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Full Moon Faceoff: Wolves of Burlington
Elijah Sager joins the Burlington Bobcats to escape a brutal breakup and prove he's more than the mistakes his ex made him believe he was. The last thing he needs is the team's star player—publicly straight, impossibly hot Gabriel Sanderson—watching him like he wants to devour him whole.
Gabe has spent years keeping his secrets locked down he's gay, he's a wolf shifter, and his pack's territory is under threat. But when Eli steps onto the ice, Gabe's wolf recognizes something a fated mate. The pull is magnetic and impossible to ignore.
As a rival pack closes in with threats that escalate from intimidation to kidnapping, and a deadly enemy emerges from the shadows, Gabe and Eli are forced together by something neither can control. Between championship games and full moon transformations, they'll have to fight for their lives, their pack, and a love that could destroy them both... or make them unstoppable.
Gabe has spent years keeping his secrets locked down he's gay, he's a wolf shifter, and his pack's territory is under threat. But when Eli steps onto the ice, Gabe's wolf recognizes something a fated mate. The pull is magnetic and impossible to ignore.
As a rival pack closes in with threats that escalate from intimidation to kidnapping, and a deadly enemy emerges from the shadows, Gabe and Eli are forced together by something neither can control. Between championship games and full moon transformations, they'll have to fight for their lives, their pack, and a love that could destroy them both... or make them unstoppable.
310 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2026
102 people are currently reading
613 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 27, 2026
5 stars!!! 3🌶️
Wolf shifter
Hockey teammate
Fated mate
ONE BED
PLOT
Found Family
Friends to lovers
Excuse me while I I add this author to list of faves from now on. The tension was so perfect and the dialogue felt like REAL people!
There’s actual plot on this book too! Not only was on the edge of my seat with their relationship and SWOONING HARD but I was also intrigued by the plot happening too.
This kept my attention the entire read and I need EVERYONE TO READ IT NOW.
Wolf shifter
Hockey teammate
Fated mate
ONE BED
PLOT
Found Family
Friends to lovers
Excuse me while I I add this author to list of faves from now on. The tension was so perfect and the dialogue felt like REAL people!
There’s actual plot on this book too! Not only was on the edge of my seat with their relationship and SWOONING HARD but I was also intrigued by the plot happening too.
This kept my attention the entire read and I need EVERYONE TO READ IT NOW.
March 26, 2026
Highkey, this book was so inconsistent in its characters’ backstories it gave me whiplash.
Lowkey, this book was giving twilight but make it shifters.
Lowkey, this book was giving twilight but make it shifters.
March 26, 2026
Super fun read with the right mix of banter, hockey, mystery, romance. AND WOLF SHIFTERS.
Out and proud Eli is traded to a new AHL team, arrives with emotional baggage from a bad relationship. Closeted wolf shifter Gabe is focused on hockey and family and not looking for a partner when his nose leads him to his possibly fated mate. Then rival hockey team drama, sabotage, good laughs, found family; I devoured it in a day.
A few things pushed this book to 5 stars for me. The writing is clever, with humour to balance the heavier parts of the story. This isn’t insta-love. It’s insta-attraction, but the boys need a big helping of personal growth, which they get over the span of the book. I liked that genuine conversations happen on-page to get them over the finish line, no miscommunication tropes, no formulaic third-act breakup, no magical D energy. Eli references his therapist. Gabe talks to his friends about his feelings. Healthy masculinity all over the place. The author gives us queer joy and tackles toxic parts of hockey and popular culture, no lecturing or getting bogged down. The hockey is fairly accurate (a feat that should never be taken for granted in this genre.) As with the author’s other work, the story is more interesting for having other non-romance plot lines and relationships like Gabe and his sister, a rival team/pack, and a mystery that doesn’t get too angsty.
I adored this book. I’ve been a Max Walker reader for a while, and this is his writing at its best. I love authentic main characters with real struggles and a well paced romance. Plus HOCKEY. And again, WOLF SHIFTERS. (And for those for whom a spice rating is important, this would be explicit open door. POV is dual first person past tense.)
I received a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. But honestly, I would have paid for this book and still given it five stars, it’s going on my comfort re-reads shelf.
Out and proud Eli is traded to a new AHL team, arrives with emotional baggage from a bad relationship. Closeted wolf shifter Gabe is focused on hockey and family and not looking for a partner when his nose leads him to his possibly fated mate. Then rival hockey team drama, sabotage, good laughs, found family; I devoured it in a day.
A few things pushed this book to 5 stars for me. The writing is clever, with humour to balance the heavier parts of the story. This isn’t insta-love. It’s insta-attraction, but the boys need a big helping of personal growth, which they get over the span of the book. I liked that genuine conversations happen on-page to get them over the finish line, no miscommunication tropes, no formulaic third-act breakup, no magical D energy. Eli references his therapist. Gabe talks to his friends about his feelings. Healthy masculinity all over the place. The author gives us queer joy and tackles toxic parts of hockey and popular culture, no lecturing or getting bogged down. The hockey is fairly accurate (a feat that should never be taken for granted in this genre.) As with the author’s other work, the story is more interesting for having other non-romance plot lines and relationships like Gabe and his sister, a rival team/pack, and a mystery that doesn’t get too angsty.
I adored this book. I’ve been a Max Walker reader for a while, and this is his writing at its best. I love authentic main characters with real struggles and a well paced romance. Plus HOCKEY. And again, WOLF SHIFTERS. (And for those for whom a spice rating is important, this would be explicit open door. POV is dual first person past tense.)
I received a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. But honestly, I would have paid for this book and still given it five stars, it’s going on my comfort re-reads shelf.
March 28, 2026
I really wanted to enjoy this but the sheer amount of continuity errors took me out of this story.
Did Elijah meet his ex on Grindr or was it a blind date?
Did Elijah get dumped by his cheating ex, who then proceeded to belittle him as Elijah packed up to move out or did Elijah dump the ex, who begged and pleaded with him not to leave?
Was Gabe's pack the first ones he told about his draw to Eli or did they not even know he was gay?
Were they having a picnic at a remote riverside location (in winter, in Vermont) or were they meeting up for dinner at Gabe's hideaway cabin?
Was one of the side characters desperately grieving his late wife, whom he'd lost less than a year ago, or was he already deep in another relationship with a member of the pack?
These are just a few examples of the inconsistencies that are rampant throughout this book. I wish I could say it was a one-off for this author, but I feel like I tell myself that every time I try one of his books and find myself struggling to look past the same issue. It's actually why I'm writing my first Goodreads review...so I remember!
(Edited to say...this is not an ARC review. I read this as part of my KU membership. Not sure why it's being labeled that way.)
Did Elijah meet his ex on Grindr or was it a blind date?
Did Elijah get dumped by his cheating ex, who then proceeded to belittle him as Elijah packed up to move out or did Elijah dump the ex, who begged and pleaded with him not to leave?
Was Gabe's pack the first ones he told about his draw to Eli or did they not even know he was gay?
Were they having a picnic at a remote riverside location (in winter, in Vermont) or were they meeting up for dinner at Gabe's hideaway cabin?
Was one of the side characters desperately grieving his late wife, whom he'd lost less than a year ago, or was he already deep in another relationship with a member of the pack?
These are just a few examples of the inconsistencies that are rampant throughout this book. I wish I could say it was a one-off for this author, but I feel like I tell myself that every time I try one of his books and find myself struggling to look past the same issue. It's actually why I'm writing my first Goodreads review...so I remember!
(Edited to say...this is not an ARC review. I read this as part of my KU membership. Not sure why it's being labeled that way.)
March 26, 2026
Full Moon FaceOff
Wolves of Burlington
Max Walker
Wolf Shifters
Hockey
Fated Mates
Found Family
Instant Attraction
Feral Love
Hidden Identity
Wow, this was great. Hockey playing wolf shifters? Yes, please?!
I loved this. These two had an insta lust towards each other, not realizing they were fated mates.
This was a great story. Slow burn in a sense, because of the hidden identity.
We also get action and suspense as usual from a Max Walker book, I love that aspect. The tension, suspense, and angst from rival packs was exciting.
Their intimacy was everything. It took trust for these two to let their guards down. It was everything.
The ending was so good, eek my heart, this was really great. I adored their relationship.
I enjoyed this, I’m looking forward to seeing what else comes from this world.
So thankful for this arc
Wolves of Burlington
Max Walker
Wolf Shifters
Hockey
Fated Mates
Found Family
Instant Attraction
Feral Love
Hidden Identity
Wow, this was great. Hockey playing wolf shifters? Yes, please?!
I loved this. These two had an insta lust towards each other, not realizing they were fated mates.
This was a great story. Slow burn in a sense, because of the hidden identity.
We also get action and suspense as usual from a Max Walker book, I love that aspect. The tension, suspense, and angst from rival packs was exciting.
Their intimacy was everything. It took trust for these two to let their guards down. It was everything.
The ending was so good, eek my heart, this was really great. I adored their relationship.
I enjoyed this, I’m looking forward to seeing what else comes from this world.
So thankful for this arc
March 26, 2026
This did not live up to the great cover. This was not nearly as edited (some spelling and grammar and very clear discrepancy errors) and polished as it should have been.
Not sure what GR is doing as I did not receive an ARC. I read the book through KU on 3/26 and the book was released on 3/25.
Not sure what GR is doing as I did not receive an ARC. I read the book through KU on 3/26 and the book was released on 3/25.
March 28, 2026
So like….i finished it but why did nothing add up? There were so many things that didn’t make any sense i genuinely started to gaslight myself into thinking i read things wrong. Turns out the story was just so full of inconsistencies that it wasn’t a me problem after all.
March 26, 2026
3/5
Didn't really like the writing
Didn't really like the writing
March 27, 2026
well. that's two days of my life i'm never getting back.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review ✨
Full Moon FaceOff by @maxwalkerwrites
Eli is traded from Florida to the Burlington Bobcats in Vermont, coming off a breakup with someone he thought was his forever. He’s very much a people pleaser, just trying to settle in, find his place, and succeed. The team dynamic was one of my favorite parts they’re tight-knit, welcoming, and I really appreciated how Eli is openly gay and sets the tone for a healthy, non-toxic locker room right from the start.
Then there’s Gabe. A teammate… and a shifter. Their first encounter is quick, a little awkward, but instantly charged. There’s something there right away, even if neither of them fully understands it yet. Gabe feels that pull almost immediately, even if he’s not ready to face what it means.
Their connection builds slowly through missed moments, avoidance, and a lot of quiet tension. There’s one pool scene in particular that just lingers—you can feel how much they want each other without anything even happening yet. Meanwhile, Eli is completely unaware of what Gabe is, and assumes he’s straight(DL), which adds another layer to everything.
When they finally do come together, it’s intense and worth the wait but it’s not simple. Gabe pulls away, and Eli’s past relationship starts to creep back in, bringing up those old insecurities. But communication, love and trust conquers all.
As the story unfolds, the shifter world becomes a bigger focus, with pack tensions, an iron collar threat, and a growing conflict with Viktor. The stakes build steadily, and everything comes to a head in a way that felt both emotional and action-packed. Eli stepping in during the final moments was such a standout—it really showed his growth and how much he cared. For his pack, and new found family.
The ending felt so fitting for them. A mating ceremony, surrounded by their pack and the people who matter most, was emotional, grounding, and a really beautiful way to close out their story.
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 4/5
Tropes:
🐺Fated mates •
🐺Teammates to lovers •
🐺Hidden identity •
🐺Feral love •
🐺Found family •
And I’m so excited Dylan’s story is next—he deserves his moment 🖤
Full Moon FaceOff by @maxwalkerwrites
Eli is traded from Florida to the Burlington Bobcats in Vermont, coming off a breakup with someone he thought was his forever. He’s very much a people pleaser, just trying to settle in, find his place, and succeed. The team dynamic was one of my favorite parts they’re tight-knit, welcoming, and I really appreciated how Eli is openly gay and sets the tone for a healthy, non-toxic locker room right from the start.
Then there’s Gabe. A teammate… and a shifter. Their first encounter is quick, a little awkward, but instantly charged. There’s something there right away, even if neither of them fully understands it yet. Gabe feels that pull almost immediately, even if he’s not ready to face what it means.
Their connection builds slowly through missed moments, avoidance, and a lot of quiet tension. There’s one pool scene in particular that just lingers—you can feel how much they want each other without anything even happening yet. Meanwhile, Eli is completely unaware of what Gabe is, and assumes he’s straight(DL), which adds another layer to everything.
When they finally do come together, it’s intense and worth the wait but it’s not simple. Gabe pulls away, and Eli’s past relationship starts to creep back in, bringing up those old insecurities. But communication, love and trust conquers all.
As the story unfolds, the shifter world becomes a bigger focus, with pack tensions, an iron collar threat, and a growing conflict with Viktor. The stakes build steadily, and everything comes to a head in a way that felt both emotional and action-packed. Eli stepping in during the final moments was such a standout—it really showed his growth and how much he cared. For his pack, and new found family.
The ending felt so fitting for them. A mating ceremony, surrounded by their pack and the people who matter most, was emotional, grounding, and a really beautiful way to close out their story.
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 4/5
Tropes:
🐺Fated mates •
🐺Teammates to lovers •
🐺Hidden identity •
🐺Feral love •
🐺Found family •
And I’m so excited Dylan’s story is next—he deserves his moment 🖤
March 28, 2026
This book was good, I mean it had hockey AND werewolves in it, so I was super excited to read it.
As a lot of other reviews have been pointing out, there are quite a few inconsistencies in the book.
Harrison later on reveals he had a daughter that had passed, hence his whole vendetta thing, but did we know that? I know it was mentioned that his mom was in a care home/assisted living, but nothing about his daughter. It just seemed a random addition at the end (again, maybe I missed it). And him bugging their phones? This man is rarely mentioned so how did no one notice him coming in to the locker rooms and messing with ALL of their phones? A coach would make more sense but there's really no reason for a GM to be in the locker room.
Viktor had a wife? Weren't the packmates speculating Viktor was jealous of Gabe because he wanted Eli as his boo thing or something? But, if mans is married...
With Gabe's sister having early onset dementia, isn't that a hereditary condition because it's so rare to happen in your 30s? Are we concerned for Gabe? And for the schizophrenia diagnosis, if Gabe was a freshman in college, she must have been in her early 30s, which is arguably pretty late for a new diagnosis, as it usually presents in your late teens/early 20s. And then mentioning she had language and developmental delays growing up, but that their parents tried their best but 'had a weak grasp of science' (page 129). Science? Medicine maybe? Obviously seeing a parent die in front of you is traumatic, but it sounds more like PTSD? As a healthcare girlie, I know Lily's backstory isn't the main focus of the story, but there were way too many unanswered questions.
The whole scene the book is named after is only a chapter and was a little more anticlimactic than I expected. Also, how did all these shifters expect no one in management not to find out they were shifters???
As a lot of other reviews have been pointing out, there are quite a few inconsistencies in the book.
Harrison later on reveals he had a daughter that had passed, hence his whole vendetta thing, but did we know that? I know it was mentioned that his mom was in a care home/assisted living, but nothing about his daughter. It just seemed a random addition at the end (again, maybe I missed it). And him bugging their phones? This man is rarely mentioned so how did no one notice him coming in to the locker rooms and messing with ALL of their phones? A coach would make more sense but there's really no reason for a GM to be in the locker room.
Viktor had a wife? Weren't the packmates speculating Viktor was jealous of Gabe because he wanted Eli as his boo thing or something? But, if mans is married...
With Gabe's sister having early onset dementia, isn't that a hereditary condition because it's so rare to happen in your 30s? Are we concerned for Gabe? And for the schizophrenia diagnosis, if Gabe was a freshman in college, she must have been in her early 30s, which is arguably pretty late for a new diagnosis, as it usually presents in your late teens/early 20s. And then mentioning she had language and developmental delays growing up, but that their parents tried their best but 'had a weak grasp of science' (page 129). Science? Medicine maybe? Obviously seeing a parent die in front of you is traumatic, but it sounds more like PTSD? As a healthcare girlie, I know Lily's backstory isn't the main focus of the story, but there were way too many unanswered questions.
The whole scene the book is named after is only a chapter and was a little more anticlimactic than I expected. Also, how did all these shifters expect no one in management not to find out they were shifters???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2026
Full Moon Faceoff: Wolves of Burlington by Max Walker | 3 Stars
Genre: MM Sports (Hockey) Romance / Paranormal Romance
Tropes: Wolf Shifters, Hockey, Fated Mates, Instant-Attraction, Found Family, Coming Out
Trigger Warnings: Emotional Abuse in a Past Relationship, Mental Illness, Death of a Parent / Spouse (off-screen), Caregiving of a disabled sibling, Physical Violence
*I received an e-arc of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Release Date: March 25th 2026 | Will Be Available on Kindle Unlimited
A relatively, short, quick-paced read. It's fun, cute, and look - it's a hockey, wolf-shifter romance - you know exactly what you are getting into when you pick this up. It's definitely a fun read, I liked Eli and Gabe, and the way the wolf shifter lore and world building was dealt with in this book. The plot was definitely a bit thin, especially in the first half, and the writing is a bit choppy / under-edited though I'm able to read past it and forgive it especially in an indie novel. I enjoyed the dual-POV of our main MMC's (though the first-person narration isn't my personal favorite).
One note - I will say, I have some issues with the way the character of Lily is handled. Lily is Gabe's disabled older sister - he is tasked with being her caregiver after their parents death, which would have been perfectly nice representation, but the amalgam of diagnosis she has (late-onset schizophrenia, developmental delay and an aversion to using the word autism, a description of PTSD without using that term, early-onset dementia, etc.) combined with an overall infantilization of a grown woman with disabilities left a sour taste in my mouth. Assuming positive intent, we can call it well-intentioned, just poorly educated.
Genre: MM Sports (Hockey) Romance / Paranormal Romance
Tropes: Wolf Shifters, Hockey, Fated Mates, Instant-Attraction, Found Family, Coming Out
Trigger Warnings: Emotional Abuse in a Past Relationship, Mental Illness, Death of a Parent / Spouse (off-screen), Caregiving of a disabled sibling, Physical Violence
*I received an e-arc of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Release Date: March 25th 2026 | Will Be Available on Kindle Unlimited
A relatively, short, quick-paced read. It's fun, cute, and look - it's a hockey, wolf-shifter romance - you know exactly what you are getting into when you pick this up. It's definitely a fun read, I liked Eli and Gabe, and the way the wolf shifter lore and world building was dealt with in this book. The plot was definitely a bit thin, especially in the first half, and the writing is a bit choppy / under-edited though I'm able to read past it and forgive it especially in an indie novel. I enjoyed the dual-POV of our main MMC's (though the first-person narration isn't my personal favorite).
One note - I will say, I have some issues with the way the character of Lily is handled. Lily is Gabe's disabled older sister - he is tasked with being her caregiver after their parents death, which would have been perfectly nice representation, but the amalgam of diagnosis she has (late-onset schizophrenia, developmental delay and an aversion to using the word autism, a description of PTSD without using that term, early-onset dementia, etc.) combined with an overall infantilization of a grown woman with disabilities left a sour taste in my mouth. Assuming positive intent, we can call it well-intentioned, just poorly educated.
Review of advance copy received from Author
To say this book was incredible is an understatement!! I'd give it more then 5 stars if I could 😍
Full Moon Faceoff brought the heat - on and off the ice 🔥
Eli, still healing from a hurtful relationship, was traded to the Burlington Bobcats hockey team and was ready for a fresh start... but he had no clue what awaited him when he arrived to his new hometown. There he met his new teammate, Gabe who was full of secrets, as Eli would soon find out - Gabe was a wolf shifter with an undeniable fated mate pull to Eli and it didn't take long for Eli to feel it too.
As their bond forms, a rival pack declares war and the pair, along with their pack, face some serious challenges that will ultimately either destroy them both or make them unstoppable together. I'm not one for spoilers so you have to read this amazing story to find out what happens 😉 I will say that Full Moon Faceoff kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and it was extremely hard to put this book down even for a few minutes 😅
The chemistry between Eli and Gabe is so intense and I couldn't get enough of their love and attaction to one another throughout the story ❤️ I loved the other characters in the book also and often found myself wanting to be a part of their pack as I read!
Max Walker knocked this book out of the park and I cannot wait for Book #2 🤩
Thank you SO much to the author for sending me an eARC of Full Moon Faceoff, so grateful for the opportunity 🙏
Full Moon Faceoff brought the heat - on and off the ice 🔥
Eli, still healing from a hurtful relationship, was traded to the Burlington Bobcats hockey team and was ready for a fresh start... but he had no clue what awaited him when he arrived to his new hometown. There he met his new teammate, Gabe who was full of secrets, as Eli would soon find out - Gabe was a wolf shifter with an undeniable fated mate pull to Eli and it didn't take long for Eli to feel it too.
As their bond forms, a rival pack declares war and the pair, along with their pack, face some serious challenges that will ultimately either destroy them both or make them unstoppable together. I'm not one for spoilers so you have to read this amazing story to find out what happens 😉 I will say that Full Moon Faceoff kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and it was extremely hard to put this book down even for a few minutes 😅
The chemistry between Eli and Gabe is so intense and I couldn't get enough of their love and attaction to one another throughout the story ❤️ I loved the other characters in the book also and often found myself wanting to be a part of their pack as I read!
Max Walker knocked this book out of the park and I cannot wait for Book #2 🤩
Thank you SO much to the author for sending me an eARC of Full Moon Faceoff, so grateful for the opportunity 🙏
Review of advance copy received from Author
Max cannot write a bad book!!! Eli and Gabe are just so perfect. Gabe is a wolf shifter who plays hockey with a lot of his pack. He’s closeted but the main reason is to avoid any attention that could jeopardize their secret. Eli is just a precious bb🥺 He’s traded to the Burlington Bobcats and is recovering from a bad relationship. He is not closeted and that’s an important discussion between the two.
These two are fated mates so they have an instant connection, Gabe almost in denial about fated mates and Eli having no idea why he cannot stop thinking about Gabe. The romance takes center stage, in my opinion, but there is a mystery going on 👀
Full Moon Faceoff is absolutely amazing! I loved the way Gabe handles coming out and the way he treats Eli is just exactly what Eli needs. The found family vibes are top tier which is something I love about shifter books. Lils stole my heart and I cried a little because I loved her so much. I am so freaking excited for Dylan’s book, he’s just a sweetheart! Make sure you read this book!!!!
These two are fated mates so they have an instant connection, Gabe almost in denial about fated mates and Eli having no idea why he cannot stop thinking about Gabe. The romance takes center stage, in my opinion, but there is a mystery going on 👀
Full Moon Faceoff is absolutely amazing! I loved the way Gabe handles coming out and the way he treats Eli is just exactly what Eli needs. The found family vibes are top tier which is something I love about shifter books. Lils stole my heart and I cried a little because I loved her so much. I am so freaking excited for Dylan’s book, he’s just a sweetheart! Make sure you read this book!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a lovely read! I have been in the mood for hockey romance and shifter romance so this was the perfect combo.
Elijah just joined a new team after he was traded, for him it was the right time as he just wanted to escape after his brutal breakup. What he didn't expect was to see the teams star player Gabriel Sanderson watching him as a snack. Gabe spent years hiding that he is gay and also a wolf shifter but when Eli joins his team things might change. He starts to realise that Eli might be his fated mate. But just as rival pack begin to stir up danger Gabe wants to protect Eli.
I really loved seeing their relationship develop. Eli is not aware of shifter so him figuring out that Gabe changes into a wolf is something big. He also feels safe with him and the team as he is a fated mate. The pack dynamics are always so fun to read and I can't wait to see more of this pack!
If you are in the mood for fated mate, queer, shifter, hockey romance this book is for you!
Thanks to Max Walker for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Elijah just joined a new team after he was traded, for him it was the right time as he just wanted to escape after his brutal breakup. What he didn't expect was to see the teams star player Gabriel Sanderson watching him as a snack. Gabe spent years hiding that he is gay and also a wolf shifter but when Eli joins his team things might change. He starts to realise that Eli might be his fated mate. But just as rival pack begin to stir up danger Gabe wants to protect Eli.
I really loved seeing their relationship develop. Eli is not aware of shifter so him figuring out that Gabe changes into a wolf is something big. He also feels safe with him and the team as he is a fated mate. The pack dynamics are always so fun to read and I can't wait to see more of this pack!
If you are in the mood for fated mate, queer, shifter, hockey romance this book is for you!
Thanks to Max Walker for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first book of this series and also the first Max Walker book I have read, it won’t be the last either!!
When I saw the cover and blurb I knew I had to read this book as it had both hockey players and werewolves in it, trust me it did not disappoint either.
Elijah has transferred to the Burlington Bobcats for a fresh start and to get awy from his ex after a rough break up. Gabriel is the Bobcat’s star player and realises straight away that there is something special that is drawing him to Elijah, he could smell him from the other side of town.
There is tension, drama, humour and lots of growth from our main characters and even the side characters are well written with backstories, am sure this is going to help for further books in this series.
Definitely a book on my list to re read as I enjoyed it that much, looking forward to see what happens next to the Burlington Pack
When I saw the cover and blurb I knew I had to read this book as it had both hockey players and werewolves in it, trust me it did not disappoint either.
Elijah has transferred to the Burlington Bobcats for a fresh start and to get awy from his ex after a rough break up. Gabriel is the Bobcat’s star player and realises straight away that there is something special that is drawing him to Elijah, he could smell him from the other side of town.
There is tension, drama, humour and lots of growth from our main characters and even the side characters are well written with backstories, am sure this is going to help for further books in this series.
Definitely a book on my list to re read as I enjoyed it that much, looking forward to see what happens next to the Burlington Pack
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was a little bit unsure what to expect going into this book because I love Max Walker books and I love hockey romance, but I haven't read many books with shifter characters. The shifter pack is a found family -one of my favorite tropes- and they embrace Eli even though he is human.
Eli comes into this relationship with some pretty serious trauma caused by his ex. Gabe has stayed closeted to protect his shifter secret and isn't sure he's ready to go public with the relationship. Their individual issues cause some conflict, but they communicate their needs to each other and it makes them stronger.
Eli and Gabe are such great characters and I love the way they accept their fated bond and the way they love and protect each other. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the rest of the wolf pack. Hopefully it involves many more fated mates, because they all deserve to be as happy as Gabe and Eli.
Eli comes into this relationship with some pretty serious trauma caused by his ex. Gabe has stayed closeted to protect his shifter secret and isn't sure he's ready to go public with the relationship. Their individual issues cause some conflict, but they communicate their needs to each other and it makes them stronger.
Eli and Gabe are such great characters and I love the way they accept their fated bond and the way they love and protect each other. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the rest of the wolf pack. Hopefully it involves many more fated mates, because they all deserve to be as happy as Gabe and Eli.
March 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW
TITLE: Full Moon Faceoff
Author: Max Walker
Released: 25th March 2026
Page count: 153
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was an interesting and great read, as someone who loves MM romance, this definitely hit the spot. I liked the supernatural Wolf element involved and enjoyed the 2 MMCs Gabe and Eli. I honestly could’ve carried on reading it if the story had been longer as I loved the dynamic between the two of them and would’ve loved to have carried on being immersed in this world that the author has created. Easy to follow along and with an interesting plot. An overall great book with potential for other books in a series possibly interconnected standalones?
✍️Arc sent through BookFunnel by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review can be found on Goodreads, Amazon and TikTok📚
TikTok @jessicarosereadsbooks
TITLE: Full Moon Faceoff
Author: Max Walker
Released: 25th March 2026
Page count: 153
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was an interesting and great read, as someone who loves MM romance, this definitely hit the spot. I liked the supernatural Wolf element involved and enjoyed the 2 MMCs Gabe and Eli. I honestly could’ve carried on reading it if the story had been longer as I loved the dynamic between the two of them and would’ve loved to have carried on being immersed in this world that the author has created. Easy to follow along and with an interesting plot. An overall great book with potential for other books in a series possibly interconnected standalones?
✍️Arc sent through BookFunnel by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review can be found on Goodreads, Amazon and TikTok📚
TikTok @jessicarosereadsbooks
March 27, 2026
I love the cross of the very normal hockey player romance paired with paranormal wolf shifters. It’s just an unexpected mix, and i’m here for it.
It’s a sweet found family vibe, with a side of chaos and external threats.
Elijah is the newest member of the team, and he can tell the moment he walks in he’s going to like it here. But he doesn’t know how much until he meets teammate Gabe. A tall drink of water he can’t get out of his mind.
Gabe is closeted and has an even bigger secret than that. But he’s kind, thoughtful and attentive, so they find themselves falling for each other. Despite fears of being hurt or feared.
They are a cute couple, and when they are faced with threats they show their true mettle, and feelings!
I think I’m really going to enjoy these hockey playing wolf shifters and their people.
It’s a sweet found family vibe, with a side of chaos and external threats.
Elijah is the newest member of the team, and he can tell the moment he walks in he’s going to like it here. But he doesn’t know how much until he meets teammate Gabe. A tall drink of water he can’t get out of his mind.
Gabe is closeted and has an even bigger secret than that. But he’s kind, thoughtful and attentive, so they find themselves falling for each other. Despite fears of being hurt or feared.
They are a cute couple, and when they are faced with threats they show their true mettle, and feelings!
I think I’m really going to enjoy these hockey playing wolf shifters and their people.
March 25, 2026
ARC review (and thank you so much for the ARC!)
This book blended two of my favourite sub genres hockey and shifter romances and I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was such a great read! It balanced the two well and used hockey as a way to build on the found family aspect of shifter romances. I ate it up!
In this book we have Eli and Gabe, Eli is the newest addition to the Bobcats and is Gabe’s fated mate! And poor Gabe is still in the closet, due to being a wolf shifter and needing to protect his pack and family. There is some stress from that and other outside factors but what comes through is learning to love again, and love yourself out loud and wholly!! I can’t wait for the next one and I hope the Alpha gets a HEA too!!
This book blended two of my favourite sub genres hockey and shifter romances and I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was such a great read! It balanced the two well and used hockey as a way to build on the found family aspect of shifter romances. I ate it up!
In this book we have Eli and Gabe, Eli is the newest addition to the Bobcats and is Gabe’s fated mate! And poor Gabe is still in the closet, due to being a wolf shifter and needing to protect his pack and family. There is some stress from that and other outside factors but what comes through is learning to love again, and love yourself out loud and wholly!! I can’t wait for the next one and I hope the Alpha gets a HEA too!!
March 25, 2026
If you want your hockey romance with a healthy dose of paranormal romance then you have to read Full Moon Faceoff by Max Walker. Elijah Sager is a new trade to the Burlington Bobcats hockey team and when he meets his teammate Gabriel Sanderson sparks fly. Unfortunately, Gabe isn’t quite out about a few things, so he tries to keep his distance. Fate, though, has other plans. This book was such a great read with not only wonderful chemistry between Eli and Gabe but a true sense of family with Gabe’s pack as well. Add in some fantastic suspense and you have a world you’ll be eager to get pulled into. I’m so excited about this series and can’t wait for book 2!
March 27, 2026
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes:
🏷️MM Romance
🏷️Hockey Romance
🏷️Wolf Shifter
🏷️Fated Mates
My Review:
Eli and Gabe were so cute. Eli was reluctant to get into anything, but Gabe was hard to resist. It doesn’t hurt that they have fate on their side. They fight it for all it’s worth but in the end you can’t fight feelings as strong as theirs. I liked them together and how much even when they were trying to fight it they cared for each other. Also the side character and their friends/teammates were so fun. I enjoyed all of them. It was an entertaining book that if you like those tropes I would recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes:
🏷️MM Romance
🏷️Hockey Romance
🏷️Wolf Shifter
🏷️Fated Mates
My Review:
Eli and Gabe were so cute. Eli was reluctant to get into anything, but Gabe was hard to resist. It doesn’t hurt that they have fate on their side. They fight it for all it’s worth but in the end you can’t fight feelings as strong as theirs. I liked them together and how much even when they were trying to fight it they cared for each other. Also the side character and their friends/teammates were so fun. I enjoyed all of them. It was an entertaining book that if you like those tropes I would recommend!
March 27, 2026
Full Moon Faceoff by Max Walker was such a delight to read. Full of chemistry, heat and action I loved it! I love the cross of the very normal hockey player romance paired with paranormal wolf shifters. It’s just an unexpected mix, and i’m here for it. Eli is the newest addition to the Bobcats and is Gabe’s fated mate! And poor Gabe is still in the closet, due to being a wolf shifter and needing to protect his pack and family.
Eli and Gabe are such great characters and I love the way they accept their fated bond and the way they love and protect each other. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the rest of the wolf pack
Eli and Gabe are such great characters and I love the way they accept their fated bond and the way they love and protect each other. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the rest of the wolf pack
March 25, 2026
4.25⭐️
I love a good hockey team because they have a good family dynamic. Go ahead and make it a shifter pack? Family to the max. Honestly o could’ve used more even of those dynamics, but what it had was great and definitely left me excited to continue following the Burlington pack as the rest of them find their fate. Eli is such a sweetheart and I was happy to see his trade turned out even better than he could’ve imagined.
Read for hockey romance, fated mates, shifter romance, human/mythical pairings
I love a good hockey team because they have a good family dynamic. Go ahead and make it a shifter pack? Family to the max. Honestly o could’ve used more even of those dynamics, but what it had was great and definitely left me excited to continue following the Burlington pack as the rest of them find their fate. Eli is such a sweetheart and I was happy to see his trade turned out even better than he could’ve imagined.
Read for hockey romance, fated mates, shifter romance, human/mythical pairings
March 25, 2026
This was my first book from Max but all books have now been added to my tbr! Devoured this book and loved every moment. It was everything I could have wanted and more. Eli and Gabe, where do I start, they are the sweetest! I loved their relationship from the beginning. I also loved the relationships with the other characters such as Gabe’s sister and the hockey team. The chemistry, humor, wit and passion pushed this to the top. Full Moon Faceoff was a perfect read.
March 27, 2026
Fated?
I related so much to Elijah's story (cuz sadly, same). The book was good not great. The passing was off and I wish we had better character development. The looming threat didn't feel urgent or important. It was just there. This book read like episode of a show, it felt like commercial breaks would be happening. I wish there was more of everything. I know there are books in the series one can only hope .
I related so much to Elijah's story (cuz sadly, same). The book was good not great. The passing was off and I wish we had better character development. The looming threat didn't feel urgent or important. It was just there. This book read like episode of a show, it felt like commercial breaks would be happening. I wish there was more of everything. I know there are books in the series one can only hope .
March 25, 2026
A slow burn romance with a lot of spice, a lot
Enjoyed the characters and the world building, the mystery was a fun one to uncover. The connection of fated mates and the pack dynamics were detailed, poor Eli had a bad relationship before and Gabe can’t stand to see him relive his pain. So good for each other
I can’t wait to see who comes next
Enjoyed the characters and the world building, the mystery was a fun one to uncover. The connection of fated mates and the pack dynamics were detailed, poor Eli had a bad relationship before and Gabe can’t stand to see him relive his pain. So good for each other
I can’t wait to see who comes next
March 27, 2026
Such a fun read. I loved every character. the cozy moments were appreciated, and the steamy moments were devoured. I would have liked more focus on the details leading up to the climax of the story, but either way I loved the story. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you to Max Walker for the ARC it was a joy revisting one of my favorite towns through your book sooner than expected.
March 27, 2026
I knew from the blurb that this would be a fun read and it absolutely was. With a great mix of ice hockey, fated mates, a wolf shifter pack, and plenty of spice, this story had everything to keep me hooked.
I loved the plot and it was well-paced,which made it an easy and entertaining read. I enjoyed the banter, mystery, and romance. All the characters were great/lovable.
I loved the plot and it was well-paced,which made it an easy and entertaining read. I enjoyed the banter, mystery, and romance. All the characters were great/lovable.
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