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Imani applied for a position at a B&B. Little does she know that the casting of a mating spell and the secret surging through her veins is what truly lured her here to the Ridge.
The instant I met her, I felt the magnetic tug of our mate bond. But her world has been turned upside down, and she’s far from ready to accept her role as my alpha female in Black Forest Ridge. Even if I’m desperate for her to be mine, she doesn’t feel the same pull I do.
She needs time to accept she’s mine… and my time is running out.
Will I be able to convince her that she’s my fated mate before I lose myself to the feral madness?
Shifters of Black Forest Ridge: Quinn is a standalone with a happily ever after in this spicy small town shifter romance series. Each book focuses on a different pair of fated mates. You’ll enjoy this series if you like shifter romance with fated mates, forbidden love, a band of brothers, growly protective former military alphas, and tough, hilarious heroines.
The instant I met her, I felt the magnetic tug of our mate bond. But her world has been turned upside down, and she’s far from ready to accept her role as my alpha female in Black Forest Ridge. Even if I’m desperate for her to be mine, she doesn’t feel the same pull I do.
She needs time to accept she’s mine… and my time is running out.
Will I be able to convince her that she’s my fated mate before I lose myself to the feral madness?
Shifters of Black Forest Ridge: Quinn is a standalone with a happily ever after in this spicy small town shifter romance series. Each book focuses on a different pair of fated mates. You’ll enjoy this series if you like shifter romance with fated mates, forbidden love, a band of brothers, growly protective former military alphas, and tough, hilarious heroines.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
319 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Sedona Venez
66 books562 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Sedona Venez lives in New York City with her hot ex-military hubby--hooah--and their fur babies. She loves writing sizzling, sexy intricate stories about strong but broken characters who push limits, overcome their fears and risk it all for love.
Want a text alert when Sedona has a new release? Text "SedonaVenez" to 33222
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Want a text alert when Sedona has a new release? Text "SedonaVenez" to 33222
Or if you prefer by email, Sign up for her Naughty Romance List to get all the newest hot releases, sales, great giveaways and a FREE Wolf Shifter Romance-->
CLICK THE LINK TO JOIN THE SV TRIBE!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 19, 2023
Could be better
I felt like the character s growth could have been more detailed and in depth it felt rush I tried to connect to the character but it was hard. Overall not terrible but not great either
I felt like the character s growth could have been more detailed and in depth it felt rush I tried to connect to the character but it was hard. Overall not terrible but not great either
November 21, 2022
DNFd at 20%. Was excited to read this but did not like the dialogue or writing style.
did-not-finish
November 11, 2024DNF at 18%. The writing is all tell, the fated mate attraction is totally overplayed with no actual chemistry, and I’m not interested enough to continue.
May 9, 2025
Mad @ myself for paying for this book. It’s unserious & the authors writing style is suited for 5th grade reading level.
September 27, 2022
WOW! “Shifters of Black Forest Ridge: Quinn: a Fated Mates Paranormal Romance” is the first book in the series - Shifters of Black Forest Ridge Romance by Sedona Venez. It is a breathtaking, imaginative, creative, intriguing and amazing story from start to finish! Where do we find love? Sedona Venez shows us to keep an open mind, reach beyond our barriers and we will not only find love but we will embrace it and our lives will be enriched.
We are introduced to Imani, heading towards a new job and new location to live. She has packed all of her belongings into her old car and followed the directions to Black Forest Ridge, Alaska given to her from Piper Bane who had posted the job for an executive chef position at the Bed and Breakfast, she was opening. She desperately needs the job and the money.
Quinn is an alpha wolf, mayor of Black Forest Ridge and leader of his Bane pack. Imani is his fated mate but she is a hybrid which elicits prejudice from full blooded shifters. She doesn’t know that she might be a shifter or that she is the fated mate to Quinn. She doesn’t even know that shifters exist! Are you intrigued, yet?
There is so much chemistry, comedy and suspense in this story. I couldn't put it down. The story is impressive, fantastic and a beautifully told romantic tale. Through the author’s wonderful talent, we are shown how the characters learn about themselves, each other, relationships and that together they grow stronger and can realize a brighter future. Sedona Venez gives us a wonderful, amazing SciFi series that is sweet, hopeful and filled with lots of suspense!
We are introduced to Imani, heading towards a new job and new location to live. She has packed all of her belongings into her old car and followed the directions to Black Forest Ridge, Alaska given to her from Piper Bane who had posted the job for an executive chef position at the Bed and Breakfast, she was opening. She desperately needs the job and the money.
Quinn is an alpha wolf, mayor of Black Forest Ridge and leader of his Bane pack. Imani is his fated mate but she is a hybrid which elicits prejudice from full blooded shifters. She doesn’t know that she might be a shifter or that she is the fated mate to Quinn. She doesn’t even know that shifters exist! Are you intrigued, yet?
There is so much chemistry, comedy and suspense in this story. I couldn't put it down. The story is impressive, fantastic and a beautifully told romantic tale. Through the author’s wonderful talent, we are shown how the characters learn about themselves, each other, relationships and that together they grow stronger and can realize a brighter future. Sedona Venez gives us a wonderful, amazing SciFi series that is sweet, hopeful and filled with lots of suspense!
July 3, 2024
Welcome to Black Forest Ridge, where shifters have backwards values and treat outsiders like dirt. Imani heads to this town that is protected by a magical barrier that wipes the town off the map. Pure luck brings her to her destination only to find out the reason is there because of a mating spell that called her.
She instantly has an attraction to Quinn, but later finds out she is a hybrid shifter. But her shifter side is unknown to her. The struggle to find her place in a new town for a period unknown makes Quinn’s and Imani’s relationship struggle. But friendships evolve and loyalty grows.
Sedona Venez does a wonderful job, creating a character like Imani. She is a strong-willed woman that doesn’t take crap from no one. Grown up in the foster care system makes her worry about trusting those around her, but that journey was fun watching. She makes friends easily, but love is a different story.
I loved reading the dominant struggle between Imani and Quinn. One will overbear the other, but they still feel for each other. The way they fight to the end to be at one’s side, even out of fear of losing themselves, is worth reading. The other characters that make up the relationship between town help create a world building that is believable.
I was super happy with this book and really look forward to reading further along in the series. If I had to rate this book out of five stars, it would be 5/5. Highly recommend to readers that love steam, stubborn females and dominant males. Oh, and some crazy witches that make you love them, even if they are a little bizarre.
She instantly has an attraction to Quinn, but later finds out she is a hybrid shifter. But her shifter side is unknown to her. The struggle to find her place in a new town for a period unknown makes Quinn’s and Imani’s relationship struggle. But friendships evolve and loyalty grows.
Sedona Venez does a wonderful job, creating a character like Imani. She is a strong-willed woman that doesn’t take crap from no one. Grown up in the foster care system makes her worry about trusting those around her, but that journey was fun watching. She makes friends easily, but love is a different story.
I loved reading the dominant struggle between Imani and Quinn. One will overbear the other, but they still feel for each other. The way they fight to the end to be at one’s side, even out of fear of losing themselves, is worth reading. The other characters that make up the relationship between town help create a world building that is believable.
I was super happy with this book and really look forward to reading further along in the series. If I had to rate this book out of five stars, it would be 5/5. Highly recommend to readers that love steam, stubborn females and dominant males. Oh, and some crazy witches that make you love them, even if they are a little bizarre.
September 22, 2022
Excellent!
The Black Forest Pack has a serious problem. The unmated males have been going feral at an alarming rate. The Alpha, Quinn is at his wits end. As a last resort he asks the head of the witches coven to cast an ancient spell that is supposed to bring fated mates for the males. She is strongly against it because a spell that strong is hard to control and frequently doesn’t work. But with no other options she finally agrees.
Imani was raised in the foster system. She has had to grow up hard and fast. She has yet to work anywhere that feels like home so when she gets board at her current job she moves on. When she sees an add for a chef at a new bed and breakfast in Alaska something tells her to go for it! Driving across country she arrives late at night almost hitting a huge wolf in the road and wrecking her car.
When Imani stumbles into Quinn’s ranch house, wet, muddy and scared he immediately recognizes her as his mate. Finally, after over a year there is a sign that the spell has started to work! But not everyone in town is happy with her presence. Quinn is going to have his hands full protecting her and convincing her to stop running.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Black Forest Pack has a serious problem. The unmated males have been going feral at an alarming rate. The Alpha, Quinn is at his wits end. As a last resort he asks the head of the witches coven to cast an ancient spell that is supposed to bring fated mates for the males. She is strongly against it because a spell that strong is hard to control and frequently doesn’t work. But with no other options she finally agrees.
Imani was raised in the foster system. She has had to grow up hard and fast. She has yet to work anywhere that feels like home so when she gets board at her current job she moves on. When she sees an add for a chef at a new bed and breakfast in Alaska something tells her to go for it! Driving across country she arrives late at night almost hitting a huge wolf in the road and wrecking her car.
When Imani stumbles into Quinn’s ranch house, wet, muddy and scared he immediately recognizes her as his mate. Finally, after over a year there is a sign that the spell has started to work! But not everyone in town is happy with her presence. Quinn is going to have his hands full protecting her and convincing her to stop running.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2023
I hate this book. Let me tell you why.
First and foremost, I absolutely despise Imani. She comes into this shifter town and she immediately is reasonable and says she should leave due to the hatred she receives from the people and the genuine desire to not be in a relationship.
She gets drunk once with a few of the ladies of the town, and her entire attitude shifts and she now wants to live in the town with all of the people who hate her.
She denies Quinn, then she decides to stay in the town, then she decides to go to him after a few convincing words and nothing else.
There was no growth in this story. There was no true development. There was nothing worth noting. Questions were left unresolved like why her shifter type couldn't be found out initially. This entire story was just trash in my opinion. I want a strong female character who is reasonable and skeptical, not one who just blindly decides everything is okay after she meets a few nice people. She wasn't strong, she was an idiot.
One fucking star. I spent 99 cents on this shit.
First and foremost, I absolutely despise Imani. She comes into this shifter town and she immediately is reasonable and says she should leave due to the hatred she receives from the people and the genuine desire to not be in a relationship.
She gets drunk once with a few of the ladies of the town, and her entire attitude shifts and she now wants to live in the town with all of the people who hate her.
She denies Quinn, then she decides to stay in the town, then she decides to go to him after a few convincing words and nothing else.
There was no growth in this story. There was no true development. There was nothing worth noting. Questions were left unresolved like why her shifter type couldn't be found out initially. This entire story was just trash in my opinion. I want a strong female character who is reasonable and skeptical, not one who just blindly decides everything is okay after she meets a few nice people. She wasn't strong, she was an idiot.
One fucking star. I spent 99 cents on this shit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2022
Looking forward to more of this series
Alpha Quinn is worried about the unmated shifters under him. If they don’t mate, they will go feral, himself included. When he asks the leader of the local coven to cast a spell for mates to come to their secret town, he’s not very optimistic. Until a woman shows up claiming to have spoken to Quinn’s mother about a job. A woman his mother has never heard of asking about a job she never posted. Could this be what everyone has been hoping for?
Imani was abandoned by her mother in a grocery store, and she had to grow up in the foster system. To say she has trust issues is an understatement. When everything is explained to her, she’s skeptical to say the least. But when more and more things are proven to her, she thinks she may have found her people.
Alpha Quinn is worried about the unmated shifters under him. If they don’t mate, they will go feral, himself included. When he asks the leader of the local coven to cast a spell for mates to come to their secret town, he’s not very optimistic. Until a woman shows up claiming to have spoken to Quinn’s mother about a job. A woman his mother has never heard of asking about a job she never posted. Could this be what everyone has been hoping for?
Imani was abandoned by her mother in a grocery store, and she had to grow up in the foster system. To say she has trust issues is an understatement. When everything is explained to her, she’s skeptical to say the least. But when more and more things are proven to her, she thinks she may have found her people.
Read
September 25, 2022This book was ok. I think it was good at setting up the world and even potential future books. But I didn't feel at all connected to Quinn and Imani. There is very little background for Quinn and 90% of it comes through other characters. And Imani is a bit all over the place. I found her incredibly frustrating until the end where she managed to calm down and have an actual conversation. It felt like her background was created for her to have trouble trusting. But her hesitance was only directed at Quinn for no reason that I could understand.
Overall, I didn't quite get these two, but I would definitely look into the next book to see if there is less world building and more character/relationship building.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall, I didn't quite get these two, but I would definitely look into the next book to see if there is less world building and more character/relationship building.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2022
Finding His Mate . . .
Imani, a hybrid who will stir up hostility from the snobby full-bloods, is arriving in Black Forest Ridge to apply for an executive chef position at a B&B. Quinn is an Alpha wolf concerned for the pack having trouble finding mates. If they fail to find a mate, their wolves will turn feral.
So Quinn gets a local coven to ask them to cast a spell and draw possible mates to them. He didn’t realize that his own mate will be among those to arrive. But she knows nothing about shifters. Will she accept him as her mate? Will the pack accept her since she is not a full-blooded shifter? If he cannot get this resolved, he will run out of time and will be overcome by the feral madness he is trying to save the pack from.
Imani, a hybrid who will stir up hostility from the snobby full-bloods, is arriving in Black Forest Ridge to apply for an executive chef position at a B&B. Quinn is an Alpha wolf concerned for the pack having trouble finding mates. If they fail to find a mate, their wolves will turn feral.
So Quinn gets a local coven to ask them to cast a spell and draw possible mates to them. He didn’t realize that his own mate will be among those to arrive. But she knows nothing about shifters. Will she accept him as her mate? Will the pack accept her since she is not a full-blooded shifter? If he cannot get this resolved, he will run out of time and will be overcome by the feral madness he is trying to save the pack from.
October 7, 2022
Great perspective on shifters
I hoped book #2 was about the blood mate for the vampire council member! I will be patient. I know his turn is coming!
Quinn and Imani were fire 🔥 hot! The story was different than most paranormal shifter stories, which I appreciated. Quinn was all in from the beginning. Usually, the fated mate is all in as well. Imani took on a different direction. She needed convincing. I loved that. Something I didn’t understand was if Imani was a hybrid, how did she shift fully? That’s just me being curious! I loved the introduction of different others and their origin stories, specifically the vampire!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Happy reading 📖🥰☺️
I hoped book #2 was about the blood mate for the vampire council member! I will be patient. I know his turn is coming!
Quinn and Imani were fire 🔥 hot! The story was different than most paranormal shifter stories, which I appreciated. Quinn was all in from the beginning. Usually, the fated mate is all in as well. Imani took on a different direction. She needed convincing. I loved that. Something I didn’t understand was if Imani was a hybrid, how did she shift fully? That’s just me being curious! I loved the introduction of different others and their origin stories, specifically the vampire!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Happy reading 📖🥰☺️
December 27, 2023
An interesting approach to a shifter story
Ms. Venez's town of Others has kept itself pure, no halfbreeds or humans. Just pure blooded shifters and such. But the town's Alpha, Quinn, had the Witches cast a spell to call in the fated mates of all the town's unmated males, and the first response is Imani. Imani is half human and half shifter, and she's Quinn's fated mate. She just isn't sure she believes in love, and she has a very hard time trusting anyone. Once the magic of the shifter world starts to do its thing and Imani becomes aware of her inner beast, things start to change for her and for Quinn. And it takes a fight for her place to bring everything into focus. Recommended.
Ms. Venez's town of Others has kept itself pure, no halfbreeds or humans. Just pure blooded shifters and such. But the town's Alpha, Quinn, had the Witches cast a spell to call in the fated mates of all the town's unmated males, and the first response is Imani. Imani is half human and half shifter, and she's Quinn's fated mate. She just isn't sure she believes in love, and she has a very hard time trusting anyone. Once the magic of the shifter world starts to do its thing and Imani becomes aware of her inner beast, things start to change for her and for Quinn. And it takes a fight for her place to bring everything into focus. Recommended.
September 21, 2022
Okay, although this was listed as a multiracial story and it technically was because Imani was dark complected, it mostly was about the prejudice of her being a hybrid, not because she had dark skin. Her darker skin really didn't play a part in the story at all other than used to describe her.
I liked the characters in this book and can see them all having their own stories in future books. The personalities were diverse and really drew you into life in Black Forest Ridge. I enjoyed the visuals the author was able to convey as she laid the groundwork for this series and am looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.
I liked the characters in this book and can see them all having their own stories in future books. The personalities were diverse and really drew you into life in Black Forest Ridge. I enjoyed the visuals the author was able to convey as she laid the groundwork for this series and am looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.
September 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 2.5🌶
Welcome to Black Ridge Forest, a town full of other beings.
Quinn and Imani are the perfect pairing.
Quinn alpha male and mayor of the town would do anything to save it, including casting a spell calling all fated females of the towns males to come and find them.
Imani, a human shifter, is strong, independent, and takes no shit. She came to town looking for a seasonal job in a small town. No one has ever heard of Alaska and finds the love she didn't know existed.
Together, they take on the towns' opinions on human Shifters and an ex trying to challenge them. Together, they grow stronger and help the town realize half human Shifters aren't all that bad.
Welcome to Black Ridge Forest, a town full of other beings.
Quinn and Imani are the perfect pairing.
Quinn alpha male and mayor of the town would do anything to save it, including casting a spell calling all fated females of the towns males to come and find them.
Imani, a human shifter, is strong, independent, and takes no shit. She came to town looking for a seasonal job in a small town. No one has ever heard of Alaska and finds the love she didn't know existed.
Together, they take on the towns' opinions on human Shifters and an ex trying to challenge them. Together, they grow stronger and help the town realize half human Shifters aren't all that bad.
October 4, 2022
There is a conflict in how i read the book. There is a woman who needs love and find trust. Either one is great but together for her is a way of survival. So the alpha, Quinn, the alpha and his pack in dire need of going feral. So story line guides you through their relations. Not so similar and opposite attract. It’s a decent story to start the series if this is the angle. Storyline continues but no cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2022
This is a great introduction to a new series. The shifters of Black Forest Ridge are in danger of going feral if they don't find their fated mates so the local coven cast a spell to draw the fated mated to town. The first mate to show up is a hybrid and the town is divided on accepting her, even though the alpha is her fated mate and won't let anybody hurt her. Imani has a lot to learn about Others but she fits in really well and eventually shows she is a perfect mate for Quinn. There is conflict and romance with heat. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 28, 2022
This book focuses on Quinn and Imani. Quinn is the Alpha and his pack is going feral at an alarming rate because they don’t have their fated mates. He isn’t immune either, he will go feral if he doesn’t find his soon. Quinn makes a deal with the head witch of the local coven to cast the unstable mate spell which brings the fated mates to the shifters.
Imani applies for the head chef position at the B&B and Quinn knows she is his mate. She has trust issues stemming from her past so she is leery of what Quinn is saying. Some of the townspeople aren’t happy with Imani’s presence. Will Quinn be able to protect her?
Imani applies for the head chef position at the B&B and Quinn knows she is his mate. She has trust issues stemming from her past so she is leery of what Quinn is saying. Some of the townspeople aren’t happy with Imani’s presence. Will Quinn be able to protect her?
October 25, 2022
When Imani comes to Alaska for a job, she is introduced to a world she didn’t know existed. Alpha Quinn has resorted to desperate measures to find his fated mate and the fated mates of others in his town.
When Imani comes into town his prayers have been answered but folks aren’t happy.
This was a fine read. I like the characters and supporting cast. While this story didn’t reinvent PNR novels, it was an easy, enjoyable read.
When Imani comes into town his prayers have been answered but folks aren’t happy.
This was a fine read. I like the characters and supporting cast. While this story didn’t reinvent PNR novels, it was an easy, enjoyable read.
June 2, 2024
Interesting story. This is a little different from most of the books I read. I’ve read other shifter stories, but not one where all of the paranormal beasts live together. It also mixes in the military (post-military) love stories that now abound bookstores and reading sites. I haven’t decided how much I like it yet. I wish I could give it a 3.5 or 3.8. I’m going to read the second book in the series to see how it goes.
August 7, 2024
While I liked the story, the lore and worldbuilding and the characters, I didn't love it. It's okay, the story flows and I'm happy it featured characters in their 40's finding love, but I felt like I've read this story countless times before and didn't feel a special connection to it. But that's on me, not on the book. It's a nice, quick story and as someone who loves reading about shifters, it was a nice time.
September 25, 2022
The author has given us a wonderful start to a new series as we are pulled into the lives of Quinn and Imani, as well as being introduced to various members of the Pack. The story keeps us turning the pages with magic, danger, trust issues and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2022
Shifters of Black Forest Ridge: Quinn: A Fated Mates Paranormal Romance (Shifters of Black Forest Ridge Romance Book 1) By Sedona Venez. loved this story Imani is pulled in to a world she never thought existed. Although, she always felt unwelcome in her human life. Quinn is the Alpha as many in Black Forest Ridge they need their true mate. It’s a great book and I recommend it.
September 28, 2022
Hybrids Are Worthy
Imani is more than she ever believed. Coming to Black Forest will show her a place to belong.
The cast of characters are definitely what makes the story interesting. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Imani is more than she ever believed. Coming to Black Forest will show her a place to belong.
The cast of characters are definitely what makes the story interesting. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2023
Fitting in
He was the alpha of the town and pack he will never let them down, but when a women comes knocking at his door saying Bigfoot is chasing her, you have to wonder. She didn't know what it was that kept pulling her to look for her forever home, but again she left a good job in NY to take a job at an B and B.
He was the alpha of the town and pack he will never let them down, but when a women comes knocking at his door saying Bigfoot is chasing her, you have to wonder. She didn't know what it was that kept pulling her to look for her forever home, but again she left a good job in NY to take a job at an B and B.
January 17, 2024
Just ok. I feel there just wasn’t enough there to like Imani very much or connect with her and Quinn as a couple. Lacked the passion you’d expect from a fated-mate trope. This was only the first in the series and I’m hoping they only get better. I will try at least one more and that is Rhett’s story.
July 10, 2024
Awwweeee
I truly enjoy reading this book. It was cute. It was sweet. It was inviting. It was comforting and I loved every moment of it. Having a black female lead character is also a win in my book and I love how she was portrayed. As this beautifully, soft feminine, yet strong Goddess.
I truly enjoy reading this book. It was cute. It was sweet. It was inviting. It was comforting and I loved every moment of it. Having a black female lead character is also a win in my book and I love how she was portrayed. As this beautifully, soft feminine, yet strong Goddess.
July 29, 2024
Great paranormal read
It got straight to the point she was moved from foster home to foster home bullied and fought for everything so when she got older she was like a gypsy moving from place to place getting jobs here and there and she answered an add for a job never knowing this would be the life changing one
It got straight to the point she was moved from foster home to foster home bullied and fought for everything so when she got older she was like a gypsy moving from place to place getting jobs here and there and she answered an add for a job never knowing this would be the life changing one
September 22, 2024
There is alot of issues with males going feral and hurting others. Quinn decides 2 do something 2 change that if possible. After a yrs x, things seem 2 look up. A unexpected visitor shows up 4 a job that wasn't even ready 4. How did she find out about it? Quinn wants 2 protect and help his town but also do the ft thing. Can he choose? I loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews