Ebb and Flow

Ebb & Flow #1

by Karenna Colcroft

Only weeks after witnessing the massacre of nearly half his pack, Quinn Boucher is finding his footing as a guard to the U.S. Anax, ruler of all werewolves in the country. But flashbacks to the killings, and to the extreme abuse he suffered before joining the pack, plague Quinn. And a vital piece of his life is his mate Malachi. From the moment they met in Nova Scotia, Quinn knew he and the older man were destined for each other. But Malachi is unwilling to accept Quinn as his, and his rejection cuts Quinn deeply.

At 130 years old, Malachi Powers has spent decades grieving the two human men who shared their lives with him and each other. The last thing he wants is a mate, especially one over a century younger than him. But Malachi can't deny the attraction he feels to Quinn, a pull that isn't merely fate. When Quinn returns to Nova Scotia at the request of the Canadian Anax, Malachi, against his human side's better judgment, gives in to desire and claims Quinn as his mate and, at Quinn's request, his to command.

As the walls between Malachi and Quinn crumble and their connection deepens, they're caught in the crossfire of a conspiracy against the Canadian Anax. As a guard, Quinn has pledged to protect the Anax. As Quinn's mate and the one to whom Quinn chooses to belong, Malachi has sworn to protect Quinn at any cost. With threats coming at them from all sides, will their chance at forever end before it truly begins?

This book includes discussions of past sexual assault and depictions of grief and mourning. There is a large age gap between the main characters (over 100 years...werewolves live a long time!) It also includes consensual commanding of a character and an adult character being called "boy." This book is set in the Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat universe but is not a direct part of that series.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2024

About the author

Karenna Colcroft is a mother, wife, partner, and former teacher who began writing romance and erotic romance in 2006. After a few years' hiatus, she returned in 2022 to rerelease some previously-published works and bring new stories, primarily paranormal romance, to her readers.

Karenna has previously written both heterosexual romance and male/male. As of January 2023 she is focusing solely on male/male romance.

Karenna is a polyamorous nonbinary human who kinda stinks at writing bios on websites like this but does her best.

Reviews

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

Ebb and Flow is part of the Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat (RWDEM) universe and takes place immediately after the events in the sixth book in that series, Take Some Tahini. Quinn is a significant supporting character in that story, and reading the RWDEM series and especially book 6 will give you a lot more details about Quinn’s immediate past. That said, Ebb and Flow is meant to be a standalone and I believe it works very well. Part of that is because we’re removed from Tobias’s sphere of influence and instead in Quinn’s native Canada. The narration alternates between Quinn and Malachi, the latter of which further adds some much appreciated distance from the main series.

Readers who have enjoyed the RWDEM series and especially readers (like me) who were intrigued when Quinn was introduced in book 6 will surely enjoy this story. Anyone who hasn’t read the main series can jump into this off-shoot and enjoy watching a whirlwind romance bloom between Malachi and Quinn.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It took me a while to get into this story as I had not read any of the original series, and it felt like I was missing a lot of the background. Once I figured out the world building and Quinn's past became more detailed, the plot made a lot more sense. There was plenty of action and an interesting overreaching problem to find out more about in the next books.

[Sandy Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this first book in a series adjacent to the author’s previous series. I did! It has issues, but, if you’re into wolf shifters (called werewolves here) and pack dynamics, give it a chance. It’s safe for me, for one thing. And age gap, which I love. And fated mates, which...

The story features fated mates, including a reluctant mate. The older MC, Malachi, thinks he’s too old/doesn’t want to drag the much younger MC, Quinn, down. etc. Quinn intrigued me; he has the psychic ability of prescience and can tell when danger is coming. I loved that element (wanted more of it!).

They learned they were mates in the back story, but have been apart due to their homes being in different countries (MC Quinn/younger in CA/USA, and MC Malachi/older in Canada on an island).

Quinn has quite a back story, with a lot of trauma over the past year before the book begins, including being kidnapped, force-changed into a werewolf, being held as a sex-slave, rescued, and then suffering the recent death of his lover/the man who rescued him. And while this book can completely stand alone—I was never confused/everything was clear—I felt it would have been a good idea to include a prologue to show Quinn and his mate-to-be Malachi seeing each other for the first time/what that was like. I did feel the reader misses something by not seeing that moment when they realized they were mates, especially since both are still hurting/grieving in their own ways, and that would have helped to show their own connection/promise of better things.

I have NOT read the related previous series, and, I think that moment might have happened in the midst of chaos and danger, but...still. First contact is such a unique and important element for fated mates stories. And I have no idea how, in this world, fated mates realize they are fated mates; that is never made clear. It’s one of my favorite things about fated mates! Darn. It was needed.

Older MC (like...130? as the book copy says...werewolves live a LONG time!) Malachi also has a long back story with lovers and a man he truly loved who was human and passed away, whom he misses still. He’s a lone wolf and not a member of the local pack, but the pack leader is a boyhood friend and they get along and support each other.

Malachi is dismayed to learn Quinn is coming to stay with the leader to be part of his guard, and Malachi is being asked to spend time with him. Quinn has a unique gift of foreseeing when danger is near, and there’s a conspiracy afoot that might make that come in very handy. They’ve been in contact since they met/realized they are fated, but, Malachi has been reluctant to have Quinn get to know him too much, thinking he’s just too old for Quinn and it isn’t a good idea to claim each other.

It’s hard to tell how/why these two are fated. Malachi is resistant and honestly there is too much repetition of him thinking he’s too old, doesn’t want Quinn to be held back, they don’t have to mate. I guess they have a choice? Quinn, who is grieving that very recent loss of his lover to pack violence, is the one who wants to try, is open to it, wants to get to know Malachi and see what happens.

The mate lore/world building is largely missing, which is too bad. I couldn’t tell what it meant that they were fated...there is extreme attraction and draw, but, why these two? And, it seems that if you know you’re fated, you still have a choice about claiming each other and don’t have to...therefore, I ask...what’s the point of being fated? There didn’t seem to be any consequences/issues with them not bonding/claiming each other. Like, it didn’t hurt their health (and Quinn is still healing from an old injury from previous books, a silver bullet wound...why not have fated mate connection help that heal? Seemed like an obvious win...! But no.)

Still, I enjoyed Quinn quite a lot, young and honorable, trying so hard to protect the pack leader and also get to know his mate. Quinn is grieving but still yearns for Malachi, and I felt bad for him that Malachi would have been a-okay with walking away “for his own good” (such BS). There's being honorable, and then there's...this. It wasn’t unrealistic, but...I just want my fated mates to act fated, you know? Like...sure, try to resist, but, not be able to. Sigh.

That back and forth of, should I, no I shouldn’t... but I want to...but no, I can leave him be...but we are mates he needs me...but it’s for his own good...got really old, ngl.

Overall, though, I enjoyed the story and was glad to have read it. I do want to see what happens next with these two (though apparently, when book 2 opens, Quinn has gone home to CA and Malachi still lives alone on his island, so...no consequences for mates not being around each other? ARGH. Then why/how are they fated? Enquiring minds really need more to go on...!)

I do have book 1 of the previous series, and I assume that previous series will fill in on page a lot of what I learned of back story in this book (Quinn is a secondary character there, and his back story sounds horrific and I don’t look forward to seeing it, even through a different MC’s eyes, but...blanks will be filled in...! And I would assume we’ll see Malachi there too...). I enjoyed the author’s story telling enough to give more a shot.

Anyway, these two are fated, and have a strong physical connection, but, I’m frustrated by how easy it is for each to keep walking away. I know this will make them choose each other, but...come on. FATED MATES. Why can they just walk away...whine whine whine. Le sigh.

HFN...sort of. Fate mates, werewolves, pack politics/romantic suspense/danger. Age gap. Totally safe for me, though I could have done with LESS info on the previous loves, it was a natural part of each MC’s back story. No OM drama/others in the timeline of the book. Recommended.

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the reading copy; this is my free and impartial opinion.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

EBB AND FLOW is the first book in the series of the same name, and is set in the same universe as the author's Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat series, although it says it is not a direct part of that series. Saying that, I did feel as though I'd missed out on something, and had to double-check this was book one I was reading. Right at the end of the book, at the end of the last chapter, there is a paragraph about how you can read what happened to Quinn in a book called Heart and Home. I'll be honest, I was surprised to read that, and think maybe that should be book one in the series, because I've obviously missed out a chunk. And apparently, Quinn is also in Take Some Tahini, probably with more backstory too.

Moving on, Quinn is a young werewolf, both literally and figuratively. He's not had an easy time of it, but is now with Tobias, the Anax of the United States, as one of his guards. All of this is covered in the previously mentioned book, I presume. Anyway, Silas, the Anax of Canada, requests Quinn's presence, so he goes. Once there, he sees Malachi, his older mate, who hasn't returned his calls or texts. What will happen now they're under the same roof?

This book is pretty much non-stop action, although the timeframe is only short. At this point, I'm completely lost over why people are trying to kill the two Anaxes, and wondering if Quinn is just a bad luck charm. There is a lot of back-and-forth between Quinn and Malachi, and even now, I'm not sure if Malachi is 100% 'in' with Quinn, or if he'll change his mind again.

This was an intriguing read, and I will continue with the series.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 27, 2025

[Debra Guyette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn Boucher has had a series of rough beginnings. He was recently turned and subsequently witnessed the massacre of about half his pack. He suffers from flashbacks to that massacre as well as to extreme abuse to which he was subjected. Now he serves as a guard to Tobias, the U.S. Anax. A part of him is missing though. His mate Malachi resides in Nova Scotia Canada. He has indicated he is unwilling to accept Quinn as his. Malachi is 130 years old, a lone wolf, and is still grieving for the two human men who were a part of his life. He does not feel as if Quinn would be a good fit for him. When Quinn returns to Canada to help Silas, the Canadian Anax, Malachi finds him irresistible and claims him. Caught in a conspiracy against Silas, Quinn feels obligated to protect Silas while Malachi is determined to protect his mate.

There are people who crave power and then there are people who have the power but don’t crave it. Both Silas and Tobias are both of the latter. Unfortunately, those of the former belief are more than willing to conspire to get the power they crave. Quinn has the limited ability to know when trouble is coming. He saved both men using that ability.

Quinn and Malachi are beautiful together. Quinn has confidence issues while Malachi worries about the age difference. Being fated mates is hard to fight. As the world around them becomes more dangerous, it becomes obvious they need to be together at least to the readers. This is book one and is filled with twists, turns and surprises designed to keep us glued to the pages. Book two cannot come fast enough.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Linda Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

As part of a series, starting in a world already built in previous stories and ending in a happy-for-now not-quite-cliffhanger, the plot is simple and builds on a foundation that is gradually re-narrated in snippets throughout the story. This allows the reader to guess most of the previous story/-ies, but renders reading a bit lumbering as history is pieced together, unless it's already been read before starting this book.
As a fated mates shifter tale, the initial denial of the bond is nicely strung into an almost reasonable logic, with the consequential pain on both sides and slow burn to heat, with lots of yearning and typical doubts and fears.
The protagonists both have serious issues to go through, but each realizes he's just what the other needed, and each hopes to be "worthy" of the other. The slightly forced dips into submission and control don't flow smoothly, but this can be seen as them learning their paths towards each other's needs.
Not too bad, definitely not a standalone, fairly well written as a whole.

ARC from GRR

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spinoff of thier Real Werewolves Don't Eat Meat series.
I think you'd understand better if you read the other series but it does have good backstory so you may be able to read this first.
I fell in love with Quinn in that series and was so happy to get his story.
This one is set in Nova Scotia when he goes to help Silas the Anax there. His fated mate Malachi happens to be there too.
The characters are amazing, the setting is beautiful and the plots are intriguing there is betrayal and action.
Lots of romance and heat. I really liked the way the fated mate was handled with Malachi and Quinn, it's not the usual we are mates and fire Flys between them. Malachi is a century older than Quinn, Quinn has been through a lot and Malachi is a lone wolf. If your looking for a unique werewolf story check out this series.

[Thurman · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
This book was ok. I honestly almost didn't finish it. Instead of reading a book at the beginning of a series, it felt like I was missing a lot of backstory.
The age gap wasn't a problem for me, but the dominant/submissive vibe felt off in some way. Mates are supposed to be partners, in my mind, not one being treated like he just has to obey. Malachi did tell Quinn he had all the power, but it didn't feel like that to me. With all the other power dynamics, Quinn basically had very little choice in his relationship or his life. Malachi is an asshole in another way. He keeps sending Quinn away.
The relationship seemed secondary to the overall conflict, though. I don't think I will continue the series.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
angst 4.5/5
heat 3.5/5
story 3/5
POV dual

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn and Malachi in a very big age difference relationship

There is a very big age gap between Malachi and Quinn, but it doesn’t figure in the book too much. It’s more of a problem for Malachi as he feels that he is not an appropriate mate for Quinn especially because he doesn’t know how to help Quinn handle what happened before the book starts. The prequel is available as a free download from the author at the end of the book if you want to read it first. The book is a fun read that ends part way through the story that continues through three more books. It’s not a cliffhanger though which is nice.
There is a lot more to the story than the romance because there are problems with various packs and there are hints in this book about things to come. It’s a good MM werewolf read that I enjoyed.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

thick bronze chain, dolphin, arson, neutral zone, peanut butter sandwiches, Gundam, rumrunners & loan sharks

Wow. This book is great. Caution: There's a major cliffhanger for the MCs and the story. There are a lot of action and steamy scenes. The angst level is high, and the world-building is phenomenal. The story flows well and at a good pace.

Quinn and Malachi are a lovely couple even if Malachi is a brooding lone wolf. There's a century age difference, but they are fated mates. Quinn sees himself as a broken POS. Malachi begs to differ even though he refuses to mate with Quinn. He thinks he has nothing to offer Quinn.

I enjoyed this book very much and happily recommend it.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series

Quinn is young and traumatized, having lived through horrific events.
Malachi is a hundred years older than him and is dealing with the grief of losing his mates.
They discover they're fated mates and try as both might fight it, they can't deny the bond between them.
Quinn doesn't believe he's a worthy partner because of his trauma and Malachi thinks he's too old to have a new mate.
I enjoyed their slow buildup to a relationship and there is great chemistry between them.
There's also danger in the form of a powerful grab that's putting everyone in danger.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not familiar with the universe this book is set in, but I'm definitely going to check out this author's other books. As a huge fan of age gap romances this one hit the spot. Quinn and Malachi clearly have a deep connection on many levels but Quinn has to work hard to get Malachi to admit what they have. Once he does, however, he's all in. Lots of layers of protection here and there are dangerous plots and counterplots. Quinn's PTSD is well handled and I look forward to spending more time in this world.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He know they are his mate but they do not want him as he is much younger than them. His life has not been easy as half of his pack were killed. He has suffered abuse as well so see if the get together

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

QUINN AND MALACHI ARE TWO GREAT CHARACTERS!!

Quinn and Malachi are definitely right for each other. The story is really well done, and I look forward to more to come for these two.

[Adoraboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it and can't wait to read the second book!!!