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Wolves of Royal Paynes #1
Hero: Wolves of Royal Paynes
Mercenaries. Outcasts. Alphas.
Knox knows all the five of them have left now is each other. That, and the driving desire to find who had slaughtered their pack and make that person pay.
But investigating a tragedy with only rubble as evidence requires money and time. Knox can find one and use it to buy the other. They may be the last remaining members of a once thriving pack, but they are no strangers to taking the types of jobs that would keep lesser men awake at night.
Finding and returning some young punk to his rich, asshole father shouldn’t be all that difficult.
Jazz Whitten lives as he likes, always. Since leaving home when he was young, he’s operated under a single rule, never stay where you aren’t wanted. Using his unique ability and the sleight of hand he’s perfected over the years, life as a fugitive isn’t that bad. It’s lonely at times, but freedom is more important than companionship.
But when Jazz comes head to head with the latest team hired by his father, he forgets his own rule. He knows it is money, not affection that keeps the team on his tail. Their leader, Knox, is merciless and focused, but there’s something else about the man. It isn’t his kindness—Knox is a brute and unfortunately for Jazz, he’s smart too—but Knox radiates a type of pain that Jazz is all too familiar with.
Jazz is as slippery as he is sexy and it takes every trick Knox has to catch up with him. But when he does, how will the stone-cold mercenary ever give him up?
Hero is the first book in the Wolves of Royal Paynes series. It is an action-packed, swelteringly hot, mpreg romance that introduces a world of intrigue, mystery, and magic. For maximum enjoyment, this series should be read in order.
Wolves of Royal Paynes is the second series in the Wolves of World. Though the series are connected, they may be read on their own for maximum enjoyment..
Knox knows all the five of them have left now is each other. That, and the driving desire to find who had slaughtered their pack and make that person pay.
But investigating a tragedy with only rubble as evidence requires money and time. Knox can find one and use it to buy the other. They may be the last remaining members of a once thriving pack, but they are no strangers to taking the types of jobs that would keep lesser men awake at night.
Finding and returning some young punk to his rich, asshole father shouldn’t be all that difficult.
Jazz Whitten lives as he likes, always. Since leaving home when he was young, he’s operated under a single rule, never stay where you aren’t wanted. Using his unique ability and the sleight of hand he’s perfected over the years, life as a fugitive isn’t that bad. It’s lonely at times, but freedom is more important than companionship.
But when Jazz comes head to head with the latest team hired by his father, he forgets his own rule. He knows it is money, not affection that keeps the team on his tail. Their leader, Knox, is merciless and focused, but there’s something else about the man. It isn’t his kindness—Knox is a brute and unfortunately for Jazz, he’s smart too—but Knox radiates a type of pain that Jazz is all too familiar with.
Jazz is as slippery as he is sexy and it takes every trick Knox has to catch up with him. But when he does, how will the stone-cold mercenary ever give him up?
Hero is the first book in the Wolves of Royal Paynes series. It is an action-packed, swelteringly hot, mpreg romance that introduces a world of intrigue, mystery, and magic. For maximum enjoyment, this series should be read in order.
Wolves of Royal Paynes is the second series in the Wolves of World. Though the series are connected, they may be read on their own for maximum enjoyment..
330 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2020
410 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
May 30, 2025
**3.5**
I enjoyed this for the most part, especially Jazz. However, it started out strong and I loved the cat and mouse game Jazz and Knox had going on in the beginning. But about halfway through it sort of fizzled out. Once they got together, it lost some of the momentum it had going. There were also things that seemed like I should know what was going on, but they weren't expanded on. Maybe from the Walker series? This is definitely a standalone series, but it seemed there were little things here or there that were missing. Honestly, I don't know how to describe it and of course can't think of any examples 🙄 I only know that while reading, at times, I felt confused, like I was supposed to know something, but missed the punchline 🤷♀️
I'll definitely be continuing the series though. I can't wait to get to Diesel's book.
I enjoyed this for the most part, especially Jazz. However, it started out strong and I loved the cat and mouse game Jazz and Knox had going on in the beginning. But about halfway through it sort of fizzled out. Once they got together, it lost some of the momentum it had going. There were also things that seemed like I should know what was going on, but they weren't expanded on. Maybe from the Walker series? This is definitely a standalone series, but it seemed there were little things here or there that were missing. Honestly, I don't know how to describe it and of course can't think of any examples 🙄 I only know that while reading, at times, I felt confused, like I was supposed to know something, but missed the punchline 🤷♀️
I'll definitely be continuing the series though. I can't wait to get to Diesel's book.
Read
January 10, 2021Dnf @ 67%
d-n-f
June 14, 2021DNF at 30%
I tried but it really was boring and nothing was pulling me in.
June 29, 2020
DNF @81%
I don’t know, this was just messy.
Everything was happening at once yet nothing was happening at the same time. At around 81% half of the things that were happening went unexplained, Knox stopping Jazz from using his powers, even when he used them unintentionally and without putting people at risk just to calm himself, was as asshole move considering Jazz had no issue with Knox being a wolf, Jazz suddenly turning into a wolf but not only that but also growing wings (wtf??? Listen, I can’t even picture a wolf with wings)... mess. Also what the hell was with that random ass woman? (Totally forgot her name. That’s how insignificant she was for me and the plot. Unless something happens with her from 82% onwards. But by then it is too little too late).
The birth was cool tho.
This review is all over the place just like this book.
I don’t know, this was just messy.
Everything was happening at once yet nothing was happening at the same time. At around 81% half of the things that were happening went unexplained, Knox stopping Jazz from using his powers, even when he used them unintentionally and without putting people at risk just to calm himself, was as asshole move considering Jazz had no issue with Knox being a wolf, Jazz suddenly turning into a wolf but not only that but also growing wings (wtf??? Listen, I can’t even picture a wolf with wings)... mess. Also what the hell was with that random ass woman? (Totally forgot her name. That’s how insignificant she was for me and the plot. Unless something happens with her from 82% onwards. But by then it is too little too late).
The birth was cool tho.
This review is all over the place just like this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2020
Angel-wolf hybrid???
4.25 stars
Well Kiki real did a number on this one. What can you say, she created a whole different plot twist with this one! All of a sudden it was the normal paranormal shifter book then BAM! puking glittery vomit that smells like bubblegum. Go figure. Looking forward to angels, demons and wolves trying to find their true mates.
4.25 stars
Well Kiki real did a number on this one. What can you say, she created a whole different plot twist with this one! All of a sudden it was the normal paranormal shifter book then BAM! puking glittery vomit that smells like bubblegum. Go figure. Looking forward to angels, demons and wolves trying to find their true mates.
December 30, 2020
Unfortunately, this was another miss for me. I wish the author had mentioned in the blurb that this was an omegaverse story. I don't dislike that trope, however, it can go certain ways and not all are good. This one though, wow, I mean . Also, There was a whole Daddy/boy/brat thing going on that seemed half assed at best. Something that was also not really mentioned in the blurb. Had I known these two things, I probably would not have picked up this book. Luckily now I know, and won't be reading there rest of the series. It wouldn't be fair to me or the author.
December 9, 2020
4.5 stars
This was surprisingly good, more than I have come to expect from the omegaverse genre. The storyline is intriguing. My only issue was that it felt like I missed the beginning of the story, sort of like I walked in to an ongoing series. The blurb says its connected to some other series but can be read without the other. I feel like somethings would have made sense if I had read that series first. But its still a good book, well written and an interesting premise. I can't wait to see where this story is going. The couple in this book have their HFN and the next books are for different couples, but the story continues.
This was surprisingly good, more than I have come to expect from the omegaverse genre. The storyline is intriguing. My only issue was that it felt like I missed the beginning of the story, sort of like I walked in to an ongoing series. The blurb says its connected to some other series but can be read without the other. I feel like somethings would have made sense if I had read that series first. But its still a good book, well written and an interesting premise. I can't wait to see where this story is going. The couple in this book have their HFN and the next books are for different couples, but the story continues.
July 17, 2020
Well, I gotta say, this took one heck of a turn I was not expecting and I love it. A new element has now been added and I can’t wait to see how it turns out for the rest of the guys. It’s already going to be interesting as for what is happening in this book while they are working on other things.
Jazz has been on the run for at least 10 years. He has no idea why his father hates him so bad and how he can do the tricks he does, but he just accepts it and tries to stay under the radar. But since he turned 18, he’s being hunted by all kinds by his father for reasons he has yet to figure out. When Knox and his crew finally actually get their hands on Jazz, little things are starting to not add up for Knox and Jazz is helping them see things they didn’t see before with the loss of their lands and their packs. Something severely evil is out there hunting them all. Jazz and those like him especially. But what Jazz really is, no one expected. And now they know they have to go all in to make sure he’s protected and save others like him. But can they do it and still find out why they had to lose all they did or will things just be too much and cause things to finally snap?
When I read about Jazz at the end of the Walker County series, I was really intrigued. He just has this personality, when he’s allowed to be himself, that is just snarky but fun and full of life. And for the life of me, I couldn’t figure why someone would want to destroy that so bad. I know Knox and his crew had a hard time at first with Jazz, but that was because of their own backgrounds and what happened to them. So for them, I could understand. But it’s more than that. Jazz just has that ability to make you feel better and for these 5 broken men, it’s really what they needed, if they could just relax a bit. But with what keeps coming at them, it’s a little hard and I get that. But seeing Knox and Jazz finally break down and acknowledge what was between them, became the start of a healing process all 5 needed and didn’t know it. And in the most unexpected way. So while they are in the thick of things that are evil, there is still good going on and healing. And a chance at a new start at life with new friends and family.
I can’t wait to see Faust’s story, but I want Diesel more than anyone. He’s story is heartbreaking and I want his happy ending. I want him happy and not so grief stricken anymore. This is going to be one heck of a series. I can see it now.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Jazz has been on the run for at least 10 years. He has no idea why his father hates him so bad and how he can do the tricks he does, but he just accepts it and tries to stay under the radar. But since he turned 18, he’s being hunted by all kinds by his father for reasons he has yet to figure out. When Knox and his crew finally actually get their hands on Jazz, little things are starting to not add up for Knox and Jazz is helping them see things they didn’t see before with the loss of their lands and their packs. Something severely evil is out there hunting them all. Jazz and those like him especially. But what Jazz really is, no one expected. And now they know they have to go all in to make sure he’s protected and save others like him. But can they do it and still find out why they had to lose all they did or will things just be too much and cause things to finally snap?
When I read about Jazz at the end of the Walker County series, I was really intrigued. He just has this personality, when he’s allowed to be himself, that is just snarky but fun and full of life. And for the life of me, I couldn’t figure why someone would want to destroy that so bad. I know Knox and his crew had a hard time at first with Jazz, but that was because of their own backgrounds and what happened to them. So for them, I could understand. But it’s more than that. Jazz just has that ability to make you feel better and for these 5 broken men, it’s really what they needed, if they could just relax a bit. But with what keeps coming at them, it’s a little hard and I get that. But seeing Knox and Jazz finally break down and acknowledge what was between them, became the start of a healing process all 5 needed and didn’t know it. And in the most unexpected way. So while they are in the thick of things that are evil, there is still good going on and healing. And a chance at a new start at life with new friends and family.
I can’t wait to see Faust’s story, but I want Diesel more than anyone. He’s story is heartbreaking and I want his happy ending. I want him happy and not so grief stricken anymore. This is going to be one heck of a series. I can see it now.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
June 27, 2020
Such a good book. I haven’t read Wolves of Walker County but that had no impact on my enjoyment & understanding of this book.
Jazz Whitten has been on the run from his father for years. Knox and his team of alpha wolf shifters have been hired by Jazz’s father to capture Jazz. Enjoy the magical cat & mouse game between Jazz and Knox at the beginning because it’s only a matter of time before these two give in to the chemistry just simmering below the surface.
I loved all the characters in this book. Diesel and Dog are my favorite. I can’t wait until Diesel gets his own story. I found it fascinating how Dog appears to be very human at times, but he’s a dog right?
Faust’s book is next & looks very interesting! Who doesn’t love someone that can speak with forest animals?
Great start to this new series. Highly recommend this book.
Jazz Whitten has been on the run from his father for years. Knox and his team of alpha wolf shifters have been hired by Jazz’s father to capture Jazz. Enjoy the magical cat & mouse game between Jazz and Knox at the beginning because it’s only a matter of time before these two give in to the chemistry just simmering below the surface.
I loved all the characters in this book. Diesel and Dog are my favorite. I can’t wait until Diesel gets his own story. I found it fascinating how Dog appears to be very human at times, but he’s a dog right?
Faust’s book is next & looks very interesting! Who doesn’t love someone that can speak with forest animals?
Great start to this new series. Highly recommend this book.
January 24, 2023
Wow!
This is my first ever Kiki Burrelli book, and I'm so glad I found it. Knox and Jazz are just stunning together. I've always been a suckered for an outcast, so this book ticked all the boxes. It had suspense, sass, and sexiness to boot. I can't wait to read on and see what happens for the Wolves of Royal Paynes next!
This is my first ever Kiki Burrelli book, and I'm so glad I found it. Knox and Jazz are just stunning together. I've always been a suckered for an outcast, so this book ticked all the boxes. It had suspense, sass, and sexiness to boot. I can't wait to read on and see what happens for the Wolves of Royal Paynes next!
June 26, 2020
Ms. Burrelli has written a wonderful story of the 5 surviving wolf pack members fighting their way against those who wiped their entire pack; revenge being the driving force. They finance this revenge by being mercenaries. Not a noble profession but the cause is noble. Knox Branson is their leader though he's unsure of his capabilities to lead. Especially since he is drawn to the latest hit Jazz. Jazz has been leading these guys on a merry chase for some time and he's enjoying being a thorn in the side of Royal Paynes pack. The drawing together of Knox and Jazz and the reinforcement of all the pack into a brotherhood makes for a wonderful read. The inclusion of Walker County characters is a great aside and the ending of this book #1 sheds light on circumstances regarding the Walker pack and the unique abilities of all the omegas in both series. Let wings take flight in this book. I did get this as an ARC but I loved this book so much that I also bought it for my extensive Burrelli library.
June 26, 2020
This is the first in a series that has people from the Walker County series but you can read it without reading that series. Though, I highly suggest reading the Walker County series as it's amazing. We meet Jazz, Knox, and the other guys in that series. This one starts with Knox and his "brothers" still looking for Jazz, whose father paid Knox to retrieve and return Jazz. Now, Jazz has no desire whatsoever to go back to his father and is determined to stay away. Then Jazz is at the hotel/house that Knox had purchased and truths begin to come out. This story has twists that you will not see coming. Knox and his "brothers" have a painful history that leads them to feeling disconnected with each other and others. With Jazz there, changes begin. Then, the surprises start coming.
This story is incredible, full of twists, characters you want to meet, and a story line that will leave you shocked. Read this as soon as possible!
This story is incredible, full of twists, characters you want to meet, and a story line that will leave you shocked. Read this as soon as possible!
January 17, 2021
3.6 stars
Meh... This author is usually a hit or miss with me but this book didn’t hit right for me. For one it could have been a lot shorter and somethings really didn’t pan out for me... the romance specifically, it was building beautifully and then it just... was...
Meh... This author is usually a hit or miss with me but this book didn’t hit right for me. For one it could have been a lot shorter and somethings really didn’t pan out for me... the romance specifically, it was building beautifully and then it just... was...
July 1, 2020
Just when I thought Kiki Burrelli's paranormal world couldn't get any better, along comes this marvelous, grab-you-by-the-feels, fast paced, action packed, fantastic, fascinating, incredible, smoldering, amazing, suspenseful, and totally awesome start to an intriguing new series to prove me wrong. I would recommend getting this gem immediately. I can't wait to see what happens next!
November 3, 2024
estoy segura que estos libros serían más famosos si no tuvieran estas portadas
August 6, 2020
Spin off from another series, but promise on its own
This was a good first book but with an unexpected heavy connection to previous books. There is no indication that this is spun off from another series or part of another world, but upon reading there were entire swaths of plot that expected knowledge of events in some other series. Characters were thrown about as though they should have been known and major events in the past were glazed over with barely a mention as they had apparently been previously explored. This was a bit disappointing as at the start this seemed like a fresh series so the unspoken parts were a constant needle of missed information.
As it was, beyond this unknown wider connection, the story itself was intriguing and promises it's own world to explore. This band of alphas that has lost everything, even their own willingness to care about life, is a group that it is impossible not to care for. Though they are gruff and cold with plenty of baggage from their unimaginable loss, some part of them seems to want to care again but they need people to push in to care for. In this first book that starts with Jazz, a mark they are hunting that turns out to be so much more. As mysterious abilities and lies told have them bringing Jazz in to their fold, rather than turning him over, it starts to bring forgotten parts of themselves to light. As the mysteries of Jazz's past begin to intersect with their own mysteries it reveals that there is much more going on than they even suspected.
Now that the connection to the previous books has been explored and explained it seems that the books moving forward will be more self contained to this particular storyline. With the revealed mysteries and the continued mission is means this will be an interesting series to keep an eye on.
This was a good first book but with an unexpected heavy connection to previous books. There is no indication that this is spun off from another series or part of another world, but upon reading there were entire swaths of plot that expected knowledge of events in some other series. Characters were thrown about as though they should have been known and major events in the past were glazed over with barely a mention as they had apparently been previously explored. This was a bit disappointing as at the start this seemed like a fresh series so the unspoken parts were a constant needle of missed information.
As it was, beyond this unknown wider connection, the story itself was intriguing and promises it's own world to explore. This band of alphas that has lost everything, even their own willingness to care about life, is a group that it is impossible not to care for. Though they are gruff and cold with plenty of baggage from their unimaginable loss, some part of them seems to want to care again but they need people to push in to care for. In this first book that starts with Jazz, a mark they are hunting that turns out to be so much more. As mysterious abilities and lies told have them bringing Jazz in to their fold, rather than turning him over, it starts to bring forgotten parts of themselves to light. As the mysteries of Jazz's past begin to intersect with their own mysteries it reveals that there is much more going on than they even suspected.
Now that the connection to the previous books has been explored and explained it seems that the books moving forward will be more self contained to this particular storyline. With the revealed mysteries and the continued mission is means this will be an interesting series to keep an eye on.
July 5, 2020
I was very impressed with this brilliant Mpreg shifter romances & this series promises to be totally fascinating. The plot is well-written & highly intriguing with good scene descriptions & world building. The characters are strong-willed individuals with opposing personalities that complement each other & in the face of adversity they stand together but are inclined to be slightly confrontational at times.
It is about: five surviving alphas (Knox, Jagger, Huntley, Faust & Diesel) with vengeance in their hearts become mercenaries. The leader (Knox Branson) takes an assignment from a rich man (Walter Whitten) to find his apparently missing son (Jazz) naturally Jazz is not to impressed with this idea & the chase begins.
There is: a devious company (Portal Ventures), wolf shifters, angels, a nephilim, alphas, omegas, humans, adventure, action, humor, magic, mystery, secrets, friendship, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, drama, threats, danger, enemies, deceit, betrayal, attacks, conflict, violence, confrontations, devious intentions, attractions, jealousy, distrust, unusual coincidences, suspicions, unexpected surprises, disbelief, contentment, happiness, love, some steamy scenes & a interesting ending that is paving the way for the next book in the series. I enjoyed reading this Mpreg shifter romance & definitely would recommend it.
It is about: five surviving alphas (Knox, Jagger, Huntley, Faust & Diesel) with vengeance in their hearts become mercenaries. The leader (Knox Branson) takes an assignment from a rich man (Walter Whitten) to find his apparently missing son (Jazz) naturally Jazz is not to impressed with this idea & the chase begins.
There is: a devious company (Portal Ventures), wolf shifters, angels, a nephilim, alphas, omegas, humans, adventure, action, humor, magic, mystery, secrets, friendship, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, drama, threats, danger, enemies, deceit, betrayal, attacks, conflict, violence, confrontations, devious intentions, attractions, jealousy, distrust, unusual coincidences, suspicions, unexpected surprises, disbelief, contentment, happiness, love, some steamy scenes & a interesting ending that is paving the way for the next book in the series. I enjoyed reading this Mpreg shifter romance & definitely would recommend it.
April 27, 2021
I’m hooked
I’m so glad I hesitated to read this series before all the books were out, because now I can main line them. I loved the first series, Wolves of Walker County. This one takes a similar theme but twists it by adding a new magical element and I am living for it. I’m happy to see Jazz back and I loved Knox. I know all the men are going to get their books, but I’m most eager to see the twins and how that works out.
I’m so glad I hesitated to read this series before all the books were out, because now I can main line them. I loved the first series, Wolves of Walker County. This one takes a similar theme but twists it by adding a new magical element and I am living for it. I’m happy to see Jazz back and I loved Knox. I know all the men are going to get their books, but I’m most eager to see the twins and how that works out.
January 26, 2023
I think that Knox thinks that all he has left is the search for justice and vengeance for his pack, but really, I think that he is tired of it, and that he knows that he is losing all his brothers. It is so hard for him, and it is so much stress and hurt on him, and more than he really wants to have to deal with. I think that if he hadn't found a break, he would've broken.
Jazz is such a delight and so free spirited. I think that he is exactly what K and his surviving pack need. Without him, they would've totally broken, I think.
I can't wait for more of this series.
Jazz is such a delight and so free spirited. I think that he is exactly what K and his surviving pack need. Without him, they would've totally broken, I think.
I can't wait for more of this series.
February 7, 2021
A fun start with the chase, but that didn’t last too long so the tension dialed down. I expected Hallie to be more of a problem when she popped up rather than like an extra pack member. Jazz was pretty cool.
April 22, 2022
The level of inconsistencies in this book... ahhhhh... this book gave me a migrain
For a moment I was so into this book. First chapter introduces one of the main protagonists, Jazz as a young man trying to live his life on the run and for a good deal of chapter one he was cool, playful, a person with an obvioiusly skewed moral code due to his "lifestyle", you know? The build up of a complex character... and then he became a horny teenager with too much time and very little responsibilities. And saddly this carrot and stick continues on throughout the book.
Knox is a mercenary with a dark past, dark priorities taking over his life, complex relationships and a wild nature... until he becomes a horny dumbass. It's easy to try and paint a dark and broody character by describing them as grumpy or talking about how easy they could end a life, but that's only surface level, the rest of the book, in plot and dialogue and background he's annoying, ridiculous and horny.
The plot has a couple interesting twists and the book had bits of world-building facts compelling enough to keep me reading, but saddly both also ended up disappointing me in several ways. Plot holes, confusing timelines, red herrings and ridiculous situations. Mercenaries who don't know sh... about keeping a low profile and never contact their client. A fire investigation that moves at a glacier pace but apparently takes over people's free time all the time for years. A killer ready to kill an INNOCENT PERSON in the middle of a STORE for NO GOOD REASON as if it's a perfectly intelligent reaction. Information missing about things that happened before or during the author acts as if we already know... specially when talking about characters from another series it crosses over with. Chapter after chapter I was face-palming, pulling my hair and laughing at how unbelieable what was happening was or how unreal the dialogue felt.
It's disappointing to watch wasted talent/ideas but this is another level.
Because often times book one in a series is not as good as the following, I'll continue on to book two, but I don't have any hopes or expectations. For now, I'll give this a 1 out of 5 and a recommendation to the author to please do the work before the work, investigating and planning and to be mindful of the work after the work, proof reading and editing... and maybe, consider re-doing the whole novela? I doubt it'd hurt it.
For a moment I was so into this book. First chapter introduces one of the main protagonists, Jazz as a young man trying to live his life on the run and for a good deal of chapter one he was cool, playful, a person with an obvioiusly skewed moral code due to his "lifestyle", you know? The build up of a complex character... and then he became a horny teenager with too much time and very little responsibilities. And saddly this carrot and stick continues on throughout the book.
Knox is a mercenary with a dark past, dark priorities taking over his life, complex relationships and a wild nature... until he becomes a horny dumbass. It's easy to try and paint a dark and broody character by describing them as grumpy or talking about how easy they could end a life, but that's only surface level, the rest of the book, in plot and dialogue and background he's annoying, ridiculous and horny.
The plot has a couple interesting twists and the book had bits of world-building facts compelling enough to keep me reading, but saddly both also ended up disappointing me in several ways. Plot holes, confusing timelines, red herrings and ridiculous situations. Mercenaries who don't know sh... about keeping a low profile and never contact their client. A fire investigation that moves at a glacier pace but apparently takes over people's free time all the time for years. A killer ready to kill an INNOCENT PERSON in the middle of a STORE for NO GOOD REASON as if it's a perfectly intelligent reaction. Information missing about things that happened before or during the author acts as if we already know... specially when talking about characters from another series it crosses over with. Chapter after chapter I was face-palming, pulling my hair and laughing at how unbelieable what was happening was or how unreal the dialogue felt.
It's disappointing to watch wasted talent/ideas but this is another level.
Because often times book one in a series is not as good as the following, I'll continue on to book two, but I don't have any hopes or expectations. For now, I'll give this a 1 out of 5 and a recommendation to the author to please do the work before the work, investigating and planning and to be mindful of the work after the work, proof reading and editing... and maybe, consider re-doing the whole novela? I doubt it'd hurt it.
June 7, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********
Well done Kiki!! What an amazing start to Wolves of Royal Paynes series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Knox and his "pack of mercenaries" have been hired by Jazz’s manipulative lying father to find his son who he made up lies about and they weren’t the first team that had tried to retreave him. Jazz has powers that creater illusions which he used a lot to evade all the other teams sent so none of them got close until Knox and his team, and they werent easily fulled by Jazz’s powers and just want to catch him so they can get the rest of their fee. Jazz and Knox have this flirtation thing going while they he gives them a good chase, so when he finally gets hold of Jazz, Jazz slips away from him but Knox follows him to his hotel and sees him nearly get stabbed by a man he knew who Jazz was so Knox decides to take him back to their home base until they get their answers before they decide what to do, even though Knox had already made up his mind that Jazz was staying but didn’t want to admit it. I loved the connection between Knox and Jazz. I loved seeing each of the pack members accept Jazz in their own time and the addition of Hallie was really cool, I liked that when the guys all saw how happy Jazz was with Hallie she became and extended member of their family/pack. Wow, I loved how Kiki made the mpreg portion of this have similar aspects to the Wolves of Walker County series blessed omega births but put an extra spin on it with bubble gum, rainbow glittery puke and glittery growth rings like a tree. I also like that we found out the real reason why they have powers and are blessed omegas and the connection to Patrick Walker. The mystery of what happened to Knox and the guys pack gets slowly unraveled, but it just reveals more clues to follow and will be solved throughout the series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book to see who the guys save and why he was communicating via slips of tiny paper delivered by animal asking for help. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone
Well done Kiki!! What an amazing start to Wolves of Royal Paynes series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Knox and his "pack of mercenaries" have been hired by Jazz’s manipulative lying father to find his son who he made up lies about and they weren’t the first team that had tried to retreave him. Jazz has powers that creater illusions which he used a lot to evade all the other teams sent so none of them got close until Knox and his team, and they werent easily fulled by Jazz’s powers and just want to catch him so they can get the rest of their fee. Jazz and Knox have this flirtation thing going while they he gives them a good chase, so when he finally gets hold of Jazz, Jazz slips away from him but Knox follows him to his hotel and sees him nearly get stabbed by a man he knew who Jazz was so Knox decides to take him back to their home base until they get their answers before they decide what to do, even though Knox had already made up his mind that Jazz was staying but didn’t want to admit it. I loved the connection between Knox and Jazz. I loved seeing each of the pack members accept Jazz in their own time and the addition of Hallie was really cool, I liked that when the guys all saw how happy Jazz was with Hallie she became and extended member of their family/pack. Wow, I loved how Kiki made the mpreg portion of this have similar aspects to the Wolves of Walker County series blessed omega births but put an extra spin on it with bubble gum, rainbow glittery puke and glittery growth rings like a tree. I also like that we found out the real reason why they have powers and are blessed omegas and the connection to Patrick Walker. The mystery of what happened to Knox and the guys pack gets slowly unraveled, but it just reveals more clues to follow and will be solved throughout the series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book to see who the guys save and why he was communicating via slips of tiny paper delivered by animal asking for help. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone
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July 21, 2020A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Hero is the first book in Kiki Burrelli’s new Wolves of Royal Payne series. I enjoy omegaverse stories, and the blurb for this grabbed my attention due to the mercenary and investigation angles. They are not themes that you usually find in this type of story, so I was interested in to see what Burrelli would bring to the omegaverse world. I think, overall, this book has some interesting elements and a unique spin on the omegaverse. But I also found that there is a lot going on and there are many things that didn’t feel sufficiently developed and explored.
The book starts with some excitement as Jazz is on the run with Knox and his men after him. We see Jazz use his magical abilities to evade capture and there is some fun energy here as the guys face off against one another. However, things were a bit rocky for me, as well. On one hand, Jazz is very clear he doesn’t want to go back to his father and is fearful for what will happen to him if captured. He also notes that if he were given a few words to describe Knox, they would be “scary and terrifying.” Yet at the same time, when he encounters Knox, all Jazz can seem to think of is getting in his pants. I understood that this story would inevitably have the prisoner fall for the captor, but those early moments where they are only adversaries, it was frustrating to see Jazz seem so much more focused on how hot Knox was than actually escaping.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Hero is the first book in Kiki Burrelli’s new Wolves of Royal Payne series. I enjoy omegaverse stories, and the blurb for this grabbed my attention due to the mercenary and investigation angles. They are not themes that you usually find in this type of story, so I was interested in to see what Burrelli would bring to the omegaverse world. I think, overall, this book has some interesting elements and a unique spin on the omegaverse. But I also found that there is a lot going on and there are many things that didn’t feel sufficiently developed and explored.
The book starts with some excitement as Jazz is on the run with Knox and his men after him. We see Jazz use his magical abilities to evade capture and there is some fun energy here as the guys face off against one another. However, things were a bit rocky for me, as well. On one hand, Jazz is very clear he doesn’t want to go back to his father and is fearful for what will happen to him if captured. He also notes that if he were given a few words to describe Knox, they would be “scary and terrifying.” Yet at the same time, when he encounters Knox, all Jazz can seem to think of is getting in his pants. I understood that this story would inevitably have the prisoner fall for the captor, but those early moments where they are only adversaries, it was frustrating to see Jazz seem so much more focused on how hot Knox was than actually escaping.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 7, 2023
It was entertaining enough to finish the book. It started strong but then it got weird. This isn't just about shifters and magical creatures, it has an over reaching arc and I guess the stories build on top of each other. Knox is one of five alphas who survived the attack of someone or something unknown untoward their pack. For five long years they have been trying to find out who and what killed their pack. They teamed up in their grief and anger, became mercenaries and funded their search with contract killings and other similar jobs. When they get tasked for very good money to return a wayward son to his father Knox meets Jazz, his mate.
The beginning was wonderfully refreshing and the chase Knox and his team have with Jazz is awesome, but once Jazz and Knox get together there is a swing in the story. Instead of laying low the team makes a military mission out of buying baby accessories. A woman who believes Jazz to be in danger turns into a motherly friend not only for Jazz but the whole team. Knox stops all contact with his contractor knowing full well that he is a problem for his mate. It just didn't make much sense. This special ops unit makes so many mistakes inviting the enemy to attack them. Knox causes himself some stress because he wouldn't allow Jazz using his magic, so when it's a life and death situation for Jazz, Knox isn't able to see that Jazz is using it to save his own life. Not a good trait for an alpha.
The beginning was wonderfully refreshing and the chase Knox and his team have with Jazz is awesome, but once Jazz and Knox get together there is a swing in the story. Instead of laying low the team makes a military mission out of buying baby accessories. A woman who believes Jazz to be in danger turns into a motherly friend not only for Jazz but the whole team. Knox stops all contact with his contractor knowing full well that he is a problem for his mate. It just didn't make much sense. This special ops unit makes so many mistakes inviting the enemy to attack them. Knox causes himself some stress because he wouldn't allow Jazz using his magic, so when it's a life and death situation for Jazz, Knox isn't able to see that Jazz is using it to save his own life. Not a good trait for an alpha.
October 26, 2020
I really loved the Wolves of Walker County books so when I heard there was a spin off series I was so there. We were first introduced to both Jazz and Knox in Avers book. Knox leads a pack of mercenaries that came for a helping hand, while Jazz was the flighty friend of Hollister, Avers mate. Now Knox has his next mission and it is to find Jazz and deliver him to his father. Easy money, or so he and his crew thought.
It's no surpise that Jazz has some help of his own in the form of a special power. He may be small, but he's resourceful and an expert in misdirection. It's months before Knox and his crew finally get Jazz into their custody. As usual, all is not what it seems and Knox and his packmates soon realize Jazz isn't some bratty runaway his father is trying to corral.
It also becomes quite apparent that Jazz is Knoxs mate. The two can't get enough of each other. Thankfully eventually everone in the pack is on board, even if it takes some longer than others to show it. These men have been through a terrible tragedy and as alphas whom are supposed to protect their pack it hits them doubly as hard. It's nice for them to have someone to care for again. I think they all needed it.
Of course there is an unexplained pregnancy, but this one isn't the same as the Walker mates. I enjoyed the turn of events. It was interesting to see how everything going on connected in some way. Jazz gave the others hope, and in turn they gave Jazz something he never had: a home.
It's no surpise that Jazz has some help of his own in the form of a special power. He may be small, but he's resourceful and an expert in misdirection. It's months before Knox and his crew finally get Jazz into their custody. As usual, all is not what it seems and Knox and his packmates soon realize Jazz isn't some bratty runaway his father is trying to corral.
It also becomes quite apparent that Jazz is Knoxs mate. The two can't get enough of each other. Thankfully eventually everone in the pack is on board, even if it takes some longer than others to show it. These men have been through a terrible tragedy and as alphas whom are supposed to protect their pack it hits them doubly as hard. It's nice for them to have someone to care for again. I think they all needed it.
Of course there is an unexplained pregnancy, but this one isn't the same as the Walker mates. I enjoyed the turn of events. It was interesting to see how everything going on connected in some way. Jazz gave the others hope, and in turn they gave Jazz something he never had: a home.
July 27, 2021
2.5 stars DNF 47%
I NEED authors to specify when a book is going to be Mpreg or have Mpreg elements. It's so frustrating to get a book, hit halfway through and realize that there's going to be a male pregnancy so I cant finish it. I genuinely dont understand the obsession with having a cis man gain the ability to become pregnant. Is it wrong of me that I find it creepy and uncomfortable? I'm expecting to read a book about a gay couple, I dont expect a gay couple to have a traditional pregnancy. It feels so contrived. If you want to have a pregnancy like that you might as well write a book with a straight romance.
Normally I dont have such an aggressive response to Mpreg books, but that's because the author let's you know that there will be Mpreg before hand. Sometimes I even find myself enjoying (well, not enjoying but accepting) an mpreg if it's done well, but I hate walking into something like this without warning.
Aside from that this book had other problems, I loved the idea of a cat and mouse chase, but it hardly lasted and the catch was incredibly anticlimactic. The insta love also served to ruin the "catch me if you can" aspect in my opinion.
The plot dragged on from the beginning, with the revenge plotline feeling very unfinished and unimportant to the other characters.
I dont think I'll find myself finishing this book but I hope others have better luck than me with it.
I NEED authors to specify when a book is going to be Mpreg or have Mpreg elements. It's so frustrating to get a book, hit halfway through and realize that there's going to be a male pregnancy so I cant finish it. I genuinely dont understand the obsession with having a cis man gain the ability to become pregnant. Is it wrong of me that I find it creepy and uncomfortable? I'm expecting to read a book about a gay couple, I dont expect a gay couple to have a traditional pregnancy. It feels so contrived. If you want to have a pregnancy like that you might as well write a book with a straight romance.
Normally I dont have such an aggressive response to Mpreg books, but that's because the author let's you know that there will be Mpreg before hand. Sometimes I even find myself enjoying (well, not enjoying but accepting) an mpreg if it's done well, but I hate walking into something like this without warning.
Aside from that this book had other problems, I loved the idea of a cat and mouse chase, but it hardly lasted and the catch was incredibly anticlimactic. The insta love also served to ruin the "catch me if you can" aspect in my opinion.
The plot dragged on from the beginning, with the revenge plotline feeling very unfinished and unimportant to the other characters.
I dont think I'll find myself finishing this book but I hope others have better luck than me with it.
July 7, 2020
Shifters, magic, intrigue, action, humor, drama and finding love all combine together for a wonderful story! This is an excellent introduction book to a new spin-off series and the plot and character development are spot on. This is a complex story-line that will continue through this series I think and it is well laid out in this book. I really enjoyed this group of men who have survived a horrible event and are working toward unraveling the cause of the destruction of their pack. They each have their very distinct personalities and they play an important role in the group dynamics.
Our MC's Knox and Jazz were really enjoyable and I loved their interactions. The hunt to find and capture Jazz gave them Knox time to know that something was off with the story of why the father wanted to find his son and gave time for a connection to build. I found myself laughing and being teary with this story-line. They have some really special experiences and I found I really wanted more of these guys together.
This is book one of the Wolves of Royal Paynes series and can be read as a stand-alone. There is a tie in to the previous series, but if you have not read them, i think you will be okay.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Our MC's Knox and Jazz were really enjoyable and I loved their interactions. The hunt to find and capture Jazz gave them Knox time to know that something was off with the story of why the father wanted to find his son and gave time for a connection to build. I found myself laughing and being teary with this story-line. They have some really special experiences and I found I really wanted more of these guys together.
This is book one of the Wolves of Royal Paynes series and can be read as a stand-alone. There is a tie in to the previous series, but if you have not read them, i think you will be okay.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
February 15, 2021
I've read the entire series and I'm writing my reviews now.
I didn't really like Knox or Jazz. Jazz was constantly going back and forth with his strong confident attitude and being a crying mess.
Knox was okay... i guess.. but it didn't take long for him to be completely whipped by Jazz.
These alphas were better than the Walker alphas... kinda.. in the Walker series, there was too much melodrama and in-family fighting especially in the last book. You get that here as well but it's not shoved in your face too much. Either way, this book was a no-go, I didn't quite see the appeal, especially at the end. And Jazz gets his dead dad's fortune and he doesnt have to work a day in his life. Literally everything just falls in all these characters' hands. Also, Two-week pregnancies? Bubble gum rainbow vomit? It just sounds like a parody of magical beings' lives.
I thought Hallie was superrrrrr random and she annoyed me and at one point she called Jazz "baby"... weird. And when she was being stern with Knox and the others, it felt like it was a grandmother scolding others. I think the author added her to let us know shifters dont look down on humans lmao.
I didn't really like Knox or Jazz. Jazz was constantly going back and forth with his strong confident attitude and being a crying mess.
Knox was okay... i guess.. but it didn't take long for him to be completely whipped by Jazz.
These alphas were better than the Walker alphas... kinda.. in the Walker series, there was too much melodrama and in-family fighting especially in the last book. You get that here as well but it's not shoved in your face too much. Either way, this book was a no-go, I didn't quite see the appeal, especially at the end. And Jazz gets his dead dad's fortune and he doesnt have to work a day in his life. Literally everything just falls in all these characters' hands. Also, Two-week pregnancies? Bubble gum rainbow vomit? It just sounds like a parody of magical beings' lives.
I thought Hallie was superrrrrr random and she annoyed me and at one point she called Jazz "baby"... weird. And when she was being stern with Knox and the others, it felt like it was a grandmother scolding others. I think the author added her to let us know shifters dont look down on humans lmao.
October 6, 2020
Jazz is on the run from his father. Knox and his mercenary friends have been after Jazz for a while now, but Jazz is smart, quick and able to get away from them time and time again. Knox enjoys chasing Jazz and eventually he does catch up and trap the sassy omega. Of course, Knox doesn’t want to return Jazz to his father, he wants to keep him for himself. His mercenary friends are not too excited about that. They have suffered losses and need a win now.
Jazz has special powers and it was thought that Jazz’ father wanted him back for those powers, but it becomes obvious when someone tries to kill Jazz, that Jazz father no longer wants Jazz alive.
Knox and friends try to keep Jazz safe while Knox and Jazz fall in steamy mm happiness.
This book was good. The back story of their pack being decimated and how they are tracking who is behind it is intriguing. Knox was a great Alpha. I was a bit put off by some of the radical changes Jazz goes through, but hey anything can happen in fantasy and omegaverse. I’m going to see how book two pans out.
Jazz has special powers and it was thought that Jazz’ father wanted him back for those powers, but it becomes obvious when someone tries to kill Jazz, that Jazz father no longer wants Jazz alive.
Knox and friends try to keep Jazz safe while Knox and Jazz fall in steamy mm happiness.
This book was good. The back story of their pack being decimated and how they are tracking who is behind it is intriguing. Knox was a great Alpha. I was a bit put off by some of the radical changes Jazz goes through, but hey anything can happen in fantasy and omegaverse. I’m going to see how book two pans out.
June 28, 2020
What do you do when all the people you know and hold dear are gone? Knox and his men find that out the hard way. Knox and his men find themselves taking the hard jobs that many men would not. The latest job is to bring back a young man to his family, but all may not be as simple as it seems.
Knox and his men are strong men who are hurting and looking to find revenge. Each man has his own demons to deal with but sticking together they will find a way to figure out who is at fault and how to get their much-needed revenge. When Jazz enters the picture so much happens and changes for these men. Seeing all the relationships take shape made for a good read. Not only do we get Jazz and Knox’s relationship, but we also get to see how Jazz fits in with all the men. The author has built a magical world full of strong characters. Questions are answered and many more are asked. I was pulled in right from the very start and am excited to see what will come next for these men.
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