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Mated #1
Have a Little Faith
What would you do if you saw your whole life mapped out for you when you were only an adolescent? For some, like young Omega Corwin Sullivan, the future is ripe with promise. He loves his wolf pack, his family, and his true mate, Malic, unconditionally, and is excited about the future they’ll all share together.
For others, like Alpha Malic Campbell, however, the future looks like a prison cell. Malic resents not only the looming responsibility of leading his pack and region, but also having his mate predetermined for him by fate. In rebellion, he pushes every limit and tests every boundary on his way from teen to man in a race against the proverbial hands of time. Only to discover that the man he becomes, wants something very different than the boy he once was. But will it be too late for Malic to then win back the very shifter he worked so hard to push away – his mate and his other half?
As a young man, Corwin must now decide if he can recapture what his younger self so naïvely believed in – a happily-ever-after for Malic and himself – and more importantly, does he still want it?
CONTENT WARNING: Explicit Sex
For others, like Alpha Malic Campbell, however, the future looks like a prison cell. Malic resents not only the looming responsibility of leading his pack and region, but also having his mate predetermined for him by fate. In rebellion, he pushes every limit and tests every boundary on his way from teen to man in a race against the proverbial hands of time. Only to discover that the man he becomes, wants something very different than the boy he once was. But will it be too late for Malic to then win back the very shifter he worked so hard to push away – his mate and his other half?
As a young man, Corwin must now decide if he can recapture what his younger self so naïvely believed in – a happily-ever-after for Malic and himself – and more importantly, does he still want it?
CONTENT WARNING: Explicit Sex
491 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2016
59 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Diana McKinley
8 books74 followersAs a lover of the written word, in all its forms and variations, Diana McKinley is excited to enter the realm of authoring erotic novels. Through years of reading and looking for strong male and female characters alike, across a myriad of genres, she decided that sometimes you have to write the tale in your heart in order to finally see the kind of hero or heroine you've been searching for. She loves humor and a happy ending though sometimes her characters have to go through insurmountable odds together to achieve their bliss. She hopes that there will be something for everyone who relishes a satisfying erotic story in her books. Come along on the journeys and enjoy the ride!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 23, 2016
3.5 star rating
*some spoilers vented out* :-P
The book started off as really amazing. I couldn't get enough of what was happening; I just had to turn the pages. But this all lasted until after the Alpha Challenge. After that, things kind of just flattened out.
The sudden personality changes in both Malic and Corwin were just bizarre. Suddenly, Corwin is making sage remarks to his brothers. This is the one I struggled with the most. In the first part, he isn't making any major decisions (apart from those regarding Malic's safety) without looking up to his parents, and now suddenly, he is an all-knowing person. I didn't like this side of him. I wanted him to be just a learned young boy, not a wise man of forty.
I understood completely the reason behind Malic's sudden and intense feelings for Corwin. But all of that should have been developed slowly. Them being true mates made them be intimate more, and that intimacy solved everything? It was all too mushy and cheesy for it to feel real. It only ended up with me rolling my eyes at their actions.
I love the plot, absolutely love it. But the second part of the book was really flat for me. Like how a balloon starts deflating, I did too. In the beginning, I was all perked up, enthusiastically attentive, and thoroughly involved, then later I found myself skipping pages just to get to the heart of the story's ending.
There were quite a lot of punctuation errors. The commas really brought about some weirdly wrong pauses. I wish the book had gotten a good editor. Also, many dialogues and inner monologues needed sorting out. The author also has a tendency to repeat a specific phrase regularly within a small span. For example - "with all haste", and others I don't remember now. It was irritating and jarring.
Plus, the book dragged sometimes. I really hate it when I have to skip pages. Near the end, it felt that the author was just repeating everything, only in different words... ( Kind of reminded me of my exams ;-) ) It was all "love", "mate", "vow", etc.
But I've high hopes for the next book in the series. Hoping it comes out soon...
*some spoilers vented out* :-P
The book started off as really amazing. I couldn't get enough of what was happening; I just had to turn the pages. But this all lasted until after the Alpha Challenge. After that, things kind of just flattened out.
The sudden personality changes in both Malic and Corwin were just bizarre. Suddenly, Corwin is making sage remarks to his brothers. This is the one I struggled with the most. In the first part, he isn't making any major decisions (apart from those regarding Malic's safety) without looking up to his parents, and now suddenly, he is an all-knowing person. I didn't like this side of him. I wanted him to be just a learned young boy, not a wise man of forty.
I understood completely the reason behind Malic's sudden and intense feelings for Corwin. But all of that should have been developed slowly. Them being true mates made them be intimate more, and that intimacy solved everything? It was all too mushy and cheesy for it to feel real. It only ended up with me rolling my eyes at their actions.
I love the plot, absolutely love it. But the second part of the book was really flat for me. Like how a balloon starts deflating, I did too. In the beginning, I was all perked up, enthusiastically attentive, and thoroughly involved, then later I found myself skipping pages just to get to the heart of the story's ending.
There were quite a lot of punctuation errors. The commas really brought about some weirdly wrong pauses. I wish the book had gotten a good editor. Also, many dialogues and inner monologues needed sorting out. The author also has a tendency to repeat a specific phrase regularly within a small span. For example - "with all haste", and others I don't remember now. It was irritating and jarring.
Plus, the book dragged sometimes. I really hate it when I have to skip pages. Near the end, it felt that the author was just repeating everything, only in different words... ( Kind of reminded me of my exams ;-) ) It was all "love", "mate", "vow", etc.
But I've high hopes for the next book in the series. Hoping it comes out soon...
April 14, 2016
Although mechanically it is well written and edited, I will never, ever read another of this author's books. This is a MF romance author venturing, unsuccessfully, into MM territory. Why didn't she just take away Corwin's cock and give him a vagina? I am nearly (but not quite) at a loss for words for what's wrong with this story. WAY too detailed. WAY too perfect people with their perfect homes, their perfect food, their perfect parents and siblings. WAY too much tell and not enough action. It's over choreographed and the constant, never-ending touchy-feely just made me want to scream. Where were the men??? Gods above and below. Never again.
June 22, 2017
Where to start?
1. I made the grave error of thinking the MCs were, at the very least in their early to mid 20s. Uh-uh, not so at all. For about the first 1/3 of the book one is 16 and the other 13. I wish I had stopped there, but I kept waiting for Part Deux, where they jumped forward and they were adults. Never. Fucking. Happened.
2. The author spent a great deal of effort demonizing one MC while martyring the other. It was exceptionally annoying, to the point of me wanting to slap everyone in the story, especially everyone who was angry with Mallic but wouldn't have a real discussion with him about the consequences of his actions. He was 16, like what parent just lets their 16 yr old damage their future without saying something? They all enabled him and then resented him for it. It made no sense at all except to help promote the notion he was some kind of asshole and continuously place Corwin in the position of the injured party who martyred himself.
3. Once again, Corwin, the wisest person in this story, at the ripe old age of 13-17, ALWAYS knew the exact right and perfect thing to do. He was flawless AF! I was waiting to hear about a fucking halo around his damn head by the end.
4. The end...I couldn't read the last 3-4 chapters of this book, with its completely fantastical and prolonged, but boring sunset, laced in saccharine. *GAG*
Also, because throughout most of the book, Corwin is underage, the eventual love scenes skeeved me out. In addition to that, they were fraught with an overload of simpering, ridiculous prose, and butt rippling.
1. I made the grave error of thinking the MCs were, at the very least in their early to mid 20s. Uh-uh, not so at all. For about the first 1/3 of the book one is 16 and the other 13. I wish I had stopped there, but I kept waiting for Part Deux, where they jumped forward and they were adults. Never. Fucking. Happened.
2. The author spent a great deal of effort demonizing one MC while martyring the other. It was exceptionally annoying, to the point of me wanting to slap everyone in the story, especially everyone who was angry with Mallic but wouldn't have a real discussion with him about the consequences of his actions. He was 16, like what parent just lets their 16 yr old damage their future without saying something? They all enabled him and then resented him for it. It made no sense at all except to help promote the notion he was some kind of asshole and continuously place Corwin in the position of the injured party who martyred himself.
3. Once again, Corwin, the wisest person in this story, at the ripe old age of 13-17, ALWAYS knew the exact right and perfect thing to do. He was flawless AF! I was waiting to hear about a fucking halo around his damn head by the end.
4. The end...I couldn't read the last 3-4 chapters of this book, with its completely fantastical and prolonged, but boring sunset, laced in saccharine. *GAG*
Also, because throughout most of the book, Corwin is underage, the eventual love scenes skeeved me out. In addition to that, they were fraught with an overload of simpering, ridiculous prose, and butt rippling.
April 14, 2016
This book was long....really long, a bit too long for me to be honest.
Still..I enjoyed the writing style and the storyline so I just kept on keeping on :)
This book is about Malic and Corwin, who are both wolfshifters within the same pack. the stort starts when Malic is almost 16 and Corwin is just about 13 years old. Malic is the son of the Alpha, destined to not just take over the alpha role of his pack, but he is also a Tyee Alpha, which means his role will be even bigger and wider. Corwin is an omega, which means he's has a calmness about him. Omega's are usually women, so a male omega is pretty rare.
Malic and Corwin are also true mates and they've known this about each other for a long time. Corwin is reallt proud to be the future mate of Malic and can't wait for the time when he's old enough to be claimed.
Too bad Malic doesn't see things the same way. He sees his future as a Tyee alpha and his matingbond with Corwin as a burden. He doesn't want all this responsibility and he doesn't want to be tied down to one person. He wants to have fun and soil his wild oats....So he pretty much ignores his connection to Corwin, confusing the hell out of the young boy.
When Malic goes away for the weekend to celebrate his 16th birthday, he decides it's also time to have some physical fun. He fucks multiple people during this weekend and in doing so, causes Corwin excrusiating pain each and every time...which even forces Corwin to shift into his wolf prematurely. My heart broke for poor Corwin when he founf out why he was in such extreme pain.
Malic feels some little discomfort, but not enough to make him stop. He's doing exactly what he wants. Nobody else matters....only Malic and he doesn't even think about his mate or that what he is doing is a betrayal of some sort. I seriously despised Malic.
Corwin, being an omega, feels things extra extremely, so the pain he's in is horrible. This however does not stop him from protecting his mate. Eventhough his mate doesn't seem to want him, he sure as hell won't do anything to deliberately hurt Malic. So he shares his pain and his secrets with his family. They were awesome by the way. I really loved each and every one of them. There support for Corwin never stopped and they did everything in their power to keep Corwin safe and sane. Promising to also keep all Corwins secrets
When Malic comes home and learns of Corwins illness (he doesn't know why Corwin is ill) he decides to pay him a visit and try to strike a friendship with the young omega. Sure..he doesn;t want to mated or tied to the guy, but they can be friends...right.
When Corwin first hears that Malic just wants to be friends, his heart breaks a bit more, but he tries to be understanding and agrees, because something is better than nothing...
This goes on for a little while, but when time comes for Malic to go to school...he fuckes everything up again. He leaves Corwin behind and doesn't look back and continues his fuckfest with other people.
Things get so bad for Corwin, he has to leave the pack. He seeks refuge with his grandparents pack. Bacuse omega's a rare and precious, they start training to defend himself. Because when an alpha sees an unmated omega, he will claim that omega, even if he doesn't want to be claimed. Seeing as Corwin also has some additional powers...he will be extremely wanted.....except by his own mate that is. Corwin trains with his new pack and he's loved and trying to move on eventhough he's in excrutiating pain a lot of the time. Still...he gets stronger every day and learns how to take care of himself.
Ofcourse everything goes to shit again for Corwin when he comes face to face with the alpha's son, who tries to do exactly what they were afraid of...claim Corwin. So Corwin has to move again...which he does. He and his family go to an island were there are only bear shifters. Bears are actually pretty peacefull and Corwin makes an awesome friend. I loved Aaron !! Again Corwin tries to rebuild his life. But he doesn't really move on. he won't get into a relationship, because he belongs to Malic. This made me so mad !! Malic ruined his whole freaking life and still the only thing on Corwins mind was Malic ??
Ofcourse a time will come when Malic realises what a fuck up he has been and he wants Corwin back...he wants to claim his true mate....
Question is...will he find Corwin and will will happen if he does ??
Like I said, this book is long, and one of the MC's isn't even an adult at the end. I think the storyline was good, but because it was so long it started to drag. Also when Malic finally gets to Corwin it turns into a sapfest...Too much sugar for me anyways, especially with everything that happend. There is steam in this one, but you'll have to wait untill you're almost at the end...Unless you count the hero fucking someone else :(
Also I understood that Corwin was an omega and it wasn't in his heart to be mean or to deny who his mate was, but damn...he should have stood up for himself a bit more. It was a bit pathetic to be honest. He went through excrutiating pain for years, he and his family had to move multiple times and they had to leave their pack and friends and school behind, just so Corwin could live a sane life away from Malic. Seriously....I would have told the fucker to take a hike. He would have been better of with Aaron !! I'm all for true mates, but in this case I would have liked it if Corwin would have just said : FUCK YOU !!!
3 stars from me because I think it was a bit too long and the MC's were idiots ;)
February 25, 2022
I want to warn people
That this is not your average omegaverse story. First off, these are children, not adults. This starts when the omega is 13 and the alpha is 15. This ends when the omega is 16/17 and the alpha is 19. It almost feels like it takes 4 years to read this.
All sexytimes in this book is with an under aged minor. First it was the alpha going out and boinking everything that moves from the time he turns 16, then the omega starts having sexual experiences with adult men while the writer points out that they are under aged.
Then there is the story itself. This is about a special omega and special alpha who are true mates and connected by magic shifter powers. The alpha is more alpha than any other and the omega turns into SUPER OMEGA and has basically all the powers that ever powered. But the alpha does not want this omega so he pretends to not know that they are fated. Now because they are connected, when the alpha goes out and sexes up people, it hurts the omega physically. So he knows each times it happens. Since he knows this, when he messes around with the grown men, he does not orgasm as then the alpha would hurt and know he did it.
So the whole thing is that the alpha hurts the omega, then the omega takes it just so the alpha can spread his wings. During all this, because the omega is so special, every person in the world protects him. Except for the one alpha who got a little crazy from his specialness. There is alot of explicit sexytimes then they get shifter married, all while this teen is still under aged.
This under aged sex continues until the epilogue where they go to college together, both get double masters, have a baby, and live happily ever after.
That was the story, so lets talk about the writing. It was bad. I took over 50 notes and highlights and most of them are WTF and pointing out that these are teens. They literally all talked like 80 year old men with thesaurus fetish. No teen boy who is 13 is spouting out prose like he walked out of a Jane Austin novel.
This also really did not feel like a real m/m romance. It was like a m/f with a couple of details changed. I mean omegas should be able to give birth and not need a surrogate to have one. There was not even any slick.
That this is not your average omegaverse story. First off, these are children, not adults. This starts when the omega is 13 and the alpha is 15. This ends when the omega is 16/17 and the alpha is 19. It almost feels like it takes 4 years to read this.
All sexytimes in this book is with an under aged minor. First it was the alpha going out and boinking everything that moves from the time he turns 16, then the omega starts having sexual experiences with adult men while the writer points out that they are under aged.
Then there is the story itself. This is about a special omega and special alpha who are true mates and connected by magic shifter powers. The alpha is more alpha than any other and the omega turns into SUPER OMEGA and has basically all the powers that ever powered. But the alpha does not want this omega so he pretends to not know that they are fated. Now because they are connected, when the alpha goes out and sexes up people, it hurts the omega physically. So he knows each times it happens. Since he knows this, when he messes around with the grown men, he does not orgasm as then the alpha would hurt and know he did it.
So the whole thing is that the alpha hurts the omega, then the omega takes it just so the alpha can spread his wings. During all this, because the omega is so special, every person in the world protects him. Except for the one alpha who got a little crazy from his specialness. There is alot of explicit sexytimes then they get shifter married, all while this teen is still under aged.
This under aged sex continues until the epilogue where they go to college together, both get double masters, have a baby, and live happily ever after.
That was the story, so lets talk about the writing. It was bad. I took over 50 notes and highlights and most of them are WTF and pointing out that these are teens. They literally all talked like 80 year old men with thesaurus fetish. No teen boy who is 13 is spouting out prose like he walked out of a Jane Austin novel.
This also really did not feel like a real m/m romance. It was like a m/f with a couple of details changed. I mean omegas should be able to give birth and not need a surrogate to have one. There was not even any slick.
August 12, 2023
Maybe I should give this more stars because I quite liked it .
It tells the story of Malic and Corwin , true mated wolf shifters . At the beginning of the book , they are too young , but Malic resists , he rebels as his choice has been taken away from him .
He behaves badly , and does not acknowledge their bond ( and other stuff ) , causing a lot of heartache for Corwin . And my vengeful side was angling for potential plentiful grovelling .
Corwin has the most supportive family EVER , but I liked seeing that , and Corwin doesn't just spend his time moping around , waiting for Malic to pull his head out .
There was copious world building , the main characters speech patterns are quite wordy and flowery , considering they are relatively young.
But there was adequate grovelling ( Score ! )
In so many books you don't get to see much of the main characters together once the conflict is resolved , that wasn't the case with this book . I never thought I would complain , but this is where the book started to loose some pace and border on the way Too perfect . But mustn't complain about a HEA and epilogue .
Overall , I enjoyed this and would check out other books by this author .
It tells the story of Malic and Corwin , true mated wolf shifters . At the beginning of the book , they are too young , but Malic resists , he rebels as his choice has been taken away from him .
He behaves badly , and does not acknowledge their bond ( and other stuff ) , causing a lot of heartache for Corwin . And my vengeful side was angling for potential plentiful grovelling .
Corwin has the most supportive family EVER , but I liked seeing that , and Corwin doesn't just spend his time moping around , waiting for Malic to pull his head out .
There was copious world building , the main characters speech patterns are quite wordy and flowery , considering they are relatively young.
But there was adequate grovelling ( Score ! )
In so many books you don't get to see much of the main characters together once the conflict is resolved , that wasn't the case with this book . I never thought I would complain , but this is where the book started to loose some pace and border on the way Too perfect . But mustn't complain about a HEA and epilogue .
Overall , I enjoyed this and would check out other books by this author .
April 14, 2018
Wow
This book is a slow burn but realistic take on how Destiny and choice can conflict. This is one of the best shifter books I have ever read.
This book is a slow burn but realistic take on how Destiny and choice can conflict. This is one of the best shifter books I have ever read.
April 15, 2016
I loved this story! This was my first story by author Diana McKinley and I am so happy that I bought the book. I knew nothing about this author or this book when I ran across it. I was looking for a m/m shifter book and this cover grabbed my attention. The synopsis sounded intriguing so I went for it!! I couldn't put the book down!
This story is written in Alternating first person POV between our two MC Corbin and Malic. Malic is future Alpha, he is the strongest Alpha seen in hundreds of years and pack elders have already proclaimed him Future Tyee Alpha or leader of the Alphas. Only thing is, Malic wants to be young, sew his oats, and not worry about all this "Pack" stuff until he lives a little. He surely does not want to claim his true mate, Omega wolf Corbin.
Corbin, he can't understand why his true mate denies him. Being an Omega he feels what others feel and it seems the fates have really made him a match for Malic because he is a special Omega thought to only exist is books. His powers are strong. He is meant to be the other half of the strongest alpha in hundreds of years. His wolf is ready to be mated. Too bad their other half, Malic, is in no rush -- which causes Corbin lots of distress over the years.
Corbin's family and him finally decide enough is enough and move away from the pack lands, telling no one where they are headed. Is that the end of Corbin & Malic's story? Is Malic too late when he finally realizes what a fool he has been?
Let me tell ya, this author knows how to write an Amazing story. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books from her and would love to read more in this series. If you like shifters this is the perfect book for you!! 5 stars!!
Reviewed by Alpha Book Club
This story is written in Alternating first person POV between our two MC Corbin and Malic. Malic is future Alpha, he is the strongest Alpha seen in hundreds of years and pack elders have already proclaimed him Future Tyee Alpha or leader of the Alphas. Only thing is, Malic wants to be young, sew his oats, and not worry about all this "Pack" stuff until he lives a little. He surely does not want to claim his true mate, Omega wolf Corbin.
Corbin, he can't understand why his true mate denies him. Being an Omega he feels what others feel and it seems the fates have really made him a match for Malic because he is a special Omega thought to only exist is books. His powers are strong. He is meant to be the other half of the strongest alpha in hundreds of years. His wolf is ready to be mated. Too bad their other half, Malic, is in no rush -- which causes Corbin lots of distress over the years.
Corbin's family and him finally decide enough is enough and move away from the pack lands, telling no one where they are headed. Is that the end of Corbin & Malic's story? Is Malic too late when he finally realizes what a fool he has been?
Let me tell ya, this author knows how to write an Amazing story. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books from her and would love to read more in this series. If you like shifters this is the perfect book for you!! 5 stars!!
Reviewed by Alpha Book Club
April 21, 2016
Oh, where to start?
Well, throughout the first half of the book I was thinking this would be more like a 4 star read, despite the fact that it needed some serious content editing (let me just say this holds true for the entire 500+ page book). I liked the tone, the POVs, and the premise of the story. It was just a bit too long, and a bit too much drawn out angst, but I was okay with that in anticipation of some great excitement and adventure for the climax and ending.
Yeah. No.
Angst resolved a bit after 70% and then we really needed to proceeded to kumbayah the rest of the freaking, very much, totally absolutely, way too damn long, book.
No climactic ending, no excitement, and jezoid flip...every character was a saint.
Seriously, my teeth started hurting from the sugary, sappy sweetness.
Oh, and it was a little squicky that the MCs only got to ages 16 and 18 with all of the erotic scenes.
One last thing. The author REALLY (really, really, REALLY) needs to remove the fucking word, "chuckled," from her repertoire. 101 times, folks, I kid you not. This is a word that should be used SPARINGLY, if at all. Ugh.
Well, throughout the first half of the book I was thinking this would be more like a 4 star read, despite the fact that it needed some serious content editing (let me just say this holds true for the entire 500+ page book). I liked the tone, the POVs, and the premise of the story. It was just a bit too long, and a bit too much drawn out angst, but I was okay with that in anticipation of some great excitement and adventure for the climax and ending.
Yeah. No.
Angst resolved a bit after 70% and then we really needed to proceeded to kumbayah the rest of the freaking, very much, totally absolutely, way too damn long, book.
No climactic ending, no excitement, and jezoid flip...every character was a saint.
Seriously, my teeth started hurting from the sugary, sappy sweetness.
Oh, and it was a little squicky that the MCs only got to ages 16 and 18 with all of the erotic scenes.
One last thing. The author REALLY (really, really, REALLY) needs to remove the fucking word, "chuckled," from her repertoire. 101 times, folks, I kid you not. This is a word that should be used SPARINGLY, if at all. Ugh.
November 16, 2017
Beautiful story about growth ❤️
***4.25 stars***
First the warnings: Cheating, so please do not go forward if this upsets you.
Growth: the process of developing or maturing physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Please keep in mind the above definition while reading this book. Is Malic an di*k? Yes. Did I want to bit*h slap him into next week because of his selfish behavior? Yes. However, his actions went well with the character and the overall story the author is telling. Therefore, be ready for a very emotional read/ride.
Is every shifter book exactly the same? No. Even with 99.9% following a similar storyline, there are the rare ones you come across, that 0.1% that have their own voice. That suck you in and pleasantly surprise you. This is that book. With saying that, you really shouldn’t compare this work to any other. It should be judged on its own merit and not what you think a Fantasy book should be because of everything that came before it. In the end, this is a story; a work of art. A story that the author constructed around a world they created. Now, as I warned you there is cheating. In the beginning it’s a tad bit graphic, but the times thereafter are just briefly mentioned.
For me, this book was a solid 5 stars up and around the 77% mark. That is when Malic and Corwin make up for all the time lost between the both of them if you get my meaning ;). While it was sweet at first, around the 39th time (yes I’m over exaggerating here, but still it’s a lot) not only did I get the point, but it started to feel like the story was dragging. IMO, I felt the author could have done more with less.
The author wraps up everything very nicely in the Epilogue. Due to this, I really don’t know who will be featured in book two. My one and only guess is that it will be Rodger. Only time will tell if I’m right or not.
***4.25 stars***
First the warnings: Cheating, so please do not go forward if this upsets you.
Growth: the process of developing or maturing physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Please keep in mind the above definition while reading this book. Is Malic an di*k? Yes. Did I want to bit*h slap him into next week because of his selfish behavior? Yes. However, his actions went well with the character and the overall story the author is telling. Therefore, be ready for a very emotional read/ride.
Is every shifter book exactly the same? No. Even with 99.9% following a similar storyline, there are the rare ones you come across, that 0.1% that have their own voice. That suck you in and pleasantly surprise you. This is that book. With saying that, you really shouldn’t compare this work to any other. It should be judged on its own merit and not what you think a Fantasy book should be because of everything that came before it. In the end, this is a story; a work of art. A story that the author constructed around a world they created. Now, as I warned you there is cheating. In the beginning it’s a tad bit graphic, but the times thereafter are just briefly mentioned.
For me, this book was a solid 5 stars up and around the 77% mark. That is when Malic and Corwin make up for all the time lost between the both of them if you get my meaning ;). While it was sweet at first, around the 39th time (yes I’m over exaggerating here, but still it’s a lot) not only did I get the point, but it started to feel like the story was dragging. IMO, I felt the author could have done more with less.
The author wraps up everything very nicely in the Epilogue. Due to this, I really don’t know who will be featured in book two. My one and only guess is that it will be Rodger. Only time will tell if I’m right or not.
October 9, 2022
Have A Little Faith
By Diana McKinley
This was an amazing story, but it was filled with such heartbreak it was actually overwhelming. I had to stop twice for a couple weeks before I could finish it. It was about twice the length (or more) of most of the books I read. (Coming in at roughly 10-12 hours depending on how fast a reader you are.)
Omega Corwin & Alpha Malik are true mates. Yet they discover it at an extremely young age. (13 & 16 years old.) While Corwin is excited and looking forward to their being mated in several years Malik is not. He is bitter and angry that his entire life has been plotted out for him and he has no say in it. In his quest to be rebellious and live a life he wants before he must settle down and also become the Tyee Alpha (Alpha of his entire region, not just his pack) he destroys Corwin in the process. For Corwin painfully feels everytime Malik cheats on him. He feels the loneliness when Malik ignores him only paying attention to Corwin when it suits him.
There is a HEA, but it is a very long road to get there. The only way I was able to continue on reading this book is seeing that Corwin is very much loved and protected by not only his family, but also his pack, and other family friends throughout the years. Without that amazing support for such a young man it would have all been just too cruel.
By Diana McKinley
This was an amazing story, but it was filled with such heartbreak it was actually overwhelming. I had to stop twice for a couple weeks before I could finish it. It was about twice the length (or more) of most of the books I read. (Coming in at roughly 10-12 hours depending on how fast a reader you are.)
Omega Corwin & Alpha Malik are true mates. Yet they discover it at an extremely young age. (13 & 16 years old.) While Corwin is excited and looking forward to their being mated in several years Malik is not. He is bitter and angry that his entire life has been plotted out for him and he has no say in it. In his quest to be rebellious and live a life he wants before he must settle down and also become the Tyee Alpha (Alpha of his entire region, not just his pack) he destroys Corwin in the process. For Corwin painfully feels everytime Malik cheats on him. He feels the loneliness when Malik ignores him only paying attention to Corwin when it suits him.
There is a HEA, but it is a very long road to get there. The only way I was able to continue on reading this book is seeing that Corwin is very much loved and protected by not only his family, but also his pack, and other family friends throughout the years. Without that amazing support for such a young man it would have all been just too cruel.
April 4, 2016
This was an extraordinary read about heartache/heartbreak, disillusion and rebuilding of trust and love. It was a long journey and learning experience for Corwin and Malic. I loved the bond that Corwin had with his family otherwise I'm afraid he probably wouldn't have made it through all the anguish that Malic put him through. I loved the character Aaron, what a sweetheart and true friend that bear shifter turned out to be. I will forewarn you during the first 60 percent of the story you might not like Malic very much but at the same time you will see his point of view even though you may not agree with it but he does eventually start to see how selfish and uncaring his actions have been towards his true mate. My favorite part of the book was Malic learning to be a better person, mate and true alpha. Can't wait to read more from this author.
April 11, 2016
I ended up returning this book for a refund, I made it as far as 80%, but then I had to give up. The MC's were just way to bombastic for me, their language and thoughts and actions, didn't work. This crazy over-the-top bombastic language and actions started when one of them was 13! It was just... Weird. I actually loved the premise of the book, and for once the omega didn't just roll over, when the Alpha demanded it, but... Yeah.
I read a sample of Behind Closed Doors, and that was the same, so I have to just accept that this authors writing-style is not for me.
I read a sample of Behind Closed Doors, and that was the same, so I have to just accept that this authors writing-style is not for me.
June 1, 2016
This long book almost felt like two stories - the first half of the book had a distinctly different feel than the second half of the book. In the first part, Malic and Corwin were separated because Malic resented and fought his predestined life with his true mate. Corwin struggled painfully with this rejection and the first part of the book was focused on how Corwin and his friends and family rallied to help him through this period. Malic was hard to like during this time but also very human and relatable because he just wanted a chance to be young and live before assuming the mantle of responsibility and fate. Corwin was young, younnnnnng and that seemed a little incongruent with the mature thought processes that he was having at 13 years old. In the second part of the book, the boys navigated their situation and future. And then this became a (somewhat schmaltzy) lovey lovey lovefest as only shifter books can be. And really, not a whole lot of action happened in the second half, being that it was very relationship driven.
Because this book is such different styles between its parts, it might be hard for one person to absolutely adore the whole thing. Those who are likely to love the super sweet second half will likely be outraged by the first half. Those who found the first half to be interesting (I'm in this category) might find the second half to be a little over the top (I'm still in this category).
I would have liked Corwin to be a bit flawed. Too perfect characters are hard for me sometimes, particularly when they are so young. Somehow I can accept the premise that a human man might turn into a wolf easier than I can believe that a 15/16 year old kid is as giving and self-sacrificing as Corwin was in parts. (I wish he would have been older. The age thing made me squeamish). Malic was more human and relatable, I liked his journey as he matured.
In sum, though, this long book was an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the next book which seems like it will be Rodgers' story.
Because this book is such different styles between its parts, it might be hard for one person to absolutely adore the whole thing. Those who are likely to love the super sweet second half will likely be outraged by the first half. Those who found the first half to be interesting (I'm in this category) might find the second half to be a little over the top (I'm still in this category).
I would have liked Corwin to be a bit flawed. Too perfect characters are hard for me sometimes, particularly when they are so young. Somehow I can accept the premise that a human man might turn into a wolf easier than I can believe that a 15/16 year old kid is as giving and self-sacrificing as Corwin was in parts. (I wish he would have been older. The age thing made me squeamish). Malic was more human and relatable, I liked his journey as he matured.
In sum, though, this long book was an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the next book which seems like it will be Rodgers' story.
March 29, 2021
This book is fucking awful, I tried my best to give it a chance but it makes ZERO sense the way they had to drag this book on and treat our main character. This whole book revolves around this young (and I mean young not even out of teenage years) having all this pressure on his shoulders, everyone hating him for sth he doesn’t even know why and him being treated like shit. No I’m not talking about Corwin despite shit happening to him, Malic deserves better.
The premise of the book is that Malic, corwins mate sleeps around with other people on his summer vacations. It sounds sleezy at first HOWEVER, Malic is not dating Corwin, he doesn’t plan on marrying Corwin, he’s barely even FRIENDS with Corwin. He literally spoke to him like three times yet everyone treats Malic like he was actively cheating on him. Even worse is when Malic sleeps with people Corwin goes into shocks of pain which is highly unusual for werewolves and Malic doesn’t know corwin is in pain therefore allowing him to sleep around more. So later on because Corwin gets sick everyone treats Malic like shit but won’t tell him why. They just act all cryptic and treat him like a bastard on game of thrones. Not only that but Corwins dumb ass won’t tell Malic that him sleeping around is the cause of Corwins illness. Which makes no sense. Malic is a really good guy, he can be dense sometimes but he’s smart af, nice and would lay down his wants and needs for his pact. If he knew that corwin was in pain because of him he would’ve stopped IMMEDIATELY. But everyone just said “no❤️”. Around 950 pages (I read on my phone) into the book corwin finally tells Malic that him sleeping around was the cause of his pain and he immediately apologizes and feels bad about his actions. Which is like..why couldn’t this happen sooner? It just baffles me how everyone treated Malic like he’s some fucking scumbag when he literally didn’t know Jack shit.
The premise of the book is that Malic, corwins mate sleeps around with other people on his summer vacations. It sounds sleezy at first HOWEVER, Malic is not dating Corwin, he doesn’t plan on marrying Corwin, he’s barely even FRIENDS with Corwin. He literally spoke to him like three times yet everyone treats Malic like he was actively cheating on him. Even worse is when Malic sleeps with people Corwin goes into shocks of pain which is highly unusual for werewolves and Malic doesn’t know corwin is in pain therefore allowing him to sleep around more. So later on because Corwin gets sick everyone treats Malic like shit but won’t tell him why. They just act all cryptic and treat him like a bastard on game of thrones. Not only that but Corwins dumb ass won’t tell Malic that him sleeping around is the cause of Corwins illness. Which makes no sense. Malic is a really good guy, he can be dense sometimes but he’s smart af, nice and would lay down his wants and needs for his pact. If he knew that corwin was in pain because of him he would’ve stopped IMMEDIATELY. But everyone just said “no❤️”. Around 950 pages (I read on my phone) into the book corwin finally tells Malic that him sleeping around was the cause of his pain and he immediately apologizes and feels bad about his actions. Which is like..why couldn’t this happen sooner? It just baffles me how everyone treated Malic like he’s some fucking scumbag when he literally didn’t know Jack shit.
December 13, 2017
WTH
Ok this book started out good... I was engaged in Malic's characters... Seeing his world in his own words I understood everything he was feeling it was believable... But it went downhill fast for me... Corwin was 13 years old how was Malic cheating??? He wasn't Corwin was a child..... Why if he was feeling pain because of what Malic was doing why didn't nobody say anything?? Nobody explained to Malic what he was doing to his true mate even when it was figured out by them... Just stupid but he's the bad guy... This book was tooo long for a boring don't make since story... It could have been good but it fell flat .... Then what was the whole Rodger thing about??? Stupid and Made no sense whatsoever...I'm only giving it 2 stars because I forced my self to finish... And I actually did but I skimmed alot and didn't miss nothing ...SMH...
Ok this book started out good... I was engaged in Malic's characters... Seeing his world in his own words I understood everything he was feeling it was believable... But it went downhill fast for me... Corwin was 13 years old how was Malic cheating??? He wasn't Corwin was a child..... Why if he was feeling pain because of what Malic was doing why didn't nobody say anything?? Nobody explained to Malic what he was doing to his true mate even when it was figured out by them... Just stupid but he's the bad guy... This book was tooo long for a boring don't make since story... It could have been good but it fell flat .... Then what was the whole Rodger thing about??? Stupid and Made no sense whatsoever...I'm only giving it 2 stars because I forced my self to finish... And I actually did but I skimmed alot and didn't miss nothing ...SMH...
April 2, 2016
You may well hate the character Malic Campbell 60% of the journey with a vengeance in an otherwise really well written book about fated mates as he battles against predetermined destiny.There is a large amount of borderline 'cheating' that results in soul destroying pain to the unacknowledged partner.The fantasy aspect of the book is very detailed & the amazing family support that these boys have is amazing throughout this book.
April 23, 2016
Corwin is so selfless and devoted. Made me sick!
This is much too long for the few things happening.
This is much too long for the few things happening.
April 6, 2016
Wow......
I went into this book with some trepidation - it was a first time author for me, this was a 500 odd page book, you meet the MC's in their early/mid teens..... *sharp intake of breath*
This is told in dual POV and in great detail - although it surprisingly never feels drawn out or repetitive. At the start, It did feel a little "clunky" , but the ebb and flow soon gets established and it was an enjoyable read.
Malic - OMFG - this boy made me want to do him bodily harm, almost from page one. He was arrogant, selfish and just on a rage against his destiny. He feels trapped and wants to enjoy his youth and seems hellbent on doing this at each and every opportunity that he can take. Corwin is the quiet studious youth who is his fated mate and full of innocent love and adoration for Malic, rose-coloured specs firmly in place. Malic soon shatters this when he has his first sexual encounter - not with his fated mate - the soul shattering pain felt across their mate-bond causes Corwin into his first shift and starts what seems like a journey from hell to separate himself from his mate. Corwin selflessly wants separation in the early years to allow Malic his freedom, but it soon becomes apparent, he needs to separate himself for his own well-being and sanity. It's not until Malic takes the Alpha-trials that he starts to see beyond his own immediate needs and the bigger picture is now in sharp focus - especially Corwin.
Both sets of parents are very supportive of their son's - Corwin's, above and beyond! Corwin's brothers are also very attentive. I did like the fact that Corwin had some semblance of life when they moved to Kodiak and he was able to experience teen-life after years of pain and regret. I did get a little frustrated with some of Corwin's reactions, but had to keep pulling myself up and remembering he was only 16 or so! Malic's journey to win back Corwin was not without hardship - as it should be, but after his initial behaviour, I was still waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop and was still a little disbelieving until I finished the book to be proved wrong!!!
The side characters were varied and some I wondered what their purpose was, but overall, it seemed to assist in the growth and maturity of both Malic and Corwin, still in their late teens/early 20's. Then there was the sweet and stoic Aaron, bear shifter and Corwin's confidant and best friend. My heart ached a little for him. The story gathered some pace towards the end and it was just a sweet ride, finally arriving at the destination they seemed to have navigated via a Labyrinth-style-maze - but where's the fun in just taking the direct door??
The story finishes on a HEA and the epilogue is a few years down the line and just wonderfully rich in detail and ties everything up with a neat bow. A few poignant last words and I'm left with a contented sigh.
I maybe come across reads like this once or twice a year, if I'm lucky. I totally immerse myself and days later, I'm still mulling over aspects of the story. I enjoyed this book immensely.
I went into this book with some trepidation - it was a first time author for me, this was a 500 odd page book, you meet the MC's in their early/mid teens..... *sharp intake of breath*
This is told in dual POV and in great detail - although it surprisingly never feels drawn out or repetitive. At the start, It did feel a little "clunky" , but the ebb and flow soon gets established and it was an enjoyable read.
Malic - OMFG - this boy made me want to do him bodily harm, almost from page one. He was arrogant, selfish and just on a rage against his destiny. He feels trapped and wants to enjoy his youth and seems hellbent on doing this at each and every opportunity that he can take. Corwin is the quiet studious youth who is his fated mate and full of innocent love and adoration for Malic, rose-coloured specs firmly in place. Malic soon shatters this when he has his first sexual encounter - not with his fated mate - the soul shattering pain felt across their mate-bond causes Corwin into his first shift and starts what seems like a journey from hell to separate himself from his mate. Corwin selflessly wants separation in the early years to allow Malic his freedom, but it soon becomes apparent, he needs to separate himself for his own well-being and sanity. It's not until Malic takes the Alpha-trials that he starts to see beyond his own immediate needs and the bigger picture is now in sharp focus - especially Corwin.
Both sets of parents are very supportive of their son's - Corwin's, above and beyond! Corwin's brothers are also very attentive. I did like the fact that Corwin had some semblance of life when they moved to Kodiak and he was able to experience teen-life after years of pain and regret. I did get a little frustrated with some of Corwin's reactions, but had to keep pulling myself up and remembering he was only 16 or so! Malic's journey to win back Corwin was not without hardship - as it should be, but after his initial behaviour, I was still waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop and was still a little disbelieving until I finished the book to be proved wrong!!!
The side characters were varied and some I wondered what their purpose was, but overall, it seemed to assist in the growth and maturity of both Malic and Corwin, still in their late teens/early 20's. Then there was the sweet and stoic Aaron, bear shifter and Corwin's confidant and best friend. My heart ached a little for him. The story gathered some pace towards the end and it was just a sweet ride, finally arriving at the destination they seemed to have navigated via a Labyrinth-style-maze - but where's the fun in just taking the direct door??
The story finishes on a HEA and the epilogue is a few years down the line and just wonderfully rich in detail and ties everything up with a neat bow. A few poignant last words and I'm left with a contented sigh.
I maybe come across reads like this once or twice a year, if I'm lucky. I totally immerse myself and days later, I'm still mulling over aspects of the story. I enjoyed this book immensely.
April 27, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
I am on a real shifter binge at the moment so when Have a Little Faith hit my radar I decided to give a totally new to me author a shot and I’m so glad I did. This is a long book at just over 500 pages, we meet the MC’s when they are both very young and then the story is told from dual POV – the last two of these things are not always my favourites but here it worked really well and I was dragged right in from the first chapter.
Malic Campbell is an Alpha in waiting with a big secret. He knows who is mate is, in fact he has known who his mate is for years but he has no plans to do anything about it. Malic is a character that I can imagine readers hating with a fiery passion as he tramples all over Corwin’s heart for the majority of the book. I felt frustrated with him for the most part but I didn’t hate him – I thought his circumstances were pretty crappy for such a young man and the pressures were just too much. Malic is the strongest Alpha in recent history and from a very young age there have been all sorts of expectations laid at his feet. His life has been mapped out for him when all he wants is a bit of freedom to grow up like any teenager would.
At the beginning of the book Corwin is stereotypical as an Omega. He is a young man readers will fall for, want to protect and feel angry at Malic for everything he has to live through. He is also aware of who his true mate is and in his young mind all he needs to do is wait until he is old enough for Malic to claim him. For one so young he has an old head on his shoulders as seen in the way he is determined to protect Malic whilst almost destroying himself.
When Malic hits sixteen and becomes sexually active things change for all concerned and it will be many years before either man is happy again. Corwin’s distress causes his wolf to come forward early in a bid to protect him but the more time that passes the harder things become. Family and friends rally to protect Corwin, both from the immediate hurt but also the perceived dangers in the future. In the end though Corwin and his family must leave pack lands to protect him and only then does Malic realise what an epic mistake he has made. As he finally grows up and admits to himself what Corwin means to him the fight begins to win back the young Omega’s heart but Corwin is much stronger than before and it won’t be an easy task.
4.5 Stars
I am on a real shifter binge at the moment so when Have a Little Faith hit my radar I decided to give a totally new to me author a shot and I’m so glad I did. This is a long book at just over 500 pages, we meet the MC’s when they are both very young and then the story is told from dual POV – the last two of these things are not always my favourites but here it worked really well and I was dragged right in from the first chapter.
Malic Campbell is an Alpha in waiting with a big secret. He knows who is mate is, in fact he has known who his mate is for years but he has no plans to do anything about it. Malic is a character that I can imagine readers hating with a fiery passion as he tramples all over Corwin’s heart for the majority of the book. I felt frustrated with him for the most part but I didn’t hate him – I thought his circumstances were pretty crappy for such a young man and the pressures were just too much. Malic is the strongest Alpha in recent history and from a very young age there have been all sorts of expectations laid at his feet. His life has been mapped out for him when all he wants is a bit of freedom to grow up like any teenager would.
At the beginning of the book Corwin is stereotypical as an Omega. He is a young man readers will fall for, want to protect and feel angry at Malic for everything he has to live through. He is also aware of who his true mate is and in his young mind all he needs to do is wait until he is old enough for Malic to claim him. For one so young he has an old head on his shoulders as seen in the way he is determined to protect Malic whilst almost destroying himself.
When Malic hits sixteen and becomes sexually active things change for all concerned and it will be many years before either man is happy again. Corwin’s distress causes his wolf to come forward early in a bid to protect him but the more time that passes the harder things become. Family and friends rally to protect Corwin, both from the immediate hurt but also the perceived dangers in the future. In the end though Corwin and his family must leave pack lands to protect him and only then does Malic realise what an epic mistake he has made. As he finally grows up and admits to himself what Corwin means to him the fight begins to win back the young Omega’s heart but Corwin is much stronger than before and it won’t be an easy task.
November 12, 2023
Oh my, I don't remember being so disappointed in a book recently. I don't why I had so many high expectations...
First of all, was this a Cristian propaganda book? 🙃
The first part of the book was okay, but after the Alpha Challenge I couldn't take it anymore. Two nights away and Malic has a change of mind, it all felt so shallow honestly. SO many of the characters on this book were permissive of Malic, his parents never said a damn word when they knew everything, Corwin's parents were following the lead of a 13 year old child, come on... be a fucking parent. And Malic?? I have no words for him.
The language in the book was very weird at points, the characters had such a formal way of saying things that were just not natural. Who call themselves a "young man"??? Also, why WHY make Aaron and Corwin have that moment that would lead to nothing?? That man was eight years OLDER, just no no no no.
Again, I was so disappointed because I expected a great shifter story.
First of all, was this a Cristian propaganda book? 🙃
The first part of the book was okay, but after the Alpha Challenge I couldn't take it anymore. Two nights away and Malic has a change of mind, it all felt so shallow honestly. SO many of the characters on this book were permissive of Malic, his parents never said a damn word when they knew everything, Corwin's parents were following the lead of a 13 year old child, come on... be a fucking parent. And Malic?? I have no words for him.
The language in the book was very weird at points, the characters had such a formal way of saying things that were just not natural. Who call themselves a "young man"??? Also, why WHY make Aaron and Corwin have that moment that would lead to nothing?? That man was eight years OLDER, just no no no no.
Again, I was so disappointed because I expected a great shifter story.
September 24, 2017
**4 stars**
OK...there are so many negative reviews of this book. I understand why.
I also have my issues. First, the good.
This was a long book about fated mate and shapeshifters involving teenagers as the MCs. Corwin was 13, Malic 16 at the start. The first 70% of this story there was No Sex (except off screen with one of the MCs). It was strictly a YA book, the longing, the ups and downs of relationships. And even though they are fated mates, they just don't throw themselves at each other and call it a day. I LOVED this. I felt so much for poor Corwin. His family really rallied around him and he worked through his pain. He was a kid trying to have the emotional strength of an adult. Sometimes he was successful, sometimes he wasn't.
So...what happened. Throughout the story, really, the teens really used such adult language and I don't mean curse words. They just didn't talk like typical teens.
15 year old talking to his 17 year old brother: "...you're also my brother and I love you dearly. "
Dearly? I've never heard a teenage boy use Dearly. EVER.
That's just a sample. It happened a lot throughout the book.
After about 80%, suddenly Malic got a "wake up call", realized he needed his true mate and both main characters did a 180. Malic loved Corwin, Corwin forgave YEARS of ASSHOLE behavior from Malic. And they both just seemed to change their language use. Corwin especially went from this cute, insecure, but mature for his age kid, to an mature adult with all the answers. He spoke like a middle-aged man. Weird.
Finally, while the first 80% or so was romance and longing, the last 15%-20% was sex....repeatedly. Boringly. And "I love you" "I love you, too, my mate" "I love you so much" "As I do you, sweetheart, more than you do".
Blah
So....First 80% *5 stars*
If you can get over the language and the silly change of language and personalities of the MCs in the last part of the book....it really is a good read. I was hooked fairly quickly. It's very unique.
OK...there are so many negative reviews of this book. I understand why.
I also have my issues. First, the good.
This was a long book about fated mate and shapeshifters involving teenagers as the MCs. Corwin was 13, Malic 16 at the start. The first 70% of this story there was No Sex (except off screen with one of the MCs). It was strictly a YA book, the longing, the ups and downs of relationships. And even though they are fated mates, they just don't throw themselves at each other and call it a day. I LOVED this. I felt so much for poor Corwin. His family really rallied around him and he worked through his pain. He was a kid trying to have the emotional strength of an adult. Sometimes he was successful, sometimes he wasn't.
So...what happened. Throughout the story, really, the teens really used such adult language and I don't mean curse words. They just didn't talk like typical teens.
15 year old talking to his 17 year old brother: "...you're also my brother and I love you dearly. "
Dearly? I've never heard a teenage boy use Dearly. EVER.
That's just a sample. It happened a lot throughout the book.
After about 80%, suddenly Malic got a "wake up call", realized he needed his true mate and both main characters did a 180. Malic loved Corwin, Corwin forgave YEARS of ASSHOLE behavior from Malic. And they both just seemed to change their language use. Corwin especially went from this cute, insecure, but mature for his age kid, to an mature adult with all the answers. He spoke like a middle-aged man. Weird.
Finally, while the first 80% or so was romance and longing, the last 15%-20% was sex....repeatedly. Boringly. And "I love you" "I love you, too, my mate" "I love you so much" "As I do you, sweetheart, more than you do".
Blah
So....First 80% *5 stars*
If you can get over the language and the silly change of language and personalities of the MCs in the last part of the book....it really is a good read. I was hooked fairly quickly. It's very unique.
July 20, 2024
I have dropped this book.
I don’t think I’ll write a review for this so this is just gibberish.
This entire book was overly verbose and dramatic in such a negative way. I cannot, in good faith, believe that no one edited this and told the author during the development of this that this was not how to write the story she wanted to tell.
This book is supposedly about Alpha Apparent Malic who denies his bond to three years younger omega Corwin. In doing do, Malic willingly sleeps with other people, which causes Corwin pain. And spineless little Corwin is decidedly still faithful to his cheating mate.
Can’t believe Jesus died for this.
This was not what I expected nor wanted. Yet again, this is another case of an author not understanding their own story. This could have been an excellent fated mates story involving cheating and with the cheater partner truly succumbing to grief while the cheated partner decides to experience life. There could have been angst and slow redemption and true emotion.
Instead, this reminded me of when Romeo and Juliet had an adaptation with gangsters yet the Shakespearean dialogue remained.
Jesus DIED for this.
I ain’t even a Christian bro like what IS this 😭
I refunded this book. What a shame. Hope the author learns how to write and gets better editors—or just an editor.
If I could sum up my experience with this book, it’s that; it deserves to be on WattPad.
1⭐️
I don’t think I’ll write a review for this so this is just gibberish.
This entire book was overly verbose and dramatic in such a negative way. I cannot, in good faith, believe that no one edited this and told the author during the development of this that this was not how to write the story she wanted to tell.
This book is supposedly about Alpha Apparent Malic who denies his bond to three years younger omega Corwin. In doing do, Malic willingly sleeps with other people, which causes Corwin pain. And spineless little Corwin is decidedly still faithful to his cheating mate.
Can’t believe Jesus died for this.
This was not what I expected nor wanted. Yet again, this is another case of an author not understanding their own story. This could have been an excellent fated mates story involving cheating and with the cheater partner truly succumbing to grief while the cheated partner decides to experience life. There could have been angst and slow redemption and true emotion.
Instead, this reminded me of when Romeo and Juliet had an adaptation with gangsters yet the Shakespearean dialogue remained.
Jesus DIED for this.
I ain’t even a Christian bro like what IS this 😭
I refunded this book. What a shame. Hope the author learns how to write and gets better editors—or just an editor.
If I could sum up my experience with this book, it’s that; it deserves to be on WattPad.
1⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2018
Typically, I hate all shifter books. I think the idea of grown ass people growling at each other & talking about "I'm the alpha" is fucking ridiculous. BUT, I enjoyed this more than I've enjoyed other shifter books. The 2 main characters are fun, the author's writing is good, a lot of cute ass moments. That being said... this book is like 200 pages too long. This isn't a spoiler because this info is in the blurb but Malic and Cor pre-destined to be together but Malic pushes him away because he wants to live his own life. Cool. But this was like the first 250 pages. The plot line just did no progress past this. I just feel like a book as long as this is, the plot line needed to be way more complex. Like honestly, getting 200+ pages into a book and they're still talking about the same things they were talking about at the beginning of the story is irksome. Once we get to the halfway mark in this book, the plot line did pick up with a big confrontation with characters that was actually pretty entertaining. Then the ending is kind of the same as the beginning. Talking about the exact same thing for the last 100 pages except this time theres a sex scene every 3 paragraphs. The ending doesn't really have a plot line. it's more of just detailing the progression of a relationship. Anyway, i really enjoyed both main characters and they're what kept me reading cause honestly, they're cute as shit and the author writes a lot of moments that'll make you blush and giggle.
April 26, 2025
"Real happiness, real joy, comes from within first."
Why? Why so in necessary long?
Siento que demoré una eternidad en leer este libro. Creo que la idea es buena, pero la narrativa es un poco densa. Fácilmente se podrían restar 100 páginas y no nos perderíamos de nada.
Al menos un 60% de la historia es sobre el sufrimiento de Corwin, y a pesar de que se hizo de rogar un poco, fue demasiado poco. Pasamos del resentimiento al amor extremo en un pestañeo, y luego todas las otras tramas cerraron con un final de cuento. Para que crear expectativas de una confrontación o algo más fuerte con otro de los protagonistas, si al final termina en nada? No lo sé.
No es el mejor libro de shifters que he leído.
Why? Why so in necessary long?
Siento que demoré una eternidad en leer este libro. Creo que la idea es buena, pero la narrativa es un poco densa. Fácilmente se podrían restar 100 páginas y no nos perderíamos de nada.
Al menos un 60% de la historia es sobre el sufrimiento de Corwin, y a pesar de que se hizo de rogar un poco, fue demasiado poco. Pasamos del resentimiento al amor extremo en un pestañeo, y luego todas las otras tramas cerraron con un final de cuento. Para que crear expectativas de una confrontación o algo más fuerte con otro de los protagonistas, si al final termina en nada? No lo sé.
No es el mejor libro de shifters que he leído.
July 13, 2019
No hay por donde meterle mano.
November 5, 2024
boooo! 👎🏻 I'm the biggest malic hater.
el libro tiene muchísimo relleno a nadie le importa leer todo el entrenamiento del alfa o del omega dios!
el libro tiene muchísimo relleno a nadie le importa leer todo el entrenamiento del alfa o del omega dios!
June 30, 2016
Whew. This is a long book! We start off when Corwin is 12 and Malic is 16. Malic is exploring his “freedom” by going to a neighboring pack and hooking up to lose his virginity. Malic knows he’s the true mate of Corwin, but he hasn’t admitted it to anyone else, including Corwin, because he wants to have his freedom for as long as possible and he views being bonded so young as chaining him down and taking away his ability to choose his own destiny.
The mating bond has already begun to form between the two of them, however, so when Malic goes out “sewing his oats” Corwin experiences the agony of separation and betrayal in a physical manner as well as emotionally.
The next years are many such episodes where Malic denies his matehood but continues to keep in loose contact with Corwin. Each time Corwin suffers but refuses to let anyone tell Malic how badly he’s hurting Corwin with his actions because he feels that it’s his duty to protect Malic as his mate.
Years pass and both boys grow into young men, learning important lessons about how to be true to themselves, strong together and apart, as well as how to be good mates.
**
The writing in this is remarkable. There are no editing errors (that I could find) and the characters are rich and vibrant. The story is also really well told and very, very detailed.
Though I can appreciate the need to really show us how each of the boys learned and grew over the years of separation – my personal opinion is that it was way too long. I think that (as a reader) I got and understood the pain and didn’t need to see so many episodes. I also felt that once they got together things were a bit drawn out as well.
Conversely, I was a little let down by how quickly Corwin let Malic off the hook. I really wanted Malic to appreciate how much Corwin had suffered and he did but Corwin was a bit easy on him.
That being said, this was a really, really good book by a new-to-me author and I thoroughly enjoyed it, all things put together. I especially loved that Aaron got to find his mate and I also found Corwin’s powers to be amazing. It was great seeing the entire family years down the road as they began to build their own families, too.
So, if you’re looking for a very in-depth story about two men growing into manhood both together and apart and finding their own strengths and powers – this is the book for you!
Highly Recommended!
(PS Reese Dante did the cover and it’s GORGEOUS!)
4.5 of 5 stars
The mating bond has already begun to form between the two of them, however, so when Malic goes out “sewing his oats” Corwin experiences the agony of separation and betrayal in a physical manner as well as emotionally.
The next years are many such episodes where Malic denies his matehood but continues to keep in loose contact with Corwin. Each time Corwin suffers but refuses to let anyone tell Malic how badly he’s hurting Corwin with his actions because he feels that it’s his duty to protect Malic as his mate.
Years pass and both boys grow into young men, learning important lessons about how to be true to themselves, strong together and apart, as well as how to be good mates.
**
The writing in this is remarkable. There are no editing errors (that I could find) and the characters are rich and vibrant. The story is also really well told and very, very detailed.
Though I can appreciate the need to really show us how each of the boys learned and grew over the years of separation – my personal opinion is that it was way too long. I think that (as a reader) I got and understood the pain and didn’t need to see so many episodes. I also felt that once they got together things were a bit drawn out as well.
Conversely, I was a little let down by how quickly Corwin let Malic off the hook. I really wanted Malic to appreciate how much Corwin had suffered and he did but Corwin was a bit easy on him.
That being said, this was a really, really good book by a new-to-me author and I thoroughly enjoyed it, all things put together. I especially loved that Aaron got to find his mate and I also found Corwin’s powers to be amazing. It was great seeing the entire family years down the road as they began to build their own families, too.
So, if you’re looking for a very in-depth story about two men growing into manhood both together and apart and finding their own strengths and powers – this is the book for you!
Highly Recommended!
(PS Reese Dante did the cover and it’s GORGEOUS!)
4.5 of 5 stars
April 26, 2022
DNF at 83% and I am so disappointed since I've had this on my TBR for years 🙃
I just couldn't do it anymore. I was expecting an angsty mating bond rejection and then a time jump to when both characters are in their 20s or 30s. What I got was just about every single life event from the time Corwin was 13 until Malic finally decided to accept the mating bond when he was 19 and Corwin was 16/17.
Besides giving Malic the cold shoulder for 7 months for basically cheating on their mating bond for YEARS, Corwin decides to forgive Malic for everything.
Genuinely, if Corwin had decided to give Malic a taste of his own medicine (or even end up with) someone else (looking at you, Aaron, though the 8 year age gap is SUS and I wish it had never been mentioned), I'd have loved this.
This book felt like it was trying to hard to have angst, and it just made me not care. There was next to no drama. Corwin was mad for like 2 pages and then it switched to Malic's POV and showed him calling Corwin, everyday, for seven months, until Corwin finally answered the phone. The whole plot just seemed useless to me. Maybe I stopped before what I assume will be the climax with Rodger, maybe that would have saved this book.
But I just don't care 🤷🏻♀️ I don't want to read any more about a 16 year old who is somehow more powerful and articulate than every adult character in the book, nor the spoiled 18/19 year old who decided his "true mate" could just wait while he went out and fucked around.
Don't even get me started on Glen and Mark? The two adult men who Corwin (who is 15 when he meets them) goes to visit when "he needs someone to kiss and hold him". NOPE.
No thanks, I'm out.
Spice quantity: I stopped just after the first (only??) chapter with spice, so 🌶
Spice quality: 🌶
I just couldn't do it anymore. I was expecting an angsty mating bond rejection and then a time jump to when both characters are in their 20s or 30s. What I got was just about every single life event from the time Corwin was 13 until Malic finally decided to accept the mating bond when he was 19 and Corwin was 16/17.
Besides giving Malic the cold shoulder for 7 months for basically cheating on their mating bond for YEARS, Corwin decides to forgive Malic for everything.
Genuinely, if Corwin had decided to give Malic a taste of his own medicine (or even end up with) someone else (looking at you, Aaron, though the 8 year age gap is SUS and I wish it had never been mentioned), I'd have loved this.
This book felt like it was trying to hard to have angst, and it just made me not care. There was next to no drama. Corwin was mad for like 2 pages and then it switched to Malic's POV and showed him calling Corwin, everyday, for seven months, until Corwin finally answered the phone. The whole plot just seemed useless to me. Maybe I stopped before what I assume will be the climax with Rodger, maybe that would have saved this book.
But I just don't care 🤷🏻♀️ I don't want to read any more about a 16 year old who is somehow more powerful and articulate than every adult character in the book, nor the spoiled 18/19 year old who decided his "true mate" could just wait while he went out and fucked around.
Don't even get me started on Glen and Mark? The two adult men who Corwin (who is 15 when he meets them) goes to visit when "he needs someone to kiss and hold him". NOPE.
No thanks, I'm out.
Spice quantity: I stopped just after the first (only??) chapter with spice, so 🌶
Spice quality: 🌶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 28, 2016Sappiest love fest I ever read. Really long, I skimmed a lot. Stupid. Love: mentioned 332 times in the book.
This was a really bad one. The main characters were beautiful, one strong Alpha, one sweet Omega, one with deep blue eyes, one with emerald ones (yeah, seriously).
Let me not even start on the age issue. It irked me over the whole book, that the MCs were underage for most part of it, and Corwin until the epilogue...
The sweet Omega didn't feel like a male at all. There was nothing masculine whatsoever about this character. He felt like a weak Mary Sue with too many damsel in distress moments, though he was supposed to be so emotionally strong etc.
The whole drama about the young Alpha not wanting to get tied down at age 16 - and at that getting tied down with a 13 (!) year old - is a crime because they are mated and that makes his wanting to live a bit before settling down selfish beyond anything, although nobody bothers to tell him what the consequences are for his mate.
This was really really sappy, and really stupid.
The only two females in the book remained a sketch without character - both mothers. No real characters, just there while the fathers and brothers and even grandfather and all the male friends populated the novel.
This was a really bad one. The main characters were beautiful, one strong Alpha, one sweet Omega, one with deep blue eyes, one with emerald ones (yeah, seriously).
Let me not even start on the age issue. It irked me over the whole book, that the MCs were underage for most part of it, and Corwin until the epilogue...
The sweet Omega didn't feel like a male at all. There was nothing masculine whatsoever about this character. He felt like a weak Mary Sue with too many damsel in distress moments, though he was supposed to be so emotionally strong etc.
The whole drama about the young Alpha not wanting to get tied down at age 16 - and at that getting tied down with a 13 (!) year old - is a crime because they are mated and that makes his wanting to live a bit before settling down selfish beyond anything, although nobody bothers to tell him what the consequences are for his mate.
This was really really sappy, and really stupid.
The only two females in the book remained a sketch without character - both mothers. No real characters, just there while the fathers and brothers and even grandfather and all the male friends populated the novel.
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