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Tooth & Claw #3
Once Bitten
Finally free from an abusive marriage, Jules has lost her faith in love. She’s moved back to her tiny, rural hometown, where she expects to spend the rest of her life fading into the background of other people’s lives, alone. That is, until she meets Max.
Max knew he’d have to journey beyond his pack’s borders to find his mate. He hadn’t expected her to be a quiet, skinlocked woman with shadows in her eyes and a wall around her heart. If he wants to claim her, he’ll need to convince her that he’s worth risking her heart again.
But courtship is neither simple nor straightforward between ordinary humans and wolf-kin. Bound by Silence and threatened by ancient enemies, only a love that defies all odds will be strong enough to keep them together.
Max knew he’d have to journey beyond his pack’s borders to find his mate. He hadn’t expected her to be a quiet, skinlocked woman with shadows in her eyes and a wall around her heart. If he wants to claim her, he’ll need to convince her that he’s worth risking her heart again.
But courtship is neither simple nor straightforward between ordinary humans and wolf-kin. Bound by Silence and threatened by ancient enemies, only a love that defies all odds will be strong enough to keep them together.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2022
330 people are currently reading
2332 people want to read
About the author
Heather Guerre
13 books1,013 followersHeather Guerre writes sexy-sweet fantasy, sci-fi, and contemporary romances. A hopeless romantic and an unapologetic nerd, Heather loves everything to do with romance, aliens, shifters, monsters, magic, and outer space.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 493 reviews
August 17, 2022
5 Hard to Catch, Soft to Hold Stars ⭐
This book was amazing. If you’re a lover of shifters, vampires and all the fantastical beings you want to fondle; Once Bitten is worth exploring. From the first page your heart is full, followed by a stiff drink required around the middle to maintain composure and then finally overwhelming emotions once it is determined that monsters can be loved. I mean I adored everything about this story…
What can one say about Juliana Wolfe? You are dead inside if you cannot empathize with this girl. Kind and gentle natured. With an ex-husband who has reduced her to a shadow who questions all her thoughts and feelings; Jules is slowly putting back together the pieces of her psyche now that she has returned to her hometown.
He was too good to be true. So what if he turned into a wolf sometimes? At least he didn’t turn into a condescending, gaslighting, soul-destroying narcissist like her ex had.
When she meets Max, Jules wouldn’t believe he could possibly be taking an interest in her. The thought alone is scary and unfathomable. However, she would never suspect that Max has been waiting all his life for her. As wolf kin, having finally tracked down that scent that has been haunting him for weeks, he intends to do everything to win Jules over. And he does.
“If I tell you you’re beautiful, will it make you uncomfortable?” Max asked, his voice low and gentle.
Yes, but in a good way. Instead, she said, nervously, “Um…”
“Never mind then,” he said, turning away with a sly smile.
“Wait—”
“Too late, you’re hideous to me now.”
Such an amazing courtship built on trust, healing and love. And I freaking knew it was too perfect because these two were incredible together. It was inevitable, yet I didn’t see what was coming. Something that would destroy them both but more importantly, destroy a love so beautiful. It was a twist out of left field.
Once upon a time, her face had lit with a smile when she saw him, and her scent had become warm and enticing. He’d ruined that.
Well fuck! What follows is trying to fix what has been broken. And through it all you’re reading with bated breath because if someone can mend things it’s Max. Nobody is more deserving then Jules because how much can one woman take, and these two are one of my favorite couples in a long time, so they better get their happy back!
I promise this can be read as a standalone, BUT I guarantee after reading Once Bitten you’ll be dying to read the other two books in the series. Heartbreaking, passionate, steamy and wonderfully lovely. Perfect. What are you waiting for?
ARC provided by author in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book was amazing. If you’re a lover of shifters, vampires and all the fantastical beings you want to fondle; Once Bitten is worth exploring. From the first page your heart is full, followed by a stiff drink required around the middle to maintain composure and then finally overwhelming emotions once it is determined that monsters can be loved. I mean I adored everything about this story…
What can one say about Juliana Wolfe? You are dead inside if you cannot empathize with this girl. Kind and gentle natured. With an ex-husband who has reduced her to a shadow who questions all her thoughts and feelings; Jules is slowly putting back together the pieces of her psyche now that she has returned to her hometown.
He was too good to be true. So what if he turned into a wolf sometimes? At least he didn’t turn into a condescending, gaslighting, soul-destroying narcissist like her ex had.
When she meets Max, Jules wouldn’t believe he could possibly be taking an interest in her. The thought alone is scary and unfathomable. However, she would never suspect that Max has been waiting all his life for her. As wolf kin, having finally tracked down that scent that has been haunting him for weeks, he intends to do everything to win Jules over. And he does.
“If I tell you you’re beautiful, will it make you uncomfortable?” Max asked, his voice low and gentle.
Yes, but in a good way. Instead, she said, nervously, “Um…”
“Never mind then,” he said, turning away with a sly smile.
“Wait—”
“Too late, you’re hideous to me now.”
Such an amazing courtship built on trust, healing and love. And I freaking knew it was too perfect because these two were incredible together. It was inevitable, yet I didn’t see what was coming. Something that would destroy them both but more importantly, destroy a love so beautiful. It was a twist out of left field.
Once upon a time, her face had lit with a smile when she saw him, and her scent had become warm and enticing. He’d ruined that.
Well fuck! What follows is trying to fix what has been broken. And through it all you’re reading with bated breath because if someone can mend things it’s Max. Nobody is more deserving then Jules because how much can one woman take, and these two are one of my favorite couples in a long time, so they better get their happy back!
I promise this can be read as a standalone, BUT I guarantee after reading Once Bitten you’ll be dying to read the other two books in the series. Heartbreaking, passionate, steamy and wonderfully lovely. Perfect. What are you waiting for?
ARC provided by author in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 18, 2022
4.5 stars
My favourite from the series so far.
I really didn't expect some of the turns this book took and honestly after reading so much of this genre over the past few years, nothing can really surprise me.
I really liked both h&H and loved how their story had so many ups and downs and unpredictable outcomes. It really made me feel like they went through a lot and chose each other in spite it all.
I love that it also set up the groundwork for more books but also it expanded the universe where these characters live and gave it more complexity.
My favourite from the series so far.
I really didn't expect some of the turns this book took and honestly after reading so much of this genre over the past few years, nothing can really surprise me.
I really liked both h&H and loved how their story had so many ups and downs and unpredictable outcomes. It really made me feel like they went through a lot and chose each other in spite it all.
I love that it also set up the groundwork for more books but also it expanded the universe where these characters live and gave it more complexity.
August 20, 2022
I want to eloquently word vomit all over this review in the hopes that I can convince you to read this story. But I'm more of an emotional reviewer than a wordsmith.
Here's what you need to know. (No spoilers)
Jules is recovering from an emotionally abusive marriage. Max is looking for something, and he knows he's found it when he smells Jules. (M/F, pnr)
This story is deceivingly sweet. It'll lull you into a false sense of thinking it's like all the other stories out there. This couple is adorable and blah, blah they're holding hands and making goo-goo eyes. I was honestly kinda surprised that my friends liked this ott sweetness (why'd they recommend this book to me again anyway?)
Then BAM I was stunned. What just happened?! My lunch break was over and I couldn't keep reading and damn work anyway, and why do I have so many bills to pay when there are books like this to read??!!! I had to wait another FOUR hours before I could race home to ignore all my household chores and finish this story.
This author continues to surpass my expectations, with each story better than the last. The writing is so refreshing! I love that it doesn't follow the usual rhythm of stories that are churned out by the hundreds. It features genuine emotions, honest conversations, emotionally steamy scenes, and some fabulous grovel.
Ends in a series cliffhanger but not a relationship cliffhanger, if that helps. HFN. Could be read as a standalone. TW for graphic on-page torture.
Here's what you need to know. (No spoilers)
Jules is recovering from an emotionally abusive marriage. Max is looking for something, and he knows he's found it when he smells Jules. (M/F, pnr)
This story is deceivingly sweet. It'll lull you into a false sense of thinking it's like all the other stories out there. This couple is adorable and blah, blah they're holding hands and making goo-goo eyes. I was honestly kinda surprised that my friends liked this ott sweetness (why'd they recommend this book to me again anyway?)
Then BAM I was stunned. What just happened?! My lunch break was over and I couldn't keep reading and damn work anyway, and why do I have so many bills to pay when there are books like this to read??!!! I had to wait another FOUR hours before I could race home to ignore all my household chores and finish this story.
This author continues to surpass my expectations, with each story better than the last. The writing is so refreshing! I love that it doesn't follow the usual rhythm of stories that are churned out by the hundreds. It features genuine emotions, honest conversations, emotionally steamy scenes, and some fabulous grovel.
Ends in a series cliffhanger but not a relationship cliffhanger, if that helps. HFN. Could be read as a standalone. TW for graphic on-page torture.
February 13, 2025
Reread 02/13/25: this series is everything to me
I saw the spoilers, and I thought, I’m going to hate this, but I was so incredibly mistaken.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Juliana “Jules” Wolfe (30) | Maxim “Max” Freeman (28)
FEATURES
∘ wolf-shifter main character
∘ kind and respectful mmc
∘ slowbuild to romance (with plenty of flirting)
∘ mate claim in form of a bite
REVIEW
Jules is living back in her hometown after a draining ten-year marriage. Max, feeling the loneliness of not having a mate, has stayed with different packs in order to seek one out. After his wolf catches a whiff of Jules, he’s pretty much a goner.
I spent much of the first half feeling anxious and resistant. Don’t get me wrong—the book was so sweet, and I loved watching Jules grow into her own person while Max doted on her. Unfortunately, I let the reviews pollute my mind, but I never should’ve distrusted Heather Guerre—and I never will again.
Every single character in this book was so sympathetic. Jules truly deserves everything. I need fifteen more books in this series. I have so many questions, so many characters I want to see more of. A single page of Heather Guerre’s writing leaves the same impact as an entire novel.
OW/OM DRAMA past OM — the trauma and conditioning Jules endured from her marriage is a significant part of the story, but he (thankfully) never makes an appearance
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP
ENDING HFN — Jules & Max are madly in love and claimed each other, but there’s plots outside of their relationship that need some closure
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 5 / 5
Reread Notes: Edited original review to fit current review format.
I saw the spoilers, and I thought, I’m going to hate this, but I was so incredibly mistaken.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Juliana “Jules” Wolfe (30) | Maxim “Max” Freeman (28)
FEATURES
∘ wolf-shifter main character
∘ kind and respectful mmc
∘ slowbuild to romance (with plenty of flirting)
∘ mate claim in form of a bite
REVIEW
Jules is living back in her hometown after a draining ten-year marriage. Max, feeling the loneliness of not having a mate, has stayed with different packs in order to seek one out. After his wolf catches a whiff of Jules, he’s pretty much a goner.
I spent much of the first half feeling anxious and resistant. Don’t get me wrong—the book was so sweet, and I loved watching Jules grow into her own person while Max doted on her. Unfortunately, I let the reviews pollute my mind, but I never should’ve distrusted Heather Guerre—and I never will again.
Every single character in this book was so sympathetic. Jules truly deserves everything. I need fifteen more books in this series. I have so many questions, so many characters I want to see more of. A single page of Heather Guerre’s writing leaves the same impact as an entire novel.
OW/OM DRAMA past OM — the trauma and conditioning Jules endured from her marriage is a significant part of the story, but he (thankfully) never makes an appearance
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP
ENDING HFN — Jules & Max are madly in love and claimed each other, but there’s plots outside of their relationship that need some closure
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 5 / 5
Reread Notes: Edited original review to fit current review format.
June 24, 2023
i give up around %72
i skipped a couple of chapters after %45 because this took a dark turn real quick 🤠
she was literally living hell and he was FAKING a grief 😡😡 and honestly i don't care if he grovels or not at this point. he could give her the moon and it still won't be enough😡
do you know what i'm also thinking? her abusive ex husband was a saint compared to the hero 🤠
again, a man who thinks he knows everything has ruined a woman's life. i could read newspaper if i wanted to see this happening 😶
i skipped a couple of chapters after %45 because this took a dark turn real quick 🤠
she was literally living hell and he was FAKING a grief 😡😡 and honestly i don't care if he grovels or not at this point. he could give her the moon and it still won't be enough😡
do you know what i'm also thinking? her abusive ex husband was a saint compared to the hero 🤠
again, a man who thinks he knows everything has ruined a woman's life. i could read newspaper if i wanted to see this happening 😶
August 19, 2022
DNF at 46%. I want to cry. Just absolutely break down. This went from one of my favorite reads to something so heartbreaking and sad. I don’t think I can handle it.
Just know if you are interested in reading it, that it will go from a magical romcom shifter romance to “Oh. Dear. God” around 43%.
I don’t know how this story can be saved. This interaction at 46% is ripping my heart out and I don’t have the emotional wherewithal to keep going.
If you’re going to make your female character to have an abusive ex and a terrible background, I cannot have her feeling betrayed by the hero for even a second.
I’m not sure I can ever trust this author again.
I didn’t read reviews because I had loved the first book so much. And the second one was good but just not in my taste to deal with vampires. This one was SO GOOD. And the twist that I wasn’t expecting at all was wrenching and I feel sick.
Speaking as someone who finds it hard to trust… and when a hero says “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you trust me” to a woman who hasn’t had many people to trust, a trust-breaking event like this one is impossible to stomach for me.
Please note that this is not about cheating. But he rejects her for something outside of her control and for which she was seeking his help. It’s a violation I cannot take and still want to read this book. They were so in love before this. And while I did wonder what else in the story was going to happen to make it to the end of the book, I had absolutely no warning or clue that something this shitty would happen to her and he would reject her because of it.
The only time I can handle betrayal like this is when it’s in the past and I don’t have to live through it. I just lived through the adorableness of them falling in love. And then you’re going to tear my heart out and stomp on it!? There’s no way it will ever be put back together in a way that doesn’t give me total and complete heartache.
Seriously so upset right now. I cannot even.
Just know if you are interested in reading it, that it will go from a magical romcom shifter romance to “Oh. Dear. God” around 43%.
I don’t know how this story can be saved. This interaction at 46% is ripping my heart out and I don’t have the emotional wherewithal to keep going.
If you’re going to make your female character to have an abusive ex and a terrible background, I cannot have her feeling betrayed by the hero for even a second.
I’m not sure I can ever trust this author again.
I didn’t read reviews because I had loved the first book so much. And the second one was good but just not in my taste to deal with vampires. This one was SO GOOD. And the twist that I wasn’t expecting at all was wrenching and I feel sick.
Speaking as someone who finds it hard to trust… and when a hero says “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you trust me” to a woman who hasn’t had many people to trust, a trust-breaking event like this one is impossible to stomach for me.
Please note that this is not about cheating. But he rejects her for something outside of her control and for which she was seeking his help. It’s a violation I cannot take and still want to read this book. They were so in love before this. And while I did wonder what else in the story was going to happen to make it to the end of the book, I had absolutely no warning or clue that something this shitty would happen to her and he would reject her because of it.
The only time I can handle betrayal like this is when it’s in the past and I don’t have to live through it. I just lived through the adorableness of them falling in love. And then you’re going to tear my heart out and stomp on it!? There’s no way it will ever be put back together in a way that doesn’t give me total and complete heartache.
Seriously so upset right now. I cannot even.
August 7, 2022
arc review
hands down, this has to be my favorite in the tooth and claw series. maxjules own my damn heart, and i'm hoping we get many a cameo from them in the future.
because, omg … the way i went in thinking i knew the direction this book was taking … ahaha, jokes on me i guess. the winding road we took to jules and max's happily ever after has me needing a nap.
plot
.
.
.
jules (h) has just moved back home to wisconsin after a decade long absuive relationship. she's lost sight of who she is and is grappling with anxiety.
enter, max (H), a wolf-kin who has been roaming. he's got an itch under his skin and can't seem to calm it, that is until … he meets jules.
their love has been ordained by fate, but forces larger than them inadvertently conspire to tear them apart.
what worked
.
.
.
first and foremost, the characters. more specifically, jules. the way i adore this woman, let me tell you. she deserves the best and i don't want to hear from any detractors.
the way she absolutely went through it. if i were her i never would have emerged from that bathtub. but emerge she did, and it just goes to show how much inner strength she always possessed.
i think the thing i adored the most about jules as a character was, her capability for forgiveness. so, without spoiling anything, some shit goes down half-way into the book. part of what happens is, in a very strong way, max's fault. he betrayed her trust which led to her landing in a very horrid situation.
now, i was fully team kickhisassuntilthesunrisesandthenpeacethefuckout.
cause i do be charitable like that 😌
and, at first, i was mad that jules wasn't also on that team. but, what i realized about jules is … her capacity for forgiveness is what makes me love her so much.
her forgiving max is not a sign of weakness. instead, it's a show of extreme strength. the easy, and frankly more comfortable, route would have been holding onto her anger. instead, she decided to do the harder thing, and forgave max.
which, speaking of max … man. i both adored this man and wanted to kick his ass. in max, guerre showed us how even the best intentioned people can be royal dumbasses.
because man, when max wasn't doing what he did, well … he was absolutely swoon-worthy. i loved the way he completely went at jules' pace when he first decided to court her. the hikes, the canoe ride, the arrowhead, the camping trip. it was all so damn romantic.
there was also this lightness that max brought to the table. he wasn't this ultra brooding sad-boi wolf-kin. instead, he had this light energy to him. this ability to laugh easily and automatically put jules at ease. he felt different to most heroes we get nowadays.
thus, the romance, through most of its stages, gave me this light giddy feeling. even at its darkest, max made their love seem like something joyful and light.
what didn't work
.
.
.
truth be told, not much.
if i had to come up with one glaring thing it would most likely be … the main antagonist of the story. and honestly, calling him the main antagonist of the story doesn't even feel right.
he kinda showed up, did some really fucked up shit, and then unceremoniously exited the damn building.
which, idk … i feel like that portion of the book offered some real potential. instead, it feels as though it happened at warp speed. idk, what happens there does affect jules but it also gets brushed over a bit faster than i would have liked.
that said, i do like that jules got to have the final word. i would have been a bit miffed if max had solved things on that front.
so yeah, i think maybe one other thing that sorta threw me for a loop was the … sorta cliff hanger? which, honestly, is just my way of saying i want more max and jules already.
the final verdict
.
.
.
once bitten far exceeded all of my expectations. the way i fell for max and jules as character truly took me by surprise. the romance was extremely engaging, the lead character anchored the book with a vulnerability i wasn't expecting, and the supernatural element was cherry on top.
this is a series that, as i said at the top of the review, keeps getting better with each installment. and i for one cannot wait to be back in longtooth.
oh, and thank you heather guerre ♥
you gifting me the arc for, once bitten, has made my entire month.
❝i never want to be the reason you cry, jules, but i can't seem to stop hurting you.❞
hands down, this has to be my favorite in the tooth and claw series. maxjules own my damn heart, and i'm hoping we get many a cameo from them in the future.
because, omg … the way i went in thinking i knew the direction this book was taking … ahaha, jokes on me i guess. the winding road we took to jules and max's happily ever after has me needing a nap.
plot
.
.
.
jules (h) has just moved back home to wisconsin after a decade long absuive relationship. she's lost sight of who she is and is grappling with anxiety.
enter, max (H), a wolf-kin who has been roaming. he's got an itch under his skin and can't seem to calm it, that is until … he meets jules.
their love has been ordained by fate, but forces larger than them inadvertently conspire to tear them apart.
what worked
.
.
.
first and foremost, the characters. more specifically, jules. the way i adore this woman, let me tell you. she deserves the best and i don't want to hear from any detractors.
the way she absolutely went through it. if i were her i never would have emerged from that bathtub. but emerge she did, and it just goes to show how much inner strength she always possessed.
i think the thing i adored the most about jules as a character was, her capability for forgiveness. so, without spoiling anything, some shit goes down half-way into the book. part of what happens is, in a very strong way, max's fault. he betrayed her trust which led to her landing in a very horrid situation.
now, i was fully team kickhisassuntilthesunrisesandthenpeacethefuckout.
cause i do be charitable like that 😌
and, at first, i was mad that jules wasn't also on that team. but, what i realized about jules is … her capacity for forgiveness is what makes me love her so much.
her forgiving max is not a sign of weakness. instead, it's a show of extreme strength. the easy, and frankly more comfortable, route would have been holding onto her anger. instead, she decided to do the harder thing, and forgave max.
which, speaking of max … man. i both adored this man and wanted to kick his ass. in max, guerre showed us how even the best intentioned people can be royal dumbasses.
because man, when max wasn't doing what he did, well … he was absolutely swoon-worthy. i loved the way he completely went at jules' pace when he first decided to court her. the hikes, the canoe ride, the arrowhead, the camping trip. it was all so damn romantic.
❝if i tell you you're beautiful, will it make you uncomfortable?❞ max asked, his voice low and gentle.
yes, but in a good way. instead, she said, nervously, ❝um…❞
❝never mind then,❞ he said, turning away with a sly smile.
❝wait-❞
❝too late, you're hideous to me now.❞
there was also this lightness that max brought to the table. he wasn't this ultra brooding sad-boi wolf-kin. instead, he had this light energy to him. this ability to laugh easily and automatically put jules at ease. he felt different to most heroes we get nowadays.
thus, the romance, through most of its stages, gave me this light giddy feeling. even at its darkest, max made their love seem like something joyful and light.
what didn't work
.
.
.
truth be told, not much.
if i had to come up with one glaring thing it would most likely be … the main antagonist of the story. and honestly, calling him the main antagonist of the story doesn't even feel right.
he kinda showed up, did some really fucked up shit, and then unceremoniously exited the damn building.
which, idk … i feel like that portion of the book offered some real potential. instead, it feels as though it happened at warp speed. idk, what happens there does affect jules but it also gets brushed over a bit faster than i would have liked.
that said, i do like that jules got to have the final word. i would have been a bit miffed if max had solved things on that front.
so yeah, i think maybe one other thing that sorta threw me for a loop was the … sorta cliff hanger? which, honestly, is just my way of saying i want more max and jules already.
the final verdict
.
.
.
once bitten far exceeded all of my expectations. the way i fell for max and jules as character truly took me by surprise. the romance was extremely engaging, the lead character anchored the book with a vulnerability i wasn't expecting, and the supernatural element was cherry on top.
this is a series that, as i said at the top of the review, keeps getting better with each installment. and i for one cannot wait to be back in longtooth.
❝i used to think of you as a rabbit … but now i know you're a lovely, dangerous panther … ❞
oh, and thank you heather guerre ♥
you gifting me the arc for, once bitten, has made my entire month.
October 10, 2022
3.65*
Just few chapters in and I was in thrall of the writing and the way the author essays depth and detail, emotion and humor while writing about a fragile, withdrawn h, her daily struggles with complex PTSD and a hot and amazing werewolf H.
Just few chapters in and I was in thrall of the writing and the way the author essays depth and detail, emotion and humor while writing about a fragile, withdrawn h, her daily struggles with complex PTSD and a hot and amazing werewolf H.
December 13, 2022
It was fabulous!!
The story consisted of two parts and I loved both of them. I appreciate the author not making it into two books because I can totally imagine that some might do that.
I won't say much not to spoil anything but after reading the first two books in the series, I was wondering if the author would go for such an interesting twist - and she did!
Enjoyed every page and will absolutely be reading more when it comes out.
The story consisted of two parts and I loved both of them. I appreciate the author not making it into two books because I can totally imagine that some might do that.
I won't say much not to spoil anything but after reading the first two books in the series, I was wondering if the author would go for such an interesting twist - and she did!
Enjoyed every page and will absolutely be reading more when it comes out.
August 26, 2022
OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK! I went into it blind and I thought it was kind of slow at first, just a run-of-the-mill slow burn romance, but then all heck broke loose! The angst, oh it was so good! My heart absolutely broke for Jules and I was so frustrated with Max. He crawled through glass shards to make it up to her, though, and it was just wonderful! He finally redeemed himself in my opinion. I love Heather Guerre’s imagination and writing style. Her characters are so relatable and her world building is excellent. I’m sure we will see Bee again, at least I hope! Can’t wait for future books in this series. Loved it!
March 29, 2025
3 stars.
The hero’s betrayal of the heroine went way too deep for her to have ever forgiven him. I’m so disappointed that she forgave him. He needed to suffer BIGLY before I would have been ok with these MCs getting back together. And he didn’t.
I am kinda looking forward to the next book though - there were some breadcrumbs left at the end of this story. Unfortunately, it has been over two years since this was released, and there’s still no release date for book 4.
Safe
Heroine divorced
No om/ow drama or scenes
Hero not a manwhore
No cheating
The hero’s betrayal of the heroine went way too deep for her to have ever forgiven him. I’m so disappointed that she forgave him. He needed to suffer BIGLY before I would have been ok with these MCs getting back together. And he didn’t.
I am kinda looking forward to the next book though - there were some breadcrumbs left at the end of this story. Unfortunately, it has been over two years since this was released, and there’s still no release date for book 4.
Safe
Heroine divorced
No om/ow drama or scenes
Hero not a manwhore
No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2023
5 stars
I think I put off reading this book because I wasn’t ready to *feel*, and I was right to do that because I can confirm I FELT.
The burgeoning romance between Max (a wolf shifter) and Jules (a human who is skittish after leaving an abusive relationship) was so sweet, the way he was so gentle and patient when courting her made me melt.
BUT THEN THE ANGST.
The happy ending was well-earned, but gosh all 3 of us were put through the wringer before getting there… and I loved it.
I think I put off reading this book because I wasn’t ready to *feel*, and I was right to do that because I can confirm I FELT.
The burgeoning romance between Max (a wolf shifter) and Jules (a human who is skittish after leaving an abusive relationship) was so sweet, the way he was so gentle and patient when courting her made me melt.
BUT THEN THE ANGST.
The happy ending was well-earned, but gosh all 3 of us were put through the wringer before getting there… and I loved it.
September 20, 2023
I didn’t love this, BUT, I’m an impatient reader (I love drama) and am in a book funk, so keep that in mind. It’s available on KU, and most of my GR friends loved it… so this could definitely be a Jac thing.
The plot is broken down into two parts. Part 1 is a slow buildup of the relationship and Part 2 picks up after the betrayal. I struggled HARD through the first part because although I understood the h had baggage to work through… the slow burn was sweet but getting to know someone for 150+ is not the most riveting read. I also don’t like the human/shifter matchup when they have no idea paranormal beings exist. It forces the shifter to tip toe around the human while we sit and wait for her to catchup. Things take a much darker turn for the second part, and it does pick up, but I never really got onboard with the betrayal… so it felt a bit of a repeat (slow moving build up to a relationship) of part 1 with groveling.
I went in thinking the rejection would be based on something completely different, so my brain got hung up on that, and I was disappointed… because the situation she ended up in was terrible… I just didn’t really feel like it was Max’s fault. I mean,
Bottom Line- I thought it was ok. The second half was much better than the first, but I was already skimming and not connected to the mc’s by that point. He does reject her, but it didn’t really generate any feels for me. Jules was really pissed, but not heartbroken. I also felt like the ending with the beings all being “nice” just misunderstood wasn’t supported by the storyline. It is still worth a try if you like a rejected h scenario, because the writing is solid, and most readers loved it.
The plot is broken down into two parts. Part 1 is a slow buildup of the relationship and Part 2 picks up after the betrayal. I struggled HARD through the first part because although I understood the h had baggage to work through… the slow burn was sweet but getting to know someone for 150+ is not the most riveting read. I also don’t like the human/shifter matchup when they have no idea paranormal beings exist. It forces the shifter to tip toe around the human while we sit and wait for her to catchup. Things take a much darker turn for the second part, and it does pick up, but I never really got onboard with the betrayal… so it felt a bit of a repeat (slow moving build up to a relationship) of part 1 with groveling.
I went in thinking the rejection would be based on something completely different, so my brain got hung up on that, and I was disappointed… because the situation she ended up in was terrible… I just didn’t really feel like it was Max’s fault. I mean,
Bottom Line- I thought it was ok. The second half was much better than the first, but I was already skimming and not connected to the mc’s by that point. He does reject her, but it didn’t really generate any feels for me. Jules was really pissed, but not heartbroken. I also felt like the ending with the beings all being “nice” just misunderstood wasn’t supported by the storyline. It is still worth a try if you like a rejected h scenario, because the writing is solid, and most readers loved it.
August 16, 2022
I received an ARC of Once Bitten by Heather Guerre but all reviews are mine.
4.5 stars rounded up
I devoured this book so quickly! I didn’t think there was any way we could match Cold Hearted and Hot Blooded but she did it again. Heather Guerre truly knows how to write a 3 dimensional character. I felt so many emotions reading this book, there were tears in my eyes. I am not an emotional person and very rarely cry at entertaining content but this book pulled it out of me. I honestly think this is Heather Guerre's best book yet.
The Characters:
FMC: She is suffering from PTSD from an emotionally abusive ex husband. She has a whole lot of trauma from that abuse that she needs to unlearn. When facing the worst things that could happen she is strong and a fighter. She recognizes her faults within herself and works hard to overcome them.
MMC: He first makes his appearance in Cold Hearted as the protector of the pack. He is the guy everyone loves. He has such a big heart. He is observant and worked with FMC on her journey to unlearn her trauma. He is respectful of boundaries that she sets and is just so considerate.
Things I loved about the book:
They have the cutest banter
So much of the beginning of the book is just cute getting to know each other/dating scenes
My favorite shifter thing: He smells her arousal in the truck
Cross Country road trip goodness
Super hot CNC/predatory play
He does the reverse thing
Both are and want to remain child-free
The heartache I felt for the FMC was unparalleled
Strangers to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers (rollercoaster I’m telling you!)
The story throughout this book has so many highs and lows in my emotions. There is so much that I want to say but I also do not want to spoil anything! The BIG CONFLICT happens at roughly 40% and the MMC spent almost 20% of the book making it up to her. And while the big conflict was huge and honestly devastating, when he realizes how wrong he was, he is in so much pain and regret and vows to make it up to her however he can. Which is done not through a big gesture (which I hate) but just being there and being/doing exactly whatever she needed in that moment. The FMCs internal monologue was heartbreaking at times but the journey they take together to get through all of their heart break and past trauma was truly amazing!
There are big triggers in this book but the author lists them before the book starts so please be sure to check all trigger warnings!
4.5 stars rounded up
I devoured this book so quickly! I didn’t think there was any way we could match Cold Hearted and Hot Blooded but she did it again. Heather Guerre truly knows how to write a 3 dimensional character. I felt so many emotions reading this book, there were tears in my eyes. I am not an emotional person and very rarely cry at entertaining content but this book pulled it out of me. I honestly think this is Heather Guerre's best book yet.
The Characters:
FMC: She is suffering from PTSD from an emotionally abusive ex husband. She has a whole lot of trauma from that abuse that she needs to unlearn. When facing the worst things that could happen she is strong and a fighter. She recognizes her faults within herself and works hard to overcome them.
MMC: He first makes his appearance in Cold Hearted as the protector of the pack. He is the guy everyone loves. He has such a big heart. He is observant and worked with FMC on her journey to unlearn her trauma. He is respectful of boundaries that she sets and is just so considerate.
Things I loved about the book:
They have the cutest banter
So much of the beginning of the book is just cute getting to know each other/dating scenes
My favorite shifter thing: He smells her arousal in the truck
Cross Country road trip goodness
Super hot CNC/predatory play
He does the reverse thing
Both are and want to remain child-free
The heartache I felt for the FMC was unparalleled
Strangers to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers (rollercoaster I’m telling you!)
The story throughout this book has so many highs and lows in my emotions. There is so much that I want to say but I also do not want to spoil anything! The BIG CONFLICT happens at roughly 40% and the MMC spent almost 20% of the book making it up to her. And while the big conflict was huge and honestly devastating, when he realizes how wrong he was, he is in so much pain and regret and vows to make it up to her however he can. Which is done not through a big gesture (which I hate) but just being there and being/doing exactly whatever she needed in that moment. The FMCs internal monologue was heartbreaking at times but the journey they take together to get through all of their heart break and past trauma was truly amazing!
There are big triggers in this book but the author lists them before the book starts so please be sure to check all trigger warnings!
April 26, 2024
“Once Bitten” by Heather Guerre
Thank you to Heather Guerre for providing an ARC, here is my honest review:
5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“He was steady and patient and funny and sweet. He never made her feel small or annoying or stupid. She was nobody, but Max made her feel special. She couldn’t give that feeling up. She couldn’t give him up.”
**Updated thoughts**
-I read and reviewed this book when it was released in 2022, and my original review sums up my thoughts pretty well. But since I just finished a reread, I figured I would share a few additional thoughts.
-I think reading the first two books, and then immediately jumping into the third, is the best way to read the series. There is so much more overlap than I remembered. This book picks up pretty soon after the events of “Cold Hearted”, and overlaps with “Hot Blooded”. There’s a nameless cameo of Amos and Tessa, and some mentionings of their confrontation with members of the Cry Lake pack.
-The abuse chapters, namely chapters 20, 22, and 24, are so much more brutal and violent than I remembered. It really drives home how horrific Jules’ life has become. She went from one abusive situation to another, and had the briefest reprieve in between. My heart broke for her.
-The romance between Max and Jules in part one feels so natural and realistic; probably the most realistic romance I’ve ever read. The best way to describe it is to say it is pure, just pure attraction and affection. There’s the initial nervousness, some awkward conversations while they figure out if the other person likes them, silly inside jokes, and so much passion when their feelings are reciprocated.
-There is a massive plot twist that happens halfway through the book, and it is 100% soul crushing. This is not a lighthearted read, it’s definitely one that is full of angst and sadness, but also forgiveness and growth. Also, the groveling is really great and goes on and on; Max has to work hard to be forgiven by Jules.
-After finishing my reread, I’m filled with even more adoration for this series and author. I think way more people should be reading it, and talking about the events and characters.
*Original review*
After experiencing ten years in an emotionally abusive marriage, Jules Wolfe is slowly re-learning what it means to be herself. She works in her grandmother’s convenience store in the afternoon and evenings, and spends her free-time doing all the things her ex-husband hated: she reads books for fun, eats ice cream for dinner, and collects beautiful rocks she finds on her hikes around her hometown. One day, Max Freeman walks in her store, creating a sense of hope and new beginnings. Max, originally from Longtooth, Alaska, is searching for his mate. He has traveled across many states, and recently picked up on Jules’ scent. She’s absolutely intoxicating. Soon Max and Jules begin a relationship, Max believes he has finally found his mate, and Jules’ trauma begins to heal. Suddenly, their idyllic life gets ripped apart, and Max is faced with an impossible task.
-I will keep this spoiler-free, so I apologize in advance if I sound super vague. Also, please keep in mind the content warnings for this book, which are outlined in the author’s note. This is the third book in the Tooth and Claw series, and it’s Guerre’s best one yet! The book is split into two parts, and both parts have very different tones. The first part of the book had me sighing, squealing, and kicking my feet. Jules and Max have such easy, natural chemistry together. Reading about their initial interactions you can just see that they are two people who are meant to be together. Once you get to part two, things really get intense, and you see a new side to each character. Everything that they had built together in part one is tested in part two, and there were many times when I questioned how they would end up with a HEA.
-Out of the three FMCs in the Tooth and Claw series, Jules is my favorite. She’s a very approachable character in many different ways. I loved how she recognized how unhealthy her marriage was, she got the help she needed, and she applied that knowledge to the new life she built for herself back in her hometown. She is very meek at the beginning of the book, and her journey to get where she ends up at the end of the novel is very inspiring.
-Max is a side-character from “Cold Hearted”, but I honestly didn’t remember much about him before reading this book. I mostly remember his parents, they play a pretty big role in “Cold Hearted”. Max acts as a law enforcement type of person back in Longtooth, but in “Once Bitten” he has taken a sabbatical in order to find his mate. I just loved his introduction in this book, he strides right into the store, looks at Jules and says “You”. And then immediately reading about how enamored he is with Jules, even when he doesn’t know her name, all of it was so sweet.
-The romance in this book is so charming and sweet. Jules and Max have a way of joking with each other that made me audibly say “Awww!”. You read books where the banter between the leads are often at the expense of the other person, but in this book there’s none of that; all of their jokes are silly without being over the top and cheesy. I’ve read a lot of romance books this year, and the love between Jules and Max feels more real than 75% of the couples I’ve read about.
-Let’s talk about the spice. In a word: HOT. Jules had a pretty awful sexual relationship with her ex-husband, and Max more than makes up for what Jules was missing. He eases her into their physical relationship and lets her take the lead. Once she is comfortable, he finally gives in; and it is so satisfying! I’ll leave you with this quote: “Pull harder”. Oh! And I loved the scene where Max puts his arm around the back of Jules’ seat in the car when he’s backing up. Guerre knew exactly what she was doing when she wrote that scene, it was very effective.
-The Tooth and Claw series will continue! “Once Bitten” is not the last in the series, and I am so grateful! By the end of the book readers will have a better understanding of the complexity in this paranormal romance universe. Yes, “Cold Hearted” and “Hot Blooded” can be read as standalone novels, but this is when the overall story emerges as a cohesive serial. I’m so excited to read more in this series, and of course to read more by Heather Guerre.
Thank you to Heather Guerre for providing an ARC, here is my honest review:
5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“He was steady and patient and funny and sweet. He never made her feel small or annoying or stupid. She was nobody, but Max made her feel special. She couldn’t give that feeling up. She couldn’t give him up.”
**Updated thoughts**
-I read and reviewed this book when it was released in 2022, and my original review sums up my thoughts pretty well. But since I just finished a reread, I figured I would share a few additional thoughts.
-I think reading the first two books, and then immediately jumping into the third, is the best way to read the series. There is so much more overlap than I remembered. This book picks up pretty soon after the events of “Cold Hearted”, and overlaps with “Hot Blooded”. There’s a nameless cameo of Amos and Tessa, and some mentionings of their confrontation with members of the Cry Lake pack.
-The abuse chapters, namely chapters 20, 22, and 24, are so much more brutal and violent than I remembered. It really drives home how horrific Jules’ life has become. She went from one abusive situation to another, and had the briefest reprieve in between. My heart broke for her.
-The romance between Max and Jules in part one feels so natural and realistic; probably the most realistic romance I’ve ever read. The best way to describe it is to say it is pure, just pure attraction and affection. There’s the initial nervousness, some awkward conversations while they figure out if the other person likes them, silly inside jokes, and so much passion when their feelings are reciprocated.
-There is a massive plot twist that happens halfway through the book, and it is 100% soul crushing. This is not a lighthearted read, it’s definitely one that is full of angst and sadness, but also forgiveness and growth. Also, the groveling is really great and goes on and on; Max has to work hard to be forgiven by Jules.
-After finishing my reread, I’m filled with even more adoration for this series and author. I think way more people should be reading it, and talking about the events and characters.
*Original review*
After experiencing ten years in an emotionally abusive marriage, Jules Wolfe is slowly re-learning what it means to be herself. She works in her grandmother’s convenience store in the afternoon and evenings, and spends her free-time doing all the things her ex-husband hated: she reads books for fun, eats ice cream for dinner, and collects beautiful rocks she finds on her hikes around her hometown. One day, Max Freeman walks in her store, creating a sense of hope and new beginnings. Max, originally from Longtooth, Alaska, is searching for his mate. He has traveled across many states, and recently picked up on Jules’ scent. She’s absolutely intoxicating. Soon Max and Jules begin a relationship, Max believes he has finally found his mate, and Jules’ trauma begins to heal. Suddenly, their idyllic life gets ripped apart, and Max is faced with an impossible task.
-I will keep this spoiler-free, so I apologize in advance if I sound super vague. Also, please keep in mind the content warnings for this book, which are outlined in the author’s note. This is the third book in the Tooth and Claw series, and it’s Guerre’s best one yet! The book is split into two parts, and both parts have very different tones. The first part of the book had me sighing, squealing, and kicking my feet. Jules and Max have such easy, natural chemistry together. Reading about their initial interactions you can just see that they are two people who are meant to be together. Once you get to part two, things really get intense, and you see a new side to each character. Everything that they had built together in part one is tested in part two, and there were many times when I questioned how they would end up with a HEA.
-Out of the three FMCs in the Tooth and Claw series, Jules is my favorite. She’s a very approachable character in many different ways. I loved how she recognized how unhealthy her marriage was, she got the help she needed, and she applied that knowledge to the new life she built for herself back in her hometown. She is very meek at the beginning of the book, and her journey to get where she ends up at the end of the novel is very inspiring.
-Max is a side-character from “Cold Hearted”, but I honestly didn’t remember much about him before reading this book. I mostly remember his parents, they play a pretty big role in “Cold Hearted”. Max acts as a law enforcement type of person back in Longtooth, but in “Once Bitten” he has taken a sabbatical in order to find his mate. I just loved his introduction in this book, he strides right into the store, looks at Jules and says “You”. And then immediately reading about how enamored he is with Jules, even when he doesn’t know her name, all of it was so sweet.
-The romance in this book is so charming and sweet. Jules and Max have a way of joking with each other that made me audibly say “Awww!”. You read books where the banter between the leads are often at the expense of the other person, but in this book there’s none of that; all of their jokes are silly without being over the top and cheesy. I’ve read a lot of romance books this year, and the love between Jules and Max feels more real than 75% of the couples I’ve read about.
-Let’s talk about the spice. In a word: HOT. Jules had a pretty awful sexual relationship with her ex-husband, and Max more than makes up for what Jules was missing. He eases her into their physical relationship and lets her take the lead. Once she is comfortable, he finally gives in; and it is so satisfying! I’ll leave you with this quote: “Pull harder”. Oh! And I loved the scene where Max puts his arm around the back of Jules’ seat in the car when he’s backing up. Guerre knew exactly what she was doing when she wrote that scene, it was very effective.
-The Tooth and Claw series will continue! “Once Bitten” is not the last in the series, and I am so grateful! By the end of the book readers will have a better understanding of the complexity in this paranormal romance universe. Yes, “Cold Hearted” and “Hot Blooded” can be read as standalone novels, but this is when the overall story emerges as a cohesive serial. I’m so excited to read more in this series, and of course to read more by Heather Guerre.
September 10, 2023
4.5 stars 🐺 💕
I really, really liked this one! It felt a lot like the book was split into two parts, the “before” and the “after.” The before is a bit slow, but sweet. The after moves a lot faster, but both have one thing in common: this whole story revolves around Max and Jules’ relationship.
If I have time - unlikely, what with it being the beginning of the school year- then I will write a full review. But the main point is this: if you like PNR, I highly recommend this series. I haven’t read a lot of fantasy, PNR, or anything like that, so this series even works for beginners. Book 1 is set in a wolf pack in Alaska, book 2 is vampire-centered in Chicago, and this one… has multiple settings and blends, POVs, for lack of a better, spoiler-free word. It really sets things up for the finale, too. I simply cannot wait for the next (final) story!!
I really, really liked this one! It felt a lot like the book was split into two parts, the “before” and the “after.” The before is a bit slow, but sweet. The after moves a lot faster, but both have one thing in common: this whole story revolves around Max and Jules’ relationship.
If I have time - unlikely, what with it being the beginning of the school year- then I will write a full review. But the main point is this: if you like PNR, I highly recommend this series. I haven’t read a lot of fantasy, PNR, or anything like that, so this series even works for beginners. Book 1 is set in a wolf pack in Alaska, book 2 is vampire-centered in Chicago, and this one… has multiple settings and blends, POVs, for lack of a better, spoiler-free word. It really sets things up for the finale, too. I simply cannot wait for the next (final) story!!
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September 30, 2022
4.25 stars
Whoa. That was unexpected. I’m glad I went into this without reading a single review or looking at ratings. I knew I wanted to read it no matter what and didn’t want any expectations whether positive or negative going in and I would recommend that for anyone interested in this book. Honestly don’t even read the rest of my ‘review’, it’s going to be vague so no explicit spoilers, but just leave and start the book now😌.
I was enjoying the first 25% of this book, but I found it very easy to put down and come back to later. Things progressed super quickly and flawlessly for Jules and Max. I liked the premise of Max leaving his pack to wander and find his mate, I found them very cute together and was excited to see what she would think of his pack and Alaska. However, around 30-35% in we still had some hurdles/things on the horizon, but I was like how in the hell is there still so much book left when they’re basically mates already? 🧐 Oh, boy. I did not see that coming at all and honestly this book needed to be shaken up. I found the second half of the book much more interesting and unputdownable. Would recommend! I also like the implications for the future of the series that this plot trajectory set us up for and thankfully the author said in the notes we’re staying in Longtooth for the next couple books, thank god 🙏 I find the wolf kin/Alaska stuff much more interesting than book 2 which was exclusively vampires. And this is no shade to vampires, I was a Twilight girlie back in the day…I was the make my own custom t-shirts for the midnight premieres with my friends type of fan lol but idk book 2 was just not it for me. That said I will keep an open mind and if she does more exclusive vampire content in this series hopefully I’ll like it better 🤷🏼♀️🧐
Whoa. That was unexpected. I’m glad I went into this without reading a single review or looking at ratings. I knew I wanted to read it no matter what and didn’t want any expectations whether positive or negative going in and I would recommend that for anyone interested in this book. Honestly don’t even read the rest of my ‘review’, it’s going to be vague so no explicit spoilers, but just leave and start the book now😌.
I was enjoying the first 25% of this book, but I found it very easy to put down and come back to later. Things progressed super quickly and flawlessly for Jules and Max. I liked the premise of Max leaving his pack to wander and find his mate, I found them very cute together and was excited to see what she would think of his pack and Alaska. However, around 30-35% in we still had some hurdles/things on the horizon, but I was like how in the hell is there still so much book left when they’re basically mates already? 🧐 Oh, boy. I did not see that coming at all and honestly this book needed to be shaken up. I found the second half of the book much more interesting and unputdownable. Would recommend! I also like the implications for the future of the series that this plot trajectory set us up for and thankfully the author said in the notes we’re staying in Longtooth for the next couple books, thank god 🙏 I find the wolf kin/Alaska stuff much more interesting than book 2 which was exclusively vampires. And this is no shade to vampires, I was a Twilight girlie back in the day…I was the make my own custom t-shirts for the midnight premieres with my friends type of fan lol but idk book 2 was just not it for me. That said I will keep an open mind and if she does more exclusive vampire content in this series hopefully I’ll like it better 🤷🏼♀️🧐
October 23, 2023
This is the crown jewel of this series so far. What a wild ride. Wolf shifter Max (from the first book) and newly divorced skin-locked (human) Jules meet cute. Jules is traumatized from an emotionally abusive marriage and is very wary of men in general. But Max is adorbs and so sweet so eventually, they give in to the fire in their pants. But then this sweet small town, low-angst story takes a hard left turn, and whoa 😱 I won't spoil it because every reader should go in fresh. Trust.
I've binged this series and I regret nothing. It's slow and a little sparse in world-building and the pacing can sometimes be clunky. But the character and relationship development is so good which is hard to find in books nowadays that are written around buzzy tropes 🙄 If you love shifters and paranormal romance, put this series in your eyeballs!
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Forbidden love
Road trip
Second chance
CW: graphic torture and violence.
I've binged this series and I regret nothing. It's slow and a little sparse in world-building and the pacing can sometimes be clunky. But the character and relationship development is so good which is hard to find in books nowadays that are written around buzzy tropes 🙄 If you love shifters and paranormal romance, put this series in your eyeballs!
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Forbidden love
Road trip
Second chance
CW: graphic torture and violence.
August 20, 2022
“So what if he turned into a wolf sometimes? At least he didn’t turn into a condescending, gaslighting, soul-destroying narcissist like her ex had.”
⭐️4.5 stars! ⭐️
This was such a good story! At the beginning Jules is at a low point. She just got out of a 10 year marriage to a narcissistic asshole.
Max meets her at her grandma’s convenience store, where she works. There’s a bit of instalove on his side, typical of shifter romances, but he begins a slow courtship of Jules. As they got to know each other and have lots of cute heartwarming interactions, Jules opens up to Max and becomes her true confident self.
Then the big twist happens, which I was not expecting at all. Not to give anything away, but there is betrayal and angst. Jules goes through some terrible things but thanks to her newfound confidence she finds the strength in herself to overcome.
When Jules & Max reconnected, I liked how Jules was wary of him and didn’t give in to him right away. He was sorry, but he could have groveled a lot more in my opinion. However, I have to say that what he did was understandable even though it hurt.
The steamy scenes were super hot. Max was kind of a cinnamon roll alpha. He was big, bearded and strong but he often submitted to Jules. He came apart at the thought of her taking him & doing what she wanted to him.
My favorite part of the story was Jules character. She was relatable and I loved her growth. She started as a broken woman but at the end of the story she was happy & strong.
The story ends as a HEA, but it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which promises a continuation of this wonderful series!
⭐️4.5 stars! ⭐️
This was such a good story! At the beginning Jules is at a low point. She just got out of a 10 year marriage to a narcissistic asshole.
Max meets her at her grandma’s convenience store, where she works. There’s a bit of instalove on his side, typical of shifter romances, but he begins a slow courtship of Jules. As they got to know each other and have lots of cute heartwarming interactions, Jules opens up to Max and becomes her true confident self.
Then the big twist happens, which I was not expecting at all. Not to give anything away, but there is betrayal and angst. Jules goes through some terrible things but thanks to her newfound confidence she finds the strength in herself to overcome.
When Jules & Max reconnected, I liked how Jules was wary of him and didn’t give in to him right away. He was sorry, but he could have groveled a lot more in my opinion. However, I have to say that what he did was understandable even though it hurt.
The steamy scenes were super hot. Max was kind of a cinnamon roll alpha. He was big, bearded and strong but he often submitted to Jules. He came apart at the thought of her taking him & doing what she wanted to him.
My favorite part of the story was Jules character. She was relatable and I loved her growth. She started as a broken woman but at the end of the story she was happy & strong.
The story ends as a HEA, but it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which promises a continuation of this wonderful series!
August 23, 2022
Jules Wolfe is an emotionally-scarred thirty-something working in her grandmother’s gas station. One afternoon she meets Max Freeman, a tall, dark, and handsome (and unbeknownst to Jules) werewolf spending a little R&R time in her lonesome area of Wisconsin. Jules and Max develop a syrupy-sweet relationship full of hikes, canoeing, and collecting natural artifacts. Max is so careful and gentle with Jules, respecting her boundaries and taking it slow so as to not make her anxious after her past bad relationship. Their quiet, comfortable relationship is abruptly interrupted at the end of part one and part two goes on a wild ride full of grovel, angst, and rediscovery.
Once again, Heather Guerre writes a fantastically real female main character in Jules. She goes on a great journey to find her confidence after an abusive relationship. Jules’ character faces some immense trauma, but she always comes out on top. Max and Jules have some hot chemistry and they negotiate the power in the bedroom (actually I think they mostly have sex outdoors). Definitely heed those trigger warnings - this one is darker than the first two books in the series, and probably the most violent book of hers. It is gruesome at parts, but none of it is gratuitous violence; each dark scene plays a role in plot development. I’m really excited to see where this series goes. This book ended on not exactly a cliffhanger, but there are a lot of loose ends that need to be tied up and the postscript definitely leaves me craving the next book ASAP.
Once again, Heather Guerre writes a fantastically real female main character in Jules. She goes on a great journey to find her confidence after an abusive relationship. Jules’ character faces some immense trauma, but she always comes out on top. Max and Jules have some hot chemistry and they negotiate the power in the bedroom (actually I think they mostly have sex outdoors). Definitely heed those trigger warnings - this one is darker than the first two books in the series, and probably the most violent book of hers. It is gruesome at parts, but none of it is gratuitous violence; each dark scene plays a role in plot development. I’m really excited to see where this series goes. This book ended on not exactly a cliffhanger, but there are a lot of loose ends that need to be tied up and the postscript definitely leaves me craving the next book ASAP.
April 14, 2024
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck him. DNF chapter 28, pg 262 because I am physically repulsed by this "hero". Fuck. Don't fucking write about a woman who was in a ten year long abusive relationship if you're just going to write her back into another. FUCK. I DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT THE REDEMPTION OR THE GROVELING WHAT SHE NEEDED WAS A SAFE HARBOR. I haven't felt this betrayed by an author in A WHILE.
October 8, 2025
I would read 10 books in this series they are so entertaining!!!
December 3, 2022
Well I'm glad I kept pushing. This one almost lost me at the dark moment, but I know I'm not alone, so I pushed on and I'm so happy I did.
Epic grovel and sweet HEA. I can't wait for the next one!
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: abusive ex, blood play, primal play. Moment of violence between main couple (misunderstanding)
Epic grovel and sweet HEA. I can't wait for the next one!
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: abusive ex, blood play, primal play. Moment of violence between main couple (misunderstanding)
November 25, 2025
Shifter H knows vampires are evil and human h is shocked when she finds out they exist. Then h is taken, turned and he decides to put her out of her misery. Liked the plot but for some reason this couple did not appeal much to me.
August 23, 2022
It went from 5 stars to 1 star before 50%. It was so good until it wasn't. It made me cry after it went downhill, and not in a good way.
June 24, 2024
After finishing this book I can tell you one thing for certain- Heather Guerre is VERY horny for nature. Is Heather a park ranger in another life? Does she work for the US national parks department? When I say this book is atmospheric I need to be clear- her agenda is to make you horny for nature too.
SURE there is delightfully witty banter and deep endearing emotional beats that feel fun and at other times tender. There are moments of joy as much as yearning or sadness. It’s poignant, with some searing lines that just hit me hard.
Yes we get a plot that doesn’t stop twisting- I literally had no idea how this was going to go at a lot of points. AND YES there are werewolves (aka wolf kin) and that made me very happy.
But mostly I am now also craving a visit somewhere majestic and wild. Which I personally think was her actual agenda all along.
*my only complaint was I felt like this could have been longer. It ended too abruptly and in a way I felt didn’t justify the angst of this story. But it’s still excellent ok.
SURE there is delightfully witty banter and deep endearing emotional beats that feel fun and at other times tender. There are moments of joy as much as yearning or sadness. It’s poignant, with some searing lines that just hit me hard.
Yes we get a plot that doesn’t stop twisting- I literally had no idea how this was going to go at a lot of points. AND YES there are werewolves (aka wolf kin) and that made me very happy.
But mostly I am now also craving a visit somewhere majestic and wild. Which I personally think was her actual agenda all along.
*my only complaint was I felt like this could have been longer. It ended too abruptly and in a way I felt didn’t justify the angst of this story. But it’s still excellent ok.
August 28, 2023
Took a dark turn, but still good
I was so happy with the first part of this book. It had all the tenderness of learning to love and trust after being abused and Max was dreamy AF.
And then came part 2. I’m NGL, I was only holding onto hope because of dreamy part 1 Max and the he history from book 1. I was a little unimpressed by some of the grovel, but as grovels go it at least had heart behind it.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: abuse, torture, gore, kidnapping, captivity, death, grief, mental illness
I was so happy with the first part of this book. It had all the tenderness of learning to love and trust after being abused and Max was dreamy AF.
And then came part 2. I’m NGL, I was only holding onto hope because of dreamy part 1 Max and the he history from book 1. I was a little unimpressed by some of the grovel, but as grovels go it at least had heart behind it.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: abuse, torture, gore, kidnapping, captivity, death, grief, mental illness
June 21, 2024
An emotional roller coaster of twists and turns! I kept checking the % read because by about 40% I felt like the very quiet and low angst love story was pretty much all wrapped up and then BAM! What a curveball. What followed was some great character growth with a PERFECT grovel. Both of the MCs learning how to navigate a really sticky situation by talking it out and working through their fears and prejudices and how to forgive. I loved it, even if the middle section of this book is completely shattering.
August 18, 2022
I have devoured this the first three books in this series in one day! They are so good!
This one didn't go where I expected and I'm a bit pissed at the sort of cliff hanger ending - not for Max and Jules but for the backstory
You can read this as a standalone the ending will keep you salivating for the next book
This one didn't go where I expected and I'm a bit pissed at the sort of cliff hanger ending - not for Max and Jules but for the backstory
You can read this as a standalone the ending will keep you salivating for the next book
September 27, 2022
Great addition to the series- not sure I’ll reread this one but still very enjoyable.
Damaged FMC is timid when she first meets the MMC, they date, he finally tells her about being a werewolf and all is fine. Until it’s not and she’s being turned into a vampire and viciously tortured. Some decent groveling but would have preferred to get a little more MMC pov when reacting to her sharing her trauma.
Not sure I loved the ending, wanted a bit more time with them together happily and more info on that community rather than skipping forward so many months - it made it feel like not much time had passed and the Alaska pack was suddenly fine with the vampire situation. The mini cliffhanger was frustrating
And where the heck is Bee?!
Damaged FMC is timid when she first meets the MMC, they date, he finally tells her about being a werewolf and all is fine. Until it’s not and she’s being turned into a vampire and viciously tortured. Some decent groveling but would have preferred to get a little more MMC pov when reacting to her sharing her trauma.
Not sure I loved the ending, wanted a bit more time with them together happily and more info on that community rather than skipping forward so many months - it made it feel like not much time had passed and the Alaska pack was suddenly fine with the vampire situation. The mini cliffhanger was frustrating
And where the heck is Bee?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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