Losing My Rejection

Shifter Grove Rogue Wolves #2

by Blake R. Wolfe

I’m not into men, but my new werewolf boss is growing on me in ways I can’t deny. Can I come to terms with my attraction and win him back after I rejected him?

Josh

As a new rogue werewolf, Shifter Grove is my only option for sanctuary. The moment I step inside that small town, a complete stranger calls me his mate. I’m not into men or weirdos, so I send him packing. I need to get my life back together and get out of this nowhere town. So when the hotel owner gets me a job at a local bakery, I accept without question.

As soon as I open the bakery door, I see him, the wolf whom I rejected. He’s the owner of the bakery and my new boss. I need the job, but I’m wary. However, as we start to bond over our love of food, a strange attraction begins to develop, leaving me utterly confused.

Andy

The moment I see him, I know he’s my mate. Tall, handsome, and an Alpha to boot. I can’t help the words that slip out of my mouth. It’s no surprise he rejects me on the spot, and I know I’ll never see him again.

But when that wolf turns out to be my new baker, I can hardly contain my excitement. The way he oozes passion when he talks about cooking has me hooked. Josh is everything I want in a mate. The only problem is he’s straight. But I can’t seem to give up on him, even though I know it’s hopeless.

Standalone, gay for you, fated mates, rejected mate, hurt/comfort, small town, forced proximity, alpha wolf, found family, strict roles, HEA.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Audiobook, LGBT, Wolves

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2024

About the author

Blake R. Wolfe has adored werewolves and monsters since he was a child growing up in a small rural Michigan town. Now he lives near the shores of Lake Michigan with his two partners, two cats that need to be fed every three seconds, and a dog that is very spoiled. He spends most of his free time hiking through the nearby forest, thinking up the next great romance story for his readers.

Blake writes under three separate Pen Names:

--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance

--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance

--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy

Sign up for Blake’s newsletter for exclusive discounts and special editions at www.blakerwolfe.com

Get access to exclusive short stories on Blake’s Patreon!
www.patreon.com/blakerwolfe

Reviews

[Justin Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was doomed from the start with this book. After reading the first one and really enjoying it, I was excited to start the second. But as soon as I realized that Josh was "straight" and an aspiring chef, I knew this was going to be a forced proximity / boss situation with Andy and I was HERE for it. This book, in my opinion, is even better than the first. I know these are somewhat simple, cozy reads, but the pay off with the hyacinths coming back up at the end was chef's kiss, pun intended. I love Andy & Josh so much and I've enjoyed my stay in Shifter Grove even more! On to the next book in the series!

[Kurohagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to find Sam's hotel in this second installment and the community of Shifter Grove.

As always, Blake R. Wolfe's slightly broken characters are funny and endearing.

I enjoyed seeing Sam help and take in all those rejected by their families and packs, for whatever reason.

In this installment, we discover a young wolf rejected by his family because he didn't want to follow in his father's footsteps, simply to make a living from his passion. When Josh arrives at Shifter Grove, he's lost, deeply wounded at having been abandoned by his father and perfectly straight.
I love how Blake describes Josh's path to accepting that he must move on, that he must turn over a new leaf, welcome a new family and a new side of himself-the fact that he's attracted to a man.
Josh is young and impetuous... But Andy, who has more experience, counterbalances him very well.

I like the dynamic of the two characters, Andy who has to learn to curb his impulses and his joviality so as not to frighten Josh.
It's great to see them working together and getting to know each other.

Thank you Blake for this book.
I can't wait for the next one! (hopefully one day we'll get Sam's story!)
-----
J'étais ravie de retrouver l'hôtel de Sam dans ce second volet et la communauté de Shifter Grove.

Comme toujours les personnages un peu brisés par la vie de Blake R. Wolfe sont drôles et attachants.

J'ai aimé voir que Sam aide et recueille tous ceux qui sont rejetés par leur famille, leur meute quelque soit la raison.

On découvre dans ce volet, un jeune loup rejeté par les siens parce qu'il ne souhaitait pas suivre les pas de son père, pour simplement vivre de sa passion. Quand Josh arrive à Shifter Grove, il est perdu, profondément blessé d'avoir été abandonné par son père et parfaitement hétéro.
J'aime comme Blake décrit le chemin suivi par Josh pour accepter qu'il doit avancer, qu'il doit tourner la page, accueillir une nouvelle famille et une nouvelle facette de lui-même le fait qu'il est attiré par un homme.
Josh est jeune et il a l'impétuosité de la jeunesse... Mais Andy qui a plus d'expérience le contrebalance très bien.

J'aime la dynamique des deux personnages, Andy qui doit apprendre à refréner ses adeurs et sa jovialité pour ne pas effrayer Josh.
On aime les voir travailler ensemble et s'apprivoiser.

Merci Blake pour ce livre.
J'ai hâte de découvrir le suivant ! (un jour on aura l'histoire de Sam j'espère !)

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh is justifiably angry. His Dad's pride was hurt when Josh didn't want to follow in his Dad's footsteps, so he lost everything - his home, his pack, and his passion, culinary school.
Andy is a very friendly and cheerful guy, he owns the bakery in town, but he's having trouble keeping up with orders, so if he doesn't find another baker soon, something will have to give.
The first time Josh and Andy meet is such a disasterous fail! It causes Josh's anger to flare and Andy to be confused over his uncustomary actions. Andy has a tragic past of his own, so he recognizes the pain in Josh's eyes and actions, and easily brushes it off. It takes a lot of finagaling, but Andy manages to convince Josh to work for him. This is the beginning of a great friendship, but Josh is not only still hurting from his loss, he now has all these feelings towards Andy that he doesn't know how to react to. Eventually they figure it out, take it slow, and have some super steamy sexy times. But a wrench is thrown into their lives that nearly destroys everything they've worked for. I won't spoil it, but they do work it out, enjoy their love, and have a sweet HEA.
They have some great friends that add depth to the story, and there is some levity that balances the angst. Overall, this is a great, entertaining book.

I received an ARC from the author, this review is my honest opinion.

[MaupassantGuy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, it's a wrap. Thank goodness. I had to struggle at some points in this book to get through the whole thing. Words to define it: dull, soulless, with zero chemistry between the characters...the mechanics of the series are so clear that you can already predict who will be the next couple and more or less the development of the story. It's not particularly interesting, really. I haven't even bothered to review the first one, even if it was slightly better, because it's a slog. I used these books for when I got tired of reading something more serious and wanted to rest my head. Girl, try a little harder next time. A straight one? Really? And all of a sudden he's bisexual or gay, because of course he is. Vulnerable people meet the love of their life, and they go and tell him they'll wait for him and wait a full three hours, or two days if they're feeling empathetic that morning. Sex? More of the same. Masc fella: top. Guy with ONLY ONE feminine trait: you have to like to be penetrated. UGH, that's one of the problems with these kinds of books being written by women. They tend to repeat the same heteropatriarchal logics as the romance novel.
I only give it two stars because it didn't horrify me enough to give it one star. But I've been meaning to, because, honestly, what a waste of time. For all my gals and gays who have too much leisure time to kill, this one's for you

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kicked out of his home and the pack he’d grown up in and having to give up on his dream of finishing culinary school to become a chef was understandably devastating so to say that Josh wasn’t feeling all that friendly when confronted with the unnaturally cheerful townspeople of Shifter Grove, a refuge for rogue werewolves with nowhere else to go, well, that would be a massive understatement.

Andy was desperate for help. He’d been working himself to exhaustion trying to keep up with his customer’s demands for fresh pastries. When he realized there was a talented baker living in town he was willing to pay whatever price necessary to convince him to work for him. Even if that baker was his straight mate who wanted nothing to do with him.

This was such a good book, I loved Andy and Josh together though Josh nearly broke my heart. He was so obviously struggling, first with depression from losing everything he’d ever known, but also his feelings for Andy and I wanted to just give him a hug.

If you enjoy a sweet and sensitive alpha who doesn’t always necessarily have everything together, you’re gonna love this book, grab a copy today!

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written MM shifter romance with so much chemistry, I couldn't put it down!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 June 2024
I'm so in love with Shifter Grove, book one was amazing and book 2 did not disappoint.
Shifter Grove is a special place that builds Shifters up, gives them a safe space to discover themselves without judgement and there's usually a HEA involved.
This is another beautifully written romance by Blake, I'm addicted to his writing because the detail draws you in and puts you inside the story. I've never felt more hungry while reading a book because the baked goods described sound so delicious that I could almost taste and smell them through the words.
The 2 main characters have both been through traumatic experiences in their pasts but together they support, love and take the time to create a deep connection that they both fully deserve.
If you're looking for an MM shifter romance with romance, sparks galore, a bit of drama and misunderstanding then you will not be disappointed.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I missed book two, and in the next three, Josh and Andy are an established couple. And Andy is Vince's best friend. So, for me, this is something of a recap. The storyline is by now familiar. Josh loses his pack because he's more interested in his culinary arts degree than in becoming pack Alpha. At the end of his rope, he ends up in Shifters Grove, at Sam's hotel. On day one, he meets and rejects Andy as his fated one. Andy runs the town bakery and Sam gets Josh a job there.
Will Josh 'wolf-up' and realize that Andy is his mate? Of course he does. You know that going in. Getting there is the fun part of the story. Gay for you/bi awakening is one of my favorite tropes. Where fate gets to creep up on you and your wolf goes "duh". It helps that the chemistry between the two is so sweet, And sizzling. And they both love food. Perfect match.
It was a sweet, quick read. Very much enjoyed. Now that all five volumes are out, it'll make for a loverly afternoon binge re-read.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my review.

[Lizzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t like this one as much as the first one. The typos and grammatical errors were much more in this book. It was annoying, tbh.

I wasn’t as in love with Josh and Andy as I was with Ace and Matt. The story didn’t flow as nicely as the first one.

Also, what happened to Josh’s dreams of being a chef? So what, now he wants to be a baker?? Baking and cooking are two very different things. I’m not saying you can’t do both, but he was adamant about being a chef and finishing culinary school at the start of the book. Then, he just, what? Gives it all up?? I didn’t like how there was no mention of him cooking again (after the beginning where he cooked for Sam), and no mention of him deciding what he was going to do with school.

so wanted to see him cook for Andy. I wanted to see him doing what he loves, but we aren’t able to see it. That just felt disappointing and “unrealistic”.

[Loretta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where is the editor/proofreader this book so desperately needed? There are numerous typos and grammatical errors throughout the book.

This would have been a good book (at least 4+ stars) but the typos and grammatical errors made it difficult to follow in certain areas; yes, you could figure out what it was supposed to be if you thought for a moment or two. Any book that I pay for, I expect a level of professionalism from the writer. I understand errors occur and things can be missed during editing, but this book is loaded with them and made for a difficult and very frustrating read. I wonder if the writer was in such a big hurry and just didn't bother with editing prior to uploading to Amazon. Either way, I enjoyed the story line and the MCs, but it was very much a frustrating read.

[Cujo Schmurf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another amazing story from Shifter Grove wolves. I loved this, it was nuanced, the character development was thorough and the characters believable. The MCs were adorable and I was rooting for them from the start.

But omg, the typos and errors got worse and worse. There were wrong words that made no sense contextually (“citation” where I’m pretty certain the author meant “situation”) and sentences that made no sense (eg. “his eyes were on my heavily.” - your heavily WHAT? Heavily laden shopping bags? Heavily hanging curtain of hair? Heavily misshapen nose?) alongside multiple grammatical errors, redundant apostrophes and misspellings. If, like me, stuff like this pulls you out of the story, this is not the series for you. If you can ignore them, or not notice, then I recommend it. The stories themselves are incredible and they are the only reason I’m still reading.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a new to me author. I needed a book with all the letters in JUGGLING in title and series and this happened to be one of the few that fit!! Although it checked a lot of my boxes I found it was only ok. It needed proof reading as there were lots of errors running spellcheck wouldn't fix ("as" instead of "was", "ever" instead of "every", those kinds of things) The story itself wasn't bad per se. I liked the setup and the characters for the most part. Josh was young and immature in a lot of ways and Andy seemed much older than he was. There were a few surprising moments that I appreciated. However, I don't feel like I need to read any more in the series. I would try the author again if I got a book for free or cheap.

[Isel4books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quando ho terminato la lettura di Ace e Matt avevo già visto i successivi protagonisti, per cui la scelta logica è stata quella di scaricare il secondo volume e vedere cosa dovevano dimostrare Josh e Andy.
Josh mi ha fatto tribolare non poco, Andy è un sole che illumina e abbaglia nonostante la sua situazione.
Spesso i genitori perdono di vista il loro compito e si lasciano abbattere dal dolore della perdita senza rendersi conto che non sono soli. L'importante però è vedere come il tempo e la lontananza possano far rientrare le situazioni e porvi rimedio.
Una lettura piacevole e scorrevole che sul finire ha evidenziato il prossimo protagonista, Vincent, di cui mi appresto a leggerne la sua storia pensata da Blake.
A presto

[DEBORAH L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contrived crisis and character doing an unbelievable 180

This book was not as good as the others in the series i've read, so I was disappointed. The MCs were likable enough, but the second MC reacted to his father's sudden appearance in a way not for shadowed by previous behavior, therefore not believable. And the father flipped in seconds from controlling, not valuing his son's choice of career and literally sneering at the small town's limitations on that career, to suddenly all smiles because his son had found his mate (in spite of the pack's view on MM pairs) and seemingly finding the previously despised small town an ideal place to retire.
On top of that, I counted 44 serious typos - the lack of proofreading kept pulling me out of the story.

[Jessi Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely amazing book from Blake.

From the very beginning I was hooked on the newest character and all that angst he has. Meeting your mate for the first time while also straight? Yeh that is going to cause a bit of an internal issue for yourself.

Even though he wasn't feeling anything for Andy and wasn't trusting of him it didn't feel jaded and it made you want to help josh get past his issue he is dealing with.

By the end of the book my emotions were so high and even though I knew it would have a HEA I was still on the edge of my seat, because they didn't get that HEA I would be devastated.

I totally recommend this book!

(Received as an advanced copy)

[la review bleu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another poor and angry soul finds his way to Shifter Grove and to Sam's Hotel. Of course, lovely Sam has a room for the young man. Josh has lost everything back home. He's so angry. Cheerful Andy is desperately looking for a man who knows his way around a kitchen for his bakery. Andy failed his first impression greatly, but maybe he'll get another chance? Working together and falling in love comes always with a bit of trouble... but they will get their HEA.
I enjoyed this read a lot. Andy is the sweetest.

Tropes: Standalone, gay for you, fated mates, rejected mate, hurt/comfort, small town, forced proximity, alpha wolf, found family, strict roles, HEA

[audrey freedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to start by saying I like this author and have read several of their books. I also usually don’t leave negative reviews as I am the more “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all” league.
The book is fine. The story is cute. Half way through, however, it’s like a different person started writing. So many grammatical errors, so many misused words like citation instead of situation. It’s my one huge pet peeve that the author can’t even be bothered to read it for errors before sending it up for publication. It’s like they have no pride of their work or respect for their readers. And please, for God sake learn about apostrophe “s”.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I struggled with this review, not because of the writing but because I don't really like Andy. He annoyed me in the first book and continued to annoy me in this one. I can't even pin down exactly why. I think Andy and I just have a personality clash, lol. Andy is a good guy, and ultimately he and Josh mesh well. Their meet-cute is hilarious! I really love the concept of the series and look forward to getting to know other characters better through their own stories. My Andy issue aside, I definitely recommend this second book in the Shifter Grove series.

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh is angry that his dad kicked him out of his home. He feels he has lost everything and lashes out at others. He finds himself at Shifter Grove. Isn't impressed with Andy when he first meets him since he is straight and not into guys.
Andy owns the bakery in Shifter Grove. He is needed some help, feeling a little stressed and when Josh comes to his booth he hits on him
Over time with Josh working at the bakery, he and Andy get to know each other and the mating bond starts to get stronger.
some angst, found family, fated mates, miscommunication and fought for HEA

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reluctant mates but delicious bakery :)

3.5 stars!! I’ve struggled to get into other series by this author but for some reason I’m enjoying this one a lot. I like the tension of the rejected mate concept plus this small city for wolves that get kicked out from their packs for adds another bit of interest for me. I liked both Andy and Josh in personality and the dynamics of their relationship. The books is just the right length and a good amount of sexy times. There are some typos here and there where a letter in a word is missing or wrong, which is a bit random.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great paranormal romance. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. Josh and Andy click as so as they meet. Was love the key to his happiness after the pain he was going through in this moment. Was he going to the mate for him and nobody else could be the one for him and only him.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy and Josh! Wow!

I'm so happy sunny/happy Andy got his own hea, with his grumpy wolf Josh!

This story had some unexpected twists to it, so your emotions will be all over the place!

Well done, Blake! You're an amazing writer, and continue to knock it out of the park with Shifter Grove Rouge Wolves!!❤️❤️‍🔥🔥

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the Usual Beginning

Clashing lifestyles, disrupted plans, and a small town of castaways form the center of this installment. Slow character growth, a touch of angst and drama, and an eventual positive ending make a good addition to this series.

[Jocelyn F · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typos ruined it

I don't know what I was more annoyed with... Josh's whining and poor me act or the typos. Please, I'm begging you, get a proofreader worth their salt. The words weren't misspelled, but the wrong word entirely so spell check isn't going to help you.

[Altivo Overo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, good ending, great characters. There are way too many typographical errors, misspellings, and missing or misplaced words, though. C'mon, Blake, you can do better, proven by the first book in the series.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot was ok, if somewhat predictable. My biggest issue was all the editing mistakes. Words autocorrected wrong, words missing letters, grammar fumbles, etc. It was enough to distract from the storyline.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

This book was cute. Andy and Josh were adorable together even though I don't always like the gay for you trope. The story itself was fine. There are some spelling errors that could have been fixed with a little bit more editing.

[Shonee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have known from that cheesy tittle that this was going to be an OTT hot mess.

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the story but near the end the typos got confusing.

[Michael D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Another great chapter in the Shifter Grove Rogue Wolves series, with quite a surprise ending. Of course, all of Blake Wolfe's books have an HEA!!

[Kat · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 28%