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Trash Pandas #1
The (Maybe) Murderer Who Knocked Me Up
I’m the runt of the litter. Not only am I much smaller than my four raccoon shifter brothers, I’m always behind. They all know what they want to do with their lives, and they can’t wait to move away from home to follow their dreams. All I know is that I like to bake, and I like Slade—the huge grizzly shifter next door who my brothers say I should stay away from.
I’m not very good at taking advice, apparently.
Less than a week after Slade knocks me up, he goes to prison for murder. He confesses and everything. I shouldn’t harbor a secret hope that he’s innocent. I know that. Which is why I don’t tell him about the baby.
But when he gets out six years later on good behavior, I offer to pick him up. Because I have to know if he’s really as bad as everyone thinks he is.
The (Maybe) Murderer Who Knocked Me Up is book one of the Trash Pandas series. It includes a brief mention of MPreg, knotting, a single dad, and a raccoon shifter family with a penchant for shiny things.
I’m not very good at taking advice, apparently.
Less than a week after Slade knocks me up, he goes to prison for murder. He confesses and everything. I shouldn’t harbor a secret hope that he’s innocent. I know that. Which is why I don’t tell him about the baby.
But when he gets out six years later on good behavior, I offer to pick him up. Because I have to know if he’s really as bad as everyone thinks he is.
The (Maybe) Murderer Who Knocked Me Up is book one of the Trash Pandas series. It includes a brief mention of MPreg, knotting, a single dad, and a raccoon shifter family with a penchant for shiny things.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2024
148 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 3, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I don’t usually like feeling small. But I like it when I’m standing next to Slade. It’s different with him. Instead of feeling silly and short, I feel overwhelmed by his size.
This book was a delight. My first ever raccoon shifter book and now I don’t want to read any other kind of shifter, lol. It was stupid amounts of adorable and endearing, while also making me genuinely cry my eyes out. It might sound silly and simple (hello title), but this book really had it all. I don’t have lots to say, but if you’re in the mood for something sweet, fun, hot and sad that will put a smile on your face, I highly recommend it.
“It feels like my heart is tearing in two.”
I do wish Slade’s time in prison wasn’t glossed over to the degree it was. At least one conversation about his time inside isn’t a big ask, especially when it was stressed a lot how dangerous this prison was.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Raccoon shifter
Single dad
Chosen mates
Knotting
Omegaverse
Tiny omega raccoon
Size difference
Second chance
Half grizzly shifter
Multiple orgasms
Teenage pregnancy (18)
Virgin MC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Knotting
Off-page mpreg
Explicit sexual content
Unsafe sex
Accidental pregnancy
Slick
Mentions of MC’s underage brother trading sex for drugs
Mentions of MC’s brother using drugs (off page)
Some graphic details of off-page murder
Abortion briefly debated
Mentions of past neglect and addict parents
Dubcon: Quin ‘touches paws’ on Slade without him knowing or consenting, which creates a connection and influences them having sex (Slade does want Quin as well, but is touched with paws without knowing)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Sort of. Separated for 6 years because of extenuating circumstances with no contact
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 18 and 18
Kid’s age: 5
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 203
Happy ending: Yes
That boy is like sunshine with his cute little dimples that pop every time he smiles and the adorable way he shuffles back and forth when he’s nervous.
I’m half grizzly bear shifter, and we don’t do casual flings. Our souls yearn for a deep romantic connection as early as sixteen or seventeen.
I can barely breathe. But I don’t want him to get up. I like the way he smashes my body into the mattress.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I don’t usually like feeling small. But I like it when I’m standing next to Slade. It’s different with him. Instead of feeling silly and short, I feel overwhelmed by his size.
This book was a delight. My first ever raccoon shifter book and now I don’t want to read any other kind of shifter, lol. It was stupid amounts of adorable and endearing, while also making me genuinely cry my eyes out. It might sound silly and simple (hello title), but this book really had it all. I don’t have lots to say, but if you’re in the mood for something sweet, fun, hot and sad that will put a smile on your face, I highly recommend it.
“It feels like my heart is tearing in two.”
I do wish Slade’s time in prison wasn’t glossed over to the degree it was. At least one conversation about his time inside isn’t a big ask, especially when it was stressed a lot how dangerous this prison was.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Raccoon shifter
Single dad
Chosen mates
Knotting
Omegaverse
Tiny omega raccoon
Size difference
Second chance
Half grizzly shifter
Multiple orgasms
Teenage pregnancy (18)
Virgin MC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Knotting
Off-page mpreg
Explicit sexual content
Unsafe sex
Accidental pregnancy
Slick
Mentions of MC’s underage brother trading sex for drugs
Mentions of MC’s brother using drugs (off page)
Some graphic details of off-page murder
Abortion briefly debated
Mentions of past neglect and addict parents
Dubcon: Quin ‘touches paws’ on Slade without him knowing or consenting, which creates a connection and influences them having sex (Slade does want Quin as well, but is touched with paws without knowing)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Sort of. Separated for 6 years because of extenuating circumstances with no contact
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 18 and 18
Kid’s age: 5
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 203
Happy ending: Yes
That boy is like sunshine with his cute little dimples that pop every time he smiles and the adorable way he shuffles back and forth when he’s nervous.
I’m half grizzly bear shifter, and we don’t do casual flings. Our souls yearn for a deep romantic connection as early as sixteen or seventeen.
I can barely breathe. But I don’t want him to get up. I like the way he smashes my body into the mattress.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
November 26, 2024
Honestly, this had me at trash pandas, because raccoons are my favorite!
Quin and Slade's story was so fluffy and sweet, and Chime was absolutely adorable. I loved this so much and can't wait for more of this series!
Quin and Slade's story was so fluffy and sweet, and Chime was absolutely adorable. I loved this so much and can't wait for more of this series!
November 25, 2024
I recently read a holiday romance since 'Tis the season and all, by this author. It was A Merry Christmas for Art... and His Tentacles in case you're curious. However my point for telling you this is that holiday romance was my first book by this author and I had picked it up because one,
tentacles,
and two, I am a big fan of Shannon Mae. I was quite glad I picked it up because I really enjoyed it, so when this book became available and I got a look at the title, I knew I had to have it!
Quin being the runt of his litter has been very sheltered. His bigger siblings are very protective of him, as are his parents. I really liked getting to know each of them a bit. It made me excited for future stories. Quin and his siblings are all so different. And they went completely different paths in life as adults. But one thing didn't change as they got older. They are still super protective of their smallest brother and even more so of his kid.
Slade's life story made me really sad. And even sadder when it got exponentially worse as an adult. I admire him for what he did, but it broke my heart what it cost him. Finding out he had a child he knew nothing about for years of his life was shocking to say the least. But his reaction after he got over his shock was so emotional I teared up a little. Let's just say I have every faith that Slade would have been a doting parent were he allowed to be and not ended up in prison.
The racoon family dynamic was a fun one to read about. You could tell how much they cared about one another. And man, I wish my family had a tradition of shopping for shiny things as an adult right of passage. That scene made me smile. And so did seeing Slade and Quin start to fall in love with one another after never really having the chance to before. I'm so glad these two got their HEA.
Quin being the runt of his litter has been very sheltered. His bigger siblings are very protective of him, as are his parents. I really liked getting to know each of them a bit. It made me excited for future stories. Quin and his siblings are all so different. And they went completely different paths in life as adults. But one thing didn't change as they got older. They are still super protective of their smallest brother and even more so of his kid.
Slade's life story made me really sad. And even sadder when it got exponentially worse as an adult. I admire him for what he did, but it broke my heart what it cost him. Finding out he had a child he knew nothing about for years of his life was shocking to say the least. But his reaction after he got over his shock was so emotional I teared up a little. Let's just say I have every faith that Slade would have been a doting parent were he allowed to be and not ended up in prison.
The racoon family dynamic was a fun one to read about. You could tell how much they cared about one another. And man, I wish my family had a tradition of shopping for shiny things as an adult right of passage. That scene made me smile. And so did seeing Slade and Quin start to fall in love with one another after never really having the chance to before. I'm so glad these two got their HEA.
January 20, 2025
4 stars
It was a nice quick read. I wished I had gotten more details on certain things like the pregnancy and the time in jail. Also I felt like he forced him to bond with him.
It was a nice quick read. I wished I had gotten more details on certain things like the pregnancy and the time in jail. Also I felt like he forced him to bond with him.
December 10, 2024
Cute. If you’re a fan of Amy Bellows’ shifters series, you’ll likely enjoy this.
I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
3.5 stars
I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
3.5 stars
November 27, 2024
So every so often a book comes along that just seems made for you. Every point hits exactly how it’s supposed to and it’s just a fantastic reading experience. This is one of those books for me. It managed to be funny, cute, sexy and even made me cry a bit (which rarely happens when reading). This is my second raccoon shifter book and I am definitely hooked!
I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved all the characters in this book (and why they are named what they are), from the MCs Quin and Slade to the cutest little raccoon shifter Chime. The number of times I went “Aw” and talked about the scene with friends was… a lot. And it would have been more if they weren’t thinking about reading it as well.
Quin is such a strong omega (not physically) and I loved seeing how he dealt with things and his hilarious rambles when he was younger. At first I wasn’t sure about Slade but then when we got chapters from his POV I melted for him!
Another thing I loved was the amount of apologizing and grovelling that is done. I honestly didn’t even think the characters needed that much but it was so nice to see and I really appreciated it. This book does have a big time skip but I found that it made a lot of sense and I had no trouble with it.
Overall if you haven’t figured it out I loved this book and guessing it will be my fav of the month. If you enjoy shifter cuteness and your heart hurting for these characters just a little bit I absolutely recommend this story! I cannot wait to read more in this series about Quin’s brothers!
I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved all the characters in this book (and why they are named what they are), from the MCs Quin and Slade to the cutest little raccoon shifter Chime. The number of times I went “Aw” and talked about the scene with friends was… a lot. And it would have been more if they weren’t thinking about reading it as well.
Quin is such a strong omega (not physically) and I loved seeing how he dealt with things and his hilarious rambles when he was younger. At first I wasn’t sure about Slade but then when we got chapters from his POV I melted for him!
Another thing I loved was the amount of apologizing and grovelling that is done. I honestly didn’t even think the characters needed that much but it was so nice to see and I really appreciated it. This book does have a big time skip but I found that it made a lot of sense and I had no trouble with it.
Overall if you haven’t figured it out I loved this book and guessing it will be my fav of the month. If you enjoy shifter cuteness and your heart hurting for these characters just a little bit I absolutely recommend this story! I cannot wait to read more in this series about Quin’s brothers!
December 8, 2024
After really loving the Alaskan pebble shifter series, I'm pretty pleased to get more of Amy to read. Racoon shifter culture is as complex as penguin, polar bear or merfolk culture, and it's interesting to see how badly regarded it is by others.
Part of me kind of wanted to see Sequin confront his family about how they're treating Slade, as they're all pretty standoffish and kind of hostile (except for aunt Emerald, the MVP of the book). Maybe that will come in later books? We have six siblings in the litter after all, so it would be reasonable to suppose we may get six books.
Part of me kind of wanted to see Sequin confront his family about how they're treating Slade, as they're all pretty standoffish and kind of hostile (except for aunt Emerald, the MVP of the book). Maybe that will come in later books? We have six siblings in the litter after all, so it would be reasonable to suppose we may get six books.
November 27, 2024
Oh this was wonderful. There were real issues and mistakes made by the MCs. They were owned, discussed and sorted, often quickly,
This book takes place in Bellows' excellently constructed omegaverse/shifter universe. We are starting to learn about racoon shifters now. Spoiler: they are delightful.
This book takes place in Bellows' excellently constructed omegaverse/shifter universe. We are starting to learn about racoon shifters now. Spoiler: they are delightful.
March 5, 2025
Time of death: 32%. I was in the mood for something short and sweet when I picked this up. And it is that, but it's also really, really dumb and I can't force myself to take this seriously at all. I didn't realized raccoon shifters were a thing, and then they still have these ultra-specific rules that apply to them for no reason at all? It hurts my brain. I am not the target audience here.
January 12, 2025
Shifter (Grizzly Bear & Racoon)
Strict Top/Bottom
Second Chance
Family Romance (1 daughter)
Convict x Baker
Insta-Love
Size Difference
6 Years Apart
Slade is a large grizzly bear shifter who has had a difficult life growing up. His childhood consisted of protecting his younger brother while moving from foster home to foster home until the two of them are separated. Slade does everything in his power to be the guardian his little brother needs, working sketchy jobs to make enough money to take custody of him. The only saving grace he has is when the cute and sweet racoon shifter neighbor of his comes up to him and tells him he’s finally of legal age, hinting at something more between them.
Quin has always believed Slade to be a great guy, not listening to his brothers throwing around horrible rumors about him. Even with his large body, covered in tattoos, Quin sees Slade as a sweet and caring individual. On his 18th birthday, Quin approaches Slade to tell him he’s finally of legal age to do… things… and after a blazing hot night together, Quin only wants Slader more
However, after an unfortunate incident that leaves Slade going to jail for murder, Quin isn’t so sure he was right about the big grizzly shifter anymore. Worst yet, he’s pregnant with the man’s child and now has to raise him alone for the next 6 years.
THOUGHTS: This story was….. something. I wish I could say good things about it but honestly, there’s not much to say. It was a fluffy romance with a second chance aspect that could have been really touching but unfortunately the story was too choppy and sporadic.
I feel like with a good editor and a LOT of added detail, the story could easily go from a 2.5 stars to a solid 3-4 stars.
This is not me throwing hate, because I will admit, the story has potential, I just felt like I was reading a short wattpad story that was whipped up in a week instead of a publish book with over 200 pages.
Overall, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to anyone, but I would say that it’s totally up to the reader on whether you enjoy the book or not. I guess the fact that I didn’t DNF it says a lot about how much potential it could have if rewritten.
Strict Top/Bottom
Second Chance
Family Romance (1 daughter)
Convict x Baker
Insta-Love
Size Difference
6 Years Apart
Slade is a large grizzly bear shifter who has had a difficult life growing up. His childhood consisted of protecting his younger brother while moving from foster home to foster home until the two of them are separated. Slade does everything in his power to be the guardian his little brother needs, working sketchy jobs to make enough money to take custody of him. The only saving grace he has is when the cute and sweet racoon shifter neighbor of his comes up to him and tells him he’s finally of legal age, hinting at something more between them.
Quin has always believed Slade to be a great guy, not listening to his brothers throwing around horrible rumors about him. Even with his large body, covered in tattoos, Quin sees Slade as a sweet and caring individual. On his 18th birthday, Quin approaches Slade to tell him he’s finally of legal age to do… things… and after a blazing hot night together, Quin only wants Slader more
However, after an unfortunate incident that leaves Slade going to jail for murder, Quin isn’t so sure he was right about the big grizzly shifter anymore. Worst yet, he’s pregnant with the man’s child and now has to raise him alone for the next 6 years.
THOUGHTS: This story was….. something. I wish I could say good things about it but honestly, there’s not much to say. It was a fluffy romance with a second chance aspect that could have been really touching but unfortunately the story was too choppy and sporadic.
I feel like with a good editor and a LOT of added detail, the story could easily go from a 2.5 stars to a solid 3-4 stars.
This is not me throwing hate, because I will admit, the story has potential, I just felt like I was reading a short wattpad story that was whipped up in a week instead of a publish book with over 200 pages.
Overall, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to anyone, but I would say that it’s totally up to the reader on whether you enjoy the book or not. I guess the fact that I didn’t DNF it says a lot about how much potential it could have if rewritten.
July 13, 2025
First off, we have our raccoon shifter — yes, a raccoon! The name “trash pandas” immediately pulled me in, because who doesn’t love a fluffy little troublemaker? Quin was lost at the start, and one spur-of-the-moment decision completely changed his life… for the better.
Then there’s Slade — the misunderstood, “bad boy” who’s really just a giant teddy bear. (Literally. He’s a bear shifter. I laughed.) He was the absolute sweetest.
Quick, fun, and spicy. I can’t wait to read about the rest of the brothers!
Then there’s Slade — the misunderstood, “bad boy” who’s really just a giant teddy bear. (Literally. He’s a bear shifter. I laughed.) He was the absolute sweetest.
Quick, fun, and spicy. I can’t wait to read about the rest of the brothers!
November 26, 2024
It's such a fun story with a great combination of heart, humor, and angst. Sequin (Quinn) is the runt of a trash panda family with a sweet innocence to him that you can not help but adore. Slade is their neighbor who Quin can not help but be drawn to even when everyone around him says he's bad news. As with so many things, looks can be deceiving, and some secrets need to be held to protect others around them. When Slade makes a decision that affects both of them irroctivavbly, it leads Quinn to hold a secret of his own. Six years pass before their passes cross again, and once they do these, two men can not help but be drawn right back to each other. They learn to trust one another once again and open up so that they can move forward to live their best loves. Highly appreciated. The author made this all of the emotions to make it a quick non-stop read, needing to know how it ends.
November 28, 2024
Sweet new series
I absolutely adore Amy's shifter books. Her Pebble Gifters series is one of my favorites, and this series has the potential to be a close second. I absolutely loved it. It was super sweet and only slightly angsty. I love racoons so this book was right up my alley. I can't wait for the next book.
I absolutely adore Amy's shifter books. Her Pebble Gifters series is one of my favorites, and this series has the potential to be a close second. I absolutely loved it. It was super sweet and only slightly angsty. I love racoons so this book was right up my alley. I can't wait for the next book.
December 3, 2024
**3.5 stars
I was too intrigued not to read this and I’m glad I did. This was too cute! I’m definitely in love with these beautiful raccoon shifters and it hit the spot for an easy read with a lot of heart.
I was too intrigued not to read this and I’m glad I did. This was too cute! I’m definitely in love with these beautiful raccoon shifters and it hit the spot for an easy read with a lot of heart.
January 2, 2025
Well...
This was fine.
It did not grab me but I also made it to the end.
I'm not going into details as its basically the blurb just with more details.
This was fine.
It did not grab me but I also made it to the end.
I'm not going into details as its basically the blurb just with more details.
January 5, 2025
4.5 stars. This was so cute! Super sweet and made me smile so big. Also made me cry, more than once.
I just wish it were a little longer! Wasn't ready for it to end when it did.
I just wish it were a little longer! Wasn't ready for it to end when it did.
March 30, 2025
Plot Intensity: 3/5
Character Likability: 5/5
Swoon Level: 5/5
Spice Level: 2/5
Angst Level: 4/5
One Thing I Can’t Stop Thinking About: The amazing shifter world building.
Character Likability: 5/5
Swoon Level: 5/5
Spice Level: 2/5
Angst Level: 4/5
One Thing I Can’t Stop Thinking About: The amazing shifter world building.
December 13, 2024
Another great book from this author. This one had me a little stressed at times I won’t lie. Great world building, amazing main and side characters. Guess I’m into raccoon shifters now lol
April 11, 2025
Started out well.
The book started out well and you could see where the story was going. The issue was after the 6 year time jump. The author drug the story out unbearably long. You read about how Quin has pined and loved the man for the 6 years he's in prison, but when he gets out of prison, Quin all the sudden is apprehensive and doesn't know if he wants to be together. Honestly, most of the angst was completely unnecessary, I cannot stand when an author uses the cruch of dragging something out instead of giving new drama or reasons for emotions.
The book started out well and you could see where the story was going. The issue was after the 6 year time jump. The author drug the story out unbearably long. You read about how Quin has pined and loved the man for the 6 years he's in prison, but when he gets out of prison, Quin all the sudden is apprehensive and doesn't know if he wants to be together. Honestly, most of the angst was completely unnecessary, I cannot stand when an author uses the cruch of dragging something out instead of giving new drama or reasons for emotions.
November 28, 2024
Responsibilities, who? I was paused by the author, stopped by the title, and utterly stuck by the blurb. Here's Amy Bellows's new series, Trash Pandas. The first book is "The (Maybe) Murderer Who Knocked Me Up."
["I’m the runt of the litter. Not only am I much smaller than my four raccoon shifter brothers, I’m always behind. They all know what they want to do with their lives, and they can’t wait to move away from home to follow their dreams. All I know is that I like to bake, and I like Slade—the huge grizzly shifter next door who my brothers say I should stay away from.
I’m not very good at taking advice, apparently.
Less than a week after Slade knocks me up, he goes to prison for murder. He confesses and everything. I shouldn’t harbor a secret hope that he’s innocent. I know that. Which is why I don’t tell him about the baby.
But when he gets out six years later on good behavior, I offer to pick him up. Because I have to know if he’s really as bad as everyone thinks he is."]
This book!!! D: I was hooked pretty damn quickly by the characters and plot. Then I was sobbing. Then I was giggling. It was just sooooo good.
There was so much traditions and lure set up in here that felt sooooo unique. And all of the characters we have to obsess over until each brother gets their own book!!??! I'm not sure I /can/ wait.
Anywho, Slade and Sequin were perfection. They were each so enamored and cutely obsessed with each other. Then they were each sooooo freaking heartbroken (hence me sobbing). And then, after six long years, they were still so in love and still so obsessed. Except there was so much mutual guilt, mutual pining, and angst, that it took them a while to get together. But they did, eventually.
I canNOT wait for the next book!
#themaybymurdererwhoknockedmeup #thefatedmatebandit #amybellows #trashpandas #trashpandasseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["I’m the runt of the litter. Not only am I much smaller than my four raccoon shifter brothers, I’m always behind. They all know what they want to do with their lives, and they can’t wait to move away from home to follow their dreams. All I know is that I like to bake, and I like Slade—the huge grizzly shifter next door who my brothers say I should stay away from.
I’m not very good at taking advice, apparently.
Less than a week after Slade knocks me up, he goes to prison for murder. He confesses and everything. I shouldn’t harbor a secret hope that he’s innocent. I know that. Which is why I don’t tell him about the baby.
But when he gets out six years later on good behavior, I offer to pick him up. Because I have to know if he’s really as bad as everyone thinks he is."]
This book!!! D: I was hooked pretty damn quickly by the characters and plot. Then I was sobbing. Then I was giggling. It was just sooooo good.
There was so much traditions and lure set up in here that felt sooooo unique. And all of the characters we have to obsess over until each brother gets their own book!!??! I'm not sure I /can/ wait.
Anywho, Slade and Sequin were perfection. They were each so enamored and cutely obsessed with each other. Then they were each sooooo freaking heartbroken (hence me sobbing). And then, after six long years, they were still so in love and still so obsessed. Except there was so much mutual guilt, mutual pining, and angst, that it took them a while to get together. But they did, eventually.
I canNOT wait for the next book!
#themaybymurdererwhoknockedmeup #thefatedmatebandit #amybellows #trashpandas #trashpandasseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
December 10, 2024
Amy Bellow is a new-to-me author. I loved all of the backstory on raccoons and how as the story progressed we learned new traits and history about them. The aspect of them only collecting shiny things once they either do form a strong mate connection, or don't form one was really interesting. All of that history that Amy created about these raccoon shifters just added to the story and really helped give insight about them.
Sequin and Slade were so cute together, and them combined with Chime's character was just adorable! Since the beginning of the story Sequin has known that Slade isn't as bad as his brothers says he is, and even when he goes to prison a small part of him believes that Slade is innocent... And it turns out that he is.
Slade is an absolute sweetheart, he has always tried to do what he can to help and protect his younger brother, even if that means going to prison for 10 years. He never thought he would have another chance with Sequin but their connection is too strong to be broken by time apart.
One thing I didn't like as much was the fact that there were a lot of steamy scenes, most of the moments when Quinn and Slade are together they are engaging in some sort of steamy scene. I wish there was more moments of them just spending time together getting to actually know each other, rather then just getting to know each other's bodies in bed.
Having said that; I liked this story, I thought it was cute, unique, interesting, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes and to learning more about Sequin's brothers. The writing itself was decent, the premise was good, there was a little bit of angst but not too much. The pacing did feel a bit too fast at times but it didn't ruin the overall story. I would say this is a fluffy romance with opposites attract being predominantly featured. The characters were great, they all played a part and I thought they added to the story itself. Overall a great start to a new series!
Sequin and Slade were so cute together, and them combined with Chime's character was just adorable! Since the beginning of the story Sequin has known that Slade isn't as bad as his brothers says he is, and even when he goes to prison a small part of him believes that Slade is innocent... And it turns out that he is.
Slade is an absolute sweetheart, he has always tried to do what he can to help and protect his younger brother, even if that means going to prison for 10 years. He never thought he would have another chance with Sequin but their connection is too strong to be broken by time apart.
One thing I didn't like as much was the fact that there were a lot of steamy scenes, most of the moments when Quinn and Slade are together they are engaging in some sort of steamy scene. I wish there was more moments of them just spending time together getting to actually know each other, rather then just getting to know each other's bodies in bed.
Having said that; I liked this story, I thought it was cute, unique, interesting, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes and to learning more about Sequin's brothers. The writing itself was decent, the premise was good, there was a little bit of angst but not too much. The pacing did feel a bit too fast at times but it didn't ruin the overall story. I would say this is a fluffy romance with opposites attract being predominantly featured. The characters were great, they all played a part and I thought they added to the story itself. Overall a great start to a new series!
March 14, 2025
MY OPINION: Typically, I don’t read shifter, mpeg books, but raccoons, come on! I am glad I picked this up because it was as delightful as the title suggested. I really enjoyed the story.
The romance itself starts early in the book, and you get to see how it comes together with details. I loved learning all the different things about how raccoon shifters live and the dynamics of their families. The secondary characters are as much a part of the story as the main characters, who are both charming in their own ways. You might consider them opposites, especially since one is a raccoon and the other is half grizzly. But there is a lot of softness and kindness from them both.
I think the only real word I can use for this story is sweet. There were a few moments of emotion while they figured out what to do, but overall, it was just a nice book about slightly broken men figuring things out. I would have enjoyed knowing more about the bear part of Slade, but generally, it's very raccoon-focused, from their love of shiny things to the way they have kits. All of the characters seem to be queer which is neat, and the couples all ooze love. Quite simply, like I said, I liked it.
Quin and how he loves his daughter is wonderful. The love from the aunties and mothers is so well described. The limitations of being mated to a raccoon and Slade's easy acceptance are so heartwarming. There was so much story just about being a raccoon shifter man, brother, and child, which made the whole book a great comfort and kept drawing me back. I will read the others in this series, even though it isn’t my normal genre, because I liked it. There is some spice in the book but not a lot, and each time, it was filled with warmth and love. Pick up this novel if you want a great feel-good, low-angst shifter romance.
The romance itself starts early in the book, and you get to see how it comes together with details. I loved learning all the different things about how raccoon shifters live and the dynamics of their families. The secondary characters are as much a part of the story as the main characters, who are both charming in their own ways. You might consider them opposites, especially since one is a raccoon and the other is half grizzly. But there is a lot of softness and kindness from them both.
I think the only real word I can use for this story is sweet. There were a few moments of emotion while they figured out what to do, but overall, it was just a nice book about slightly broken men figuring things out. I would have enjoyed knowing more about the bear part of Slade, but generally, it's very raccoon-focused, from their love of shiny things to the way they have kits. All of the characters seem to be queer which is neat, and the couples all ooze love. Quite simply, like I said, I liked it.
Quin and how he loves his daughter is wonderful. The love from the aunties and mothers is so well described. The limitations of being mated to a raccoon and Slade's easy acceptance are so heartwarming. There was so much story just about being a raccoon shifter man, brother, and child, which made the whole book a great comfort and kept drawing me back. I will read the others in this series, even though it isn’t my normal genre, because I liked it. There is some spice in the book but not a lot, and each time, it was filled with warmth and love. Pick up this novel if you want a great feel-good, low-angst shifter romance.
November 27, 2024
I adored this story featuring Quin and Slade. Quin is a raccoon shifter and is from a larger and loving family. He loves living in the trailer park with his moms and when he finds out that all his brothers are moving out the same summer, he becomes sad and lonely feeling like maybe he's missing something because he doesn't want anything to change. Slade is a half grizzly bear shifter and not from a nice family. He lives with in a foster home "helping" with some shady business because it's asked of him. When his brother gets in some trouble, Slade takes the heat and goes to prison. Quin is Slade's neighbor and hopes to make a family with him.
I thought there was a really great balance of times before Slade is sent away and when Slade is released. We get some awesome details about the racoon shifters and I love how they are always there to support and love one another no matter what. It's truly something special when parents understand that you'll make mistakes but are there to support you through it. I liked how Quin was trying to find out if his daughter (Chime) would be safe with Slade and how the chemistry between these two never faded. It was really sweet for Slade to use the half formed bond to get him through the long six years. I don't know if racoon shifters nest, but even though we don't get a famous Amy Bellows' nesting scene, we get something else pretty cool. We get to see racoon shifters start their collection and get to learn how important they are. It's a really special concept that items can shine with the love they absord!
This was a really awesome story and I can't wait to see Quin's brothers get their happy endings as well. I worry about Coin and want to see him get some sleep and a few good meals in him!
I thought there was a really great balance of times before Slade is sent away and when Slade is released. We get some awesome details about the racoon shifters and I love how they are always there to support and love one another no matter what. It's truly something special when parents understand that you'll make mistakes but are there to support you through it. I liked how Quin was trying to find out if his daughter (Chime) would be safe with Slade and how the chemistry between these two never faded. It was really sweet for Slade to use the half formed bond to get him through the long six years. I don't know if racoon shifters nest, but even though we don't get a famous Amy Bellows' nesting scene, we get something else pretty cool. We get to see racoon shifters start their collection and get to learn how important they are. It's a really special concept that items can shine with the love they absord!
This was a really awesome story and I can't wait to see Quin's brothers get their happy endings as well. I worry about Coin and want to see him get some sleep and a few good meals in him!
December 4, 2024
This book was so fun. Maybe it was just what I needed today, but it hit every single spot in my brain that a book needs to hit. First of all we have Sequin, or Quin, who is the sweetest man alive. He is bright and sunshiney. He loves his family so much and he's scared of being alone. Then we have Slade who is a tough guy with tattoos and muscles, but really he's a huge softie. He is so loyal and caring. He would do anything for those he loves.
I love the second chance aspect of this story. I love the protective and possessiveness that comes with being a shifter. I love the single dad aspect of Quin raising Chime on his own. And Chime is so precious! I love how her uncles and grandmas dote on her. The family aspect is so sweet. They all help each other and immediately do so with Slade, too, despite his past. I love Slade's brother and his mate, too. The fact that grizzly shifters only fall in love once... it hurts my heart it's so sweet. And all the shiny things! I love that raccoon shifters love and collect shiny things.
Overall, this was the surprise hit of the year to be honest with you. It was SO GOOD! If you're unsure, read this book!
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, omegaverse, mpreg, shifters (raccoon/grizzly), single dad, second chance, time jump, size difference, virgin mc, supportive family, knotting
I love the second chance aspect of this story. I love the protective and possessiveness that comes with being a shifter. I love the single dad aspect of Quin raising Chime on his own. And Chime is so precious! I love how her uncles and grandmas dote on her. The family aspect is so sweet. They all help each other and immediately do so with Slade, too, despite his past. I love Slade's brother and his mate, too. The fact that grizzly shifters only fall in love once... it hurts my heart it's so sweet. And all the shiny things! I love that raccoon shifters love and collect shiny things.
Overall, this was the surprise hit of the year to be honest with you. It was SO GOOD! If you're unsure, read this book!
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, omegaverse, mpreg, shifters (raccoon/grizzly), single dad, second chance, time jump, size difference, virgin mc, supportive family, knotting
December 8, 2024
Simple and Cute
This book was exactly what you would think it would be, after reading the title. It’s silly and cute and not to be taken too seriously. Big events that could have added some angst or solemnity to the story were glazed over, such as Slade’s time in prison.
Quin is sweet but the beginning of the book really irked me. Yes it all worked out and we knew that Slade was having feelings for Quin already, but the way they build their bond at the start felt really gross. Quin basically takes the choice away from Slade and just took what he wanted. It bothered me for the rest of the book and kind of set the tone for me. From that point on there was always a point of their relationship that just didn’t sit right with me.
Chime was adorable and the scenes with her and Slade were cute. I also enjoyed the sibling dynamic when they were adults.
At the end of the day, all you need to know is that raccoon shifter books are apparently adorable. Let’s just hope the next couple and book are a bit less sketchy.
Tropes: Mates, Single Dad, Second Chance, Found Family, Secret Relationship, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
This book was exactly what you would think it would be, after reading the title. It’s silly and cute and not to be taken too seriously. Big events that could have added some angst or solemnity to the story were glazed over, such as Slade’s time in prison.
Quin is sweet but the beginning of the book really irked me. Yes it all worked out and we knew that Slade was having feelings for Quin already, but the way they build their bond at the start felt really gross. Quin basically takes the choice away from Slade and just took what he wanted. It bothered me for the rest of the book and kind of set the tone for me. From that point on there was always a point of their relationship that just didn’t sit right with me.
Chime was adorable and the scenes with her and Slade were cute. I also enjoyed the sibling dynamic when they were adults.
At the end of the day, all you need to know is that raccoon shifter books are apparently adorable. Let’s just hope the next couple and book are a bit less sketchy.
Tropes: Mates, Single Dad, Second Chance, Found Family, Secret Relationship, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
May 6, 2025
I've been wanting to sink my paws into this series for a while, and I'm mad at mself that I waited so long. Amy Bellows always hits with her books. I love everything I've read that she's written.
In this book, we explore raccoon shifter lore through the lens of Quin's family. Quin, whose real name is Sequin, is part of a big litter/family, and he is in distress because his brothers are leaving the nest. He runs into Slade's arms, and their love is epic and tender and short-lived. They do have their happy ever after, but they also go through some obstacles that through them for a loop. I was eating the drama up! I read this in a day, and I loved every minute it. The entire Quin family was lovable, and I'm excited to read the rest of the series. We had these tropes and themes in this beauty:
✨️Single Dad
👨👩👧👦Big Family
🫂Accidental Pregnancy
💙Mpreg/MM Romance
🦝🐻 Animal Shifters
💘Second Chance
I highly recommend this book for fans of mpreg, heartwarming romance, and paranormal romance. The way Amy constructs her worlds is endearing and enchanting. I always get swept away by the worlds she creates and the wonderful characters in them.
In this book, we explore raccoon shifter lore through the lens of Quin's family. Quin, whose real name is Sequin, is part of a big litter/family, and he is in distress because his brothers are leaving the nest. He runs into Slade's arms, and their love is epic and tender and short-lived. They do have their happy ever after, but they also go through some obstacles that through them for a loop. I was eating the drama up! I read this in a day, and I loved every minute it. The entire Quin family was lovable, and I'm excited to read the rest of the series. We had these tropes and themes in this beauty:
✨️Single Dad
👨👩👧👦Big Family
🫂Accidental Pregnancy
💙Mpreg/MM Romance
🦝🐻 Animal Shifters
💘Second Chance
I highly recommend this book for fans of mpreg, heartwarming romance, and paranormal romance. The way Amy constructs her worlds is endearing and enchanting. I always get swept away by the worlds she creates and the wonderful characters in them.
May 13, 2025
This was just a cute, fun MPreg story and to be honest I'm not usually a fan of MPreg books but I couldn't resist the title of this one so I figured why not? I'm so glad I read this. Sequin "Quin" is a raccoon who bonds with a 1/2 grizzly and 1/2 human without letting him know they bonded. Then Slade takes the wrap for his brother and goes to prison before he finds out that Quin is pregnant. We get a 6 year time jump here and then Quin is picking Slade up from the prison. The two MC's still have a connection but need to learn to trust each other again and of course navigate Slade's relationship with their daughter. I do wish there had been at least one or two conversations about Slade's prison time as the book mentioned that it was a violent, maximum security prison for large shifters. We really saw no differences in Slade from before or after and I find that a bit hard to believe. However, if you are looking for a low angst, fluffy but entertaining read I recommend this book. I really enjoyed Quinn's family and his liter mates so I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
November 24, 2024
“Less is not more. More is more. That’s why they call it more.”
OMG!!! What a great start to a new series, Trash Pandas, by Amy Bellows. I've come to expect a great read anytime I pick a book by this author. She is an immediate grab for me... I didn't even wait for this to come out in audio, oh my!
This book had all the feels for me. I laughed, I smiled, I even teared up. Once I started I didn't want to put it down, I just wish I'd started it earlier in the day, lol. Now that it's over I'm wishing that I had read it a bit slower, maybe I'll just read it again. It's just that kind of book.
I love this world that Amy created, where she comes up with these worlds/ideas I'll never know. The cleverness surrounding the mating process for these raccoons is so original. You'll have to read the book to find out for yourself because I'm a no spoiler gal!!!
This is a new world she's created and I'm here for it! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Shifters, mates, lots of shinies, opposites attract, mpreg
OMG!!! What a great start to a new series, Trash Pandas, by Amy Bellows. I've come to expect a great read anytime I pick a book by this author. She is an immediate grab for me... I didn't even wait for this to come out in audio, oh my!
This book had all the feels for me. I laughed, I smiled, I even teared up. Once I started I didn't want to put it down, I just wish I'd started it earlier in the day, lol. Now that it's over I'm wishing that I had read it a bit slower, maybe I'll just read it again. It's just that kind of book.
I love this world that Amy created, where she comes up with these worlds/ideas I'll never know. The cleverness surrounding the mating process for these raccoons is so original. You'll have to read the book to find out for yourself because I'm a no spoiler gal!!!
This is a new world she's created and I'm here for it! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Shifters, mates, lots of shinies, opposites attract, mpreg
November 24, 2024
What a lovely start to this new series. This is a pretty quick read but it is filled with so much heart and wonderful characters. The beginning is perfectly bittersweet, I was really feeling for Quin. He doesn’t share his brothers excitement over turning eighteen and venturing out into the world. Quin loves their small life with their moms, so saying goodbye to his brothers is hard for him. I loved his strength in knowing the kind of life he wanted though and in taking a such a bold chance with Slade. I was rooting for them even knowing Slade feels like a risky choice for Quin, he’s focused on getting his brother safe. My favorite thing was that book is filled with characters that are trying to do right by the people they love and that’s pretty amazing. I adored the raccoon culture so much, there is so much love in Quinn’s big extended family. Slade, Quin, and Chime have a really special story to tell. I loved this one a lot, can’t wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
December 16, 2024
- Raccoon shifter x Grizzly bear shifter
- Omegaverse (Alpha/Omega)
- Mpreg, knotting, slick, …
- Second Chance
Plot Summary
Quin is a raccoon shifter omega and hooks up with his neighbor, Slade. Slade has to move away for work, and is arrested for murder after only a couple days, and Quin finds out he is pregnant the same day. Quin doesn’t tell Slade about the pregnancy and 6 years later Slade is released. It’s up to him and Quinn now to try and pick up the pieces, and try to win his family back.
Pacing
I feel like the story would’ve benefited from starting way later. Maybe a tiny flashback, where Slade and Quin interact, maybe until they hook up, and then immediately time skip to when Quin is already older, without knowing how they bonded, or if Slade really killed that guy.
Aka. Chapter 1+2 should’ve been made into one chapter and then immediately followed by chapter 12
Conclusion
Not much more to say! A rather short, fast paced book. A little basic and generic at times, but a good book if you want to stay occupied for an hour or two.
- Omegaverse (Alpha/Omega)
- Mpreg, knotting, slick, …
- Second Chance
Plot Summary
Quin is a raccoon shifter omega and hooks up with his neighbor, Slade. Slade has to move away for work, and is arrested for murder after only a couple days, and Quin finds out he is pregnant the same day. Quin doesn’t tell Slade about the pregnancy and 6 years later Slade is released. It’s up to him and Quinn now to try and pick up the pieces, and try to win his family back.
Pacing
I feel like the story would’ve benefited from starting way later. Maybe a tiny flashback, where Slade and Quin interact, maybe until they hook up, and then immediately time skip to when Quin is already older, without knowing how they bonded, or if Slade really killed that guy.
Aka. Chapter 1+2 should’ve been made into one chapter and then immediately followed by chapter 12
Conclusion
Not much more to say! A rather short, fast paced book. A little basic and generic at times, but a good book if you want to stay occupied for an hour or two.
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