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The Northwoods Pack #1
Witchbound
WITCHBOUND is the first book in THE NORTHWOODS PACK series, a high heat, humorous, entertaining, paranormal romance series set in Maine, featuring an irresistible cast of wolves, vampires, and witches, caught up in an ancient prophecy to unite their three worlds.
Twenty-five-year-old Finn, a gay bartender from NYC who grew up on the streets in the Bronx but looks like he belongs in Venice Beach, doesn’t do overnights or even return phone calls, and he definitely doesn’t believe in “mates.”
When Finn inherits a cabin in the Northwoods of Maine from his werewolf friend, neither he nor his friend's insanely sexy older brother are prepared to meet on the doorstep. But once they do, nothing will stop the Alpha werewolf, Griffin, from claiming Finn as his mate, not even a kidnapping and an ancient prophecy involving Finn and a witchborn werewolf with a claim of his own.
Twenty-five-year-old Finn, a gay bartender from NYC who grew up on the streets in the Bronx but looks like he belongs in Venice Beach, doesn’t do overnights or even return phone calls, and he definitely doesn’t believe in “mates.”
When Finn inherits a cabin in the Northwoods of Maine from his werewolf friend, neither he nor his friend's insanely sexy older brother are prepared to meet on the doorstep. But once they do, nothing will stop the Alpha werewolf, Griffin, from claiming Finn as his mate, not even a kidnapping and an ancient prophecy involving Finn and a witchborn werewolf with a claim of his own.
317 pages, ebook
Published January 30, 2023
29 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Ariel Ellman
6 books34 followersAriel Ellman is the author of The Northwoods Pack Series, a paranormal m/m romance series set in present day Maine, The Boston Harbor Romance Series, and multiple essays for NBC THINK.
She fell in love with romance at eleven years old after reading her first historical and has been writing romance stories ever since!
A native New Yorker, she lives in New Jersey with her husband and five children.
She loves to hear from readers and deeply appreciates reviews!
WitchBound is the first book in her new paranormal series and WolfStruck, the second will be released soon!
She fell in love with romance at eleven years old after reading her first historical and has been writing romance stories ever since!
A native New Yorker, she lives in New Jersey with her husband and five children.
She loves to hear from readers and deeply appreciates reviews!
WitchBound is the first book in her new paranormal series and WolfStruck, the second will be released soon!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 14, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I could not stop reading it I laughed. I cried. I loved Finn. It was kind of torn between my feelings on Griffin an Aksil, there were times I really wanted to slap Griffin but it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I loved it. I could not stop reading it and I can’t wait for the next book!
January 29, 2023
WITCHBOUND is the first book in my new series, THE NORTHWOODS PACK.
Check out an excerpt from Witchbound below:
I almost passed out in relief when I pulled up the long dirt drive and spotted my newly inherited log cabin I’d abandoned my New York City apartment for. Its light-golden log frame and wide glass picture windows overlooking the lake sparkled in the Maine late spring sunshine, giving off Hallmark movie vibes right down to the forest green Adirondack chairs arranged cozily on the wrap-around porch. Add a pine wreath to the door and some snow dusting the welcome mat in the winter, and I could be living in a real-life holiday special, Christmas in the Maine Northwoods.
That was the first thought that flashed through my mind when I came to a stop. Then I wondered who the scary looking welcoming party was, as a trio of three seriously buff, huntsmen looking guys stepped out of the woods.
“What’s he doing?” one of the guys called out as I sat unmoving in my ancient dark red GMC pickup truck, staring at them, lining up in front of the cabin.
They were probably early 20’s, just a few years younger than me. One had dark skin and a cool, messy afro, the other two were white, with a dark brown man-bun, and tangle of deep red curls. They had on dark T-shirts and ripstop pants, and man-bun had a knife strapped on his waist. They were either going rock climbing or about to kill me.
“What do you think I’m doing?” I muttered under my breath, checking to make sure my truck door was locked. “Not getting out of the truck in the middle of the woods to be murdered by the evil queen’s huntsmen, obviously.”
Check out an excerpt from Witchbound below:
I almost passed out in relief when I pulled up the long dirt drive and spotted my newly inherited log cabin I’d abandoned my New York City apartment for. Its light-golden log frame and wide glass picture windows overlooking the lake sparkled in the Maine late spring sunshine, giving off Hallmark movie vibes right down to the forest green Adirondack chairs arranged cozily on the wrap-around porch. Add a pine wreath to the door and some snow dusting the welcome mat in the winter, and I could be living in a real-life holiday special, Christmas in the Maine Northwoods.
That was the first thought that flashed through my mind when I came to a stop. Then I wondered who the scary looking welcoming party was, as a trio of three seriously buff, huntsmen looking guys stepped out of the woods.
“What’s he doing?” one of the guys called out as I sat unmoving in my ancient dark red GMC pickup truck, staring at them, lining up in front of the cabin.
They were probably early 20’s, just a few years younger than me. One had dark skin and a cool, messy afro, the other two were white, with a dark brown man-bun, and tangle of deep red curls. They had on dark T-shirts and ripstop pants, and man-bun had a knife strapped on his waist. They were either going rock climbing or about to kill me.
“What do you think I’m doing?” I muttered under my breath, checking to make sure my truck door was locked. “Not getting out of the truck in the middle of the woods to be murdered by the evil queen’s huntsmen, obviously.”
May 29, 2023
Has potential
This book sounded great and right up my alley based on the blurb. The author needs a good editor to deal with the run-on sentences, which you are hit with right off the bat on the first page. It started out so great. It almost felt like the author was trying to one-up everything that happened, which made it turn into kind of an angsty mess. I made it 79% through and stopped because I just couldn’t take any more. The constant back-and-forth with the main relationship (with the potential of a triangle love interest—very Twilight-esque), plus all the other things was just too much drama for me. With a good editor (and potentially better segues along the way), the storyline could be really great. The ideas are definitely there. Ellman will be an author I will keep my eye on as I can see the potential in her writing.
This book sounded great and right up my alley based on the blurb. The author needs a good editor to deal with the run-on sentences, which you are hit with right off the bat on the first page. It started out so great. It almost felt like the author was trying to one-up everything that happened, which made it turn into kind of an angsty mess. I made it 79% through and stopped because I just couldn’t take any more. The constant back-and-forth with the main relationship (with the potential of a triangle love interest—very Twilight-esque), plus all the other things was just too much drama for me. With a good editor (and potentially better segues along the way), the storyline could be really great. The ideas are definitely there. Ellman will be an author I will keep my eye on as I can see the potential in her writing.
June 28, 2023
Great beginning for this series
I loved this book. I'm hoping that Aksil finds his mate in the next book! I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next book!
I loved this book. I'm hoping that Aksil finds his mate in the next book! I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next book!
October 29, 2025
Honestly, a difficult book to review and rate as I find both not bad and bad parts of it. The most disappointing for me was the main couple and their ending. Actually, I can’t even call it an “ending” as it is unfinished. And, the second book doesn’t provide any resolution too, as it’s about another couple entirely.
First part of the book was a difficult read, as it had so much embarrassment from the MC that I almost couldn’t stand it. Honestly, continued with the book just because I started and hoped it will be better. And it really improved, though I think it’s too easy - for such a traumas to be resolved so fast. Doesn’t look realistic.
The MC became more stable and likable, less of embarrassment, as the book progressed. But. As our MC was becoming better, Griffin, as the main ML, was deteriorating. Yes, he is not the best guy, he is young, hot and jealous. But he has a lot to deal with, not including a bit pain in the a*s, which MC is.
And as the book went, he was struggling with a lot and those things only increased. And instead of having it resolved, in the end, it looked like MC and destiny just hurt him more and more. He lost a lot, he was beaten
Psychologically. I feel pity and bit disappointed how he, from a proud promising Alfa, was reduced to a shadow of man he was. I don’t understand how author could do this.
Also, in the end we a having a Trio instead of The Couple. So be aware. It is unresolved. Personally, very unhappy with how it is.
Also, the plot is interesting, but there are some holes and events that are not explained or unreasonable. I do
Understand that they may be there just to keep the plot from falling, but still… I may have been more understanding if author decided to continue this story with those characters, but as author didn’t and just switched - I feel that those are real holes.
World building is crumbling if you think too deeply about it. And we actually don’t have that much of it, maybe that’s why.
The ending is a disappointment, with logical implications being just stages and can be seen through as you think about it.
Do not recommend, imho.
First part of the book was a difficult read, as it had so much embarrassment from the MC that I almost couldn’t stand it. Honestly, continued with the book just because I started and hoped it will be better. And it really improved, though I think it’s too easy - for such a traumas to be resolved so fast. Doesn’t look realistic.
The MC became more stable and likable, less of embarrassment, as the book progressed. But. As our MC was becoming better, Griffin, as the main ML, was deteriorating. Yes, he is not the best guy, he is young, hot and jealous. But he has a lot to deal with, not including a bit pain in the a*s, which MC is.
And as the book went, he was struggling with a lot and those things only increased. And instead of having it resolved, in the end, it looked like MC and destiny just hurt him more and more. He lost a lot, he was beaten
Psychologically. I feel pity and bit disappointed how he, from a proud promising Alfa, was reduced to a shadow of man he was. I don’t understand how author could do this.
Also, in the end we a having a Trio instead of The Couple. So be aware. It is unresolved. Personally, very unhappy with how it is.
Also, the plot is interesting, but there are some holes and events that are not explained or unreasonable. I do
Understand that they may be there just to keep the plot from falling, but still… I may have been more understanding if author decided to continue this story with those characters, but as author didn’t and just switched - I feel that those are real holes.
World building is crumbling if you think too deeply about it. And we actually don’t have that much of it, maybe that’s why.
The ending is a disappointment, with logical implications being just stages and can be seen through as you think about it.
Do not recommend, imho.
April 23, 2023
Almost Great
There’s a lot that I love about this book. I laughed a lot and really loved Finn and his sister. The side characters, vamps especially, were interesting and I’d like to know more. What tripped me up tho is how much I turned from liking to almost hating Griffin.
Spoilers!
I thought Finn was a total weakling almost every time he should have stuck to his guns. Also, like another reviewer said, he only had once incident where he freaked about his trauma when he was 12, and then griffin was like, too bad, we’re doing this my way. Considering how Aksil is so important to the prophecy, he didn’t get rounded out very well, and I’d hoped and expected Finn to want him equally as human. That all really needs to be fleshed out and I’m hopeful he and Finn are together, even as a triad when it’s all said and done.
Definitely still looking forward to the second book though!
There’s a lot that I love about this book. I laughed a lot and really loved Finn and his sister. The side characters, vamps especially, were interesting and I’d like to know more. What tripped me up tho is how much I turned from liking to almost hating Griffin.
Spoilers!
I thought Finn was a total weakling almost every time he should have stuck to his guns. Also, like another reviewer said, he only had once incident where he freaked about his trauma when he was 12, and then griffin was like, too bad, we’re doing this my way. Considering how Aksil is so important to the prophecy, he didn’t get rounded out very well, and I’d hoped and expected Finn to want him equally as human. That all really needs to be fleshed out and I’m hopeful he and Finn are together, even as a triad when it’s all said and done.
Definitely still looking forward to the second book though!
March 31, 2023
3-4 Stars
I seriously don't know how to rate this book. My emotions are all over the place. There're part of this book that I truly enjoy, and then there's other parts I'm like WTF.
This book right here has me seriously contemplating things. This is only book one in this series? How many books are in this series, and do I have the patience to continue on with this series?
I'm pretty sure the only reason I finished reading this book is because I went on a road trip with a group of people I was trying to ignore. I'm 99.99% sure I would have DNF this book if I was at home.
I'm pretty sure this is the longest review. I have ever written on Goodreads. My reviews usually consist of I like this book or I didn't like this book or I DNF the book.
I seriously don't know how to rate this book. My emotions are all over the place. There're part of this book that I truly enjoy, and then there's other parts I'm like WTF.
This book right here has me seriously contemplating things. This is only book one in this series? How many books are in this series, and do I have the patience to continue on with this series?
I'm pretty sure the only reason I finished reading this book is because I went on a road trip with a group of people I was trying to ignore. I'm 99.99% sure I would have DNF this book if I was at home.
I'm pretty sure this is the longest review. I have ever written on Goodreads. My reviews usually consist of I like this book or I didn't like this book or I DNF the book.
August 19, 2023
About average
The story was not bad but wasn't great either. The first half of the book was very stereotypical with its paranormal tropes.
The author introduced a new concept halfway through, which held my interest.
Though the author set the novel in Maine I doubt they are very familiar with the state. I reside an hour north of Augusta. The north woods are generally considered to be the northern area of Aroostook County. The author has people driving to and from Portland like it's a simple night out or a quick visit instead of a half day of driving. Towards the end of the book, one of the MCs actually stated that they drove to Portland that evening, to have a beer and chat with a friend. A 4 to 5 hour drive to have a beer?
The story was not bad but wasn't great either. The first half of the book was very stereotypical with its paranormal tropes.
The author introduced a new concept halfway through, which held my interest.
Though the author set the novel in Maine I doubt they are very familiar with the state. I reside an hour north of Augusta. The north woods are generally considered to be the northern area of Aroostook County. The author has people driving to and from Portland like it's a simple night out or a quick visit instead of a half day of driving. Towards the end of the book, one of the MCs actually stated that they drove to Portland that evening, to have a beer and chat with a friend. A 4 to 5 hour drive to have a beer?
May 6, 2023
"Witchbound" received THREE AND A HALF stars.
Not a fan of Griffin. #Finsil
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
Not a fan of Griffin. #Finsil
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
March 2, 2025
DNC @ 57%. I tried, I really did.
I dislike how it started. How quickly Finn got together with Griffin. The introduction of Askil was interesting, but not enough to rescue the story. Finn seemed to fall into friendships and a relationship quickly and easily for someone who apparently didn’t trust people and had significant trauma, there wasn’t any room for any of the relationships to develop, to show trust developing. Something also seemed off; the pacing, how the characters spoke…something didn’t sit right.
I had high hopes when I started reading this book, so it was a longer fall into disappointment, rather than if I started the book with no hopes at all.
I dislike how it started. How quickly Finn got together with Griffin. The introduction of Askil was interesting, but not enough to rescue the story. Finn seemed to fall into friendships and a relationship quickly and easily for someone who apparently didn’t trust people and had significant trauma, there wasn’t any room for any of the relationships to develop, to show trust developing. Something also seemed off; the pacing, how the characters spoke…something didn’t sit right.
I had high hopes when I started reading this book, so it was a longer fall into disappointment, rather than if I started the book with no hopes at all.
May 24, 2023
Great Story
I really really liked the story of this book and one of the mcs Finn. I also started off by liking Griffin but that changed the more I read. By the end I really disliked him and think Finn does deserve better and wish that Aksil was with him instead. Like I get they are alpha weres buuuut that does not mean Griffin gets to dictate every little thing that Finn does. That does not make a healthy relationship. I will be continuing this because I want to know what happens and I want to see where they go with Aksil and Finns relationship as well.
I really really liked the story of this book and one of the mcs Finn. I also started off by liking Griffin but that changed the more I read. By the end I really disliked him and think Finn does deserve better and wish that Aksil was with him instead. Like I get they are alpha weres buuuut that does not mean Griffin gets to dictate every little thing that Finn does. That does not make a healthy relationship. I will be continuing this because I want to know what happens and I want to see where they go with Aksil and Finns relationship as well.
April 10, 2023
Read By Shon
I seriously don't know how to rate this book. My emotions are all over the place. There are parts of this book that I truly enjoy, and then there's other parts I'm like WTF.
I'm pretty sure the only reason I finished reading this book is because I went on a road trip with a group of people I was trying to ignore. I'm 99.99% sure I would have DNF this book if I was at home.
I seriously don't know how to rate this book. My emotions are all over the place. There are parts of this book that I truly enjoy, and then there's other parts I'm like WTF.
I'm pretty sure the only reason I finished reading this book is because I went on a road trip with a group of people I was trying to ignore. I'm 99.99% sure I would have DNF this book if I was at home.
July 27, 2023
WitchBound
This was a great book to read and am looking forward to the next one. But the back and forth between Griff and Aksil needs to be laid to rest. Pick both of them as mates for Finn or introduce a mate for Aksil. Other than that this was a really great read.
This was a great book to read and am looking forward to the next one. But the back and forth between Griff and Aksil needs to be laid to rest. Pick both of them as mates for Finn or introduce a mate for Aksil. Other than that this was a really great read.
May 25, 2023
I loved this book. I didn't love Aksel, though. I hate love triangles. So he needs to go far away, please.
June 14, 2024
What to say? What to say? Finn was supremely immature, and the storyline felt like a runaway train—many cars going in different directions. AND I’m not a fan of love triangles.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews