What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wolves of Rock Falls #3
Sworn Shift
When her genetics kick in and tell her that Bowen Oakes is her mate, Raven Rivers rebels. She wants nothing to do with Bowen or his sordid past.
Bowen falls hard and fast for Raven, but the mistakes of his past, and his own deadly secret, threaten everything he's worked so hard to achieve. When his past comes calling, Bowen must decide if he's willing to embrace his past to preserve his future. Because Raven hangs in the balance.
Bowen falls hard and fast for Raven, but the mistakes of his past, and his own deadly secret, threaten everything he's worked so hard to achieve. When his past comes calling, Bowen must decide if he's willing to embrace his past to preserve his future. Because Raven hangs in the balance.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2022
3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Skelly
37 books162 followersAJ Skelly (also writing as April J. Skelly) is an author, reader, and lover of all things fantasy, medieval, and fairy-tale-romance. And werewolves. She has a serious soft spot for them. As an avid life-long reader and a former high school English teacher, she's always been fascinated with the written word. She lives with her husband, children, and many imaginary friends who often find their way into her stories. They all drink copious amounts of tea together and stay up reading far later than they should.
You can read more of her short stories at www.ajskelly.com.
You can read more of her short stories at www.ajskelly.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 28, 2022
Update 10/27/2022-Still my favorite one of the five! Freaking love Bowen and Raven!
This is the best one yet! Not only is it enemies to lovers, it’s also forced proximity/marriage of convenience with the tropes. I love the slow falling the characters have and man do I ever relate to Raven 😂😅 Chronic over-thinker here too! Anyways, I loved this but now have to wait for the fourth book 😭
This is the best one yet! Not only is it enemies to lovers, it’s also forced proximity/marriage of convenience with the tropes. I love the slow falling the characters have and man do I ever relate to Raven 😂😅 Chronic over-thinker here too! Anyways, I loved this but now have to wait for the fourth book 😭
October 27, 2025
[Reread Edit: Bowen and Raven are my favorite of the couples in this series. I related with Raven and her insecurities, and I loved how they each had issues they needed to overcome to make their relationship the best it could be. While books 1-3 had a similar plot structure, which bored me by this book, I honestly love this couple and was rooting for them. Furthermore, book 4 breaks away from that plot structure and is an interesting read.]
Skelly is a great writer, and I appreciate the message that sexual intimacy belongs within marriage that she weaves into her romances.
However, I am now on the fourth book in this series, and I am a little tired of them. (I unexpectedly had a weekend free and binged them.) The plotline is pretty similar in each book, and I am finding them a bit silly. That’s not to say I am not enjoying them, but they seem more like lazy beach reads to me now.
CW: I would also warn that there are steamy scenes in each of these books that go into too much detail for a YA audience. It seems contradictory to write steamy scenes into a YA book and then stress that marriage should come before those events. I don’t know many married teenagers, so why write scenes that stir those thoughts and temptations?
Skelly is a great writer, and I appreciate the message that sexual intimacy belongs within marriage that she weaves into her romances.
However, I am now on the fourth book in this series, and I am a little tired of them. (I unexpectedly had a weekend free and binged them.) The plotline is pretty similar in each book, and I am finding them a bit silly. That’s not to say I am not enjoying them, but they seem more like lazy beach reads to me now.
CW: I would also warn that there are steamy scenes in each of these books that go into too much detail for a YA audience. It seems contradictory to write steamy scenes into a YA book and then stress that marriage should come before those events. I don’t know many married teenagers, so why write scenes that stir those thoughts and temptations?
November 6, 2023
I devoured this book just as quickly as I did the other two!! I think it might be my favorite so far!!!
April 28, 2022
Do you know what I love in a book? When the guy meets the girl and it’s all in. No one else will ever matter to him and he shows it in all his actions. That is Bowen. He has a reputation and a tragic history but when he meets Raven he sees his opportunity to have the life he’s always wanted. When we first meet him he’s trying to rip out someone’s throat. But there is much more to him that what he’s been forced to be.
Sometimes you just need a sweet romance and that is exactly what this book was. It was a very romance driven plot and that was ok! I think this might have been my favorite story of the three. Bowen is a Jem and even though Raven is terrified of him she trusts the bond they have and VERY slowly gives him a chance.
There was one part I was slightly unclear about and maybe someone can explain things for me. But It talks about how Bowen and Raven are true mates and how the characters from the previous books are mates but apparently not true mates. I thought all 3 sets were true mates.
Also there were a few things that didn’t get wrapped up so there might possibly be more books to come? Like Kip’s mom’s romance seems to be pending. Also, Kip and Rachel are still planning their wedding.
Sometimes you just need a sweet romance and that is exactly what this book was. It was a very romance driven plot and that was ok! I think this might have been my favorite story of the three. Bowen is a Jem and even though Raven is terrified of him she trusts the bond they have and VERY slowly gives him a chance.
There was one part I was slightly unclear about and maybe someone can explain things for me. But It talks about how Bowen and Raven are true mates and how the characters from the previous books are mates but apparently not true mates. I thought all 3 sets were true mates.
Also there were a few things that didn’t get wrapped up so there might possibly be more books to come? Like Kip’s mom’s romance seems to be pending. Also, Kip and Rachel are still planning their wedding.
January 2, 2024
Raven and Bowen are so great together. It was nice to see them work through their issues without most of the drama that most books would include. I also liked seeing Megan and Sam again.
Genre: paranormal romance
Age: new adult
Series/Standalone: third book in a series that must be read in order
Content:
Rating: 5/5 Stars
---
Yep, still great.
---
This was just as great as the previous two.
5 Stars
Note: NA, not YA
Genre: paranormal romance
Age: new adult
Series/Standalone: third book in a series that must be read in order
Content:
Rating: 5/5 Stars
---
Yep, still great.
---
This was just as great as the previous two.
5 Stars
Note: NA, not YA
October 5, 2025
My favorite book in the series so far! I LOVE Bowen and Raven so much!!! 😍😍
Raven is an overthinking, insecure, anxiety ridden mess I wholeheartedly relate to on…every level, let’s be honest, haha, and I LOVED watching her grow more confident in herself and her relationship with Bowen as the story unfolds. Bowen I liked straight from the moment we get his POV, he’s such a tortured soul who truly wants to be a good, honorable man but feels his ties to his crazy, manipulative father and sullied past will never let him “measure up” in anyone’s eyes, especially Raven’s. And while I don’t normally like the “emo bad boy player with a past” the author twisted this trope in SUCH a surprising and clever way that I never saw coming and am deeply impressed by! Obviously I can’t say how she does this as it’s a huge spoiler, but suffice it to say if you’re like me and don’t normally like player type characters, give this book a shot because I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and pleased with how she turned it on its head in the best way.
The romance was sooo sweet and cute though steamy with some heavy make outs, as this is another “marriage of convenience” type trope, and while it didn’t cross any personal lines for me, if I hadn’t liked these characters and the external plot so much I probably would have rated it four stars just because they get a little, uh, carried away, at times. There’s also a fade to black between a married couple which doesn’t bother me, but heads up if it does for you. Another aspect of the romance I loved was how Bowen made sure to slow down and help Raven take her time with them being together when she was so nervous about it; that was super touching and I love how considerate he was towards her fears, no matter how silly they might have seemed.
The background plot was the most intense since First Shift and honestly I found it the most horrifying and nail biting out of all three books so far because the stakes were HIGH and super dangerous in a way I feel the other two books didn’t grasp as hard. Or it’s just because I love Bowen and Raven more then the previous couples so the danger felt more intense. Either way it was WILD the things that happen, my goodness!
I can’t wait to read the last book in the series and see how everything wraps up; I’m gonna be sad when I’m done!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a father wanted his 14 year old son to have sex (he didn’t)
Language: screw; screwed; sucks; snitch-bi—; crap; screwed up; turd
Violence: werewolves fight with teeth and claws (not to semi detailed); injuries and blood (not to semi detailed); a body is found “ripped to bloody shreds, entrails spilling from its middle”; a guy says he will “rip his [a character’s] belly open and take out your intestines”; a wolf bites a guy’s neck and “blood spewed” from it; a werewolf in human form snaps a wolf’s neck
Sexual: werewolves shift back into their naked human forms (not shown or detailed); kissing (not to very detailed); mild to medium suggestive comments and hints; a girl tells a guy to keep his “horny hands” away from her; a guy is said to have sex appeal plus a sexy sounding voice; a guy is called yummy; a character has a past reputation of being a player and partier; a mom asks her married daughter if she has enough condoms; a girl is called hot; both a guy and a girl’s hands slide under shirts; a guy’s shirt is ripped off while kissing; a guy used mind control on drunk girls to make them think he slept with them (not detailed); werewolves in a certain pack were encouraged to sleep around so their Alpha could have more control over them; a father wanted his 14 year old son to have sex (he didn’t); guys and girls notice each other’s butts; a girl wears a very tiny bikini for her husband; a fade to black between a married couple and a vaguely possible second (not detailed or shown)
Drug/Alcohol: a girl tests positive in a drug test and is kicked off a sports team because of it; a girl’s taking drugs
Other: werewolves; a couple of men are crazy/insane; a girl’s dad abandoned their family; characters have mind control powers and use them
Raven is an overthinking, insecure, anxiety ridden mess I wholeheartedly relate to on…every level, let’s be honest, haha, and I LOVED watching her grow more confident in herself and her relationship with Bowen as the story unfolds. Bowen I liked straight from the moment we get his POV, he’s such a tortured soul who truly wants to be a good, honorable man but feels his ties to his crazy, manipulative father and sullied past will never let him “measure up” in anyone’s eyes, especially Raven’s. And while I don’t normally like the “emo bad boy player with a past” the author twisted this trope in SUCH a surprising and clever way that I never saw coming and am deeply impressed by! Obviously I can’t say how she does this as it’s a huge spoiler, but suffice it to say if you’re like me and don’t normally like player type characters, give this book a shot because I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and pleased with how she turned it on its head in the best way.
The romance was sooo sweet and cute though steamy with some heavy make outs, as this is another “marriage of convenience” type trope, and while it didn’t cross any personal lines for me, if I hadn’t liked these characters and the external plot so much I probably would have rated it four stars just because they get a little, uh, carried away, at times. There’s also a fade to black between a married couple which doesn’t bother me, but heads up if it does for you. Another aspect of the romance I loved was how Bowen made sure to slow down and help Raven take her time with them being together when she was so nervous about it; that was super touching and I love how considerate he was towards her fears, no matter how silly they might have seemed.
The background plot was the most intense since First Shift and honestly I found it the most horrifying and nail biting out of all three books so far because the stakes were HIGH and super dangerous in a way I feel the other two books didn’t grasp as hard. Or it’s just because I love Bowen and Raven more then the previous couples so the danger felt more intense. Either way it was WILD the things that happen, my goodness!
I can’t wait to read the last book in the series and see how everything wraps up; I’m gonna be sad when I’m done!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a father wanted his 14 year old son to have sex (he didn’t)
Language: screw; screwed; sucks; snitch-bi—; crap; screwed up; turd
Violence: werewolves fight with teeth and claws (not to semi detailed); injuries and blood (not to semi detailed); a body is found “ripped to bloody shreds, entrails spilling from its middle”; a guy says he will “rip his [a character’s] belly open and take out your intestines”; a wolf bites a guy’s neck and “blood spewed” from it; a werewolf in human form snaps a wolf’s neck
Sexual: werewolves shift back into their naked human forms (not shown or detailed); kissing (not to very detailed); mild to medium suggestive comments and hints; a girl tells a guy to keep his “horny hands” away from her; a guy is said to have sex appeal plus a sexy sounding voice; a guy is called yummy; a character has a past reputation of being a player and partier; a mom asks her married daughter if she has enough condoms; a girl is called hot; both a guy and a girl’s hands slide under shirts; a guy’s shirt is ripped off while kissing; a guy used mind control on drunk girls to make them think he slept with them (not detailed); werewolves in a certain pack were encouraged to sleep around so their Alpha could have more control over them; a father wanted his 14 year old son to have sex (he didn’t); guys and girls notice each other’s butts; a girl wears a very tiny bikini for her husband; a fade to black between a married couple and a vaguely possible second (not detailed or shown)
Drug/Alcohol: a girl tests positive in a drug test and is kicked off a sports team because of it; a girl’s taking drugs
Other: werewolves; a couple of men are crazy/insane; a girl’s dad abandoned their family; characters have mind control powers and use them
May 27, 2022
A steamy paranormal romance with relatable characters...
I have enjoyed reading about AJ Skelly's characters. They are all very well-developed and have something that I associate with each one. However, I think I've related to Raven the most.
Raven is unconfident, and her lack of confidence creates trust issues with her mate, Bowen. Bowen's sordid past doesn't help the situation, but Bowen himself is very patient with her. It was sweet to see how he patiently helped her trust him and reveal her insecurities. I related to Raven's feelings about being "pretty enough" to attract the playboy (not because my husband is a playboy, but because I struggled with the feeling of unworthiness). Bowen is also a character I enjoyed getting to know, only understanding the surface of him from the previous book. His depth and vulnerability made him very relatable.
The plot was interesting, but I will say that if you've read her previous books, you can have a general idea of what will happen: just as the two main characters are falling in love or getting closer, some werewolf event will happen that will create conflict. That conflict will then be solved by a werewolf fight. Even though her plot was fairly predictable, it was still a page-turner.
My biggest "issue" I have with this book is that the physicality, discussion of sex, and make-out scenes were more described in this one than in previous books. This might be because the characters were married early in the book, but it was definitely on the line for me. I would not recommend this for unmarried people or teenagers.
I have enjoyed reading about AJ Skelly's characters. They are all very well-developed and have something that I associate with each one. However, I think I've related to Raven the most.
Raven is unconfident, and her lack of confidence creates trust issues with her mate, Bowen. Bowen's sordid past doesn't help the situation, but Bowen himself is very patient with her. It was sweet to see how he patiently helped her trust him and reveal her insecurities. I related to Raven's feelings about being "pretty enough" to attract the playboy (not because my husband is a playboy, but because I struggled with the feeling of unworthiness). Bowen is also a character I enjoyed getting to know, only understanding the surface of him from the previous book. His depth and vulnerability made him very relatable.
The plot was interesting, but I will say that if you've read her previous books, you can have a general idea of what will happen: just as the two main characters are falling in love or getting closer, some werewolf event will happen that will create conflict. That conflict will then be solved by a werewolf fight. Even though her plot was fairly predictable, it was still a page-turner.
My biggest "issue" I have with this book is that the physicality, discussion of sex, and make-out scenes were more described in this one than in previous books. This might be because the characters were married early in the book, but it was definitely on the line for me. I would not recommend this for unmarried people or teenagers.
April 29, 2022
My rating: 4.5🌟
This book is even better than the 1st two!!
My heart can not take this WHOLESOME CONTENT😭. The thing i love the most about these books is how AJ Skelly can turn any duo, and i do mean ANY, into such a cute, heart-throbbing story that makes me go "AWWW" every 5 pages. I didn't expect I'd like Bowen this much!! And the slow burn made my skin itch. My high-school experience was kinda dull and I'm almost done with college, but this book is giving my teenage self a bit of a squeal. This is exactly what i needed after finishing exams, a cute wolfie romance story with a bit of heat. I wonder who'll she be writing book 4 abt👀I'd love to read Cade and Sarah's POVs!
Did i finish this book in one sitting? Yes, yes i did. Did i enjoy every second of it? You betcha!! Thank you Miss Skelly for sending me an ARC to review this beautiful book, I'm simply in love💜.
This book is even better than the 1st two!!
My heart can not take this WHOLESOME CONTENT😭. The thing i love the most about these books is how AJ Skelly can turn any duo, and i do mean ANY, into such a cute, heart-throbbing story that makes me go "AWWW" every 5 pages. I didn't expect I'd like Bowen this much!! And the slow burn made my skin itch. My high-school experience was kinda dull and I'm almost done with college, but this book is giving my teenage self a bit of a squeal. This is exactly what i needed after finishing exams, a cute wolfie romance story with a bit of heat. I wonder who'll she be writing book 4 abt👀I'd love to read Cade and Sarah's POVs!
Did i finish this book in one sitting? Yes, yes i did. Did i enjoy every second of it? You betcha!! Thank you Miss Skelly for sending me an ARC to review this beautiful book, I'm simply in love💜.
May 1, 2022
True rating was much more like a 4.5! This series is really developing and with each book that gets released, I enjoy them more and more. In Sworn Shift, we follow Bowen and Raven on their journey of becoming mates. I really like the introduction of other packs because it adds more depth to the story-Bowen came from a complicated past which added a lot to this story. I do feel like eventually I will need a chart for all of the characters though-it's starting to become alot! The romance build-up was great although the "adult reader" in me really wanted more from some of the scenes, but can appreciate why they ended. The writing in this series also continues to improve. I did not want to put this one down and the plot line really hooked me!
Thank you A.J. Skelly for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you A.J. Skelly for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
April 5, 2022
I’d never questioned that mates should be together. This should have been the happily ever after every werewolf girl dreamed of. Not a waking nightmare.
Raven and Bowen’s dynamic made this an easy 5-star read. Definitely my favorite out of the series, so far!
What I love most about these books is they’re so easy and quick to read. The angst and fluff is always so well-balanced. Makes the slowish burns for each couple more bearable.
Raven and Bowen’s dynamic made this an easy 5-star read. Definitely my favorite out of the series, so far!
What I love most about these books is they’re so easy and quick to read. The angst and fluff is always so well-balanced. Makes the slowish burns for each couple more bearable.
April 10, 2022
Oh, my heart! I loved the previous stories in this series, but Sworn Shift just took things to the next level! I absolutely LOVE how Skelly toys with the set tropes shifter romances have, and she makes things so much better!
Fated mates? Well, not quite as you expected. Every moment of this high stakes enemies-to-lovers story kept me riveted. I don't usually binge books, but I couldn't put this one down. My whole family made fun of me running around with my iPad in hand, unable to get my nose out of this book.
If you enjoy shifter romances, then you have to read this series. Each book is amazingly crafted and totally puts the common tropes on their heads. There is so much to love about this series!
Fated mates? Well, not quite as you expected. Every moment of this high stakes enemies-to-lovers story kept me riveted. I don't usually binge books, but I couldn't put this one down. My whole family made fun of me running around with my iPad in hand, unable to get my nose out of this book.
If you enjoy shifter romances, then you have to read this series. Each book is amazingly crafted and totally puts the common tropes on their heads. There is so much to love about this series!
April 2, 2024
4 / 5 stars - very predictable, especially after reading the other books in the series immediately before this (they all follow a similar trajectory). But this still felt like an engaging comfort read for me, and I really enjoyed it!
I honestly got a little tired of Raven running away from Bowen all the time, but I mean I get it lol 😅
I honestly got a little tired of Raven running away from Bowen all the time, but I mean I get it lol 😅
April 14, 2022
This might be my favorite Rock Falls books...I can't decide. All I know is....I love it. It has the perfect level of angst. A touch of steam at doesn't go over the edge. Suspense. Romance. Murder. Misunderstandings. And of course, WOLVES. GO READ IT!
May 21, 2022
Out of all the Rock Falls books, this one is probably my favorite! Bowen's vulnerability and patience is inspiring and Raven's fears are justifiable. Plus, I just love their interactions. Ready for more wolves this fall!
February 20, 2025
Definitely my favorite of the series :)
April 11, 2022
Skelly keeps giving me characters and relationships to fall in love with and I am floored! Now, I am sitting here with three couples from the three books not knowing who to pick as my favorite.
In the middle of the battle, Raven finds her mate. And it turns out to be Bowen Oakes! With Victor Gowtham and Kyp as a new alpha, there are a lot of changes in a lot of work that needs to be done. Bowen falls hard for Raven, but it’s not the same for her. She needs time to accept this bond and the relationship.
But getting a new alpha is not so simple. There are people opposing Kyp and they end up threatening the peace of the community. It’s very personal for Bowen because they end up threatening Raven.
I was so happy when I started this book because it was about Bowen and I needed to see something good happening in his life. He’s been through a lot, like he was forced into a lot of things and he was ready to embrace them work through them. I loved the fact that he had basketball like a safety line. But “I was a basketball god” was so funny when I read it. We get to learn a lot about his past and the hardships he had to face because of Victor and how he coped with all these things which was really nice to learn because we never really got his side of the story before.
Mi voluntatis meae est. My will is my own. My will is my own!
I understood Raven's point because she had always dreamed of finding her mate and the reality was scary for her. She's heard all the rumors about him and he was their enemy, not too long ago. The author took the time to build their relationship and it was heartwarming!
The only thing I took issue with while reading was that no one tried to help Raven through her problems with the mating. We could see she was physically struggling with it but her family, who are very loving and caring towards each other, didn't try to help her through. It felt almost harsh to me.
I loved watching the relationship between Bowen and Raven grow. I loved how they took small steps and understood each other, because this was new territory for both of them and they didn’t just rush into it saying this is destiny but tried to understand each other and deal with their issues and doubts about each other. It was really refreshing to watch them actually understanding each other in an emotional level and embracing this destiny because they want to not just because they had to.
The author sent me the ARC for this book and I am so grateful! I am super excited for the sequel too!!!
In the middle of the battle, Raven finds her mate. And it turns out to be Bowen Oakes! With Victor Gowtham and Kyp as a new alpha, there are a lot of changes in a lot of work that needs to be done. Bowen falls hard for Raven, but it’s not the same for her. She needs time to accept this bond and the relationship.
But getting a new alpha is not so simple. There are people opposing Kyp and they end up threatening the peace of the community. It’s very personal for Bowen because they end up threatening Raven.
I was so happy when I started this book because it was about Bowen and I needed to see something good happening in his life. He’s been through a lot, like he was forced into a lot of things and he was ready to embrace them work through them. I loved the fact that he had basketball like a safety line. But “I was a basketball god” was so funny when I read it. We get to learn a lot about his past and the hardships he had to face because of Victor and how he coped with all these things which was really nice to learn because we never really got his side of the story before.
Mi voluntatis meae est. My will is my own. My will is my own!
I understood Raven's point because she had always dreamed of finding her mate and the reality was scary for her. She's heard all the rumors about him and he was their enemy, not too long ago. The author took the time to build their relationship and it was heartwarming!
The only thing I took issue with while reading was that no one tried to help Raven through her problems with the mating. We could see she was physically struggling with it but her family, who are very loving and caring towards each other, didn't try to help her through. It felt almost harsh to me.
I loved watching the relationship between Bowen and Raven grow. I loved how they took small steps and understood each other, because this was new territory for both of them and they didn’t just rush into it saying this is destiny but tried to understand each other and deal with their issues and doubts about each other. It was really refreshing to watch them actually understanding each other in an emotional level and embracing this destiny because they want to not just because they had to.
The author sent me the ARC for this book and I am so grateful! I am super excited for the sequel too!!!
April 8, 2022
Another fantastic read. I absolutely loved this spin off from the original series and I hope more are to com.
I love the way the characters are written that it pulls you into the story.
I love the way the characters are written that it pulls you into the story.
May 2, 2022
Rating: 4.5
I loved Sworn Shift. Getting to meet more of the Rock Falls Wolves was a treat. Although Raven & Bowen are fated mates, it isn't smooth sailing and Raven fights the connection with everything she's got. Aside from that, dead bodies continue to show up in the community and nobody knows who the killer is.
While I liked the romance, this story's only drawback was the level of heat. The first two were pretty clean and sweet, but this story's romance drifted closer to the spicy category line. I could easily give books 1 or 2 to a younger reader (if I remember correctly). This one not so much. While it wasn't a problem personally, readers should be aware of the difference between this story and books 1 & 2.
I loved Sworn Shift. Getting to meet more of the Rock Falls Wolves was a treat. Although Raven & Bowen are fated mates, it isn't smooth sailing and Raven fights the connection with everything she's got. Aside from that, dead bodies continue to show up in the community and nobody knows who the killer is.
While I liked the romance, this story's only drawback was the level of heat. The first two were pretty clean and sweet, but this story's romance drifted closer to the spicy category line. I could easily give books 1 or 2 to a younger reader (if I remember correctly). This one not so much. While it wasn't a problem personally, readers should be aware of the difference between this story and books 1 & 2.
May 8, 2022
Book 3 of the Wolves of Rock Falls starts out fast-paced and addictive. Formerly secondary character Raven is in the heat of battle when she meets her fated mate for the first time…in the enemy's pack. Raven is crushed. After tensions between the packs dissipate, she's still stuck with a mate that she would've never chosen for herself. Bowen, on the other hand, couldn't be more pleased, but his past and reputation has frozen Raven's heart solid. Add in wolf troubles and high school drama, and there's plenty of angst to keep readers on the edge of their seat.
~Plot
I was on FIRE the first three(ish) chapters. You're thrown into the action so quickly and the tension is so high between Bowan and Raven. YES! That is how you start a book.
My biggest hiccup was between 20-45%. At this point, Bowen is "courting" Raven and her response is less than friendly. I think this is where I might differ from a lot of readers. Her particular responses might increase tension for some readers. For me, her personality was tough. I felt awkward and I was desperate for more banter or something.
This is also the part where we dive into high wchool drama and the rumor mill. Once again, some readers might be into that. I'm more of an action kind of girl. After 50% I FLEW through the book. Loved the rising danger.
~ Characters
Raven was sweet, a little awkward, and totally believable. I loved her relationship with her brother, Cade. I struggled a little with her personality, particularly at the part mentioned above and the end. She said some mean things that I could pretty easily forgive her for, but her apology and the begging afterward frustrated me. I think I lost a little respect for her there. Overall, though, she was definitely a good heroine.
Bowen was a good male lead, especially for joining the cast so recently. I enjoyed his personality (a little more dominant but not annoyingly so). I wish we could've had a little more insight into his past and gone a deeper into his life (his mom, the things that happened with Victor, or maybe some of his life as a Beta.)
~Writing
The writing was great. Modern, easy to follow, vivid sensory descriptions. My favorite part was feeling things when our characters are wolves.
~Content
Book 3 is slightly steamier than book 2 but about the same level as book 1? Pretty clean. No cussing, violence is very tame.
~Would I Recommend
Definitely! I enjoyed this series quite a bit. Definitely a must for Twilight and Vampire Diaries fans.
Thank you to AJ Skelly and Book of Matches Media for letting me read this ARC! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
~Plot
I was on FIRE the first three(ish) chapters. You're thrown into the action so quickly and the tension is so high between Bowan and Raven. YES! That is how you start a book.
My biggest hiccup was between 20-45%. At this point, Bowen is "courting" Raven and her response is less than friendly. I think this is where I might differ from a lot of readers. Her particular responses might increase tension for some readers. For me, her personality was tough. I felt awkward and I was desperate for more banter or something.
This is also the part where we dive into high wchool drama and the rumor mill. Once again, some readers might be into that. I'm more of an action kind of girl. After 50% I FLEW through the book. Loved the rising danger.
~ Characters
Raven was sweet, a little awkward, and totally believable. I loved her relationship with her brother, Cade. I struggled a little with her personality, particularly at the part mentioned above and the end. She said some mean things that I could pretty easily forgive her for, but her apology and the begging afterward frustrated me. I think I lost a little respect for her there. Overall, though, she was definitely a good heroine.
Bowen was a good male lead, especially for joining the cast so recently. I enjoyed his personality (a little more dominant but not annoyingly so). I wish we could've had a little more insight into his past and gone a deeper into his life (his mom, the things that happened with Victor, or maybe some of his life as a Beta.)
~Writing
The writing was great. Modern, easy to follow, vivid sensory descriptions. My favorite part was feeling things when our characters are wolves.
~Content
Book 3 is slightly steamier than book 2 but about the same level as book 1? Pretty clean. No cussing, violence is very tame.
~Would I Recommend
Definitely! I enjoyed this series quite a bit. Definitely a must for Twilight and Vampire Diaries fans.
Thank you to AJ Skelly and Book of Matches Media for letting me read this ARC! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
August 25, 2023
HANG ON! This book LEAPS from Rogue Shift and straight into Sworn Shift without the space of a blink. The adventure continues.... and I definintely don't want it to end anytime soon.
As someone close to me said, Sworn Sift 'brings on the vapours'. Umm,yes, that's one way to put it. This book is a pretty epic SWOON. It could have been titled "Swoon Shift"....
What I love about all of AJ's books is they recognize lust, hormones, want, and temptation (essentially, teenage love). HOWEVER, the characters don't crumple under these pressures to compromise what is right. These books praise and glorify the beauty of waiting for your future mate (husband/wife) and how amazingly swoon worthy doing things RIGHT is. There is nothing sexier than holding the morale high ground.
I really loved getting to know both the MCs in this book. Bowen is presented as the badboy playboy, but as the book unfolds, we get to see that what is on the surface isn't anything close to the vulnerable truths Bowen hides deap down. As for Raven, she brings so many topics to the surface. What do you do when you feel like you will be compared to your partner's previous romantic conquests? What about feelings of physical unworthiness? How do you build trust in such a situation? Raven is a thinker, and being thrown into a relationship with Bowen due to the mate bond goes against everything she thought she wanted. Her mate bond with Bowen drags her through the riptides of insecurities, distrust, and jealously, but the resolution is so gratifying.
I really loved this YA read, and am looking forward to book 4! Keep 'em coming, AJ!
As someone close to me said, Sworn Sift 'brings on the vapours'. Umm,yes, that's one way to put it. This book is a pretty epic SWOON. It could have been titled "Swoon Shift"....
What I love about all of AJ's books is they recognize lust, hormones, want, and temptation (essentially, teenage love). HOWEVER, the characters don't crumple under these pressures to compromise what is right. These books praise and glorify the beauty of waiting for your future mate (husband/wife) and how amazingly swoon worthy doing things RIGHT is. There is nothing sexier than holding the morale high ground.
I really loved getting to know both the MCs in this book. Bowen is presented as the badboy playboy, but as the book unfolds, we get to see that what is on the surface isn't anything close to the vulnerable truths Bowen hides deap down. As for Raven, she brings so many topics to the surface. What do you do when you feel like you will be compared to your partner's previous romantic conquests? What about feelings of physical unworthiness? How do you build trust in such a situation? Raven is a thinker, and being thrown into a relationship with Bowen due to the mate bond goes against everything she thought she wanted. Her mate bond with Bowen drags her through the riptides of insecurities, distrust, and jealously, but the resolution is so gratifying.
I really loved this YA read, and am looking forward to book 4! Keep 'em coming, AJ!
May 3, 2022
Can books be compared to candy? They should be, I think. When Raven first realizes that Bowen is her "true mate", it's in the middle of a huge clash between their two wolf packs. It's like that powerful slap of tartness on a sour gummy, one so strong that it's almost bitter. Raven is still in high school, and dealing with the enormity of this life twist makes for some serious angst during the first half of the book.
It's not like it's unwarranted, though. Bowen was trying to tear the throat out of Raven's brother, Cade, during the battle. And Bowen's reputation as an arrogant, promiscuous player only makes everything worse. How can Raven possibly marry someone like that?
Then again, how in the world do you fight a true mate bond? (Hint: Just like a sour gummy, the book just gets sweeter as it melts in your mouth--I mean as it unfolds...)
The world of AJ Skelly's Wolves of Rock Falls was fun to fall into again, and the book flew by like the wind through the forest trees. We get to see all the main characters we enjoyed from the first two books (Meg and Sam, Kyp and Rachel, etc) and find out whether things will finally calm down for the three packs. After the death of Victor Atwood, the pack of wolves that he mind-controlled are inherited by his son Kyp, and Bowen is Kyp's Beta. So this story explores the fallout after the last couple of books and wraps things up in a very satisfying way.
Although AJ Skelly seems to be releasing books in other series now, there's plenty of room for future stories in Rock Falls. I hope the author will eventually return to write more!
It's not like it's unwarranted, though. Bowen was trying to tear the throat out of Raven's brother, Cade, during the battle. And Bowen's reputation as an arrogant, promiscuous player only makes everything worse. How can Raven possibly marry someone like that?
Then again, how in the world do you fight a true mate bond? (Hint: Just like a sour gummy, the book just gets sweeter as it melts in your mouth--I mean as it unfolds...)
The world of AJ Skelly's Wolves of Rock Falls was fun to fall into again, and the book flew by like the wind through the forest trees. We get to see all the main characters we enjoyed from the first two books (Meg and Sam, Kyp and Rachel, etc) and find out whether things will finally calm down for the three packs. After the death of Victor Atwood, the pack of wolves that he mind-controlled are inherited by his son Kyp, and Bowen is Kyp's Beta. So this story explores the fallout after the last couple of books and wraps things up in a very satisfying way.
Although AJ Skelly seems to be releasing books in other series now, there's plenty of room for future stories in Rock Falls. I hope the author will eventually return to write more!
April 13, 2022
It starts almost where it left off in the Rogue Shift but this story is about Bowen and Raven and their mate bond which is said to be an ancient one and is rare to find. Standing on the opposite sides in the war made things difficult to accept for Raven in terms of having a mate. There is a sweet edge to the story as they both get equipped with their new reality and person. We get to see a glimpse of other characters in the story too and that makes it more familiar. An unexpected threat looms and how they deal with it is intense. I loved how things got at the end, dealing with their emotions, with their enemies, and all other things.
May 4, 2022
I loved the previous two books and I have to say I absolutely loved this third book. Once again I was happily immersed into this world as we get Raven and Bowens adventure to their fated mates ending. It’s got secrets, it’s got suspense and of course nothing in life is ever easy but of course it’s the journey that makes it worthwhile! It’s a great shifter romance that keeps you hooked especially as we try to find out who keeps dropping bodies and why and I just love the way the author doesn’t rush the relationships but takes it at a speed you could relate to! It’s a great series that continues to grow and develop!
May 9, 2022
It's very rare for me to find a series of books where I've loved every single installment. You know what I mean - the first book is great and then it just slides downhill from there. *cough cough* everyyoungadultseriesever *cough cough*
NOT THESE BOOKS.
All three of the "Wolves of Rock Falls" books have been great, and "Sworn Shift" might just be my favorite one yet. I absolutely adored Sam in the first book and thought he'd be my favorite wolf-boy forever.
DING DONG I WAS WRONG. Hello Bowen!! (Sorry Sam, I still love you, but Bowen has taken your spot).
"Sworn Shift" has the perfect amount of action, sweet romantic moments, and suspense. You won't be disappointed!
NOT THESE BOOKS.
All three of the "Wolves of Rock Falls" books have been great, and "Sworn Shift" might just be my favorite one yet. I absolutely adored Sam in the first book and thought he'd be my favorite wolf-boy forever.
DING DONG I WAS WRONG. Hello Bowen!! (Sorry Sam, I still love you, but Bowen has taken your spot).
"Sworn Shift" has the perfect amount of action, sweet romantic moments, and suspense. You won't be disappointed!
May 5, 2022
Skelly knocked it out of the ballpark with this one! Once again, her mainstay is depicting healthy teens with solid parental relationships and at times very funny family dynamics (Raven’s mom is a hoot!). This third installment this one leans fully into its place as the darkest of the series so far, in a good way. Beautiful redemption arc, the age-old teen angst of how one is perceived by peers done very nicely, enemies to lovers with a little bit of a twist. I also think it’s the most well-written of the series, the plot is tight and the slow simmer of tension is very fun.
May 25, 2022
First and foremost this series is amazing. Every time I read the next book in the series it’s my favorite. Sworn Shift (Book 3) is definitely my favorite book - but you can’t get there without reading First Shift (Book 1) & Rogue Shift (Book 2) first.
Raven & Bowen are such fun characters. I think many people will find something relatable in this book. With one of the main concepts being you don’t really know what’s going and truly happening on based on gossip and society vibes until you directly ask someone- and how important communication is especially in relationships.
I couldn’t stop reading this book and was completely immersed with it. The wolfpacks are so interesting and you never know what twist and turn is going to come up next. If you love YA books, werewolves and some paranormal romance - these characters are waiting for you to join their adventures. And these books make a great addition to your bookshelf!
Raven & Bowen are such fun characters. I think many people will find something relatable in this book. With one of the main concepts being you don’t really know what’s going and truly happening on based on gossip and society vibes until you directly ask someone- and how important communication is especially in relationships.
I couldn’t stop reading this book and was completely immersed with it. The wolfpacks are so interesting and you never know what twist and turn is going to come up next. If you love YA books, werewolves and some paranormal romance - these characters are waiting for you to join their adventures. And these books make a great addition to your bookshelf!
June 17, 2022
Are you ready for another epic tell involving werewolves? Because Sworn Shift brings more drama, more action, more mystery, and more romance into the story. This time we get to know more of Bowen Oakes- the son of infamous Victor. And Raven, who belongs to a different wolf pack. Their lives are crossed and tangled in many ways. It doesn’t start pretty nor easy. If you want to know how their story ends- pick up part 3 of The Wolves of Rock Fslls by AJ Skelly. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
May 9, 2022
Hello Bowen! This is the 3rd book of The Wolves of Rock Falls Series and this one... Sworn Shift... Ahhh! Drove me crazy in the best way!
One word: anticipation. If you have ever wanted to slap a character, all in good fun of course, you'll love this book. It is so well written, you'll forget about everything else going on. I read it in two nights because I couldn't put it down. I absolutely love this enemies to lovers storyline. Can't wait to see what AJ has up her sleeve for her next book.
One word: anticipation. If you have ever wanted to slap a character, all in good fun of course, you'll love this book. It is so well written, you'll forget about everything else going on. I read it in two nights because I couldn't put it down. I absolutely love this enemies to lovers storyline. Can't wait to see what AJ has up her sleeve for her next book.
August 11, 2022
This is a fantastic continuation of the Wolves of Rockfalls series and so far it's my favourite book in the series. I love how each novel builds on the greater plot while also focusing on the story of one couple at a time. It's a nice way to keep things solid in terms of the plot for each book while also having a fantastic high-stakes over-arching plot that runs throughout the series. Truly fab reading. I honestly couldn't put this one down!
October 20, 2023
This book was enjoyable just like the rest of the series, but it might have been my least favorite of the four. I loved both of the main characters and the premise and especially the snippets of sibling bonds. I think it had the most focus on the physical relationship and thoughts and that wasn't my favorite, but that is just a personal preference thing and nothing to do with the writing.
Looking forward to spending more time in Rock Falls!
Looking forward to spending more time in Rock Falls!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews