At 124 pages, Wolf Blood is an exciting, engaging paranormal romance. It’s a quick read with all the books in this series flowing pretty seamlessly from one to the next.
If you’re a fan of Nichols’ Familiar Mates and Mythos series, then you will have a good understanding of the universe Outcast Pack is located in as they are all connected.
Drew Preston’s relationship troubles with his ex, the human River Yates, was mentioned in the other story. As it’s illegal for humans to be told of the paranormal world, it’s no wonder they had issues.
Here we find out they have far more serious problems then they know of .
Nichols does a good job in supplying the background information about the paranormal world that’s the basis for three series for those new to the universe. It’s not a layered story but it gets the job done.
The limited amount of length makes the story rock along and the fighting and high drama is over quickly. But not the enormous ramifications. Those are sliding into the next stage in Wolf Soul.
As I said prior, these wonderful characters and entertaining quickly told romances flow by with the high energy of a terrific serialized romance adventure. That’s the spirit in which I’m reading them.
When both of them are keeping dangerous secrets, will their romance get a second chance or will there be too much spilled blood between them?
River Yates always thought his grandmother’s tales about shifters and witches living among them to be just stories. Until his ex, Drew Preston, showed up at his door naked and bloodied and in need of help.
After being attacked by wolves determined to tear apart the fledgling Outcast Pack, Drew did the only thing he could: shift and run. The nearest place he might find refuge is River’s house. But his ex is human, and when River accused him of cheating, he ripped out Drew’s heart.
While River wasn’t wrong about Drew keeping secrets, how could he tell a human what he is?
When a hunter arrives to kill the shifters that have been making trouble, River is forced to confront the truth not only about Drew but also his own family. Once again, he’ll be picking up weapons and facing off against his grandmother, but this time, it isn’t a training exercise.
Discover the Outcast Pack mm paranormal wolf shifter romance series. Join the wolves as they fight to make their pack official and fall in love along the way. Each book has a new couple and a HEA with no cliffhangers and no mpreg.
Wolf Blood is a steamy, angsty, second chance romance between a hunter and shifter.
The Outcast Pack series takes place in the same universe as this author’s Familiar Mates and Mythos series. So if a reader is familiar with those books then they will be able to supply the missing foundation information one would normally expect to receive from a first story here.
Paranormal/human interaction. Officially none. The paranormal species and ruling structure, The Coven. All that crosses over all three series and I expect to eventually see the other characters as well.
What I found so enjoyable was that this book is written somewhat like a serialized story. It’s quick, exciting, with easily connectable characters and a plot that will flow into the next story and couple’s lives.
There’s not quite a cliffhanger but an overall plot that’s constantly addressed by multiple sources. It’s viewed as a historical event by the wolf and paranormal investigators. Can a group of outcasts, gay shifters, form a pack and be recognized by all other lawful paranormal groups and be given a territory of their own.
The first story, much like the rest, is about 130 pages. So a fast read. The relationship between paramedic Con Albury and future Alpha Zach Ellis progresses quickly but in a way that draws the reader into their problems. Primarily the old homophobia that’s been going on in their packs that’s threatening their lives and that of all gay shifters.
I was through the romance before I knew it and it ended abruptly. Much like a serial would.
The next picks up the drama and key points and takes everything smartly forward.
Honestly, it’s paranormal romance popcorn in the best possible way. I went through them all and was so happy with them.
They belong to rival wolf packs…so why can’t they keep their hands off each other?
Paramedic Con Albury loves nothing more than spending his time off either as a wolf or at night clubs. He’s always looking for a good time, and he usually finds it. While he has aligned himself with the Outcast Pack for protection, he tells himself he prefers to be alone.
Zach Ellis has spent his life preparing to take over the pack just like everyone expects. Pack and family come first. But he needs more than duty and giving into temptation and falling into Con’s bed is easier than it should be.
But the fallout will threaten everything the Outcast Pack stands for: freedom and found family.
Discover the Outcast Pack mm paranormal wolf shifter romance series. Join the wolves as they fight to make their pack official and fall in love along the way. Each book has a new couple and a HEA with no cliffhangers and no mpreg.
Wolf Heart is a steamy, gay, enemies to lovers romance between rival wolf shifters.
Twice Bitten is a great example why I enjoy the writing of Eliot Grayson. Its well written, snarky, it’s characters have great back stories and layered personalities.
Located in Grayson’s Blood Bonds series universe, Twice Bitten is the story of two bitter Paranormals , one a vampire enforcer with a secret. The other a werewolf Alpha seeking a wayward mate who’s caused unbearable damage in his wake. They cross paths when the Alpha, Jack comes looking for aid outward his own territory in locating his mate and finds Angelo, the high ranking enforcer for the Vampire whose territory he’s in.
Grayson’s tale then starts revealing all the details about the paranormal politics surrounding Jack’s arrival in their territory, Angelo’s past and current emotional struggles with mates and mating, and the secrets that lie behind the scenes.
All that drama, and it’s not without humor. There’s some wonderful moments of comedy.
The two person POV works to give the reader advantage as to the characters secrets and struggles before they reveal them to the other person. So we get a better understanding of their motivations for their actions and emotions.
I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the other Blood Bond stories but it’s not necessary to read them to understand this.
My only slight regret is that I felt that Angelo’s issue was handled, off page, too quickly and conveniently, for the powerful aspect that it was to his character. I felt it should have been a bigger part of the ending.
That aside, I really enjoyed the story, this couple, and their journey towards a HEA.
I’m highly recommending it. And check out the Mismatched Mates series too if a Paranormal romance is your thing!
Vampire enforcer Angelo has enough problems already, and a tall, dark, and irritating alpha werewolf is the last thing he needs.
With his cheating, murderous mate on the run, Jack’s looking for help from the local authorities—who assign Angelo to solve the problem quickly.
They don’t have anything in common on paper, but sharing magical compatibility, a sense of humor, and a common goal can build a bond—whether mundane or otherwise. Even when another bond’s impossible…
Warning: Contains magical attack scorpions, knotting, and a vampire who’s desperate to avoid ruining his suit, falling in love, or other catastrophes. Spoiler alert: He falls in love. Does he ruin his suit, though? Read and find out! Happy ending guaranteed.
I do look forward to new releases from Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes. Usually they are urban fantasy. But Captured is the first novel in their new Star Marked Warriors series and while I wish I could say I was a successful venture into aliens, space , and sci fi , it’s not. For me it registered as disappointing and a bit tired on themes.
While there’s a few elements that are good, and some nice characters, there’s also many overfamiliar features that factor into the novel I recognize. Story aspects I’ve come across multiple times from my years of reading this genre .
Let’s see if you recognize some.
◦ Humans being taken for breeding purposes. Why do aliens want us?
◦ Aliens similar enough to humans so breeding is possible. Does everyone have to be bipedal?
◦ They are blue aliens. Why are there so many blue aliens? Why not tangerine?
◦ Native cat species like giant tigers the size of cars. Very popular! Cats rule apparently.
◦ Tattoos that actually give various powers. That’s a great one and used so many ways.
◦ Poisonous jungle with flesh eating plants that throw out a spear to pull you in and devour you. That’s a favorite of many.
◦ Species that’s one gender. Also common. But here they sacrifice their ability to give birth in order to become strong warriors.
◦ Mages, alien mages. Huh.
◦ Labs, babies in bottles
◦ Warriors tournaments
◦ Instant love
Seriously, I know I missed a few but that’s quite a list. It all seemed so familiar because , even though the characters were new , new names, the plot and foundation felt dated.
Plus the way the aliens whipped in and out of the Earth’s orbit, kidnapping gorgeous people here and there. If they need only genetic material, why not be more specific?
The aliens almost idolize strength and the incredible survival ability above all. They’ve sacrificed for massive warrior body types. So when kidnapping another species for breeding wouldn’t they search out athletic types? Something to improve or at least not “weaken” the species?
But here, like giant blue magpies, they seek beauties! Oh look, shiny pretties! Doesn’t matter if they are tiny or medium sized, or whatever gender.
For a giant blue race that values warriors, strength, and fighting abilities. Anyone see a issue here?
Then it’s the kidnapees! The ones who awake on a ship of aliens, figure out they are all a bit gorgeous and hey, sexual slavery. They naturally panicked. One has a massive crying spell, as you would. But then. People who were only hysterical for a while, after undergoing what realistically could be called a emotionally shattering event, now they are fine. It’s an adventure! Well, after another suspended reality chapters.
Human kidnapped Lucas almost immediately gets into a sexual relationship with Prince Kaelum after only a few sentences about consent and gratification. SMH.
Was I connected in anyway to any of the people/beings here? No. Ok maybe the cats. But really no.
Events go by rather quickly. Things happen that ,especially at the end, make no sense. Then it’s over, but with threatening hints about what’s to come.
But each book is supposedly a standalone with a different couple.
So Lucas and Prince Kaelum get a HFN and the whole situation continues.
I don’t know. It’s a breeze to read . If not taken seriously, somewhat entertaining. But it’s not close to what I expected from any of their other pieces, especially Sam Burns’ fantasy stories. I do keep hoping for something new, exciting when authors decide to go narratively to space and beyond!
That just didn’t happen here.
If you’re a fan of these authors, have some spare time, you decide if this is your wheelhouse.
An alien prince, a threatened throne, and the human mate who can help him save it…
Lucas: Sure, my life isn’t going exactly according to plan—I have a degree that led nowhere, a crappy job as a closing-shift barista, and an ex who has everything I want and got it . . . by dumping my sorry ass—but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to give up on living yet! And holy crap, when I’m plucked off the sidewalk of my rural Colorado town on the very night of my ex’s wedding, I’m pretty damn sure I’m about to lose my life and a whole lot more.
If you’ve never tried flying, I do not recommend the first time be when you’re drunk and alone at two in the morning. But there I was, dumped in a cage on a spacecraft, surrounded by barbarous, giant blue aliens. And the only thing that might keep me safe is there’s one huge, intimidating warrior who can’t keep his eyes off me.
Kaelum: I am the true-born son of the King Xyren the Imperator, but as a Thorzi-human hybrid, my path to the throne of Thorzan is far from clear. My father’s people are enormous and foreboding, their skin is the deep dark of twilight when our planet’s twin stars set. I am not. My enemies think I am small, soft, incapable, and they dog my every step.
If I am to take my rightful place, I must focus on saving my people. But my mother was born on a far-away blue planet called Earth. In my bones, I know the answer to my problems hides out there beyond the stars.
By popular cowriting duo Sam Burns & W.M. Fawkes, Captured is an M/M SciFi alien romance with a warrior prince, a resourceful human at the end of his rope, an intergalactic war that could keep them apart forever, and true love that’s entirely out of this world! This book is first in the Star Marked Warriors series, but each book can be read as standalone. This series does not contain mpreg.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer
Captive Mate , second in Eliot Grayson’s Mismatched Mates series, picks up after the events in The Alpha’s Warlock. Wildly traumatic ordeals that saw Ian, a alpha werewolf and Nate, a warlock long imprisoned by his father, mated. And the Armitage pack under siege by mage and were.
And the worst was the betrayal by Matthew Armitage because of a curse.
Captive Mate begins with the pack dealing with the ramifications of Mathew’s actions, Ian’s assuming temporary leadership, and the shaman who worked with their enemies now their prisoner.
Arik, shaman , who cursed Mathew, the one responsible for pack deaths, and the near deaths of Ian and Nate, is one complicated character.
One of the two POV’s, Arik is resolved to escape by any means possible. He’s not particularly interested in those he’s hurting or may have hurt . He’s only interested in his survival. He knows no remorse, and shows little compassion.
Not a easy character to like. It takes time to see or understand that Arik’s a long term abuse survivor. He’s still running and has no reason to trust anyone to help him. His actions and mentality come from a deep place of brokenness and pain.
And to the credit of Grayson, Arik’s not fixed here. What’s broken, is truly broken in a lot of ways. Tiny bits might be on the path to healing as the book winds it way down, but even in the next story, Arik’s sharpness and pain whips out like a knife at a whisper.
Trying to balance Arik against the basic strengths and character of Matthew is a challenge for the author. Because the element of making Matthew seem weak under the manipulations of Arik might undermine the reader’s connection to the couple’s romance.
It’s a tightrope to walk narratively speaking. One I think the author threads through exactly right.
All the extremely tough personalities that are having to negotiate new relationships while the pack is still under attack by enemies old and new.
There’s major suspense. High action, great magic scenes, and real poignancy.
Captive Mate really balanced tricky characters, major themes, and complicated relationship dynamics. Just a fantastic book.
I’m highly recommending this story and series to date. Read them in the order they are written to understand the series plot progression and characters.
Mismatched Mates:
🔹The Alpha’s Warlock #1
🔹Captive Mate #2
🔹A Very Armitage Christmas #2.5
🔹First Blood #2.6
🔹The Alpha Experiment #3
🔹Lost and Bound #4
🔹Lost Touch #5
🔹The Alpha Contract #6, only loosely connected to the above series
Arik is many things. Shaman, necromancer, a little on the snarky side…no one could ever accuse him of being boring. But one thing he never intended to be was imprisoned by angry werewolves. Maybe casting that love spell on the sexy alpha pack leader wasn’t such a great idea after all.
Matthew Armitage has a problem. Several of them, actually. And the biggest one is Arik. The shaman can’t be trusted. He’s dangerous enough to get the entire pack killed. Matthew knows that. But knowing doesn’t make it any easier to keep his mind (and hands) off Arik. Surely everything he’s feeling is a side effect of the spell…right?
It’s not long before enemies of the pack start circling—including one intent on claiming Arik as his unwilling mate. If they have any hope of surviving, Arik and Matthew will need to work together. And if they want a shot at happily ever after…well, they’ll just have to cross that bridge when they get to it.
If they get to it…
Captive Mate can (sort of) be read as a standalone, but works best when read in order as part of the Mismatched Mates series, beginning with The Alpha’s Warlock. This book contains a vivid memory of a sexual assault, but the assault occurs in the past and off-page and is not between the main characters. This series does not contain mpreg.
Stop Kidding Around is the second book in Macy Blake’s Magical Mates series and it’s another winner. It gives us plenty of drama and action while still managing to remain focused on a developing small family group , formed by a human teacher and three wolf shifters, two of which are adorable children.
Toby Sanders, the teacher, is such an amazing new character. He’s one of the two povs the story is told from and his is the most refreshing and hilarious. As a human with no idea the supernatural world exists, Toby’s introduction is abrupt and his reaction is everything!
Can we relate? Why yes we can!
For me, Toby’s perspective and character just makes this book. Macy has written a honest, personable, highly intelligent man who’s still hesitant to believe in love for himself. I absolutely Toby. He’s so relatable.
Watching him communicate and open up himself to others and being a part of a family and pack? Incredible.
Brook , the wolf shifter who patiently talks with Toby, communicating the new world around him, and their mate bond? Just as amazing and beautiful.
So too the little girls/wolf shifters, Marigold and Daisy.
There’s other important characters in play here. Most have been referred to or have had huge parts to play in other stories, their own or others in The Chosen universe. Some like the orphan Jeremy , a big element here, might have an interesting future ahead. Just another reason I’m loving this series.
The only issue I had here is that with all the many storylines at work, when it came time to pull them all together, some felt a bit rushed. I felt as though I was missing some of the pieces of the puzzle for a few of the mystery segments at the end. The explanation didn’t seem to cover everything that occurred.
However, the romance, the mate bond, the communication ( a huge thing with me) the children, it made it just plain magical. Love this couple and children.
Magical Mates is a great addition to The Chosen universe and I hope it continues.
I’m recommending both stories written so far! Red them in the order they were written.
His so-called mate thinks it’s fate. Toby has other ideas.
When Toby Sanders shows up to interview for a teaching job at a mysterious estate, he’s not expecting his world to flip upside down and backward.
Shifters are real… and the hottest, most protective wolf of all is claiming him as a mate.
Toby can’t deny that Brooks is everything he ever wanted and never thought he could have–loving, strong, drop-dead gorgeous–or that the two little girls Brooks wants to adopt give Toby a glimpse of the family he’s always dreamed of… But how the heck is he supposed to believe in this mating magic stuff when life has taught him that the only person he can count on is himself?
As dangers from multiple sources threaten everything he’s come to care about, Toby learns that being part of a pack isn’t just about accepting his fate, it’s about choice: choosing to trust Brooks, choosing to believe in himself, and choosing to fight for the life and love he deserves, even if he has to cross the entire fae realm to do it.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 