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A wandering werewolf returns to town during the mating season to become pack leader and reunites for one last fling with the high school crush he left behind, unaware of how short their time together might be…
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Maddie Joplin left the high desert town of Angels Rest with the searing memory of her one night in the arms of the local golden boy nipping at her heels. Now, years later, she’s back, haunted by a need she couldn’t outrun and determined to finally set herself free from wishes that can never come true.
In the army, Kane Villalobos traveled the world, seeking other shapeshifters who’d learned to live in harmony with human, only to find secrecy and death. He’s destined to become alpha of the Mesa Diablo pack, but he can’t forget the lush curves and quick mouth of the girl he had to leave behind. Seeing her again arouses his wolf in dangerous ways, and keeping her safe—from himself and the perils of the werewolf world—might mean letting her go forever.
________________________________
Join the packs of the Mating Season
The mating moon is rising…
Wherever that silver light touches, lone male werewolves are seized by the urge to find their mates. Join these six packs of growly alpha males (with six-packs!) as they seek out the smart, sassy women who are strong enough to claim them forever.
The “Mating Season” werewolf shifter novellas are brought to you by six authors following the adventures of six different packs. Each novella is the story of a mated pair (or trio!) with their Happily Ever After. Enjoy the run!
________________________________
Maddie Joplin left the high desert town of Angels Rest with the searing memory of her one night in the arms of the local golden boy nipping at her heels. Now, years later, she’s back, haunted by a need she couldn’t outrun and determined to finally set herself free from wishes that can never come true.
In the army, Kane Villalobos traveled the world, seeking other shapeshifters who’d learned to live in harmony with human, only to find secrecy and death. He’s destined to become alpha of the Mesa Diablo pack, but he can’t forget the lush curves and quick mouth of the girl he had to leave behind. Seeing her again arouses his wolf in dangerous ways, and keeping her safe—from himself and the perils of the werewolf world—might mean letting her go forever.
________________________________
Join the packs of the Mating Season
The mating moon is rising…
Wherever that silver light touches, lone male werewolves are seized by the urge to find their mates. Join these six packs of growly alpha males (with six-packs!) as they seek out the smart, sassy women who are strong enough to claim them forever.
The “Mating Season” werewolf shifter novellas are brought to you by six authors following the adventures of six different packs. Each novella is the story of a mated pair (or trio!) with their Happily Ever After. Enjoy the run!
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2015
249 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
About the author
Elsa Jade
98 books157 followersI grew up reading SFF, buying the biggest books I could with my chore money. While I loved the action, adventure, and exciting worlds, most of those stories were missing…kissing! Now I read and write paranormal romance and science fiction romance which I think mix the best of all worlds. I also write urban fantasy romance as Jessa Slade and sexy contemporary romance as Jenna Dales.
I spend most of my time at my computer thinking about stories, in my garden thinking about stories, or walking my dog thinking about stories. Hmm, I think there’s a theme… 🙂
I spend most of my time at my computer thinking about stories, in my garden thinking about stories, or walking my dog thinking about stories. Hmm, I think there’s a theme… 🙂
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
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May 26, 2023💝FREE on Amazon today (7/3/2018)!💝
July 22, 2016
Well that ended rather abruptly... Where is the ending to the book? How frustrating to have to go get the epilogue elsewhere.
Decent story line though, wish there was more too it - a little more rounded out would have been better.
Decent story line though, wish there was more too it - a little more rounded out would have been better.
February 1, 2017
A steamy 2nd chance romance, Hero is heavy on the erotica and only middling on character development and plot. Big plus - the MCs are adults pushing 30. Big minus - the endless repetition of the barriers to their relationship.
3-stars/5-flames.
3-stars/5-flames.
November 25, 2021
2.5 stars. Not without promise but underdeveloped. I feel as though several months' or, weeks' at least, worth of plot trajectory were skipped between chapters six and nine. The relationship wasn't instalove, per se, given the backstory, but it was certainly rushed and poorer for it. It's a shame because more chapters would also have given more space to explore the native legends which are by far the most interesting part of the story.
April 26, 2016
Yay giveaways!
I'm not the biggest fan of short format romance of any subgenre. Too many people don't know how to use the limited space they have leading to pacing issues, plot issues, and major characterization issues. This author did not have that problem. Characterization was consistent, pacing was excellent, and the plot didn't have the usual issues. It whets the appetite for the next book while giving a satisfying ending to this story.
So why not four stars? Because I'm a picky picky bitch. I felt like the friendship between the two women was being played up, but then there wasn't quite enough in the story to make me feel the friend chemistry that I feel like I was supposed to. I'd actually say this is three and a half stars for me, even though I generally don't quibble with halves. I would have left it at four but something in the story made me feel like the friendship was supposed to mean more to me than it did.
Recommend? Definitely. It's a quick read with interesting worldbuilding and consistent characterization. Any proofing errors were minor.
I'm not the biggest fan of short format romance of any subgenre. Too many people don't know how to use the limited space they have leading to pacing issues, plot issues, and major characterization issues. This author did not have that problem. Characterization was consistent, pacing was excellent, and the plot didn't have the usual issues. It whets the appetite for the next book while giving a satisfying ending to this story.
So why not four stars? Because I'm a picky picky bitch. I felt like the friendship between the two women was being played up, but then there wasn't quite enough in the story to make me feel the friend chemistry that I feel like I was supposed to. I'd actually say this is three and a half stars for me, even though I generally don't quibble with halves. I would have left it at four but something in the story made me feel like the friendship was supposed to mean more to me than it did.
Recommend? Definitely. It's a quick read with interesting worldbuilding and consistent characterization. Any proofing errors were minor.
July 1, 2015
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review
The cover is beautiful especially the wolf :) The man kind of gives me a cave man vibe, but I like it.
This is the first book in a new series. It is for adults only due to the steamy content. It is novella length, and an author that is new to me.
Maddie is strong, but lost, and so is Kane. They both have returned to Angels Rest. There is quite a bit of drama between the two of them and some action but not a lot. I was definitely pulled into the story, and I completely enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more of this world created by Elsa (Jessa). I’m hoping that the series will have more about Maddie and Kane, but I’m not sure at this time.
I recommend this book to any wolf shifter fans out there because I think everyone can find something enjoyable in this book :)
***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review
The cover is beautiful especially the wolf :) The man kind of gives me a cave man vibe, but I like it.
This is the first book in a new series. It is for adults only due to the steamy content. It is novella length, and an author that is new to me.
Maddie is strong, but lost, and so is Kane. They both have returned to Angels Rest. There is quite a bit of drama between the two of them and some action but not a lot. I was definitely pulled into the story, and I completely enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more of this world created by Elsa (Jessa). I’m hoping that the series will have more about Maddie and Kane, but I’m not sure at this time.
I recommend this book to any wolf shifter fans out there because I think everyone can find something enjoyable in this book :)
August 15, 2019
I think this suffered from being a short novella and having the burden of setting up a new world for the reader - at the end of the book I'm not convinced that things are suddenly going to be roses and happily-ever-after for Maddie and Kane, or that even if they have achieved HEA status, that things are going to change in the town and the werewolf pack so they can enjoy it.
Since my library doesn't have this series I'll probably watch for these to go on sale, or binge-buy them all when I'm feeling a PNR urge. I did quite like Beast, the later book in this series that's available for free, so I think my problems with this story have to do with trying to cram too much story into too few pages.
Since my library doesn't have this series I'll probably watch for these to go on sale, or binge-buy them all when I'm feeling a PNR urge. I did quite like Beast, the later book in this series that's available for free, so I think my problems with this story have to do with trying to cram too much story into too few pages.
June 16, 2015
Skip the title. This is a fab standalone story that is part of a collection. You won’t miss a thing in this second chance romance. Kane is fated to be the new Alpha a position he never wanted. The only thing he has wanted was sweet Maddie Joplin. His father threatened him with her death if he didn’t give her up. He went off to the military and Maddie went off to find herself. Now Kane’s dad is dead and he has returned. Maddie has returned as well realizing you can’t run from yourself. Can they get past the hurt from the past? He is still werewolf and she isn’t. Can the wolves learn to change? Find out in this sassy sexy tale.
May 9, 2016
Very well written werewolf PNR. I think I found a new author and a new series.
August 8, 2025
When Kane comes back to town, Maddie doesn't want to be emotionally hurt by him again but the attraction that's always been there between them flares bright again. Kane didn't want to leave her and hurt her back when they were together but if he had stayed, the fact that he was a wolf shifter would have come out and that's not a secret that he could let slip. Plus his father who was alpha of their pack wouldn't let their relationship happen. But now he's back and he's the alpha of the pack since his father died and he wants Maddie.
It's getting harder to stay away from Maddie because of the mating moon but her letting him get close is putting her in a dangerous situation and she doesn't even realize it. Kane is fighting with himself to let Maddie go but she isn't about to let him get away a second time. There are hunters that know about wolf shifters and want to kill all of them so that puts everyone involved in a dangerous situation.
I liked the story but the ending was abrupt and Maddie took learning about him being a wolf shifter too easily and quickly for it to be believable.
It's getting harder to stay away from Maddie because of the mating moon but her letting him get close is putting her in a dangerous situation and she doesn't even realize it. Kane is fighting with himself to let Maddie go but she isn't about to let him get away a second time. There are hunters that know about wolf shifters and want to kill all of them so that puts everyone involved in a dangerous situation.
I liked the story but the ending was abrupt and Maddie took learning about him being a wolf shifter too easily and quickly for it to be believable.
December 15, 2018
Awesome story about a wolf shifter/human romanse
This is a story about a wolf shifter that came back to his hometown and met the girl could not forget. She could not forget him either. Her best friend it the librarian of the town in which she lives and she is gas station attendant/mechanic.
The characters relatable (librarian and mechanic), sexy, and unique. The drama Abdus first story in the series of 10 books explain some of the war between humans Hunters and werewolves. There is a twist toward the end of the book about the hunters hunting ordinary human and of wolf shifters.
Highly recommended. The book is well-written written and enjoyable. I would be buying the next in the series when I have money available.
bookwormsuzy
This is a story about a wolf shifter that came back to his hometown and met the girl could not forget. She could not forget him either. Her best friend it the librarian of the town in which she lives and she is gas station attendant/mechanic.
The characters relatable (librarian and mechanic), sexy, and unique. The drama Abdus first story in the series of 10 books explain some of the war between humans Hunters and werewolves. There is a twist toward the end of the book about the hunters hunting ordinary human and of wolf shifters.
Highly recommended. The book is well-written written and enjoyable. I would be buying the next in the series when I have money available.
bookwormsuzy
December 31, 2018
Maddie Joplin has never forgotten the high school crush who took her virginity after which they both left town. Now she’s back in Angels Rest and so is Kane Villalobos. He’s set to become alpha of the Mesa Diablo pack and must choose a mate to do so. Seeing Maddie again makes him realize he can’t let her go again although claiming her might mean her death. A shapeshifter novel with sexy werewolf shifters, Hero had plenty of action - of both kinds. With hot and heavy scenes and some life or death ones as well, things moved swiftly to a pretty satisfying conclusion that left me eager to learn the stories of the rest of the family - Kane’s two cousins Rafael and Bastian. I would hope there would be more about Kane and Maddie in the next book to give a bit more closure though.
June 29, 2019
Kane & Mad girl
War Hero Kane is back after his father's passing but that doesn't mean he wants to be there.
Back in High School he met Maddie and saw a freedom in her that he'd never known.
After pinching her cherry after the school Prom Kane left to go in the services.
Turns out he only left because his father threatened Maddies life. And he felt too much for her. . . . . . So he left.
That hurt Maddie so she went off travelling but never found what she was looking for . . . . . . So returned home 10years later only to stumble straight into Kane.
Neither can say no each other and that's when The Villalobos secret is revealed. But Kane shouldn't have worried as he'd found his True Mate.
Not bad for a short story!!
Certainly worth a read as a freebie
War Hero Kane is back after his father's passing but that doesn't mean he wants to be there.
Back in High School he met Maddie and saw a freedom in her that he'd never known.
After pinching her cherry after the school Prom Kane left to go in the services.
Turns out he only left because his father threatened Maddies life. And he felt too much for her. . . . . . So he left.
That hurt Maddie so she went off travelling but never found what she was looking for . . . . . . So returned home 10years later only to stumble straight into Kane.
Neither can say no each other and that's when The Villalobos secret is revealed. But Kane shouldn't have worried as he'd found his True Mate.
Not bad for a short story!!
Certainly worth a read as a freebie
November 24, 2018
Kane Villalobos has returned to Angel's Rest to become the alpha werewolf of his people. He must take a mate. Maddie came back to town because she is an outsider no matter where she goes, feels she doesn't belong, especially after Kane took her virginity and then took off. She is as shocked to see him home again as he is in lust for her. His father had made him give up Maddie or watch her get killed because she is a seer and according to his now dead alpha father, a danger to all shapeshifters. Will Kane and his wolf go for what they want in their heart, or will he do what his father always wanted, and take a meek and mild woman and hope she will survive the change to werewolf?
August 18, 2017
Good Start
This book shows promise but it needs work. I loved the location and tie in to real petroglyphs which r found in Utah even if they don't show wolves. My main problems are lose character development and lack of solid ending or should I say unsatisfactory ending. I didn't get clear understanding of character or pack. U can't have a pack if there is no loyalty or even security of safety from other pack members.
This book shows promise but it needs work. I loved the location and tie in to real petroglyphs which r found in Utah even if they don't show wolves. My main problems are lose character development and lack of solid ending or should I say unsatisfactory ending. I didn't get clear understanding of character or pack. U can't have a pack if there is no loyalty or even security of safety from other pack members.
February 28, 2018
Very meh, I mean I read the whole thing because I felt like it might go somewhere but it just ended.
I think there was some interest potential for something, I loved that the characters didn't waste to much time with excessive angst.
But I think there could have been more world building and less tingles in Mad's breasts. More history and context, and an ending more detailed. Like letting you know if the heroine survived the bite without having to read the next book.
I think there was some interest potential for something, I loved that the characters didn't waste to much time with excessive angst.
But I think there could have been more world building and less tingles in Mad's breasts. More history and context, and an ending more detailed. Like letting you know if the heroine survived the bite without having to read the next book.
May 5, 2017
Shifters, steamy romance with a twist.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot is a little different but good. It's a fast read with shifters, steamy romance and leaves you wanting more. The characters are easy to follow and enjoy. If you want a good short story you will like this one.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot is a little different but good. It's a fast read with shifters, steamy romance and leaves you wanting more. The characters are easy to follow and enjoy. If you want a good short story you will like this one.
August 13, 2021
This is a short second chance novella. It's about finding a place to call home.
Kane and Maddie left Angels Rest. He left because of personal circumstances and his secret. She left because she felt rejected and that she didn't belong. Now that they are back, do they reconnect? Will she accept him for who he is?
This short novella is well rounded. The concept and characters are good.
Kane and Maddie left Angels Rest. He left because of personal circumstances and his secret. She left because she felt rejected and that she didn't belong. Now that they are back, do they reconnect? Will she accept him for who he is?
This short novella is well rounded. The concept and characters are good.
January 7, 2023
Good
This was a good fast read. Kane has secrets of being a werewolf and Maddie is his weakness. Maddie being back in Angels Rest isn't by coincidence. She is looking for a place to belong. Kane doesn't what to be back but its his duty. Can two high school flames be reunited and make it work this time?
This was a good fast read. Kane has secrets of being a werewolf and Maddie is his weakness. Maddie being back in Angels Rest isn't by coincidence. She is looking for a place to belong. Kane doesn't what to be back but its his duty. Can two high school flames be reunited and make it work this time?
April 30, 2023
This book was very slow to start which is why I gave it 3 stars. When I say slow to start I mean it was not very interesting and was tedious. It did pick up at the end when Kane saved Maddie from the female hunter. That is when he finally understands she is his mate even though she is a seer. The story continues on with the next book in the series
January 29, 2017
Intriguing....
Very intriguing read. It is completely different than the other wolf shifter reads I've read. The read was back and forth for me but once the flow kicked in I couldn't put it down.
Very intriguing read. It is completely different than the other wolf shifter reads I've read. The read was back and forth for me but once the flow kicked in I couldn't put it down.
August 18, 2017
I downloaded Hero: Wolves of Angels Rest as a free 93-pg novella from Amazon. This was a good story, with a predictable, simple plot, centered heavily around sex scenes--which are fine, but after awhile, I just wanted to be done with it all.
September 28, 2017
Loved the second chance
There was too much of describing stuff around the character. And what the character thought ,I don't get me wrong I like the book. But it didnt caught my interest until close to the middle . I loved the second chance
There was too much of describing stuff around the character. And what the character thought ,I don't get me wrong I like the book. But it didnt caught my interest until close to the middle . I loved the second chance
March 6, 2019
Good first read in series
This story line stayed solid throughout the book, however I wish there was more to the ending. Definitely want to continue reading the next book to see what happens. I would recommend reading it.
This story line stayed solid throughout the book, however I wish there was more to the ending. Definitely want to continue reading the next book to see what happens. I would recommend reading it.
July 9, 2019
This book could have gotten 5 stars if it had just continued. The ending was so anticlimactic and left me very disappointed. In my opinion it was rushed and should have continued with after she discovered the wolf existence. It didn’t say anything about her friend dare and how she was taking it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
Enjoyable
Good short story , enjoyed it on the whole but wanted more depth , liked all the characters & there's a great story in there just needs expanding ,like the myths of the wolves , how they came to be at , would set but more
Good short story , enjoyed it on the whole but wanted more depth , liked all the characters & there's a great story in there just needs expanding ,like the myths of the wolves , how they came to be at , would set but more
May 30, 2023
It’s an interesting first book in this series. The author is rather flowery with her writing patterns but I think it might grow on me. The characters are interesting but a bit on the shallow side. I actually would give this book 3.5 stars if possible.
October 20, 2017
A nice, quick read with a typical format for the main female and male characters. I did think the ending was rushed though. Other than that, a reasonable read.
March 3, 2018
too short
September 13, 2018
Great!
This was truly a great book. A story of two people trying to find their place in the world and someone to share it with. Thank you Elsa Jade.
This was truly a great book. A story of two people trying to find their place in the world and someone to share it with. Thank you Elsa Jade.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews