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Shadow Pack #2
Shadow Bride
I am a prisoner in the place I once called home.
Desolate.
I am thousands of miles away from my mate.
Waiting.
Nothing will ever stop me loving my true mate, Phoenix Adair.
Nothing.
Not even Willow Creek’s new alpha, my former best friend, Zade Crawford.
A boy who became a monster.
A man without a moral code whose perverted goal is to destroy Phoenix and lock me away.
A man who has no idea that my hand in marriage belongs to his sole enemy.
Shadow Bride is a full-length rejected mates, wolf shifter romance. There are strong omegaverse themes throughout, so please read the author’s note. Due to the explicit language and steamy scenes, it is intended for readers 18+. While not considered a dark romance, there are darker themes present (see author's note). It is book two of the Shadow Pack trilogy.
If you like your alphas sweet and caring but with fiery, touch-her-and-you-die vibes, this book is for you. If you like kickass females who aren’t afraid to talk back, this book is for you. Happy reading!
Desolate.
I am thousands of miles away from my mate.
Waiting.
Nothing will ever stop me loving my true mate, Phoenix Adair.
Nothing.
Not even Willow Creek’s new alpha, my former best friend, Zade Crawford.
A boy who became a monster.
A man without a moral code whose perverted goal is to destroy Phoenix and lock me away.
A man who has no idea that my hand in marriage belongs to his sole enemy.
Shadow Bride is a full-length rejected mates, wolf shifter romance. There are strong omegaverse themes throughout, so please read the author’s note. Due to the explicit language and steamy scenes, it is intended for readers 18+. While not considered a dark romance, there are darker themes present (see author's note). It is book two of the Shadow Pack trilogy.
If you like your alphas sweet and caring but with fiery, touch-her-and-you-die vibes, this book is for you. If you like kickass females who aren’t afraid to talk back, this book is for you. Happy reading!
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2023
About the author
K. Easton
5 books104 followersKory (K.) Easton is the paranormal romance pen name for USA Today bestselling author, Amanda Richardson. She gravitates toward dark tales of otherworldly creatures and beasts. She currently resides in Yorkshire, England, with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
December 16, 2025
Meh 🤷🏽♀️ If I was like 16, I probably would have loved this.
The plot itself was pretty interesting, actually, but I just don’t vibe with the characters or writing style.
I also got the ICK from the age gaps. The FMC is 18 and the MMC is 32, which was already on the border of yucky for me. The FMC’s 17-year-old sister became more important in this book, and she’s obviously being set up to end up together with a 33-year-old. Nothing’s happened between them yet, but it’s obviously going to, and no thank you to that.
preread
I didn't love the first book, but I still kind of need to know what happens?? So I'm giving book #2 a try
The plot itself was pretty interesting, actually, but I just don’t vibe with the characters or writing style.
I also got the ICK from the age gaps. The FMC is 18 and the MMC is 32, which was already on the border of yucky for me. The FMC’s 17-year-old sister became more important in this book, and she’s obviously being set up to end up together with a 33-year-old. Nothing’s happened between them yet, but it’s obviously going to, and no thank you to that.
preread
I didn't love the first book, but I still kind of need to know what happens?? So I'm giving book #2 a try
April 5, 2023
Yuck.
FMC is 18. Her younger sister is 17, and MMC best friend in his 30s have a gross vibe. Writing itself is solid, but this gives me the ick.
FMC is 18. Her younger sister is 17, and MMC best friend in his 30s have a gross vibe. Writing itself is solid, but this gives me the ick.
July 6, 2023
It wasnt horrible... and then our FMC's 18month younger "sister" and our MMC's enforcer start making eyes at each other.
Ew. 🤢🤢
I liked Kaz, but having him practically counting down the days until Dee is legal was gross. Pheonix even makes a comment about how she'll be legal soon. And the authors seemed to want to throw their budding ick in your face. Lingering touches, awkward flirty comments, almost kisses, our 33yo Kaz giving 17yo Dee heated looks that make Dee blush -- gag. 🤮
These are women authors. You would think they would know how harmful this shit is (we see it happen over and over again with celebrities). And this just feeds into it and normalizes it. Grooming isn't hot. Pheonix should be telling Kaz off, not encouraging it. I don't care that she's going to be 18 in a few months or that Kaz will stay "good" until Dee is legal-- Ugh, even having Dee monolog about Kaz "not crossing a line" until she's legal was cringe.
To add to this ick, Kaz and Dee are probably going to continue their ick in the next book- and the authors confirmed theyre getting a spin off. If they magically turn into moon-fated-mates after she turns 18, that excuses noooothing (insert Renesmee/Jacob ick joke here).
Ultimately, Kaz and Dee's POV added nothing to this story, except contribute to the over sexualization of minors.
P.s. I will read age gap and be cool with it, but if I want a 16 year age gap-- atleast give me a 25 yo and a 41 yo.
Ew. 🤢🤢
I liked Kaz, but having him practically counting down the days until Dee is legal was gross. Pheonix even makes a comment about how she'll be legal soon. And the authors seemed to want to throw their budding ick in your face. Lingering touches, awkward flirty comments, almost kisses, our 33yo Kaz giving 17yo Dee heated looks that make Dee blush -- gag. 🤮
These are women authors. You would think they would know how harmful this shit is (we see it happen over and over again with celebrities). And this just feeds into it and normalizes it. Grooming isn't hot. Pheonix should be telling Kaz off, not encouraging it. I don't care that she's going to be 18 in a few months or that Kaz will stay "good" until Dee is legal-- Ugh, even having Dee monolog about Kaz "not crossing a line" until she's legal was cringe.
To add to this ick, Kaz and Dee are probably going to continue their ick in the next book- and the authors confirmed theyre getting a spin off. If they magically turn into moon-fated-mates after she turns 18, that excuses noooothing (insert Renesmee/Jacob ick joke here).
Ultimately, Kaz and Dee's POV added nothing to this story, except contribute to the over sexualization of minors.
P.s. I will read age gap and be cool with it, but if I want a 16 year age gap-- atleast give me a 25 yo and a 41 yo.
February 15, 2024
2.5🥴 not reading the third bc i got the ick
June 22, 2024
Tam seri monotonlaştı bırakayım diyordum ki... Son sayfada bombayı patlattı. Mecbur son kitap okunacak 😅
October 12, 2023
This is the second book in the Shadow Pack series and it follows the couple we already meet in book 1, so definitely read in order. I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as I enjoyed book 1. But it is still a fast-paced, easy to fly through, and an entertaining enough series.
Basically this is a wolf/shifter romance series and we are following the adventures of Adrienne and Phoenix, who are moon-fated mates. This picks up right where book 1 left off. I will say I wasn’t invested at all in Adrienne’s sister Dee and her POV. This series does bring lots of steam. There are some kinda odd parallels to ACOTAR/ACOMAF in both this book and book 1. But for a wolf shifter series it’s just fun.
Basically this is a wolf/shifter romance series and we are following the adventures of Adrienne and Phoenix, who are moon-fated mates. This picks up right where book 1 left off. I will say I wasn’t invested at all in Adrienne’s sister Dee and her POV. This series does bring lots of steam. There are some kinda odd parallels to ACOTAR/ACOMAF in both this book and book 1. But for a wolf shifter series it’s just fun.
August 2, 2024
Let’s go 3.5 on this one. This book, again, not an original story. Taken cues from ACOTAR and that entire series. Here we are with the Wolf Territories at the brink of war and our hero and heroine separated and can they be reunited without everything going to H-E-L-L?!
Very quick read. But with every couple who gets together in book one, I get very tired of the over the top lovey-dovey-ness in book two. I prefer this GREATLY to a break up, but I get it. Yall are in love and obsessed and fated mates and you literally can’t breathe without each other, but also shut up about it for one chapter lol. But also yay?! But no. I loved the addition of Diedre and Kaz even if that age gap is yikes.
Very quick read. But with every couple who gets together in book one, I get very tired of the over the top lovey-dovey-ness in book two. I prefer this GREATLY to a break up, but I get it. Yall are in love and obsessed and fated mates and you literally can’t breathe without each other, but also shut up about it for one chapter lol. But also yay?! But no. I loved the addition of Diedre and Kaz even if that age gap is yikes.
May 19, 2025
Audiobook. Library. 3.5 rounded down. I’m an Amanda Richardson fan but this one wasn’t really for me. It felt super similar to ACOTAR and I just am not sure we need a 3rd book. Was fine for background audio while doing things around the house but won’t be finishing the series.
April 2, 2024
3.5 - Another quick read but I don’t know that I’m going to read book 3.
March 12, 2023
Mine…
We start where book one left off with Adri back in Zade’s grasp. He’s demanding they marry in just a few weeks and that she will do what he says.
Phoenix is working on a plan to get her back with him. He’s searching for her real parents to get DNA to prove she was stolen as a baby. That she doesn’t belong to Zades pack.
Things will come to a head between Zade, Phoenix and Adri, one will regret their choices.
When Phoenix and Adri return to his home with her sister things seem to be heading to a war between the packs.
With Zeek as alpha now things are about to get very interesting. A kidnapping and a promise of death will lead us into the next book.
We start where book one left off with Adri back in Zade’s grasp. He’s demanding they marry in just a few weeks and that she will do what he says.
Phoenix is working on a plan to get her back with him. He’s searching for her real parents to get DNA to prove she was stolen as a baby. That she doesn’t belong to Zades pack.
Things will come to a head between Zade, Phoenix and Adri, one will regret their choices.
When Phoenix and Adri return to his home with her sister things seem to be heading to a war between the packs.
With Zeek as alpha now things are about to get very interesting. A kidnapping and a promise of death will lead us into the next book.
September 23, 2023
ARC Review…this is the 2nd book in the series. Adrienne has been forced to leave her fated mate Phoenix by her ex fiance/best friend. Phoenix is doing everything possible to get her back while wedding plans are being made for Zade and Adrienne. Loved all the emotion I felt between Adrienne and Phoenix even though they were only able to talk through their mental connection for most of the book! Adrienne’s little sister Deirdre becomes the star of the show in this book and I could see how devoted she was to her sister! And the ending… so looking forward to the next book!
March 15, 2023
5 ⭐️ Steam: 3.5/5. Strong Language: 3/5. Characters: 5/5. Plot: 4.5/5.
Triggers: A$$ault, V!olence, K!dnapp!ng, Domestic Abu$e (not by MC), Mu£der, Death, Parental Neglect, Mental Health
Shadow Bride is the second book in the Shadow Wolves series by K. Easton (Amanda Richardson). It picks up right after the events of book one, Shadow Wolf. The series should be read in order for maximum enjoyment.
Adrienne has been cruelly parted from her moon fated mate and is languishing in enemy territory. She waits amongst wolves she now knows have been lying to her, her entire life. The only things keeping her sane are her sister and the mind bond with her husband, Phoenix. A secret she protect at all costs.
Phoenix, back in Alaska, as Alpha of the Shadow Pack, fights desperately to prove that Adri is a Shadow wolf so they can be reunited without causing an incident between all the packs. Tensions escalate, sabotage occurs, tempers fray, and patience snaps.
Destiny awaits the pair. Will fate smile kindly on them or turn a blind eye to those working in the shadows against them?
This was an excellent, paranormal read fraught with twists and turns and excellent side characters. We get a more in-depth look at all our favorites from book one and gain more insight into their motivations. There was plenty of action in this piece but the thing I love about Ms. Easton’s books (okay, ONE of the things) is that she never forgets the voices of the characters. They drive the story. They are why we read book after book. She makes us feel their plight, their joy, their love. I can’t wait for book three.
Triggers: A$$ault, V!olence, K!dnapp!ng, Domestic Abu$e (not by MC), Mu£der, Death, Parental Neglect, Mental Health
Shadow Bride is the second book in the Shadow Wolves series by K. Easton (Amanda Richardson). It picks up right after the events of book one, Shadow Wolf. The series should be read in order for maximum enjoyment.
Adrienne has been cruelly parted from her moon fated mate and is languishing in enemy territory. She waits amongst wolves she now knows have been lying to her, her entire life. The only things keeping her sane are her sister and the mind bond with her husband, Phoenix. A secret she protect at all costs.
Phoenix, back in Alaska, as Alpha of the Shadow Pack, fights desperately to prove that Adri is a Shadow wolf so they can be reunited without causing an incident between all the packs. Tensions escalate, sabotage occurs, tempers fray, and patience snaps.
Destiny awaits the pair. Will fate smile kindly on them or turn a blind eye to those working in the shadows against them?
This was an excellent, paranormal read fraught with twists and turns and excellent side characters. We get a more in-depth look at all our favorites from book one and gain more insight into their motivations. There was plenty of action in this piece but the thing I love about Ms. Easton’s books (okay, ONE of the things) is that she never forgets the voices of the characters. They drive the story. They are why we read book after book. She makes us feel their plight, their joy, their love. I can’t wait for book three.
March 22, 2023
Phoenix and Adri are absolutely perfection! I really loved this moon fated mated couple the emotions these two feel for each other the loyalty the chemistry they have is in spades! This book was full of action suspense and steam tons of twists and turns I loved that we get POV’s from Dee and Kaz and that shocking ending that left my jaw on the floor yes I might of thrown my kindle down lol this series is amazing and if you haven’t started it yet you need too! This is definitely going on my top 2023 favorites list!
March 7, 2023
ARC REVIEW
4.5 stars
This is book 2 in the series and can NOT be read as a standalone! I loved book one, I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 and I absolutely can’t wait for book 3! That ending!!!!!!! Ok so tbh I kind of saw it coming but it still hit me pretty hard! I love Kory/Amanda’s writing! It’s simple and straightforward while also making you feel all the feels and connexion to the characters! If you’re into shifter romance with omegaverse elements, fated and rejected mates, I definitely recommend this series! Enjoy!!
4.5 stars
This is book 2 in the series and can NOT be read as a standalone! I loved book one, I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 and I absolutely can’t wait for book 3! That ending!!!!!!! Ok so tbh I kind of saw it coming but it still hit me pretty hard! I love Kory/Amanda’s writing! It’s simple and straightforward while also making you feel all the feels and connexion to the characters! If you’re into shifter romance with omegaverse elements, fated and rejected mates, I definitely recommend this series! Enjoy!!
May 27, 2025
A little too much going on in too short a time, book 1 was more fun.
August 28, 2025
It was okay, first was better
May 4, 2026
2.5🌶
I enjoyed the multiple POVs in this. The story really started to pick up and then dropped off again. I really wanted more, but I also need to finish the trilogy.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs in this. The story really started to pick up and then dropped off again. I really wanted more, but I also need to finish the trilogy.
April 26, 2024
this scratches an itch in my brain in the best way
if you like a court of mist and fury u will love this book, it’s basically that vibe throughout
ends on a big fat cliffhanger tho so be prepared to read the 3rd book immediately after
fun easily little read, as the title says, it scratches an itch x
3.2/5
if you like a court of mist and fury u will love this book, it’s basically that vibe throughout
ends on a big fat cliffhanger tho so be prepared to read the 3rd book immediately after
fun easily little read, as the title says, it scratches an itch x
3.2/5
May 27, 2023
First off, age gap romance with a minor??? No.
Fmc is 18 and mmc is 32. Already bad but at least Adrienne was somewhat mature so I could just imagine it wasn’t happening in the first book.
But then her 17 year old sister, who was described as looking like a 15 year old kid and just immature/teenagery in general, had a thing with the enforcer of the mmc, who is also 34.
The age of the older dudes really wasn’t important for the plot so why did the author do this? They could have been the same age, or an age gap of 18 and 25 or something if you still want an age gap. But a teenager with a man in his thirties? No thanks.
Secondly, why did Adrienne go through all of the trouble of trying to fit in with her old pack and fake that she wanted to marry Zade? That just made no sense. It was shown that not everyone in the Willow Creek Pack was a horrible person, so why didn’t she just object to the wedding? It was like the author was trying to pull a Feyre and Tamlin in ACOMAF, but Adrienne had no feelings for Zade so why put up with him at all? Why not just leave? Or do something to convince the other alphas to not got to war? She was in the Willow Creek Pack for almost a month, just waiting. Why wasn’t she at least trying to get something done?
But then Zade got murdered by Phoenix and was immediately replaced with his brother Zeek who is basically the same character. So it didn’t change the plot, really.
And also, the rest of the alphas aren’t able to make a normal decision? They were willing to go to war because they believed Adrienne was stolen from Zade, without any testimony from Adrienne or her alleged abductor / actual mate Phoenix? That’s just stupid. Why are the other alphas just going along with Zade and his murder party? I would assume they’d have some agency of themselves but apparently not.
The first book was alright, very basic werewolf book with smut. It was fine. This second book made no sense plot wise and was just boring. The entire first half of the book is just Adrienne waiting for Phoenix to save her and the second half was them getting married and convincing the alphas/council to not go to war. If a book can be summarised in a sentence, that’s not a good sign.
Needless to say, I was disappointed. I’m not going to read the third book.
Fmc is 18 and mmc is 32. Already bad but at least Adrienne was somewhat mature so I could just imagine it wasn’t happening in the first book.
But then her 17 year old sister, who was described as looking like a 15 year old kid and just immature/teenagery in general, had a thing with the enforcer of the mmc, who is also 34.
The age of the older dudes really wasn’t important for the plot so why did the author do this? They could have been the same age, or an age gap of 18 and 25 or something if you still want an age gap. But a teenager with a man in his thirties? No thanks.
Secondly, why did Adrienne go through all of the trouble of trying to fit in with her old pack and fake that she wanted to marry Zade? That just made no sense. It was shown that not everyone in the Willow Creek Pack was a horrible person, so why didn’t she just object to the wedding? It was like the author was trying to pull a Feyre and Tamlin in ACOMAF, but Adrienne had no feelings for Zade so why put up with him at all? Why not just leave? Or do something to convince the other alphas to not got to war? She was in the Willow Creek Pack for almost a month, just waiting. Why wasn’t she at least trying to get something done?
But then Zade got murdered by Phoenix and was immediately replaced with his brother Zeek who is basically the same character. So it didn’t change the plot, really.
And also, the rest of the alphas aren’t able to make a normal decision? They were willing to go to war because they believed Adrienne was stolen from Zade, without any testimony from Adrienne or her alleged abductor / actual mate Phoenix? That’s just stupid. Why are the other alphas just going along with Zade and his murder party? I would assume they’d have some agency of themselves but apparently not.
The first book was alright, very basic werewolf book with smut. It was fine. This second book made no sense plot wise and was just boring. The entire first half of the book is just Adrienne waiting for Phoenix to save her and the second half was them getting married and convincing the alphas/council to not go to war. If a book can be summarised in a sentence, that’s not a good sign.
Needless to say, I was disappointed. I’m not going to read the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
Messier than book one
This book goes a bit wonky. The time line gets fuzzy - they keep talking about it being so long but it seems like just a couple weeks have gone by. The antagonist plotline gets a bit wild. The number of people and plotting gets beyond complex. The adults in Adri and Dee's childhood pack are just confusing; we know absolutely nothing about their motives and they are talked about as though they are evil but we never really see what they've done. Add in zade and zeek and I have more questions than anything.
This is not an enjoyable book. The smut is poorly timed, poorly constructed and takes excessive pages compared to world building (of which we have little) and plot progression. Adri makes poor choices, Phoenix swears by them, and every one is at more risk because of it.
This book goes a bit wonky. The time line gets fuzzy - they keep talking about it being so long but it seems like just a couple weeks have gone by. The antagonist plotline gets a bit wild. The number of people and plotting gets beyond complex. The adults in Adri and Dee's childhood pack are just confusing; we know absolutely nothing about their motives and they are talked about as though they are evil but we never really see what they've done. Add in zade and zeek and I have more questions than anything.
This is not an enjoyable book. The smut is poorly timed, poorly constructed and takes excessive pages compared to world building (of which we have little) and plot progression. Adri makes poor choices, Phoenix swears by them, and every one is at more risk because of it.
July 16, 2023
DNF @ 78%. Due to the inconsistencies, things in this book at doesn’t make sense at all, and the fact a grown ass man is getting feelings for a minor, I am going to DNF.
The whole plot line doesn’t make sense in the aspect of, Zeke gets away with murder, breaking the treaty, is not even Alpha, Phoenix is but let’s forget all of that. There’s so much more but I don’t want this spoil what I read.
The whole plot line doesn’t make sense in the aspect of, Zeke gets away with murder, breaking the treaty, is not even Alpha, Phoenix is but let’s forget all of that. There’s so much more but I don’t want this spoil what I read.
February 20, 2024
kinda ridiculous how many times in this series a character info dumps and then later in the chapter says “I didn’t know about [info dump stuff they just told us]!” like somebody gotta edit this for that kinda junk.
also the sister age gap romance subplot situation shoulda just been their own book? like introducing 2 new POVs in the second book of the series wasnt the move.
also the sister age gap romance subplot situation shoulda just been their own book? like introducing 2 new POVs in the second book of the series wasnt the move.
February 20, 2025
Would not recommend this series overall, but book 1 and 2 are okay-ish. Heavy knotting and breeding themes. What killed this series for me - a nearly 40 year old man (one of the ‘good guys’) develops feelings for a 17yr old girl and the MC’s (one of whom is the girls sister) are all on board with it.
July 28, 2025
Major ick with the ages....one of them is still a child!! and all the talk about the countdown until she's an adult doesn't make it any better. Yuck 🤢
The story line was completely unnecessary and detracts from what would have been an otherwise enjoyable series.
The story line was completely unnecessary and detracts from what would have been an otherwise enjoyable series.
October 2, 2023
Why was this two books? Why is this drawn into three books?
February 13, 2024
A 30 something man having to keep himself from kissing a 17 year old girl is 🤢🤮🤢🤮🤢
June 23, 2025
I am sorry. I cannot get behind Kaz and a child. Because that’s what Dee is, she’s a child. Idk how far that relationship goes but I cannot support a grooming situation. DNF
September 10, 2025
The age gaps are super ick. 18 and 32? 17 and 33???
It’s a no for me.
It’s a no for me.
March 4, 2024
Shifters (only)/Rejected Fated Mate/Enemies to Lovers/4 PoVs
SYNOPSIS (of Trilogy): The story is set in a modern world where humans do not know that shifters exist. The FC, Adrienne, is a shifter brought up in the Willow Creek Pack and engaged to Zade, the son of the pack Alpha. The Willow Creek Pack have been at peace with the Shadow Pack for years and each year the pact is ratified. When the Shadow Pack Alpha, Phoenix comes to ratify the pact it turns out that Adrienne is his fated mate. He rejects her and returns home. Subsequently Adrienne discovers she is adopted and, feeling betrayed, leaves the Willow Creek Pack and heads to the Shadow Pack lands. The trilogy covers how Adrienne and Phoenix find each other and come together and how her fiancé tries to get her back. Book 1 focuses on Adrienne and Phoenix however Book 2 & 3 extend to Deidre and Kaz so there are 4 PoVs. Adrienne and Phoenix‘s story is dealt with in this trilogy and there is a HEA but Deidre and Kaz‘s relationship is left open at the end of Book 3.
Heat level 🌶️🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆 - the sex scenes are well written with a good level of heat and sexiness but do not overtake the story in terms of the number of such scenes. They‘re all pretty vanilla but still sexy.
The trilogy is well written and there are limited editing and typing issues. Book 1 started off strong with a good storyline and a slight cliffhanger ending (each book has a cliffhanger ending). The FC is likeable and strong and the MC is a possessive alpha who, in respect of threats, is strong and willing to kill he otherwise comes across as quite soft and romantic especially with the FC. The author develops the MC/FC relationship well and you feel the connection grow and strengthen between them. There is a decent level of world setting but not huge amounts of depth. Aside from some of the history between Shadow and Willow Creek Packs the focus is on present time events.
I found the trilogy hard to buy into as each book seemed to have its own dramatic story arc, Book 1 focussed on the fated mate element of the FC/MC, Book 2 focussed on the ex fiancé wanting to get the FC back and Book 3 focussed on Deidre. Whilst Book 1 and most of 2 focussed on Adrienne and Phoenix Book 2 also introduced PoVs from Deidre & Kaz and their interactions. It was like the real story of Adrienne and Phoenix finished in Book 2 but there were still elements that carried through to the end of Book 3 but the emphasis switched. It felt a disjointed with the author inserting lots of different events that then happened quickly with not a huge amount of development.
There were some gaps/unfinished issues around the story with the biggest for me being why no one really delved into the illegal adoptions and what they were all about. It’s as if the author forgot they had introduced that element of the storyline and especially the bit where the author implied that Adrienne‘s adoption was not random. In addition, why would the FC not question her parents about the adoption and why they did what they did? There seemed to very little of anyone questioning the FC‘s adoptive parents about any of their actions.
In general this trilogy was enjoyable but not a keeper for me as it was a bit too fast, to full of different things happening and lacking in depth in places.
SYNOPSIS (of Trilogy): The story is set in a modern world where humans do not know that shifters exist. The FC, Adrienne, is a shifter brought up in the Willow Creek Pack and engaged to Zade, the son of the pack Alpha. The Willow Creek Pack have been at peace with the Shadow Pack for years and each year the pact is ratified. When the Shadow Pack Alpha, Phoenix comes to ratify the pact it turns out that Adrienne is his fated mate. He rejects her and returns home. Subsequently Adrienne discovers she is adopted and, feeling betrayed, leaves the Willow Creek Pack and heads to the Shadow Pack lands. The trilogy covers how Adrienne and Phoenix find each other and come together and how her fiancé tries to get her back. Book 1 focuses on Adrienne and Phoenix however Book 2 & 3 extend to Deidre and Kaz so there are 4 PoVs. Adrienne and Phoenix‘s story is dealt with in this trilogy and there is a HEA but Deidre and Kaz‘s relationship is left open at the end of Book 3.
Heat level 🌶️🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆 - the sex scenes are well written with a good level of heat and sexiness but do not overtake the story in terms of the number of such scenes. They‘re all pretty vanilla but still sexy.
The trilogy is well written and there are limited editing and typing issues. Book 1 started off strong with a good storyline and a slight cliffhanger ending (each book has a cliffhanger ending). The FC is likeable and strong and the MC is a possessive alpha who, in respect of threats, is strong and willing to kill he otherwise comes across as quite soft and romantic especially with the FC. The author develops the MC/FC relationship well and you feel the connection grow and strengthen between them. There is a decent level of world setting but not huge amounts of depth. Aside from some of the history between Shadow and Willow Creek Packs the focus is on present time events.
I found the trilogy hard to buy into as each book seemed to have its own dramatic story arc, Book 1 focussed on the fated mate element of the FC/MC, Book 2 focussed on the ex fiancé wanting to get the FC back and Book 3 focussed on Deidre. Whilst Book 1 and most of 2 focussed on Adrienne and Phoenix Book 2 also introduced PoVs from Deidre & Kaz and their interactions. It was like the real story of Adrienne and Phoenix finished in Book 2 but there were still elements that carried through to the end of Book 3 but the emphasis switched. It felt a disjointed with the author inserting lots of different events that then happened quickly with not a huge amount of development.
There were some gaps/unfinished issues around the story with the biggest for me being why no one really delved into the illegal adoptions and what they were all about. It’s as if the author forgot they had introduced that element of the storyline and especially the bit where the author implied that Adrienne‘s adoption was not random. In addition, why would the FC not question her parents about the adoption and why they did what they did? There seemed to very little of anyone questioning the FC‘s adoptive parents about any of their actions.
In general this trilogy was enjoyable but not a keeper for me as it was a bit too fast, to full of different things happening and lacking in depth in places.
December 6, 2023
~ MF fated mates
~ age gap (18/30s)
~ multiple couples
☑️ abuse, kidnapping, violence, secondary character death
✅ no ow drama, sharing, cheating, MC death
This second book definitely suffered sequel syndrome.
🔶 We’re introduced to Dee and Kaz as a forming couple. At first I thought Valen would have been a better love interest for Dee, but I was won over to Kaz eventually.
🔶 It was difficult for me to remember if I was reading Adris POV or Deirdre’s, and we flipped between the action of Kaz/Dee to the softer relationship building of Adri/Phoenix, it just didn’t work for me personally.
🔶 Unfortunately in addition to the story flipping, the angst the author is going for doesn’t work for me. Dee is 17, to be 18 in a few months. To all the 1 star reviews the age of consent in Alaska is 16, as it is in over half the states. Which brings me to my issue with Dee and Kaz. He goes on and on about how she’s too young for him, his position as enforcer is too dangerous blahblah.
Well, Phoenix and Adri have the SAME age gap, only a 2 year difference, Phoenix is alpha and always in danger as well. Kaz doesn’t see a problem with their relationship, so his issues with Dees age and his job don’t come off as believable.
🔶 There were too many plot conveniences, inconsistencies and poor world building. I couldn’t immerse myself in the story fully. Phoenix and Adri were marked, mated and married with plenty of witnesses, plenty of reasons for the other packs to see reason when Zade demands her return. Adri could have been upfront with Zade about already being married. Adri was magically left unguarded one evening to sneak out. Zade was doing mass executions but the other packs were ignoring it. See my Notes for others.
🔶 I might get stoned here, but I had sympathy for the villian. Yes Zade lied to her about being a shadow wolf, but she forgave others for a lot worse. He was a product of his upbringing just like her and did consider her his best friend. She liked him enough to sleep with him, and when she left he went off the rails. Instead of being honest with him later she tried to trick him. Yes, he turned into a monster but as it asks in the book what would have happened had he had her as support during his alpha transition? We will never know.
🔶 There’s a lot of repetition, and I’m shocked I’m saying this but almost too much smut. I still love Phoenix and his dirty talk though, even if I have to read that he “slammed into her. Hard”, one more time 🥹
Overall go into this taming your expectations for a cohesive plot.
~ age gap (18/30s)
~ multiple couples
☑️ abuse, kidnapping, violence, secondary character death
✅ no ow drama, sharing, cheating, MC death
This second book definitely suffered sequel syndrome.
🔶 We’re introduced to Dee and Kaz as a forming couple. At first I thought Valen would have been a better love interest for Dee, but I was won over to Kaz eventually.
🔶 It was difficult for me to remember if I was reading Adris POV or Deirdre’s, and we flipped between the action of Kaz/Dee to the softer relationship building of Adri/Phoenix, it just didn’t work for me personally.
🔶 Unfortunately in addition to the story flipping, the angst the author is going for doesn’t work for me. Dee is 17, to be 18 in a few months. To all the 1 star reviews the age of consent in Alaska is 16, as it is in over half the states. Which brings me to my issue with Dee and Kaz. He goes on and on about how she’s too young for him, his position as enforcer is too dangerous blahblah.
Well, Phoenix and Adri have the SAME age gap, only a 2 year difference, Phoenix is alpha and always in danger as well. Kaz doesn’t see a problem with their relationship, so his issues with Dees age and his job don’t come off as believable.
🔶 There were too many plot conveniences, inconsistencies and poor world building. I couldn’t immerse myself in the story fully. Phoenix and Adri were marked, mated and married with plenty of witnesses, plenty of reasons for the other packs to see reason when Zade demands her return. Adri could have been upfront with Zade about already being married. Adri was magically left unguarded one evening to sneak out. Zade was doing mass executions but the other packs were ignoring it. See my Notes for others.
🔶 I might get stoned here, but I had sympathy for the villian. Yes Zade lied to her about being a shadow wolf, but she forgave others for a lot worse. He was a product of his upbringing just like her and did consider her his best friend. She liked him enough to sleep with him, and when she left he went off the rails. Instead of being honest with him later she tried to trick him. Yes, he turned into a monster but as it asks in the book what would have happened had he had her as support during his alpha transition? We will never know.
🔶 There’s a lot of repetition, and I’m shocked I’m saying this but almost too much smut. I still love Phoenix and his dirty talk though, even if I have to read that he “slammed into her. Hard”, one more time 🥹
Overall go into this taming your expectations for a cohesive plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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