After seven years of total denial, Maggie Raynor s body and her inner wolf are in full revolt. Weak and shaky, she literally falls into the very large and capable arms of the Granite Lake Beta, Erik Costanov. The last thing she wants is a mate, particularly when just looking at another wolf scares her to death. And one as big and sexy as Erik? Really bad idea, no matter what her libido says.
Erik expected to meet Maggie in Whitehorse to escort her to the home of her sister, his pack s Omega. Sheer chance puts him in the right place at the right time to catch her, but the realization that hits him with the force of a full body shot is no accident. She s his mate. An even bigger shock? She wants no part of him not until she resolves her issues.
She ll have to work fast, because they re both selected to represent the pack during the premier sporting event for wolves in the north. Not only will she have to work as a team with Erik, she ll have to face down her fear of wolves. Let the Games begin."
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.
This book has been previously released but this is an extended version. We finally get to meet the traumatised sister of Missy as she's now heavily pregnant with twins and in desperate need of support. Maggie has avoided Wolves and although she's looking forward to spending time with her Omega sister Maggie really isn't looking forward to being surrounded by a Pack. Erik the Packs Beta is sent to bring Maggie to Granite Lake but had no idea that he would be bringing home his Mate! Ok one thing at a time keep her safe, reassure her that he's not the big bad wolf, oh and get to the root of her fears as Erik has waited a long time for his Mate and his patience has finally been rewarded. Now if only Maggie could trust what her body is telling her but before anything can be settled there's the slight problem of competing in the notorious Wolf Games. Who am I kidding? Not a slight problem as with so many strange Wolves around and Maggies secret weighing her down it looks like the Granite Lake Wolves are doomed before they start! This is my favourite book in this series so far. I loved the idea of the Games, a mixture of a scavenger hunt, puzzles and sheer feats of endurence. Seeing the team interact was such fun and we get to meet Jared as well as more of the loveable TJ just ahead of his own book being released . Yet this book is firmly about the patient, gentle giant that is Erik and he's not a Wolf to be underestimated . Maggies backstory is truly awful but as she's destined to be the Mate of the Beta you just know that she's got more backbone than most. Still a novella length but it really suits these stories. This book had great pace with an interesting storyline and was a lot of fun to read. A copy of this was provided for me with no requirement to review. I've voluntarily read it and I believe these thoughts and comments are a fair expression of my opinion
In the previous book we read about Missy's sister. She was used in the scheme to get Missy to marry the Alpha's brother of their old pack, so that the alpha could control Missy. Things were done to Maggie then that changed her. She hasn't been able to shift or even really be around wolves for a long time. Now that Missy is happily mated and even pregnant, Maggie comes for a visit. Her sister sends the welcome committee to get her.
One of them being the Granite Lake Beta, Erik. And there's an immediate recognition that passes thru between them. They are mates. Not sure if it's because he's described as this huge guy, or the fact that he can actually speak Russian, or maybe it's because he's actually really cute and funny... but I loved Erik. Big and cuddly, hot and sensual, possessive and understanding.
Maggie on the other hand was a biiiiiiiiit whiny. I understand that her personality and actions were probably appropriate for having gone through what she did and the problems she still goes through. However, a heroine that normally cowers behind the hero is usually not my favorite one.
To add to this mix it is time for the Wolf Games, a series of competitions between neighboring packs. Names are picked out of a hat to form the representing team and Erik and Maggie were chosen to go. The games were fun, looking for the clues and using their team members and resources as best as they could.
Speaking of the Games, I cannot wait to read TJ's book. I adore his clumsy ass! I was happy to see Erik make the others stop teasing him but also yelled at TJ for putting himself down. The kid is brilliant and he deserves a place in the pack.
The books of this series just keep getting better. Each one is a beautifully written quick read, but they do seem to get a little bigger with each book. Wolf Games is book three, and it centers on the Mating of Maggie Raynor and Erik Costanov.
Maggie is the younger sister of Missy from book two, and Erik is the Beta (second in command) of the Granite Lake pack. Maggie left the north seven long years ago right before her sister’s horrible first marriage. She has come home to try and heal from a chemical imbalance that has weakened her terribly. Missy feels that if Maggie gets around other wolves the pheromones they put off may help her to heal. Maggie has a great fear of all things wolf; because of the horrible pack they were a part of when she was younger. For two years her sister has been telling her that the Granite Lake wolves are nothing like the wolves she was used to, but she still has the deep fear that is hard to let go of.
Erik was asked by the pack’s Alpha, Keil, to guide Maggie from Whitehorse to Haines. His exact orders are not to take his eyes off her.. LOL.. That isn’t going to be a problem, because from the moment she literally drops into his arms a major part of him recognizes her as his mate. Now he just has to help her to get over her fears of being around wolves for them to mate properly. Maggie struggles with wanting Erik, and wanting to keep him at arm’s length. She quickly starts to realize that she isn’t as nervous by his side. That being close to him calms her, and excites her wolf.
Just Maggie’s luck, she would decide to come home the night of the choosing of the wolves to participate in the Artic Wolf Games. Although she doesn’t want to she has to go to the special supper for the announcing of the team. Erik is chosen at the leader, and the rest of the teammates are TJ, Jared, and lordy to her bad luck Maggie. Will Maggie’s inability to shift and her fear of wolves cause the pack to lose the games, or will TJ’s major clumsiness be a factor against them??
I really liked this book. I think Erik is a great man and wolf. He may be one of the biggest around, but he is really just a gentle giant. I loved his patience with Maggie. It would have been easy for him to become frustrated with her and let anger make her fears worse. You get to see not only Maggie struggle with overcoming the fears she has lived with for the last seven years, but you get to see her great journey of self-discovery. I have to say the chemistry between these two is very HOT even when Maggie is fighting it tooth and nail. It may take a while into the book before they get nekid together, BUT the wait is worth it!! Smoking hot sex scene for those two! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend y’all reading this one!!
Maggie is Missy's sister (we met Missy in the last novella Wolf Flight) but she was so traumatised by events in her past that she hasn't seen her sister or spent any time with other wolves for nearly a decade. Missy has finally managed to convince Maggie to come and visit her and her new pack but Maggie is very wary and not looking forward to being surrounded by wolves.
Erik is the Granite Lake pack's beta (second in charge) but as a favor to Missy he offers to collect Maggie from the airport and make sure she arrives safely. As soon as they meet he recognises that she is his mate but Maggie doesn't trust the tie between them and Erik is going to have to convince her that they are meant to be together.
I really enjoyed the first 2 novellas in the Granite Lake series so I was really looking forward to reading Wolf Games, let me just say Vivian Arend didn't disappoint & this was probably my favorite story in the series so far. Vivian sure does manage to pack a lot into her novellas and although I would love to have one of these stories as a full length novel that is more because I just can't get enough of her wolves than because there is anything lacking from the stories.
Maggie has had a tough time when it comes to other wolves and she finds it impossible to trust them - completely understandable when you find out more about her past. Although she is attracted to Erik she is scared of the bond between them. She is having to deal with being around wolves for the first time in years and when she is forced to become a competitor in the Wolf Games she finds it really difficult. I loved Erik, he is so supportive and protective of Maggie and is determined to help her see how good life could be with the pack. He is also smoking hot but you'll have to read the story to find out just how sexy he is!
I really enjoyed watching them take part in the Wolf Games, they were kind of like the Amazing Race for werewolves & it was fun to see how things panned out. We get to see more of TJ as he is another member of their team - I'm sure I mentioned in my previous reviews how much I love TJ & I am so excited to read his story which is released in October! As usual TJ added a lot of comedy to the story with his clumsy ways, he would definitely be a fun guy to have around. We were also introduced to Jared (another team member) who I'm looking forward to getting to know better in future stories.
Wolf Games is a great installment to the Granite Lake Wolves series and I'm looking forward to reading more from Vivian Arend. I'd definitely recommend this series to fans of steamy paranormal romance - these novellas are perfect for when you want a quick but fun read and I'm sure you'll enjoy them as much as I have.
Maggie Raynor knows first hand how violent and aggressive wolves can be, thanks to her former pack Alpha, and is terrified to have anything to do with them. But her body is no longer listening to her brain and the wolf inside refuses to stay hidden any longer. And when Maggie literally falls on her mate the wolf howls to get out. Erik Costanov, Beta of his pack, was sent to pick up Missy's (Wolf Flights) sister and bring her home. Luckily he was in the right place at the right time when Maggie feels week and falls right into his arms. His wolf instantly recognizes her as his mate but Maggie wants nothing to do with him or any wolf. When they're thrown into the wolf games together though they can't fight the chemistry that sizzles between them or their wolves, and Erik's is a calming presence that enables Maggie to be around other wolves without freaking. Can Maggie put away her fears for good though to find a future with Erik as her mate?
Wolf Games was a great read that I tore through. I really liked the hero Erik, he is so big that many are intimidated by him and being the Alpha's second doesn't help in that regard but I don't think that there is any more gentle or patient than him in the pack. He dealt with Maggie's fears more patiently than I probably deal with my kids lol. Caring and tender but definitely all male, Erik is super hot and super sweet. And the sparks that sizzle between him and Maggie *whew*, smokin'! Wolf Games was a real journey for Maggie in rediscovering her wolf and accepting that part of herself again, as well as learning to face her fears head on. Her growth was a joy to follow. Great book all together; short, sweet and succulent!
Wolf Games is my first read of the series. It may be a bad idea to pick up the third book first, but I actually had little trouble finding my way. I also borrow this title using Lendle. That is a great resource for readers and I'd like to thank Vivian Arend and Samhain for making your titles lendable.
Maggie and Erik come together in the first few pages and know that they are destined to be mates. Things start out with a spark and never fade from the get go. Maggie is hiding something from her chosen wolf, but is fearful of telling him. My only wish was for the author to make this clearer from the beginning of the ebook. I was about 25 - 30% in by the time I knew she had issues. Perhaps it would have helped for me to read the first and second book of the series - my thought is this could have been introduced to new readers with a paragraph.
I enjoyed the intimate storyline. We have only a couple of sex scenes but the rest of it shows a kinder, gentler side to werewolves. There aren't any rival pack themes and not one group member with an evil, hidden plan. It's mostly about Maggie and Erik. I liked that very much.
The other storylines involve the Wolf Games and a couple of side characters, TJ and Jared. TJ was my favorite person in the book and I loved the way he was portrayed as well as the way the other pack members treated him. I certainly hope Ms. Arend brings back TJ, Jared, and Pam. I would love to see something with those people. This author can write action scenes well. I felt as if I were floating down the river with them.
How did I let Vivian Arend's writings slip into my 'want to read' limbo? When I first discovered her stories I was so keen I shelved enough novels to keep my home dusty, my sink full of dirty dishes and (shhh) perhaps a no show at work. What do I like about Ms. Arend? CANADIAN and CANADIAN themed stories! I'd post a little waving flag if I knew how.
Really enjoyed Wolf Games. It is was fast passed fun with likable characters, humour and sex. I wish I had read the Granite Lake Wolves series in order and completed them all back to back.
Margaret "Maggie" Raynor and Erik Costanov are sweet. I love Erik's tenderness and patience as Maggie comes to terms with childhood trauma.
For Maggie even though being mated wasn't something she wanted, and with reason, I really like that she didn't completely dismiss it. OK, she may have tried to, but Erik did prove to be calming and persuasive. 😍
For the first time in years she felt like there really was hope. -- Maggie Raynor
This has been my favorite of the series so far. I must admit that TJ's antics played a big role in it.
I read along with the audio book. The narrator is Tanya Eby. She's wonderful. I've listened to dozens of books she's performed to verify this. 💚🎧💚
Erik Costanov (pack beta) & Maggie Raynor (sister to the pack omega, Missy Leason)
As Beta, Eric is entrusted with bringing their new pack omega’s sister back to their pack. Maggie had been staying with humans after being terrorized by her previous pack. She had cut herself off from her fellow wolves to the extent that she could no longer shift & she was making herself physically ill. But the unconditional love and patience of her new mate got her back in alignment with her own wolf and showed her the beauty of living in a healthy pack.
These are quick reads. Charming characters & only minor external angst.
I love the Granite Lake Wolves! Fun, lovable characters that are loyal to each other. I really enjoyed Erik and Maggie. Erik was patient and loving as she struggled through her issues. But even though she was having some problems, she never lost sight of the efforts he was making and I loved how she remained aware of that and acknowledged his efforts and was also sensitive to his feelings in the whole mating process. A great match up. This was a fun spin on this pack world. It was focused on the wolf games instead of a threat to their pack or her safety. I wonder who will be next...
All three Granite Lake Wolves books so far haven't been bad- unfortunately they lack a certain polish to make them great... but I'm thinking the short story format may have something to do with that.
The stories center around a pack of werewolves located in the Great White North- each story features a couple- and each one must overcome an obstacle that keeps them from their innerwolf or respective mates.
Sexually graphic as well as romantic, these are fun, fast reads with a price that can't be beat!
Erik and Maggie brought a lot of heart and emotions to their story. They loaded up with understanding and compassion to go along with their electric attraction. Being with them as they maneuvered through everything was a joy!
This was one of my favorite of this series. I thought it was great that the alpha male took time to help his mate deal with her issues and did not expect a magic wand to make them suddenly disappear.
In Wolf Games we meet Missey’s younger sister Margaret that she nearly sacrificed everything to protect in the previous story. When Missey agreed to marry the alpha’s brother Margaret was allowed to move to Vancouver to attend university and never returned. When we meet Margaret she’s having some serious health issues. Since its in the blurb I’m not giving away anything by telling you its because since she was attacked by a bunch of wolves at the orders of the then alpha of her pack in order to coerce Missey into marrying his younger brother she’s been afraid to be around wolves and hasn’t shifted since the night of the attack. Now that Missey has settled into the Granite Lake pack with Tad her mate who killed the evil alpha and Missey is heavy with her first baby Margaret is joining her in Granite Lake although the idea of being around a bunch of wolf shifters still risks sending her into an anxiety attack. The attack so effected Margaret and it’s been so long since she shifted she’s not certain she could if she wanted to. Erik Costanov, a giant of a man is the Granite Lake pack’s Beta. He’s been sent to meet Margaret and escort her safely to the pack in case any of the old alpha’s are plotting to attack her in revenge for his death. Eric’s wolf immediately recognizes that Margret is his mate. But he recognizes Margaret is not ready for such proclamations even though she doesn’t understand why she feels so safe and comfortable around the giant wolf-shifter. As the story goes every four years all the wolf packs of the Northwest hold a competition which is sort of their version of the Olympics or the Great Race. Through a lottery of pack members Erik is chosen as his packs team captain and poor Margaret along with T.J. and two others is chosen to be a member of the team. Margaret is of course terrified both because she’ll be surrounded by wolf shifters and because the games may require her to shift herself. The unflappable Erik tells her not to worry, he’ll take care of her. You can probably figure out how the rest of this story goes but if you can’t, I’m not going to tell you. You’ll have to read the book.
Fell in love with the characters … Erik is the quintessential “good guy”, big and sexy and has the patience of a saint. Other pack members met in previous books are present, and it is always fun to meet them again in their local environment. Maggie is a sweet young woman who has been mentally and physically battered and abused, and she’s avoided wolves (her own included) for many years. Joining her soon to be delivered pregnant sister, her omega husband and their pack takes every bit of strength Maggie’s has. To make matters worse, Erik turns out to be her fated mate which Maggie tries to ignore - or should she? Loved the setting - once again the author chose a rather unique setting to unravel the tale of Maggie facing and overcoming her fears. Practically the whole tale unfolds during The Arctic Wolf Games where we find Erik as the pack’s team leader leading a randomly picked team that includes two younger wolves (TJ & Jacob) and Maggie through various challenges while gathering clues from specific locations built into the events. The author cleverly created and described these events using the far north’s summer climate and topography - so well that they seemed very realistic. The interactions of the team, as well as Maggie and Erik’s personal encounters, were so well interwoven that neither the competition nor Maggie’s personal struggles detracted from the balance of the story. This is the second book in this series that I’ve read, and I now have found another really good author to read.
This is, so far, the best book of the series. Erik stole my heart. His tenderness, patience and love, love that did not smother, made me swoon. Maggie got under my skin for a while with her insecurities until I learned why she refused to have anything to do with wolves. After what she went through, Maggie had every right to feel scare and incapable of fitting with the pack. As her involvement in the Wolf Games progressed so did her healing and that thanks not only to her inner strength but Erik's constant encouragement and support. Ah, Erik!
'Erik rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. "I agree you need to take back control of your life, but Maggie..." He cupped her face in his hand. "You've been reclaiming your life. Ever since you started back north you've taken charge and made changes. If you can't finish it all in a few days, you're still well on the way. They aren't winning anymore. You're the one in control of the game now. Okay?" This passage just spoke volumes to me about what kind of man Erik is. Not only an amazing man in love but a great leader too. The way Erik helped TJ with his lack of self esteem was very telling of the kind of man he is.
So while the insta-lust, mate thing happened, I found that the conflict was given priority over the sexual attraction between Maggie and Erik, finally! Next book is about TJ, the comic relief in all the books. I hope TJ grows up a bit and his mate isn't just another clown/klutz and immature wolf like him.
A wonderful read in this series. I really do suggest reading these in order to get the best enjoyment and understanding of the characters in this pack. Maggie is Missy's sister and she also suffered under their old alpha. She was so traumatised her wolf has not made an appearance for seven years. Maggie has come to be with her sister and Eric the pack Beta has been sent to meet her. Finding out they are mates was a wonderful shock. I just loved Eric to pieces, not only was he wonderful in dealing with Maggie but his interaction with Jared and TJ was superb, especially how he bolstered sweet TJ (I have a soft spot for him since book 1) during the games, giving him confidence. Loved the epilogue, so funny why they didn't win. Ms Arend is rereleasing this series and adding epilogues to the endings. In this one TJ has to fix the wedding cake that Jared has damaged, loved how he did that.
Erik Costanov is the Beta of the Granite Lake pack. He agreed to meet the sister of their Onega, and bring her back to Haines. He wasn’t expecting the blonde headed, blue-eyed pixie who nearly collapsed in his arms to carry the scent of his fated mate, but what can you do?
Maggie Raynor is moving back north after seven years away. Seven years since she has been around wolves. Seven years since she has been a wolf. Missy is the only family Maggie has left, and she has missed her sister. But, not gonna lie, the thought of pack life scares her senseless. And meeting her mate? She can’t do this.
Erik is a mountain of a man, which makes him practice gentleness, so when Maggie asks for time, instead of getting busy, he can see the fear in her eyes.
Working through the shades and nuances of Maggie’s reasons is a challenge, but together, they seem to be up to it.
2/5 stars 2/5 spicy peppers Memorable quote: none :( Spicy chapters: chapter 6, chapter 10 Read this if you like: fated mates, happily ever after
Maggie returns to her pack and discovers her fated mate. She must work through her trauma before being able to accept him.
This book was alright. I started reading it not realizing it was the 3rd in a series, so a lot of things were not making sense. The author also had a habit of just telling us what happened after the fact instead of showing us, which I find incredibly annoying. The story line didn't really make sense either, but it wasn't the worst thing I've read. I still am not sure what the point of The Games was. The pacing of the book was fine as was the happily ever after ending. It was incredibly short, perhaps length could have helped with making things make sense. may go back and read the first book, but we'll see.
A wonderful read in this series. I really do suggest reading these in order to get the best enjoyment and understanding of the characters in this pack. Maggie is Missy's sister and she also suffered under their old alpha. She was so traumatised her wolf has not made an appearance for seven years. Maggie has come to be with her sister and Eric the pack Beta has been sent to meet her. Finding out they are mates was a wonderful shock. I just loved Eric to pieces, not only was he wonderful in dealing with Maggie but his interaction with Jared and TJ was superb, especially how he bolstered sweet TJ (I have a soft spot for him since book 1) during the games, giving him confidence. Loved the epilogue, so funny why they didn't win.
Maggie has been hiding her wolf for many years, but can she let it out with Erin's help?
I loved watching Maggie get over her fears and bloom into who she is supposed to be. Maggie has been away in college for seven years and has been hiding her wolf from everyone and is now afraid to be around wolves. Two years ago, Maggie was joined to the Granite Lake pack when her sister and brother-in-law joined them. When she meets Erik, they realize they are mates but she won't commit to him because of her issues. Can Erik help her overcome her issues so they can be mates? What happens when they are drawn for the team in the wolf games? Will she be a help or a hindrance and will she be able to let her wolf out and shift for the last event?
*I was gifted this ARC and freely give my review of it*
Maggie has no desire to have a mate but when Eric shows up to accompany her back to her sister and their flock she can't help feel the connection they have.
I loved this book and the relationship building between Maggie and Eric was beautifully described.
The storyline is good and there's no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings so it's a light read. In addition there is enough dialogues to make it a very good book in my opinion.
Lots of emotions makes all of the stories in this series very intense and I love curling up in my chair and just enjoy.
After reading the first two books in this series I knew it was great but after reading wolf games oh wow. Big strong beta wolf Erik runs into his pack omegas sister Maggie and as soon as she falls into his arms he instantly knows she is his mate. Maggie has issues from her past and old pack and isn't ready for a mate. Erik is so amazing in the way he helps Maggie to let go of the past and embrace her wolf once again and their bond. I only wish this story would have been longer because I finished this one in just two hours. Can't wait to read the next one Wolf Tracks and watch TJ fall.
Cute instalove wolf shifter story - uncomplicated and sweet. The major plot in the story is Maggie hasn’t shifted in over 7 years after being terrorized by her prior pack but is forced to participate in the Wolf Games with all wolf shifters, resulting in her having to confront her fears. Her new mate Erik is such a teddy bear hero - huge powerful guy, but calm, super sweet, and supportive of his wolves. I liked Erik quite a bit, but wasn’t too keen on Maggie which detracted from my enjoyment of the book. 3 stars.
I read the first book in this series a while ago but didn’t read the second, which I think you probably should in order to get some background on who these characters and the others mentioned are. It was a bit confusing at first because it felt like I was missing context in some parts. Erik was alright, Maggie was a bit annoying at times and I think we needed a tad more detail as to what she went through with her old pack. The idea of the wolf games was interesting but the execution was a bit lackluster. This would have benefitted from being a bit more fleshed out.
Loved this story. It had been seven years since that day that changed her life. Now her health has taken a turn for the worse. Her sister Missy finally talked her into moving to the lack and get the help she needed. Then she meets Erik and her life course changes once again. Erik is her fated mate, but will be be able to help her right her fears, and regain the ability to shift back into her wolf form. It is an exciting story and one that I will be re-read again.