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House of Wolves and Magic #1
Her Dark Moon
6 hours and 33 minutes
As a lone wolf, I avoid imprinting on a mate like my life depends on it. Because it does.
My brother gave his life to help me escape the pack. Now, after being in hiding for the last few years, I'm seeing shifters outside of their normal territory, and they're getting closer to my little patch of wolf-free paradise.
If they find out I'm still alive, they'll haul me back and mate me to some random wolf, keeping me as a breeding machine to perpetuate our species. Forced imprinting is supposed to be forbidden, but if I know my pack, that won't stop them from getting what they want.
With danger lurking around every corner and the chance of me being caught getting ever higher, I'm on the verge of descending into hopelessness. Until I meet Roman. But what if he's just the lure to chain me to a different pack?
As badly as I want to be free from the obligations of a pack, that freedom just might cost me the guy. But as it turns out, my feelings for Roman are only half my trouble...
If you love the mystery of JR Ward's The Black Dagger Brotherhood and the magic of Ilona Andrews' Hidden Legacy, then you'll love House of Wolves and Magic!
One click Her Dark Moon today and get swept away by this reverse harem urban fantasy romance adventure!
As a lone wolf, I avoid imprinting on a mate like my life depends on it. Because it does.
My brother gave his life to help me escape the pack. Now, after being in hiding for the last few years, I'm seeing shifters outside of their normal territory, and they're getting closer to my little patch of wolf-free paradise.
If they find out I'm still alive, they'll haul me back and mate me to some random wolf, keeping me as a breeding machine to perpetuate our species. Forced imprinting is supposed to be forbidden, but if I know my pack, that won't stop them from getting what they want.
With danger lurking around every corner and the chance of me being caught getting ever higher, I'm on the verge of descending into hopelessness. Until I meet Roman. But what if he's just the lure to chain me to a different pack?
As badly as I want to be free from the obligations of a pack, that freedom just might cost me the guy. But as it turns out, my feelings for Roman are only half my trouble...
If you love the mystery of JR Ward's The Black Dagger Brotherhood and the magic of Ilona Andrews' Hidden Legacy, then you'll love House of Wolves and Magic!
One click Her Dark Moon today and get swept away by this reverse harem urban fantasy romance adventure!
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 3, 2021
1035 people are currently reading
1069 people want to read
About the author
Helen Scott
109 books1,272 followersUSA Today bestselling author Helen Scott spends her time alternating between fantasy and reality. She likes to think she’d be sorted into Hufflepuff and would have been a Physical Kid from Brakebills. Her days are fueled by tea and cuddles from her four-legged kids and amazing husband in their home in the Chicago suburbs.
When not reading or writing, Helen can be found baking, enjoying a walk in the woods, crafting, or playing video games. She’s a lover of sushi and K-Dramas and is convinced there is magic in the world if you know where to look.
Whether paranormal or contemporary, Helen loves writing sassy, kick-butt heroines and drool-worthy love interests. She's the author of the House of Wolves and Magic series, the Cerberus series, and the Of Demons and Dragons series.
Subscribe to Helen’s newsletter for a free book to get started on the adventure today! https://geni.us/HelenScottNewsletter
When not reading or writing, Helen can be found baking, enjoying a walk in the woods, crafting, or playing video games. She’s a lover of sushi and K-Dramas and is convinced there is magic in the world if you know where to look.
Whether paranormal or contemporary, Helen loves writing sassy, kick-butt heroines and drool-worthy love interests. She's the author of the House of Wolves and Magic series, the Cerberus series, and the Of Demons and Dragons series.
Subscribe to Helen’s newsletter for a free book to get started on the adventure today! https://geni.us/HelenScottNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
February 4, 2021
When Albert Einstein said; Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results, he was talking about Nina.
Nina escapes her previous pack after her parents and brother were murdered. She ran far away and settled in a city with no werewolf presence. She has stuck into her little routine of going to the gym, work and the a cafe. Unfortunately, the wolves have expanded their territory.
She is rightfully frightened and on the alert in case she sees anyone from her previous pack. She meets the Alpha at a party even though she should be laying low as any normal person would do if they think they might be hunted, he wants her. She doesn't want him and tells him so but he doesn't take no for an answer.
She talks about running away and starting over afresh but doesn't because she doesn't have any money but she has enough for rent, gym and eating out all the time. She tells her friend at the gym about her situation and he decides to walk her home/work so she's safe. She does that for a while and then gets lax again leading her to get kidnapped by the alpha. She escapes when he takes her out for dinner so she decides to go to her house that HE knows about. They find her there so she runs and decides to go to her job that he knows about, they burn it to the ground and as she runs from them she gets hit by a car and meets her mate.
She meets her mate at 70% and they immediately insta-love/insta lust it out. Her and Roman, her mate, have sex for the next 10%, then she is introduced to his pack, then she meets Micah, another of her mate, they have sex for 10% then he runs off because he is scared Roman is going to kill him since shifters usually mate one person. The last 10% is Roman trying to fight him for mating Nina and then coming to the realization that he is not upset because they are all mated. The change in emotion was so sudden it gave me whiplash, he was murderous seconds prior and all of a sudden he is happy she has another mate.
Someone finds out that they are a triad and has gone to report them to the Shifter Elders, they are now on the run so they don't get imprisoned or worse.
I am not interested in the next one.
Nina escapes her previous pack after her parents and brother were murdered. She ran far away and settled in a city with no werewolf presence. She has stuck into her little routine of going to the gym, work and the a cafe. Unfortunately, the wolves have expanded their territory.
She is rightfully frightened and on the alert in case she sees anyone from her previous pack. She meets the Alpha at a party even though she should be laying low as any normal person would do if they think they might be hunted, he wants her. She doesn't want him and tells him so but he doesn't take no for an answer.
She talks about running away and starting over afresh but doesn't because she doesn't have any money but she has enough for rent, gym and eating out all the time. She tells her friend at the gym about her situation and he decides to walk her home/work so she's safe. She does that for a while and then gets lax again leading her to get kidnapped by the alpha. She escapes when he takes her out for dinner so she decides to go to her house that HE knows about. They find her there so she runs and decides to go to her job that he knows about, they burn it to the ground and as she runs from them she gets hit by a car and meets her mate.
She meets her mate at 70% and they immediately insta-love/insta lust it out. Her and Roman, her mate, have sex for the next 10%, then she is introduced to his pack, then she meets Micah, another of her mate, they have sex for 10% then he runs off because he is scared Roman is going to kill him since shifters usually mate one person. The last 10% is Roman trying to fight him for mating Nina and then coming to the realization that he is not upset because they are all mated. The change in emotion was so sudden it gave me whiplash, he was murderous seconds prior and all of a sudden he is happy she has another mate.
Someone finds out that they are a triad and has gone to report them to the Shifter Elders, they are now on the run so they don't get imprisoned or worse.
I am not interested in the next one.
February 26, 2021
WARNING: This is a painfully honest review.
Really thought this would be a winner for me, alas it was not.
There is FAR too much inner dialogue. It goes on and on and on and on and on...I mean it was a TON! We spend so much time in Nina's thoughts we never get a clear world build or feel like we know the MCs or secondary characters. It was overwhelmingly too much for me. Leaving me feeling disconnected and bored.
By the time Roman makes his appearance its just BAM here he is. No lead up. No angst. No chase. Hell we don't even know if he is an alpha and his pack was never mentioned until several pages past their mateship. His introduction was quick and late in the novel.
In this world females are very rare and often forced to imprint with a male. Roman had been waiting many many years and had given up on finding a mate then POOF there she is. Insta-mate. He sees she has been beaten, he hears her story of escaping an attempted forced mating, he hears her talk about the drugs they used to try and force the mating.....and he lets her leave. SMH. He doesn't even follow her. He just sits down, has breakfast, drinks coffee, and reads the newspaper. WTH! She nearly dies during his morning relaxation time, first by beating, second by fire, and lastly by drowning. All while he sips his morning jo. If I had been reading this in paperback version I would have thrown the book.
But oh wait, there's more! Micah pops up at like 80% of the book and he is another mate. His introduction is just as swift as Roman's. I am just going to stop here.
Not for me at all.
Happy reading,
DD
I need a drink.
Really thought this would be a winner for me, alas it was not.
There is FAR too much inner dialogue. It goes on and on and on and on and on...I mean it was a TON! We spend so much time in Nina's thoughts we never get a clear world build or feel like we know the MCs or secondary characters. It was overwhelmingly too much for me. Leaving me feeling disconnected and bored.
By the time Roman makes his appearance its just BAM here he is. No lead up. No angst. No chase. Hell we don't even know if he is an alpha and his pack was never mentioned until several pages past their mateship. His introduction was quick and late in the novel.
In this world females are very rare and often forced to imprint with a male. Roman had been waiting many many years and had given up on finding a mate then POOF there she is. Insta-mate. He sees she has been beaten, he hears her story of escaping an attempted forced mating, he hears her talk about the drugs they used to try and force the mating.....and he lets her leave. SMH. He doesn't even follow her. He just sits down, has breakfast, drinks coffee, and reads the newspaper. WTH! She nearly dies during his morning relaxation time, first by beating, second by fire, and lastly by drowning. All while he sips his morning jo. If I had been reading this in paperback version I would have thrown the book.
But oh wait, there's more! Micah pops up at like 80% of the book and he is another mate. His introduction is just as swift as Roman's. I am just going to stop here.
Not for me at all.
Happy reading,
DD
I need a drink.
January 18, 2021
DNF 54%
I’m tired of misandry and misogyny (misanthropy but gender roles?) in this genre. Most often than not, the plots are about how men are horrible and abusive to all women, and the women are weak and have to take it or else— until the FMC is the special little special who decides, unlike every woman before her, to say no.
I can suspend my disbelief for a lot. Dragons, wizards, pack dynamics. What I can’t do it for is a world where women are horribly abused like this that exist concurrently with mortal abusers and also guns. The women would blow all the dudes brains out til they got down to the last few who knew better. A plot that removes female agency is offensive. “Poor little females can’t defend themselves” — ima have to stop you there. All the most vicious people I’ve ever known were women.
Also, if you are being hunted, you don’t go to parties because that’s just the dumbest thing ever. If you are being hunted within the boundaries of a city, you get on a bus and leave the city. Easy peasy lemon squeezy I just resolved the conflict in this book with a $30 bus ticket. “But our heroine can’t afford to leave!” Dude, every meal was take out, she paid rent, she joined a gym. She can afford $30.
I’m tired of misandry and misogyny (misanthropy but gender roles?) in this genre. Most often than not, the plots are about how men are horrible and abusive to all women, and the women are weak and have to take it or else— until the FMC is the special little special who decides, unlike every woman before her, to say no.
I can suspend my disbelief for a lot. Dragons, wizards, pack dynamics. What I can’t do it for is a world where women are horribly abused like this that exist concurrently with mortal abusers and also guns. The women would blow all the dudes brains out til they got down to the last few who knew better. A plot that removes female agency is offensive. “Poor little females can’t defend themselves” — ima have to stop you there. All the most vicious people I’ve ever known were women.
Also, if you are being hunted, you don’t go to parties because that’s just the dumbest thing ever. If you are being hunted within the boundaries of a city, you get on a bus and leave the city. Easy peasy lemon squeezy I just resolved the conflict in this book with a $30 bus ticket. “But our heroine can’t afford to leave!” Dude, every meal was take out, she paid rent, she joined a gym. She can afford $30.
October 11, 2022
Definitely hoping their adventure is nice and easy but I have a feeling it won't be.
December 9, 2020
Starting out slow, there's some back and forth getting to what happened to Nina's past. She escapes from a fate far worse than that of her parents and flees, living on her own for years, fearing getting caught and towed back to her old pack.
I liked the first half of the book. Nina was intriguing. She held a job in a male dominated world, even if all she did was change oil at a mechanic shop. She is involved in a gym, learning boxing to increase her self confidence, and Scott gives her a realistic point, as when the instincts kick in, you don't know how you'd react in a situation. She froze instead of acted. I wish I could have been able to leave it at that...
Honestly, Nina is a bit TSTL... She sees a shifter in the mechanic's shop and gets talked into going to a party (which is a club setting, not an actual party). When she is sort of saved by her mate, she knows her stalker is aware of her daily routine (down to the very cafe she likes to eat at and when), yet she runs back home for fear of ending up in his pack the same as she would have been in her old pack. Knowing how things were likely going to end up, she lived not far from her old pack, and never thought to have a bugout bag set aside anywhere.
I also didn't care for how rushed the book ends up being after 70%.
It'll likely be a good series. The plot needs more work, and this book needed more refining, but it's not awful.
I liked the first half of the book. Nina was intriguing. She held a job in a male dominated world, even if all she did was change oil at a mechanic shop. She is involved in a gym, learning boxing to increase her self confidence, and Scott gives her a realistic point, as when the instincts kick in, you don't know how you'd react in a situation. She froze instead of acted. I wish I could have been able to leave it at that...
Honestly, Nina is a bit TSTL... She sees a shifter in the mechanic's shop and gets talked into going to a party (which is a club setting, not an actual party). When she is sort of saved by her mate, she knows her stalker is aware of her daily routine (down to the very cafe she likes to eat at and when), yet she runs back home for fear of ending up in his pack the same as she would have been in her old pack. Knowing how things were likely going to end up, she lived not far from her old pack, and never thought to have a bugout bag set aside anywhere.
I also didn't care for how rushed the book ends up being after 70%.
It'll likely be a good series. The plot needs more work, and this book needed more refining, but it's not awful.
March 7, 2021
Oh man, I was so disappointed by this book! It started off well, I really got into it. Liked Nina, liked how she was a very independent woman, how she didn't want to join a pack etc. She was very untrusting and avoided other shifters due to her past. So I'm thinking right, she's going to meet another shifter and it's going to be a real slow burn kinda story, there's going to be time taken for them to get to know each other, for Nina to trust him, for their relationship to develop, but did I get that? No! No I did not! Instead I got that damn Insta love/fated mates BS, and who Nina was previously, her character and personality, disappeared! Poof! Gone! So friggin disappointing. We know literally nothing about her first mate, he just popped up and bam, they're together, she's off to join his pack, without even asking what it's like or doing any research for herself, then, when she joins his pack, bam, another fated mate appears, we learn his name and that's about it, now they're all bonded, nice and easy, it's the 3 of them against the world. No worries about getting to know each other, developing their relationships, learning to work together, nah, they don't need any of that, they're fated mates!! 🙄 Why bother making the h independent, untrusting, completely against joining a pack, for all that to disappear and become non issues when her fated mate/mates appear, what was the point?
February 14, 2021
2 TSTL stars
Nina's stupidity lasted 70% into the book quickly followed by insta lust & immaturity right up till the end. Story ends in a cliffhanger. The series has potential & if book 2 had already been released & was free via KU I may have picked it up. Being this book was 2 stars & the next book in the series has yet to be released I doubt I’ll remember.
Nina's stupidity lasted 70% into the book quickly followed by insta lust & immaturity right up till the end. Story ends in a cliffhanger. The series has potential & if book 2 had already been released & was free via KU I may have picked it up. Being this book was 2 stars & the next book in the series has yet to be released I doubt I’ll remember.
February 22, 2021
First off, I want to say that Helen Scott's covers are always so freaking fantastic.
They always draw me in.
I don't even have to read the synopsis/blurb to know I'm going to get a good book.
Everything she writes is phenomenal.
Second thing, I will state that a slight trigger warning might need to be added to this book.
Nothing happens to the characters in this book, but it is talked about, and there is a part where you think it might happen.
So if you are uneasy with things involving drugs, unwanted attention, and death...this isn't the book for you.
Nina is on the run from her previous pack after they murdered her parents and older brother.
However, she didn't go far due to lack of funds.
But she made sure she was far enough away from the wolves who would know her.
And she stuck to a routine.
Work, gym, home, and the occasional run in the nearby park.
Everything was going great until she accidentally runs into a drug deal.
Later a shifter comes into her work.
Then it seems as if shifters are everywhere.
When her past finally catches up to her, she has no idea what she is going to do.
Luckily, fate has something in store for her.
Okay, I will say that I think Nina is a little on the dumb side.
I liked her personality wise and character wise for the most part, but don't think she had the brightest IQ in decision making.
She ran away but was in the same city just on the opposite side because she didn't have money to leave.
I get that, makes sense. However, she is working under the table at a mechanic shop. I feel like she could have at least gone to another city and done the same thing (she is a wolf so she could even have ran through the woods to save on money), but that's a personal opinion.
When her past catches up to her, she STICKS TO HER ROUTINE.
The guy from her past has been watching her, but she doesn't change things up to throw him off?
Seems kind of sketch.
I think I would have RUN as soon as he cornered me the first time.
Finally, when she meets her mate, she freaks out and RUNS HOME WHERE HER PAST FINDS HER!
She has to call her mate to come save her because she has no idea what to do.
Her two mates, Roman and Micah are complete opposites.
And treat the mate bond completely different.
Though both of them consummate the relationship quickly.
We see Roman early in the story, but don't see the bond take effect til later on.
Micah is at the very end.
This story ends on a cliffhanger.
Roman, Micah, and Nina have just solidified there triad when an unexpected visitor shows up and decides to run and tell the counsel about it.
Definitely curious to see what happens next.
While this is currently a menage, it does end up being a reverse harem.
Nina will end up with three mates by the end of the series. (I checked ahead while looking for a RH book to read)
Overall, I enjoyed the book and definitely want to see more.
They always draw me in.
I don't even have to read the synopsis/blurb to know I'm going to get a good book.
Everything she writes is phenomenal.
Second thing, I will state that a slight trigger warning might need to be added to this book.
Nothing happens to the characters in this book, but it is talked about, and there is a part where you think it might happen.
So if you are uneasy with things involving drugs, unwanted attention, and death...this isn't the book for you.
Nina is on the run from her previous pack after they murdered her parents and older brother.
However, she didn't go far due to lack of funds.
But she made sure she was far enough away from the wolves who would know her.
And she stuck to a routine.
Work, gym, home, and the occasional run in the nearby park.
Everything was going great until she accidentally runs into a drug deal.
Later a shifter comes into her work.
Then it seems as if shifters are everywhere.
When her past finally catches up to her, she has no idea what she is going to do.
Luckily, fate has something in store for her.
Okay, I will say that I think Nina is a little on the dumb side.
I liked her personality wise and character wise for the most part, but don't think she had the brightest IQ in decision making.
She ran away but was in the same city just on the opposite side because she didn't have money to leave.
I get that, makes sense. However, she is working under the table at a mechanic shop. I feel like she could have at least gone to another city and done the same thing (she is a wolf so she could even have ran through the woods to save on money), but that's a personal opinion.
When her past catches up to her, she STICKS TO HER ROUTINE.
The guy from her past has been watching her, but she doesn't change things up to throw him off?
Seems kind of sketch.
I think I would have RUN as soon as he cornered me the first time.
Finally, when she meets her mate, she freaks out and RUNS HOME WHERE HER PAST FINDS HER!
She has to call her mate to come save her because she has no idea what to do.
Her two mates, Roman and Micah are complete opposites.
And treat the mate bond completely different.
Though both of them consummate the relationship quickly.
We see Roman early in the story, but don't see the bond take effect til later on.
Micah is at the very end.
This story ends on a cliffhanger.
Roman, Micah, and Nina have just solidified there triad when an unexpected visitor shows up and decides to run and tell the counsel about it.
Definitely curious to see what happens next.
While this is currently a menage, it does end up being a reverse harem.
Nina will end up with three mates by the end of the series. (I checked ahead while looking for a RH book to read)
Overall, I enjoyed the book and definitely want to see more.
January 10, 2021
Fantastic
What a fantastic start to a new wolf series!! Nina has been on her own trying to survive or years after her brother helped her escape her old pack. Due to her past experiences she is determined to avoid any other shifters at all cost. This goes great until suddenly they seem to he everywhere and then she runs into her brothers old best friend. He is determined to make her his mate no matter what it takes. Survival and escape is her goal until she runs across her actual mate by accident. Thinking by she may finally be safe she enters his world only for a surprise twist to yank it out from under her leading to a doozy of a cliff hanger. A great introduction to a fascinating shifter world that will leave you wanting more. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
What a fantastic start to a new wolf series!! Nina has been on her own trying to survive or years after her brother helped her escape her old pack. Due to her past experiences she is determined to avoid any other shifters at all cost. This goes great until suddenly they seem to he everywhere and then she runs into her brothers old best friend. He is determined to make her his mate no matter what it takes. Survival and escape is her goal until she runs across her actual mate by accident. Thinking by she may finally be safe she enters his world only for a surprise twist to yank it out from under her leading to a doozy of a cliff hanger. A great introduction to a fascinating shifter world that will leave you wanting more. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
July 10, 2022
2 Stars
This book had a lot of potential, except the FMC was TSTL. She is the definition of insane. I don’t want to write any more about this book. I just wanted to make a notation so I knew never to try reading this book (or series) again.
FMC is on the run from the evil wolf packs who killed her family = first 75% of the book. FMC keeps running into danger and being captured, she never runs away from danger because she’s a moron. She never takes steps to escape the situation because she’s stupid. Then she meets her mate and runs from him, straight into danger again. Then she meets her second mate, drama ensues, now they’re all running away together and all the local wolf packs want FMC dead.
This book had a lot of potential, except the FMC was TSTL. She is the definition of insane. I don’t want to write any more about this book. I just wanted to make a notation so I knew never to try reading this book (or series) again.
FMC is on the run from the evil wolf packs who killed her family = first 75% of the book. FMC keeps running into danger and being captured, she never runs away from danger because she’s a moron. She never takes steps to escape the situation because she’s stupid. Then she meets her mate and runs from him, straight into danger again. Then she meets her second mate, drama ensues, now they’re all running away together and all the local wolf packs want FMC dead.
February 17, 2021
I needed a serious brain candy adventure with lots of sexy time romance after some more serious reads, and real life craziness (impeachment trial (part 2), still COVID, ice storms... 2021 is still surreal)...anyway this deliveries. I turned pages long past my bedtime, well past midnight, to see what trouble our heroine would fall into and manage to escape from, the romance didn’t come until the end, I could have handled a bit more of that earlier on, but it was also worth the wait. So if you are looking for a quick, fun read...with lots of quick bonds (for life, of course...fantasy has its perks), this might be just the escapism you are looking for.
January 2, 2021
Her Dark Moon (House of Wolves and Magic Book 1) by Helen Scott is an awesome story that I have had the privilege to read and give my honest review on. This is book number one in this awesome start to a brand new series that I just can not get enough of. I highly recommend this awesome series to everyone who loves reading about wolf shifters and paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2021
Her dark moon by Helen Scott.
This is book 1 of house of wolves and magic.
Nina is on the run from her pack. Jax who is now the alpha is trying to get her to mate with him. But she doesn't want that. She runs into Roman. Will he protect her?
Absolutely brilliant read. Great story and characters. I didn't like Jax though. I really hope there is more to come. 5*.
This is book 1 of house of wolves and magic.
Nina is on the run from her pack. Jax who is now the alpha is trying to get her to mate with him. But she doesn't want that. She runs into Roman. Will he protect her?
Absolutely brilliant read. Great story and characters. I didn't like Jax though. I really hope there is more to come. 5*.
December 14, 2020
A slow to start reverse harem urban fantasy romance adventure that had me hooked almost immediately! There’s drama and action, danger and suspense, stunning twists and turns and excitement and some excellent characters including our kick ass female mc! A great story that I can’t wait to see what happens next!
January 12, 2021
This story is such a ride. From the beginning readers will be captivated by the story of Nina. She wants to hide who she is something that is unusual given the situation at hand. Shifters have always be revered and Nina hates who her race is . She has seen the worst of her kind and it's made her into the woman she is today. A woman who always looks behind her and wants to stay hidden forever.
Until her past forces her hand...
Her journey is twisted and reveals a lot about her past. Even when her world is turn upside down, Nina is a fighter who won't go down easily. Her strength shines through this book even when she meets alpha males who want do things to her that she won't forget. This is a great start to a new series that is perfect for dark and twisted fans .
Until her past forces her hand...
Her journey is twisted and reveals a lot about her past. Even when her world is turn upside down, Nina is a fighter who won't go down easily. Her strength shines through this book even when she meets alpha males who want do things to her that she won't forget. This is a great start to a new series that is perfect for dark and twisted fans .
June 9, 2021
Loving this series straight on to book 2
June 30, 2021
Free Kindle read.
Nope.
Nope.
May 2, 2022
2,5 bis 3☆
May 10, 2021
Nina is on the run and hiding from her old pack. Her brother gave his life to get her out and she's trying to make sure she honors him by keeping herself free from her toxic pack. Suddenly she starts to notice more and more shifters in the area where she lives/works/goes to the gym and she is on edge. Eventually she bumps into her brothers best friend, Jaxson, and he wants to bring her back to the pack for his own (very unhinged) reasons, but Nina refuses to get sucked back in. After escaping Jaxon's enforcers, Nina imprints with her mate, Roman, and he vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Then Nina imprints on Micah, and all hell breaks loose.
SO. Nina. The worst decision-making skills I've ever read in a book and a perfect example of TSTL. I wanted to yell at her it seemed like almost every other page for the first half of the book and even a few times in the latter half. I get it, its a book, the author used all these scenarios to set up the story, but they were flimsy in the logic department and had me constantly wondering WhatTheActualFuck.
A few examples...
A common theme throughout the book is Nina putting herself in situations that make her vulnerable to the very people she has vowed to stay away from. She goes on and on about making sure that her parents' and brother's deaths weren't in vain, and yet, she continues to leave herself exposed and vulnerable.
So, now that thats all out of the way, I have to say this book wasn't terrible (crazy I know). Once you get past the fact that the MC has zero life-preservation skills, the story is actually good. Nina's old pack is terrible and all she wants is to be free of them. She meets her mate and realizes that maybe she can have a life that is more than go to the gym, go to work, go home, rinse and repeat. She meets Roman's (her new mate) pack and realizes that not all packs are like the one she grew up in. Then of course, because things are going well for Nina, she gets thrown for a loop and imprints on another shifter. Which only spells trouble, because in this world, having more than one mate is a really bad thing. Thats where book 1 ends and I am actually (despite the seriously TSTL MC) kind of excited to see where the story heads next. I mean with Roman and Micah there, she can't possibly continue with her idiotic choices, right...right? (I really hope not).
I can't say much about her guys, since one didn't really appear until almost 50ish% into the book and the other close to 85%. Although, from what little they have been in the story, they don't seem too bad, so there's that. I am curious to learn more about them and see Nina not have to constantly look over her shoulder.
Anyhoo, if you like a tough MC (that makes poor life choices) and twists and turns, you will probably like this book.
SO. Nina. The worst decision-making skills I've ever read in a book and a perfect example of TSTL. I wanted to yell at her it seemed like almost every other page for the first half of the book and even a few times in the latter half. I get it, its a book, the author used all these scenarios to set up the story, but they were flimsy in the logic department and had me constantly wondering WhatTheActualFuck.
A few examples...
A common theme throughout the book is Nina putting herself in situations that make her vulnerable to the very people she has vowed to stay away from. She goes on and on about making sure that her parents' and brother's deaths weren't in vain, and yet, she continues to leave herself exposed and vulnerable.
So, now that thats all out of the way, I have to say this book wasn't terrible (crazy I know). Once you get past the fact that the MC has zero life-preservation skills, the story is actually good. Nina's old pack is terrible and all she wants is to be free of them. She meets her mate and realizes that maybe she can have a life that is more than go to the gym, go to work, go home, rinse and repeat. She meets Roman's (her new mate) pack and realizes that not all packs are like the one she grew up in. Then of course, because things are going well for Nina, she gets thrown for a loop and imprints on another shifter. Which only spells trouble, because in this world, having more than one mate is a really bad thing. Thats where book 1 ends and I am actually (despite the seriously TSTL MC) kind of excited to see where the story heads next. I mean with Roman and Micah there, she can't possibly continue with her idiotic choices, right...right? (I really hope not).
I can't say much about her guys, since one didn't really appear until almost 50ish% into the book and the other close to 85%. Although, from what little they have been in the story, they don't seem too bad, so there's that. I am curious to learn more about them and see Nina not have to constantly look over her shoulder.
Anyhoo, if you like a tough MC (that makes poor life choices) and twists and turns, you will probably like this book.
December 30, 2020
Note: I received this book via Booksprout and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
Helen Scott is one of those authors who have been on my radar for a few years and I even have a book or two of her but because I just know I was gonna like her writing, but I never got around to reading until now. Her Dark Moon is the first book in the House of Wolves and Magic series and it's the first book of Helen's I've read and I was right, I loved this story.
This is a single perspective story told from Nina's point of view. Nina is a wolf shifter, living in the city trying to survive on her own while avoiding wolf shifters at all cost. Nina has a tragic past and because of this she doesn't trust packs; she has been on her own for a long time and isn't interested in the shifter culture as she knows it. Nina has survived a lot, she's had her pack turn on her and was a homeless teenager. To say Nina is a bad luck magnet is an understatement but she didn't let life beat her down, Nina takes care of herself and has learned to protect herself. However, with everything that has happened has left Nina not trusting anyone, not forming any relationships, and has left her with a ton of anxiety that she doesn't know how to cope with. After a series of events, Nina gets into hot water but I love how she handles herself, she scared but she still fights to the best of her ability, and while she is a good fighter, she isn't a superhero, during fights you see how she thinks the fights through, she plans, and if there is a way out she takes it. It makes her even more relatable than she already was, I am just endured to her and I am very invested in what happens to her, she deserves a bit of good luck after all the bad.
This is a paranormal romance and Nina is a wolf shifter so the whole mate storyline is present but it's totally different than what I'm used to. Nina isn't interested in being mated she hates the volatile wolf culture and doesn't want someone who looks at her as a female and thinks that she is less than because she's female. Without spoiling anything a love interest is presented and I just loved it. I really liked the characters together and there was just something about them that clicked. Nina needs people in her life after being alone for so long, she is slowly getting used to people again and I love how she is starting to grow when it comes to dealing with people, shifters in particular.
One of my favorite things about the story is Nina's commentary. At times Nina is funny and other times she says the things that I am thinking or that I have felt myself, like being a bad luck magnet, it made me like her even more. There were a couple of things that I didn't like, the beginning of the story moved kinda slow and was a little repetitive and I wish there was more information about her past and about her old pack. Other than that I really enjoyed the story, the pace picked up, there was a shocking plot twist that I honestly didn't see coming, and the story ended on a cliffhanger that has me dying to know what's gonna happen next.
Overall I highly enjoyed Her Dark Moon, it was filled with action and suspense, loss, romance, shady wolf culture, and has a heroine who deals with anxiety, and is trying to overcome all that she has been through. Her Dark Moon is just the beginning of Nina's story and I am ready to see what happens next.
Helen Scott is one of those authors who have been on my radar for a few years and I even have a book or two of her but because I just know I was gonna like her writing, but I never got around to reading until now. Her Dark Moon is the first book in the House of Wolves and Magic series and it's the first book of Helen's I've read and I was right, I loved this story.
This is a single perspective story told from Nina's point of view. Nina is a wolf shifter, living in the city trying to survive on her own while avoiding wolf shifters at all cost. Nina has a tragic past and because of this she doesn't trust packs; she has been on her own for a long time and isn't interested in the shifter culture as she knows it. Nina has survived a lot, she's had her pack turn on her and was a homeless teenager. To say Nina is a bad luck magnet is an understatement but she didn't let life beat her down, Nina takes care of herself and has learned to protect herself. However, with everything that has happened has left Nina not trusting anyone, not forming any relationships, and has left her with a ton of anxiety that she doesn't know how to cope with. After a series of events, Nina gets into hot water but I love how she handles herself, she scared but she still fights to the best of her ability, and while she is a good fighter, she isn't a superhero, during fights you see how she thinks the fights through, she plans, and if there is a way out she takes it. It makes her even more relatable than she already was, I am just endured to her and I am very invested in what happens to her, she deserves a bit of good luck after all the bad.
This is a paranormal romance and Nina is a wolf shifter so the whole mate storyline is present but it's totally different than what I'm used to. Nina isn't interested in being mated she hates the volatile wolf culture and doesn't want someone who looks at her as a female and thinks that she is less than because she's female. Without spoiling anything a love interest is presented and I just loved it. I really liked the characters together and there was just something about them that clicked. Nina needs people in her life after being alone for so long, she is slowly getting used to people again and I love how she is starting to grow when it comes to dealing with people, shifters in particular.
One of my favorite things about the story is Nina's commentary. At times Nina is funny and other times she says the things that I am thinking or that I have felt myself, like being a bad luck magnet, it made me like her even more. There were a couple of things that I didn't like, the beginning of the story moved kinda slow and was a little repetitive and I wish there was more information about her past and about her old pack. Other than that I really enjoyed the story, the pace picked up, there was a shocking plot twist that I honestly didn't see coming, and the story ended on a cliffhanger that has me dying to know what's gonna happen next.
Overall I highly enjoyed Her Dark Moon, it was filled with action and suspense, loss, romance, shady wolf culture, and has a heroine who deals with anxiety, and is trying to overcome all that she has been through. Her Dark Moon is just the beginning of Nina's story and I am ready to see what happens next.
March 3, 2021
***SPOILERS***
Nina (AKA Antonia) is in hiding from her former pack who sees female wolves as breeding material only. When her family tried to stick up for the females in her pack, they were murdered. She successfully hides across town from her pack for a few years but then she breaks her routine and attends a party. At the party the new Alpha of her old pack finds her, and "meet the new Alpha, same as the old Alpha." He violently and relentlessly seeks her as his mate. She escapes him and in doing so meets her actual mate. At the end she agrees to become part of his pack, where she meets a second mate. Turns out pack see females with multiple mates as sacrilege so her and her mates are back on the run again from now, two packs.
Almost the entire book she was on the run from her old pack. They would find her, beat her, and she would escape. Then she would go back to known addresses like her apartment or her job, only to be found again, beat, and then able to escape. Finally at the very, very end, she finds mate 1 and they have sex. She quickly agrees to join his pack. Immediately thereafter, she finds mate 2 and they have sex. The book ends with her and her mates on the run again. I assume the next book will be finding her, beating her, and her escaping for the 900th time. I won't be reading.
Nina (AKA Antonia) is in hiding from her former pack who sees female wolves as breeding material only. When her family tried to stick up for the females in her pack, they were murdered. She successfully hides across town from her pack for a few years but then she breaks her routine and attends a party. At the party the new Alpha of her old pack finds her, and "meet the new Alpha, same as the old Alpha." He violently and relentlessly seeks her as his mate. She escapes him and in doing so meets her actual mate. At the end she agrees to become part of his pack, where she meets a second mate. Turns out pack see females with multiple mates as sacrilege so her and her mates are back on the run again from now, two packs.
Almost the entire book she was on the run from her old pack. They would find her, beat her, and she would escape. Then she would go back to known addresses like her apartment or her job, only to be found again, beat, and then able to escape. Finally at the very, very end, she finds mate 1 and they have sex. She quickly agrees to join his pack. Immediately thereafter, she finds mate 2 and they have sex. The book ends with her and her mates on the run again. I assume the next book will be finding her, beating her, and her escaping for the 900th time. I won't be reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2020
I really didn’t care for this story personally and had to push myself to finish it. Nina has been hiding from other shifters for years in an area of the city that shifters didn’t live on and suddenly everywhere she turns she is running into shifters including ones from her former pack.
She is attacked, kidnapped and drugged in the hopes of forcing a mate bond. When she runs into Roman again the mate bond snaps into place. You think she is going to find a good pick but looks not to be the case when she forms a second mate bond.
I didn’t like the portrayal of packs. One bad pack you can see but it is made to seem like they are all a problem of some sort. That turned me off of the story.
I didn’t feel invested in the story or the characters. Micah and the second mating are introduced at the end and it ends with no resolution to Nina’s original situation and now there is a new problem with her mates pack to deal with that you won’t know anything about until you read the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She is attacked, kidnapped and drugged in the hopes of forcing a mate bond. When she runs into Roman again the mate bond snaps into place. You think she is going to find a good pick but looks not to be the case when she forms a second mate bond.
I didn’t like the portrayal of packs. One bad pack you can see but it is made to seem like they are all a problem of some sort. That turned me off of the story.
I didn’t feel invested in the story or the characters. Micah and the second mating are introduced at the end and it ends with no resolution to Nina’s original situation and now there is a new problem with her mates pack to deal with that you won’t know anything about until you read the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2021
Awful. No character development. No backbone (which I was hoping she did since she literally was getting training). No background information. Rushed straight into threesome. That's about it.
February 10, 2021
it was okay the end made me wanting the second book right now
February 16, 2021
This is book one of the House of Wolves and Magic series and the main character if lone wolf Nina. She was brought up as part of a pack with her parents and older brother Sam. But when her parents went to the Alpha wolf about a concern, after he took a sixteen year old as his new mate, when he was in his mid-forties, they were both killed in front of their children. Her brother tried to look out for her and had to work for the Alpha to prove his worth within the pack, as well as another part time and illegal job, to try and save money to get her out of the pack, before she ended up being used as a brood mare. Females had no say in their pack and life was not pleasant, when the Alpha and his minions were al abusive and violent. Her brother takes her out on one of his jobs, to get her out of the pack and to someone he trusts to look out for her, but shortly after they separate, the Alpha confronts him and shots him dead. Another death that Nina saw, after she had turned around to see who her brother was meeting. She didn’t trust whoever she was supposed to meet from the pack, believing she would be safer alone, even when she ended up on the streets and homeless.
Years later, she works in a small garage as a mechanic for cash under the counter, with a regular routine of going to a gym, boxing with one of the trainers Richard most days. Anything to live a safe life, far away from the pack grounds and keeping herself fit and able to fight, if needed. Never to be vulnerable to anyone and to never live in a pack again, after her past experiences. One night, after she has to work later than expected, she comes across a small group of shifters in an alley, dealing drugs and has to hide behind a dumpster, hoping they won’t sense her! She realises the pack is expanding into the city and her attempts to earn enough to escape the city, are nowhere close enough to where she needs it to be, to finally get far away from the pack. It seems some packs are dealing in illegal drugs and activities, which go against everything pack life should really be. Now she needs to take a lot more care as she goes about her daily life. If she comes across a wolf shifter and looks them in the eye, she is in danger of imprinting on them and becoming their mate, which would mean being pulled back into a pack! Something she has sworn never to do.
One day at the garage, her lazy boss calls for her to attend to a customer out front, something she avoids doing normally, and she quickly realises he is a wolf shifter and refuses to look him in the eye or even come too close to him, hoping the grease and oil will cover her scent. She annoys the customer, Roman, as well as her boss, but wouldn’t do anything differently, as her life relies upon it. She begins to feel that someone is watching her and loses sleep and becomes paranoid, with good reason, when a wolf shifter and his sidekicks surround her in her local café. She gets away that time, but Jaxon, the shifter her brother had trusted to look out for her, but who she never met, has taken over the pack and is Alpha now, and he wants her for himself, no matter what she wants. When she doesn’t imprint automatically, he ends up grabbing her and hiding her away in an abandoned warehouse, where he uses a witch’s magic potion, to forcibly get her to imprint on him, which has been illegal for years. Now she has to get away and the only person who could possibly help her is Roman, if she can get his number from work, but Jaxon is ahead of her and tries to smoke her out. Trusting Roman means obligations towards his pack and that just ends up causing her more problems, as well as him. An interesting tale of fated mates and imprinting, one forced and one coming about accidently. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Her Fated Mates, to see what happens to her, Roman and the packs. Add in the use of a witch and some magic, plus breaking traditional pack laws, and Nina has a lot to cope with! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Years later, she works in a small garage as a mechanic for cash under the counter, with a regular routine of going to a gym, boxing with one of the trainers Richard most days. Anything to live a safe life, far away from the pack grounds and keeping herself fit and able to fight, if needed. Never to be vulnerable to anyone and to never live in a pack again, after her past experiences. One night, after she has to work later than expected, she comes across a small group of shifters in an alley, dealing drugs and has to hide behind a dumpster, hoping they won’t sense her! She realises the pack is expanding into the city and her attempts to earn enough to escape the city, are nowhere close enough to where she needs it to be, to finally get far away from the pack. It seems some packs are dealing in illegal drugs and activities, which go against everything pack life should really be. Now she needs to take a lot more care as she goes about her daily life. If she comes across a wolf shifter and looks them in the eye, she is in danger of imprinting on them and becoming their mate, which would mean being pulled back into a pack! Something she has sworn never to do.
One day at the garage, her lazy boss calls for her to attend to a customer out front, something she avoids doing normally, and she quickly realises he is a wolf shifter and refuses to look him in the eye or even come too close to him, hoping the grease and oil will cover her scent. She annoys the customer, Roman, as well as her boss, but wouldn’t do anything differently, as her life relies upon it. She begins to feel that someone is watching her and loses sleep and becomes paranoid, with good reason, when a wolf shifter and his sidekicks surround her in her local café. She gets away that time, but Jaxon, the shifter her brother had trusted to look out for her, but who she never met, has taken over the pack and is Alpha now, and he wants her for himself, no matter what she wants. When she doesn’t imprint automatically, he ends up grabbing her and hiding her away in an abandoned warehouse, where he uses a witch’s magic potion, to forcibly get her to imprint on him, which has been illegal for years. Now she has to get away and the only person who could possibly help her is Roman, if she can get his number from work, but Jaxon is ahead of her and tries to smoke her out. Trusting Roman means obligations towards his pack and that just ends up causing her more problems, as well as him. An interesting tale of fated mates and imprinting, one forced and one coming about accidently. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Her Fated Mates, to see what happens to her, Roman and the packs. Add in the use of a witch and some magic, plus breaking traditional pack laws, and Nina has a lot to cope with! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 15, 2021
Her Dark Moon is a paranormal reverse harem romance novel and I absolutely loved this book...for the most part. LOL! Nina is a lone female wolf in a world of shifters where being a female means that you are good for one thing and one thing only...popping out pups. She has no family. She's watched each and every one of them die at the hands/jaws of a cruel and power hungry alpha. Nina has managed to live her life under the radar, but all of that is about to change.
Her Dark Moon by Helen Scott is a refreshing change from the usual "snarky" mouthed female characters that I have become...accustomed...and annoyed with. It's always the same thing: "snarky/sassy" mouthed female, males who think that's just so "sexy" and obviously think that she can do no wrong. Nina is a completely different type of wolf. She's more thoughtful before opening her mouth. Nina has two thoughts...surviving and staying off the pack's radar. She has no intention of going back to the pack she ran from, but she also has no desire to join up with another either. Nina is an engaging character and honestly...for the most part I like her. She's sensible...until she's not. LOL! I'm not gonna lie...there were some scenes/situations of where I was literally snickering at her behavior.
Her first time crossing paths with Roman...OMG, I was shaking my head so hard at her behavior. She was so bizarre!!! It was like all sense of how to go UNDER the radar flew out of her head. LOL! I understand she didn't want him to catch her scent and identify her as a shifter, but she was so weird!! Even her boss was looking at her crazy! LOL! But I have to admit...this author is super clever with how she writes this book. There were moments of where Nina was acting really dumb and getting on my nerves, but the author...sneakily soothes my irritation away. Very clever the way this book is written.
Nina isn't the brightest, but I still like her. I understand her fear of joining a pack, but she's gotta make some more rational decisions in certain situations. I do like how she doesn't pop off at the mouth like some authors would have written their character, which would land them in a world of hurt. Now, yes, Nina opening her mouth a couple of times still gets her hurt but only because the idiot doing the hurting is off his rocker.
This book, has some editorial issues - one scene where Nina lives on the 4th floor and then later in the book it's changed to the 3rd. And there are a few minor spelling issues as well, but I enjoyed this book a lot. The cliffhanger this book ends on has me eager for the next in this series. Plus, I loved the steamy scenes and appreciate that they don't happen until later in the book.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I ate this book up and I'm eager for the next. If you enjoy paranormal romance novels then this book is a good choice. While the title doesn't tie into the storyline I don't mind, so just put that thought out of your head. lol
Her Dark Moon by Helen Scott is a refreshing change from the usual "snarky" mouthed female characters that I have become...accustomed...and annoyed with. It's always the same thing: "snarky/sassy" mouthed female, males who think that's just so "sexy" and obviously think that she can do no wrong. Nina is a completely different type of wolf. She's more thoughtful before opening her mouth. Nina has two thoughts...surviving and staying off the pack's radar. She has no intention of going back to the pack she ran from, but she also has no desire to join up with another either. Nina is an engaging character and honestly...for the most part I like her. She's sensible...until she's not. LOL! I'm not gonna lie...there were some scenes/situations of where I was literally snickering at her behavior.
Her first time crossing paths with Roman...OMG, I was shaking my head so hard at her behavior. She was so bizarre!!! It was like all sense of how to go UNDER the radar flew out of her head. LOL! I understand she didn't want him to catch her scent and identify her as a shifter, but she was so weird!! Even her boss was looking at her crazy! LOL! But I have to admit...this author is super clever with how she writes this book. There were moments of where Nina was acting really dumb and getting on my nerves, but the author...sneakily soothes my irritation away. Very clever the way this book is written.
Nina isn't the brightest, but I still like her. I understand her fear of joining a pack, but she's gotta make some more rational decisions in certain situations. I do like how she doesn't pop off at the mouth like some authors would have written their character, which would land them in a world of hurt. Now, yes, Nina opening her mouth a couple of times still gets her hurt but only because the idiot doing the hurting is off his rocker.
This book, has some editorial issues - one scene where Nina lives on the 4th floor and then later in the book it's changed to the 3rd. And there are a few minor spelling issues as well, but I enjoyed this book a lot. The cliffhanger this book ends on has me eager for the next in this series. Plus, I loved the steamy scenes and appreciate that they don't happen until later in the book.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I ate this book up and I'm eager for the next. If you enjoy paranormal romance novels then this book is a good choice. While the title doesn't tie into the storyline I don't mind, so just put that thought out of your head. lol
December 3, 2020
I found this plot to be one where action, drama and romance are significant enough, but I also come away thinking that they appear within mostly a vacuum of themselves; borrowing only lightly from supernatural themes, and what you’d be forgiven for expecting from its title. If you’re expecting to read a standard contribution from shifter ideology and an association with a dark moon that might affect the nature of the beast, then I think there’s a chance that you might not appreciate the story for what it is.
I add this as I’d like to convey that the elements of my opening statement do offer that reward; just not in the way I was hoping for. I do find these observations are ever on the increase, changing the way the field of paranormal romance ought better be classified as romance paranormal, where the romance and its associated accompaniments are the primary focus, with barely a secondary importance and/or weighting from the supernatural world. Those dimensions are offered in this gritty romance novel, pleasurable in their own ways, but not relating to gritty paranormal drama.
I do offer these opinions in the hope that they might prevent an abundance of sub-par ratings (and even an influx of neutral or negative reviews coming about because of missed expectations). I mean let’s face it, it’s better to have readers choose differently for whatever reasons, instead of being disappointed and this then leading to unfair ratings. Whilst I felt let down, it’s only keeping me from scoring in the positive range of 4 to 5 stars: but not amounting either to a negative scoring of 1 to 2 stars.
If it isn’t thus obvious, I’m scoring the story as a solid 3 stars. The storyline is thoroughly interesting, and the characters are entertaining. The contemporary environment shaded by the supernatural was well designed and thought out. The romance itself offered a new titbit to add to existing paranormal lore, was unique in that concept, and would I suggest provide a rewarding experience for readers of paranormal romance who like the romance as thick and heavy.
So as you can see, there’s bits to be considered before reading, but I suspect that a good number of readers won’t look on at it as a neutral rating because of it. Further to that I also suspect it might favour the female reader more so than the male counterparts. I do say this cautiously though, I’m not a bigot or prejudiced where it concerns genderised reading tastes, so please don’t take it in that manner. Finally, despite the 3, I’d still be inclined toward reading a sequel and can see how the storyline can be grown into a series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I add this as I’d like to convey that the elements of my opening statement do offer that reward; just not in the way I was hoping for. I do find these observations are ever on the increase, changing the way the field of paranormal romance ought better be classified as romance paranormal, where the romance and its associated accompaniments are the primary focus, with barely a secondary importance and/or weighting from the supernatural world. Those dimensions are offered in this gritty romance novel, pleasurable in their own ways, but not relating to gritty paranormal drama.
I do offer these opinions in the hope that they might prevent an abundance of sub-par ratings (and even an influx of neutral or negative reviews coming about because of missed expectations). I mean let’s face it, it’s better to have readers choose differently for whatever reasons, instead of being disappointed and this then leading to unfair ratings. Whilst I felt let down, it’s only keeping me from scoring in the positive range of 4 to 5 stars: but not amounting either to a negative scoring of 1 to 2 stars.
If it isn’t thus obvious, I’m scoring the story as a solid 3 stars. The storyline is thoroughly interesting, and the characters are entertaining. The contemporary environment shaded by the supernatural was well designed and thought out. The romance itself offered a new titbit to add to existing paranormal lore, was unique in that concept, and would I suggest provide a rewarding experience for readers of paranormal romance who like the romance as thick and heavy.
So as you can see, there’s bits to be considered before reading, but I suspect that a good number of readers won’t look on at it as a neutral rating because of it. Further to that I also suspect it might favour the female reader more so than the male counterparts. I do say this cautiously though, I’m not a bigot or prejudiced where it concerns genderised reading tastes, so please don’t take it in that manner. Finally, despite the 3, I’d still be inclined toward reading a sequel and can see how the storyline can be grown into a series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2025
Rating: ⭐️1/2
Audiobook
I don't even know what there is to say about this book. For starters, I didn't like the heroine at all. Nina is very adamant about wanting independence and not wanting to be shackled to a male wolf where her only purpose is to "pop out pups"; her words, not mine. And I can support that, girl power and all that, but what I don't like is that she acts like she knows everything there is to know about pack life when the only real experience she has from it is the, very clearly, dysfunctional pack she left when she was around 13-14 years old. She even admits as much and says there probably are different packs out there, but she still acts like she knows everything, which just annoyed me. That was the first sign that she was purposefully being ignorant, which is not a quality I really like in a heroine and then she also had to reveal herself as stupid when, after years of avoiding the dating scene and socializing in the effort of hiding from her old pack, that she knows has started to enclose on her neighborhood, she decides to go to a party. Not for any good reason either. She goes to her only female friend and reveal some emotions out of nowhere and start balling for some reason that I'm not entirely sure of and after her "friend" (she's clearly stupid and I really don't like her) tells her she should come with her to a party to "let loose" and "get out of her routine" and Nina (weak as she is) "couldn't resist her pushing" even though she barely encouraged her. Add weak willed to the list of reasons as to why I don't like her. Of course, the first thing that happens at this party is her catching the eye of psychopath from her old pack that immediately decides she's his (hint, he's not the love interest).
No, the love interest, (this book was supposed to be a why-choose, shifter romance after all) Roman appears briefly for about five minutes in the beginning of the book where you get a hint that Nina might like the way he smells and then he's really not even a part of the book before the end when he suddenly stumbles into her life by running her over with his car. If I hadn't read the preview which stated the love interest was named Roman I probably would have forgotten him by the time he reappeared.
This book wasn't even a romance and it certainly wasn't a why-choose romance. A second man appearing in the last ten minutes of the book that turns out to be her mate and immediately mauls her in a public bathroom after is not what I consider a why-choose.
This book was awful and the only reason it didn't get only one star is because I started listening to the sequel (because I'm apparently a sadist) which means something must have been done right. But I can't mention one thing I actually liked about this book, except the idea I imagine the author had about the book but decided to write trash over it instead.
Audiobook
I don't even know what there is to say about this book. For starters, I didn't like the heroine at all. Nina is very adamant about wanting independence and not wanting to be shackled to a male wolf where her only purpose is to "pop out pups"; her words, not mine. And I can support that, girl power and all that, but what I don't like is that she acts like she knows everything there is to know about pack life when the only real experience she has from it is the, very clearly, dysfunctional pack she left when she was around 13-14 years old. She even admits as much and says there probably are different packs out there, but she still acts like she knows everything, which just annoyed me. That was the first sign that she was purposefully being ignorant, which is not a quality I really like in a heroine and then she also had to reveal herself as stupid when, after years of avoiding the dating scene and socializing in the effort of hiding from her old pack, that she knows has started to enclose on her neighborhood, she decides to go to a party. Not for any good reason either. She goes to her only female friend and reveal some emotions out of nowhere and start balling for some reason that I'm not entirely sure of and after her "friend" (she's clearly stupid and I really don't like her) tells her she should come with her to a party to "let loose" and "get out of her routine" and Nina (weak as she is) "couldn't resist her pushing" even though she barely encouraged her. Add weak willed to the list of reasons as to why I don't like her. Of course, the first thing that happens at this party is her catching the eye of psychopath from her old pack that immediately decides she's his (hint, he's not the love interest).
No, the love interest, (this book was supposed to be a why-choose, shifter romance after all) Roman appears briefly for about five minutes in the beginning of the book where you get a hint that Nina might like the way he smells and then he's really not even a part of the book before the end when he suddenly stumbles into her life by running her over with his car. If I hadn't read the preview which stated the love interest was named Roman I probably would have forgotten him by the time he reappeared.
This book wasn't even a romance and it certainly wasn't a why-choose romance. A second man appearing in the last ten minutes of the book that turns out to be her mate and immediately mauls her in a public bathroom after is not what I consider a why-choose.
This book was awful and the only reason it didn't get only one star is because I started listening to the sequel (because I'm apparently a sadist) which means something must have been done right. But I can't mention one thing I actually liked about this book, except the idea I imagine the author had about the book but decided to write trash over it instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
As I was reading this book, I was thinking, This chick just can't catch a break. Nina keeps getting beaten up, stalked, abducted... I mean, come on already!
One thing's for sure, she's a strong woman. But sometimes I thought she was dumb. It was quite clear that Jaxon (the guy from her old pack) knew where she was staying and probably knew her routines too, since as she said herself she always follows the same routine every day. Yet she continued to do the same things she has always done, and went to the same places she has always been to. She didn't deviate from her routine, and didn't even think of trying to find another place to stay or to hide. She doesn't even think of just taking whatever cash she has and leaving the city. I know she keeps on saying she hasn't managed to save enough to leave yet, but when it's survival, you just leave!!!
I was puzzled as to why Jaxon was so fixated on her, especially after not having any contact with her for so many years. It seemed bizarre.
Then she imprints with Roman and they discover they're mates. In this world's shifter lore, once mates make eye contact with each other, they'll imprint and the bond locks into place. You don't have to exchange mate bites or anything like that; all it takes is eye contact with the right person.
I can't imagine how crazy it must be to look into a stranger's eyes and get tied to him all of a sudden. I didn't feel like I really got to see much of Roman or get much of a feel for him, but I could see that he's a rich good guy. I wished we had his POV; the whole book is only in Nina's POV. He is so accepting of the bond from the very beginning and also so accepting of Nina -- I loved it. I really wanted to know what he does for a living that he can be so rich and stay so calm through all the crazy things Nina tells him about her life.
So, here I was, reading and wondering, this is supposed to be RH? And then Micah comes along. Aha. Again with the instant mate bond imprinting thingy. And I don't want to give any spoilers but I swear, this chick just can't catch a break. Poor Nina. Sigh.
One thing's for sure, she's a strong woman. But sometimes I thought she was dumb. It was quite clear that Jaxon (the guy from her old pack) knew where she was staying and probably knew her routines too, since as she said herself she always follows the same routine every day. Yet she continued to do the same things she has always done, and went to the same places she has always been to. She didn't deviate from her routine, and didn't even think of trying to find another place to stay or to hide. She doesn't even think of just taking whatever cash she has and leaving the city. I know she keeps on saying she hasn't managed to save enough to leave yet, but when it's survival, you just leave!!!
I was puzzled as to why Jaxon was so fixated on her, especially after not having any contact with her for so many years. It seemed bizarre.
Then she imprints with Roman and they discover they're mates. In this world's shifter lore, once mates make eye contact with each other, they'll imprint and the bond locks into place. You don't have to exchange mate bites or anything like that; all it takes is eye contact with the right person.
I can't imagine how crazy it must be to look into a stranger's eyes and get tied to him all of a sudden. I didn't feel like I really got to see much of Roman or get much of a feel for him, but I could see that he's a rich good guy. I wished we had his POV; the whole book is only in Nina's POV. He is so accepting of the bond from the very beginning and also so accepting of Nina -- I loved it. I really wanted to know what he does for a living that he can be so rich and stay so calm through all the crazy things Nina tells him about her life.
So, here I was, reading and wondering, this is supposed to be RH? And then Micah comes along. Aha. Again with the instant mate bond imprinting thingy. And I don't want to give any spoilers but I swear, this chick just can't catch a break. Poor Nina. Sigh.
May 6, 2023
Tried for Mercy Thompson meets Bitten
But unfortunately it's a miss. The plot is messy. I think a graph would illustrate the messiness. Let's just say the escalation of action needs work she goes from danger level ten to two back to ten and it's jarring.
The characters are reactive and not written well. She's in a male dominated field of work, she's a fighter, and she's also traumatized and easily frightened. Her responses are more in line with Bella off Twilight than anything Mercy or Elaina ever did. Roman is a sketch, so is Micah. Jaxson is fleshed out but Jared Leto's Joker had better motivation and cohesion of character.
The writing is to blame for the characters. It's due to lack of imagination. If you haven't experienced similar events and can't imagine what that would be like research first hand accounts. Cause the only thing that rings true is the last love scene and even that points to a lack of imagination.
The pacing is so fast it will give you whiplash. The resting scenes are few and far between. I'm exhausted just reading all the stuff Nina has to go through. Yet, she's the Energizer bunny with the emotional reset of James Marsden in Westworld.
The world building is good as far as religious cults and how they exist alongside our reality with many people not paying a lick of attention. I like the reaction to "fated mates" it rings truer than the accepted convention of acceptance. More authors should adopt the idea of wolf packs functioning like a religious cult.
Overall, the best bit is the set up. I'm not going to read the rest of the series or recommend this book. But it had some good ideas.
But unfortunately it's a miss. The plot is messy. I think a graph would illustrate the messiness. Let's just say the escalation of action needs work she goes from danger level ten to two back to ten and it's jarring.
The characters are reactive and not written well. She's in a male dominated field of work, she's a fighter, and she's also traumatized and easily frightened. Her responses are more in line with Bella off Twilight than anything Mercy or Elaina ever did. Roman is a sketch, so is Micah. Jaxson is fleshed out but Jared Leto's Joker had better motivation and cohesion of character.
The writing is to blame for the characters. It's due to lack of imagination. If you haven't experienced similar events and can't imagine what that would be like research first hand accounts. Cause the only thing that rings true is the last love scene and even that points to a lack of imagination.
The pacing is so fast it will give you whiplash. The resting scenes are few and far between. I'm exhausted just reading all the stuff Nina has to go through. Yet, she's the Energizer bunny with the emotional reset of James Marsden in Westworld.
The world building is good as far as religious cults and how they exist alongside our reality with many people not paying a lick of attention. I like the reaction to "fated mates" it rings truer than the accepted convention of acceptance. More authors should adopt the idea of wolf packs functioning like a religious cult.
Overall, the best bit is the set up. I'm not going to read the rest of the series or recommend this book. But it had some good ideas.
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