Rise from the Ashes by Noah Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This was very unlike any other shifter story I've read in the best way possible. Told in a single person POV, it was more than a romance between two characters. Yes, that played a huge role, but it was more about pack families, loyalty and friendship.

Adam Miller was content. He had an office job where he was respected, a pack that he loved, and alpha friend who guided him and plenty of freedom. It wasn't perfect, but he didn't want to rock the boat. He was next in line for alpha and his secrets could wait.

Joshua Wetmore walked into Adam's conference room and changed everything with a glance. His sweet omega side called to Adam and soon their connection sparked.

When Adam's alpha suddenly dies, the pack looks to him for comfort, guidance, and leadership, but most of all, revenge. They want blood and will stop at nothing to get it. Even if that means taking down Adam and his mate.

The overall theme of family and bonds was the main thread that wove this story. It was more than just Adam and Josh's relationship. There were so many elements involved with side characters and side stories that all interwove into an inspiring tale.

Noah Harris has a unique writing style that moves the reader with descriptive phrases and effortless flow. I can't wait to dive into more from this author.

The narration by Christopher Kauzlarich was impeccable. His voices were distinct for each character, adding emotion and depth to the story.

If paranormal/shifter romance is your thing, you'll absolutely love this audio version of Noah Harris' story. I'd definitely recommend giving it a listen.



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9 Willow Street by Nell Iris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delightful.

This charming little tale (pun intended) came out of nowhere and hit me hard in the sweet tooth. There wasn't a thing I didn't love about it.

When Hannes' grandmother died, he was bereft. Instead of mourning her loss, his family waged war because she left her house to him. He was the youngest of the family, the only one who wasn't a 'real' doctor. A year after her death, he finally moves into her house and finds a cute little bunny with black ears in his kitchen. He and the bunny get acquainted and start a peculiar friendship.

Mattis is a bunny shifter. He's been given away to be married, but he's long held a belief that fate has something else in store for him. When he runs from home, he finds himself drawn to Hannes. It gets even more interesting as they both feel a bond, but Hannes is human and Mattis is a shifter. Soon enough Mattis' mother shares some interesting history and choices have to be made that will affect both of their lives forever.

I ate up every single word of this short story. Hannes was so driven and sure and Mattis... he sounded angelic with his golden curls and cherubic face.

A fluffy, heartwearming, endearing story of finding your own way and believing in yourself. It's definitely going on my must read list.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*

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Mated by Tricia Owens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story packed a punch. There was so much to it making it difficult to put down.

Wren is the brother of the pack Alpha, who runs his pack with an iron fist. Wren has followed his alpha obediently, put doesn't necessarily agree with his ways.

Gideon is the Alpha of the Corbin pack, who just took over the lands that border Wren's. He's looking to make a deal on the land, but there are quite a few mysteries and secrets that get overturned along the way.

This book was so interesting. It had me guessing at what could happen all along the way. I really enjoyed the world building that was accomplished through trying to bridge the gap between packs. The differences in how the rules were followed, how they governed, where they lived, etc were so different that it created an added layer of interest.

It was a wild ride of intrigue and fun and I would absolutely recommend this fast paced shifter romance.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*

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The Cat Burglar by Jane Wallace-Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series has just been so much fun!

The agents of C.L.A.W. are back again, this time with a new member. Kit is a cheetah shifter and after being on his own forever, he needs backup. As an old friend of Clearwater's he's met his team and has been a bit of a stalker when it comes to Alexios.

When an older woman asks Kit to get her a picture of the inscription in a compact mirror, she ends up dead a few days later. And then Kit's place is ransacked. It will take the whole team to figure out who's behind the attack and a trip to Italy for more clues.

There were some really witty and fun scenes in this story. I loved Kit and his outgoing nature as well as his self consciousness. It was fun to see him squirm under Alexios' scrutiny.

The writing in this series is very well done and it's smartly calculated. The shifter's all have a great dynamic with each other as a team and they've been quite engaging and fun to read about. I definitely recommend this series.

Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*

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Prophesy Book II: The Bringer of Wrath by A.E. Via
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had so much of everything. There was a perfect balance of action, mystery, intrigue and sexy times.

In this second book of the series, Alek, the second wolf in command under the AZ and Justice's brother is reunited with Bell, his true mate who happens to be a vampire. But things aren't always what they seem and they both have to decide if they truly want to be mated.

I loved the interaction between the Alek and Bell. There was an interesting plot twist at the start that paved the way for the entire story that really deepened the read. There were moments between Bell and his mate that had me laughing and moments that were so tender it inspired awe. Each of them had moments where they became the Alpha in the relationship and where they were the submissive and it was exciting to see how they reacted to each other during the shift in power.

A.E. Via is a writer who listens to what her readers want and delivers every time. This was brilliantly done and very engaging. I loved it.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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The Well-Dressed Werewolf by Gillian St. Kevern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gillian St. Kevern is masterful at creating Victorian style stories, but this was much more than just a murder mystery. This was a labyrinth of twists and turns, leaving you wondering until the very end.

Told in single person POV, we meet Felix Wood, the valet/best friend/lover of Robin, whom he's known since childhood. At the full moon prior to Robin's 21st birthday, they are invited to stay at the country estate of Westaway, who has more tricks and secrets up his sleeve than anyone had thought possible.

When half the men turn to werewolves and the other half their caretakers, the sudden security measures aren't enough to keep everyone alive. But who is murdering their friends and why?

While this was more of a mystery/thriller/suspense, there was a hint of romance behind the scenes, which was just enough to tide me over and leave the story feeling emotionally sated. I loved the introduction of werewolves to this series, as well as a hidden society of caretakers. It was an exciting read infused with suspense and action and had me guessing from start to finish. Very well done.

*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Forever Lost and Found by T.N. Nova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've read quite a few shifter books, but this one gripped me from the start. It was magical.

Aiden never really fit in. His parents let him stay at home after he came out, but they made their disapproval known whenever possible. When he moved out and was on his own, his father made sure he couldn't keep a lease or a job. Then, one night he was driving home and hit someone on the street and it changed his life forever.

Darius is a wolf shifter. He's convinced himself he'll never be in love, which is perfect for him. He lives with his friends, parties at clubs, and doesn't need anyone. Until he meets his mate...

I loved the Peter Pan aura that surrounded this story. Darius and his roommates, together the Lost Boys, consisted of three wolf shifters, a Nephilim and a pixie. They all contributed so much levity and fun to the story as well as support for both MC's.

The relationship between Darius and Aiden felt real and emotional. Packed with heat, the BDSM element was done expertly with open communication and rules, which is always a plus to this reader. I loved the dialogue between them and the ease of affection as their relationship played out.

Highly entertaining, fun and witty. This was a great read and a perfect start to what will most likely be a great series!

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Bitten By Fate by Annabelle Jacobs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

As the last book in this series, I think there was a lot at play with tying up loose ends and giving everyone their happy ending. And I'm pretty sure if you've read this series, you'll be thrilled at this finale.

Jason has been eyeing Daryl for a while now, but they've been on opposite sides, just recently merged into the same pack as betas. With all of the animosity from the merger, the packs have yet to find their groove together. The alphas have set up a two week pack bonding experience and have sent Jason and Daryl to assist.

Daryl has never wanted more than a fling. His parents' relationship ended viciously because of a bond and he's promised himself that he'll never let that happen to him. But what's the harm in a little playing around?

Jason was up front and honest in his feelings. Daryl was only fooling himself. It was a bond in the making and they both knew it. It was heart-breaking when Daryl made a decision, but Jason was so giving and loyal. It floored me how well he took the news and how much he was wiling to give up and risk for Daryl.

This was quite a love story and it was really inspiring. Annabelle Jacobs did a wonderful job finishing up her shifter series with this last tale. Such a great series.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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The Alpha's Lust by Preston Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a truly unique shifter story and I enjoyed it more than I had expected.

When Ray is sent to another pack to mate with an omega, he has no idea what he's in for. He doesn't want a mate. He doesn't want a family or love, but he denied the Alpha's son, so he was cast out.

But when he meets Sil, he instantly feels protective of him and wants to feel a part of his family. But the past has a way of coming back to haunt him and he's caught in the middle of a crossfire.

This has a great HEA and some interesting character quirks that really made the story take flight.

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Cuffing Season: A Gay Paranormal Romance by Liam Kingsley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the government gets to decide the laws surrounding shifters, a new election becomes very important. And one of the candidates has paid to own his own omega, James. James has lived hidden his entire life and has finally broken free, just to be alone and in danger.

When he meets Ben, a former military hero, he finally feels what it's like to trust someone, but he's got to get rid of his ex before he can move on completely.

I really enjoyed this book and the depth of the characters and story. There was a lot of great dialogue that kept the story flowing.

"He wasn't the picture of the man I thought I'd fall for. He wasn't the picture of safety and independence that I had imagined. Somehow, he was everything I needed, anyway."

I just really enjoyed this one.


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Ta Weezo's Blues by Layla Dorine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a cute, short story about a professor and his student.

When Sabre stays after class to inquire about extra reading materials, Drax can finally put a face to the name of the student who's papers have been so surprisingly well written.

After going on an impromptu 'field trip' with another group of Drax's students, Sabre and Drax find they have more in common than they thought.

This was an interesting story with shape shifters and humans and it was well done, but I was kind of surprised at the abrupt ending. I'm hoping there is more to this story because I'd like to get to know Ben a little more.

*Arc copy provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Owned by Fate by Sean Michael
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I truly wanted to love this, I just couldn't. I was super excited about the whole dragon shifter trope and having a fae for a mate, but this just didn't do it for me.

There was so much sex and not enough ANYTHING ELSE. I also was completely unimpressed with the dialogue. It was super simplistic and both MC's sounded very uneducated.

This one just didn't work for me.

Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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