
This was a different sort of book. Was a little confusing and I completely lost it at the female MC downloading Jack and the Beanstalk fanfiction, enemies to loves, DomJack, SubGiant. I read that and I burst into laughter. That's AMAZING. This was a solid 3/5 but I had to give it an extra moon just for that.

Book 14: Dark Symmetry
Lydia Reeves & Xu-Ji Weston
-/-
Not giving this one a rating because Im not gunna lie, it did not interest me and I barely got through the first chapter. No rating because I didnt really read it.

Book 15: The Omega's Secret
SK Reign
-/-
Not rating this cause I would be unfair. I do not like 18 year old female MCs. At all. Maybe its because Im older but I look at them and Im like.... youre a child. A full blown child. And I cant get into reading it. Make them at least 22-23, I would prefer 25 but when the male MC is like 25-40 and shes 18 Im like, could you fucking not? I dont know if that was the case here but Im just saying. No older guy should be looking at an 18 year old with anything but 'You're waaaay too young for me' going through their head as they walk away.

Book 16: Bewitching my Dragon
Lydia Guleva
🌕🌑🌑🌑🌑
Gunna be completely honest here, I skimmed it. I got super bored reading it and I skimmed it. So thats only a single moon for this one. Someone else might enjoy it, I did not.

Book 17: Luna's Lullabye
Leann Castellanos
🌕🌑🌑🌑🌑
Biggest gripe I have is the pacing feels super weird in this book. Like things happen super quickly and then the rest is all disjointed. Added to that the time skips and being told the female MC learned a bunch of stuff but we dont, is irritating. It leaves a bunch of questions unanswered and for those reasons, four moons are knocked out.

Book 18: Warrior Mine
Jinx Layne
🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Eh it was okay. Insta love and lust explained by mating bond. The plot was a bit meh but a decent enough read.

Book 19: The Traveller
Sophie Ash
🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
The first thing that irritated me was everyone is in a MC club. They are all fantasy creatures but they all are in a MC club. Which just irritated the hell out of me. Why? Why do they all need to be? Why? So Two moons off for that.
Outside of that it was decent enough.

Book 20: The Killing Moon
Clarissa Bright
-/-
Not gunna lie. This one bored me. I barely made it passed chapter one before dropping it. So it does not get a ranking from me because I did not read it.

Book 21: Saved by the Lycanthrope
Chloe Parker
-/-
Again, the MC is waaaay too young for my taste. I immediately lost interest when she said she was nineteen. So I did not finish it nor do I intend to keep on reading it.