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Blood Moon Wolves #1

Howl of the Alpha

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After years of hard work, Victoria Branson’s bar is one of the hippest places to be in the city. All that’s missing is someone to share her life with. Too bad she has zero skills when it comes to love and dating. Until a mysterious, handsome stranger enters her bar and turns her life upside down. Victoria has never had a one-night stand before, but she might make an exception for Axton.

Wolf alpha Axton Lupine is a busy man. Between running his pack and the New York offices of Blood Moon Agency, he doesn’t have time to think of the future. Love is just a complication, and he doesn’t even believe in it, anyway. When he lays eyes on the beautiful, fun-loving and delectable, Victoria, all that and any sense of control goes out the window.

Meeting his mate wasn’t part of the plan, but he allows himself one single night with her. Fate has other plans. Soon, Victoria’s life and livelihood are threatened, and Axton has to face his greatest fear—losing everything he never dared to hope for. The wolf will stop at nothing to save his mate, and he might just start to believe in love along the way.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2023

263 people are currently reading
77 people want to read

About the author

Milly Taiden

494 books4,271 followers
Milly Taiden (also writes as April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean (to her) known as the Dominican Republic. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.

When she’s not working full-time, texting with her best friend Heidi in England, chastising her son for pulling the dog’s ears, shopping with her sister Jewel or watching scary movies with her husband, she can be found writing on her laptop.

She’s addicted to shoes, chocolate, Dunkin Donuts coffee and JIMMY THOMAS covers!!!

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5 stars
290 (54%)
4 stars
131 (24%)
3 stars
76 (14%)
2 stars
26 (4%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,284 reviews2,388 followers
July 10, 2023
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

This was a pretty good story but it felt a little anti-climatic. Victoria saw a man shift into a lion right in front of her...and had no reaction? Then the ending when she found out Axton knew they were mates and was just going to have a one night stand before leaving her didn't seem to phase her at all either. There just wasn't enough drama or intrigue for me I think. Even the end to the mystery of who was messing with her seemed to just end with little fanfare

It was still an interesting storyline so I did like reading it for the most part.
209 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2024
Great start to this series

I never get tired of reading Millys books and this one is as good as the others. Ready to read the next.
14 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2024
Are we just not going to talk about the massive amount of references and mentions of nachos? The nachos were the other lover in this book. So much talk of nachos and continuously over the book in the most absurd way. You end it with being disappointed they didn’t just make love on a bed of nachos because everything else was just as absurd.
Profile Image for Shifter Haven.
255 reviews8 followers
July 22, 2023
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Howl of the Alpha begins the Blood Moon Wolves series with a story that is full of steaminess, danger, laughter, and two stubborn people finally accepting that they cannot keep fighting this attraction… but, they’ll keep trying.

Funny how a late-night craving for the best pulled pork nachos in the city can change a life or two. Axton may be an Alpha, the COO of the New York division of the world-famous Blood Moon Agency, and a very powerful, wealthy man. Yet even he cannot fight his instincts when he’s finally face-to-face with his mate. Oh, he’ll try, but trying to ignore Victoria, in spite of his best efforts, is proving more difficult than he could have imagined. He’s a man who never gets entangled with women, one night stands, that all he’s ever allowed. He has his reasons, not good ones, but they sound good to him. And then along comes an amazing woman, strong, independent, sassy, perfect for him… and he’ll try to ignore the mate bond, but when Victoria faces dangers from several fronts and turns to him for help – well, all that ignoring her goes right out the window.

I completely enjoyed myself in this new world. There is certainly a connection between Axton and Victoria, but they are both so stubborn. The danger to Victoria is very real, and the solution is complicated. Yet that danger element kept me engaged to the end, and my suspicions weren’t that far off, either. We’ll meet a couple of people that I hope we will encounter again in this series, for I’d really like to know their story. Howl of the Alpha is well-written, engaging, sexy, dangerous, flirty, with unexpected laughter throughout. I had a blast here, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next release.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
2,192 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2023
Hmm..

I almost DNF'd this book, but I made myself finish reading it.

When Axton, CEO and Alpha Wolf of a protection agency, decides to spend a Friday night at a bar, finding female company for the night; he ends up meeting his mate. Axton has never believed in love due to his childhood and upbringing. But knowing that he could spend one night with his mate is an offer he won't pass up.

Victoria has taken her family's dive bar and turned it into one of Manhattan's hippest spots in the city. It's her pride and joy. When a gorgeous man walks in looking like he stepped out of a magazine, she's tongue tied at first. They chat and flirt all night and he slips out early the next morning never to be seen again.

But when trouble comes to her bar and the stranger shifts into a lion in front of her, she knows that she needs help, big time. The threats become real when she nearly loses her liquor license and the city tries to shut down her kitchen with false reports. She looks up Axton's name on the Internet and realizes what kind of business he's in hoping for some help.

Axton hasn't been able to stop thinking about the night he spent with his mate in the past month. But when Victoria shows up at his office scared, he will do anything to help her out.

Only she refuses anything personal between them, and that's all on him. She has enough on her hands with her bar, getting hurt by Axton again will just be too much for her to handle.

His wolf isn't happy with him because he didn't mate her and now she's in trouble. But he knows that she deserves more than him. He doesn't know how to love. But the more time he spends with her, he realizes that he's in love already.

He just needs to find the lions responsible for her distress. Only Axton gets a shock of his own when it turns out that he led the man behind the scenes to her from the start.
1,706 reviews12 followers
July 7, 2023
Victoria Branson owns a bar one of the only family owned bar in Manhattan, and doing her best to keep her business alive after fighting so hard to keep the business in the family for so many years. She looks up as does all the women in the bar when one of the finest men she has ever laid eyes on walks into her bar and she will never be the same again. Axton Lupine COO of Blood Moon Agency which deals in private security. When he sets eyes on Victoria he knows in his soul what he will not admit and he and Victoria hit it off, they have one night and he plans to never see her again. Life loves to play tricks on the unsuspecting when Victoria finds that someone is trying to run her out of business she calls on the one man who never wants to see her again. A very entertaining and page turner of romance, suspense, mystery, and love. I received a copy without obligation I am volunteering an honest review.
3,420 reviews19 followers
July 8, 2023
Howl of the Alpha (Blood Moon Wolves #1) due 7/11/23 5 stars
Victoria & Axton

She's completed the remodeling of the family bar along with updating her unique menu which continues to draw a good crowd. Her friend tries to convince her to take some personal time and go out. She's not much of a dater but --after she sees Axton come in--here she goes.

She's out of practice flirting, still, she makes an effort with Axton. He must feel the same since he's going along. As COO and Alpha of their wolf pack, he never spends much time especially since he doesn't trust women. Somehow he's feeling different around Victoria.

He still tries to resist the feelings until trouble rears his ugly head. His wolf inside insists on helping her. Surprises ahead. Unexpected feelings as well as characters easy to remember and hard to forget.

Another great read in a shorter book but hard to forget.
331 reviews
July 6, 2023
I loved it!! Axton Lupine, COO of Blood Moon Agency, had a craving for his favorite food. Which led him to Branson's for nachos. The owner Victoria turns out is his mate. After a one night stand they went their separate ways. Victoria reached out for Axton's help after some issues with the bar. I absolutely loved this read. Teaching us sometimes you need to stop a smell the roses. Love finds you when you need it the most!! Milly Taiden sure knows how to tell a story. Two workaholics finding love over a plate of Nachos! Milly you continue to intrigue us with your creativity! Looking forward to more!!

I received a free ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Book Binge.
409 reviews38 followers
March 20, 2024
I used to read books by this author all the time several years ago and really liked them. This was the first book by this author I've read in years and it is not as good as I remember the others being. Everything just felt off, the POVs were switching in the middle of scenes, and I was missing the humor from previous books. I also never really like dealing with the cliche hero sleeping with anything that moves but at least we don't really have to hear about it too much after the first quarter of the book. I felt like there were a lot of set ups for potential jokes or funny scenes but they weren't necessarily followed through on so the things that it felt like were supposed to be humorous weren't really landing for me.
Profile Image for Denise.
3,713 reviews
July 9, 2023
Great story about an alpha wolf who finds his mate because of his love of nachos. But Axton Lupine has always told himself that he didn't need a mate and preferred to play the field. Can this beautiful human change him from a workaholic to a lover of rom-coms?

Victoria Branson is determined to keep her family bar running and maybe, one day, her finances in the green. Meeting Axton in the bar one night leads to her very first one-night stand. When trouble comes her way she remembers he is in the security business and asks for his help. Can she keep him coming around often enough to win his love?

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
945 reviews7 followers
July 10, 2023
Who would have thought you could find love over a plate of nachos...

But when Axton wandered into Victoria Branson's bar, he discovered more than a tasty snack. The owner just happened to be the mate he thought he'd find. Although they agreed to only one night together, Victoria soon found herself in need of his special skills when a lion shifter and city inspectors threatened her bar. I enjoyed the mystery of who was behind the attacks and why mixed in with the budding relationship between Axton and Victoria.

This was the first book in the Blood Moon Wolves series and I can't wait to read the next one.
84 reviews
July 16, 2023
I found this to be a lovely read and Milly doesn’t disappoint me at all with this book. I love how you have a strong alpha female who knows what she wants and knows how to handle herself whilst also taking no nonsense from everyone including those close to her. Then you have the alpha male who thinks he knows what is best for himself when in actuality he hasn’t been looking at the world from all perspectives and is about to meet his match. When they meet it gets steamy but it takes for her to have trouble with her bar for them to finally get together and have a happy ending.

I’m writing this honest review in exchange for a free review copy.
689 reviews
June 20, 2025
honestly, this rating might be a bit harsh because the book wasn't inherently bad, but now that i'm older, any book that i'm just not feeling.... it gets a lower rating (like maybe 3 years ago me would've rated it 3 stars).

the plot, the characters, the writing... it just felt so basic. like there wasn't really an element that stood out to me and i just skimmed through it to say i read it on my yearly book count. the chemistry felt so bare, i wasn't rooting for any particular character, and something about this book just felt so bare bones... like you take the general concepts of werewolves, you need a basic plot, you write generic characters and then you have this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Edith .
780 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this introduction to this new series. The protagonists were adorable together and I found myself laughing out loud at some parts. Let’s face it Ms Taiden writes strong females and smart aleck males which lend to some comedic scenes. The story progressed organically and there were some plot twists which I also liked. All in all I had a fun time!
BTW I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
269 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2023
Loved Axton and Victoria their story is both sweet with a little danger thrown in. This book is very romantic and kept me reading every single page. Axton fighting his feelings due to childhood trauma's but love and his mate Victoria always finds a way. I highly recommend this book to everyone who has a romantic heart inside. Be sure to pick up a copy you will be so very glad that you did.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
101 reviews
July 9, 2023
I really loved this book. Victoria is a bar owner and Axton is a COO of a security company. They the perfect couple! When Victoria’s bar is in trouble, she goes to Axton for help. It’s amazing how love grows when two people are pulled together in times of trouble. The very last person you would ever think is causing the trouble with the bar did it. You will have to read the book to find out who is the cause of the trouble. I received a free ARC copy for my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AmyLynn.
990 reviews21 followers
July 10, 2023
Howl of the Alpha is book 1 in the Blood Moon Wolves series. This was a great introduction to a new series. We get Axton and Victoria's story and it was a cute, laugh out loud paranormal romance. It's sweet and sassy with a bit of danger thrown in. What an entertaining story. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Becky.
322 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2023
A one night stand and nachos?! Yes please! Axton wandered into Victoria's bar. How was he to know that he and his wolf would not only crave her tacos, but Victoria as well? And a one night stand is never enough, especially with your mate. Keeping away from her will never be enough for him or his wolf. When danger comes her way, all bets are off...Fabulous 1st book is the Blood Moon Wolves series by Milly Taiden
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,637 reviews
July 6, 2023
What a fantastic beginning to a new series. The characters a amazing, the story is paced nicely and well written and the story, overall, was very entertaining. It grabbed from the beginning and still hasn't let go. I look forward to rereading this book and reading whatever comes next. Well done to the author on another remarkable book.
890 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2023
Good

Axton is an alpha wolf shifter who owns a high-end security company and meets Victoria at the bar she owns, and he knows she is his mate. She ends up having some troubles and goes to him to see about hiring him, not realizing they don't normally work with such small businesses. It was a good story.
Profile Image for Steph B.
99 reviews
August 24, 2023
Interesting New Series

I really enjoyed this first book in are Blood Moon Wolves series. Liked the interaction between Victoria and Axton. It was nice to see their relationship develop. Victoria was a strong ,caring human woman. Axton was a strong Alpha but not overly macho . Looking forward to other books in the series. Recommended read.
14 reviews
September 16, 2023
A must read!

Couldn't put the book down read into the very early morning hours. It had it all danger love family. It made my day. I just want to find out about the uncle if he got help with his addiction and if they have a family. But I am sure book 2 will answer everything. people this is a must read.
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2023
😁😁😁😁💜

A craving for nachos turns into so much more! At least it would if Axton would get his head on straight. That just doesn’t seem to be possible until … sorry, not sorry, not telling!
But if you like a story with a smart, strong, and sassy female, this one is for you!!
Profile Image for The Reluctant Retiree.
954 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2023
Such a Delightful Tale!

Been a while since I indulged in the simple pleasures of life. Reading this book brought all of those memories back. The couple were so great together and I am looking forward to reading more!
5,450 reviews32 followers
July 8, 2023
4.5 Stars

This was a great start to a new series. Milly Taiden has created characters that are both endearing and entertaining. The story line kept me reading in one sitting. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Catriona Bain.
293 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2023
Brilliant

Another great new series to add to Milly's collection.
If you like her other books, then you will love this one.
I did receive this book as an ARC, but this is my honest review.
1,895 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2023
Loved this book! A great start to a new series! Such amazing characters that keep you entertained through the whole story! A wonderful storyline that keeps you captivated! A very enjoyable read and I can’t wait for more! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
1,913 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2023
wolfs

This was so good. I enjoyed the storyline it was exciting and kept me engaged. Victoria is a great character and is perfect for Axton. This was a great story with fantastic characters. Can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,015 reviews22 followers
July 20, 2023
Cute and quick. Idk why but it was almost juvenile compare to other books I’ve read by this author and I think it was the use of “cronies” and “crooks” like it was just so odd lol to me. Idk. It wasn’t bad though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
491 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2023
alpha love

Axton was a Alpha Wolf who never believed in love until he met his mate Victoria. Victoria owed a local bar and one night Axton came in for the nachos. Victorias business was under attack and she reached out to Axton for help.


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