What do you think?
Rate this book
Wolves of Stone Ridge #8
Loving the Enemy
Miach Coleman can’t believe the turn his life has taken. He’d worked hard to take control of his life after being shoved into foster care when his mother died. The minute he’d turned eighteen, he’d joined the military. Learning that shape-shifters are real and what a threat they could be to humanity, he moved to the private sector, working for the Crystal Lake Corporation. He allowed the scientists to use their research to increase his agility, strength, and healing so he could combat these creatures. Now, having spent three weeks under shifter’s care, he’s begun to question everything he’s learned about them. They treat him far better than the scientists treat shifters. No experiments. No neglect. No torture.
It took Nick Greely three long, sexually frustrated weeks, and a heart-to-heart with his alpha, to finally admit that Miach could be his mate. But there’s a reason Miach is their prisoner. He’s been brainwashed by the scientists to think that all shifters are abominations. Between the experiments done on him in the name of science and the fact that the wolf pack has had to keep him prisoner for so long because he’s a threat to their pack, Nick has no idea if he can reach the man, mating pull or not.
Miach is amazed at the camaraderie he sees between the wolf shifters, proving that they’re not just instinct driven killing machines. And Miach can’t deny the attraction he feels for Nick, one of his sexy guards. When Nick hits on him, he takes what the wolf offers, changing his life in a single night. But Miach quickly discovers there’s no happily-ever-after written in his stars. If he wants to keep Nick, Miach will need to keep him safe from another shifter who wants him dead, get away from a fellow mercenary trying to rescue him, and prove to the wolf alpha he’s sincere, all while keeping his integrity intact.
It took Nick Greely three long, sexually frustrated weeks, and a heart-to-heart with his alpha, to finally admit that Miach could be his mate. But there’s a reason Miach is their prisoner. He’s been brainwashed by the scientists to think that all shifters are abominations. Between the experiments done on him in the name of science and the fact that the wolf pack has had to keep him prisoner for so long because he’s a threat to their pack, Nick has no idea if he can reach the man, mating pull or not.
Miach is amazed at the camaraderie he sees between the wolf shifters, proving that they’re not just instinct driven killing machines. And Miach can’t deny the attraction he feels for Nick, one of his sexy guards. When Nick hits on him, he takes what the wolf offers, changing his life in a single night. But Miach quickly discovers there’s no happily-ever-after written in his stars. If he wants to keep Nick, Miach will need to keep him safe from another shifter who wants him dead, get away from a fellow mercenary trying to rescue him, and prove to the wolf alpha he’s sincere, all while keeping his integrity intact.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
14 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 27, 2012
I was really looking forward to this book because I had a feeling that the super-human agent the shifters called Lemongrass would prove interesting when he was captured. And low and behold he does, he is the steadfast wolf shifter, Nick's mate.
Poor Nick has had a bad day! His alpha, Declan, ordered him to infiltrate the intimate circle of a set of wolf shifters who were bullying non-wolves in their territory and questioned the Alpha's decision to allow them to live there. Nick allows an attack on a polar bear and his mate before rescuing them to prove the truth, then he sits through the fallout meeting and now he must explain to his alpha that he thinks their prisoner is his mate.
Nick is surprised when Declan encourages him to pursue things with his mate, but happily chooses not to question it. Nick is Miach's guard and he's the only guard that doesn't get a hard time from the prisoner. Nick sets out to woo his mate and it achieves good results. Miach is equally taken with him allowing Nick to explain about shifters and contradict much of what Miach has been taught. The two men share about their pasts and really connect. But all this is interrupted by an angry, vengeful wolf and Miach's connections to the human scientists. Miach accepts that he's Nick's mate, but now he has the job of proving himself contrite for his past actions and trustworthy to Nick's pack.
As I said in a review for a previous book in the series, the stories just seem to be getting better as I go.
Nice read!
Poor Nick has had a bad day! His alpha, Declan, ordered him to infiltrate the intimate circle of a set of wolf shifters who were bullying non-wolves in their territory and questioned the Alpha's decision to allow them to live there. Nick allows an attack on a polar bear and his mate before rescuing them to prove the truth, then he sits through the fallout meeting and now he must explain to his alpha that he thinks their prisoner is his mate.
Nick is surprised when Declan encourages him to pursue things with his mate, but happily chooses not to question it. Nick is Miach's guard and he's the only guard that doesn't get a hard time from the prisoner. Nick sets out to woo his mate and it achieves good results. Miach is equally taken with him allowing Nick to explain about shifters and contradict much of what Miach has been taught. The two men share about their pasts and really connect. But all this is interrupted by an angry, vengeful wolf and Miach's connections to the human scientists. Miach accepts that he's Nick's mate, but now he has the job of proving himself contrite for his past actions and trustworthy to Nick's pack.
As I said in a review for a previous book in the series, the stories just seem to be getting better as I go.
Nice read!
June 27, 2012
This was an okay addition with Miach (who I insisted on calling Micah in my head) who is captured from the bad guys and held in a cabin in the woods. Nick is one of his guards and has realized that Miach is his mate, meanwhile Miach seems to hate all the guards and gets off on goading them except Nick. When Nick arranges for a double shift and some good BBQ ribs, things take off and then, Cameron, the wolf who wants purity in the pack shows up to cause trouble along with another guard coming to "rescue" Miach and Nick is injured, then they go off to attack another science outpost. (coming back with a rhino of all things - and some African elephants want Gordon's sperm LOL) I know these things aren't realistic, they are brain candy to be consumed without much realism, but within a matter of 18 hours Miach went from completely under lock and key and 24 hour guard to being allowed to stay outside jogging around the woods by himself while Nick went off to warn the alpha about the rogue wolf. One good shag gets your freedom? Hell, I'd have been sleeping with the first guard who showed up. Sigh. Let it go, let it go.
September 17, 2012
2.5 stars
I was expecting more of this installment because of the interesting premise of enemies turning into lovers. But Miach's dilemma of hating shifters and yet feeling attracted to one was not much of an issue at all. His acceptance of Nick as his lover - and of shifters being good 'people' - was too easy and far from credible. There was no internal struggle at all. Aditionnally, a few other plot choices didn't make much sense or were executed poorly (like the trip to one of the labs).
So, Nick and Miach's story is definitely my least favorite of the series so far.
I was expecting more of this installment because of the interesting premise of enemies turning into lovers. But Miach's dilemma of hating shifters and yet feeling attracted to one was not much of an issue at all. His acceptance of Nick as his lover - and of shifters being good 'people' - was too easy and far from credible. There was no internal struggle at all. Aditionnally, a few other plot choices didn't make much sense or were executed poorly (like the trip to one of the labs).
So, Nick and Miach's story is definitely my least favorite of the series so far.
April 22, 2018
Die Abenteuer des Stone Ridge geht weiter, die Feinde sind immer noch da und immer noch gefährlich. Mal schauen wer bzw was als nächstes kommt.
May 1, 2015
2nd Read April 2015
First read 12-19-13
Was kind of hoping for more from Miach. I mean, he IS the enemy. I would have liked to know why he did what he did. What was going through his head. I mean, he hated what was done to the bunny, but the wolves and other shifters were okay? Did I read that right? I don't understand.
I really liked Nick :) I didn't picture him as submissive as he is. Kind of pictured him more dominate, but it was nice to see.
Once again, Jared rocks my socks!!
First read 12-19-13
Was kind of hoping for more from Miach. I mean, he IS the enemy. I would have liked to know why he did what he did. What was going through his head. I mean, he hated what was done to the bunny, but the wolves and other shifters were okay? Did I read that right? I don't understand.
I really liked Nick :) I didn't picture him as submissive as he is. Kind of pictured him more dominate, but it was nice to see.
Once again, Jared rocks my socks!!
June 29, 2013
I liked this enemies to lovers story. My only quibble is Miach's name. I pronounced Micah in my head; Miach was just weird :)
September 14, 2024
reread - While each of these stories is an interesting short story or novella, each in their own little series, they become much more if they are read in the suggested reading order by Charlie Richards as a whole. https://charlie-richards.com/reading-...
While they are still not a 5/5, at least they become a bit more than okay and are much more interesting as characters mesh across and around individual series. Individually they are a 3/5 so that is where I mark them.
While they are still not a 5/5, at least they become a bit more than okay and are much more interesting as characters mesh across and around individual series. Individually they are a 3/5 so that is where I mark them.
October 10, 2019
Forest Ranger Nick and Altered Human Micah
May 30, 2021
I kinda expected more backlash over Miach’s release but other than that I liked it.
May 18, 2022
Liked it a lot tbh, it was cute, but the old U.S military propaganda ruined it for me. I could talk a lot about how wrong all of that is, but I think it's kind of pointless to do it here
February 4, 2016
Learning to Trust A Mate
I always think a good hallmark of an excellent writer is to take a despicable character and change your opinion of him. To see the evolution of his thinking after a particular cruel form of brain washing - that lead to him hurting and killing animals that he never would have had any idea they were sentient beings. Miach was such a character. His stubbornness, his superhuman strength, terrible reputation, and violence was well known & experienced by the Wolves of Stone Ridge as well as the shifters they'd been able to rescue.
His behavior was nicely contrasted with the Rogue Stone Ridge Wolf pack members determined to overthrow Declan's leadership. Were any of them redeemable? Were any of their crimes worse than the others? Nick had been a plant by the Enforcer & Alpha to prove his plot to overthrow Declan as well as harm other shifters coming to the Stone Ridge area. He had to convince the Polar Bear Brad and blind Dagus he was worthy of their trust, as was Sam Bailey, who was just young, misguided, submissive, and easily intimidated. But what about Simon and Cameron? Were they worthy of second and third chances?
It had been hard for Nick to give up his guard duty of guarding Miach Coleman while he went on his undercover sting operation to help protect a recently kidnapped plus blind Human and his new mate. It was difficult for Nick because a few weeks back he'd recognized the super enhanced Human as his Mate. But how could he ever get Miach to acknowledge him as a Mate when he saw all shifters as abominations, to be tracked down, captured, experimented on, and eventually destroyed. How could Fate pair him with such a person? How could he lose his hatred for him and his scientific cronies? Ask Jared how he felt? Or the Bunny shifter?
This was a very exciting story. Full of action, suspense, trust issues, mate concerns, protectiveness, revenge, sneak attacks, deference to the Alpha, old customs of compensation for wrong. Difficulty of separating mate's, Lark's medical skills, being an excellent tracker, but still ranking lower and subject to the will of other Wolves. What's going to happen to more discovered captured shifters? I still can't wait to read the Bunny's story. And now two more large shifters.
I always think a good hallmark of an excellent writer is to take a despicable character and change your opinion of him. To see the evolution of his thinking after a particular cruel form of brain washing - that lead to him hurting and killing animals that he never would have had any idea they were sentient beings. Miach was such a character. His stubbornness, his superhuman strength, terrible reputation, and violence was well known & experienced by the Wolves of Stone Ridge as well as the shifters they'd been able to rescue.
His behavior was nicely contrasted with the Rogue Stone Ridge Wolf pack members determined to overthrow Declan's leadership. Were any of them redeemable? Were any of their crimes worse than the others? Nick had been a plant by the Enforcer & Alpha to prove his plot to overthrow Declan as well as harm other shifters coming to the Stone Ridge area. He had to convince the Polar Bear Brad and blind Dagus he was worthy of their trust, as was Sam Bailey, who was just young, misguided, submissive, and easily intimidated. But what about Simon and Cameron? Were they worthy of second and third chances?
It had been hard for Nick to give up his guard duty of guarding Miach Coleman while he went on his undercover sting operation to help protect a recently kidnapped plus blind Human and his new mate. It was difficult for Nick because a few weeks back he'd recognized the super enhanced Human as his Mate. But how could he ever get Miach to acknowledge him as a Mate when he saw all shifters as abominations, to be tracked down, captured, experimented on, and eventually destroyed. How could Fate pair him with such a person? How could he lose his hatred for him and his scientific cronies? Ask Jared how he felt? Or the Bunny shifter?
This was a very exciting story. Full of action, suspense, trust issues, mate concerns, protectiveness, revenge, sneak attacks, deference to the Alpha, old customs of compensation for wrong. Difficulty of separating mate's, Lark's medical skills, being an excellent tracker, but still ranking lower and subject to the will of other Wolves. What's going to happen to more discovered captured shifters? I still can't wait to read the Bunny's story. And now two more large shifters.
March 19, 2015
Loving the enemy is never easy. When hatred of another group grows to the level where acceptance is impossible, even though the feelings are based on prejudice and misinformation, it is hard to see the truth. The two main characters in this story face this rather unique problem: Miach, the human, has been genetically enhanced to shifter-level strength but has been taught to hate all shifters. Nick, a wolf shifter, knows Miach is his mate – and that he will never accept a shifter into his life. Luckily, he doesn’t let that stop him.
Miach is supposed to hate shifters, yet the attraction he feels toward one of his guards is more powerful. He is too curious not to give in – and finds himself mated to a werewolf. The process of beginning to build trust and a relationship is slow, and mostly driven by physical attraction. I really liked that Miach still would not become a traitor to his previous tormentors – instead, he finds sneaky ways of taking revenge.
Nick knows Miach is his mate from the very first time he meets him – and has no idea how to approach him. When he finally does things go easier than he expected – at least between the two of them. The heat and love that blossoms is almost overwhelming and they mate far faster than expected. Dealing with Miach’s past, other shifters’ views, and the real enemies is another matter…
If you like shifter stories where a hesitant human interacts with a shifter mate, and if you want to find out how the Stone Ridge pack is doing, you will probably like this story.
Miach is supposed to hate shifters, yet the attraction he feels toward one of his guards is more powerful. He is too curious not to give in – and finds himself mated to a werewolf. The process of beginning to build trust and a relationship is slow, and mostly driven by physical attraction. I really liked that Miach still would not become a traitor to his previous tormentors – instead, he finds sneaky ways of taking revenge.
Nick knows Miach is his mate from the very first time he meets him – and has no idea how to approach him. When he finally does things go easier than he expected – at least between the two of them. The heat and love that blossoms is almost overwhelming and they mate far faster than expected. Dealing with Miach’s past, other shifters’ views, and the real enemies is another matter…
If you like shifter stories where a hesitant human interacts with a shifter mate, and if you want to find out how the Stone Ridge pack is doing, you will probably like this story.
November 16, 2014
So, it took me a little bit to get 'caught back up' with the story. Who is already mated of and with who...it's been a while since I read the previous book. This story is about Nick and his mate. Personally, I kept getting their names mixed up. In my head 'Micah' is a name of a shifter, not Nick.
So, the ongoing problem is the 'scientists' that are kidnapping and experimenting on shifters. Micah was captured by the Declan's pack and is being held prisoner. He is a solider for the scientists. They experimented on him and he now has enhances abilities. Micah is trying his best to fight for the attraction he feels towards the shifter named Nick. He fails at it. When they have twenty-fours hours together, they finally hit it off. Micah has a lot to learn, more like re-learn. He was misinformed about shifters. They aren't like what expected.
Throw in a rogue shifter from before who has his mind set on killing Nick, at the same time as they try to figure out their relationship. Micah isn't willing to tell them what he knows... but he has a solution to it.
We may end one or two things in this story, but not everything. Still not sure what happened to the missing shifter from last time, the (horse) shifter. Also, slowly but surely, we are finding more about the scientists. Finally, what about Riker? Does he know about Micah(and Nick)? Guess we will find out...
So, the ongoing problem is the 'scientists' that are kidnapping and experimenting on shifters. Micah was captured by the Declan's pack and is being held prisoner. He is a solider for the scientists. They experimented on him and he now has enhances abilities. Micah is trying his best to fight for the attraction he feels towards the shifter named Nick. He fails at it. When they have twenty-fours hours together, they finally hit it off. Micah has a lot to learn, more like re-learn. He was misinformed about shifters. They aren't like what expected.
Throw in a rogue shifter from before who has his mind set on killing Nick, at the same time as they try to figure out their relationship. Micah isn't willing to tell them what he knows... but he has a solution to it.
We may end one or two things in this story, but not everything. Still not sure what happened to the missing shifter from last time, the (horse) shifter. Also, slowly but surely, we are finding more about the scientists. Finally, what about Riker? Does he know about Micah(and Nick)? Guess we will find out...
June 15, 2013
In this series, it seems I'm all for the assassins or bad-guys-turned-good. For instance, Miach used to work for the evil scientists but is now beginning to see the error of his ways in this. Still, even as a bad guy he's very observant and willing to listen IF treated with respect. Luckily Nick is the perfect guy to explain to Miach that not all shifters are bad, just like not all humans are good.
While their mating seemed to happen quickly in this book, I was able to allow it because Miach and Nick had already been introduced in previous books which meant their attraction and Miach's exposure to shifters was already beginning to develop. Had they just suddenly been introduced in this book without previous mentions, it would have been harder to swallow.
While their mating seemed to happen quickly in this book, I was able to allow it because Miach and Nick had already been introduced in previous books which meant their attraction and Miach's exposure to shifters was already beginning to develop. Had they just suddenly been introduced in this book without previous mentions, it would have been harder to swallow.
October 3, 2015
Cool that they talk about the fact that the U.S. Is a republic not a democracy.
Why didn't he take his cell phone to the cabin? Why wasn't there one there for emergencies that was locked against the prisoner using it?I don't like Miach's attitude towards the scientists. It's not just a rival pack or gang; they did horrific immoral things.
Rescue was way too easy and they pointed that out, expecting something but they blew up the building and nothing happened.
Lashes are so barbaric. Surely there's a better punishment/deterrent.
Just before Camron stormed in, Miach said that it was horrible to have to only be able to get a hard on for one person. I wanted that to be addressed but it never was.
Why didn't he take his cell phone to the cabin? Why wasn't there one there for emergencies that was locked against the prisoner using it?I don't like Miach's attitude towards the scientists. It's not just a rival pack or gang; they did horrific immoral things.
Rescue was way too easy and they pointed that out, expecting something but they blew up the building and nothing happened.
Lashes are so barbaric. Surely there's a better punishment/deterrent.
Just before Camron stormed in, Miach said that it was horrible to have to only be able to get a hard on for one person. I wanted that to be addressed but it never was.
July 26, 2012
This story has us revisiting Miach who was the "altered" human the scientists used to capture the shifters. It seems that Nick, of the Stone Ridge pack may have found his mate - and it's his prisoner, Miach. We also get some resolution on the shifters who are threatening the pack hierarchy because they don't like the additional shifters (read non-wolf shifters) that Declan has allowed to stay in the area. Nick and Miach end up saving the day a bit, but not until after Miach scares the crap out of Casey and Jared attacks him. I can't wait to read Casey's story next.
April 1, 2013
I'm sad to say this installment did not draw me in. The MC's relationship was not believable to me. There was no real connection IMO. I felt Miach's sudden change and acceptance of everything contradicting his beliefs way too quick. Nick's willingness to forget everything the scientist has done pushed my boundaries of what I'm willing to believe in this setting and world. All in all it was okay. I'm assuming the next will be better so I'm still looking forward to Casey's story.
May 24, 2013
2012 Review:
Well. This was… okay?
It was not bad, at the very least, unless one wishes to obsess over logical inconsistencies. I gave up on those a few books back because I just plain like the series.
I dunno. It really was fine. The guys both kind of made sense and were likeable enough. I am just not blown away, but series fatigue might also be setting in.
We’ll see what happens when I read that first volume of the spin-off series.
Well. This was… okay?
It was not bad, at the very least, unless one wishes to obsess over logical inconsistencies. I gave up on those a few books back because I just plain like the series.
I dunno. It really was fine. The guys both kind of made sense and were likeable enough. I am just not blown away, but series fatigue might also be setting in.
We’ll see what happens when I read that first volume of the spin-off series.
September 20, 2013
I was a bit scared to read this book because I wasn't sure how the author would make Miach a likable character, but she did. There wasn't too much sex in this one and I liked that. The guys got to know each other in the short time they were together.
Lots of things were explained in this book like how the "fated mate" works and how the dominant partner claims his mate during sex. I wonder if Miach will turn into an animal? Only time will tell. This book exceeded my expectations.
Lots of things were explained in this book like how the "fated mate" works and how the dominant partner claims his mate during sex. I wonder if Miach will turn into an animal? Only time will tell. This book exceeded my expectations.
September 9, 2014
Charlie Richards – Wolves Of Stone Ridge 8 – Loving The Enemy (Review)
Book read: 09/02/14
4 twinkling stars
Book read: 09/02/14
4 twinkling stars
May 9, 2021
Unlike most enemies to lovers stories where it's really just a couple who for some reason decide to hate each other these two are actually on different sides of a silent war between shifters and evil scientists. What do you do when your mate is your prisoner? Even though it's short I think it did a good job of building the trust necessary to show how wrong the scientists were so these two could become a couple.
June 10, 2017
May 2017
These early books in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series were the best. They're like a guilty pleasure you just can't get enough off. Like eating a whole chocolate cake...
Miach and Nick are so cute together...seeing them overcome their distrust and building a relationship against all odds is just great. And it's fun to watch how Miach changes to be with Nick.
These early books in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series were the best. They're like a guilty pleasure you just can't get enough off. Like eating a whole chocolate cake...
Miach and Nick are so cute together...seeing them overcome their distrust and building a relationship against all odds is just great. And it's fun to watch how Miach changes to be with Nick.
April 9, 2015
Much like Stormy Glenn, Charlie Richards infuses her stories with just enough intrigue and endearing romance to make it possible for to me overlook bad writing. Not great, but a pleasant way to pass the time if you're in the mood for some sappy m/m shifter fun. Be warned that Richards sucks at dirty talk. The sex scenes can be a little awkward at times.
April 3, 2012
This story was well developed and an easy enjoyable read after a long day. I liked this couple, Nick and Miach, were good together. Sure the plot was more or less easy, but even so pulling enough and romantic, too.
March 9, 2013
I really like reading her books. After reading the book I think about the next 2 or 3 people who will be in future books. This is a good thing because that means there is always another book to read.
July 30, 2015
Lyle and Todd are one of my favorite couples. I love how the shifters aren't all just your standard wolves. I felt so bad for Lyle after everything that happened to him but he adjusted well and Todd was there for him every step of the way.
April 23, 2017
It felt like the only thing happening in this book was sex. There wasn't much of a plot.
The little plot that it had was okay. Though very fast paced. Too much so for my liking.
In just 24 hours Miach went from dangerous captive to great protector and ally.
The little plot that it had was okay. Though very fast paced. Too much so for my liking.
In just 24 hours Miach went from dangerous captive to great protector and ally.
January 2, 2018
Family of Wolves
This group is one of my favorite families to read about storylines are spot on. 43 books aren't enough please write more. They are some of the best entertainment ever
This group is one of my favorite families to read about storylines are spot on. 43 books aren't enough please write more. They are some of the best entertainment ever
April 3, 2012
Another great read from this series. Looking forward to Casey, the albino bunny's HEA.
April 12, 2012
a very good story with new developments. can't wait for the new book to be released !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews