Tension

Lunar Wolves #2

by Kiki Burrelli

Huxley's best friend is his rock.

Huxley Might's position as agent within the elite Lunar Council Enforcement Agency has prepared him for a life of service. Being an Alpha is about control and sacrifice. He doesn't have siblings to pass the duty to. It's up to Huxley to become the next Alpha and ensure the Might family legacy continues. It is a heavy burden to bear, but Huxley can always count on his childhood best friend, Ezra, to be in his corner.

Nothing could come between them—except the future.

If Ezra Fescue manages to stay out of prison, he'll be doing better than the rest of his witch family. Crescent City doesn't have tracks, but if it did, Ezra's house would be the only one on the wrong side. He's poor, unattractive, and comes from a family of magical felons—not exactly the type to be close friends with the next Alpha. Full of criminals and mediocre witches, the Fescue clan is despised by the entire witch community. No matter who Huxley chooses as his mate, the first thing she'll demand is for Huxley to give Ezra the boot. As a werewolf, pleasing his mate will always trump keeping a best friend.

A night of passion changes everything.

Their friendship has a time limit, and after a drunken night where things get out of hand, Ezra is certain their end is nearer than ever. But Huxley refuses to let one night ruin a lifetime of friendship. He needs Ezra in his life. He'll fix it, fix them, and bring everything back to normal. Except, now that he's had a taste of Ezra, he can't go back. If he doesn't figure out a way to convince Ezra he doesn't care about Ezra's bad reputation, he'll lose him forever. But, how can Ezra let Huxley give up on his legacy?

Can their friendship become more?

Meanwhile, there is a thief operating within Crescent City. Each new theft tightens the tensions that already exist between the different werewolf packs and if Huxley's team doesn't find the criminal in time, their powder keg of a city is going to blow.

Tension is the second book in the Lunar Wolves series and can be read as a standalone. It is a paranormal gay romance with mystery, suspense, a possessive, protective werewolf, and a witch who knows he'll just end up regretting agreeing to that whole friends-with benefits thing.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Audiobook, Friends To Lovers, Magic, Romance

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2022

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, but not as well as the first one. Ezra and Huxley are good characters. I just kept getting confused by some of the secondary cast

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension is the second book in the Lunar Wolves series. I seriously loved this story!! Huxley and Ezra are best friends, total opposites from different society standards. Huxley is next in line to be the Alpha of the Might Pack. Ezra is a witch, his family are magical felons, he’s looked down on. I really disliked how Ezra was treated. I freakin loved their story! Best friend to lovers, shifter/witch familiar and a fantastic mystery makes a phenomenal story!! Overall, fantastic!! Well written with catchy pacing that hooked me!

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this app has some bugs! I've already reviewed and it's lost it

Tension starts a couple of weeks after the first book ended with Huxley and Ezra as the main pairing. Huxley is the pack alpha's son and destined to take over the Might clan. Ezra is a canine familiar and is family is seen as the lowest of the low.

There were several times I wanted to shake them to get them to just communicate but one place they didn't have issues was the bedroom or anywhere they could get physical.

Loved the introduction of Ramsen and I'd love to see him get someone who appreciates his inventive spirit.

The narration was good though there were a couple of moments I mixed the povs from sounding similar. Other than that, I enjoyed listening.

Looking forward to Sy's story

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The community thinks it's bad enough that Huxley and Ezra are best friends as Huxley is the chosen Alpha and Ezra is that no-account witch from a no-account family from the wrong side of the tracks. Imagine the problems it opens up when one night together makes both of them realize they are actually so much more than friends to each other. Ezra is willing to step away so Huxley can have the life others intend for him, but fortunately Huxley will fight for their relationship. Great characters, well developed conflict within the community that acts as an impediment to the relationship and a great mystery woven in to boot. A great entry in this series.

[lphharrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the story of Huxley and Ezra. I wanted to know more about Ezra after we saw a little of him in the first book. A familiar with a pack of wild wolves who lives among werewolves?! Sign me up! I didn’t love this story as much as the first, but sometimes that just because a universe is new and exciting the first time around and it takes a lot to get that feeling again. But Huxley’s devotion to Ezra even when Ezra was constantly torn down by others and himself was so sweet and heartwarming. And I adored that he called him Huckleberry. Worth the read!

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huxley and Ezra story was frustratingly bittersweet, entertaining, with a touch of mystery and danger.
Their beginning is hard with a lot of hardships and obstacles in their way, when they seem to have a moment of reprieve something else happens and the fact they started as best friends seems another obstacle in being sincere about their feelings.
Ezra suffered a lot in silence and a moment of jealousy from Huxley opens the flood gates and Ezra confess the truth, his insecurities and fears as well as open Huxley eyes to how things really are.
I loved their sweet moments, when they appear as a united front, and when Huxley reassures Ezra of his worth, and helps him when he needs it.
I loved the way Ezra, Huxley and his team resolved the mystery, caught the culprits and the punishment that issued.
It was an interesting read and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

best friends(mates)

Prince and pauper romance between two friends struggling with social expectations.

Hard to love a person with whom you can’t have kids when your family expects heirs (that was resolved—or at least delayed for a few decades—in an unexpected way), harder to love someone and let them care for you when pride keeps you from accepting help.

Caring for someone also brings changes, and seeing a Lawful Good character bend so slightly towards showing his true (snarky) Chaotic Good self was fun to watch.

[Beaumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story/polish: 3.5 stars
Enjoyment: 3.8 stars (it was 5 stars until the last 20%)

Tension

This book has one of my favorite tropes, which is casual sex before realizing feelings. I feel it helps combat the Moonlighting Curse. Also it’s fun. This book has that for about 60% of the book. But I also love we didn’t have them get together right at the very end! I also love to actually see the MCs as a couple. I also adored that Ezra was capable and had agency and allowed to get angry at times, which is unusual in this genre. I also adored that Huxley’s mom was pack alpha and no one gave her crap simply due to her gender (they gave her crap for other reasons). I’ve never seen a woman pack alpha in this genre.

Ezra thanked the universe for giving him Huxley, for however long it lasted. He'd always known it wouldn't be forever.

Ezra is a 23 year old cis white gay man. He’s a witch and a dog familiar, meaning he can shift into a regular dog. He has pockmarked skin, unruly brown hair, he’s short and skinny (he emphasizes he’s not svelte), has crooked teeth, and is clumsy. He feels insecure about being average-looking and Huxley being beautiful. He has his own pack of natural wolf families who follow him around. He tends to have short relationships, which results in the town labeling him a “skank.” His family is thought poorly of, and is regarded as witch trash and thieves. His mom is in prison for fraud, and his family has never had much money. His mom is bitter about the derision their family gets, and his dad is sweet and oblivious.

Huxley's future was decided. He was an only child, which meant it was up to him to continue the great Might legacy. At some point, Huxley would take a powerful witch mate, a female capable of giving him strong Might pups.
And it didn't matter who that witch was—she wouldn't approve of her mate being friends with a Fescue.

Huxley is a 25 year old cis white bisexual man. He’s a werewolf. He’s the only offspring of the pack alpha, his mom. His dad is a witch. He’s tall and muscular and good-looking. He appears to only date women witches, since that’s the partner his grandpa expects him to have (someone who can provide biological children). He’s a goody two shoes where Ezra has more disdain for authority and rules. They kind of balance each other out. Huxley is popular and dedicated to taking care of his town. He’s a kind and generous person and always willing to give freely of what he has. He’s thrown for a loop when he realizes the only part of his life he’s jealously protective of us Ezra.

Huxley had officially reached his limit, the point of no return where he could either continue to be the nice, helpful guy who did what was expected of him—or he could be the werewolf who took what was his and gave zero fucks about what that made other people think of him.
There hadn't been a question of which he'd choose. Since that night by the pond this was always the direction he’d been hurtling.
Just two roads lay ahead of him. One left him in misery, forcing him to stay in the shadows, and the other made sure Ezra was in his arms.

The main source of conflict is the difference in stations between the MCs, the fact that Huxley is expected to date cis women witches until he marries one and produces a genetic heir, and how popular Huxley is vs how derided Ezra is. Ezra struggles with feeling like he’s in the way, but also isn’t a pushover and won’t leave Huxley unless Huxley tells him to. He’s very supportive of Huxley and his expected future and plans to bow out when told to do so. He’s understandably sad that he won’t get to stay even friends with Huxley, but he’s adamant about Huxley having what he wants and a good future. Huxley realizes he wants a lot more from Ezra than friendship, but spends about 60% of the book struggling with his family’s (mostly his grandpa’s) expectations of his future and the gender of his spouse. He half plans to find a wife most of the book, but also half realizes he doesn’t want a future without Ezra as his partner. Once he makes the decision he sticks to it.

"I need people to know, Ezra. I share everything I have with this city, give them all that I possess, but not you. I won't share you with them. Which means I can't hide us. I need you to be the one thing in my life that is mine. Only mine."

I liked that the homophobia in this book wasn’t blatant. Grandpa Might didn’t run around ripping down Pride flags or anything. He thought an important man like Huxley to marry a cis woman and have genetic offspring. A family could be queer, but it had to consist of a man and a woman who could procreate. Anything else wasn’t a real family. That’s an insidious kind of homophobia and it’s rarely noticed or highlighted.

"I'm not going to lie to you, Huxley, in terms of pack politics, your life would be easier if you mated with a female witch who you could have children with. But if you're miserable, what kind of an Alpha would you be anyway?"

Director Might didn't look away from Ezra's face. "You were a cancer I should've cut out when I had the chance. Are you proud of keeping my grandson from finding a mate who could give him an actual family? Are you happy about the doubt that having no clear heir will sow on the entire Might pack?"

This book had some really fun ideas! It also struggled a bit. Sometimes positioning and where people were in space didn’t make sense. Sometimes it changed timelines without warning and took a bit to catch up (flashing back to childhood with no explanation, so it takes a paragraph or two to figure out what’s going on). Awkward sentence structure (a lot of them such as “ripped the bow off the bottle and handed it to Ezra,” only the author mean the bottle was handed to Ezra, and the sentence makes it sound like the bow was). And I was pretty appalled that Huxley’s homophobic grandpa was just ignored and faced no consequences and that his grandma and other family were fine with the grandpa just being like that. That would be a massive dealbreaker for me. And then at the end he suddenly changed his mind and said one “I’m sorry” but not even for being a homophobic jerk, but because the woman he picked for Huxley was dangerous. But I know a lot of time straight people don’t consider it to be so.

I also wondered why adoption (or if genes were just too important for people to get over) or surrogacy wasn’t discussed at all if Huxley absolutely had to have kids as alpha. Instead this was “fixed” by Huxley’s mom (the pack alpha) getting pregnant again. The plot was a bit weird and a bit “thank god Huxley’s mom got pregnant again! This one’s GOT to be straight, or at least bi and prefers to have an opposite sex mate!”

This was close to a 5 star read on enjoyment alone, for me. However, some of its issues (particularly the homophobic grandpa getting off with an “I’m sorry I didn’t pick a better woman for you” and got no consequences for being a homophobic jerk. I hate when that happens. That and the weird impossibility of adoption or surrogacy, and the “don’t worry, mom is pregnant and I’m sure this one will be straight or at least pick an opposite sex partner!” ending was so weird.

Tropes and content warnings
—poor treatment of MC by most of a town
—best friends to lovers
—scent marking
—werewolves and witches
—werewolves have to take witch mates
—hickeys
—possessiveness and jealousy (consensual if somewhat exasperating for the MCs)
—grumpy-sunshiny-ish. Ezra is grumpy and Huxley isn’t quite sunshiney but he’s a reforming people-pleaser
—really homophobic grandpa, but don’t worry no one does anything about it
—implications that Ezra isn’t worthy of Huxley as a friend or otherwise, that they’re only friends out of pity, or because Ezra gives good head. He hears a lot of this crap from everyone, even random people

Other:
—third person dual pov
—cheating: no, but Huxley goes on kind of a date while he’s with Ezra, in order to placate his “traditional” grandpa
—other person romantic complications: Huxley is very jealous of Ramzen, but Ramzen is a platonic friend of Ezra. Huxley goes out with a woman his grandpa wants him to marry, and contemplates being with Ezra before eventually choosing a cis wife to have kids with
—kids: no. Apparently adoption and surrogacy is impossible
—breakup: not really
—sexual roles: Huxley tops and is more dominant in bed, Ezra bottoms and is more submissive in bed (though it daily life it’s almost reversed sometimes)
—HEA: yes

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You've always been enough."

The second book in the new Lunar Wolves series revolves around another member of the LCEA, the beloved Huxley. Huxley is the future alpha of the Might Pack, arguably one of the strongest wolf packs in the area. He's also adored by the many citizens of Crescent City he works to protect. However, there is one person who adores Huxley the most, and that is his best friend Ezra. Not many people understand the relationship between these two. Where Huxley is high up in society standards, Ezra is at the bottom. He's a witch with a family line of criminals. He's barely tolerated by many and it broke my heart seeing how he was treated, especially when comments were made about why Huxley must keep him around despite what trash he is.

Huxley seems mostly oblivious to how bad things really are for Ezra, but what he isn't oblivious to any longer is how much he needs him. Ezra sees the real Huxley, not the future alpha. He's been his best friend for years and when the threat of Ezra leaving from his life emerges Huxley can't take it. Ezra belongs to him and he is damn sure going to make him and everyone else know it.

On top of the romance there is a subplot investigation of another issue with the solar gate being built. The LCEA is up to their eyeballs in political posturing, but I did love seeing more of Axe, Zayne, and Cy. Speaking of Cy, It appears book 3 FORCE is going to be his. After the events of this book, it is revealed his promised is on his way to the city. As the two have never met before and Cy hasn't exactly hidden his disgust with the idea of an arranged mating, I am excited to see how it all plays out. I do have to admit, I am even more excited for Zayne's book. Perhaps he will find himself falling for another wolf instead of a witch? I may have a certain scientist we meet in mind. As Zayne is promised to another as well, not to mention the fact that his father is a real dick, that would certainly stir things up a bit in the Lunar Wolves Universe. All I know is I'm dying for more.

[Noona [ON theStoryGraph] · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd reading [Listen to the audiobook-2025]: Great narration! Really brought the characters and story to life.

[1st read]: This continues to be an amazing series...if you are looking for a series to jump ALL IN...

As I'm primarily an audiobook listener, this series has captivated me from the beginning as a part of the YBBB free e-book giveaway in 2022, the prequel: Gravity...from there I NEEDED to follow these characters.

Even though reading texts is rare for me (there aren't audiobooks yet 🤞🏾 so I've had to read the texts), the stories have continued to grab me and keep me reading.

I usually read before bed and therefore it can take me a while to get through a story but with these, I go to bed reading, wake up again and read a little in the middle of the night and then if I wake up early (I usually do naturally), read a little more before my alarm goes off. I couldn't put it down sounds cliché, but clichés come from the repeat of reality.

I loved being a part of the characters' journey and really getting to know them. The story was full and not sugarcoated with some science (not too much) thrown in. There was an overwhelming theme of what community means and how it treats its strongest and weakest members.

I've already started book 3 and am glued...🤷🏾‍♀️

[Sarinha M · Rating 3 out of 5]

P.P.S Oh, good god... it's the exact same concept as the first book, with the exact same type of villain, gender & motivations 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

& WHY wouldn't you use the last minutes to warn your partner of the REAL danger, seeing as tge villain was going to kill you either way, but that way you'd ensure your mate & his pack would be safe?!? Lordy 🙄

I was originally going to DNF the first book as Caden was a TSTL character & overly melodramatic, but it did improve & I ended up liking most of the characters, like Axe, Huxley, Ezra, Cy & even Zayne ended up winning me over.

Sadly the author chose to give Huxley a personality transplant for his own book, which I can't say that I'm a fan of. He's become little more than a caveman in this 😬

So far there have been no redeeming qualities to his character... he's literally become a possessive jackass.

I HATE the miscommunication trope & this duo already have sufficient conflict to deal with, what with the townspeople's bigotry & prejudices towards Ezra that the illogical decision of the author to make these lifelong friends keep the most inane secrets from each other for the sake of conflict is just beyond aggravating IMO!

As I stated before, miscommunication is already an extremely tiresome trope, but when it's between 2 people who keep swearing that they're BFFs... you're just spoiling your own narrative IMO.

There's NO logical sense WHY they'd both keep the party a secret from each other, when they both have valid excuses to be there. Ezra's reason being a lot more valid. Huxley could've & SHOULD'VE just called his mom who IS the Alpha as her dad is clearly trying to usurp her authority.

I still don't get how Martha & Alya seem to be so oblivious to how vile their partner & father is. They're both strong, intelligent, capable women & the fact that they allow him to be so conniving & disruptive to THEIR clan is nonsensical to me. Even if that was my dad, he would've been demoted a LONG time ago 🤷‍♀️

Now, Huxley IS a cop & surely he both knows & is aware of how their legal system works.

Surely, he knows that Ezra & Jud would need to pay a hefty fine or Jud would still be in jail, yet he accepts it all without delving deeper, because [insert moronic excuse], "I'm also keeping a secret from him, but I will then be angry when I do find out what said secret was..." STREWTH 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

Aren't these 2 meant to be BFFs?! Are you honestly trying to tell me that Huxley is not aware that his BFF is NOT loaded & struggles for cash?! They've known each other for about 20 years & you honestly expect me to believe that he's so clueless about his BFF?!

So, WHY & HOW exactly are they BFFs?!? Make it make sense 🤦‍♀️

Whereas Axe was somewhat justified for his possessiveness in the previous book as both he & Caden DID have a secret to keep & Caden was new to the town... in this book, it just feels like lazy storytelling from the author IMO & it IS excessive as well as illogical...

By the author's choice she HAS turned Huxley into a dick... Ramzan is a sweetie pie & does not deserve to be treated so badly by Huxley at all & the once was bad enough, but the author keeps compounding it by having Huxley keep mistreating Ramzan repeatedly.

Also, IMO, there was the perfect opportunity to set up Ramzan with Emma as they're both not only scientists, but mad about their experiments. Yet I keep having to witness Huxley's caveman act... which I was already over it from the start!

He's also aware that people do mistreat Ezra & he himself even heard with his own ears that HOS own bad behaviour is used as a stick to beat Ezra with... for that alone, I was expecting him to become a more balanced, self aware & mature character, but no....🙄

& Ezra is also a dumbass... Why wouldn't he just tell Huxley the truth... he's grown up around werewolves, he's aware of their possessiveness... WHY not just say that was how he managed to get his dad out of jail?!?

Frankly neither MC is winning me over & I can't say that I'm enjoying their story nor from what I witnessed so far do I think that they'd make a good couple.

I genuinely DO prefer Ezra with Ramzan. So far, Huxley is simply acting like Ezra is a possession rather than his friend &/or partner. 🫤

[Red T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically the 2nd entry to the Lunar Wolves series following this time Huxley, the by-the-book future alpha from book #1 and his mysterious best friend.

To be honest... I didn't see him in book 1 as he is portrayed in his own story. Here he sounds more law abiding and more careful of his appearance. More giving and selfess than he seemed before budding heads with Zayn and not following Axe's instructions as well as he should have and while it could be explained by how the relationship between all members of the LCEA were back then... I was still a little ??? during the book.

It was nice to see his relationship with those members of the LCEA change because of the previous entry, particularly his friendship with Zayn and his rivalry but respect with Cy. How people interacted with him also worked well, he's not like Zayn but still looks like because of the social work he has to do in the name of his future-alpha status.

Opposite and challeging this is Ezra. I LOVED HIM. Him and his pack of natural wolves were THE BEST. I can totally relate to how his upbringing and people's misconceptions and bullying drove him to act a certain way, prickly, sarcastic and anti-social. I did find it at times unnecessarily abrasive but it worked well in the end.

The chemistry between the two was interesting, hot. How they both understood and accepted their growth was also very much according to their personalities and responsibilities or place in their society. It was very believable and heartwrenching. BUT at the same time because the story starts with them as friends it felt a little odd to have them JUST then realize they were mates, not because worldbuilding said otherwise but because book 0.5 and 1 shows a more instant lust, instant attraction that is missed here. Shouldn't that have been addressed at some point during their younger years? Apparently it wasn't and while it's obvious Huxley feels possessive and Ezra feel genuine love the tension between them as friends felt off.

New characters like Ezra's dad brought some tears and confusion I enjoyed. A certain pair of brothers were interesting and confusing and HATEFUL and I LOVED IT. Specially by the critical point and how all of them collide was perfect. There's adrenaline, suspense, high stakes and drama... perfect. And of course more chance for more world building.

While not as good as the previous to novelas I found this one entertaining, sweet and hot. Totally recommended, specially if you're following the series. Do buy, read, review, share and all the good stuff to show the author your appreciation. :)

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second story in this series from Kiki Burrelli. A best friends to lovers, shifter/witch familiar, mystery drama that has a lot going on throughout.
Huxley and Ezra have been friends for years, despite many in the clan and community not having a good opinion of Ezra. No one will stop Huxley from having his best friend, or more if he was to have his way. Ezra is used to the snide, whispered comments and doesn't want Huxley to be impacted by them, especially when he becomes alpha in the future. The change in their relationship comes about in probably one of the most common ways but fear of ruining their friendship or what others may think has an impact on what they do moving forward. Elsewhere, there is a big step forward in helping the Solar Wolves get back to their own dimension with a new alloy coming to Crescent City as does the scientist who helped to develop it. However, there seems to be nothing but trouble once it arrives and somehow, Ezra and his father becomes involved.
I hate the community for how they treat Ezra purely because of his surname and any of his family that came before him, judged by association. I love how he has managed to use his familiar magic to work for him and help to support himself and his dad, refusing to take handouts from Huxley which is what everyone expects of him. If allowed, Huxley would definitely fix all of his problems but there's a stubborn streak a mile wide, probably born from fighting for himself for so long.
A really great story from start to finish. There is the mystery/who dunnit element that has you guessing as to the culprit and their motive, Ezra and Huxley's romance that has a slow burn element while Ezra is fighting to protect Huxley's reputation from his own when all Huxley wants is Ezra. It's also good hearing from everyone we met in book one as well as meeting a couple of new people. I don't think it's necessary to have read book one to enjoy this book but think it would help with one or two elements of the story.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review

[Raven || The Reader Identity · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5 ⭐️
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Chris Chambers
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
💛 MM Science-Fiction
💛 Werewolves + Witches
💛 Friends to Lovers
💛 Fated Mates
💛 Forbidden

This book, y’all. Have I found another author to obsess over? Maybe. In Tension by Kiki Burrelli, we return to Crescent City but this time we’re focused on agent Huxley Might, next in line to be alpha of his pack and his best friend, Ezra Fescue. Ezra is from a family of witches that have been shunned so he’s already looked down upon. But being Huxley’s best friend also puts a target on his back. After a night of passion, Ezra tries to give up Huxley but Huxley refuses to lose his best friend and newfound mate.

I adored Huxley from Pressure. He was always a good friend and so gentle to Caden. Ezra was a bit of a mystery and lemme tell you, I wish I could punch some fictional characters because they treated him badly. Getting inside these guys’ heads was an absolute treat. Huxley loved Ezra with every fiber of his being and that was SWOON-WORTHY. Ezra was a bit tougher because he never felt like he was good enough and he always thought he should sacrifice himself for Huxley. It took a while for him to trust himself and believe in himself.

The steam was once again off the charts. I flove mm shifter mates because it’s hot asffff. The possessiveness and knotting is superb! And y’all, the plot was fantastic. A bit of mystery, some twists and turns, and a great conclusion. Chris Chambers once again nails the narration, clearly showing his talent. His voice is delightful! This series is shaping up to be a favorite!

𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: AVAILABLE NOW
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huxley is an alpha wolf shifter and heir to the alpha of the important Might family. He has known his whole life that he will become the next alpha and carry on the family line. It is a heavy burden but his best friend Ezra helps him. Huxley and Ezra have been best friends since Huxley's first shift by himself when the scared puppy the thought he found turned out to be a with child with an affinity with dogs. Now they has grown and Huxley has gone into law enforcement while Ezra has become a dog whisperer. Now Huxley's family is pressuring him to settle down with a mate from an appropriate family but Huxley only wants to spend time with Ezra. The more time he spends with Ezra, the more he wishes that he could choose him as a mate.

Ezra comes from a line of witches that have a bad reputation. His dad has an affinity for rodents and is a loner with strange habits. His mother went to jail. His family is know to steal things so other witches look down on them. Besides their affinity for animals isn't that powerful magic. Ezra has loved Huxley for a long time but has kept it a secret. He knows Huxley will find his mate someday and she won't want Ezra around. Ezra wants to stay close friends with Huxley but his feelings keep getting in the way. Then one night the two friend get a little drunk and kiss. All their hidden feelings come to life. Will Huxley obey his duty to his family or follow his heart?

[Lexicdark · Rating 4 out of 5]

While part of a series, you can read this as a stand alone. You will have to accept some of the lore and world building without as much detail though. But I think you will still love Huxley and Ezra's story, a classic best friends to lovers situation. Of course it isn't that easy, or else there wouldn't be a story, but they get their HEA in the end.

Huxley is the next alpha, while Ezra's family is persona non grata. They are looked down on by everyone and many of Ezra's family have been caught doing criminal things and sent to prison. So Ezra is constantly just waiting for the day everyone leaves him for one reason or another. And it will be anytime now that Huxley will be ready to take a witch mate that will produce children to keep the alpha title in this family. Which is just so heart breaking to read about from Ezra's POV. And it's not blown out of proportion, he really is looked down on.

Huxley is loved by everyone, and he knows why, he's the next alpha. But his mother has taught him to be kind and take time for everyone. It's the job of the next alpha. But his first focus has always been Ezra, something he keeps for himself. Has been since their first meeting, which is SO CUTE! But Ezra reveals some plans Huxley can't accept and realizes he wont ever let Ezra go.

You also get a continuation of the Solar wolves efforts to get back to their dimension, and how it doesn't go very well.

[Ollie Z Book Minx · Rating 1 out of 5]

ughhhhh

not only was this PAINFULLY heteronormative, the way it props up capitalism and white supremacist ideals is fucking GROSS.

one of the big questions in it was about what to do to keep things stable if the alpha-to-be mates someone who can’t make babies—and like HELLO there are plenty of cishet couples who can’t or won’t make babies, so it would’ve be nice if maybe there was some ACTUAL WORLD BUILDING or maybe even a little character development, as a treat, around this. instead, the entire question becomes moot as momma alpha announces her new pregnancy (which is obvious LONG before the announcement, so I’m not counting it as a spoiler).

plus it was really difficult to gaf about Huxley as a mate for Ezra when basically all he has going for him, personality-wise, is that he’s the local golden boy. he’s supposedly been bffs with Ezra for years but until people aren’t as nice to him, he doesn’t take any of Ezra’s experiences seriously. and there’s this tiny moment of Ezra getting to shine at the convention but then all the questions about what their future will mean for HIM (and not just poor Huxley who now can’t have kids) remain unanswered.

why wasn’t Ezra mated to Ramzen? that was a WAY more compelling match in this story, especially since it wasn’t polluted with the disgusting condescension inherent to the focal couple’s power dynamics.

also ffs why does this series INSIST on having these “scorned women” villains???

GO UNPACK YOUR FUCKING MISOGYNY AND QUEERMISIA YOU COWARD

[Asteroula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what's up with these Lunar Wolves but I love them ALL.
I feel that it's getting better and better.
I didn't like Gravity, the prequel novella, so much but Pressure made up for that and Tension turned me into a legit fan of the series.
The trope you ask? Best friends to lovers... like really really best friends.
Huxley and Ezra have known each other since forever and reading how they met and how specifically Huxley felt when they saw each other was the sweetest thing.
The emotions in this story are high and I was pissed that they haven't gotten together earlier. However, I realized that they are in their early twenties so it is not that they had a lifetime to get to their senses. One drunken night fixed that.
It is quite satisfying that they are together now and that's enough.
I would say that being best friends was a serious drawback in their relationship because they cared so much for each other's feelings, they just kept quiet and moved on.
When the dam breaks and they open up to each other though, everything just clicks into place.

I cannot wait for Cy's story!

Thank you @gayromancereviews for the copy!

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got your 6, that's what friends are for! Huxley, expected Might Pack Alpha is Blessed with the responsibility of carrying on his family name and legacy. He feels he's up for the challenge as long as his bestie Ezra is by his side. Ezra's witch family legacy, is less than stellar. He also has low self esteem issues. Their unlikely friendship concerns Huxley's GrandPa, who expects Huxley to marry a nice female witch and have lots of pups. They spend an exciting night together which changes their dynamic. Ezra is concerned with being an impediment for Huxley. Huxley needs Ezra by his side. There are challenges in the pack that keeps Huxley on his toes. The path of their relationship is rocky with a few bolders thrown at them. Does Huxley solve the problem of the troublemaker? Can Ezra redeem his reputation? Will outside forces sabotage Ezra and Huxley? Can Ezra and Huxley find a path forward for their relationship? Ms Burrelli continues to create the best worlds and the most excellent likeable characters. Exciting series. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teeny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chris Chambers is an amazing narrator and I'm loving his work here!!!

Huxley and Ezra's chemistry was OOOOH BOY!!! HOOOOT!!! Huxley's was the perfect happy-go-lucky/sunshine to Ezra's grumpy.

But can you really blame poor Ezra when everyone's prejudiced against him and is constantly judged, even more so for being Huxley Might's, Alpha to be for the Might pack, best friend? Living constantly with their friendship's countdown, Ezra's melancholy. Thankfully Cy's bottle of Pálinka breaks the ice of Huxley and Ezra's friendship and they delved deeper into their feelings! Not without messing up along the way but growing pains and all that!

Seriously why no one ever told Grandpa Might to stuff it??

Ezra's physical appearance is a mystery because he doesn't see anything beautiful in it but in Thrust Talli's says that he could be in a runway... so color me intrigued!

Anyways as much as I loved Huxley and Ezra, the grandpa's endless tangents about Huxley's status were tiring and the villains were a bit OTT at the end.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received from GRR for an honest review.

Huxley is an enforcer and all about keeping the law. Ezra is from a family of magical felons. They are best friends and they'd like to stay that way. Ezra doesn't think he's good enough but Huxley knows he always has been. While they are trying to keep their attraction under control and keep their friendship intact, there's a thief making havoc in Crescent City and riling up the different wolf packs. Will Huxley and Ezra be able to keep their friendship with outside forces working against them? Will Huxley find the thief before the tensions break out into violence?

I loved this story. Huxley and Ezra have great chemistry. Love being back in the Crescent City world and seeing old friends. I love how Huxley was reassuring to Ezra that he was worthwhile. I liked how the mystery was solved and the punishment meted out to the thief. Kiki is very good at story telling and I'm hear for it. Looking forward to book three.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friends' to lovers' long trek but the journey is worth the wait.
This is Book #2 of this Luner Wolves series and Ms. Burrelli has written another great story. Huxley and Ezra have been close friends since forever but both are afraid to commit to a bond especially Huxley. Huxley is next in line for the Might Pack alpha position, and he holds firmly to his obligations of Crescent City while Ezra is a lowly witch who believes he doesn't have a lot going for himself. Ezra has been ostracized by the witch society for his family's lowly standing. Each feels the draw to the other but can't take the next step to act on their mutual feelings. Add in the political intrigue between the Lunar and Solar wolves, inter-family interference, and jealousies, and one finds a satisfying plot and HEA.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! Even though I recommend reading book 1; This is the 2nd book of the series but can be read as a standalone. Wolf shifter Huxley and witch familiar Ezra are the best of friends; until one drunken night opens the door for so much more! I absolutely adored the characters in this book! The connection between Huckleberry and Ez is soul deep! The side characters all have great personalities and their own stories to tell! Hux’s grandpa was not a nice person for most of the book but people can change! Ez’s dad is sweet and adorable and it made me so mad how people treated him! Well written with great secondary characters, steamy with a little angst and mystery! Can’t wait for the rest of the group including the new comers to get their stories! I received this book from gay romance reviews and these are my honest opinions

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two men who go against the grain and are best friends. They come from opposite worlds, yet they are their best when they are together. When one-night changes everything and Huxley is determined to keep Ezra by his side. Their story is book two in the Lunar Wolves series and it brings the reader deeper into this world.
I enjoyed Ezra and Huxley and seeing their relationship grow from friendship to something much deeper. The two are good together and the love that they share shines through in everything that they do. Their journey is not an easy one, it is full of ups and downs as they find their way. As the two try to figure things out there is also the mystery and thefts that need to be dealt with. Once again, the author pulled this reader in to a wonderous world with well-developed characters and plots.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK...I really love reading best friends to lovers and this one was good. What really got me was the adorable way Huxley and Ezra first met. From then on you know there friendship is real intense just because of Huxley's actions throughout. Very intense...very special...almost obsessive with his protectiveness of Ezra. I had a few moments I wanted to scream because of all the lack of communicating their true feelings...I guess you would say there is a fair amount of angst..some mystery elements that led to high rate heart action...a few humorous scenes...real HOT friends with benefits moments and a lot of friend/family bonding. All in all a fun second addition to the series with a satisfying HEA for the best friends to wonderful mates...NICE!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[brownsoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am happy that I discovered this author with Pressure, book one of the Lunar wolves. The world building, character development is excellent. I was looking forward to this read because it's friends to lovers which is catnip to me. Ezra and Huxley best of friends after a drunken night together have to sort out their feels. Friendship is everything, but so is your fated mate.
I really liked watch the MCs sort out their feels, it's one thing to do everything together then to add fated mate intensity of feelings. However, Huxley seems to blind on what he wants to see. Ezra is barely treading water with his family. That was something that I did love. The subplot of building the solar gate was fine. Overall, solid read, I will add to my reread folder.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this my review.

[Sthandwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
Personally… not nearly as good as book 1 but it does depend on the kinds of tropes you like. I’ve never been a HUGE fan of friends-to-lovers. Book one had a lot of forced proximity which is more up my alley.
There was a lack of depth to Ezra in my opinion and I wish he had a bit more focus in the book. Is he an ass or is he just lonely? He had an inferiority complex that was tough for me to stomach. Huxley was sweet and positive but sometimes too unaware and innocent. The juxtaposition was a bit much.
The book also had some loopholes… one minute he can’t turn because of the box on his chest and then suddenly he’s a dog burning up with the box on his chest… also, the wolves? So cool. That was a lost opportunity for sure.
I did however enjoy the flashbacks to childhood and the times of running around like a pup.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. The author has really outdone herself in creating this unique world and I have loved every word so far. Ezra and Huxley have been friends for years. If they can both figure out what they want however, they could be so much more. I thought this in the first book and I have to reiterate it now, Huxley’s grandfather is an arrogant jerk. How can all of these really great people be related to him? He needs to pull his head out of somewhere and realize what is more important than status and power. My heart hurts for what Ezra has been through and Huxley needs to admit that he can’t please everyone. I can’t wait to see how all of this unfolds between the witches and the Lunar and Solar wolves.

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, my. That was exciting! I have to say that at first I thought it was a bit slow and the back and forth with Huxley and Ezra was frustrating. I wanted to smack them both upside the head at times. But then, things came together. Of course there were still the thefts to deal with and it only got more exciting from there. I figured out who was behind it before it was revealed but some of the twists that came with the help of who was behind it…that caught me off guard. There were times I busted out laughing, especially when they are in Huxley’s childhood bedroom towards the end of his book. I have to say, I love Huxley’s parents. Ezra’s dad was such a sweet guy too. This was such a fun read. And it kept you guessing for most of it.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Ezra. Despite being looked down upon simply because of his name, he tried to better himself. To do this he worked with humans, something witches and wolves never did. He was willing to accept Huxleys friendship in any form he could, despite adoring him, he always expected that any intended would always want him out of Huxleys life.

Huxley wanted and adored Ezra from the start of the story. He had to persuade Ezra that they deserved a chance to be together.

I did guess who was causing the issues in the city and even guessed why. However there were a couple of twists that surprised me.