What happens when fate intertwines shifters from land and sea?
Dr. Everett Voda loves a challenge, which is why he’s spent his entire medical career traveling the world, helping shifters in remote areas. There has rarely been a problem he can’t solve, but Merritt Lucas might be the exception to that rule. Everett can’t figure out what’s wrong with Merritt, and his attraction to the younger wolf is starting to become a distraction, especially since they are about to spend a lot of time alone together.
Merritt doesn’t have much going for him. He doesn’t have a pack. He doesn’t have a secondary gender scent. And he’s fallen hopelessly head over heels for an alpha he can’t have. But that doesn’t stop him from taking Everett up on his offer to see the world and experience some of the shifter cultures Merritt has only read about.
But Everett has hidden motives for the trip, and big changes are on the horizon for Merritt and Everett, changes that will either drive them apart or bond them for life.
Everett and the Wolf is book two in the Land and Sea shifter MPREG series featuring an alpha beluga whale who thinks he has everything he wants, a lone wolf who needs a pack, a whirlwind worldwide adventure, and delicious double knotting. While there is MPREG in this world—and cute babies in this story—Everett and Merritt’s family expands in a different way.
Vinni George has been a lover of romance novels (of all shapes, sizes, and colors) since she first got her hands on one of her grandmother’s Harlequins and has never looked back. She lives in Ohio with her two favorite guys (her husband and son) and, hopefully—one day—a dog. When she’s not writing, Vinni can be found working for her family’s business, which provides plenty of plot bunnies. In her spare time, Vinni is a soccer mom who dabbles in performance art, quilting, and various culinary pursuits and enjoys traveling.
Vinni’s debut novel, Hold the Door, was a finalist and runner-up in Contemporary Gay Romance in the 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards.
Everett and the Wolf by Vinnie George Land and Sea series #2. Paranormal shifter M-M romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but characters are continued in sequence from the first book. Merritt is missing something in his life. Worse, he has fallen for the alpha he’s traveling with, knowing a relationship can’t go anywhere. Dr. Everett Voda travels the world helping shifters. He’s intrigued by Merritt and also growing feelings for the beluga. Their relationship takes a leap when Merritt goes into heat.
Merritt and Everett connect and grow their relationship, each wanting more. Merritt gains confidence from being with Everett. It’s sweet and very sexy as Merritt goes through a major change with Everett right there to help.
I like this second series installment more than the first for a few reasons:
- More relationship development and some tension between the MCs
- Stronger world building (the Grecian owl parliament is awesome!)
- Plot that goes beyond love and breeding
- A bit of mystery related to Merritt's secondary gender (he doesn't smell like an alpha, beta, or omega) with an unexpected resolution I quite appreciated
- The cutest baby sea turtle 🐢 shifter
A couple complaints:
- The main characters' names are too similar: Merritt and Everett (Why? 😂) - and then we have a Theo and a Thea (me thinks the author needs to step up their name game)
- Dialogue is too polite and stilted (people don't talk like that)
P.S. I have a burning need to know how a female alpha breeds a female omega. Is this a turkey baster situation, a secret appendage, or magic?
I absolutely love this series from Vinni George! I recommend reading the first book in this series, since that's where you first meet Everett and Merritt and understand what's going on with Merritt at the start of this story.
Everett is an alpha beluga shifter, and Merritt is a wolf shifter without a pack and who still doesn't know where he fits in. The two are traveling together, to allow Merritt to learn more about shifter history while Everett works. But Everett is also hoping to find some answers for Merritt as far as what his designation is and if he can finally find a pack.
These two were so sweet together, I love the tentative feelings and steps towards admitting those feelings. I would say that this has a great friends to lovers feel. I also really enjoy all the backstory and lore that Vinni brings to the different shifters, it really helps ground the story.
Once the two get together, their chemistry is excellent. And I just want to say - I love Merritt and his thoughts on having a family. It's refreshing that it's something a bit different than what we get in most mpreg stories.
The next book in the series looks like it will be a great enemies to lovers story - already can't wait for it!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I'm enjoying this shifter series of land and sea mate pairs. I would suggest you read Jonah and the Narwhal before this as both MCs and their storyline were introduced there and this story follows from those events, but enough information is given that you could probably pick this one up without.
Everett is a beluga whale shifter and a traveling doctor. Merritt is a timber wolf shifter and writing his dissertation on different species' origins. The two embark on a trip so Everett can introduce Merritt to some species to help him with his work, but he also has an ulterior motive, and that is to solve the mysteries of Merritt's secondary gender - or lack thereof - and the reasons for his forced shifts and the book takes place almost completely while traveling. We get to see a few different shifter groups and are given some in-depth history on them, but I wish we had gotten a bit more background on the MCs' species. We also get the romance between the men blossoming as they spend so much time together. They are super sweet, especially Everett's care for Merritt, who hasn't had many people there for him throughout his life. The two have great chemistry and the fated mates, double knotting and double claiming helped add to it.
This is an mpreg series, but there is no pregnancy per se in this book. I loved how the author handled the expansion of Everett and Merritts' family and it was very emotional to see that happen. There is also a solution to the physical problems that have been plaguing Merritt and I really liked how that worked out as well.
There were brief cameos from Edwin, Jonah and Lia, and I'm glad this found family is growing. I was disappointed that , but this was still an enjoyable story and I'll be looking forward to the next one.
A strictly friends-doing-research kind of trip, Merritt is Everett’s travel companion through Greece, nothing more. Everett is an alpha beluga whale, he feels attracted to the younger wolf shifter. It’s not sure if Merritt is an alpha, beta, or omega, he thinks he’s a beta, but he never presented a secondary gender. Probably because he’s without a pack that gives safety. Everett is a specialist in shifter culture, and he suggests they both travel so Merritt can meet with other shifter cultures. Here they are, in Greece. After that, they go to Italy.
Everett’s goal is to make sweet Merritt happy and keep him safe, like fated mates, just as a leader told him. Oh dear, Everett, please open your eyes, look what is in front of you!
“alithiní agápi”
Without clear evidence about being fated mates, they travel around being close friends. Sharing a bed and exploring each other, claiming each other without the actual claim… but… be patient, reader!
The moment Merritt was officially accepted by the Frascati Pack and the final mate claiming was absolutely breathtaking!
I adored this story and the way it developed. The author did such an amazing job. A shifter story, with fated mates, but with quite a different swing. I really loved it all. All the information about history, pack, and rituals was stunning! There are sexy times to find, emotional ones, so much love, and something very very precious happened! Overall a fantastically written original shifter story!
Everett and the Wolf is the second in the Land and Sea series. I’d definitely recommend reading the first book in the series first. Everett is an alpha Beluga whale shifter and Merritt is a wolf shifter. Everett is traveling through Greece and Merritt is his companion. Learning about shifter history. They are so sweet together! Their chemistry is perfect! Loved it! Well written with pacing that kept me engaged.
I heckin’ loved this book! It has a mysterious illness, a doctor (and friend) determined to find answers, a really sweet friendship that grows into more, and a lot of fun world-building and interesting shifter lore. It does have a slower pace, but I didn’t mind at all and just went along for the journey. Everett and Merritt are so dang sweet together; I loved how Everett is a big-time caretaker and does push some boundaries as he figures out how best to help Merritt, and also how both guys love, support, and respect each other. Their friendship naturally grows into a romance and it was really lovely❤️
Why does this series - and this book in particular - stand out? Because it doesn’t fall back into tired tropes common within the omegaverse genre. In particular, the characters respect consent and work together to build a strong relationship. It’s also well-written and has some really important messages throughout.
I've read a lot of paranormal shifter stories, I really enjoy reading them. And for a book to have fated mates? I'm bound to like it. This book? I loved! The writing was phenomenal and the attention to detail was astounding! There was so much attention to detail surrounding background information as well as characters's profiles. The chapters that featured Demetra and her people's traditions and values, along with how their people work in society was so unique!✨💃
I've never read a book that has had a beluga whale shifter before, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The aspect of Merritt's wolf being locked away and uncontrollable was really interesting to read about, and the only way to rectify that was to join a pack and form a pack bond.🥺 That was so unique and I love when a book is unique all on its own, I could not compare this to amy other book out there.
And Theo?... He was so cute. You'll know what I mean once you read this yourself.🥰
Found family theme is a theme that runs throughout the book and Merritt seems to surround himself with those that have become so important to him. I enjoy how the ending plays out for him and it was a well deserved and fitting HEA for both characters. I definitely can’t wait to read more in this series as Dom and Dante seem like an interesting pair and can’t wait to read their book.
Omg this book!! I couldn’t put it down. I loved the main couple and their development throughout this book. It’s full of sweetness and swoon. It’s a forced proximity journey as these two embark on a trip to Greece and Italy. I also really liked the adoption element in this as opposed to the pregnancy trope. I like books that show different dynamics to making families. Overall a great read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this sweet story. I was looking forward to Merritt and Everett's story after book one and I was not disappointed. I'm looking forward to more from this series.
‘A soft smile curved his lips, and he reached a hand up to trace my cheek with his thumb. “You aren’t a mess, Merritt.” He pulled me to him and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “You are beautiful.”
Everett and the Wolf, book two in Vinni George’s Land and Sea: A Shifter series is just so sweet and delightful. We met both Everett and Merritt in book one, and now their story continues.
The settings in our adventure are breathtakingly fantastic. The reasons for their journey together encompass Merrett’s well being, which has become a priority to Everett. With hints of a stronger attraction to each other, both are leery of being the first to acknowledge the growing feelings and continue to patiently develop a stronger friendship.
But these two need and deserve the mating call that they continue to question. Vinni is able to build a fantastical world that feels real in its depth of emotion. Steamy and sensible war against each man’s need for the other, and when they finally allow themselves to see what has been in front of us all the time? WHEW! The love comes pouring out!
This was just lovely. Even though there is the element of instalove, I loved how much time was taken to develop their relationship. Great themes of body autonomy as well thrown in.
Review Title: Soft, Comforting, and Utterly Beautiful—A Standout Shifter Romance
Title: Everett and the Wolf
Author: Vinni George
Source: Purchased
Spice Level: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: M/M Romance, MPREG, Shifter Romance, Alpha/Omega, Road Trip, Found Family
Themes: Bodily Autonomy, Personal Reproductive Choice, Comfort, Growth, Vulnerability
Trigger Warnings: Adoption, Illness (mentions)
(Spoiler Warning: This review is spoiler-free.)
Review: Everett and the Wolf, the second in Vinni George’s Land and Sea Shifters series, is a story that radiates comfort and softness from beginning to end. This book follows Everett and Merrick—two characters whose chemistry and dynamic I adored in the first installment—as they travel together, deepening their bond and discovering more about themselves and each other. The tone is incredibly gentle and soothing, making it a perfect read to balance out darker or more intense books. There’s very little hurt and a whole lot of comfort, with the narrative focusing on healing, growth, and the warmth of connection. The alpha/omega dynamic is handled with tenderness, and the inclusion of heat and heat sex is present but never overshadows the emotional core of the story. One of the most striking aspects of this book is its thoughtful exploration of themes like bodily autonomy and personal reproductive choice. I found it genuinely refreshing and unusual to see these topics addressed so directly and sensitively within an Alpha/Omega style romance. Reading about characters navigating these issues with agency and respect felt especially meaningful, and I truly appreciated this focus—particularly given today’s political climate, where such themes are more relevant than ever. What stands out most is the character growth: Merrick, in particular, comes into his own, gaining confidence and finally getting the story he deserves. Everett’s vulnerability and openness add depth to their relationship, making their journey together feel authentic and deeply moving. Themes of adoption and illness are present, but both are treated with care and never overwhelm the gentle, loving atmosphere. The story’s heart lies in the way these two men support and cherish each other, and it’s been my favourite in the series so far. The ending is beautiful, and I’m already excited to continue with the next installment.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Will I read more from this author? Yes, adding to TBR—I’ve already got the next book lined up!
Everett and the Wolf by Vinni George is the second book in the Land and Sea series. Merritt Lucas has always felt at odds with being a wolf shifter. He hopes an international adventure with Dr. Everett Voda will help him figure out himself. Dr. Everett Voda has been entranced by the young wolf shifter from first meeting him and is looking forward to them getting to know each other while Merritt experiences his research first hand. Merritt finds himself shocked when a stop on the trip changes his life forever as well as his relationship with Everett. The two are forced to decide if they can make something work or if they’re just too different.
Merritt Lucas struggles with his wolf shifter side. Not being able to identify as an alpha, beta or omega has brought him a lot of loneliness which only subsided when he gained Jonah, Edwin and Everett as his makeshift pack. He is so immensely attracted to Everett but doesn’t believe that a successful man like him could ever want someone so broken. Everett proves that he doesn’t need a designation to fall for Merritt’s intelligence, kindness and beauty.
Merritt was nearly irresistible with his face flushed with excitement and his eyes bright with curiosity.
Dr. Everett Voda never planned to settle down and it isn’t until fate through Merritt Lucas in his path that he realizes forever could be waiting there for him. He doesn’t want to overwhelm Merritt but yearns to provide comfort and support in every possible way. Once the two men embrace their attraction to each other, it’s not just sex that brings them together but the physical intimacy of being close.
I really liked a lot of things about Everett, but his hands and arms were my favorite. They were strong hands, patient hands, hands that could heal and coax new life into the world. They brought comfort.
I enjoyed this new addition to the Land and Sea series. We were introduced to Merritt and Everett in Jonah’s story but getting to know them better was great. It is a low angst story which I appreciated with no unnecessary drama. I want others to just enjoy watching the story unfold but let’s just say I’m looking forward to Dominic.
3.5 stars for Everett and Merrick giving fate a chance.
Everett and the Wolf is the follow up book to Jonah and the Narwhal by Vinni George. While I enjoyed Jonah and the Narwal for unique ideas in the shifter’s characteristics, I enjoyed Everett and the Wolf more.
Let me explain:
Jonah and the Narwhal was the first and the character development wasn’t as in depth as Everett and the Wolf. Throughout the first book, Merritt, Jonah’s best friend and wolf shifter is a constant. He depends on Jonah to keep him well as he tends to forget to eat, shower, rest … a typical sign of intelligence, but also that something was lacking in his life. At the end of Jonah and the Narwhal, focus changes to Merritt. There’s also hints of something developing between him and Edwin’s best friend Everett. What’s developing remains to be seen.
Edwin and Everett have a theory as to why Merritt shifts into his wolf form involuntarily, and cannot shift back to his human form. Merritt who is basically a shifter obstetrician without borders decides to take Merritt with him to Greece to witness an eagle owl shifter community’s bonding ceremony. Merritt is in the end days of college doing a dissertation on shifters, thus the reason Everett invites him. But Everett has another additional secret agenda which I won’t spoil for you.
At this point, the two men have known each other for a year. They make companionable travel partners. Everett teaches Merritt about the various shifter’s rituals and tendencies. Everett is very worldly and wants to share that with the younger man.
There’s an attraction between the two men is obvious. But, each man keeps it to himself not wanting to upset the balance of their friendship. You see the problem here, right? Yes, there’s some angst.
Not only do we see these two character’s depth as people, but we see the development of a budding relationship. And both characters grow and change in unexpected ways.
We learn about other shifters in the A/O universe.
Merritt goes on a quest of self discovery as his past is severely lacking familial connections.
We see a wizened forty- something accomplished obstetrician who only spent maybe three months out of the year at home desire roots.
Includes: Alpha/omega M/M Age gap Rutting Knotting Breeding
Ever since we met Merritt and Everett in book 1, Jonah and the Narwhal, I was excited to get their story. You knew there was a pull there and after finishing book 2 now we know why. The real issue was figuring out the what, as in what is wrong with Merritt that he's forcibly shifting into his wolf and then being unable to shift back at will. As a doctor, Everett is intrigued by this mystery, along with the fact that Merritt has never presented with his secondary gender. In his mid 20's, Merritt should have presented well before now. Merritt has been living under the assumption that his asshole uncle who raised him and told him he was just a strange beta was correct. As you can tell I really don't like said Uncle and that isn't the only reason. Merritt is such a lovely soul and it broke my heart how hard he'd already had it in his young life.
Thankfully things start to look up when Everett convinces Merritt to travel abroad with him. These two have the chance to get to know one another without having Jonah and his Narwhal as a buffer. It's actually kind of cute how everyone they meet can tell these two are meant for each other except for them. Obliviousness table for two! Once the blinders come off, and well a lot more stuff occurs, these fated mates move full speed ahead in building their life together. Also, it has to be said how freaking romantic the mating of Beluga Whales is.
"You are my heart echo. No matter where you go from now on, whether we are next to each other or miles apart, I will be able to feel and hear your heartbeat as part of mine.
See what I mean? Seriously swoonworthy. We do get to meet the MCs of the next book and I have a feeling that one is going to be a bit less romantic and a lot more heated. Enemies to lovers is the trope and if you follow my reviews you all know how much I eat that shit up. I can't wait to see how all that anger and UST plays out.
I want to start by saying I didn't read the book that came before this one. I entered this book completely new, so... Having said that I can definitely say you can read this as a standalone. It's truly amazing!
Everett is a beluga whale shifter who is also an OBGYN for shifters, he travels to different regions to help different shifters through their pregnancies. He's had a crush on Merritt for quite some time but doesn't know what to do about it. Especially when the younger shifter is struggling with his wolf and his identity.
Merritt is a wolf shifter who's struggling with his identity, he hasn't developed a secondary gender like most shifters do and he also can't shift like others. It's involuntary and completely random. He likes Everett a lot but doesn't believe the older shifter would like him since he's so 'messed up'. Until Everett not only shows him different regions and shifter traditions, but he also took him to a pack where he finally belonged, and the most important of all, Everett constantly shows him how much he's loved.
I've read a lot of paranormal shifter stories, I really enjoy reading them. And for a book to have fated mates? I'm bound to like it. This book? I loved! The writing was phenomenal and the attention to detail was astounding! There was so much attention to detail surrounding background information as well as characters's profiles. The chapters that featured Demetra and her people's traditions and values, along with how their people work in society was so unique!
I've never read a book that has had a beluga whale shifter before, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The aspect of Merritt's wolf being locked away and uncontrollable was really interesting to read about, and the only way to rectify that was to join a pack and form a pack bond. That was so unique and I love when a book is unique all on its own, I could not compare this to amy other book out there.
And Theo?... He was so cute. You'll know what I mean once you read this yourself.
I'm really looking forward to Dom's story!
*I highly recommend this book and this is my honest review.*
So I’ll be totally honest, I did not read the first book in the series before reading this one. But I so so wish I had! (I’ve since gone back and read it 😅)
Vinni George took the whole fated mates/shifter/abo subgenre (that I really do enjoy!) and brought it to another level. The world building behind the series is unique and created a not the usual run-of-the-mill storyline for the MCs. And the shifters weren’t just wolves! There were owls, sea turtles, dolphins, and beluga whales! Whaaaaaat! And they all had their own traditions based in those species, it was really neat.
The MCs were both so lovely, since I hadn’t read the first book beforehand it took me a moment to acquaint myself with Everett and Merritt (honestly the names were a bit too similar for me and I had to check a few times who was who). But once I got fully into the story I was hooked. I love that they were traveling and seeing other shifter cultures together, it was so cool to see the thought and consideration Vinni George had put into the owls in Greece and the wolves in Italy.
And the romance was so sweet and pure between Everett and Merritt. There wasn’t too much pining and angst before their feelings came out and we got to have the rest of the book to see them figure out how to go from friends to mates to a family. And gosh, their family storyline in the second half of the book was very special.
Merritt’s “condition” wasn’t too hard to figure out but I appreciated how after it comes to light that he’s an omega he made the decision not to carry a child. Sure, we’re missing out on the mpreg bit, but I felt like it made sense and I liked seeing how dang supportive Everett was of the decision and how he left it entirely to Merritt.
Overall, it’s a good book, though you should definitely read the first book first (imagine that!). I’m looking forward to Dominic’s story and spending more time with these characters!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
This second book in the Land and Sea: A Shifter Series features Everett and Merritt. This was a very relaxed fated mates and shifter romance. I liked that the author uses shifters that are not normally seen in this genre and for me, it felt like a whole different approach and an unique spin on shifter stories.
I really enjoyed how the mythology and magic of this paranormal type of story was embraced and the world building was different than other paranormal shifter books I’ve read. The magic of fated mates felt different in this book. Not only was mythology included but other aspects of history and culture were as well and to me that gave it a sense and feeling of almost being real.
The MCs are in the research and medical fields and they focused more on a scientific approach to learning about the different types of shifter cultures and I almost felt like I was learning along with Merritt’s research project. I enjoyed the relationship between Everett and Merritt. There is a bit of an age gap but also a gap in knowledge and experience with being a shifter. Everett is a mentor of sorts helping Merritt learn and discover more of who he is as a shifter and his role and he’s patient and kind and such a great character. There is more than just the romantic angle of their relationship but the support that Merritt is able to receive that he hasn’t really had a chance to experience before.
Found family theme is a theme that runs throughout the book and Merritt seems to surround himself with those that have become so important to him. I enjoy how the ending plays out for him and it was a well deserved and fitting HEA for both characters. I definitely can’t wait to read more in this series as Dom and Dante seem like an interesting pair and can’t wait to read their book. This is my honest and fair review.
Everett and The Wolf is the second on this shifter series by Vinnie George and, while I'd definitely say it can be read as a standalone, I think I may have gotten into the story easier after reading book one, Jonah and the Narwhal. Having said that, I love the relationship development between Everett and Merrick. There's an age gap, vastly different life experience, and Everett is an alpha while Merrick hasn't presented as either alpha or omega, something not heard of. Which is why we start the book with the two men in Greece and then going to Italy. It's to give Merrick first hand knowledge and experience of different shifter groups for his dissertation but also to see if anyone can help with Merricks status as A, B or O and also his lack of pack. Vinnie's world building is incredible, going into so much detail that it makes it so easy to visualise the settings and characters. It helps to bring the story even more to life and both battle against their attraction when they're not sure of Merrick and what anything could mean between them. When things do progress, it's so sweet because you can tell how much it means to them both but especially Merrick who has never had a person just for himself before. Everett does everything in his power to bring health and happiness to Merrick and it brings the best results for them both. I especially enjoyed what happens when they go to help sea turtle omegas during a hurricane, showing just how important found families are. A wonderful shifter romance that is emotional, heated and so enjoyable to read. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Everett and Merritt's romance was such a sweet read, and I loved following along on their journey. Unlike the last book in this series, this couple's fated mate bond didn't snap into place right away, and between that and Merritt's declining health, I wasn't sure these two would get a happily ever after. It was scary to see Merritt suffering so much, but thankfully he had a smart doctor by his side ready to do anything to help him. Their adventure across Europe to study different shifter species had an important side mission, and it was such a relief that Everett's suspicions were correct about why Merritt and his wolf were struggling. Along the way the two of them definitely grew a lot closer--even if neither man was convinced they were mates--and that final push in Italy was all it took to give them clarity and set off a steamy chain of lovemaking and claiming. I thought Merritt's restored health and bond with Everett would be the highlight of the story, but then little Theo swooped in from out of nowhere and totally stole my heart. I absolutely loved the unconventional family they settled into, and it was so sweet to see how much love these men had to share.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
I heckin’ loved this book! It has a mysterious illness, a doctor (and friend) determined to find answers, a really sweet friendship that grows into more, and a lot of fun world-building and interesting shifter lore. It does have a slower pace, but I didn’t mind at all and just went along for the journey. Everett and Merritt are so dang sweet together; I loved how Everett is a big-time caretaker and does push some boundaries as he figures out how best to help Merritt, and also how both guys love, support, and respect each other. Their friendship naturally grows into a romance and it was really lovely.
Why does this series - and this book in particular - stand out? Because it doesn’t fall back into tired tropes common within the omegaverse genre. In particular, the characters respect consent and work together to build a strong relationship. It’s also well-written and has some really important messages throughout. I personally related to the conversations around challenging societal expectations/assumptions and people not needing to raise biological children to be considered parents.
Also, a wolf shifter and beluga shifter romance? And one of them is a shifter OBGYN that travels the world? Yes, please! (And there’s a really fun shifter species later in the book that I LOVED was included … no spoilers so you’ll have to read to find out.)
I think this could be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the series in order because Everett and Merritt play an important role in the first book. If you’re an omegaverse and/or shifter fan, or even just curious to try it out, definitely give this series a try!
4.5/5 I really enjoyed the pace of this book compared to Jonah and the Narwhal. We still get fated mates, heat sex, and babies, but it’s grounded in a lot more connection. The whole book builds on the connection between Everett and Merritt from book 1 (although I think you could still read this one as a stand-alone), with them spending a lot of time getting to know one another and sharing interests and goals that aren’t just lust or heat-related.
The Parliament of owls was super interesting and fun to read about. I appreciated the tensions between tradition and innovation. (I really want omegas to be able to compete if they want to!) There was a ton of emotion here about Merritt being pack-less and finding somewhere that he belonged. I really liked the idea that this couldn’t simply be one person (not even a mate), although everything with Everett is also wonderful. Everett clearly cares so much and wants to make sure that Merritt has everything he wants and needs.
There’s a great cast of supportive side characters here. (And baby sea turtles are the absolute best!) Dom and Dante’s snark was entertaining, and I’m looking forward to seeing how that all works out in the next book.
3-3,25/5 While Everett and the Wolf had its sweet moments and heartfelt themes, it didn’t grab me the way the first book did. Everett and Merritt are both lovely characters, and I genuinely enjoyed their soft, comforting dynamic — there's a lot of emotional tenderness in how their relationship grows.
The concept was strong, especially early on. I loved the initial dive into owl shifter culture, and the broader look at shifter lifestyles had a lot of potential. But somewhere along the journey, the story began to stall. The ongoing tension around Merritt’s second gender started to feel repetitive, and I found myself wishing the plot would just move forward. It became a bit of a loop, and that took me out of the experience.
I’m still glad I read it, especially for the emotional moments, but it didn’t quite have the spark I was hoping for.
In book one of the Land and Sea Shifter Series Dr. Everett Voda, an alpha beluga whale shifter, took Merritt Lucas under his wing. Merritt is a wolf shifter with no scent indicating whether he is an alpha, beta, or omega wolf. Merritt assumes he is a beta. In addition, Merritt has trouble controlling his shift when he is stressed or tired. Merritt is a grad student interested in different shifter cultures. Since Everett is a cultural anthropologist in addition to being a traveling doctor of obstetrics, he decides to take Merritt along when he visits some unusual shifter communities. During their travels, they feel a deep connection and attraction to each other but afraid to label their connection as fated mates. I loved Merritt’s growth during the story. Due to past hurts, he figured he would never be accepted by any wolf pack. It was nice to see him learn self-acceptance with Everett’s support. Everett’s acceptance of Merritt’s feelings and wished was wonderful. The book has a sweet HEA that features characters from book one. I recommend this book to anyone who likes spicy mpreg romance. The main characters of the next book in the series are introduced and I’m off to read their story.
We met Everett and Merritt in the first book as secondary characters to Jonah and Edwin. To understand this story fully, I would strongly recommend to read their book first.
I was drawn to Everett and especially Merritt in the first book. Merritt's issues are complex and while Everett tries to help him from a professional point of view, he also is drawn to him in a personal way. Poor Merritt also starts to have significant feelings but being so down, he just can't understand how he would be more than a millstone around Everett's neck instead of a partner. It takes the "only one bed" scenario for them to find their way to each other.
I love how the author describes the owl and wolf shifter packs, it goes a lot deeper than most shifter books describe the idea behind shifters and as a history geek I am fully behind it. I do think for some, these passages may be a bit too detailed.
The issue with Merritt is a bit obvious but in my opinion doesn't spoil the book for me. The conclusion/unveiling is well done.
Theo's appearance is a surprise and add to the theme of found pack. I also like the hints for the characters of the next book.
This book is amazing! It’s the first shifter book I’ve read by Vinni but it certainly won’t be the last. This is the tale of Everett, a beluga whale shifter and Merritt, a wolf shifter. Things are not going well for Merritt and Everett is convinced the answer is his lack of a pack and plans to try to remedy that in Rome. The two develop feelings during their travels and Merritt will finally find his place in the world, along with his wolf’s. The time when Merritt finally gets to be one with his wolf is fantastic and I love how things turn out for him with regard to finding a place to belong. Everett and Merritt will divulge their feelings for each other and be on their way to being the mates they were meant to be when a fellow doctor has need of Everett’s skills. The way Merritt jumps right in to help is sweet and amazing and makes him even more loveable. The end of the tale will bring them their happily ever after along with another little blessing that seems like it was meant just for them.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
You know, there was a brief point in time where I questioned if I still liked mpg because I had read several and didn't like them. Then I remembered one of my favorite authors ever.
This. Was. So. CUTE! This is the book version of eeeeee!!! Ohmigod, I loved it so much. Merrit and Everest were so adorable. I love how she does opposites but to almost an extreme. I love how vast and fascinating the shifter world is and how each book expands on it. I love the fact that we have weird shifters. I mean, a beluga whale shifter? Come on, who thinks about other than a genius. And faded babies?! Oh my heart!
If you're not a fan of shifter omegaversus mprag, there is nothing I can say that would get you into this. However, if that is your jam, you'll probably adore every single second of it. In fact, I would even go so far as to say that you probably don't need to read the first book to enjoy this one. Although you definitely should be the first one because Edwin's a narwhal. That's it, I don't have much else to say other than this book was so much fun and so creative. Easy five stars.
I really enjoyed this book and the story of Everett and Merritt falling in love. I was eager for their story after seeing hints of their chemistry in book 1 and I was not disappointed. Merritt is my favorite character in the series so far- I just want to put him in my pocket and keep him forever. I appreciated how this story was quite a bit different from book 1 but it also still felt like the same series. I did enjoy book 1 more, but this was still a great story. I did think the storyline was predictable (such as why Merritt had no secondary gender scent). I am sure for some all of the details about shifter origins and their visit to Greece with the owls, but it was a bit too detailed and focused on a bit too long for my taste. I do have to give the author credit for how detailed those aspects of the story are. I did really enjoy how Everett and Merritt started their family in a different way than Edwin and Jonab did. I am very much looking forward to the next book and to see what happens with Dominic and Dante!