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Spirit Wolves #1
A Mate Beyond Their Reach
[Ménage Amour ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/M, werewolves]
When Doctor Andrew Blunt finds an injured wolf, the last thing he expects is to fall for the man behind the beast. Trent is everything he has denied himself—handsome, dangerous, and Drew's mate. But he is also a spirit wolf, and a carrier of a deadly virus that can turn any human insane.
Trent is a hunter, having lived all his life for his duty to defeat ferals—the plague of their kind. He does not expect a human mate. Claiming Drew would be impossible. Desperate to protect Drew, Trent finds himself in front of a new challenge—their other mate, Valerius, who is a Judiciary sent to keep the secret of their people safe.
Now, Drew has to face the dangers of a world he does not understand. Can Valerius and Trent save their mate before it is too late, or will Drew be forever beyond their reach?
When Doctor Andrew Blunt finds an injured wolf, the last thing he expects is to fall for the man behind the beast. Trent is everything he has denied himself—handsome, dangerous, and Drew's mate. But he is also a spirit wolf, and a carrier of a deadly virus that can turn any human insane.
Trent is a hunter, having lived all his life for his duty to defeat ferals—the plague of their kind. He does not expect a human mate. Claiming Drew would be impossible. Desperate to protect Drew, Trent finds himself in front of a new challenge—their other mate, Valerius, who is a Judiciary sent to keep the secret of their people safe.
Now, Drew has to face the dangers of a world he does not understand. Can Valerius and Trent save their mate before it is too late, or will Drew be forever beyond their reach?
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2011
3 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Scarlet Hyacinth
94 books385 followersScarlet Hyacinth was born in 1986, in a Romania still struggling under the weight of the communist regime. As a young girl, she started studying the English language and fell in love with books.
After a childhood spent devouring hundreds of pages of fantasy literature, Scarlet found her calling. While at uni, she discovered with the help of a dear friend that she had a knack for writing. The rest, as they say, is history, or rather, lots of hard work and sleepless nights. Today, she can only say with a smile that nothing is impossible and that no matter what others say, you can achieve your dreams if you work hard enough.
After a childhood spent devouring hundreds of pages of fantasy literature, Scarlet found her calling. While at uni, she discovered with the help of a dear friend that she had a knack for writing. The rest, as they say, is history, or rather, lots of hard work and sleepless nights. Today, she can only say with a smile that nothing is impossible and that no matter what others say, you can achieve your dreams if you work hard enough.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 10, 2011
I liked the concept behind this book. The shifters were slightly different, with a 'normal' shifter closer to the spirit of a wolf and only the 'ferals', humans bitten by spirit wolves, really dangerous. Their 'structure of command' (for lack of a better word) results in some different jobs, like that of the Judiciary. There were some hints about suppressed knowledge, a conspiracy - in short, enough ideas for me to believe this series can run for a few volumes and keep my interest.
Drew is a great character. Despite the fact he is a doctor and deals mostly in facts, he is a great father to his son, and isn't afraid to show his emotions when he runs into Trent and Valerius. He is much better than his best friend at accepting the truth - he's not into denying the evidence of what he saw, even if a wolf turning into a human isn't exactly something he expected.
Trent is a hunter, out to kill ferals, but he definitely has a softer side. He can feel the mate bond, and I loved how he ignored all rational arguments once he figured out what was what.
Valerius is a great addition to the duo - and was the biggest surprise. A truly principled man, the spirit of the law is more important to him than the letter, and the injustice and sheer 'wrongness' of what he discovers pushes him into decisive action. He is someone I'd like to have at my back.
If you like speculating about 'what ifs', think there is more to existence than what our limited senses can detect and enjoy threeway relationships between hot men, you will probably like this book.
Drew is a great character. Despite the fact he is a doctor and deals mostly in facts, he is a great father to his son, and isn't afraid to show his emotions when he runs into Trent and Valerius. He is much better than his best friend at accepting the truth - he's not into denying the evidence of what he saw, even if a wolf turning into a human isn't exactly something he expected.
Trent is a hunter, out to kill ferals, but he definitely has a softer side. He can feel the mate bond, and I loved how he ignored all rational arguments once he figured out what was what.
Valerius is a great addition to the duo - and was the biggest surprise. A truly principled man, the spirit of the law is more important to him than the letter, and the injustice and sheer 'wrongness' of what he discovers pushes him into decisive action. He is someone I'd like to have at my back.
If you like speculating about 'what ifs', think there is more to existence than what our limited senses can detect and enjoy threeway relationships between hot men, you will probably like this book.
July 22, 2011
I found the unique shifter concept in this book interesting and different from other shifter books but to be perfectly honest, I found myself editing all the way through in my head. Not even so much typos or what not, just dialogue and style I guess. Despite that - and that's probably just a quirk I have - the characters were likeable and I do plan on continuing the series.
August 8, 2011
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.
While I liked Scarlet Hyancinth's previous work, this book left a lot to be desired. For me it disappointed the most in the plot department and the writing style, which made me put the book down and pick it back up on multiple occasions.
It all started when Drew, a doctor, saved an injured wolf. Instead of saving an animal, it turns out he cured a gorgeous man who ends up also being Drew's mate. But not everything is so simple, because in addition to not being human, Trent is a spirit wolf and his just one bite can make a human feral.
Trent is both overjoyed at finding a mate and terrified by the fact his mate is human – something that is forbidden in his society. Still, he is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep his mate safe and allow them a safe existence together.
While on the run, they come face to face with Valerius, a man whose job is to protect the spirit wolves' secrets and the best way to do that is execution. But when his targets end up also being his mates, Valerius takes a different route and does everything to protect them.
My issue with this book for the most part was the writing style. The combinations of words made me roll my eyes and reading sex scenes written in such a way actually turned me off from reading another m/m story in the near future.
When it comes to plot, I found it predictable and over the top. Instead of focusing on the main characters and their story, the author wrote in a lot of unnecessary ones in preparation for the sequel. The current story suffered for it and the short and let's-just-get-it-over-with explanations of the events left me completely unsatisfied.
I'm not sure if my disappointment was due to the fact I know how good this author can write or if it was something else, but I hope the next one I pick up will be true to her talent.
While I liked Scarlet Hyancinth's previous work, this book left a lot to be desired. For me it disappointed the most in the plot department and the writing style, which made me put the book down and pick it back up on multiple occasions.
It all started when Drew, a doctor, saved an injured wolf. Instead of saving an animal, it turns out he cured a gorgeous man who ends up also being Drew's mate. But not everything is so simple, because in addition to not being human, Trent is a spirit wolf and his just one bite can make a human feral.
Trent is both overjoyed at finding a mate and terrified by the fact his mate is human – something that is forbidden in his society. Still, he is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep his mate safe and allow them a safe existence together.
While on the run, they come face to face with Valerius, a man whose job is to protect the spirit wolves' secrets and the best way to do that is execution. But when his targets end up also being his mates, Valerius takes a different route and does everything to protect them.
My issue with this book for the most part was the writing style. The combinations of words made me roll my eyes and reading sex scenes written in such a way actually turned me off from reading another m/m story in the near future.
When it comes to plot, I found it predictable and over the top. Instead of focusing on the main characters and their story, the author wrote in a lot of unnecessary ones in preparation for the sequel. The current story suffered for it and the short and let's-just-get-it-over-with explanations of the events left me completely unsatisfied.
I'm not sure if my disappointment was due to the fact I know how good this author can write or if it was something else, but I hope the next one I pick up will be true to her talent.
October 1, 2011
I really liked this book. I probably would have given it five stars but I didn’t understand the world that well. Like I am not sure how many different wolf types they are and I wasn’t quite clear on the whole feral thing. Some of the science stuff went right over my head so I didn’t get into the story as much as I would have if it would have been a little simpler for me to understand
That said I loved all the plot twists and all three guys were great. I look forward to the next one
That said I loved all the plot twists and all three guys were great. I look forward to the next one
August 14, 2011
2.75 Stars.
Interesting premise/idea but poorly executed. The sex scenes werent even that hot (i was in the mood for m/m/m hot action LOL)
I just dont think things were explained well enough. He got shot in the abdomen but the virus somehow miraculously cured him even though they dont know how the virus disappeared after that etc etc blah blah
I will read book 2 in the hopes that the series becomes better. It is an interesting plot so I will give it one more go
Interesting premise/idea but poorly executed. The sex scenes werent even that hot (i was in the mood for m/m/m hot action LOL)
I just dont think things were explained well enough. He got shot in the abdomen but the virus somehow miraculously cured him even though they dont know how the virus disappeared after that etc etc blah blah
I will read book 2 in the hopes that the series becomes better. It is an interesting plot so I will give it one more go
August 22, 2011
Really loved this book, The characters where well defined and everyone had a purpose, the instant lust/love wasn't overly bothersome, and the story flows well, by the end I was sad for Val's parents.
another think I really REALLY liked was how the sex scenes were done, they usually aren't in the combination I like, but in this love they where, so I'm happy.
another think I really REALLY liked was how the sex scenes were done, they usually aren't in the combination I like, but in this love they where, so I'm happy.
April 8, 2013
I can't give it a 3, though part of me wishes I could. But the writing was too choppy and the storyline too compressed to qualify for a 3.
I liked the overall concept and I might try to read the next one.
I liked the overall concept and I might try to read the next one.
November 3, 2011
"3.5" in way of being generous.
The style of writing wasn't bad, just short and abrupt. Things happened, but there just wasn't much fleshing to the story. He went here. He said this. This person cried because of. He felt bad. He left.
The sentences weren't short like that, but that was teh general impression - action without substance. I would have loved for it to have been more detailed and allowed us to get to know each character a bit more.
The story was interesting but again, sparse. Because it wasn't detailed out a little more, what *was* given tended to be easily confusing, unless you re-read certain paragraphs multiple times which, after a bit, just got annoying.
There were inconsistent details too, which bugged me. A lot was left floundering without explanation, or without a *satisfying* explanation. the first and foremost that sticks in mind is Val - who is apparently several hundred years old and tells his mates as much. Only, no one is shocked at this, especially Drew, the human who just found out werewolves exist? There's no, 'oh crap, he's going to outlive me' moment, no hesitation in trying to consider What This Means.
We never find out how old Trent really is, and nothing more is said of Val's age or their aging process until the very end, when its mentioned how Drew's aging process was slowed 'to immortality, or at least an extremely long life span'.
Then Drew's son, who is repeatedly states is a teenager, but who is apparently the mildest, most loving and innocent and easy-going teen alive. Who never argues. Who actually listens when his dad says, "you're not a little boy anymore, you can be brave for me." Even when reading it, I was like - seriously? My kid is 6 and if I said something like that to him, or if he was around for some of the things that happened, he'd be arguing back or scared to death or at the very least not just merrily accepting an 'I'll explain later' excuse.
Also the feral wolves - apparently they can shapeshift into wolves, but they had once been human? That makes no sense. If a spirit wolf had bitten another spirit wolf, they would be okay. But in biting a human, the human became feral so ... they then morphed into another form of wolf?
Okay, I can *kind* of accept that. But when Drew was bitten, he never turned into a wolf. There was never even any mention that he *would* turn into a wolf. So ... huh?
Continuity issues, I guess.
So I liked it, but when I contemplated reading the second novel directly after the first, I was hesitant to do so. Maybe a short break, another few novels in between, and the continuity issues won't bother me as much, if they continue in the next novel.
The style of writing wasn't bad, just short and abrupt. Things happened, but there just wasn't much fleshing to the story. He went here. He said this. This person cried because of. He felt bad. He left.
The sentences weren't short like that, but that was teh general impression - action without substance. I would have loved for it to have been more detailed and allowed us to get to know each character a bit more.
The story was interesting but again, sparse. Because it wasn't detailed out a little more, what *was* given tended to be easily confusing, unless you re-read certain paragraphs multiple times which, after a bit, just got annoying.
There were inconsistent details too, which bugged me. A lot was left floundering without explanation, or without a *satisfying* explanation. the first and foremost that sticks in mind is Val - who is apparently several hundred years old and tells his mates as much. Only, no one is shocked at this, especially Drew, the human who just found out werewolves exist? There's no, 'oh crap, he's going to outlive me' moment, no hesitation in trying to consider What This Means.
We never find out how old Trent really is, and nothing more is said of Val's age or their aging process until the very end, when its mentioned how Drew's aging process was slowed 'to immortality, or at least an extremely long life span'.
Then Drew's son, who is repeatedly states is a teenager, but who is apparently the mildest, most loving and innocent and easy-going teen alive. Who never argues. Who actually listens when his dad says, "you're not a little boy anymore, you can be brave for me." Even when reading it, I was like - seriously? My kid is 6 and if I said something like that to him, or if he was around for some of the things that happened, he'd be arguing back or scared to death or at the very least not just merrily accepting an 'I'll explain later' excuse.
Also the feral wolves - apparently they can shapeshift into wolves, but they had once been human? That makes no sense. If a spirit wolf had bitten another spirit wolf, they would be okay. But in biting a human, the human became feral so ... they then morphed into another form of wolf?
Okay, I can *kind* of accept that. But when Drew was bitten, he never turned into a wolf. There was never even any mention that he *would* turn into a wolf. So ... huh?
Continuity issues, I guess.
So I liked it, but when I contemplated reading the second novel directly after the first, I was hesitant to do so. Maybe a short break, another few novels in between, and the continuity issues won't bother me as much, if they continue in the next novel.
September 21, 2011
This is a good beginning in an atypical werewolf series in that only a feral wolf is a true werewolf and all others are spirit wolves. Also the hierarchy of the pack is a little different too. Adding a human with a child as a mate and a former CDC doctor at that was a nice touch I really enjoyed. There's plenty of pain, angst, betrayal and danger, giving the story just about everything needed for an entertaining read. I hope the quality of the writing continues and the plots continue to build now that the initial world building has started. I look forward to the next release in the series.
July 8, 2011
I really loved this...HOT story and interesting concept with slightly different wolf shifters. I loved the characters and the connection all 3 had with each other. I can't wait to read the 2nd book!
July 8, 2011
Very good book. Cant wait for the next one.
December 2, 2014
What a great way to start off a series! A Mate Beyond Their Reach gives us a fantastic look into a complex world full of danger, intrigue, and the beginnings of a war between the Spirit Wolves and the Ferals. Ms. Hyacinth certainly knows how to make a great plot when she adds the danger, passion, and unique characters that abound throughout the pages. While Valerius and Trent are true alpha males, it was wonderful to see Drew step into the role once it came to the science and medicine aspect of the scenarios. On top of that, we meet other characters who have the potential to have their own story later in the series which makes this the perfect start to The Spirit Wolves Series.
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
March 14, 2012
typical Scarlet Hyacinth serial romance. nothing fantastic, nothing so bad it can't be finished. what is typical Scarlet Hyacinth? imagine a shorter harlequin romance but with no t&a (see, i was going to write no surprise pregnancies, but... yeah.).
out of sheer laziness, i will be using this as my template for all serials by UNLESS motivated otherwise by markedly good/bad writing:
Scarlet Hyacinth
joyee flynn
sunny day
lynn hagen
stormy glenn
carol lynne
gabrielle evans
i'd apologize for said halfassedness, but i'm not sorry.
out of sheer laziness, i will be using this as my template for all serials by UNLESS motivated otherwise by markedly good/bad writing:
Scarlet Hyacinth
joyee flynn
sunny day
lynn hagen
stormy glenn
carol lynne
gabrielle evans
i'd apologize for said halfassedness, but i'm not sorry.
February 28, 2012
3.5 stars
A good start to a shifter series with a bit of a twist. I like the worldbuilding and this is definitely better written than most of the stuff Siren publishes. I'll definitely keep reading.
A good start to a shifter series with a bit of a twist. I like the worldbuilding and this is definitely better written than most of the stuff Siren publishes. I'll definitely keep reading.
July 18, 2011
3,5 stars
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews