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Mated Heart and Soul #1
Altered Heart
As a werewolf and an enforcer for the Committee for Supernatural Behavioral Enforcement, Mick Matranga has seen his share of lowlifes, but Kevin Sutter, pack alpha, is one of the lowest. He has forcibly turned and taken prisoner a young human. Mick has been assigned to affect a rescue and bring Sutter to justice.
Dispatching the bad guy turns out to be the easy part of his assignment. Sutter's prisoner, Rio Hardin, turns out to be a smart-mouthed, sassy brat with the face of an angel who takes Mick's heart by storm. He's also a runaway turned hustler who has suffered numerous abuses in the course of his tumultuous life.
Bound by his code of honor and determined that Rio be protected at all costs, Mick makes it his personal duty to see to it that no one hurts Rio again. If that includes ignoring the instinctual knowledge that Rio is his mate and Rio's own desire to be with him, so be it.
There's only one flaw in his plan. Rio is about to go through his first shift, a very painful process which can only be made tolerable by applying a certain amount of distraction--sexual distraction. Mick has two choices. He can leave Rio in the hands of his very capable brother or he can give in to the mutual heat and need between them and indoctrinate his young charge into the ways of the werewolf.
"Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, sex for money, sex while in shifted animal form, violence."
Dispatching the bad guy turns out to be the easy part of his assignment. Sutter's prisoner, Rio Hardin, turns out to be a smart-mouthed, sassy brat with the face of an angel who takes Mick's heart by storm. He's also a runaway turned hustler who has suffered numerous abuses in the course of his tumultuous life.
Bound by his code of honor and determined that Rio be protected at all costs, Mick makes it his personal duty to see to it that no one hurts Rio again. If that includes ignoring the instinctual knowledge that Rio is his mate and Rio's own desire to be with him, so be it.
There's only one flaw in his plan. Rio is about to go through his first shift, a very painful process which can only be made tolerable by applying a certain amount of distraction--sexual distraction. Mick has two choices. He can leave Rio in the hands of his very capable brother or he can give in to the mutual heat and need between them and indoctrinate his young charge into the ways of the werewolf.
"Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, sex for money, sex while in shifted animal form, violence."
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
19 people are currently reading
1243 people want to read
About the author
Kate Steele
71 books170 followersAs a kid, from the time I learned to read, I've treasured books. Fiction mostly, because I'm the type of person who likes to be taken on journeys of imagination. I guess it was only natural I'd try to orchestrate some of those journeys myself, and share them with others.
Writing can be fun, frustrating, and sometimes even frightening, but it sings a siren song that entices. And whether you end up in the arms of a gorgeous muse, or wreaked on the rocks of broken thought, when you feel the urge to write, you do it.
I do my writing in a turn-of-the-century house located in the midst of Indiana farm country. In addition to dogs, cats and lovebirds, my family keeps me company. When not writing, I read, am an enthusiastic grower of iris, and a fanatic fan of Japanese manga and anime.
Writing can be fun, frustrating, and sometimes even frightening, but it sings a siren song that entices. And whether you end up in the arms of a gorgeous muse, or wreaked on the rocks of broken thought, when you feel the urge to write, you do it.
I do my writing in a turn-of-the-century house located in the midst of Indiana farm country. In addition to dogs, cats and lovebirds, my family keeps me company. When not writing, I read, am an enthusiastic grower of iris, and a fanatic fan of Japanese manga and anime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 26, 2016
**3 Tortured, Grieving and Painful Stars**
Rio has felt pain and hardships, from the time his mother died and he left home at sixteen. But nothing compared or prepared him, for the agony and life changing experience he receives, after being bitten by a werewolf...or the weeks that follow after his taken .
Mick a werewolf and enforcer, has a job to bring in a pack alpha, who has committed horrific crimes against humans...and save the 'human' he currently holds as prisoner. Seems easy enough? It would be, if he could resist the pup under his care...and not feel the need to protect the hurt and damaged, Rio.
Despite all his been through, Rio isn't a weakling. His feisty and isn't afraid to make his opinion and needs known. And that includes needing and connecting to Mick....who soon learns that not all rules are followed. And emotions and fate, overpower common sense.
"When you talk to me, when you touch me, it goes away. All the bad things go away and I feel clean again."
Everybody's got something in their life...
They think they have to hide.
Rio has felt pain and hardships, from the time his mother died and he left home at sixteen. But nothing compared or prepared him, for the agony and life changing experience he receives, after being bitten by a werewolf...or the weeks that follow after his taken .
Mick a werewolf and enforcer, has a job to bring in a pack alpha, who has committed horrific crimes against humans...and save the 'human' he currently holds as prisoner. Seems easy enough? It would be, if he could resist the pup under his care...and not feel the need to protect the hurt and damaged, Rio.
Despite all his been through, Rio isn't a weakling. His feisty and isn't afraid to make his opinion and needs known. And that includes needing and connecting to Mick....who soon learns that not all rules are followed. And emotions and fate, overpower common sense.
"When you talk to me, when you touch me, it goes away. All the bad things go away and I feel clean again."
March 26, 2014
Typical werewolf romance. Even though I appreciated Rio's strength, and humor, the lack of balance in the relationship, the age gap, and Mick's almost paternal attitude left me a bit cold. Not bad, but it blends in with every other story in this genre I’ve read. A bit formulaic.
March 16, 2016
4.5 stars
My first experience with Kate Steele's story and I must say that I'm impressed. Her writing is really good -- I loved how she describes the process of shifting from human to wolf, like a magical ritual. The idea of having sex to help handle the pain of shifting for the first time is fleshed out wonderfully. The story has likable characters, emotion, conflict, and a lovely ending that made me totally satisfied.
And oh, I really, REALLY, loved this line because it totally mirrors what I feel inside ... "I think that’s hard for a lot of people to accept but really, when it comes to sex and maybe especially love, the gender of the two people involved should take a backseat to how they feel about each other. I don’t think it would be right for love to be thrown away just because the stuffed shirts of the world don’t think it’s right for two women or two men to love each other". Well said.
My first experience with Kate Steele's story and I must say that I'm impressed. Her writing is really good -- I loved how she describes the process of shifting from human to wolf, like a magical ritual. The idea of having sex to help handle the pain of shifting for the first time is fleshed out wonderfully. The story has likable characters, emotion, conflict, and a lovely ending that made me totally satisfied.
And oh, I really, REALLY, loved this line because it totally mirrors what I feel inside ... "I think that’s hard for a lot of people to accept but really, when it comes to sex and maybe especially love, the gender of the two people involved should take a backseat to how they feel about each other. I don’t think it would be right for love to be thrown away just because the stuffed shirts of the world don’t think it’s right for two women or two men to love each other". Well said.
December 29, 2010
Awwwwwww... the love between wolves
So, about this book... I don't know from where start to tell you how much I enjoy this werewolf paranormal romance!
There is drama (Rio kidnapping at the begin of the story is veeeeeery disturbing!), love, suspense... I LOVED IT!
I certainly enjoy this story, and recommend to all! Mick and Rio love story is incredible sweet!
5 stars!
October 23, 2015
Could have been so good. But wasn’t.
I was all jumping for joy with the great potential of hurt/comfort going on in this book.
But unfortunately the execution was not great.
My main problem was Mitch. He was a bit too cold for my taste. And he was pushing Rio away right until 70% when he decided he wants him and loves him. Right….
I was all jumping for joy with the great potential of hurt/comfort going on in this book.
But unfortunately the execution was not great.
My main problem was Mitch. He was a bit too cold for my taste. And he was pushing Rio away right until 70% when he decided he wants him and loves him. Right….
April 17, 2017
3.5 stars.. Pleasant enough m/m werewolf romance, finished it in an afternoon. Despite the promisingly dark start, it all turned a little bit too sweet and bland for me personally. I made no highlights on kindle so sorry no quote.
March 6, 2013
Just re-read this one after a year and loved, loved, loved it all over again! Fabulous shifter story about Rio, a young drifter who is turned into a werewolf against his will and Mick, the big, strong Committee for Supernatural Behavioral Enforcement Agent who helps ease him into his new life as a shifter. Yum!
If you like sexual tension, this one has it is spades! Melt your kindle, baby! Also, smokin' hot sex, lost of angst and comfort and a spectacular HEA. If you've already read it, it is SO worth a re-read.
If you like sexual tension, this one has it is spades! Melt your kindle, baby! Also, smokin' hot sex, lost of angst and comfort and a spectacular HEA. If you've already read it, it is SO worth a re-read.
January 19, 2019
An easy, enjoyable read. Loved the resolution with Rio’s dad, pretty basic- my major vice is that I felt there could’ve been a lot more world building.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2010
This is a slight variation on the werewolf theme. Set in a world of otherwordly beings, we don't get to really see any of them, but knowing they exist makes a difference. It made the story more 'real' for me, more consistent. The characters being werewolves wasn't an 'add-on', like it is in some stories, they were somehow more fundamentally different.
I liked Rio a lot. He has been through absolute hell, but his inner strength has helped him to survive. While it isn't surprising that he falls for his rescuer, his thoughts about what was going on convinced me that it was more than an 'automatic' reaction. That would have made everything just too convenient.
Mick is the typical growly loner in one sense, but he is also a very caring being who has suffered a lot himself. While he tries to do the right thing (stay away from Rio because he sees him as too young), that actually made me angry at him in this case. I guess it was because Rio's need for him was so clear and convincing.
Overall, this is a great love story about two characters who look very different from the outside, but are both wounded and need each other to be happy. Oh, and the fact that, while they were mates, this wasn't overemphasized, was a nice difference versus some other werewolf stories as well. I really liked this book.
I liked Rio a lot. He has been through absolute hell, but his inner strength has helped him to survive. While it isn't surprising that he falls for his rescuer, his thoughts about what was going on convinced me that it was more than an 'automatic' reaction. That would have made everything just too convenient.
Mick is the typical growly loner in one sense, but he is also a very caring being who has suffered a lot himself. While he tries to do the right thing (stay away from Rio because he sees him as too young), that actually made me angry at him in this case. I guess it was because Rio's need for him was so clear and convincing.
Overall, this is a great love story about two characters who look very different from the outside, but are both wounded and need each other to be happy. Oh, and the fact that, while they were mates, this wasn't overemphasized, was a nice difference versus some other werewolf stories as well. I really liked this book.
January 28, 2015
After multiple reads, I've upped the rating and added this one to my favourites shelf ... the more shifter books I read, the better this one appears in comparison ...
This is one of the better shifter books that I've read ... there were no clunky paradoxes in the world to spoil the story ... the paranormal aspect was so beautifully portrayed that I was surprised to emerge back into the mundane 'real' world where paranormal beasties don't live side-by-side with humans *sigh* ... although the age gap between Mick & Rio stretched my comfort zone, it stayed millimetres away from the icky because the werewolves 'looked' much younger than they actually were ... the smex was smokin' hot and I'm a smidge disappointed that there doesn't appear to be a sequel *pout* ... if you like shifter romance but are often disappointed, I think you'll find this book worth the read.
This is one of the better shifter books that I've read ... there were no clunky paradoxes in the world to spoil the story ... the paranormal aspect was so beautifully portrayed that I was surprised to emerge back into the mundane 'real' world where paranormal beasties don't live side-by-side with humans *sigh* ... although the age gap between Mick & Rio stretched my comfort zone, it stayed millimetres away from the icky because the werewolves 'looked' much younger than they actually were ... the smex was smokin' hot and I'm a smidge disappointed that there doesn't appear to be a sequel *pout* ... if you like shifter romance but are often disappointed, I think you'll find this book worth the read.
December 9, 2010
I liked this story quite a lot. It wasn't overly involved or complicated. It's a fairly standard shifter universe, though apparently humans know that shifters exist in this universe. I liked Mick's personal hang-ups and didn't feel they were overblown or unnecessary, and Rio's were fairly self explanatory. The author touched on all the small things that I wanted to see by the end, so it was satisfying as well. 4 stars.
July 19, 2012
I was in the mood for a werewolf story and glad that I came across this one. A very enjoyable romantic story. It seemed like the way it ended, the author was setting it up for more books, but doesn't look like anymore are out there which is a shame. I would have like to read more about these characters.
December 28, 2010
Not much to say that wasn't said in other reviews. it was good and held my attention.
May 3, 2015
I quite enjoyed a story where paranormal beings were generally known (if not fully accepted) by mere humans. There were bad people on both sides... and Rio Hardin fell victims to both. So come Mick Matranga, a werewolf and enforcer for the Committee for Supernatural Behavioral Enforcement (CFSBE) to the rescue.
It's quite simple plot: vanquish the bad, save the kid, bring to pack, find (soul)mate and live happily ever after. But somehow made different with how Rio sustained after his abuse and started his "normal" life as a were pup - the last couple of years of his human life was no picnic either.
I loved his connection and slow-built romance with Mick. Also, the slightly painful description of his first shift.
The glitch IMHO, was how the story try to fix all the mess for Rio in the end. Yes, I loved HEA in my reading. I just wish it wasn't felt too forced or too perfect.
It's quite simple plot: vanquish the bad, save the kid, bring to pack, find (soul)mate and live happily ever after. But somehow made different with how Rio sustained after his abuse and started his "normal" life as a were pup - the last couple of years of his human life was no picnic either.
I loved his connection and slow-built romance with Mick. Also, the slightly painful description of his first shift.
The glitch IMHO, was how the story try to fix all the mess for Rio in the end. Yes, I loved HEA in my reading. I just wish it wasn't felt too forced or too perfect.
January 19, 2011
2 1/2 stars
I'm torn on this one. It's a very sweet story, I think perhaps a bit too sweet. The tension and growing pains of the 1st half the book and their eventual coming to together was grand. After that though, everything wrapped up too well, too quickly, with too much enlightened psychobabble in cheesy lifetime movie fashion.And instead of the warm fuzzies (it should have prompted), it Rhett Butler bitch slapped out of the story.
I liked Mick and Rio as a couple, enjoyed the emotional layers in their story, the hot smex, and the feel of authors writing (for the most part). So I plan to read her again soon.
I'm torn on this one. It's a very sweet story, I think perhaps a bit too sweet. The tension and growing pains of the 1st half the book and their eventual coming to together was grand. After that though, everything wrapped up too well, too quickly, with too much enlightened psychobabble in cheesy lifetime movie fashion.And instead of the warm fuzzies (it should have prompted), it Rhett Butler bitch slapped out of the story.
I liked Mick and Rio as a couple, enjoyed the emotional layers in their story, the hot smex, and the feel of authors writing (for the most part). So I plan to read her again soon.
November 18, 2011
3.5 stars. Reread. Pretty good paranormal m/m romance about a werewolf enforcer who kills a psychotic alpha werewolf and rescues the young man/werewolf being kept as a pet by said psychotic alpha werewolf. It felt like the author was setting things up for a second book, but it doesn't appear to exist.
January 22, 2012
Poor Rio, I really liked him, he's sweet, tough, scarred and still so resilient. I'm not sure about his pretty quick "recovery" from all the trauma he endured, but Mick was a good match for him.
It took Mick a bit to get his head out of his posterior, but when he finally did....hot and sweet!
It took Mick a bit to get his head out of his posterior, but when he finally did....hot and sweet!
November 20, 2011
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay
Rio Hardin is hustling on the streets after running away from home. One night he agrees to go with the wrong guy-- someone who turns out to be a sadistic alpha werewolf named Kevin Sutter who kidnaps him, turns him, and takes him as a pet. Rio is subject to horrible physical, sexual, and emotional abuse while under Sutter's control, and after a month is malnourished, battered, and suffering from the inhuman treatment.
Most of the wolves in Sutter's pack are afraid to report the abuse to the authorities for fear of the alpha's retaliation. Rio is finally rescued when Mick Matranga, an agent with the Committee for Supernatural Behavioral Enforcement, shows up to arrest Sutter for the death of another young man. Mick takes Rio back home, intending to place him up with a friend who is alpha of another pack to help care for Rio and settle him into life as a wolf. But after the terrible experience with Sutter, Rio is scared and unhappy living with another alpha (although the man means him no harm) and keeps running away until Mick comes and brings him to his own home.
Mick has been trying to ignore all along that his wolf is drawn to Rio. He lost his wife a few years ago and knows he doesn't want a relationship. Although they have a brief physical encounter early on, Mick realizes that getting involved is not a good idea and focuses on getting Rio counseling and started working towards his GED. However, as the full moon draws closer and Rio approaches his first change, Mick knows the man will need help making it through the process and that somehow sexual activity will help. Mick finally admits that he there is something strong between them that he and his wolf can't ignore and he gives in to what he and Rio have both been wanting.
I originally picked this up when looking for stories with heroes with an age difference. In this case it is 18 and 47, which might have been squickier if not for the fact that this is a paranormal. Big age differences between humans (or recently turned humans) and supernatural creatures seem fairly commonplace in this genre so I wasn't really bothered by it. I would have liked it if Mick didn't refer to Rio as "kid" so much, but the age difference really wasn't a major factor to me or in the development of the story.
What did bother me though was how quickly the men jump into a physical relationship after all the trauma Rio has suffered. This is a man who had been violently abused, including sexually. In addition, he had been selling himself on the streets and had experienced other sexual abuse. The idea that within a few days he was ready to make out in an alley, and within less than a month he wanted to have sex with another dominant wolf was hard for me to imagine.
I am willing to suspend my disbelief a lot when I am reading paranormals. I have no problem with instalove or mating bonds or any of the other common features of shifter stories. So I can accept the idea that Mick feels an immediate bond with Rio and that his inner wolf is connecting with him from the start. I just wish that early in their relationship rather than the bond turning his feelings to sexual attraction, instead they focused more on caring and protectiveness. As it was I couldn't help but wonder at a man who is sexually attracted to someone who has been brutally abused for a month and is still barely functioning. What saved it for me is that Rio is clearly attracted to Mick and wants him in return, but it still seemed awfully fast.
This issue wasn't helped by the fact that my first impression of Mick was not very positive. I felt like he was not nearly sensitive enough toward Rio when they first meet. When he is comforting Rio, Mick's mind starts taking note of his attraction to the man. When Rio suddenly starts thrashing around not wanting to be held, Mick is "irritated to have his thoughts interrupted" and then when he lets go and Rio falls he says, "You said let go, so I did." Then when Rio won't give him his name or other information, Mick gives him a hard time and seems annoyed that Rio is not falling into line right away. I guess I kept thinking this guy has been horrifically abused and Mick seemed bothered by his behavior rather than recognizing Rio was totally out of sorts and needed sympathy and understanding. After this part of the book I felt Mick was very kind and loving to Rio. He makes sure he gets counseling, helps him deal with a resolution with his father, and reassures him that nothing that had happened was his fault. But these early scenes soured me on him a bit too much to ever really feel strongly connected to Mick during the rest of the story.
I was also a little confused on the world building. I really wasn't clear whether the humans in the world are aware of the supernaturals. It is never actually discussed (at least that I noticed) so I assumed they were hidden, but at the end something happens that seems to indicate it is common knowledge. I felt like this really should have been clearer, especially because the idea of the humans and supernaturals co-existing is an interesting one I would have liked to learn more about.
One thing that I think was done really well is the scene where Rio first shifts. I think Steele does a really nice job of describing the dual presence of the human and the wolf and how one takes on a dominant role depending on which form they are in. I thought the description of the process and the lure of the moon was really interesting and well written.
Overall I think I liked the idea of this story a bit more than the execution. I wanted to feel more of a connection between the men and get a better sense of Rio's healing before they entered into a sexual relationship. It was an interesting book and a slightly different take on a shifter story, but unfortunately it didn't all come together for me as well as I would have liked.
Rio Hardin is hustling on the streets after running away from home. One night he agrees to go with the wrong guy-- someone who turns out to be a sadistic alpha werewolf named Kevin Sutter who kidnaps him, turns him, and takes him as a pet. Rio is subject to horrible physical, sexual, and emotional abuse while under Sutter's control, and after a month is malnourished, battered, and suffering from the inhuman treatment.
Most of the wolves in Sutter's pack are afraid to report the abuse to the authorities for fear of the alpha's retaliation. Rio is finally rescued when Mick Matranga, an agent with the Committee for Supernatural Behavioral Enforcement, shows up to arrest Sutter for the death of another young man. Mick takes Rio back home, intending to place him up with a friend who is alpha of another pack to help care for Rio and settle him into life as a wolf. But after the terrible experience with Sutter, Rio is scared and unhappy living with another alpha (although the man means him no harm) and keeps running away until Mick comes and brings him to his own home.
Mick has been trying to ignore all along that his wolf is drawn to Rio. He lost his wife a few years ago and knows he doesn't want a relationship. Although they have a brief physical encounter early on, Mick realizes that getting involved is not a good idea and focuses on getting Rio counseling and started working towards his GED. However, as the full moon draws closer and Rio approaches his first change, Mick knows the man will need help making it through the process and that somehow sexual activity will help. Mick finally admits that he there is something strong between them that he and his wolf can't ignore and he gives in to what he and Rio have both been wanting.
I originally picked this up when looking for stories with heroes with an age difference. In this case it is 18 and 47, which might have been squickier if not for the fact that this is a paranormal. Big age differences between humans (or recently turned humans) and supernatural creatures seem fairly commonplace in this genre so I wasn't really bothered by it. I would have liked it if Mick didn't refer to Rio as "kid" so much, but the age difference really wasn't a major factor to me or in the development of the story.
What did bother me though was how quickly the men jump into a physical relationship after all the trauma Rio has suffered. This is a man who had been violently abused, including sexually. In addition, he had been selling himself on the streets and had experienced other sexual abuse. The idea that within a few days he was ready to make out in an alley, and within less than a month he wanted to have sex with another dominant wolf was hard for me to imagine.
I am willing to suspend my disbelief a lot when I am reading paranormals. I have no problem with instalove or mating bonds or any of the other common features of shifter stories. So I can accept the idea that Mick feels an immediate bond with Rio and that his inner wolf is connecting with him from the start. I just wish that early in their relationship rather than the bond turning his feelings to sexual attraction, instead they focused more on caring and protectiveness. As it was I couldn't help but wonder at a man who is sexually attracted to someone who has been brutally abused for a month and is still barely functioning. What saved it for me is that Rio is clearly attracted to Mick and wants him in return, but it still seemed awfully fast.
This issue wasn't helped by the fact that my first impression of Mick was not very positive. I felt like he was not nearly sensitive enough toward Rio when they first meet. When he is comforting Rio, Mick's mind starts taking note of his attraction to the man. When Rio suddenly starts thrashing around not wanting to be held, Mick is "irritated to have his thoughts interrupted" and then when he lets go and Rio falls he says, "You said let go, so I did." Then when Rio won't give him his name or other information, Mick gives him a hard time and seems annoyed that Rio is not falling into line right away. I guess I kept thinking this guy has been horrifically abused and Mick seemed bothered by his behavior rather than recognizing Rio was totally out of sorts and needed sympathy and understanding. After this part of the book I felt Mick was very kind and loving to Rio. He makes sure he gets counseling, helps him deal with a resolution with his father, and reassures him that nothing that had happened was his fault. But these early scenes soured me on him a bit too much to ever really feel strongly connected to Mick during the rest of the story.
I was also a little confused on the world building. I really wasn't clear whether the humans in the world are aware of the supernaturals. It is never actually discussed (at least that I noticed) so I assumed they were hidden, but at the end something happens that seems to indicate it is common knowledge. I felt like this really should have been clearer, especially because the idea of the humans and supernaturals co-existing is an interesting one I would have liked to learn more about.
One thing that I think was done really well is the scene where Rio first shifts. I think Steele does a really nice job of describing the dual presence of the human and the wolf and how one takes on a dominant role depending on which form they are in. I thought the description of the process and the lure of the moon was really interesting and well written.
Overall I think I liked the idea of this story a bit more than the execution. I wanted to feel more of a connection between the men and get a better sense of Rio's healing before they entered into a sexual relationship. It was an interesting book and a slightly different take on a shifter story, but unfortunately it didn't all come together for me as well as I would have liked.
January 23, 2013
Sometimes you read a book , sit back and enjoy it for what it is, pure escapism . Simple as! That's how I felt after finishing Altered Hearts, I just really liked it. The paranormal/were side came over as almost believable, as in this world that Kate Steele has created ' we are told that humans and paranormals have become integrated and are aware of each other (felt more could have been made of this concept). Mick is a great alpha (werewolf) hero who comes to the rescue of Rio, a beautiful young hustler who has been turned ,abused and kept prisoner against his will by a psychotic alpha werewolf and who Mick realises is his possible mate. Mick is an enforcer for an agency that polices the paranormal society but as well as being ultra tough is also kind and thoughtful ( and obviously hot! Sigh!). The rest of the story flows nicely as Mick and Rio come to terms with their attraction and growing love. Yes, this has a lot of stereotypical cliches but somehow they felt a bit fresher than the norm and I really loved the journey that led to a very satisfying happy ending that made me wish there had been a follow up story for Micks brother Jed, but that doesn't seem to be the case...... shame. Another nice change is the love scenes are really well written, hot and sensual, but you are made to wait for them with a good build up of ST , for me that made them even better! I would have given this 4.5* & the only reason this didn't get a 5 * review is because I felt the paranormal side of the book could have been expanded more as stated above, because apart from the conflict with the evil alpha and Rio at the start and the odd bits of lore/info about the way they shift ,much of the story is about the ongoing romance and Rio's back story which deals with why he ended up on the streets hustling. Still Reccomend this highly and have gone on to buy more books by Kate Steele who's style of writing I very much like. Nice one!
December 18, 2025
2018 = DNF / 2 stars
2022 = DNF / review written
Interesting story, but the poor writing, clunky dialogue, and dull inner monologue made it unreadable. It also moved at a snail's pace despite being a short story. 🥱
🅼🅲🆂:
Mick: A werewolf enforcer for a supernatural group.
⁎ Rescues Rio from a sadistic alpha.
⁎ Doesn't want a relationship after his wife's death.
⁎ Pushes Rio away until he finally accepts he's his mate.
Rio is an 18-year-old runaway.
⁎ Ran away from home due to sexual abuse.
⁎ Was a prostitute until a cruel alpha kidnapped him and turned him into a werewolf.
⁎ Tortured both physically and mentally.
⁎ Rescued by Mick, a month later, in a bar.
😬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
Mick: "I'm not the asshole Sutter was, and you need to try cultivating some pride."
Rio: "You try having pride when you have nothing! It's a luxury you can't afford and one few people will grant you."
And: "Most paranormal species had a tendency to act on a visceral level rather than cooperate when confronted with inappropriate behavior, something Booth took great pleasure in reminding his own superior of whenever questions arose about how things were handled."
Last one: "The hard knot of pleasure that gathered beneath his belly pulsed in a throbbing rhythm then burst in aching spasms. Spurts of semen rushed up and out of his trembling cock with each harsh throb, and Rio arched into the spearing shafts of ecstasy that pierced him."
🙄 It's clear why I struggled with this, and why the author wasn't a literary success.
2022 = DNF / review written
Interesting story, but the poor writing, clunky dialogue, and dull inner monologue made it unreadable. It also moved at a snail's pace despite being a short story. 🥱
🅼🅲🆂:
Mick: A werewolf enforcer for a supernatural group.
⁎ Rescues Rio from a sadistic alpha.
⁎ Doesn't want a relationship after his wife's death.
⁎ Pushes Rio away until he finally accepts he's his mate.
Rio is an 18-year-old runaway.
⁎ Ran away from home due to sexual abuse.
⁎ Was a prostitute until a cruel alpha kidnapped him and turned him into a werewolf.
⁎ Tortured both physically and mentally.
⁎ Rescued by Mick, a month later, in a bar.
😬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
Mick: "I'm not the asshole Sutter was, and you need to try cultivating some pride."
Rio: "You try having pride when you have nothing! It's a luxury you can't afford and one few people will grant you."
And: "Most paranormal species had a tendency to act on a visceral level rather than cooperate when confronted with inappropriate behavior, something Booth took great pleasure in reminding his own superior of whenever questions arose about how things were handled."
Last one: "The hard knot of pleasure that gathered beneath his belly pulsed in a throbbing rhythm then burst in aching spasms. Spurts of semen rushed up and out of his trembling cock with each harsh throb, and Rio arched into the spearing shafts of ecstasy that pierced him."
🙄 It's clear why I struggled with this, and why the author wasn't a literary success.
July 18, 2013
3.5 Stars
This was a great quick read that left me in my happy place. Mike was everything I want in a shifter/were and Rio was such a wonderful survivor that he stole my heart from the beginning.
I have always loved paranormal books, and m/m is a more recent addiction, that I love when I find books that are both.
The story could have been longer, with a bit more detail about some of the aspects from this world, but most importantly, I was happy at the end so I rate this 3.5 Stars and will be happy to try more by this author.
This was a great quick read that left me in my happy place. Mike was everything I want in a shifter/were and Rio was such a wonderful survivor that he stole my heart from the beginning.
I have always loved paranormal books, and m/m is a more recent addiction, that I love when I find books that are both.
The story could have been longer, with a bit more detail about some of the aspects from this world, but most importantly, I was happy at the end so I rate this 3.5 Stars and will be happy to try more by this author.
March 27, 2014
3.0 Stars
Fairly entertaining PNR story about an abused human-turned-were and his rescuer. I liked both Rio and Mick. Mick's resistance to accepting that Rio was his mate irked me a little. The scene with Jed? Come on! It all worked out in the end, albeit a little cheesily. (I just made that word up.)
Bottom line: Just okay.
Fairly entertaining PNR story about an abused human-turned-were and his rescuer. I liked both Rio and Mick. Mick's resistance to accepting that Rio was his mate irked me a little. The scene with Jed? Come on! It all worked out in the end, albeit a little cheesily. (I just made that word up.)
Bottom line: Just okay.
October 5, 2010
Really great story. I'd like to see more set in this world. Rio and Mick are a great pair and I liked how their relationship developed. The shifting scene? Whoa...just whoa. Smokin' hot. :D
October 29, 2012
Not as over-the-top as other werewolf books I’ve read
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- I’ve been reading a lot of stories lately with one character who’s endured physical and/or mental abuse and is thus wary around the other main character when they first meet. This story is one of my favorites so far in this hurt/comfort subgenre. Rio is nervous around other people but never struck me as pathetic (perhaps because he’s so young--I guess I’m more forgiving of the tendency toward tears in an 18-year-old than in someone older and wiser). And Mick is gentle and sweet and understanding when Rio gets frightened.
- Other readers have voiced regrets that Steele didn’t add anything new and unique to werewolf lore with this book; but since I’m not all that familiar with werewolf lore, I really appreciated the explanations about how the earth and moon fight over wolves’ bodies and why the change takes place once a month and so on. I also enjoyed reading about the other paranormal characters in this fictional world: vampires, pixies, trolls, sylphs (although I must admit, I had to look that one up), etc.
- The description in this book of what it feels like to change from human form to werewolf form seemed particularly well done to me.
- I was a little frustrated at first by the sexual tension that keeps building and building because Mick refuses to act upon it, but once the characters finally DO have sex, it’s pretty hot. They wait long enough to get going with that phase of their relationship that there are only 2 or 3 actual scenes, but they’re sweet and tender.
CON:
- Mick begins the story desperately attracted to Rio, but for various reasons (Rio’s too young, Rio’s just been turned, Mick’s jaded, Mick is Rio’s protector and shouldn’t take advantage of him, etc.), Mick refuses to give in to Rio’s suggestions that they enter a sexual relationship. And then within the space of a single page--literally--Mick decides to throw all his reasons out the window and they end up having sex that night. From then on out, none of those previous “we can’t do this” excuses even occur to Mick again.
Overall comments: This is a hurt/comfort storyline that contains just the right balance of drama and realism for me. Rio is skittish without being utterly stereotypical, and Mick is strong and wonderful and soothing. I did think Mick transitioned from “I won’t touch him” to “he’s mine forever” rather abruptly, but that wasn’t enough to spoil my enjoyment of the book overall.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- I’ve been reading a lot of stories lately with one character who’s endured physical and/or mental abuse and is thus wary around the other main character when they first meet. This story is one of my favorites so far in this hurt/comfort subgenre. Rio is nervous around other people but never struck me as pathetic (perhaps because he’s so young--I guess I’m more forgiving of the tendency toward tears in an 18-year-old than in someone older and wiser). And Mick is gentle and sweet and understanding when Rio gets frightened.
- Other readers have voiced regrets that Steele didn’t add anything new and unique to werewolf lore with this book; but since I’m not all that familiar with werewolf lore, I really appreciated the explanations about how the earth and moon fight over wolves’ bodies and why the change takes place once a month and so on. I also enjoyed reading about the other paranormal characters in this fictional world: vampires, pixies, trolls, sylphs (although I must admit, I had to look that one up), etc.
- The description in this book of what it feels like to change from human form to werewolf form seemed particularly well done to me.
- I was a little frustrated at first by the sexual tension that keeps building and building because Mick refuses to act upon it, but once the characters finally DO have sex, it’s pretty hot. They wait long enough to get going with that phase of their relationship that there are only 2 or 3 actual scenes, but they’re sweet and tender.
CON:
- Mick begins the story desperately attracted to Rio, but for various reasons (Rio’s too young, Rio’s just been turned, Mick’s jaded, Mick is Rio’s protector and shouldn’t take advantage of him, etc.), Mick refuses to give in to Rio’s suggestions that they enter a sexual relationship. And then within the space of a single page--literally--Mick decides to throw all his reasons out the window and they end up having sex that night. From then on out, none of those previous “we can’t do this” excuses even occur to Mick again.
Overall comments: This is a hurt/comfort storyline that contains just the right balance of drama and realism for me. Rio is skittish without being utterly stereotypical, and Mick is strong and wonderful and soothing. I did think Mick transitioned from “I won’t touch him” to “he’s mine forever” rather abruptly, but that wasn’t enough to spoil my enjoyment of the book overall.
December 11, 2010
Wow! I really love this book with a passion. At first I was wary of the whole werewolf thing, but the stuff on mates and a world where humans know of the existence of supernaturals, really really intrigued me.
Not only that, but the story hit all of my buttons in just the right places. To me, it felt a lot like I was reading one of those Harry Potter Snupin fanfictions I really like where Remus realizes that Snape's his mate and all that. Whatever. Off topic now.
I love stories with a large age-gap which this book had although Mick looks like he's 25. I also love mate fics to which this book also has. Just the thought that there is someone chosen for you, and fated to be with you is so sweet. You can't fight the pull of your mate no matter what gender. I also loved the characters. Sometimes Mick was such a dunderhead, but Rio was able to win him over ... eventually.
The sex was also really really hot, and unlike some books, it didn't feel like too much sex, less story. It felt like a natural process, as Mick and Rio realize that the attraction they had in the beginning was love and their wolf-part saying 'mate'.
Definitely reading this a second time.
Not only that, but the story hit all of my buttons in just the right places. To me, it felt a lot like I was reading one of those Harry Potter Snupin fanfictions I really like where Remus realizes that Snape's his mate and all that. Whatever. Off topic now.
I love stories with a large age-gap which this book had although Mick looks like he's 25. I also love mate fics to which this book also has. Just the thought that there is someone chosen for you, and fated to be with you is so sweet. You can't fight the pull of your mate no matter what gender. I also loved the characters. Sometimes Mick was such a dunderhead, but Rio was able to win him over ... eventually.
The sex was also really really hot, and unlike some books, it didn't feel like too much sex, less story. It felt like a natural process, as Mick and Rio realize that the attraction they had in the beginning was love and their wolf-part saying 'mate'.
Definitely reading this a second time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2012
Rio has been captured, turned, and abused by an alpha werewolf. Mick, an enforcer with a paranormal agency, rescues him and leads him through the mental, emotional and physical changes that occur when a human converts to a were.
Mick also realizes that Rio is his mate but refuses to claim him, resisting due to Rio's age (19) and Mick's own need to stay emotionally detached. When Mick's brother begins to guide Rio through the sexual changes, Mick realizes his mistake and takes over.
The last half of the story is primarily sex and romance between Rio and Mick and the conclusion to Rio's issues with his family of origin.
Overall I found it a sweet story, a nice easy read when I needed something light.
Mick also realizes that Rio is his mate but refuses to claim him, resisting due to Rio's age (19) and Mick's own need to stay emotionally detached. When Mick's brother begins to guide Rio through the sexual changes, Mick realizes his mistake and takes over.
The last half of the story is primarily sex and romance between Rio and Mick and the conclusion to Rio's issues with his family of origin.
Overall I found it a sweet story, a nice easy read when I needed something light.
January 19, 2011
I am really impressed by Steele's prose in this book. It does not at all read amateurish as I have been made wary with other stories in this genre. I'm especially haunted by her imagery of the moon being a jealous sister of the Earth, when accounting the painful, metaphorical "birthing" of a turned werewolf's first shift. Steele masterfully invites you to glimpse into the twin psyche of a werewolf.
Her characters are very well rounded. The boiling attraction of the fated mates not rushed yet always thickly palpable. If a little dark and gritty--in its plot and character background--I really enjoyed Steele's take on this genre.
Her characters are very well rounded. The boiling attraction of the fated mates not rushed yet always thickly palpable. If a little dark and gritty--in its plot and character background--I really enjoyed Steele's take on this genre.
February 5, 2015
2.5 Stars
I never warmed up to Mick and that really brought me out of the story. I liked Rio and I was hoping to like this more than I did. I also would have liked more on the "mates". So you can have more than one mate in this were-world? What exactly is a mate in this world?
I would read Jed's story, if there is one because I liked him A LOT more than Mick.
I never warmed up to Mick and that really brought me out of the story. I liked Rio and I was hoping to like this more than I did. I also would have liked more on the "mates". So you can have more than one mate in this were-world? What exactly is a mate in this world?
I would read Jed's story, if there is one because I liked him A LOT more than Mick.
December 14, 2012
The book was perfectly written, but let me qualify that... every sentence was perfect, all the grammar was correct, the correct usage of the word "whom", and large words were used properly and profusely. But I didn't think that really fit the character of a high school drop out turned rent boy.
I thought it started out with great potential, but it eventually turned into a "let's psychoanalyze Rio and Mick" story. I ended up skimming through the last part of the book. I won't read it again.
I thought it started out with great potential, but it eventually turned into a "let's psychoanalyze Rio and Mick" story. I ended up skimming through the last part of the book. I won't read it again.
October 28, 2016
I didn't love this one but it was because it was a poor choice for me, rather than a flaw with the book or writing. Rio was too young, was victimized so much that the quick turn into a romance felt gross to me. I would rate lower based on my enjoyment of the story for this reason, but that doesn't seem fair because others might not be bothered so I'm going middle of the road.
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