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Central Valley Pack #1
Chosen
Rahm Monteparse was content with his life as the alpha of the Central Valley Pack. He didn’t want, nor did he need a mate. That is until fate takes over and leads him to a woman who stirs something within him he didn’t know was there. The beast inside knows immediately that she’s meant for him.
Carleeta Taiwo had her life all planned out. Everything was going well. At least it was until she met the big broody shifter who turns her world upside down and exposes a secret her family had never told her about. A secret that poses a potential threat to Carleeta once she moves onto pack lands.
Once the two are joined, sparks fly and nature doesn’t allow either to walk away from the other. They are bound as one. Forever. When their journey as mates begins, more secrets are uncovered as they determine how to blend their lives.
Can Rahm find his path to being the mate Carleeta needs? Can Carleeta adjust to life among shifters as she’s learning to live with her family heritage? When their future is placed in jeopardy by the threat to Carleeta, how will they make it through?
Carleeta Taiwo had her life all planned out. Everything was going well. At least it was until she met the big broody shifter who turns her world upside down and exposes a secret her family had never told her about. A secret that poses a potential threat to Carleeta once she moves onto pack lands.
Once the two are joined, sparks fly and nature doesn’t allow either to walk away from the other. They are bound as one. Forever. When their journey as mates begins, more secrets are uncovered as they determine how to blend their lives.
Can Rahm find his path to being the mate Carleeta needs? Can Carleeta adjust to life among shifters as she’s learning to live with her family heritage? When their future is placed in jeopardy by the threat to Carleeta, how will they make it through?
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2022
50 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 24, 2023
Good, but…
This was hard to review. I liked Rahm and Carleeta as characters. They were mature and acted like adults. The supporting cast was good as well.
What makes this hard to review us the plot, or lack thereof. For the first 50-60% of the book, I kept thinking the book needed some conflict. Once the “conflict” finally comes it felt a little lackluster because it hadn’t been built up. Also it was only like 2-3 chapters.
Still and enjoyable read 3.75 stars.
This was hard to review. I liked Rahm and Carleeta as characters. They were mature and acted like adults. The supporting cast was good as well.
What makes this hard to review us the plot, or lack thereof. For the first 50-60% of the book, I kept thinking the book needed some conflict. Once the “conflict” finally comes it felt a little lackluster because it hadn’t been built up. Also it was only like 2-3 chapters.
Still and enjoyable read 3.75 stars.
September 30, 2022
Love the Central Valley Pack🥰💞🥰
This was a great shifter story😊. I enjoyed the plot and the characters are all amazing.
Knowing about the shifter world certainly didn’t prepare Carleeta for what she learns about herself by a hot sexy shifter😱🤯.
It’s funny that both Rahm and Carleeta were perfectly content with their lives until that energetic pull brings them together😍. Carleeta learning about her families history was fascinating and sad at the same time😟. Rahm realizing she was his fatal mate had his beast out of character every time they were near and I laughed at their bantering😂🤣. Things moved fast between them, but when you know you're meant to be there’s no need to waste time🥵🔥🥵. I love Rahm's pack especially his mother and how she welcomed Carleeta and a young Marigold. So happy that Rahm stepped in and took Marigold away from Vanessa who treated her horribly😤. I’m so happy that Marigold was welcomed in the pack despite her background🤗
I hope the other books in this shifter world will be coming out soon. There was romance, action, humor and sorrow. I’m hoping Rosco gets a story as well as Portia, Brody and the other shifters finding their fatal mates💕💕💕. This was my first book by Ms. McCoy and I highly recommend this book👍🏽
This was a great shifter story😊. I enjoyed the plot and the characters are all amazing.
Knowing about the shifter world certainly didn’t prepare Carleeta for what she learns about herself by a hot sexy shifter😱🤯.
It’s funny that both Rahm and Carleeta were perfectly content with their lives until that energetic pull brings them together😍. Carleeta learning about her families history was fascinating and sad at the same time😟. Rahm realizing she was his fatal mate had his beast out of character every time they were near and I laughed at their bantering😂🤣. Things moved fast between them, but when you know you're meant to be there’s no need to waste time🥵🔥🥵. I love Rahm's pack especially his mother and how she welcomed Carleeta and a young Marigold. So happy that Rahm stepped in and took Marigold away from Vanessa who treated her horribly😤. I’m so happy that Marigold was welcomed in the pack despite her background🤗
I hope the other books in this shifter world will be coming out soon. There was romance, action, humor and sorrow. I’m hoping Rosco gets a story as well as Portia, Brody and the other shifters finding their fatal mates💕💕💕. This was my first book by Ms. McCoy and I highly recommend this book👍🏽
July 6, 2025
3.5⭐️
This story was cute and so sweet it made my teeth ache.
Definitely wanted a bit more where our mc's were concerned. I'm used to shifter romances moving relationships forward with the speed of light, and Rahm's and Carleeta's was no exception. But by the end of the story, I was left with the feeling that we haven't really gotten to know them. Like surface level acquaintances.
Throughout the story, we're introduced to multiple situations that tease the possibility of developing into a more complex situation. Every time, however, the problem got resolved rather quickly.
There were a couple of time jumps throughout, of which we get told how Carleeta is finding her way and building new friendships. I do believe that if we were shown, instead of told a specific incident, it would have been more of a shock.
All in all, this was a fast and easy book to read while I was spending time at the airport waiting for my delayed flight. It gave me a good chuckle a couple of times, and I'm hoping that the second book will have more depth where the emotional development is concerned.
This story was cute and so sweet it made my teeth ache.
Definitely wanted a bit more where our mc's were concerned. I'm used to shifter romances moving relationships forward with the speed of light, and Rahm's and Carleeta's was no exception. But by the end of the story, I was left with the feeling that we haven't really gotten to know them. Like surface level acquaintances.
Throughout the story, we're introduced to multiple situations that tease the possibility of developing into a more complex situation. Every time, however, the problem got resolved rather quickly.
There were a couple of time jumps throughout, of which we get told how Carleeta is finding her way and building new friendships. I do believe that if we were shown, instead of told a specific incident, it would have been more of a shock.
All in all, this was a fast and easy book to read while I was spending time at the airport waiting for my delayed flight. It gave me a good chuckle a couple of times, and I'm hoping that the second book will have more depth where the emotional development is concerned.
April 29, 2022
Rahm a Alpha shifter claims he has no need nor does he want a mate. When he gets a itch for sexual company he simply scratches it & moves on. Carleeta is a human carpenter who also loves to garden. Imagine her surprise when her eyes gaze upon Rahm to hear her inner voice basically telling her " Get it girl! ". When these two meet all bets are off. Secrets are revealed lives are changed & a new meaning of family is found. The sexual chemistry is HOT! Rahm is a Alpha force to be reckoned with. But that's okay because Carleeta is his match in & out of bed. These two will face obstacles yet this will only lead to revelations & healing for all. I can't wait for the next in this new series. I was given a free ARC for a honest review. Get this book & read ASAP you'll love it. Happy reading. 🤩😍
September 5, 2023
Chosen, the most recent book by Darie McCoy, highlights this author's versatility and gives us a new vision of the shifter-verse. I have read her first two books and greatly enjoyed them. They are both contemporary romances with strong lead characters. Chosen has similar strong leads and held my rapt attention throughout. Carleeta and Rahm are fatal mates and meet when neither of them are looking for love or a connection. Carleeta has lived her life being aware of shifters but not knowing that she has something in common with them. Rahm absolutely sweeps her off of her feet and opens her up to her heritage. This story is amazing and I hope that the secondary characters we met (Rosco, Uncle Brody, or any of the other shifters) are given a story!
May 7, 2022
Chosen
This book gets an A+ from me for the cover and because there was low angst between the hero and heroine. I love when a couple can come together and work out their problems. But outside of all of that, this was a very good shifter story; I have read a lot of them. And I believe Chosen is one of the best. I love that the author gave her shifters unique qualities, and I love that they are multicultural, which is lacking in a lot of shifters books. Therefore, I hope to see more books from this author in this genre, and I hope Roscoe and Mignon get together and get their own story. I also hope Brody and Portia get their own story too.
This book gets an A+ from me for the cover and because there was low angst between the hero and heroine. I love when a couple can come together and work out their problems. But outside of all of that, this was a very good shifter story; I have read a lot of them. And I believe Chosen is one of the best. I love that the author gave her shifters unique qualities, and I love that they are multicultural, which is lacking in a lot of shifters books. Therefore, I hope to see more books from this author in this genre, and I hope Roscoe and Mignon get together and get their own story. I also hope Brody and Portia get their own story too.
April 18, 2023
Alphas Make and Female
A Bear and a Lion meet in a bar, haha. Don't all great love stories start in a bar? YES, they do. This one has humans and shifters and elders and families and will enthrall you and make you want to read until you get to the HEA. I am excited that the second book is available and will start reading it tonight. So glad that I discovered Sadie McCoy in March. Read her Mature Mates series and proceeded to by all of her available books on Kindle and Kobo.
A Bear and a Lion meet in a bar, haha. Don't all great love stories start in a bar? YES, they do. This one has humans and shifters and elders and families and will enthrall you and make you want to read until you get to the HEA. I am excited that the second book is available and will start reading it tonight. So glad that I discovered Sadie McCoy in March. Read her Mature Mates series and proceeded to by all of her available books on Kindle and Kobo.
October 22, 2023
Meh... Not Much Connection for Me
*****Spoilers*****
I can't quite put my finger on why this book wasn't that good, just that I couldn't really like it. The book started off okay, Carleeta meets Rahm and neither of them are able to deny their attraction. Fatal mates and all, it makes sense and they end up with their happily ever after but I felt meh while reading. Even when Carleeta was kidnapped, it just was. Learning about the Chosen was interesting but also tedious with the journals I thought.
*****Spoilers*****
I can't quite put my finger on why this book wasn't that good, just that I couldn't really like it. The book started off okay, Carleeta meets Rahm and neither of them are able to deny their attraction. Fatal mates and all, it makes sense and they end up with their happily ever after but I felt meh while reading. Even when Carleeta was kidnapped, it just was. Learning about the Chosen was interesting but also tedious with the journals I thought.
July 15, 2024
Love it!
This book has been sitting in my library for months and I finally was in the mood to read it. I enjoyed it so much! Rahm and Carleeta are such cute couple. I love how protective they are about the people they love. That trick Vanessa needed to be dealt with so I was happy that Carleeta did what she did. So sad to see what happened to some of the pack but I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the books to see how they bounce back. The romance, humor, action, drama, etc was all written so beautifully. Definitely worth reading!
This book has been sitting in my library for months and I finally was in the mood to read it. I enjoyed it so much! Rahm and Carleeta are such cute couple. I love how protective they are about the people they love. That trick Vanessa needed to be dealt with so I was happy that Carleeta did what she did. So sad to see what happened to some of the pack but I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the books to see how they bounce back. The romance, humor, action, drama, etc was all written so beautifully. Definitely worth reading!
July 23, 2022
Just what I was looking for!
Finally, an IR paranormal romance with a coherent plot, great editing and good writing! So many BWWM books of this genre are poorly edited and poorly written. This book was so good with a believable plot and well written/thought out characters. I hope this isn't the only book in this series because I really enjoyed it and hope to see what happens to other characters in this world. Well done Ms. McCoy!
Finally, an IR paranormal romance with a coherent plot, great editing and good writing! So many BWWM books of this genre are poorly edited and poorly written. This book was so good with a believable plot and well written/thought out characters. I hope this isn't the only book in this series because I really enjoyed it and hope to see what happens to other characters in this world. Well done Ms. McCoy!
April 30, 2022
Oh but you did need a mate! 😏
Let’s start with I love me some Rahm, he’s that right mix of alpha protector with a side of grumpy.
I love how Carletta embraces her new life and role and owns it.
Their chemistry is fire and I’m here for it all.
Most of all I enjoyed the pack and all those sexy members! More please Ms.McCoy.
This book was the right mix of everything!!
Let’s start with I love me some Rahm, he’s that right mix of alpha protector with a side of grumpy.
I love how Carletta embraces her new life and role and owns it.
Their chemistry is fire and I’m here for it all.
Most of all I enjoyed the pack and all those sexy members! More please Ms.McCoy.
This book was the right mix of everything!!
May 18, 2022
Excellent
This is a well written book with s very creative take on shifter culture. I like that there were no restrictions on shifter interactions with each other regardless of the shifter species. All were respected and unlike humans, none were considered less than.
This was a great start to a new shifter series.
This is a well written book with s very creative take on shifter culture. I like that there were no restrictions on shifter interactions with each other regardless of the shifter species. All were respected and unlike humans, none were considered less than.
This was a great start to a new shifter series.
May 30, 2022
Interesting mix of cultures in this new shifter world!
Love the fascinating start to what I hope will be several books exploring a new take on myths and legends from other cultures. Weaving in legends from Africa and island societies into the Shifter universe is a welcome change! Keep up the good work, we need more of these stories!
Love the fascinating start to what I hope will be several books exploring a new take on myths and legends from other cultures. Weaving in legends from Africa and island societies into the Shifter universe is a welcome change! Keep up the good work, we need more of these stories!
May 11, 2022
Amazing Read!!
This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last!!. I can't wait for the next book in this series. While I wait I will be reading everything else I can from this author!!
This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last!!. I can't wait for the next book in this series. While I wait I will be reading everything else I can from this author!!
May 26, 2022
Loved this story, what a brilliant concept
This was not one of your ordinary shifter love story, this was more and could go on in the form of other stories coming from The Central Valley pack. I'm looking forward to some more instalments from the pack and how the pack grows.
This was not one of your ordinary shifter love story, this was more and could go on in the form of other stories coming from The Central Valley pack. I'm looking forward to some more instalments from the pack and how the pack grows.
July 22, 2022
Good read
A bit hard to get in this but stay with it, it gets better. It's so wrong for parents to keep information from their children. Thinking that they are doing the right thing. Sorry for recco loss and Brody unhappiness. Well we see what happens in the future of this series.
A bit hard to get in this but stay with it, it gets better. It's so wrong for parents to keep information from their children. Thinking that they are doing the right thing. Sorry for recco loss and Brody unhappiness. Well we see what happens in the future of this series.
April 20, 2023
Great read
I couldn't put it down. Plenty of action and love making. This was truly a good story of fatal mates. I really enjoyed the part when Carletta was giving birth and Rahm felt pains also.
I couldn't put it down. Plenty of action and love making. This was truly a good story of fatal mates. I really enjoyed the part when Carletta was giving birth and Rahm felt pains also.
April 23, 2023
Rahm and Leeta love
Rahm found his fatal mate and things happened at lightning speed but their bond was beautiful. Vanessa was a horrible person, I’m so glad Marigold flourished with her brother and Mama Ley
Rahm found his fatal mate and things happened at lightning speed but their bond was beautiful. Vanessa was a horrible person, I’m so glad Marigold flourished with her brother and Mama Ley
August 15, 2023
New to me author
This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really appreciated that the woman was a taller than average big black woman.. really don’t see characters like that in romance books.
This is my first book by this author but it will not be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really appreciated that the woman was a taller than average big black woman.. really don’t see characters like that in romance books.
July 9, 2024
Excellent
Oh I loved this first instalment of this trilogy. As always from this author lovely storytelling, with full characters you just can't help but be drawn to, you really get drawn into the plot. Excellent I recommend.
Oh I loved this first instalment of this trilogy. As always from this author lovely storytelling, with full characters you just can't help but be drawn to, you really get drawn into the plot. Excellent I recommend.
May 17, 2022
I want more
I liked this story, the characters are interesting and I enjoyed learning about them. I hope you consider writing more.
I liked this story, the characters are interesting and I enjoyed learning about them. I hope you consider writing more.
June 15, 2022
This was a beautiful story. I can’t wait for the other books in the series. I’m putting it out there in the universe. There will be more of these characters 😊.
July 16, 2022
PERFECT!!!!
This was one of the GREATEST shifter books I've read and I've read ALOT... A true pager turner and I HOPE there is another
This was one of the GREATEST shifter books I've read and I've read ALOT... A true pager turner and I HOPE there is another
August 1, 2022
Good Read
Very well thought out and nicely paced book. I guess the next book in the series will either be about Portia and Uncle Brody or Roscoe. Either way, I’m here for it.
Very well thought out and nicely paced book. I guess the next book in the series will either be about Portia and Uncle Brody or Roscoe. Either way, I’m here for it.
September 30, 2022
Excellent!
Rahm and Carletta sizzled right off the bat! I so enjoyed their story. This was well told, full character development and spicy! Great read!
Rahm and Carletta sizzled right off the bat! I so enjoyed their story. This was well told, full character development and spicy! Great read!
Read
October 25, 2022Dnf
August 11, 2022
This book had a lot of potential but just faltered. I went from laughing & being intrigued to just wanting the book to end. The overuse of the word mate irked me the most & dumbed down the book for me.
I also cringed at the usage of Alpha b*tch 🥴
Oh & the constant smut scenes plsssss go get a room or something - just became too much. I honestly can’t tell you much about this book other than they mate, she moves onto the pack, they find she has the magic touch, they have plenty of sex & some misunderstandings, their beast are annoying & primal - they have sex again.
Idk this book went from being cute & funny to just kinda irritating and cringe. I won’t be continuing with the series
I also cringed at the usage of Alpha b*tch 🥴
Oh & the constant smut scenes plsssss go get a room or something - just became too much. I honestly can’t tell you much about this book other than they mate, she moves onto the pack, they find she has the magic touch, they have plenty of sex & some misunderstandings, their beast are annoying & primal - they have sex again.
Idk this book went from being cute & funny to just kinda irritating and cringe. I won’t be continuing with the series
May 14, 2023
An Enjoyable Must-Read
This is a magically infused paranormal romance tale with an interesting twist on pack mentality inter-woven with a culturally diverse perspective which makes this read truly interesting. For me, it was a gratifying piece of escapism as I was transported into the world of the Central Valley Pack. I am not one for spoilers and do not reveal key plot points so I’ll just say this; I loved Rahm and all his layers and Carleeta’s no-nonsense attitude combined with her undeniable strength in who she was. Well developed characters. Anticipating the continuation of this series as certain characters have a story of their own. Ms McCoy job well done.
This is a magically infused paranormal romance tale with an interesting twist on pack mentality inter-woven with a culturally diverse perspective which makes this read truly interesting. For me, it was a gratifying piece of escapism as I was transported into the world of the Central Valley Pack. I am not one for spoilers and do not reveal key plot points so I’ll just say this; I loved Rahm and all his layers and Carleeta’s no-nonsense attitude combined with her undeniable strength in who she was. Well developed characters. Anticipating the continuation of this series as certain characters have a story of their own. Ms McCoy job well done.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews