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Metal & Magic #2

Shifting Shadows

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Something is moving in the shadows of Hanover Hills.

Being the lead enforcer of a werewolf pack isn’t the easiest job in the world, but Deckard Warren doesn’t trust anyone else to do it. Most days he doesn’t trust anyone, period. He leads his unit of Ironheld Wolves--defending their territory and protecting their alpha--with vigilance and a wrath as unforgiving as he is. When a man who doesn’t know his own name is chased into wolf territory by a rival pack, Deckard discovers something he thought didn’t exist for him and that he knows he doesn’t deserve.

Colt is running, but from what? And to where? He doesn’t remember anything before the moment he crossed the border into Ironheld Wolf territory with only the clothes on his back. After he leaps straight into the arms of the gruffest, most intimidating man he thinks he’s ever met, the werewolf seems hell bent on helping Colt get his memories back if only so he can send him on his way. With no other options, Colt takes Deckard up on his offer of refuge and sets out to figure out what happened to him even as proximity to the werewolf threatens to have him losing more than the recollection of his past.

But when the shadows shift and enemies are brought to light, will Deckard and Colt find a way to stand together or watch as everything around them drowns in darkness?

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2018

160 people are currently reading
452 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Frost

56 books478 followers
Romance writer. Dog mom. Hoarder of coffee cups. She/her.

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5 stars
269 (31%)
4 stars
315 (36%)
3 stars
212 (24%)
2 stars
53 (6%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘.
1,314 reviews3,106 followers
January 25, 2019
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Needed A Whole Lot More*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

The book centers around Deckard ‘Deck’ Warren, the lead enforcer of a werewolf pack called Ironheld Wolves and Colt (23?), who suffers memory loss. They meet when Colt is chased by a rival pack (the Bramble Pack, the coyotes) of the I.W. into their territory. Unfortunately, Colt has no idea who he is, but one thing is certain for Deck, Colt is his mate. But with Colt not knowing who he is or his past, Deck decides not to tell Colt that information because he fears Colt has a life waiting for him. However, something is happening with Colt, and they need to find out what it is and fast.

Overall, it was a strong dose of insta-love. I should've known. The story - it's concept - had potential, but it didn't live up to that potential. It also lack some depth that was needed. Oh and am I the only one who found the name ‘Deckard’ weird? I've never heard it before... and it certainly didn't sound good in my head. Not sure if I want to continue the series. I have no idea if it'll continue to be about Deck and Colt or if it'll be about someone complete different. I'll probably have this series at the back of my mind in case I get bored sometime, but for now....

The Truth About Colt:


Other Characters:
Josh Warren (20), Deckard's cousin, the youngest enforcer of the Ironheld Wolf Pack.
Gavin, Deckard's human Alpha and brother-in-law: was married to Isobel, Deck's sister who is dead. She had been the Alpha, Gavin the Alpha's mate, now he's Alpha.
Emery (4), Deck's niece and Gavin and Isobel's daughter.
Blaze, Viper, Carnival, and Walrus ‘Wally’, enforcers of the Ironheld Wolf Pack.
Jerry, a wolf who want to be Alpha.
Blake, the only werewolf detective on the very human police force of Hanover Hills.
Zeb Mullin, a werebear and lived on one of the outer edges of Ironheld Wolf Pack territory.
Sera, Josh’s sister and she was as fierce a woman and wolf.
Lena, Gavin's mother, a witch and sometimes she can sense things about people or events. She predicted Isobel's death.

“Watch your six,” I called as Josh reached to open the door.
“I always do.” Then he was gone and I was left with my thoughts and the steady breathing coming from the other room.
What the fuck was I going to do with him? Climbing to my feet, I walked to the open door of the guest room. Even in the darkness, I could make out the details of his face. He was handsome, but I wouldn’t put him at more than twenty-five. Too young for me. Maybe my wolf had finally gone off the deep end, thinking this one was somehow for us.
Not that it mattered. He was human and had no way to know what his smell did to my wolf. No way to know what him being in this house did to the chasm that lived in my chest. And I sure as shit was never going to tell him.


Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Deckard ‘Deck’ Warren.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure, probably not.
Would I recommend this book/series? -Not really.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,656 reviews456 followers
November 5, 2018
This was a sweet little nugget. I love mate books and this one was just how I like them. My biggest complaint though, is I wanted it to be longer. I need all the "in between" moments. That would have made it a near perfect mate story. I would suggest reading Shifting Shadows first so you get the back story of the world. The author says we will see more of Bram and Matthew in future books. I'm looking forward to it.

Merged review:

This was a sweet hurt-comfort mate story. Colt broke my heart. You just know he had a bad life. And while Deck would proclaim he couldn’t keep Colt, he did not push him away or deny him. I loved both mc’s and I’m really looking forward to more in this series. There were things I wish were fleshed out more or explained, but it was just what I needed in the mate department. It’s a HFN with an ongoing story arc for those of you who like a complete series 😉
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,659 reviews154 followers
November 4, 2018
** 4.75 stars **

This is my first time reading Ms Frost's work and I really enjoyed it. Yes, it was a book about mates but it read as a slow burn and the relationship had time to develop. Both MCs were lovable even though one of them had amnesia. I loved how this author presented the world - paranormals out and what was the outcome of their existence coming to light. It was well-written and it got me curious to know more.

Deckard is a force to reckon with, he has his demons to contend with and does not believe a mate is in the cards for him. So when a young man literally falls into his arms, he is torn between his desire to keep him and to stay away. This young man feels scared when he can't remember anything but what he does know is that he trusts Deck. They become friends first, then something deeper develops between them. There were many secondary characters that left positive impression on me, and I would dearly love for them to get their own story!

The twist in the story threw me for a loop! Wow, that was well done. I loved the heck out of the last part of the book. It was intense, with a bit of angst and a slight feeling of wonder at how this author spun her tale. Many questions are answered, a common enemy is identified and when it looks like a great sacrifice will be made in the name of family and love, that said family shows that when you are one of them they do not leave you behind, that they stand their ground with you and fight to the death.

I loved everything about the story, the magic and the characters. The only objection I had about this book was its editing - it needed work. Otherwise this was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,433 reviews377 followers
November 14, 2018
It's been a while since I read a good amnesia story! Combine that with wolf shifters and fun world building, mates and a case of insta-lust, magic, and a delicious slow burn - well, that's just all a winning combination.

I loved Deck and his pack mates and fellow enforcers. While on patrol one night, Deck saves a man running from the neighboring shifter territory, and is shocked to find that the man is his mate. His mate can't remember his name, his past, or anything - so Deck names him Colt, for him being so skittish the first night they are together.

I loved the slow burn in this. Although Deck knew they were mates, he was hesitant and respectful of Colt not remembering his past and who he is. I thought that they had great chemistry together, little touches and them just falling into sync together was lovely to read about. I would love to know more as far as being mates and hope that there will be more in future stories?

Of course, secrets are revealed and the true reason Colt is there comes to light - but Deck is still determined to protect his mate, even when Colt's memory comes back. I did feel like the last third of the book was maybe slightly rushed? Especially in comparison to the first half of the book, but I still really enjoyed this from start to finish.

Also! Major cover love! I can't wait for the next book in the series. Although it seems like this will be a continuation of the first story - ends kinda on a cliffhanger but with the plot, not with the relationship between Deck and Colt. That's a firm HFN, on the way to a HEA for sure.

I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sammy Higgins.
440 reviews8 followers
April 30, 2023
This is the third book in the Metal & Magic Series. The prequel is available from the Book Boyfriend Giveaway 2022. I loved that book and the first book so I had to read this one.

Cody has no memories of his past and doesn't know who he is. Deck finds him and realises Cody is his mate. After saving him, Deck takes him to his home to recover. Deck feels like he doesn't deserve a mate due to the fact he feels responsible for his sister's death.

In this book, we meet the Warren pack, of which Deck Warren is the Head enforcer. He tries to fight the mate pull, but it proves hard to do. When wolves try to harm to pack, they must all work together to stop them.

It is very sweet to watch Deck care for his mate. Their relationship doesn't develop till there is danger. Only then does Deckard make a move. There was one really short, proper, sex scene in the book. It wasn't, burn the covers kind of sex.

It was a surprise to see who Colt truly was. Also, the bad guy doesn't get defeated in this one. We have to wait for the next book to see that happen. It just felt a bit rushed in places, especially where their relationship is involved. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first one. I can't wait to see where the story goes next.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for ~nikki the recovering book addict.
1,248 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2018
Short but definitely interesting. I just checked and realised I read book 1 of this series but wasn’t impressed by it. Now I’m looking forward to book 2 😬

Merged review:

2.5 stars

Hmm... to be honest, it was okay but perhaps I was expecting too much so...it felt like it fell a little short? Maybe that’s it? I might be tempted to read the next book in the series but as usual, it depends on the blurb 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,390 reviews
April 22, 2022
SHIFTING SHADOWS was a quick and easy read and I'm always a sucker for the amnesia trope. I liked both Colt and Deck, though this is a different pack than the previous book. Not much new information is revealed about the world and since it's fated mates things move quickly. It felt a touch repetitive from the first book since the story lines are similar but I still liked it. I especially liked the way the epilogue tied this book to the first and I'm really curious to see what happens next.

Content Warning: reference to past parental abuse; grief over losing a sibling
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,968 reviews435 followers
February 14, 2024
Ooh this was good!

I really liked this one! Unlike the last two books, we got a little bit more time with the pair after they'd mated.

Not much mind, but enough to cement them into their ongoing relationship before the story moves to a different pair.

As Colt and Deck are part of the party going into the next book, I'm hoping we'll have more time with them too.

What I loved best about this one though is that I had no idea what was going to happen. The twist was one I definitely didn't see coming and it works beautifully.

There is a loose connection to the previous two books which will be explored further in the next one and I'm seriously looking forward to it.

Loved the Warren pack and their sense of family, loved how Deck was so kind to Colt, even when he had nothing, not even his own name.

This also took the on-going story arc much further and provided some much needed knowledge.
Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews438 followers
February 12, 2019
Too thin on everything. And really a waste of an awesome bear shifter. Frost says we will see this couple in another book but I wanted a much richer read even in this small space.
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,576 reviews325 followers
February 17, 2019
Short freebie. This is a great blurb but the book is way too lax in the whole "metal arm" part. I think it gets mentioned a couple of times but there is absolutely no real world building around it. How is it attached? What does it do? What does it even really look like?

I think this is the beginning of a new series so hopefully she'll be much more informative about this major part of the title and, I assume, the plot.
Profile Image for Steph ☀️.
702 reviews32 followers
November 21, 2018
***3.5 stars***

Every interesting start for this series. What started off strong seemed to pick up a bit too quickly for me at the end. I mean if the author is continuing on with Colt’s story, then I think the they could have eased up a bit, because of said cliffhanger :)
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,531 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2019
New to me author. This is a mm paranormal romance book. Bram is a Alpha bear shifter and Matt is a human. Only a short story, and I can’t wait for more. I’ll read this author again.
Profile Image for M'rella.
1,458 reviews174 followers
July 9, 2020
Simple run through Word could have taken care of a lot of editing problems. At the same time there is a lot in this book that needs serious editing beyond that.
To be fair, I know how hard it is to find someone to proof read your book, so not going to dwell on it.

So far nothing outstanding, tho. Just another shifter/human story. I might read book 2, don't know.....
And I would really really like to read a side story about the bear-shifter :) Out of all characters in the book he is my favorite.
Profile Image for Grace.
3,278 reviews217 followers
November 9, 2018
Some promising aspects, but fell a little flat for me. The world-building was alright, but could have been tighter. I enjoyed the first half of the book, but the second half felt rushed and under-developed. The twist at the end was interesting, but I don't think the author quite pulled it all off. 'Colt' came back rather quickly and the ending wasn't really as satisfying as I wanted.
Profile Image for Tam.
Author 21 books101 followers
August 12, 2019
Ooops, posted my review under the wrong book. Sorry.

This was a freebie set in a world I was not familiar with. It's essentially a fated mates story set in a dystopian future where shifters live inland and the humans closer to the coast. When a human with an odd metal arm is captured by a shifter group, it ends up he's the mate of the alpha bear shifter. Some of the crew are not keen on humans and give them an ultimatum of 2 weeks to mate or else. Matty has no family and was captured and experimented on, so he's eager to be Bram's mate. That's about it really, just them getting to know each other for a couple of weeks.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,214 reviews489 followers
December 30, 2018
3.25 stars

While I liked the story enough -- both Deck and Colt were likable characters, and I could enjoy the amnesia plot -- but I also felt a big chunk of stories in the beginning were missing. Like there was a prequel story I didn't know about. Especially related to the tragedy within Deck's family.
Profile Image for Beth doesn't write  enough reviews.
612 reviews33 followers
July 23, 2019
Interesting

This is the second time I’ve read this story and I still find it entertaining.

Colt is a tragic figure but there was no crushing heartbreak for me. No tears. I grade a book on how much I empathize with or for the characters. So, while I find the story entertaining I didn’t fall in love.

I’m interested in seeing what the next book in the series will be.
Profile Image for Victoria Buckley.
87 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2020
Rating this 2.5 but I’m feeling generous so I’m rounding up. Needs some editing... but the slight mystery was good. The “romance” was super rushed (too insta for me) and I honestly didn’t feel a connect between the two MC’s.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews39 followers
April 19, 2022
This is the second book in the “Metal & Magic” series & it is an intriguing slow-burn Dystopian Human-Wolf Shifter MM romance that has a hurt/comfort undertone with an interesting plot. The characters (A wolf shifter, Deckard) & (a human male, Colt) are likable and the interaction between them are reasonably realistic (I was quite amazed at the sheer amount of trials & tribulations that came their way before they could become a couple). The secondary characters offer good support throughout the storyline.
There is: a male wolf shifter & lead enforcer (Deckard) of the Ironheld Pack comes across a apparently human male (Colt aka Seppius) with amnesia and against all odds the attractions flare, a despicable coyote pack (Bramble), various kinds of shifters, rivalry, a human alpha (Gavin), pack politics, law enforcement, conspiracies, fated mates, witches, mages, friendship, twists & turns, drama, intrigue, suspense, suspicions, action, adventure, mystery, magic, secrets, vulnerability, protectiveness, threats, danger, enemies, conflict, violence, manipulations, confrontations and a HFN ending for this couple with a very interesting epilogue that could be paving the way for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Claudia.
219 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2020
3.5 stars. I started off really into this but then the twist totally lost me.

Colt is a runaway with no memory. Declared recognises him instantly as his mate, takes him under his wing and integrates him into the pack while trying to help him recover his past.

The dynamic between them is tender, a real hurt/comfort exploration until you find out that Colt is one of the “bad guys” albeit through coercion.

I was instantly thrown out of the story. I thought it was a clever twist but the abrupt change in a Colts personality was so at odds with what the author had been selling me I felt like I’d been slapped in the face. I didn’t like where it was going and although I read to the end, it was just because I wanted to know how it would finish up. I felt kind of sad about the direction it went in. Haven’t decided yet if I’ll follow up on any later additions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews65 followers
November 18, 2018
This is a 3 leaning toward a 3.25.

Overall, I thought that it had a really good premise. I could see a lot of promise to it. I wouldn't mind seeing if it goes anywhere. I thought that the writing was good, and I liked the characters.

What knocks it down to a 3, for me at least, is that I felt there was something missing. I can't exactly pin it down to what was missing, maybe it was some kind of connection between the couple, I'm not sure. If there are more books to the series and they focus on the same couple, that missing part may be found. It may just be that the world needs to mature a bit. And obviously, that's a me thing, and other people may not see that, so we'll see.
Profile Image for Anabela.M..
959 reviews15 followers
April 21, 2022
Shifting Shadows is fun and fast moving. I enjoyed the mystery of the plot, the magic and supernatural. I really liked both Deck and Colt, they were perfect for each other from the beginning. Fated mates with just enough push and pull against the bond to believe that the romance was more than just destiny, with trust, feelings and heat that slowly built between them.

Nicely paced romance and plot, it kept me engaged all throughout. I'm looking forward for more in this world.
Profile Image for Jennie.
844 reviews25 followers
November 17, 2018
This was a good, interesting story. Poor Colt lost his memory and Deckard vows to help him. The world building was good. I liked all the other characters and the overall storyline.
A great book about pack, mates, family, love and obligation.
That ending though...
I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for AL.
1,688 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2022
Another good addition to the series and story arc. I would have liked to see a bit more development of the bond between the MCs above the mate bond though.
It’s a good book, but I personally prefer more focus on MCs.
Profile Image for Dee Winston.
550 reviews
November 5, 2018
OMG!! I almost threw my phone. I cant believe it ended like that.. I need more of Colt and Deck. I loved this story. It really got me thinking soulmates can come in any shape form or fashion. They are your missing piece and your peace.
Profile Image for Cintia.
62 reviews
February 23, 2019
Captivating characters and interesting storyline, even being a short story. Got me curious to read more. Will definetely read the next in the series. Loved it!
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