What do you think?
Rate this book
Audax Pack #1
Fire & Gasoline
I am a content lone wolf.
Maybe not a happy lone wolf, but that’s fine. Better than staying in my parents’ cult, right?
Point is, I’d made a life for myself. A life that is turned upside down when my literal dream man, who has featured in every fantasy I’ve ever had, shows up out of nowhere and is all “hi, I’m your fated mate.”
That should be it, right? Game over. Happily ever after.
But that would be too easy. Because this supposed mate of mine has a secret.
I may not have known about him, but he sure as hell knew about me.
This is the first in a series of standalone wolf shifter books, suitable for readers 18+
Maybe not a happy lone wolf, but that’s fine. Better than staying in my parents’ cult, right?
Point is, I’d made a life for myself. A life that is turned upside down when my literal dream man, who has featured in every fantasy I’ve ever had, shows up out of nowhere and is all “hi, I’m your fated mate.”
That should be it, right? Game over. Happily ever after.
But that would be too easy. Because this supposed mate of mine has a secret.
I may not have known about him, but he sure as hell knew about me.
This is the first in a series of standalone wolf shifter books, suitable for readers 18+
ebook
First published July 17, 2020
92 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Colette Rhodes
36 books1,802 followersColette Rhodes is a paranormal romance author from New Zealand. She loves to write about love in all its forms, and adores imperfect heroes and heroines who find perfection in each other. You’ll often find her trying to justify her degree by including ancient history and mythological influences in her work.
If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 15, 2021
5 Sandalwood Sex-Smelling Dream Wolf Stars ⭐
The quality of the writing sucked me in. Fresh and modern, I knew I hit the jackpot when I was 45% of the way in and the fated couple still hadn't met. Why? Because they were both too stubborn to be dictated by what was expected and I desperately wanted them to figure it out.
She was the fire to my gasoline and when we finally came together, we would combust and burn down everything around us. It would be fucking magnificent.
An Alpha and his Luna. It should be simple, but both Archer and Wren are young and at separate crossroads in their lives. Archer has just moved to Carson to attend college which is a new directive in shifter culture. Surely, he's too young to meet the one when there is booze and woman to be experienced?
Mystery Sex Wolf was here. I breathed in his scent like I was starved for oxygen. How could anyone smell like they’d fuck you so hard into the mattress, you’d never get up again?
As for Wren, well she's a lone wolf. At 18 she was disowned and exiled by her pack for being too dominant and essentially a threat. Wren has no family or any concept of fated mates. Having also found herself in Carson and scenting a wolf that inspires many dirty dreams, she has no real understanding of it all. And after weeks of avoiding each other things are finally making sense.
I was going to get under her skin like a stubborn splinter until she fell irrevocably in love with me.
Unfortunately, Archer messed up by not laying an immediate claim on Wren. It has given her time to doubt his sincerity and feed her insecurities. However, he can’t refrain anymore. And for any Luna worth her authority, Wren intends to make him work for it, and how fun that will be.
The more I read by this author, the more obsessed I become with the fantasy worlds she creates. Fire and Gasoline was the perfect balance of shifters living in the human world that made it feel real to me. I devoured the slow burn while we got to familiarise ourselves with Archer and Wren. And finally, when Archer realised what a catch Wren was, you appreciated the romance, the passion and of course the mouth-watering mating unfolding. So good!
The quality of the writing sucked me in. Fresh and modern, I knew I hit the jackpot when I was 45% of the way in and the fated couple still hadn't met. Why? Because they were both too stubborn to be dictated by what was expected and I desperately wanted them to figure it out.
She was the fire to my gasoline and when we finally came together, we would combust and burn down everything around us. It would be fucking magnificent.
An Alpha and his Luna. It should be simple, but both Archer and Wren are young and at separate crossroads in their lives. Archer has just moved to Carson to attend college which is a new directive in shifter culture. Surely, he's too young to meet the one when there is booze and woman to be experienced?
Mystery Sex Wolf was here. I breathed in his scent like I was starved for oxygen. How could anyone smell like they’d fuck you so hard into the mattress, you’d never get up again?
As for Wren, well she's a lone wolf. At 18 she was disowned and exiled by her pack for being too dominant and essentially a threat. Wren has no family or any concept of fated mates. Having also found herself in Carson and scenting a wolf that inspires many dirty dreams, she has no real understanding of it all. And after weeks of avoiding each other things are finally making sense.
I was going to get under her skin like a stubborn splinter until she fell irrevocably in love with me.
Unfortunately, Archer messed up by not laying an immediate claim on Wren. It has given her time to doubt his sincerity and feed her insecurities. However, he can’t refrain anymore. And for any Luna worth her authority, Wren intends to make him work for it, and how fun that will be.
The more I read by this author, the more obsessed I become with the fantasy worlds she creates. Fire and Gasoline was the perfect balance of shifters living in the human world that made it feel real to me. I devoured the slow burn while we got to familiarise ourselves with Archer and Wren. And finally, when Archer realised what a catch Wren was, you appreciated the romance, the passion and of course the mouth-watering mating unfolding. So good!
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 18, 2021
It's been six days since I read this book. I remember so little about it I had to double-check the names of the hero and heroine before I started writing this review.
It is coming back to me a little, now, but not enough to make me want to round up from 2.5 stars instead of down. Essentially what we have here is our heroine, Wren (pleasingly, half-Indian) who gets kicked out of her family's werewolf pack for being an alpha female and too strong for them. She ends up in a different town where she meets her mate, Archer, only he doesn't snap her up for WEEKS because he's all 'I'm too young to get tied down so early!'
Meh. To me, an alpha hero is one who doesn't let anything get in the way of him nabbing his heroine. So despite the book constantly telling he was an alpha, I just didn't see it. Rhodes's technical writing is solid, as always, but not enough to make up for a fairly lacklustre plot.
It is coming back to me a little, now, but not enough to make me want to round up from 2.5 stars instead of down. Essentially what we have here is our heroine, Wren (pleasingly, half-Indian) who gets kicked out of her family's werewolf pack for being an alpha female and too strong for them. She ends up in a different town where she meets her mate, Archer, only he doesn't snap her up for WEEKS because he's all 'I'm too young to get tied down so early!'
Meh. To me, an alpha hero is one who doesn't let anything get in the way of him nabbing his heroine. So despite the book constantly telling he was an alpha, I just didn't see it. Rhodes's technical writing is solid, as always, but not enough to make up for a fairly lacklustre plot.
November 14, 2021
❝Maybe — maybe — if you’d given me the time of day three months ago, things would have been different. You lost your chance. So I kindly suggest you get the fuck out of here before I slice off your testicles and make them into a purse.❞
♥ 𝗪𝗥𝗘𝗡 … what a freaking badass. i absolutely loved how much she made Archer work for her love. she was resourceful, tough as nails, and also extremely kind and caring. she's the kind of heroine i WISH more shifter-romances had, but alas …
🅾🅺 𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗥 … mehhh. he was … fine. like - he definitely had his moments *cough* him bantering with Wren *cough* but for the most part i was very eh on him. i also really didn't like that he avoided Wren just cause he wanted to sleep around some more, like … bruh. come on. be better.
✘ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 … i mean, where was it? there just wasn't much going on and that was evidenced by the fact that it took forty percent until Wren and Archer actually met. like - … why though? look, i'm someone who will take character development over plot any day, but jeez. give me something, please.
♥ 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 … this book served me a slow-burn romance in a fated mates romance, like …
color me shocked
very surprised
and freaking pumped ✨
i wasn't actually expecting Wren to make Archer work for her love *cough* grovel *cough* but she actually did. thus, when Wren and Archer actually got together i one hundred percent bought their love. these two were such … goobers, and i loved it. they had a really sweet teasing kind of love. you could tell that they both adored the ever-loving fuck outta each other, but neither wanted to be the first to admit it.
♥ 𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 … the side characters really served to round out this story. like, i adored how everyone around Archer basically told him in various ways what a dumbass he was. as they should. moreover, i loved how ride or die Miles was for Archer. these two had such a strong bromance that their cuddle game was on point.
✖ i will say the "no homo" vibes were strong with these two. like - chill guys. we get it. you are both the straightest straight bois this side of the Mississippi river.
[ 𝟯 / 𝟱 ✩ ]
November 4, 2021
4,5 stars
I've read it a couple of weeks ago and don't remember much but I remember really enjoying it. It was a fresh take on shifter romance with a slow burn where the main characters haven't jumped each other's bones right in the first third of the book.
And even though I'm not a fan of YA and their drama, I still liked this one very much. Good writing, good chemistry, good story.
Gimme more.
I've read it a couple of weeks ago and don't remember much but I remember really enjoying it. It was a fresh take on shifter romance with a slow burn where the main characters haven't jumped each other's bones right in the first third of the book.
And even though I'm not a fan of YA and their drama, I still liked this one very much. Good writing, good chemistry, good story.
Gimme more.
July 20, 2020
I loved this from the very beginning. The characters were so well developed that they came alive. I liked Wren and Archer individually and as a couple. I truly felt they were a perfect match. I loved the dual POV, especially since as a reader I got to see inside both Archer's and Wren's thoughts equally. There was also an intensity between the couple from the very beginning before they even met (through the dreams) that I loved. I loved this book and I love the way the author writes. Specifically, because even if there is drama, it never overshadows the couple. Also, even though it was a werewolf romance there were unique things that the author added to the story. Like Romulus and Remus origin and the interesting way, humans react to dominant wolves. The only thing that would have made this read better is if Chapter 23 would have been an Epilogue instead of the final chapter. Overall, this read was really enjoyable and the romantic intensity found in it is why I fell in love with the romance genre. I'm excited for the next one in the series and very grateful I had an excellent read day! I would 100% recommend this book to romance lovers and especially to people who love shifter/werewolf romance with lots of passion. 4.5 stars!
July 18, 2020
Fire & Gasoline is LIVE!
It's the first in a series of (non-RH) standalone wolf shifter books. If you like shifters, fated mates, alpha a-holes, and the women that don't put up with their BS, you'll probably like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D7W3G7G
It's the first in a series of (non-RH) standalone wolf shifter books. If you like shifters, fated mates, alpha a-holes, and the women that don't put up with their BS, you'll probably like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D7W3G7G
December 17, 2021
Now I’m not usually a lover of slow burn, but I knew things were different when I was halfway in and the two main characters didn’t even meet yet.
It all just clicked very well.
I’m not giving anything away because I think this has to be experienced for what it is! I hope you guys enjoy.
P.s I’d like to thank my good friend Isabella for recommending this read!
It all just clicked very well.
I’m not giving anything away because I think this has to be experienced for what it is! I hope you guys enjoy.
P.s I’d like to thank my good friend Isabella for recommending this read!
October 8, 2022
Interesting story.
Heroine is interested in cooking so initially quite a bit of detail about what she is cooking, it's also covered by saying that it's in her nature as a Luna, to be nurturing.
Both have been with others previously.
Small ex woman drama, squashed very quickly.
Once they are in same room as each other, although they don't meet, as such neither are with anyone else.
Both have family issues that lead to relationships being complicated.
He rejects her in the sense that he knows who she is to him but doesn't want to meet, hence commit, he at first plays this off as wanting to play the field, he is 20 but he does look after her from afar.
She is unaware what he is to her though she feels the pull.
He also does not appear at first to grovel, his place as Alpha makes humility difficult but she stands her ground, not making it easy for him.
He later realises the error of his ways.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Secondary characters introduced for possible future books.
HEA.
Heroine is interested in cooking so initially quite a bit of detail about what she is cooking, it's also covered by saying that it's in her nature as a Luna, to be nurturing.
Both have been with others previously.
Small ex woman drama, squashed very quickly.
Once they are in same room as each other, although they don't meet, as such neither are with anyone else.
Both have family issues that lead to relationships being complicated.
He rejects her in the sense that he knows who she is to him but doesn't want to meet, hence commit, he at first plays this off as wanting to play the field, he is 20 but he does look after her from afar.
She is unaware what he is to her though she feels the pull.
He also does not appear at first to grovel, his place as Alpha makes humility difficult but she stands her ground, not making it easy for him.
He later realises the error of his ways.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Secondary characters introduced for possible future books.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2022
This could have really good but the execution is so flat and dull that it was just so boring to read. So much telling. No showing. I kept pushing through to get to this big damsel in distress moment that we knew was coming the whole book. I wanted to see the H lose his shit when his h was in trouble. Total let down, just like the rest of it.
March 6, 2021
3 stars
I have been obsessed with all of the books by this author lately. None of them have let me down in any way but unfortunately this one was not as good. Don’t get me wrong, the characters are great and I loved the plot but it was not as good as the others.
I have been obsessed with all of the books by this author lately. None of them have let me down in any way but unfortunately this one was not as good. Don’t get me wrong, the characters are great and I loved the plot but it was not as good as the others.
August 3, 2021
4.5 Stars- Loved it!
I think I just found myself another one click author! Collette did a fantastic job on this book and I am so glad I picked it up! I don’t usually read MF romance (i’ve been on a bit of an RH kick for a while now) unless i’m in a book slump, but since I really enjoyed her Empath Found Trilogy and I just finished a series I figured I’d give it a try.
First let me say that I really enjoyed that most of the conflict of this book was internal and relationship based. There was the threat of her old pack obviously, but for the most part the main conflict was both of the MCs insecurities and internal struggles. I also LOVED that there wasn’t just some flimsy apology by the H and then they moved on from it. Wren really made him work for it, and even when they ended up getting together in the end, Archer really redeemed himself in my eyes by asking for forgiveness even though she no longer required it from him. That is a man!
I rounded up my rating to 5 stars because this book really was enjoyable and was a nice easy standalone that definitely got me in my feelings. You know the author has done a good job when you can both hate and love a main character. Can’t wait to see what comes next from this world!
I think I just found myself another one click author! Collette did a fantastic job on this book and I am so glad I picked it up! I don’t usually read MF romance (i’ve been on a bit of an RH kick for a while now) unless i’m in a book slump, but since I really enjoyed her Empath Found Trilogy and I just finished a series I figured I’d give it a try.
First let me say that I really enjoyed that most of the conflict of this book was internal and relationship based. There was the threat of her old pack obviously, but for the most part the main conflict was both of the MCs insecurities and internal struggles. I also LOVED that there wasn’t just some flimsy apology by the H and then they moved on from it. Wren really made him work for it, and even when they ended up getting together in the end, Archer really redeemed himself in my eyes by asking for forgiveness even though she no longer required it from him. That is a man!
I rounded up my rating to 5 stars because this book really was enjoyable and was a nice easy standalone that definitely got me in my feelings. You know the author has done a good job when you can both hate and love a main character. Can’t wait to see what comes next from this world!
October 24, 2021
I enjoyed this book and as far as rejected mate shifter books go, this one is very good (and I have read a LOT in this trope to compare it to). It’s probably more of a 3.5 if I compare it against all other paranormal romance books, but if I were to just compare it to other rejected mate books I’d give it a 4.5 so take that as you will. There were only a few things holding me back on this one, but the main thing was the conflict with Wren’s home pack. I guess I wish that part of the story was a little more ‘harrowing’. It felt like a very easy conclusion. The other thing was Archer’s behavior, but in a way it was a realistic portrayal of a male in his early 20s so I can’t be that upset about it.
Colette Rhodes is a good writer though and I feel like it’s important to include that in my review. I don’t think there were any typos or grammatical errors throughout the book, the descriptions were good without being over the top prosey, the character development is good and the world building is good. I felt drawn into the story and at no point was I left rolling my eyes or cringing (which is common behavior for me in this genre even though I love it 🤣🤣). I’m currently reading through her entire library and I’ve really enjoyed all of her stories so far and I can see the growth she’s had as an author in just a few years. She is definitely one to keep your eye on!
Colette Rhodes is a good writer though and I feel like it’s important to include that in my review. I don’t think there were any typos or grammatical errors throughout the book, the descriptions were good without being over the top prosey, the character development is good and the world building is good. I felt drawn into the story and at no point was I left rolling my eyes or cringing (which is common behavior for me in this genre even though I love it 🤣🤣). I’m currently reading through her entire library and I’ve really enjoyed all of her stories so far and I can see the growth she’s had as an author in just a few years. She is definitely one to keep your eye on!
May 26, 2023
***3.5***
I picked this up because someone brought it up in a review as a great example of an Alpha hero groveling. I'm going to rule "meh" on that. When he finally decides he wants her (eyeroll), he just inserts himself into her life like a splinter that you can't get out, until she finally starts to interact with him. None of this came across as grovel to me, just an alpha pursuing the woman he wants to mate.
I liked it well enough, but I wouldn't hold it up as a stellar example of Alpha jackass really groveling to earn back the mate he was a dick to.
If the author continues the series, though, I will pick up the next.
I picked this up because someone brought it up in a review as a great example of an Alpha hero groveling. I'm going to rule "meh" on that. When he finally decides he wants her (eyeroll), he just inserts himself into her life like a splinter that you can't get out, until she finally starts to interact with him. None of this came across as grovel to me, just an alpha pursuing the woman he wants to mate.
I liked it well enough, but I wouldn't hold it up as a stellar example of Alpha jackass really groveling to earn back the mate he was a dick to.
If the author continues the series, though, I will pick up the next.
September 26, 2023
This was very silly
September 2, 2021
The pacing on this new-adult shifter romance wasn't great -- while the main couple was introduced to each other pretty quickly, they spent stalking/avoiding each other until their wolves finally couldn't take it anymore, and then they finally started working out their fated mate bond. There wasn't much real interesting conflict for most of the book, just miscellaneous family dynamics that needed clarification. The really evil villains were only mentioned in a few short instances throughout the book until the final 10% of the novel.
I was also a bit exasperated at the emphasis of Alpha/Luna/Beta/centurion mentions in the story when they really didn't mean anything. Nobody fought anyone else over pack positions, and humans kept sucking up to innately dominant Alpha and Luna shifters due to some supernatural reason. None of these issues or characters made any serious impact in the character's choice of action other than some contrived one-page drama.
It was an okay read, and I'll probably still check out other books in the world when they're released.
I was also a bit exasperated at the emphasis of Alpha/Luna/Beta/centurion mentions in the story when they really didn't mean anything. Nobody fought anyone else over pack positions, and humans kept sucking up to innately dominant Alpha and Luna shifters due to some supernatural reason. None of these issues or characters made any serious impact in the character's choice of action other than some contrived one-page drama.
It was an okay read, and I'll probably still check out other books in the world when they're released.
July 21, 2020
This book, you guys!
I did not expect it to be that good. Lately I can barley stand to end a paranormal/ fantasy book because I get too annoyed with the general atmosphere. The usual cause is that the characters are playing too dumb to stand. Like, you live in that kind of world and you are still taken aback (with generous amounts of shock) when somebody tries to suck you dry of your blood or you hear howlings when the full moon is glowing through your window?
But, I have to talk about Fire & Gasoline not about those. Because this was something else. From the description I knew that there were two possible variants: either this was going to have a head strong heroine or this was gonna end in somebody being murdered (I know, you would ask why not both?): I’ve ever had, shows up out of nowhere and is all “hi, I’m Archer Ellery and I’m your fated mate.” That should be it, right? Game over. Happily ever after.But that would be too easy. Because Archer has a secret. He’s known who I am to him for months and avoided me like my wolf had rabies.
I should clarify from the beginning that those two did not have that conversation in front of a door. My sleep deprived brain read ”shows up out of nowhere” as “shows up at my door”. They are in the open when he presents himself to be the mate in question. I was so expectant of that part that I kept following all the scenes that involved doors (like a fool!) meanwhile bearing the hope that now will be the moment of revelation, when he will knock at her door and explain himself.
It had a plot structured in two POVs: Wren and Archer. She was a reasonably heroine. I really liked her conviction and how she brushed off anything that seemed to be BS. Archer was ok, too.
The weird part that I would especially comment on was their love making. It was kind of forced and I really, really did not like how Archer kept calling Wren “little bird” every time he addressed himself to her. I get it once, twice maybe even in the throws of passionate love making but even when driving or eating?? Why? It is even too long for a pet name: there are two words in there, it is a mouthful. You can quicker say Wren than little birs.
Another issue that I might have had was with the conflict. At some point I was in Archer`s POV and everybody (including himself) was freaking out that Wren would punish him because he did not approach her as soon as he sniffed her in the air. When I got back into Wren`s POV I went head straight into this wall that wasn`t there before of Wren being angry at Archer for not showing up earlier. It
The conflict was out of nowhere as previously she remarked several times that she did not fully grasp the customs of these foreign packs and how she had tried to stay hidden from said wolves. Why would she, suddenly, be angry that the wolf/mate did not found her earlier when she did not want to be found in the first place?
I will let some quotes here because you can grasp better the general idea of the book from those:
1. Here is a quote from Wren`s POV, early in the book when she was biding her time to leave her parents` home:
2. In here Wren makes an annalyze on the human behavour from the perspective of a werewolf, which I liked very much because it gave a pich of autenticity:
3. This is from Archer`s POV as he struggles with the mating bond when he had to go home for the Christams breack and he had to leave Wren behind:
4. Archer about the bond between them: “It was like an invisible thread now connected us, drawing us together. If I had been lightly stalking her before, following her would be a full-blown obsession now.”
5. Archer talking with Wren after she prepared him food:
I think you should give this book a chance. It may be worth your time.
Instagram
I did not expect it to be that good. Lately I can barley stand to end a paranormal/ fantasy book because I get too annoyed with the general atmosphere. The usual cause is that the characters are playing too dumb to stand. Like, you live in that kind of world and you are still taken aback (with generous amounts of shock) when somebody tries to suck you dry of your blood or you hear howlings when the full moon is glowing through your window?
But, I have to talk about Fire & Gasoline not about those. Because this was something else. From the description I knew that there were two possible variants: either this was going to have a head strong heroine or this was gonna end in somebody being murdered (I know, you would ask why not both?): I’ve ever had, shows up out of nowhere and is all “hi, I’m Archer Ellery and I’m your fated mate.” That should be it, right? Game over. Happily ever after.But that would be too easy. Because Archer has a secret. He’s known who I am to him for months and avoided me like my wolf had rabies.
I should clarify from the beginning that those two did not have that conversation in front of a door. My sleep deprived brain read ”shows up out of nowhere” as “shows up at my door”. They are in the open when he presents himself to be the mate in question. I was so expectant of that part that I kept following all the scenes that involved doors (like a fool!) meanwhile bearing the hope that now will be the moment of revelation, when he will knock at her door and explain himself.
It had a plot structured in two POVs: Wren and Archer. She was a reasonably heroine. I really liked her conviction and how she brushed off anything that seemed to be BS. Archer was ok, too.
The weird part that I would especially comment on was their love making. It was kind of forced and I really, really did not like how Archer kept calling Wren “little bird” every time he addressed himself to her. I get it once, twice maybe even in the throws of passionate love making but even when driving or eating?? Why? It is even too long for a pet name: there are two words in there, it is a mouthful. You can quicker say Wren than little birs.
Another issue that I might have had was with the conflict. At some point I was in Archer`s POV and everybody (including himself) was freaking out that Wren would punish him because he did not approach her as soon as he sniffed her in the air. When I got back into Wren`s POV I went head straight into this wall that wasn`t there before of Wren being angry at Archer for not showing up earlier. It
The conflict was out of nowhere as previously she remarked several times that she did not fully grasp the customs of these foreign packs and how she had tried to stay hidden from said wolves. Why would she, suddenly, be angry that the wolf/mate did not found her earlier when she did not want to be found in the first place?
I will let some quotes here because you can grasp better the general idea of the book from those:
1. Here is a quote from Wren`s POV, early in the book when she was biding her time to leave her parents` home:
I wasn’t hanging around hoping to change their minds, I just needed to see my parents one last time. Not for an emotional goodbye. I was going to guilt-trip the fuck out of them, so they gave me some money to get me set up. It was really the least they could do.
2. In here Wren makes an annalyze on the human behavour from the perspective of a werewolf, which I liked very much because it gave a pich of autenticity:
Ella didn’t realize she was doing it, but she was angling for a spot as my Beta. She was naturally confident, a born leader, and her instincts told her to prove herself to me. That was the problem with living with humans. They fell into a pack hierarchy unconsciously, swayed by my Alpha presence, no matter how much I tried to tone it down.
3. This is from Archer`s POV as he struggles with the mating bond when he had to go home for the Christams breack and he had to leave Wren behind:
”Please don’t shift in the truck,” Miles muttered. “Your wolf will shred me for taking you away from her.”
4. Archer about the bond between them: “It was like an invisible thread now connected us, drawing us together. If I had been lightly stalking her before, following her would be a full-blown obsession now.”
5. Archer talking with Wren after she prepared him food:
“What’s this?” I asked, inspecting the plateful of elaborate looking sandwiches, oozing cheese.
“Chicken florentine grilled cheese,” she grumbled. “I made it. I need to eat. You need to eat. I don’t want to take up another table. Don’t make it into a thing.”
It was 100% a thing.”
I think you should give this book a chance. It may be worth your time.
October 10, 2022
3.4 stars. I really like the world a lot. I cannot wait to hear about Miles and his story. This hero drove me crazy because he held himself back in the beginning and hurt her. She didn’t know what was going on and yet he blamed her for not chasing him down. When he finds out about the harm he did to her, there is a lot of talk about the need for him to apologize to her. However, he does not apologize until very late in the book, after she tells him she loves him. It just makes me think he’s a coward. He waited until it was safe for him. So, it feels like she’s the one that took risks in this book and he did not.
April 12, 2022
Archer is a growing boy; he’s imperfect and so what? He learns from his mistake, and man up.
Wren is a tough girl, growing up in a cult-like pack, cast aside for 6 years for her dominant tendencies, thrown out when she turns 18 and then began her journey as lone wolf.
This is a rather fast-paced story, i’d say but I like Wren way too much, though i wish she would be more bullheaded 😂 (i do love me an aggressively unforgiving women who make their men grovel for forgiveness)
Did i wish to see Archer grovel more? Yes.
Is this still a good book? Yes.
Wren is a tough girl, growing up in a cult-like pack, cast aside for 6 years for her dominant tendencies, thrown out when she turns 18 and then began her journey as lone wolf.
This is a rather fast-paced story, i’d say but I like Wren way too much, though i wish she would be more bullheaded 😂 (i do love me an aggressively unforgiving women who make their men grovel for forgiveness)
Did i wish to see Archer grovel more? Yes.
Is this still a good book? Yes.
July 19, 2020
I LOVED this book. I thoroughly enjoyed Wren’s character and her progression through the story. Colette Rhodes has a gift for writing strong likeable females. Archer’s character gave me several unexpected belly laughs, and the steamy scenes were delectable. Colette has done well to change gears from reverse-harem (The Empath Found series) to True-Mate shifter love. Bring on the next one please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
3.5 rounded down
April 7, 2024
The MMC put off claiming his fated mate just so he could experience the college life and bump uglies with other girls??
Disrespectfully, no thanks.
Disrespectfully, no thanks.
October 6, 2024
Super duper boring! I don’t know how the author finished writing this without falling asleep.
July 20, 2020
The paranormal genre is not normally my thing but the minute I saw Colette wrote one, I didn't really care what genre it was, I was going to read it. I did read it and I loved it.
The fact that Fire & Gasoline is book 1 of a new series got me very excited. If it is anything like Empath Found series, we are seriously in store for something special.
The way we meet Wren just makes you want to cheer her on from the outset. You feel for her throughout this whole book and to see her grow and come into her own and even blossom towards the end just gives you that warm feeling.
Archer was a great male lead. Well when he wasn't being a stubborn dick. lol When he came around he was a force of nature and that was enjoyable to read. His relationship with his Dad and brother Flynn and especially him Mom was heart warming to read.
I enjoyed the storyline and also the background of wolf shifters and the roles they play within their packs. The twist and turns throughout this story kept me hooked to my kindle.
Wren and Archers chemistry was off the charts. I have read some great lead characters but I seriously loved these two together. His Luna to her Alpha! Big sigh... I love the thought of knowing your kindred soul mate the way these wolf shifters do. Just these two together was a joy to read and sad when the story came to a close.
One thing that Colette has consistently been great at is creating great characters that invoke such emotions that make you want to invest in the book(s) she writes. Not only the lead characters but also the secondary characters, the good guys and the bad guys. That in itself is a great talent and Colette does it with ease.
I can't wait for the following books in this series and to see where Colette takes us in my new favourite genre!
I received this free book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The fact that Fire & Gasoline is book 1 of a new series got me very excited. If it is anything like Empath Found series, we are seriously in store for something special.
The way we meet Wren just makes you want to cheer her on from the outset. You feel for her throughout this whole book and to see her grow and come into her own and even blossom towards the end just gives you that warm feeling.
Archer was a great male lead. Well when he wasn't being a stubborn dick. lol When he came around he was a force of nature and that was enjoyable to read. His relationship with his Dad and brother Flynn and especially him Mom was heart warming to read.
I enjoyed the storyline and also the background of wolf shifters and the roles they play within their packs. The twist and turns throughout this story kept me hooked to my kindle.
Wren and Archers chemistry was off the charts. I have read some great lead characters but I seriously loved these two together. His Luna to her Alpha! Big sigh... I love the thought of knowing your kindred soul mate the way these wolf shifters do. Just these two together was a joy to read and sad when the story came to a close.
One thing that Colette has consistently been great at is creating great characters that invoke such emotions that make you want to invest in the book(s) she writes. Not only the lead characters but also the secondary characters, the good guys and the bad guys. That in itself is a great talent and Colette does it with ease.
I can't wait for the following books in this series and to see where Colette takes us in my new favourite genre!
I received this free book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 17, 2022
4 ½⭐️'s
This book was super cute, I've enjoyed the books I've read from Colette thus far, I'm thinking I need to read all her books.
This book had all the happy book feelings I get from a growly possessive alpha and a strong and stubborn Luna.
This book had a 'rejected mate' vibe without being actually rejected, Archer was merely reluctant just because of his own fears about falling into his roles as future alpha. So basically the man hung back and stalked the absolutely fuck out of Wren for like 3 months.
I liked wren alot, she was strong with a much softer underbelly. She'd been through alot which is why when she found out she had a fated mate and that he'd held off for months within the space of 1minute... she was angry and feeling rejected and lacking.. she made him work for it but not in a way that left the reader frustrated, she merely eased into getting to know him and showed grit and also reluctance of her own.
I cant wait to see what happens next in the series with Miles I assume.
This book was super cute, I've enjoyed the books I've read from Colette thus far, I'm thinking I need to read all her books.
This book had all the happy book feelings I get from a growly possessive alpha and a strong and stubborn Luna.
This book had a 'rejected mate' vibe without being actually rejected, Archer was merely reluctant just because of his own fears about falling into his roles as future alpha. So basically the man hung back and stalked the absolutely fuck out of Wren for like 3 months.
I liked wren alot, she was strong with a much softer underbelly. She'd been through alot which is why when she found out she had a fated mate and that he'd held off for months within the space of 1minute... she was angry and feeling rejected and lacking.. she made him work for it but not in a way that left the reader frustrated, she merely eased into getting to know him and showed grit and also reluctance of her own.
I cant wait to see what happens next in the series with Miles I assume.
March 23, 2021
4.5 stars: Rejected mates fan? You'll probably love this
---SPOILERS---
I couldn't put this books down and the writing was just as good as I have come to expect from Ms. Rhodes. This is a MF standalone (unlike her typical RH) and I liked the peek we get into this shifter world. This book uses the rejected mates trope and I think fans of this genre will love it. For me, there was not enough groveling on the H's part and I often felt like he made a joke about going back on his rejection of her. I mean, she literally caves into everything (only in a personally dissatisfying sense) from casual interactions, intimate scenes, moving in, and even committing to mating before he even says he's sorry just before it happens! And with the build up of his alpha nature preventing him from doing it (it truly does feel this way) when he does apologize it just seems so easy for him to say. It made all these moments when she gives in tainted and heart wrenching when she says she waiting for him to apologize. If he apologized earlier on, I think I would have been happier with the story and how everything went down as I would feel like her giving in is her forgiving him and him earning her forgiveness. But in this context it just felt like him pushing his alpha will on her and that he doesn't fully respect her. But him apologizing at the end didn't feel like this "oh finally" moment but anticlimactic and was way too late for me. BUT, this is my personal preference and I tend to fall on the scale "H can't truely hurt the h without MAJOR groveling and redemption." Also, can't even do light bully for context. Regardless, I would still recommend this and I do look forward to more in the series to examine other pack and relationship dynamics.
---SPOILERS---
I couldn't put this books down and the writing was just as good as I have come to expect from Ms. Rhodes. This is a MF standalone (unlike her typical RH) and I liked the peek we get into this shifter world. This book uses the rejected mates trope and I think fans of this genre will love it. For me, there was not enough groveling on the H's part and I often felt like he made a joke about going back on his rejection of her. I mean, she literally caves into everything (only in a personally dissatisfying sense) from casual interactions, intimate scenes, moving in, and even committing to mating before he even says he's sorry just before it happens! And with the build up of his alpha nature preventing him from doing it (it truly does feel this way) when he does apologize it just seems so easy for him to say. It made all these moments when she gives in tainted and heart wrenching when she says she waiting for him to apologize. If he apologized earlier on, I think I would have been happier with the story and how everything went down as I would feel like her giving in is her forgiving him and him earning her forgiveness. But in this context it just felt like him pushing his alpha will on her and that he doesn't fully respect her. But him apologizing at the end didn't feel like this "oh finally" moment but anticlimactic and was way too late for me. BUT, this is my personal preference and I tend to fall on the scale "H can't truely hurt the h without MAJOR groveling and redemption." Also, can't even do light bully for context. Regardless, I would still recommend this and I do look forward to more in the series to examine other pack and relationship dynamics.
September 15, 2020
Shunned due to her personality traits Wren is ignored and neglected while growing up in a cult pack and when given the chance she leaves, and covers her tracks so that she can't be found. She is a happy kind person and does not use her powers on others while moving every few years until she settles in a university town and eventually meets alpha Asher. Asher knows she is his mate, but he doesn't feel ready for a mate so he avoids her but he can't help looking out for her and send her whatever she needs like a warm winter coat. Wren having grown up with a cult is oblivious to all this and does not know why her wolf is acting crazy. A few other discoveries, twists and turns and action packed moments before a well deserved HEA. I enjoyed that Wren was strong enough to give Asher a run for his money. Great start to the series - excited to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
dnf
November 2, 2021DNF'd at 39%.
All the putting off the meeting, so stupid, so annoying. Gave up on book.
The reason I downloaded this book in the first place was that I recently read the author's book Run Riot and really enjoyed it, so I've been trying to check out her backlist while I was waiting for the next one in that series. So far the other books of hers I've checked out just haven't lived up to Run Riot, and this one was just bad. Oh well, I'm just hoping the Run Riot series continues to be enjoyable, I see the next book in that series is out now, hopefully it lives up to the first!
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
All the putting off the meeting, so stupid, so annoying. Gave up on book.
The reason I downloaded this book in the first place was that I recently read the author's book Run Riot and really enjoyed it, so I've been trying to check out her backlist while I was waiting for the next one in that series. So far the other books of hers I've checked out just haven't lived up to Run Riot, and this one was just bad. Oh well, I'm just hoping the Run Riot series continues to be enjoyable, I see the next book in that series is out now, hopefully it lives up to the first!
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
December 28, 2022
I loved Colette Rhodes’ Luxuria so much I couldn’t wait to read her again and I immediately starting looking at the other books she’s written. Fire and Gasoline was the one that grabbed me the most and while I considered starting it right after I got it, I had some more pressing things to read and then I got two of my highly anticipated releases for the year, so I just didn’t have the time to get back to this one at that moment. As you can see I found the time to pick it up and though Luxuria is still my favorite of Ms. Rhodes so far, I really enjoyed Fire and Gasoline!
Fire and Gasoline was the perfect blend of fun and tugging on my heartstrings, sweet and steamy, and some tears and laughter. It was an interesting world to get to know and the characters were awesome to meet. I had such a wonderful time with this book and it brought many a smile to my face. I loved it and I can’t to read more from this series!
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
Fire and Gasoline was the perfect blend of fun and tugging on my heartstrings, sweet and steamy, and some tears and laughter. It was an interesting world to get to know and the characters were awesome to meet. I had such a wonderful time with this book and it brought many a smile to my face. I loved it and I can’t to read more from this series!
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
January 16, 2021
This author is new to me and I saw her book mentioned on a facebook post....I love reading shifter books and this book sounded interesting.
Right from the start..from that very first page...Wren pulled me in. I was ready to beat her alpha down and provide my support from her. Despite growing up the way that she did, Wren was strong and confident and had enough pride that she was ready to take on the world on her own.
I love how Wren and Archer come together....I was quite frustrated by Archer in the beginning though and really wanted to lay into him for how distant he was being with Wren. Luckily he got over himself and began to pursue Wren....this is such a heart warming and beautiful story!
What a wonderful way the author brought these two together...I can't wait to read more about the pack life and discover how the other characters find their fated mates.
Right from the start..from that very first page...Wren pulled me in. I was ready to beat her alpha down and provide my support from her. Despite growing up the way that she did, Wren was strong and confident and had enough pride that she was ready to take on the world on her own.
I love how Wren and Archer come together....I was quite frustrated by Archer in the beginning though and really wanted to lay into him for how distant he was being with Wren. Luckily he got over himself and began to pursue Wren....this is such a heart warming and beautiful story!
What a wonderful way the author brought these two together...I can't wait to read more about the pack life and discover how the other characters find their fated mates.
April 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, even if there were times I wanted to punch Archer in the face lol. I haven’t been super into solely M/F romance lately, focusing more on RH, but I’ve really been into Wolf shifters and fated mates.
I really liked the concept and the world building, I liked how the humans reacted to the Luna and the alpha. Wren was a solid FMC. I liked that didn’t instantly give into Archer, though I do wish there had been a bit more groveling.
Archer was an idiot lol. Plain and simple. He ended up somewhat growing on me, but I just couldn’t fully grasp his way of thinking of not instantly claiming her when he’s grown up knowing he has a fated mate. By the end, I knew he needed to grow up, and he eventually did, but dang.
Overall an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read more from this pack!
I really liked the concept and the world building, I liked how the humans reacted to the Luna and the alpha. Wren was a solid FMC. I liked that didn’t instantly give into Archer, though I do wish there had been a bit more groveling.
Archer was an idiot lol. Plain and simple. He ended up somewhat growing on me, but I just couldn’t fully grasp his way of thinking of not instantly claiming her when he’s grown up knowing he has a fated mate. By the end, I knew he needed to grow up, and he eventually did, but dang.
Overall an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read more from this pack!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews