Arabella's Awakening

by Jessi Pollock

Arabella is the youngest doctor that Redburn, Oregon has ever seen, and a promising career seems to be ahead of her. Life is ordinary, and she expects it to continue to be ordinary. Everything changes, however, when the extraordinary is suddenly thrust into her world in the form of a handsome werewolf named Grant who just so happens to be Arabella’s mate. He leads her into the world of the supernatural but before she can even begin to adjust to the wonders of her new pack, a dangerous piece of her past returns and ominous warnings of an oncoming war threatens the new life that Arabella is trying to build with Grant.

Genres: Shapeshifters

485 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2024

Reviews

[Lorelei Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a story with an awakening to the supernatural world? In this book, Arabella finds out about the supernatural world when she meets her mate, who just happens to be the Alpha of the Redburn Pack. She is thrown into this completely different world and has to come to terms with life changing as she knows it. This book is surprisingly light for all the things that happen in it. Don’t get me wrong. This is not a sweet, light-hearted book. It’s just not as dark as one would think for everything that happens.
The spice is spicy. The angst is angsty. At first, Arabella didn’t seem to me like the type of person who would be strong enough to endure what she endures, but she proved me wrong! Arabella is resilient, and she keeps to her true self even as she’s changing and evolving. She is truly a character to be revered. And holy cow! That spice!
I absolutely loved this book! I love it when authors write POVs from side characters, so we can get into their heads, too! If you’re looking for a PNR novel with a supernatural awakening with spice, friendships, and found family, then you should read this debut from Jessi Pollock. You won’t regret it! And that ending! I need to find out what happens next!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I can not rate enough stars for how many it deserves. Well written, beautiful characters and a compelling storyline. I loved how it wasn't just one couples point of view. Getting to see other people's insights and lives was an interesting concept. Also, having other couples find their destined mates within the story building around the main couple was an amazing take. The plot kept me guessing, with plenty of twists and turns, I can not wait for the second one!

[Andrea Searls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely full of adventure! It is very fast-paced, with a lot of world-building up front. Despite the sped-up pace, I found that I couldn't put it down! I loved the world that the author built, and the MC is a very dynamic person. I can't wait to see where this series goes!

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, it was a good story! The plot kept me guessing, and the story moved at lightning speed, making this book a one-sitting read. Arabella is a doctor who ends up the fated mate of her best friend's werewolf alpha brother. Her best friend also finds his fated mate in the pack, so they decide to stay. Arabella and Grant work together to strengthen their people, but there's malicious outside forces unraveling as much as they can. Arabella spirit walks and talks to her mom and the Moon Goddess to learn her fate as the chosen one, and ultimately prepares to face an oncoming war. She has to protect her new family and friends from the enemy they didn't see coming.

Arabella was kind of a pansy at first, but did she make me eat those words when our girl turned full-fledged warrior. She finally found her place in life, and she's going to protect it with her everything. I loved the close-knit pack dynamics and how everyone worked together and protected each other. Yet, Arabella and Grant were also able to spend time with each other minus the rest of their people. *balance* Introducing more than just werewolves, this paranormal series is preparing for a rollercoaster of appearances. In book one alone, we stormed the castle and made out like bandits. Who knows what the next story holds?

[Yaasmiyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Supernatural, Werewolves, Fated Mates, Found Family, Hidden Past, Best Friend's Brother, Self-Discovery, Prophecy.

Arabella's Awakening is one rollercoaster of a book that you won't want to miss. Centered around a few main characters, there are multiple POVs that all tie into the story to make it cohesive. Arabella is a young woman that's a doctor living her life to the best of her capabilities when she's thrust into an unknown world of paranormal. She finds out that her best friend is a werewolf, and hos older brother, the alpha of the pack, Grant, is her mate. From there chaos ensues, and things progress quickly throughout the story. Arabella finds out that she's more than merely human, and has to learn about her powers, capabilities, and to not overdo it and drain herself too quickly.

This story is fast paced and full of action that keeps you guessing and reading through it. There are so many characters that you love, and others that you can't stand either, but overall, everyone plays an integral part in the book. I can't wait to read the second one and see what things happen and where the storyline takes us.

[Monica Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arabella

I love the multi pov. There were so many characters I loved and got attached to. I am excited for the next book to come out. The blending of different supernatural worlds was beautiful.

[Sierra Fiske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Tropes: Fated Mates, Found Family, Self discovery and prophecies.
Triggers: D@me$tic Vi@l€nc€, Attempted SA (Not by mmc) descriptions of d€@th, tr@um@tic birth. (Full list of triggers found in the book.)

Arabella is a young doctor in the human world that had no idea the supernatural existed, until she saw her fated mate.

Grant is the Alpha of the Redburn Pack, and while paying a visit to his brother, he finally found his Luna.

Arabella basically has to learn everything about their world, while also discovering some new things about herself, and where she comes from. All the while, she and Grant explore their new relationship while dealing with different enemies and danger.

The pacing of this book is a little fast. The author definitely could have written more to flesh things out and I would have absolutely ate it up. That said, she has a great cast of characters that you can't help but love (or loathe.) She also introduced a few elements I haven't seen in a shifter book before, including things about different species and mate bonds. It's fairly unique, and I definitely enjoyed meeting Arabella and the Redburn Pack. The story does end on a sort of cliffhanger, and will continue in her next book, Arabella's Protection.

[Helen G-W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. This book completely blew me away. I am addicted and happily so. The writing is amazing. I was pulled in from the beginning. The story is compelling and addictive. If I wasn’t actively reading I was thinking about it. The last Fantasy book I read that I was so obsessed with is Fourth Wing. Whatever this author writes I will blindly buy. The suspense was suspense-ing, and every time I thought I figured something out I was wrong. Absolutely Amazing!!!! Highly recommend this book. It’s a must read.

[Dusty Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yowzer

Y'all this book. It gets you all pulled in. There are a lot of characters. Some you will adore! Some you would love to cover in dirt while they are still expelling air into the universe until they no longer do so in the most excruciating way you can think of. Arabella in this story starts coming into her own. Gaining who she is and her power. It's truly magical to read. This was a great 1st book. Can't wait for the 2nd one.

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arabella

Arabella graduated high school early and went on to med school. This is where she met Philip and they dated for a while. He wasn’t a nice guy. One day he tried to force himself on her and luckily someone stopped it from happening. She stopped talking to him after that. She became a doctor and was asked to join a hospital. She loved her job just not the people she worked with. They didn’t respect her nor listen to her. One day she comes home from work to her roommate Corbin. She took a bath while he finished dinner. When she came out Corbin was talking to someone it turned out to be his brother. He had shown up out of the blue. When Arabella saw him she ended up passing out. They took her to the hospital. It turns out Corbin and his brother are both wolves. Corbin never told Arabella. When she woke up she was filled in on what happened. It turns out she was his brothers mate. Grant was so happy because he never thought he would find a mate. He was the alpha of the redburn pack. Arabella and Corbin were taken by Philip. He only wanted Arabella but they were so close that the person Philip hired to take her took him too. After this everything changed. Some for the good and some not so good. But if you like supernatural books this is a good one. Lots of events took place.

[Joanne Kaminski · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Absolutely wonderful!
Definitely need to purchase a copy now after reading on KU!

[Maddy Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book, especially for a first time author. It moved very fast which is perfect for my adhd attention span. I particularly enjoyed Corbin. The thing I enjoyed the most reading this book is that my emotions moved with the emotions of the characters. That’s not something you can force upon yourself. I also enjoyed the intricate details of many of the scenes. It was easier to picture myself there. The sex scene writing was also very good. Can’t wait for the second book

[Mel · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 21%.

I’m not sure I’m reading the same book as everyone else in these reviews… the writing is juvenile and disjointed, some of these characters are worse than early 2000’s stereotypes of high school mean girls. It’s cringy.

The multiple POV is just messy and names are thrown in everywhere. Then within the first like 5 seconds of the book, every single person is finding their mate??? And Arabella just accepts it and the whole supernatural world without any doubt???

Yeah, I’m sorry, but I’m out. If this were meant to be YA it might be more bearable, but the fact that these are adults with “big kid jobs” and use exclamation marks in every! Single! Interaction!… it’s like writing an email to my boss and being afraid of looking too bland.

[Kayla Wald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know Ari and was definitely intrigued in this whole world.

This was my first book of this genres and while it took me longer to get through it I got more and more into it as the book went on. It was a slow burn for me and picked up pace more and more.
I’m excited for book two to see what problems Ari faces and overcomes 🥰

[Neshaisabookworm’s Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy powers Batman

What a ride this was!

This author knows the job of writing a character that we're supposed to hate. Rebecca is so awful!!!!

Arabella is more than she seems and I'm not just talking about the fact that she is a child genius/prodigy.

Grant stepped up to be Alpha and focused on that for years. Arabella is a blessing and one he never thought he would get.

[Library.of.linds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author but wow!!! I’m not usually into PNR but I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this book. I love that the main character is a badass woman who finds who she is.

This book was absolutely brilliant. It is written in a different POV which I wasn’t used to but it totally worked!! I can’t wait to read more from Jessi. If you’re into supernatural or PNR I absolutely recommend this book!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by this author and it won't be my last that's for sure. I can't believe this was the authors debut novel! It fucking blew me away! I absolutely love PNR and this one just screamed at me to read it. And I'm so glad that I did, I lapped up every single delicious bit of it, I couldn't put it down even if my life depended on it. I was hooked, lined and well you know the rest.

It's such a crazy rollercoaster ride with twists and turns you don't see coming until it smacks you in the face. It's packed with fated mates, angst, drama, love, suspense, war, supernatural awakening, friendship, found family, spice, adventure and so much more..

I loved how jessi pollock added multiple POVs to her book, it's great when authors do that and give you insight to their minds from all characters and not just the main couple. The storyline was excellent I was so engrossed. The characters are wonderful and you instantly love some and hate others. The world building is top notch. Plot was chefs kiss !! Beautifully written and executed. And damn that ending, eeek I can't wait to read more from jessi pollock.

This is in my top 5 favourite reads for this year!! Hands down amazing. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!! Highly recommend!

Arabella life is thrown through a loop, when her ordinary life just becomes exciting, intriguing and out of this world crazy. She meets her fated mate grant who is the alpha of the redburn pack, she's introduced to a world she had no idea about. But she takes it in her stride. But things are threatening her new life and love.

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

💓💓💓 this book. This was the first time, I read her book. I was so, into this book, I couldn't put it down. This is a Great Fantasy book. 💓 Arabella and Grant.
If, you like young doctor, werewolf, her mate, supernatural, war, Erotic romance, fast pace, emotions, steam, entertaining, unpredictable, action, well written, wonderful characters, adventure, word building, found family, fated mates, death, enemies, fairly, differs species, easy to read, HEA,
Blending of two different supernatural world, Romantic, and so much more. Definitely, reading more of her book. I 💓💓💓 it!!

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The youngest doctor that Redburn, Oregon has ever seen, is Arabella. She has such a promising career ahead of her. Her life is ordinary, and that's what she expects for her future.

However, things soon change when extraordinary is suddenly thrust into her world. His name is Grant, a handsome werewolf, and he just happens to be Arabella's mate.

Grant soon leads her into a world she has never known. One of supernatural creatures but before she can even start to adjust to all the wonders around her, adjust to her new pack, she finds that a dangerous part of her past suddenly returns with ominous warnings of some oncoming war that threatens the new life that Arabella and Grant are trying to build together.

I love these tropes: Supernatural, Werewolves, Fated Mates, Found Family, Hidden Past, Best Friends Brother, Self-Discovery, Prophecy.

I don't know many people who don't love a great shifter awakening into the perfect supernatural world. In this book, we start off meeting Arabella, the youngest doctor in her area who suddenly and unexpectedly meets her mate and is introduced to the supernatural world when she meets him. And her mate? He is the Alpha of the Redburn Pack.

Suddenly Arabella finds herself in a very different world then she is used to and she has to get used to it very quickly and come to terms with the change in in her life and that she can't go back to what she knew.

For everything that actually happens in this book, it is actually rather very light. And don't misread what I am saying. This is not some light, sweet book. It is not a sweet, light-hearted book. This book just isn't that dark as you would expect it to be for everything that actually happens in it.

I loved how spicy the spice is. The angst is perfect. When Arabella first arrives at the Redburn Pack, you don't think she is strong enough to endure what she's going to endure. But, she proves everyone wrong. She's actually a lot stronger than anyone gave her credit for. She's resilient, and she's holds to who she really is, even as she grows, changes, and evolves. She truly is one to be adored. And still, I can't get over the spice.

I loved this book so much. I can't wait to reread it. I love it when authors use POVs from side characters properly, and we can really get into their heads too.

If you want a great PNR novel with a perfect supernatural awakening with phenomenal spice, friendships, found family, fated mates, and so much more, then you NEED to read this debut novel by Jessi Pollock. You're not going to be sorry. And the ending, the ending is going to leave you wanting to reach for the next book today needing to know what happens next.

[Jaime Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arrabella’s Awakening is book one in the Redburn Pack series. This is the first book I’ve read by Jessi Pollock, and I absolutely loved it. As soon as I started it, I couldn’t put it down. Arrabella is thrown into a world you only hear about in books. She adapts quicker than you think, and she perseveres in that world. Grant is a hottie alpha and her mate. This book is fire. This book checks all my boxes! I cannot wait to read the next book!

As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading!