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Westin Pack #1
One True Mate
Kelsey Adams is alone, and has been since childhood. Running away is all she knows and necessary to preserve her deepest, darkest secret. She can not afford for anyone to get close, or know about the monster within. But when she lands a lucrative job as an administrative assistant to Kyle Westin, CEO of the Westin Foundation, her life changes and everything's at stake. Can she conceal her growing feelings and her true self from this enigmatic, strong willed man, or will her world fall apart?
Kyle Westin, an alpha male who always gets what he wants, has watched and waited for the little she-wolf he knows is his perfect mate to show any signs of recognition. For two years he endures her unnecessary formality and daily rejections with a patience he did not he possessed. But even Kyle had his limits.... Can he make Kelsey notice him as someone other than her boss and break down the walls she built around her heart? Or will Kelsey do what she has always done --- run?
Kyle Westin, an alpha male who always gets what he wants, has watched and waited for the little she-wolf he knows is his perfect mate to show any signs of recognition. For two years he endures her unnecessary formality and daily rejections with a patience he did not he possessed. But even Kyle had his limits.... Can he make Kelsey notice him as someone other than her boss and break down the walls she built around her heart? Or will Kelsey do what she has always done --- run?
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First published June 6, 2017
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About the author
Julie Trettel
78 books864 followersJulie Trettel is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Paranormal Romance. She comes from a long line of story tellers. Writing has always been a stress reliever and escape for her to manage the crazy demands of juggling time and schedules between work and an active family of six. In her “free time,” she enjoys traveling, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 588 reviews
abandon-dnf
August 31, 2017DNF @ 74%
I just can't anymore. The Hero was NOT the alpha male he should have been...
He stood by for 2 years knowing she was his mate and did NOTHING.
He BLUSHED when it was confirmed that he had sex with the heroine
He was EMBARRASSED when his father talked about sex and about him taking over the pack
He let two OW kiss him, knowing it was wrong, because he didn't want to "hurt" their feelings
He CRIED when he had to kill a challenger
I just can't anymore. The Hero was NOT the alpha male he should have been...
He stood by for 2 years knowing she was his mate and did NOTHING.
He BLUSHED when it was confirmed that he had sex with the heroine
He was EMBARRASSED when his father talked about sex and about him taking over the pack
He let two OW kiss him, knowing it was wrong, because he didn't want to "hurt" their feelings
He CRIED when he had to kill a challenger
dnf
August 31, 2017Not because of the lack of the alphaness of the dude!
But! EVERYONE was ok with killing off alpha females because "being a female makes their alpha power unstable due to their emotional nature making them dangerous to the world"! Paraphrasing here, but WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who comes up with this misogynistic shit?
But! EVERYONE was ok with killing off alpha females because "being a female makes their alpha power unstable due to their emotional nature making them dangerous to the world"! Paraphrasing here, but WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who comes up with this misogynistic shit?
January 31, 2019
So, here’s the thing- I finished this book. I even WANTED to finish it. Because I wanted to see where this story went. What catastrophic event before the end would pull it all together. And, as a whole, the story line wasn’t THAT bad. However- there were SO MANY (so goddamn many) things about this series that irritated the EVER LOVING SHIT OUT OF ME. Brain bleeds. Eye rolls. Muttered ‘oh fuck that shit’ and ‘oh my gospel, these bitches need Jesus’, or whatever.
So, instead of doing some long winded rant- I’m just gonna list the things that drove me NUTS. And leave it at that. I’ll most likely not continue this series, as reading some previews for the next book confirmed that some of the irritants just continue.
• The fuck? Why would any female reading this series be okay with the part where the entire MALE ONLY council (both pack, and otherwise) gave orders to kill ALL female alphas because they’re too powerful and too emotionally unstable to live? What? The? Fuck? Kill those dudes. KILL ALL OF THEM.
•Kyle our H wasn’t alpha. He was growl-y and weak. WEAK. He literally gets his feelings hurt FOR TWO YEARS- because he’s a man and cannot have an HONEST conversation with his One True Mate? I think his balls forgot to drop!?
• Repeat information. Over and over. Repeat. Repeat information. More information. Then let’s repeat that. But after that, we should probably recap the info we already knew. And then some more repeat. Repeated information. Did this small paragraph annoy you? Because this book will do the same.
• The h is supposed to be a steady loner, with all the powers. But she cries. A LOT. All of the tears. Sex? Tears. Conversations? Tears. Basically, if it’s something she’s involved with in this story- she’s bout to cry.
• Mate challenges. This shit was SO ANNOYING. How in THE HELL does a shifter population even continue when every time someone take a mate, they gotta kill a whole slew of others for no reason other than ‘strong mates make strong packs’ or what the fuck ever the justification was for this. I’d think after a while there would be no wolves left. I mean- alpha females are killed for existing, and then before mating they gotta kill others to prove they can? It’s like these wolves wanna die out.
• Kyle the H let’s two other female wolves kiss him. Because he doesn’t want to hurt the females feelings. He doesn’t try to stop it. He literally just pretends it didn’t happen. It never gets brought up again. But if the h even MENTIONS another dude (Cole for example) he basically looses his shit. Double standard here, and it’s bullshit.
That’s all I can think of right now. And that’s basically enough to ensure I don’t keep reading the series. Two stars instead of one because I DID want to finish reading, so that’s gotta mean something. I think. #overthisshit
So, instead of doing some long winded rant- I’m just gonna list the things that drove me NUTS. And leave it at that. I’ll most likely not continue this series, as reading some previews for the next book confirmed that some of the irritants just continue.
• The fuck? Why would any female reading this series be okay with the part where the entire MALE ONLY council (both pack, and otherwise) gave orders to kill ALL female alphas because they’re too powerful and too emotionally unstable to live? What? The? Fuck? Kill those dudes. KILL ALL OF THEM.
•Kyle our H wasn’t alpha. He was growl-y and weak. WEAK. He literally gets his feelings hurt FOR TWO YEARS- because he’s a man and cannot have an HONEST conversation with his One True Mate? I think his balls forgot to drop!?
• Repeat information. Over and over. Repeat. Repeat information. More information. Then let’s repeat that. But after that, we should probably recap the info we already knew. And then some more repeat. Repeated information. Did this small paragraph annoy you? Because this book will do the same.
• The h is supposed to be a steady loner, with all the powers. But she cries. A LOT. All of the tears. Sex? Tears. Conversations? Tears. Basically, if it’s something she’s involved with in this story- she’s bout to cry.
• Mate challenges. This shit was SO ANNOYING. How in THE HELL does a shifter population even continue when every time someone take a mate, they gotta kill a whole slew of others for no reason other than ‘strong mates make strong packs’ or what the fuck ever the justification was for this. I’d think after a while there would be no wolves left. I mean- alpha females are killed for existing, and then before mating they gotta kill others to prove they can? It’s like these wolves wanna die out.
• Kyle the H let’s two other female wolves kiss him. Because he doesn’t want to hurt the females feelings. He doesn’t try to stop it. He literally just pretends it didn’t happen. It never gets brought up again. But if the h even MENTIONS another dude (Cole for example) he basically looses his shit. Double standard here, and it’s bullshit.
That’s all I can think of right now. And that’s basically enough to ensure I don’t keep reading the series. Two stars instead of one because I DID want to finish reading, so that’s gotta mean something. I think. #overthisshit
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
Definitely worth reading
A nice book about a lone wolf, who experienced a terrible tragedy at a young age and ended up in foster care. Moving around a lot, once she was an adult, she finally came to settle in a small town. Her whole life thinking she is a monster and hiding her wolf. Then she gets a job and works for Kyle, who she has no idea is also a wolf, as is the rest of his family.
The family she has become very close to. She also doesn’t know how much trouble she has caused, trespassing on other wolves territory. The pack is upset over the fact that she’s been let stay.
Soon all will find out why she was allowed to stay, but will they ever welcome her? What else might be going on? Read and find out. It’s a good story, full of family, bonds, pack rules, challenges and a short war. All worth reading about.
A nice book about a lone wolf, who experienced a terrible tragedy at a young age and ended up in foster care. Moving around a lot, once she was an adult, she finally came to settle in a small town. Her whole life thinking she is a monster and hiding her wolf. Then she gets a job and works for Kyle, who she has no idea is also a wolf, as is the rest of his family.
The family she has become very close to. She also doesn’t know how much trouble she has caused, trespassing on other wolves territory. The pack is upset over the fact that she’s been let stay.
Soon all will find out why she was allowed to stay, but will they ever welcome her? What else might be going on? Read and find out. It’s a good story, full of family, bonds, pack rules, challenges and a short war. All worth reading about.
July 29, 2017
My oh my was this story fangtastic, this is going to be one great series! I was told I would love it and she was certainly right, I couldn't get enough of it, but I didn't want it to end either...I so look forward to reading more about the Westin Pack and the great characters. It is so refreshing to read a whole different take on the pack dynamics in this story and the bit of history within which I'm sure I'll read more about as the books start flowing in.. What really got my attention is that certain females were considered so strong that they became a threat to the pack dynamics and were practically eliminated because of it. So get ready to cheer those alpha females on.
Kelsey Adams can't let anyone know, or suspect that she is a monster. After witnessing the murder of her parents at the tender age of 12 and having been attacked herself and turned, she carries the secret of what they turned her into that night. She finally leaves the foster system at 18 and finds a home where she can stay hidden from all. She lands a great job and finally feels like she is home, only problem is when she first meets her new boss CEO of The Westin Foundation, she feels the need to try and keep all professional, despite the tingling she feels when she meets him and his insistence that she call him by his first name. He must never discover the monster that lives within her, despite the strong feelings he stirs in her, feelings she has never felt before. Kelsey is about to be thrust into and discover a world she never imagined existed and what a huge and important part of it she is.
Kyle Westin is CEO of The Westin Foundation and future Alpha of the Westin Pack, he can never keep an assistant for very long, none meet his expectations, only his sisters will put up with him. Until his newly hired assistant walks in that is and he realizes she is his one true mate, problem is she doesn't seem to feel the same. No matter what he does to make her admit her feelings, or how hard a task he gives her, she always comes through stoically with no indication that she feels anything at all. How can a she wolf not bow to an alpha's strength. Kyle will learn after many years of patience that his true mate is more than meets the eye.
This story was awesome, so much strength, love, devotion, even a bit of magic had me glued to my kindle for hours of intrigue and suspense.
.If I didn't already have an alpha and pack that I am very loyal to, I'd bare my neck too because I felt the pull like everyone else. LoL
Kelsey Adams can't let anyone know, or suspect that she is a monster. After witnessing the murder of her parents at the tender age of 12 and having been attacked herself and turned, she carries the secret of what they turned her into that night. She finally leaves the foster system at 18 and finds a home where she can stay hidden from all. She lands a great job and finally feels like she is home, only problem is when she first meets her new boss CEO of The Westin Foundation, she feels the need to try and keep all professional, despite the tingling she feels when she meets him and his insistence that she call him by his first name. He must never discover the monster that lives within her, despite the strong feelings he stirs in her, feelings she has never felt before. Kelsey is about to be thrust into and discover a world she never imagined existed and what a huge and important part of it she is.
Kyle Westin is CEO of The Westin Foundation and future Alpha of the Westin Pack, he can never keep an assistant for very long, none meet his expectations, only his sisters will put up with him. Until his newly hired assistant walks in that is and he realizes she is his one true mate, problem is she doesn't seem to feel the same. No matter what he does to make her admit her feelings, or how hard a task he gives her, she always comes through stoically with no indication that she feels anything at all. How can a she wolf not bow to an alpha's strength. Kyle will learn after many years of patience that his true mate is more than meets the eye.
This story was awesome, so much strength, love, devotion, even a bit of magic had me glued to my kindle for hours of intrigue and suspense.
.If I didn't already have an alpha and pack that I am very loyal to, I'd bare my neck too because I felt the pull like everyone else. LoL
July 22, 2017
Wow! “One True Mate” is so phenomenal that I’d give it 6 stars if I could, that’s how blown away I am by this talented author! ... A fan-freaking-tastic, unique must read that is well thought out with a refreshing & totally new take on shifters that kept me on the edge of my seat turning pages! ... I never write spoilers, but the H/h were perfectly written with superb & witty dialogue, even tho it took a while for one of them to see the writing on the wall ;) lol ... All the characters were awesome- the good & the bad; great attention to detail with surprise twists & turns that were intriguing... The flow of the story developed beautifully at the right pace & I devoured this book- wanting to know more, yet not wanting it to end! :o ... But I must confess I am now an addict :o An addict who’s been left craving for more & counting the days until my next fix—which will be the 2nd book coming in a couple months, but not soon enough for my liking ;) lol ... Heck, I’m an Alpha in my own rights, yet I was ready to kneel & bare my neck pledging my allegiance to this author before I was even halfway done ;) lol ... So yes, I do highly recommend this to all fans of fiction & especially those who love paranormal, fantasy or romantic sci-fi like I do! I can’t wait for more and predict this author has a bright future! ... Even tho I offered to voluntarily read this, these are my honest feelings without any outside influences.
July 25, 2020
.
I'm gonna say 3.5 stars rounded up because it was fun ; )
I ended up really enjoying this low angst read. The writing is competent but no awesome.
Kelsey has a sad sack backstory that has kept her afraid of wolves and hiding her werewolf nature from the world. She doesn't realize that there are many 'werewolves', not even when she moves to a town filled with them. In fact, two years pass before circumstances contrive to reveal all to her ...and to everyone else.
It's a pretty straight forward tale, but I liked the world building and the characters were (for the most part) not black and white. People/shifters could be bad without being 'bad'.
The story was a bit of an onion, with things being revealed as the story goes on.
This is a 'mate refused' because she doesn't realize that Kyle is her mate. But Kyle knows and can't understand why she refuses to acknowledge him. The two years they spend in this limbo was hard to believe, but it ties in to the intrigue later on, so just bear with it...
Not sure if the next books would suck me in as much, but I look forward to trying them out!
If they do work out, it will be great because they are available on audio too.
Safety is fine
I'm gonna say 3.5 stars rounded up because it was fun ; )
I ended up really enjoying this low angst read. The writing is competent but no awesome.
Kelsey has a sad sack backstory that has kept her afraid of wolves and hiding her werewolf nature from the world. She doesn't realize that there are many 'werewolves', not even when she moves to a town filled with them. In fact, two years pass before circumstances contrive to reveal all to her ...and to everyone else.
It's a pretty straight forward tale, but I liked the world building and the characters were (for the most part) not black and white. People/shifters could be bad without being 'bad'.
The story was a bit of an onion, with things being revealed as the story goes on.
This is a 'mate refused' because she doesn't realize that Kyle is her mate. But Kyle knows and can't understand why she refuses to acknowledge him. The two years they spend in this limbo was hard to believe, but it ties in to the intrigue later on, so just bear with it...
Not sure if the next books would suck me in as much, but I look forward to trying them out!
If they do work out, it will be great because they are available on audio too.
Safety is fine
June 28, 2018
This is an awesome first book by a new author. The characters and the storyline had me at the beginning of the book until the end.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
November 4, 2023
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed it... with caveats.
I liked that the heroine was so strong and capable. She's a female alpha and that's cool. However...
The norm/law is to kill female alphas as babies/children. Basically, as soon as you can tell they are alphas. Cause a female alpha "has too much power". And NO ONE QUESTIONS THIS! Seriously, there's this part near the end where they're about to go to war to protect her and they say stuff like "if she dies, then her mate dies"... NOT "this is a wrong rule. We shouldn't be killing female alphas".
This book had so much potential, but at no time does the author say "hey, by the way, it's wrong to kill female alphas". Nope. It's just "the heroine is special and she is more controlled than other female alphas". So, it's okay that male alphas kill folks, but female alphas don't even get the chance. They're just "too powerful" to live.
It felt so weird.
Not the most well-thought world building.
Also, this book has fade to black... not just in sexy scenes but in general. In the beginning, there's an issue... fade to black "TWO YEARS LATER..."
Uh, what!?
So... it's not bad... but it's not my favorite. The heroine is a badass and I like her. But I hated how many times the hero (who, by the way, is WEAKE R than her) tells his mate "step aside... it's my job as alpha to protect you". Uh. She's also alpha! And she's stronger than you. Don't be so weird about this.
I enjoyed it... with caveats.
I liked that the heroine was so strong and capable. She's a female alpha and that's cool. However...
The norm/law is to kill female alphas as babies/children. Basically, as soon as you can tell they are alphas. Cause a female alpha "has too much power". And NO ONE QUESTIONS THIS! Seriously, there's this part near the end where they're about to go to war to protect her and they say stuff like "if she dies, then her mate dies"... NOT "this is a wrong rule. We shouldn't be killing female alphas".
This book had so much potential, but at no time does the author say "hey, by the way, it's wrong to kill female alphas". Nope. It's just "the heroine is special and she is more controlled than other female alphas". So, it's okay that male alphas kill folks, but female alphas don't even get the chance. They're just "too powerful" to live.
It felt so weird.
Not the most well-thought world building.
Also, this book has fade to black... not just in sexy scenes but in general. In the beginning, there's an issue... fade to black "TWO YEARS LATER..."
Uh, what!?
So... it's not bad... but it's not my favorite. The heroine is a badass and I like her. But I hated how many times the hero (who, by the way, is WEAKE R than her) tells his mate "step aside... it's my job as alpha to protect you". Uh. She's also alpha! And she's stronger than you. Don't be so weird about this.
June 7, 2017
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down! Julie did a great job developing the characters and the relationships in the first book of the Westin Pack series. I was worried that the time jump would be an issue for me, but it actually wasn't, it helped with the storyline. I liked the mix of action, romance, and fantasy that she weaved throughout the book. Without spoiling anything, I appreciated the gritty/wild moments, like the fights scenes; it made it feel more real/believable.
Some of the side characters were actually my favorites, especially Cole (he seems like a fun guy to be around/definitely a troublemaker haha). I can't wait for the 2nd book, to see the next couple's relationship develop and the major storyline continue. I would highly recommend reading this book!
Some of the side characters were actually my favorites, especially Cole (he seems like a fun guy to be around/definitely a troublemaker haha). I can't wait for the 2nd book, to see the next couple's relationship develop and the major storyline continue. I would highly recommend reading this book!
July 27, 2017
Kelsey Adams was orphaned at twelve years old. She watched her parents killed by wolves, werewolves. She was bitten and turned that night. Her mother told her to watch out for wolves and to run from them. Shuffled in and out of the Foster Home system, she kept her secret to herself. Finally aging out of the system she wandered around the country until she found a place that felt like home and she wanted to stay. San Marco is a town built by the powerful Westin Wolf Pack. Kelsey has no idea that there are wolves all around her. She just knows she feels at home and safe here. She wants to finish up her online college degree and keep her secret. She finds a job and is immediately attracted to the boss, Kyle Westin. She wanted to keep things professional despite having unprofessional feelings. Kyle know immediately that Kelsey is his one true mate. He knows he has to go slowly since she is unaware of wolf society and culture. He courts her slowly over two years. She is a rare shifter, fast and with female alpha powers that are forbidden.
This was a great book, good characters, compelling story. I could hardly put this book down. There are so many great characters. I love the Westin Family. Jason and Mary have some great wolf children. Kyle, Elise, Lily, Liam and Chase. I hope they each get their own story. Cole Anderson, the black wolf tattoo artist is intriguing as well. This was a page turner and kept you on the edge of your seat. I am eagerly awaiting the next Westin Pack book.
This was a great book, good characters, compelling story. I could hardly put this book down. There are so many great characters. I love the Westin Family. Jason and Mary have some great wolf children. Kyle, Elise, Lily, Liam and Chase. I hope they each get their own story. Cole Anderson, the black wolf tattoo artist is intriguing as well. This was a page turner and kept you on the edge of your seat. I am eagerly awaiting the next Westin Pack book.
July 26, 2017
I was gifted this book by a friend and it was a true gem that I just could not put down for the life of me. I had to do it to go to bed, but trust me, this book even followed me into my dreams and it was a real torture to not get back to it until I was able to. The characters are highly relatable to and the pack truly felt like home. The action in this book was a real page turner and every event, every character, every turn of the page made me prisoner of it's tale. If you love wolf shifters, a true family bond, characters that are bigger than life and a story line that will keep you glued to your reader, this book is definitively for you. Yes, the book is pretty long to read, but I promise you that you will get so much into the story that you will not even realize it and in the end, you will regret that it will be over. Great work by Julie Trettel!
August 30, 2017
A pleasant surprise!
When I read the blurb I was very intrigued. I'm a huge shifter lover so I started this one right away. Sooo good!
The character development was stellar and I loved not only the two main characters but the rest too. I adored Kelsey and Kyle's story.
Lots to love of this book and is a HEA with a solid ending. While it's a series so you can get more of the Westin's, this story wrapped up at the end. I highly recommend anyone who loves adult PNR to check out this five glittery star read!
When I read the blurb I was very intrigued. I'm a huge shifter lover so I started this one right away. Sooo good!
The character development was stellar and I loved not only the two main characters but the rest too. I adored Kelsey and Kyle's story.
Lots to love of this book and is a HEA with a solid ending. While it's a series so you can get more of the Westin's, this story wrapped up at the end. I highly recommend anyone who loves adult PNR to check out this five glittery star read!
June 20, 2017
I don't normally read shifter books but I'm glad I got the opportunity to give this one a go. Some of the story twists I expected and I had issues with the concept of challenges to the death if finding a mate was such a precious occurrence among the different packs but all in all an enjoyable and easy read. If you love shifter books then this is for you.
March 20, 2019
A fantastic Paranormal Romance (shifters) story that you can really sink your canines into :) ! A nice blend of both a character driven and plot driven story. Loved the mystery that was Kelsey's upbringing and life, and kept me turning the pages until the end. A great debut novel for Ms. Trettel, and can hardly wait to read more of what she comes up with! A fantastic start.
January 26, 2019
Oh my gosh this book was a roller coaster of a ride at one part it made me laugh so hard that I started crying
February 9, 2020
Meh but thankfully Kindle Unlimited... curious enough to go for #2
November 17, 2019
Free story! Over all a good book!
August 26, 2017
Best this year!!!
Omg girls! I have been waiting for a great Wolfe story and this is it!!! I couldn't put down this book the entire day! Kelsey and Kyle's story was well laid out, captivating, and keeps you guessing how it's going to go. I'm super excited to see the second book!!!
Omg girls! I have been waiting for a great Wolfe story and this is it!!! I couldn't put down this book the entire day! Kelsey and Kyle's story was well laid out, captivating, and keeps you guessing how it's going to go. I'm super excited to see the second book!!!
September 9, 2017
WOW.
Let me start off with: I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down, I was so easily invested in it. I really liked Kelsey's (aka Elena) story and how she went through something so tragic but ended up being a strong woman/wolf shifter. So when Kelsey was about 12 years old she watched werewolves kill her parents and then try to kill her. She thought that from their bite that was when she instantly turned into a wolf herself. She thought she was a monster and she always did what her mom told her to: Run and don't get near a wolf. Years after this event, she moved for the last time and rented out a little cabin and instantly felt at home. She didn't know that she was in wolf territory--because she didn't know anything about wolves or that she wasn't the only one. It took about 2 years for her to find out that she actually was living in a wolf territory, found out she had a one true mate, oh and that she is a very powerful alpha-female.
After she moved to this new town, she meets Kyle and he's her one true mate. Now only he really knows this at first (until he tells his dad--who is the alpha) and they place her under protection. They due this because it is protocol to run a lonewolf out of their territory if they don't go and meet the alpha first thing (Kelsey obviously doesn't know the rules since she didn't know she was in wolf territory). After 2 years they fall for each other, but really it's just Kelsey finally catching up on things. They mate and then they get challenged by other wolves for their mates? (I hope that makes sense...) In the end they stay together because by the time the 4th challenge comes alone they have fully completed their mate bonding. This means that is one of them gets hurt...the other feels that. Very dramatic.
Now the one thing I did not like about this book was the free willy-nilly of killing female alphas BECAUSE they were more powerful. I'm sorry but what?!?! It shouldn't matter who is more powerful, an alpha is an alpha. Damn. I get that some people don't like how Kyle was not always acting like an alpha around Kelsey but I mean...the book does state that female alphas are more powerful. So you shouldn't really get mad at Kyle because he can't control it. Yeah he has power...but she obviously has more. She doesn't use it against him but I mean he still feels and knows it's there. So why bother?!?
I really liked their relationship and how Kyle didn't force himself onto her just because she was his mate. He knew what she went through and wanted her to come to her own conclusion about what she was on her own time. Yeah people in his community didn't like that he waited for 2 years until she knew.. but I mean he didn't want to pressure her and I like that he didn't.
It was also interesting to hear more about Kelsey's past when her aunt was mentioned in the end of the book. I loved how she, in a way, got closure for what happened to her family. She found out she was 1/3 kids: triplets and all girls. And how her old clan order their deaths because of how powerful they were. Plus how she gained her sisters powers after they died was a unique twist. It makes me sad that they were killed as pups (mostly 'cause they didn't really know what not to do) since most wolf-shifters don't gain their power until 18 years old. They gained theirs at 2-3 years old, so I don't really think that was a fair decision on their part.
I can't wait for the next book to come out later this month :)
Let me start off with: I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down, I was so easily invested in it. I really liked Kelsey's (aka Elena) story and how she went through something so tragic but ended up being a strong woman/wolf shifter. So when Kelsey was about 12 years old she watched werewolves kill her parents and then try to kill her. She thought that from their bite that was when she instantly turned into a wolf herself. She thought she was a monster and she always did what her mom told her to: Run and don't get near a wolf. Years after this event, she moved for the last time and rented out a little cabin and instantly felt at home. She didn't know that she was in wolf territory--because she didn't know anything about wolves or that she wasn't the only one. It took about 2 years for her to find out that she actually was living in a wolf territory, found out she had a one true mate, oh and that she is a very powerful alpha-female.
After she moved to this new town, she meets Kyle and he's her one true mate. Now only he really knows this at first (until he tells his dad--who is the alpha) and they place her under protection. They due this because it is protocol to run a lonewolf out of their territory if they don't go and meet the alpha first thing (Kelsey obviously doesn't know the rules since she didn't know she was in wolf territory). After 2 years they fall for each other, but really it's just Kelsey finally catching up on things. They mate and then they get challenged by other wolves for their mates? (I hope that makes sense...) In the end they stay together because by the time the 4th challenge comes alone they have fully completed their mate bonding. This means that is one of them gets hurt...the other feels that. Very dramatic.
Now the one thing I did not like about this book was the free willy-nilly of killing female alphas BECAUSE they were more powerful. I'm sorry but what?!?! It shouldn't matter who is more powerful, an alpha is an alpha. Damn. I get that some people don't like how Kyle was not always acting like an alpha around Kelsey but I mean...the book does state that female alphas are more powerful. So you shouldn't really get mad at Kyle because he can't control it. Yeah he has power...but she obviously has more. She doesn't use it against him but I mean he still feels and knows it's there. So why bother?!?
I really liked their relationship and how Kyle didn't force himself onto her just because she was his mate. He knew what she went through and wanted her to come to her own conclusion about what she was on her own time. Yeah people in his community didn't like that he waited for 2 years until she knew.. but I mean he didn't want to pressure her and I like that he didn't.
It was also interesting to hear more about Kelsey's past when her aunt was mentioned in the end of the book. I loved how she, in a way, got closure for what happened to her family. She found out she was 1/3 kids: triplets and all girls. And how her old clan order their deaths because of how powerful they were. Plus how she gained her sisters powers after they died was a unique twist. It makes me sad that they were killed as pups (mostly 'cause they didn't really know what not to do) since most wolf-shifters don't gain their power until 18 years old. They gained theirs at 2-3 years old, so I don't really think that was a fair decision on their part.
I can't wait for the next book to come out later this month :)
July 29, 2017
Trettel's engaging narrative finds us somewhat protective of the mysteriously independent Kelsey. Escaping the trauma of witnessing her parents death while considering herself a lone shape shifting beast, Kelsey just wants to live as quiet a life as possible in the new town she's moved to. Her plight to remain separated from anyone in the town is short lived once she unexpectedly learns her antisocial manner has offended powerful neighbors.
Kelsey and Kyle Westin, her boss in every sense of the word, become romantically involved in a PG-rated, tasteful way that would suit young adult readers.
Overall, this was an engaging, romantic and fun ride!
Kelsey and Kyle Westin, her boss in every sense of the word, become romantically involved in a PG-rated, tasteful way that would suit young adult readers.
Overall, this was an engaging, romantic and fun ride!
August 31, 2020
In a stunningly bad-show of writing, the author thought they could "avoid" the insta-love trope so common to this genre by writing in a two-year time skip with a break-in paragraphs.
Is there any effort to show a change in the relationships between the characters who go from strangers to close friends and coworkers of two years? No. If it weren't for "I worked alongside you for two years" and "We've been friends for two years" being mentioned nearly every other page, you would've thought the entire book took place over the course of two WEEKS.
Is there any continuity or even any sense in this universe? Do the pack dynamics (if you call it that) make any sense? Again, a resounding no. Even though the idea of a "lone wolf" is horrifying to the overwhelming majority of their pack, Kyle (the love interest) and his father ignore this and the concerns of their fellow shifters because Kelsey is his "one true mate," and we're supposed to believe that the pack stays relatively docile and allows Kelsey to live in relative isolation (how in God's name am I supposed to believe she lived in this town for TWO YEARS and didn't know the NAMES of anyone besides Kyle's family???) for TWO YEARS.
Let's not even ADDRESS the , because there are already way too many problems as it is.
If all that wasn't enough, it also needs to have gone through a few more rounds of editing - the dialogue is stilted and the narration is awkward.
I'd very much like the time I wasted reading this book back.
Is there any effort to show a change in the relationships between the characters who go from strangers to close friends and coworkers of two years? No. If it weren't for "I worked alongside you for two years" and "We've been friends for two years" being mentioned nearly every other page, you would've thought the entire book took place over the course of two WEEKS.
Is there any continuity or even any sense in this universe? Do the pack dynamics (if you call it that) make any sense? Again, a resounding no. Even though the idea of a "lone wolf" is horrifying to the overwhelming majority of their pack, Kyle (the love interest) and his father ignore this and the concerns of their fellow shifters because Kelsey is his "one true mate," and we're supposed to believe that the pack stays relatively docile and allows Kelsey to live in relative isolation (how in God's name am I supposed to believe she lived in this town for TWO YEARS and didn't know the NAMES of anyone besides Kyle's family???) for TWO YEARS.
Let's not even ADDRESS the , because there are already way too many problems as it is.
If all that wasn't enough, it also needs to have gone through a few more rounds of editing - the dialogue is stilted and the narration is awkward.
I'd very much like the time I wasted reading this book back.
February 27, 2019
Ok, so I feel like even 4 stars is pretty generous at this point. If there was a way to rate it 3.5 I would have.
I know this is Julie's first ever book but there was an underlying 'thing' that i did not like.
I on't like spoilers but I feel like I am going to be dropping a few because you need to know some stuff to really get it.
Firstly the hero, was not as much of an alpha as I would have liked. He was waaaaaay to freaking easily emotional and blushed also there was kissing with other woman as to not hurt their feelings. For a couple of true mates, I don't understand how he waited two years before he actually confronted the heroine! I am all for a man who loves his woman and will have emotions with her but I just felt like he wasn't my favourite.
The heroine was a lot, she thinks she is a monster and doesn't realise that shifters a thing and she is n't the only one. She didn't irritate me too much as she was actually pretty confident within herself.
There was a little bit of really, unbelievable things that happen that I was not sure i was happy with but I think that because of the ending I felt better with the book. Ultimately the ending is what saved this book a little but more for me.
The problem is that I've read the blurb for the next book and I will probably be avoiding that one too. I am willing to give the author another go but maybe one of her other books. Her writing style isn't actually all the bad, I think I just don't love it as much as I would have wanted to.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
I know this is Julie's first ever book but there was an underlying 'thing' that i did not like.
I on't like spoilers but I feel like I am going to be dropping a few because you need to know some stuff to really get it.
Firstly the hero, was not as much of an alpha as I would have liked. He was waaaaaay to freaking easily emotional and blushed also there was kissing with other woman as to not hurt their feelings. For a couple of true mates, I don't understand how he waited two years before he actually confronted the heroine! I am all for a man who loves his woman and will have emotions with her but I just felt like he wasn't my favourite.
The heroine was a lot, she thinks she is a monster and doesn't realise that shifters a thing and she is n't the only one. She didn't irritate me too much as she was actually pretty confident within herself.
There was a little bit of really, unbelievable things that happen that I was not sure i was happy with but I think that because of the ending I felt better with the book. Ultimately the ending is what saved this book a little but more for me.
The problem is that I've read the blurb for the next book and I will probably be avoiding that one too. I am willing to give the author another go but maybe one of her other books. Her writing style isn't actually all the bad, I think I just don't love it as much as I would have wanted to.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
3✨
This book was very YA. And I’m not a YA reader so that might be why I’m so critical of it.
The storyline was good however, there were a lot of details missing from the start. Like first why didn’t she recognize other shifters scents? why was there no different, you’d think she’d have figured it out over the years. Then, it took a ridiculously long time to realize she didn’t turn to a wolf from the bite. It was never specified you couldn’t turn that way just that you’re born a shifter. So it was hard to piece together it wasn’t the bite that turned her she was just a wolf all along. And then where did her memories go? Just gone for no reason lol she was raised by her parents til she was 12 then just suddenly lost all memories of being a shifter raised around shifters? It all just did not add up.
There was also a random 2 year gap that made no sense and was not warned. It was just like “2 years ago when I started working here” UH WHAT. Where did the 2 years go????
Honestly, it came off like it was a wattpad fanfic written by a teenager. Which Obv I still read bc I’m from that generation.
There was no smut, it was basically all the “fade to black” scenes that are common in YA - just fyi for the smut readers.
Anyway, this is a series but I prob won’t finish it unless I’m done with my tbr. (So never, bc that will never happen)
This book was very YA. And I’m not a YA reader so that might be why I’m so critical of it.
The storyline was good however, there were a lot of details missing from the start. Like first why didn’t she recognize other shifters scents? why was there no different, you’d think she’d have figured it out over the years. Then, it took a ridiculously long time to realize she didn’t turn to a wolf from the bite. It was never specified you couldn’t turn that way just that you’re born a shifter. So it was hard to piece together it wasn’t the bite that turned her she was just a wolf all along. And then where did her memories go? Just gone for no reason lol she was raised by her parents til she was 12 then just suddenly lost all memories of being a shifter raised around shifters? It all just did not add up.
There was also a random 2 year gap that made no sense and was not warned. It was just like “2 years ago when I started working here” UH WHAT. Where did the 2 years go????
Honestly, it came off like it was a wattpad fanfic written by a teenager. Which Obv I still read bc I’m from that generation.
There was no smut, it was basically all the “fade to black” scenes that are common in YA - just fyi for the smut readers.
Anyway, this is a series but I prob won’t finish it unless I’m done with my tbr. (So never, bc that will never happen)
December 3, 2025
what in the wattpad (derogatory)
The writing in this is just so unbelievably bad. Like middle school bad. The FMC hasn’t told ANYONE her “trauma” or shown ANYONE the scar she has and yet she’s telling the exact story to TWO PEOPLE in two days? And showing THREE PEOPLE her scar? Oh, and don’t worry—we see both conversations, so if you wanted to fact check that the FMC told the story the exact same way with the exact same details, well, you can. (And then the amazingly clever segue of “but, back to my scar.” JFC save me.)
There’s some interesting premise here but it’s so horribly overshadowed by the lack of comma/semi colon/respect for grammar and punctuation. And the tragically flat and boring characters don’t hep either.
But I’m at 22% of this SHORT book and there’s nothing nothing nothing, then a 2 year time skip, then suddenly a backstory reveal (twice) + true love confession + dangerous attack + wolf reveal + one true mate confession. That’s between 17-22%. Plotting? Pacing? I don’t know her.
Anyways, I can only imagine the rest of the book is even more bananas, and I just can’t.
The writing in this is just so unbelievably bad. Like middle school bad. The FMC hasn’t told ANYONE her “trauma” or shown ANYONE the scar she has and yet she’s telling the exact story to TWO PEOPLE in two days? And showing THREE PEOPLE her scar? Oh, and don’t worry—we see both conversations, so if you wanted to fact check that the FMC told the story the exact same way with the exact same details, well, you can. (And then the amazingly clever segue of “but, back to my scar.” JFC save me.)
There’s some interesting premise here but it’s so horribly overshadowed by the lack of comma/semi colon/respect for grammar and punctuation. And the tragically flat and boring characters don’t hep either.
But I’m at 22% of this SHORT book and there’s nothing nothing nothing, then a 2 year time skip, then suddenly a backstory reveal (twice) + true love confession + dangerous attack + wolf reveal + one true mate confession. That’s between 17-22%. Plotting? Pacing? I don’t know her.
Anyways, I can only imagine the rest of the book is even more bananas, and I just can’t.
June 1, 2017
This book is totally different from your normal shifter romance. It had a completely different spin. I loved that Kelsey had no idea what she was, after the attack on her family, she shifted. Thinking that she was a werewolf, bitten and changed during the attack.
I haven't read a book where the main char is unsure, and scared of what she was. So this spin was amazing for me. As I'm easily bored with the same ol' and shifters are my favourite.
I loved how long it was, It was so well written. So every time I checked what % I was through the book, I may have fist pumped each time when I saw how much longer there was to go.
I also liked how protective the pack became towards her, despite what a danger Kelsey was for them.
Loved it. I loved that it wasn't full of sex too, I don't have issues with that sort of book, but some just turn the whole thing in to a sex fest. And This wasn't. It was amazing, I felt I got to know the characters, I felt for each of them. And I seriously can not wait for book 2.
=D Bring it on!
I haven't read a book where the main char is unsure, and scared of what she was. So this spin was amazing for me. As I'm easily bored with the same ol' and shifters are my favourite.
I loved how long it was, It was so well written. So every time I checked what % I was through the book, I may have fist pumped each time when I saw how much longer there was to go.
I also liked how protective the pack became towards her, despite what a danger Kelsey was for them.
Loved it. I loved that it wasn't full of sex too, I don't have issues with that sort of book, but some just turn the whole thing in to a sex fest. And This wasn't. It was amazing, I felt I got to know the characters, I felt for each of them. And I seriously can not wait for book 2.
=D Bring it on!
June 27, 2017
I'm new to reading Julie Trettel. I'm so excited that I found her. I love shifter books, and what I especially loved about this was the timeline. this wasn't a 'Ohhh, you're my mate! Let's mate!" It took a couple of years for this relationship to bloom. It was fast paced and I loved every second of it.
Kelsey and Kyle are a great combo. It's fun to see them interact with each other. I love Kyle's family and the love that they have for each other. I adore Kyle's mother and her meddling in her kids' lives.
I couldn't put this book down. I highlight certain parts of the book to go back and read and laugh and found myself re-reading parts of the book again. That's my favorite part about books I love. That I can read them over and over again. This is one of those books.
What's even better is that it's available with Kindle Unlimited. I bought the book, because I want to go back and read it again and again, but I adore authors who also have their books through KU.
Read it! Especially if you love shifter books. *sigh*
Kelsey and Kyle are a great combo. It's fun to see them interact with each other. I love Kyle's family and the love that they have for each other. I adore Kyle's mother and her meddling in her kids' lives.
I couldn't put this book down. I highlight certain parts of the book to go back and read and laugh and found myself re-reading parts of the book again. That's my favorite part about books I love. That I can read them over and over again. This is one of those books.
What's even better is that it's available with Kindle Unlimited. I bought the book, because I want to go back and read it again and again, but I adore authors who also have their books through KU.
Read it! Especially if you love shifter books. *sigh*
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