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Winsford Shifters #1
Of Secrets and Wolves
Rowan
My whole life, I’ve been taught to despise shifters. So when I’m hired to track two escaped convicts, I’m suddenly thrust into the world I hate—or thought I did. Yet I’m inexplicably drawn to the alpha of the pack whose land the convicts may be hiding on. He’s different than any shifter I've ever met—laid back and quick to laugh, caring and protective, and makes me feel complete for the first time in my life. As secrets are revealed, I start to wonder if everything I’ve been raised to believe was a lie, though it may not matter because it seems like someone wants us dead.
Quinn
I’m no stranger to prejudice from humans, but it’s different when Rowan comes into my life. Though I shouldn’t let myself be distracted, I’m captivated by him. At first, he’s stiff, fighting to keep his misconstrued beliefs intact, but as I break down the wall he’s created, I’m able to show him a place among the fun chaos of my pack. After one of my pack goes missing, it leaves Rowan and me racing to bring them home, but the only way we’re going to survive this is if Rowan learns to accept the bond that’s growing between us—a bond that could give us the strength to put aside our reservations and give in to what both of us want.
Of Secrets and Wolves is an action-filled romance with a dash of comedy. It’s the first book in a series with a continuing storyline and an HFN.
My whole life, I’ve been taught to despise shifters. So when I’m hired to track two escaped convicts, I’m suddenly thrust into the world I hate—or thought I did. Yet I’m inexplicably drawn to the alpha of the pack whose land the convicts may be hiding on. He’s different than any shifter I've ever met—laid back and quick to laugh, caring and protective, and makes me feel complete for the first time in my life. As secrets are revealed, I start to wonder if everything I’ve been raised to believe was a lie, though it may not matter because it seems like someone wants us dead.
Quinn
I’m no stranger to prejudice from humans, but it’s different when Rowan comes into my life. Though I shouldn’t let myself be distracted, I’m captivated by him. At first, he’s stiff, fighting to keep his misconstrued beliefs intact, but as I break down the wall he’s created, I’m able to show him a place among the fun chaos of my pack. After one of my pack goes missing, it leaves Rowan and me racing to bring them home, but the only way we’re going to survive this is if Rowan learns to accept the bond that’s growing between us—a bond that could give us the strength to put aside our reservations and give in to what both of us want.
Of Secrets and Wolves is an action-filled romance with a dash of comedy. It’s the first book in a series with a continuing storyline and an HFN.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2021
563 people are currently reading
1721 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
63 books2,675 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 452 reviews
January 28, 2021
Well, you go, Alice!
First, she stepped into the realm of hit men: Success!
Then she decided to give vampires a go: Success!
And now she's penned her first shifter novel: Very much a success, in my humble opinion!
I really loved both Rowan and Quinn, from the moment that Rowan showed up to track escaped shifter prisoners on Quinn's rag-tag pack's front door step.
If I had to compare Quinn to one of Alice's previous characters, I'd probably have to go with Finn, from her VRC series, but with Quinn having a more toned-down version of Finn's day-to-day insanity.
The overall tone of the book was actually quite a bit more subdued than Alice's usual stories, which some readers may miss, while others less enamored with far-fetched scenes will most likely adore.
There was One Gigantic Secret that was hinted at, then revealed relatively early, which some reviewer down the line will undoubtedly spoil, but it's not going to be This Bitch, so I'm intentionally going to keep this review an itty bit vague.
Most of the drama and excitement in the book was from the escaped "shifters" turning out to be way more genetically-engineered, murderous "creatures", instead of just your normal "Oh look, he turned into a regular old animal" fare.
And since this is a paranormal romance, as one would guess, more drama, along with developing feelings, was incorporated into the story by Quinn and Rowan's potential mate status.
With this being the first book in a new series, I felt like this one ended at a good place; however, other than the MC's feelings for one another, very few of the continuing story lines were fully wrapped up with a nice, pretty, red bow just quite yet.
I'm literally dying to see where the story goes from here, as questions of the motives of the Evil Scientist, Rowan's , and the life and death fates of Quinn's pack members were all extremely up in the air when this one wrapped up.
I'd rate this one at around 4.5 *gimmie-that-fucking-stuffed-mouse* stars and absolutely NOTHING could keep me from reading the next book in this very promising series. : )
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May 20, 2025
✅ Shifters
✅ Romance
✅ Smut (MM)
✅ Banter and funny moments
✅ Pace
✅ 2 POVs
✅ World-building
✅ Plot
✅(🆗) Character development
This book, like every other Alice Winter’s books I’ve read, is fast-paced, hilarious, and engaging. There is still a kind of grumpy/sunshine dynamic in this series, but I don’t tire of it, and she’s so good at writing those relationships.
When two prisoners escape from a nearby prison, Rowan Sinclair, an ex-soldier turned tracker, is hired to help the police find the two fugitives. Because his superior thinks that the fugitives might be hidden in a shifters’ village not too far, Rowan is forced to go there and work with Quinn, the alpha of the village. Rowan grew up in a house where prejudices against shifters were part of his upbringing, and he’s been told his whole life that shifters are aberrations and that their animal sides make them freaks, unfit for “normal” society. However, the more time he spends with Quinn, the gorgeous, slightly cocky, but very funny and kind alpha, the more confused he gets because he quickly realizes that Quinn is the complete opposite of what a shifter should be, according to what Rowan has been told and taught.
I like the world-building of this series. The concept of shifters is nothing new, but in this version of our world, shifters are treated as less important than humans, and it creates a big rift between humans and shifters. They do coexist, but there is a lot of anger and tension on both sides because the shifters are fed up with the injustice they are victims of, and the humans live with all their preconceived ideas and prejudices against shifters, making them wary and even scared of them. It gives a slightly darker tone to the story despite all the laughs and banter. I also like the fact that a pack can have a lot of different shifters such as bears, wolves, jackals, or dogs, and they all live together and are even able to live with humans too sometimes. The whole concept of “mates” is also present, but not only limited to shifters of the same species. A bear-shifter could have a tiger-shifter as a mate and they could still have kids. It made the shifter dynamics more interesting than what we have with the usual “wolf pack”.
Quinn is the typical Alice Winter’s light, sunshine-y, sarcastic, and instantly lovable main character and I loved him from the start. While he reminded me a little bit of Finn from How to Vex a Vampire, he was not as sassy or sarcastic, but he is still very funny, and he also has this strong leader vibe. I especially liked that he was a “non-typical" alpha, he’s not the over 6 ft. and 300 pounds of muscle mountain of a man, he is average in size and height, but makes up for it by being fiercely loyal to his pack, and driven to do anything to keep them safe. He has a big capacity for sarcasm and laughing at himself, and also an astonishing self-control that I admire. I would have lost my shits a few times if I’d been in his shoes.
Rowan is the grumpier side of the grumpy/sunshine couple, but then again he changes a lot in this book, and to be fair he is more stern than grumpy really... My only issue is that the changes happen pretty quickly. That is one reason I don’t always enjoy the whole "fated mate" plot, it creates situations with either insta-love or a complete change in behavior only explained by the fact that “he is my mate". The Rowan 2.0 that we get once he's finally admitted that he feels something for Quinn is much better, and the witty banter and hilarious situations between Quinn and him and great, but I would have loved it even more if we could have seen a slower development instead of having him drastically change in the span of a few days only, although I understand that with the plot, it wouldn’t have made sense for him to spend a whole month with the shifters to give him time to slowly come around.
The fact that Rowan questions his impulses and feelings when it comes to Quinn is normal because he lived his whole life among humans, but the fact that Quinn questions it, even though the concept of mate is well known to him, and some characters even brought up the subject was a little annoying. I don't mind the questioning, but the whole "Why do I feel the need to protect him?" or "Why can't I stop thinking about him?" should have been a little more obvious for Quinn, and even for Rowan once it is explained to him that he's probably Quinn's mate. He might not accept it or understand it fully, but he should at least be able to understand that this "obsession" and possessiveness comes from the mate bond pulling at them.
Ari is the more "intense in a silly way" character in this book, and his mischief is typical of Alice Winter's more farfetched situations and OTT characters. He is hilarious, and seeing him get away with everything because he's cute (I mean, he shifts into a freaking Ocelot!!! How cute is that?!) was funny. I also found it so cute how Logan, his mate, let him do whatever he wanted, as long as he was happy (but don't worry, Ari is not a spoiled brat, he's just a little instigator-demon who knows he can get away because of his cute face).
There is the typical Winter's brand of humor in this book, so those who love the craziness of her characters will be happy, but overall, it was less intense or farfetched than the other series I've read from her. It's a more subdued version of the hilarious and improbable situations her characters always find themselves in, but it’s still very entertaining and it made me laugh out loud a few times.
There is a mystery in this book, but also a cute and funny romance. There were a few steamy smutty moments and plenty of sexual tension, but the romance is not too intense yet. The ending is pretty open, as very few of the plot lines are resolved in this book, so I am really curious to see where this is going, and I definitely want more of Quinn, Rowan, and Ari.
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✅ Romance
✅ Smut (MM)
✅ Banter and funny moments
✅ Pace
✅ 2 POVs
✅ World-building
✅ Plot
✅(🆗) Character development
This book, like every other Alice Winter’s books I’ve read, is fast-paced, hilarious, and engaging. There is still a kind of grumpy/sunshine dynamic in this series, but I don’t tire of it, and she’s so good at writing those relationships.
When two prisoners escape from a nearby prison, Rowan Sinclair, an ex-soldier turned tracker, is hired to help the police find the two fugitives. Because his superior thinks that the fugitives might be hidden in a shifters’ village not too far, Rowan is forced to go there and work with Quinn, the alpha of the village. Rowan grew up in a house where prejudices against shifters were part of his upbringing, and he’s been told his whole life that shifters are aberrations and that their animal sides make them freaks, unfit for “normal” society. However, the more time he spends with Quinn, the gorgeous, slightly cocky, but very funny and kind alpha, the more confused he gets because he quickly realizes that Quinn is the complete opposite of what a shifter should be, according to what Rowan has been told and taught.
I like the world-building of this series. The concept of shifters is nothing new, but in this version of our world, shifters are treated as less important than humans, and it creates a big rift between humans and shifters. They do coexist, but there is a lot of anger and tension on both sides because the shifters are fed up with the injustice they are victims of, and the humans live with all their preconceived ideas and prejudices against shifters, making them wary and even scared of them. It gives a slightly darker tone to the story despite all the laughs and banter. I also like the fact that a pack can have a lot of different shifters such as bears, wolves, jackals, or dogs, and they all live together and are even able to live with humans too sometimes. The whole concept of “mates” is also present, but not only limited to shifters of the same species. A bear-shifter could have a tiger-shifter as a mate and they could still have kids. It made the shifter dynamics more interesting than what we have with the usual “wolf pack”.
“You… You seriously let that twig of a man be alpha? What a joke,” Scott says.
The large man looks at Scott with wide eyes. “Quinn? Quinn’s fucking scary.”
I watch as Quinn the “fucking scary” blows his straw wrapper off and hits the smaller man in the side of the face with it before laughing.
Quinn is the typical Alice Winter’s light, sunshine-y, sarcastic, and instantly lovable main character and I loved him from the start. While he reminded me a little bit of Finn from How to Vex a Vampire, he was not as sassy or sarcastic, but he is still very funny, and he also has this strong leader vibe. I especially liked that he was a “non-typical" alpha, he’s not the over 6 ft. and 300 pounds of muscle mountain of a man, he is average in size and height, but makes up for it by being fiercely loyal to his pack, and driven to do anything to keep them safe. He has a big capacity for sarcasm and laughing at himself, and also an astonishing self-control that I admire. I would have lost my shits a few times if I’d been in his shoes.
Rowan is the grumpier side of the grumpy/sunshine couple, but then again he changes a lot in this book, and to be fair he is more stern than grumpy really... My only issue is that the changes happen pretty quickly. That is one reason I don’t always enjoy the whole "fated mate" plot, it creates situations with either insta-love or a complete change in behavior only explained by the fact that “he is my mate". The Rowan 2.0 that we get once he's finally admitted that he feels something for Quinn is much better, and the witty banter and hilarious situations between Quinn and him and great, but I would have loved it even more if we could have seen a slower development instead of having him drastically change in the span of a few days only, although I understand that with the plot, it wouldn’t have made sense for him to spend a whole month with the shifters to give him time to slowly come around.
“Let’s be nice,” Quinn says. “Rowan’s a bit testy when he doesn’t get his way.”
“I’m not calling him Alpha Daddy, like I call you,” Ari says to Quinn.
Quinn gives Ari a gentle squeeze. “You don’t even have to call him alpha. We’re not sure he’s even staying. If he does, we can figure out what to do. Until then, you’re going to call him Floof Daddy.”
(…)
I sigh loudly so they can all know how displeased I am. “I’m going to go saddle my horse and ride out of here and never look back.”
“Alpha Daddy, why’s Floof Daddy so dramatic?” Ari asks, like this is of actual concern.
“He loves drama,” Quinn explains.
The fact that Rowan questions his impulses and feelings when it comes to Quinn is normal because he lived his whole life among humans, but the fact that Quinn questions it, even though the concept of mate is well known to him, and some characters even brought up the subject was a little annoying. I don't mind the questioning, but the whole "Why do I feel the need to protect him?" or "Why can't I stop thinking about him?" should have been a little more obvious for Quinn, and even for Rowan once it is explained to him that he's probably Quinn's mate. He might not accept it or understand it fully, but he should at least be able to understand that this "obsession" and possessiveness comes from the mate bond pulling at them.
“You little shit,” I growl as I grab him in a headlock. I have him pinned down when Ari comes into the dining hall and gives his ass a smack before cackling. “Beat him harder, Ari,” I say as Graham tries to get away.
Ari seems to debate it as he stands, hand hovering. “You know Logan’s going to get jealous if he walks in on me spanking your brother,” Ari says before spanking him again.
“Hey, Graham, hey, Quinn,” Logan says as he walks in without even sparing a glance at Ari, his mate who is clearly caught, mid-spank.
“I don’t think he cares,” I say, breaking it to Ari fast and dirty. He might as well know now that Logan either super trusts him or he likes kinky Ari spanking others.
“I care about very little in life besides watching Ari have fun and right now, Ari has a huge smile on his face as Graham is abused, so I guess abuse is where it is.” Logan lovingly looks down at Ari.
Ari is the more "intense in a silly way" character in this book, and his mischief is typical of Alice Winter's more farfetched situations and OTT characters. He is hilarious, and seeing him get away with everything because he's cute (I mean, he shifts into a freaking Ocelot!!! How cute is that?!) was funny. I also found it so cute how Logan, his mate, let him do whatever he wanted, as long as he was happy (but don't worry, Ari is not a spoiled brat, he's just a little instigator-demon who knows he can get away because of his cute face).
“Let’s be nice,” Quinn says. “Rowan’s a bit testy when he doesn’t get his way.”
“I’m not calling him Alpha Daddy, like I call you,” Ari says to Quinn. Quinn gives Ari a gentle squeeze. “You don’t even have to call him alpha. We’re not sure he’s even staying. If he does, we can figure out what to do. Until then, you’re going to call him Floof Daddy.”
I sigh loudly so they can all know how displeased I am. “I’m going to go saddle my horse and ride out of here and never look back.”
“Alpha Daddy, why’s Floof Daddy so dramatic?” Ari asks, like this is of actual concern.
“He loves drama,” Quinn explains.
There is the typical Winter's brand of humor in this book, so those who love the craziness of her characters will be happy, but overall, it was less intense or farfetched than the other series I've read from her. It's a more subdued version of the hilarious and improbable situations her characters always find themselves in, but it’s still very entertaining and it made me laugh out loud a few times.
There is a mystery in this book, but also a cute and funny romance. There were a few steamy smutty moments and plenty of sexual tension, but the romance is not too intense yet. The ending is pretty open, as very few of the plot lines are resolved in this book, so I am really curious to see where this is going, and I definitely want more of Quinn, Rowan, and Ari.
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April 9, 2021
This author is one of my absolute favourites. I love paranormal books particularly shifter ones. So yes I was giddy with excitement going in...
Unfortunately and I can’t believe I’m saying this but it didn’t work for me at all.
I nearly skipped writing this review completely because I didn’t know where to start or what to say.
I’m gutted.
Quinn is the alpha and he’s a different alpha. He’s not big, strong or commanding. So all stereotypes out of the window here. There’s no hierarchy as such just Quinn who best reminds me of a toned down Finn.
He’s the alpha of a rag-tag bunch of shifters living (or trying to) peacefully in their little village.
I really struggled with this to the extend it’s taken me 5 days to read it.
I didn’t particularly like the characters (well except for Ari) and therefore I couldn’t bring myself to care what happened to them.
I still can’t believe I didn’t like it. It never once occurred me that maybe I wouldn’t love this one...but I didn’t
Unfortunately and I can’t believe I’m saying this but it didn’t work for me at all.
I nearly skipped writing this review completely because I didn’t know where to start or what to say.
I’m gutted.
Quinn is the alpha and he’s a different alpha. He’s not big, strong or commanding. So all stereotypes out of the window here. There’s no hierarchy as such just Quinn who best reminds me of a toned down Finn.
He’s the alpha of a rag-tag bunch of shifters living (or trying to) peacefully in their little village.
I really struggled with this to the extend it’s taken me 5 days to read it.
I didn’t particularly like the characters (well except for Ari) and therefore I couldn’t bring myself to care what happened to them.
I still can’t believe I didn’t like it. It never once occurred me that maybe I wouldn’t love this one...but I didn’t
April 22, 2024
Cute story, this is that kind of book when we want to just have fun and relax!
A fine story and easy reading, I enjoyed the plot, nice sex scenes, and fun characters, lovable, the action scenes was exciting as well! Congratulations to Alice Winters!!!
I believe the ending came abruptly however the story is light, joyful and exciting, also it's clear that is a series, so I'll continue to the next!
I have this book on audible too, Greg Boudreaux gave a absolutely amazing performance, I was so entertained, superb acting, and he knows how to separate the voices amazingly well, he is one of my favourite narrators, congratulations!!!
I adored the book cover, kudos to Natasha Snow Designs!
A fine story and easy reading, I enjoyed the plot, nice sex scenes, and fun characters, lovable, the action scenes was exciting as well! Congratulations to Alice Winters!!!
I believe the ending came abruptly however the story is light, joyful and exciting, also it's clear that is a series, so I'll continue to the next!
I have this book on audible too, Greg Boudreaux gave a absolutely amazing performance, I was so entertained, superb acting, and he knows how to separate the voices amazingly well, he is one of my favourite narrators, congratulations!!!
I adored the book cover, kudos to Natasha Snow Designs!
February 14, 2024
By the 60% mark I was pretty much over this story. I ultimately decided to finish it but it was a struggle, to say the least. The plot was frustrating as hell and all of the characters, with the exception of Quinn (and maybe Logan) were either annoying or downright insufferable. Since I didn't like most of them I didn't care about what was happening to them. I never found myself on the edge of my seat when they were in dangerous situations or overly concerned when things weren't going according to plan. I just didn't care.
The romance between Quinn and Rowan was so flimsy that I honestly never really viewed them as a couple. They were fated mates, and that should've made their love feel, at the very least, apparent, right? Well, all I saw were two men struggling to understand and deal with their irrational desire to keep the other safe. While it was apparent that they felt comfort in each other's presence, there was never any passion or all consuming desire between them. They did have sex but, because of the way it was written, it felt more like an act to satisfy their "pull" to each than anything else. Their banter and constant teasing made the situation worse, making it feel like they were old friends who liked ribbing each other rather than the lovers they were supposed to be.That's not to say that the banter was all bad. There were times that I found myself laughing out loud and during some scenes it was the only thing getting me through. It was just... a lot and at times it became distracting.
This is the second series I've read by this author, and while I absolutely LOVED Medium Trouble this one just wasn't for me. I loved the pack dynamic and the world building and I'll even admit that the last 10% of the story was a little exciting but it wasn’t enough to change my opinion of the story. I haven't decided whether or not I'll read the next story but if I do I can only hope it's better than this. 2.5 stars
The romance between Quinn and Rowan was so flimsy that I honestly never really viewed them as a couple. They were fated mates, and that should've made their love feel, at the very least, apparent, right? Well, all I saw were two men struggling to understand and deal with their irrational desire to keep the other safe. While it was apparent that they felt comfort in each other's presence, there was never any passion or all consuming desire between them. They did have sex but, because of the way it was written, it felt more like an act to satisfy their "pull" to each than anything else. Their banter and constant teasing made the situation worse, making it feel like they were old friends who liked ribbing each other rather than the lovers they were supposed to be.That's not to say that the banter was all bad. There were times that I found myself laughing out loud and during some scenes it was the only thing getting me through. It was just... a lot and at times it became distracting.
This is the second series I've read by this author, and while I absolutely LOVED Medium Trouble this one just wasn't for me. I loved the pack dynamic and the world building and I'll even admit that the last 10% of the story was a little exciting but it wasn’t enough to change my opinion of the story. I haven't decided whether or not I'll read the next story but if I do I can only hope it's better than this. 2.5 stars
March 6, 2021
2.5-3 stars
I usually struggle with this author, so I was surprised when I was really enjoying the story. I loved both Quinn and Rowan, and the side characters were also fun. Then about 30% I hit a wall. I felt like the story started to have too much filler and it just dragged for me.
Most of my friends loved it, so I know it’s me and definitely not the book. Please read other reviews while I go sit my cranky ass in a corner and sulk.
I usually struggle with this author, so I was surprised when I was really enjoying the story. I loved both Quinn and Rowan, and the side characters were also fun. Then about 30% I hit a wall. I felt like the story started to have too much filler and it just dragged for me.
Most of my friends loved it, so I know it’s me and definitely not the book. Please read other reviews while I go sit my cranky ass in a corner and sulk.
February 8, 2021
This was epic! I loved it.
Of Secrets and Wolves is a little bit more subdued than some of this author's previous work but it has just enough of hilarious remarks to make it clear that it's an Alice Winters book. I appreciated this, since it can get quite tiring when it's too much.
Rowan and Quinn where both great characters and this book is also filled with an amazing set of secondary characters and some great world building. I loved everything about this except the cliffhanger ending. Usually I shy away from books with cliffhangers but I'm hooked now so I can't wait for the next book.
Of Secrets and Wolves is a little bit more subdued than some of this author's previous work but it has just enough of hilarious remarks to make it clear that it's an Alice Winters book. I appreciated this, since it can get quite tiring when it's too much.
Rowan and Quinn where both great characters and this book is also filled with an amazing set of secondary characters and some great world building. I loved everything about this except the cliffhanger ending. Usually I shy away from books with cliffhangers but I'm hooked now so I can't wait for the next book.
January 31, 2021
This was funny and adorable with a shifter and human relationship.
The human is a tracker who is contracted by the FBI, and the shifter is the alpha of the local pack near where some escaped convicts are running. There is a huge amount of prejudice against shifters and our human has been indoctrinated. Too bad the local alpha is so damn cute!!
Oh my gosh, he's soooo cute!! Let's give him something.
(I was a helluva mother!)
Our local alpha decides to try and chat up the human:
"I want to know everything about you. I am horribly nosy by nature. What's your blood type? Is your skin soft? Do you rub moisturizer on yourself?"
yes. Yes. These are perfectly normal things that humans ask each other when trying to get to know them. Might as well find out if they can donate a kidney to you someday..... or... you maybe want to make a skin suit. Either one.
He seems nice. Great sense of humor!
So, they were cute and had good banter. The nefarious goings-on with the bad guys was pretty bad. But, here's the thing.. then it ended. Like, they didn't solve anything. It ended right in the middle of the conflict. There was a pause, and then - bam. The end.
Yeah, book. What the hell? Are you Leeroy Jenkinsing us? It wasn't over. Not even a little bit.
So, yeah, I liked it, but I'm very unhappy about liking it. You could even say I'm vexed.
We are not amused.
The human is a tracker who is contracted by the FBI, and the shifter is the alpha of the local pack near where some escaped convicts are running. There is a huge amount of prejudice against shifters and our human has been indoctrinated. Too bad the local alpha is so damn cute!!
Oh my gosh, he's soooo cute!! Let's give him something.
(I was a helluva mother!)
Our local alpha decides to try and chat up the human:
"I want to know everything about you. I am horribly nosy by nature. What's your blood type? Is your skin soft? Do you rub moisturizer on yourself?"
yes. Yes. These are perfectly normal things that humans ask each other when trying to get to know them. Might as well find out if they can donate a kidney to you someday..... or... you maybe want to make a skin suit. Either one.
He seems nice. Great sense of humor!
So, they were cute and had good banter. The nefarious goings-on with the bad guys was pretty bad. But, here's the thing.. then it ended. Like, they didn't solve anything. It ended right in the middle of the conflict. There was a pause, and then - bam. The end.
Yeah, book. What the hell? Are you Leeroy Jenkinsing us? It wasn't over. Not even a little bit.
So, yeah, I liked it, but I'm very unhappy about liking it. You could even say I'm vexed.
We are not amused.
February 4, 2021
3.5
I'm surely one of those readers Todd assumes are less enamored with Alice Winters usually far fetched scenes, so I appreciate her tone it down a bit this time. Seems she couldn't really see it through completely but a kudo for the good intentions. That way I was able to enjoy Quinn's sass and overly relaxed alphaness. It was even refreshing to follow his kind of alpha who's a nice diversion of the usual and then there's still Ari who's mischief surely counts as far fetched but it's still fun. That leaves Rowan - there is a Rowan before and after his 500 miles run and I'm not able to match those two. I liked both sides somehow. It's even that after-run Rowan had much better scenes and the banter with Quinn came much more naturally. I just like to see such kind of development and not being hit on the head with a sudden change. Oh and don't let me start with Scott. Can sombody explain that guys attitude for me?
What I really liked was Winters approach at world creation. In her universe shifters are out, maybe always coexisted but they are 2nd class citizens suffering from sever injustice and each one copes differently. It's a dark world and no sass or banter can really light those shadows only friendship and love might make it bearable. No wonder the events which start the mystery are possible.
The mystery then ... hm, on that the jury is still out if I would call it a mystery at all - too many open questions at the end. So all in all the story doesn't feel of a piece for me but it's promising and the world intriguing so no question I'm going to read the next book.
I'm surely one of those readers Todd assumes are less enamored with Alice Winters usually far fetched scenes, so I appreciate her tone it down a bit this time. Seems she couldn't really see it through completely but a kudo for the good intentions. That way I was able to enjoy Quinn's sass and overly relaxed alphaness. It was even refreshing to follow his kind of alpha who's a nice diversion of the usual and then there's still Ari who's mischief surely counts as far fetched but it's still fun. That leaves Rowan - there is a Rowan before and after his 500 miles run and I'm not able to match those two. I liked both sides somehow. It's even that after-run Rowan had much better scenes and the banter with Quinn came much more naturally. I just like to see such kind of development and not being hit on the head with a sudden change. Oh and don't let me start with Scott. Can sombody explain that guys attitude for me?
What I really liked was Winters approach at world creation. In her universe shifters are out, maybe always coexisted but they are 2nd class citizens suffering from sever injustice and each one copes differently. It's a dark world and no sass or banter can really light those shadows only friendship and love might make it bearable. No wonder the events which start the mystery are possible.
The mystery then ... hm, on that the jury is still out if I would call it a mystery at all - too many open questions at the end. So all in all the story doesn't feel of a piece for me but it's promising and the world intriguing so no question I'm going to read the next book.
January 29, 2021
I’m sorry, but I didn’t like it!
I didn’t like the plot or the characters. Didn’t like the romance or the comedy.
I don’t think I’ll write a full review because I think it would just be full of everything I strongly disliked and I like this author too much to do that. Clearly, not everything a beloved author writes will be perfect. I will most definitely look into other books by Alice Winters but this series is not for me.
I didn’t like the plot or the characters. Didn’t like the romance or the comedy.
I don’t think I’ll write a full review because I think it would just be full of everything I strongly disliked and I like this author too much to do that. Clearly, not everything a beloved author writes will be perfect. I will most definitely look into other books by Alice Winters but this series is not for me.
April 21, 2025
It was ok. Very "cutsie", which didn't work as well, for me, as I hoped it would. Also, the dialogue often felt stiff and formal, with few contractions. Still, I liked the story enough to read book 2 when it comes out, I think.
May 7, 2022
4.25**** shifting stars
This might not be the most thrilling or captivating story ever written BUT I was very much well entertained. So well that I’m glad that their story is far from over and there is a second book to entertain me further.
Apropos thrilling… or not.
I never quite understood the purpose of shifter romances with no shifting. So I was very happy to see these guys shifting. And shifting. And then they shifted some more. I loved it! I mean a snow leopard ♡♡♡ I adore big, wild cats *meow!
I had the best time following Quinn and Rowan through their story. Both were so adorable. Most of their banter was just silly but I was laughing my ass off real hard at times. And also when they truly behaved like ridiculous animal-pets, it was funny as hell. I don’t have that much experience with shifter novels but I haven’t seen anything like it before - it was hilarious.
Regarding the romance I was not overly pleased. Yes they were really cute together and there was a lot of talk about love and tearing the world down for the other but honestly, I didn’t feel it thaaaat much. They felt more like best buddies with a strong attraction to one another than mates in love.
But anyway… as I said. I enjoyed it very very much! The audiobook is perfect to listen to while doing something else imo. And of course the narration was again superb.
********
The story ends on a cliffhanger. Next one is Of Betrayal and Monsters.
This might not be the most thrilling or captivating story ever written BUT I was very much well entertained. So well that I’m glad that their story is far from over and there is a second book to entertain me further.
Apropos thrilling… or not.
I never quite understood the purpose of shifter romances with no shifting. So I was very happy to see these guys shifting. And shifting. And then they shifted some more. I loved it! I mean a snow leopard ♡♡♡ I adore big, wild cats *meow!
“You’re purring again,” I say, in case he’s not aware of how much he’s enjoying my pets. “I am not. I hate this. Despise it.”
“What? I can barely hear you over all the purring,” I say as I smoosh his face. “How do you even feel anything through this thick fluff?” I grab his tail and pull it forward. “Your tail is so long you can touch your nose with it,” I say as I poke him in the nose with his tail.
I had the best time following Quinn and Rowan through their story. Both were so adorable. Most of their banter was just silly but I was laughing my ass off real hard at times. And also when they truly behaved like ridiculous animal-pets, it was funny as hell. I don’t have that much experience with shifter novels but I haven’t seen anything like it before - it was hilarious.
Regarding the romance I was not overly pleased. Yes they were really cute together and there was a lot of talk about love and tearing the world down for the other but honestly, I didn’t feel it thaaaat much. They felt more like best buddies with a strong attraction to one another than mates in love.
But anyway… as I said. I enjoyed it very very much! The audiobook is perfect to listen to while doing something else imo. And of course the narration was again superb.
********
The story ends on a cliffhanger. Next one is Of Betrayal and Monsters.
July 5, 2023
Reread/Relisten #3: July 2023:
Yes idk why this book always calls to me when i am in a slump and want to listen to Greg B hah but it does. this isn't my favorite of the series, especially because around the 60-80% mark i was getting a tad bored, but even with that said i still enjoyed this reread.
Reread/Relisten #2: June 2022:
Needed to just listen to something I know I liked.
There are places that it drags but other than that a good book that I enjoy enough to reread haha
Reread/Relisten #1: April 2021:
Since this was narrated by Greg Boudreaux, I was intrigued. I ended up getting this one and the second book because i am a sucker... anyways i feel like my original review still holds true for me. for a shifter book this doesn't have the same laws that i am used to.
I did see that the next book got better reviews that is why i wanted to give this another go.
I am going to listen to the second book so that will probably help raise the rating as well.
Overall i recommend this book and audiobook, but if you are really in to shifter books then this might not be the one you want, this is good for a beginner.
3-3.5 stars: January 2021
Honestly not my favorite Alice Winters. I was hoping for more humor but this didn’t have any that I have been know to rely on from her.
This book was different from the shifter books I’ve read, there wasn’t much of a hierarchy in the pack, just that Quinn was the Alpha and we didn’t see any betas or omegas.
Quinn and Rowen, to me didn’t feel their chemistry like I have in other books by Alice. I don’t know if it’s cause I read this fast or what but I felt like some sections of the story were choppy.. I don’t know I’m a little disappointed but that won’t stop me from reading more by her in the future. This just wasn’t a win for me, but you can’t love all of one authors books!
Yes idk why this book always calls to me when i am in a slump and want to listen to Greg B hah but it does. this isn't my favorite of the series, especially because around the 60-80% mark i was getting a tad bored, but even with that said i still enjoyed this reread.
Reread/Relisten #2: June 2022:
Needed to just listen to something I know I liked.
There are places that it drags but other than that a good book that I enjoy enough to reread haha
Reread/Relisten #1: April 2021:
Since this was narrated by Greg Boudreaux, I was intrigued. I ended up getting this one and the second book because i am a sucker... anyways i feel like my original review still holds true for me. for a shifter book this doesn't have the same laws that i am used to.
I did see that the next book got better reviews that is why i wanted to give this another go.
I am going to listen to the second book so that will probably help raise the rating as well.
Overall i recommend this book and audiobook, but if you are really in to shifter books then this might not be the one you want, this is good for a beginner.
3-3.5 stars: January 2021
Honestly not my favorite Alice Winters. I was hoping for more humor but this didn’t have any that I have been know to rely on from her.
This book was different from the shifter books I’ve read, there wasn’t much of a hierarchy in the pack, just that Quinn was the Alpha and we didn’t see any betas or omegas.
Quinn and Rowen, to me didn’t feel their chemistry like I have in other books by Alice. I don’t know if it’s cause I read this fast or what but I felt like some sections of the story were choppy.. I don’t know I’m a little disappointed but that won’t stop me from reading more by her in the future. This just wasn’t a win for me, but you can’t love all of one authors books!
August 28, 2021
3.75 stars for the narrator. He does a decent job with bringing the characters to life.
3 stars for the story.
Quinn is an alpha of a pack in Winsford Village. The human world looks down upon shifters. Quinn likes to keep his pack safe within the village.
Rowan is a tracker who was enlisted to help find escaped prisoners. Him and Scott find themselves seeking information from Quinn and his pack. The escaped prisoners seem to be part of something bigger which puts Quinn and his pack in danger.
This story has shifters but it doesn't seem to follow the usual rules of most of the shifter books I have read. These shifters have no special powers, no ability to heal quicker they just shift into certain animals. Sure they get the abilities of the animals but lets say one shifts into a bunny ...well there just a little fluffy bunny. For me, there is nothing great about that lol. I don't know I just need something more 🤷🏽♀️
As for Quinn, to me, he seemed pretty weak as an Alpha. He always seem to let others run over him and when his pack was put in danger he had no solid plan to get them out of it.
I liked the idea of the story just not the follow through. I really do like this author but I will not be moving on to the next book. I realize it is not for me.
3 stars for the story.
Quinn is an alpha of a pack in Winsford Village. The human world looks down upon shifters. Quinn likes to keep his pack safe within the village.
Rowan is a tracker who was enlisted to help find escaped prisoners. Him and Scott find themselves seeking information from Quinn and his pack. The escaped prisoners seem to be part of something bigger which puts Quinn and his pack in danger.
This story has shifters but it doesn't seem to follow the usual rules of most of the shifter books I have read. These shifters have no special powers, no ability to heal quicker they just shift into certain animals. Sure they get the abilities of the animals but lets say one shifts into a bunny ...well there just a little fluffy bunny. For me, there is nothing great about that lol. I don't know I just need something more 🤷🏽♀️
As for Quinn, to me, he seemed pretty weak as an Alpha. He always seem to let others run over him and when his pack was put in danger he had no solid plan to get them out of it.
I liked the idea of the story just not the follow through. I really do like this author but I will not be moving on to the next book. I realize it is not for me.
June 8, 2022
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ - Story
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ - Narration
This story was just so-so for me. But Greg Boudreaux knocked the narration out of the park, as per usual.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ - Narration
This story was just so-so for me. But Greg Boudreaux knocked the narration out of the park, as per usual.
did-not-finish
February 8, 2021Alice Winters. I think of her as the banter queen - and that's not actually a compliment, unfortunately. I appreciate the humor and lightheartedness she brings to a genre-typical situations that can be overly dramatic and serious most of the time, but usually the banter is out of control: character building and useful dialogue are sacrificed on the altar of a witty one-liner.
Of Secrets and Wolves is different from her usual fare in that it's half serious. I actually do like the concept of an alpha shifter who is not the stereotypical alpha male and the fact that the menagerie of a shape-shifter pack is treated with humor. I mean, the premise of these "A/B/O everyone's an animal" books is somewhat absurd to begin with. It's too bad, then, that this attempt of being half-serious just doesn't work with Winters' writing style. Her normal "banter plot banter plot banter plot" that pops right along isn't present. Instead, the injection of a semi-serious plot turns the story into a shambling mess with terrible pacing and questionable world building. The book drags on forever in a constant back and forth both emotionally and physically. When the unnecessarily large cast of characters isn't running between their village and the forest (which is most of the time), Quinn and Rowan constantly come together for ten seconds, then part, then come back together, then part, then come back together. The entire time they are both thinking, "Wow, I want to protect him and be around him, but why? But why??? WHY?????" even when the concept of mates is well-known and specifically brought up multiple times. Having to slog through this means that for most of the book nothing interesting is happening.
That leads me to talk about the world building and how it ties in with the plot. In this particular version of a shifter world, shifters are second-class citizens with very few rights and they deal with outright discrimination from everyone all the time. First of all, based on how Rowan was raised, I don't really buy his conversion from shifter-hating to not-shifter-hating. He wrestles with this a little bit, but not as much as I would expect when accounting for his childhood. Second, it's just kind of...terrible to read about. It's like reading about the Jim Crow-era United States but with no hope or expectation that it will change. Quinn is essentially resigned to the way he's treated by authorities and humans as a form of self-protection. Potentially accurate for someone living in that situation? Yes. Depressing as hell? ALSO YES. Woo, fun, discrimination.
When it comes to the actual "escaped prisoners" plot, well...she messy. It is disjointed and almost nonsensical. The pacing doesn't work at all. The stakes never feel high. The book would be much better if it left this out altogether and focused on Rowan's growth as a character as he begins to accept himself. Instead, we're forced through a cobbled-together and hackneyed "experimentation" plot that seems shoehorned in.
Finally, the characters. I like the concept of Rowan. I like the concept of Quinn. Unfortunately, interesting characters with depth is not Winters' strong point. Rowan's "lone ranger tracking forest guy" concept remains a concept and instead he's actually written as a very confused man with no other qualities. Quinn has a bit more flavor to him, though he's mostly "jokes guy." What kills me is that I like some of the banter! Some of it is funny and cute and refreshing to read! But it's never balanced with the rest of the writing. The character of Scott is baffling and weird and the thing with his wife came out of left field and I don't understand what his deal is.
Previous to this, Alice Winters wasn't on my no fly list, but this puts her square at the top (after B.A. Tortuga, let's be real).
Of Secrets and Wolves is different from her usual fare in that it's half serious. I actually do like the concept of an alpha shifter who is not the stereotypical alpha male and the fact that the menagerie of a shape-shifter pack is treated with humor. I mean, the premise of these "A/B/O everyone's an animal" books is somewhat absurd to begin with. It's too bad, then, that this attempt of being half-serious just doesn't work with Winters' writing style. Her normal "banter plot banter plot banter plot" that pops right along isn't present. Instead, the injection of a semi-serious plot turns the story into a shambling mess with terrible pacing and questionable world building. The book drags on forever in a constant back and forth both emotionally and physically. When the unnecessarily large cast of characters isn't running between their village and the forest (which is most of the time), Quinn and Rowan constantly come together for ten seconds, then part, then come back together, then part, then come back together. The entire time they are both thinking, "Wow, I want to protect him and be around him, but why? But why??? WHY?????" even when the concept of mates is well-known and specifically brought up multiple times. Having to slog through this means that for most of the book nothing interesting is happening.
That leads me to talk about the world building and how it ties in with the plot. In this particular version of a shifter world, shifters are second-class citizens with very few rights and they deal with outright discrimination from everyone all the time. First of all, based on how Rowan was raised, I don't really buy his conversion from shifter-hating to not-shifter-hating. He wrestles with this a little bit, but not as much as I would expect when accounting for his childhood. Second, it's just kind of...terrible to read about. It's like reading about the Jim Crow-era United States but with no hope or expectation that it will change. Quinn is essentially resigned to the way he's treated by authorities and humans as a form of self-protection. Potentially accurate for someone living in that situation? Yes. Depressing as hell? ALSO YES. Woo, fun, discrimination.
When it comes to the actual "escaped prisoners" plot, well...she messy. It is disjointed and almost nonsensical. The pacing doesn't work at all. The stakes never feel high. The book would be much better if it left this out altogether and focused on Rowan's growth as a character as he begins to accept himself. Instead, we're forced through a cobbled-together and hackneyed "experimentation" plot that seems shoehorned in.
Finally, the characters. I like the concept of Rowan. I like the concept of Quinn. Unfortunately, interesting characters with depth is not Winters' strong point. Rowan's "lone ranger tracking forest guy" concept remains a concept and instead he's actually written as a very confused man with no other qualities. Quinn has a bit more flavor to him, though he's mostly "jokes guy." What kills me is that I like some of the banter! Some of it is funny and cute and refreshing to read! But it's never balanced with the rest of the writing. The character of Scott is baffling and weird and the thing with his wife came out of left field and I don't understand what his deal is.
Previous to this, Alice Winters wasn't on my no fly list, but this puts her square at the top (after B.A. Tortuga, let's be real).
May 12, 2021
This is my second book by this author. I was barely able to finish the first one. This one was also not entirely to my taste.
Usually I don't like funny books because they don't make me laugh at all, and I find most of the jokes stupid or annoying. This was my biggest problem with How to Vex a Vampire. And that was still my problem with this book. This kind of humor does not amuse me at all. Though fortunately, I had a lot less problem with humor in this book than in the previous one.
Rowan looked like a really strong character at the beginning. But like Marcus from How to Vex a Vampire, Quinn made him weaker and weaker over time. By the end, Quinn and Rowan are virtually indistinguishable. They are just a couple of goofy kids. Rowan has theoretically undergone a great transformation from a person who despises shapeshifters to accepting his second nature. But it is all kind of bland, and I really had a hard time seeing this change in him if he hadn't reminded about it from time to time.
The plot is fine. This is not the first book I read where someone has experimented with shapeshifters in an attempt to create super killing machines. So it's not a particularly innovative idea. I also read stories in which this theme was used and developed in a much more interesting way.
This is the first book in the series and you can feel it. Somewhere in the middle of the book, I realized that the author was not going to end all the plotlines. Unfortunately, I felt that she was taking us to wait. About halfway through, this book began to drag on me. It seemed to me that the plot was going nowhere. And unfortunately it was so. Right now, I have the feeling that there may not be enough of this whole story for a whole series of books, one would be more than enough. This is not that short of a book, and not much has happened in it.
I admit reading this book because of this delightful cover. But in my opinion, this cover does not quite fit the story. That is, it does not warn you that this story is trying to be funny, it looks more like your typical urban fantasy. Maybe I will read more books in this series or maybe not. I am not so attached to these characters or especially curious about what will happen next.
Usually I don't like funny books because they don't make me laugh at all, and I find most of the jokes stupid or annoying. This was my biggest problem with How to Vex a Vampire. And that was still my problem with this book. This kind of humor does not amuse me at all. Though fortunately, I had a lot less problem with humor in this book than in the previous one.
Rowan looked like a really strong character at the beginning. But like Marcus from How to Vex a Vampire, Quinn made him weaker and weaker over time. By the end, Quinn and Rowan are virtually indistinguishable. They are just a couple of goofy kids. Rowan has theoretically undergone a great transformation from a person who despises shapeshifters to accepting his second nature. But it is all kind of bland, and I really had a hard time seeing this change in him if he hadn't reminded about it from time to time.
The plot is fine. This is not the first book I read where someone has experimented with shapeshifters in an attempt to create super killing machines. So it's not a particularly innovative idea. I also read stories in which this theme was used and developed in a much more interesting way.
This is the first book in the series and you can feel it. Somewhere in the middle of the book, I realized that the author was not going to end all the plotlines. Unfortunately, I felt that she was taking us to wait. About halfway through, this book began to drag on me. It seemed to me that the plot was going nowhere. And unfortunately it was so. Right now, I have the feeling that there may not be enough of this whole story for a whole series of books, one would be more than enough. This is not that short of a book, and not much has happened in it.
I admit reading this book because of this delightful cover. But in my opinion, this cover does not quite fit the story. That is, it does not warn you that this story is trying to be funny, it looks more like your typical urban fantasy. Maybe I will read more books in this series or maybe not. I am not so attached to these characters or especially curious about what will happen next.
Read
February 27, 20213.5 stars
The story was a bit uneven for me, but I enjoyed it enough to want to go to the next one.
The story was a bit uneven for me, but I enjoyed it enough to want to go to the next one.
February 5, 2021
I just realized that this is the author from "How to Vex a Vampire", wich explains a lot! 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
I liked the story and I thought it had hilarious moments, but as always this author goes over the top with the personalities of the characters, so much so that they seem like a caricature not real people you can relate to. Specially when a character starts quiet and reserved and ends up being a bubbly mashmellow. I didn't like "How to Vex a Vampire" for the same reason, but I did like this one more than that one.
Still, the worldbuilding wasn't anything new, the structure of the mystery wasn't surprising and everything was... Enjoyable but not groundbreaking. I did laugh a lot and I did love how they actually treated themselves as animals when they were in their animal form, it was sweet, endearing and funny as hell.
Overall a fun read, if you want something light and cute. This is it! 🥰❤
I liked the story and I thought it had hilarious moments, but as always this author goes over the top with the personalities of the characters, so much so that they seem like a caricature not real people you can relate to. Specially when a character starts quiet and reserved and ends up being a bubbly mashmellow. I didn't like "How to Vex a Vampire" for the same reason, but I did like this one more than that one.
Still, the worldbuilding wasn't anything new, the structure of the mystery wasn't surprising and everything was... Enjoyable but not groundbreaking. I did laugh a lot and I did love how they actually treated themselves as animals when they were in their animal form, it was sweet, endearing and funny as hell.
Overall a fun read, if you want something light and cute. This is it! 🥰❤
November 1, 2022
At first i was undecided between three or four stars, but than, well... Catnip.
A funny read, although not as hilarious as some others from this author.
A funny read, although not as hilarious as some others from this author.
March 5, 2024
This is so good! The book is super funny, if you want a good shifter book that doesn't take himself to seriously this is your book.
The jokes are on point, the amount of smut too (not to much, I'm kinda tired of excessive smut), the mystery is pretty gripping, you wanna now more.
It's not five stars because I feel like five stars is a perfect book but some characters did a lot of nonsense in this book 😂
The jokes are on point, the amount of smut too (not to much, I'm kinda tired of excessive smut), the mystery is pretty gripping, you wanna now more.
It's not five stars because I feel like five stars is a perfect book but some characters did a lot of nonsense in this book 😂
January 28, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Of Secrets and Wolves is the first book in Alice Winters’ new Winsford Shifters series and I absolutely loved it. I have made no secret that I am a huge fan of this author, so I was really excited to see her take on the shifter genre. Winters introduces us to an interesting world here where shifters are well known to humans, but also frequently treated with prejudice and hatred. We see all sides here, from humans that are part of the pack, to a member of the tracking team who is filled with venom for the shifters, to Rowan somewhere in the middle. He has been taught all his life to hate shifters, but he also recognizes how unfairly they are being treated. He also slowly comes to get to know Quinn and the pack and realize that what he has always been taught isn’t true. I enjoyed the way it is a mixed pack with a variety of different kinds of shifters, rather than just wolves like Quinn. I am a sucker for non-traditional shifters, so I enjoyed seeing the way all these different shifters lived and worked together.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Of Secrets and Wolves is the first book in Alice Winters’ new Winsford Shifters series and I absolutely loved it. I have made no secret that I am a huge fan of this author, so I was really excited to see her take on the shifter genre. Winters introduces us to an interesting world here where shifters are well known to humans, but also frequently treated with prejudice and hatred. We see all sides here, from humans that are part of the pack, to a member of the tracking team who is filled with venom for the shifters, to Rowan somewhere in the middle. He has been taught all his life to hate shifters, but he also recognizes how unfairly they are being treated. He also slowly comes to get to know Quinn and the pack and realize that what he has always been taught isn’t true. I enjoyed the way it is a mixed pack with a variety of different kinds of shifters, rather than just wolves like Quinn. I am a sucker for non-traditional shifters, so I enjoyed seeing the way all these different shifters lived and worked together.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
dnf
July 18, 2021DNF ~32%
Sadly, one of the most inane books I've read this year. And I love shifter stories! My frustration with the author's complete lack of research into big cats (and other large predators) was only equaled by the utterly boring story. Inadequate world building, shifters acting like house pets, the word "cute" used over and over, no character depth, OTT behavior of the regional sheriff et al, difficulty differentiating some voices. I had to fold and walk away.
Sadly, one of the most inane books I've read this year. And I love shifter stories! My frustration with the author's complete lack of research into big cats (and other large predators) was only equaled by the utterly boring story. Inadequate world building, shifters acting like house pets, the word "cute" used over and over, no character depth, OTT behavior of the regional sheriff et al, difficulty differentiating some voices. I had to fold and walk away.
February 15, 2021
A nice refreshing shifter story. An Alpha who isn't anybody's idea of an Alpha. A human who doesn't accept he is a shifter and gets up to some funny things whilst shifted.
I enjoy this writers style of storytelling. Lots of laughs along with the serious stuff and there were a few heart stopping moments and of course we are left on a kind of cliffy with hopefully the next book about a month away.
I enjoy this writers style of storytelling. Lots of laughs along with the serious stuff and there were a few heart stopping moments and of course we are left on a kind of cliffy with hopefully the next book about a month away.
March 15, 2021
Great start to a new series!
Interesting world building, where shifters are out in the open but a frowned upon minority, kind of second class citizens. A great cast of main and secondary characters. And some secrets to solve.......
I really love the author’s humorous writing style.
My only complaint is that here and there the story dragged a bit and Rowan and Quinn's thoughts were repetitive.
4.5 Catnip stars 😍
Interesting world building, where shifters are out in the open but a frowned upon minority, kind of second class citizens. A great cast of main and secondary characters. And some secrets to solve.......
I really love the author’s humorous writing style.
My only complaint is that here and there the story dragged a bit and Rowan and Quinn's thoughts were repetitive.
4.5 Catnip stars 😍
January 19, 2021
Holy... Wow... Where to start.
This book kicks off what I'm sure will be an unbelievable series. It is so completely different from any of Alice's other books in the best way.
I am obsessed with the world she created and characters. Rowan and Quinn are freaking adorable.
My favorite thing about this book however is the underlying theme Alice has created. Well that's how I read it anyways.
Rowan grows up being taught to hate anything having to do with shifters as well as keeping a huge part of himself a secret and conforming to fit his father's life no matter how unhappy it makes him. ( And in such a lgtbq+ community us readers of Alice are from this kind of situation can really hit home with some ) The way Alice writes this particular story is truly exceptional.
Quinn oh sweet summer child ahha I absolutely adore Quinn. He is perfect for Quinn in so many ways. I absolutely love how he didn't try and push Rowan into anything just helped him discover that being true to himself will make him the happiest he's ever been with himself in life.
I loved reading their bond develope and Rowan forming friendships with others especially Ari. All while trying to figure out what is going on with 2 apparent escaped convicts and finding themselves and the pack in more danger then any could have imagined. I can't wait for the second book. There is so much more to discover and figure out away to hopefully help some other shifters that clearly need rescuing.
This book kicks off what I'm sure will be an unbelievable series. It is so completely different from any of Alice's other books in the best way.
I am obsessed with the world she created and characters. Rowan and Quinn are freaking adorable.
My favorite thing about this book however is the underlying theme Alice has created. Well that's how I read it anyways.
Rowan grows up being taught to hate anything having to do with shifters as well as keeping a huge part of himself a secret and conforming to fit his father's life no matter how unhappy it makes him. ( And in such a lgtbq+ community us readers of Alice are from this kind of situation can really hit home with some ) The way Alice writes this particular story is truly exceptional.
Quinn oh sweet summer child ahha I absolutely adore Quinn. He is perfect for Quinn in so many ways. I absolutely love how he didn't try and push Rowan into anything just helped him discover that being true to himself will make him the happiest he's ever been with himself in life.
I loved reading their bond develope and Rowan forming friendships with others especially Ari. All while trying to figure out what is going on with 2 apparent escaped convicts and finding themselves and the pack in more danger then any could have imagined. I can't wait for the second book. There is so much more to discover and figure out away to hopefully help some other shifters that clearly need rescuing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2021
✮4.5 Stars✮
💗
March 4, 2021
Of Secrets and Wolves made me fall in love with shifters again!!
Apparently, I have been under a rock for the last few years because this was my first Alice Winters novel, and it makes me sad. Rowan and Quinn had me under their spell from the get-go, the laughs were there but not over the top (which I hate) and the different elements of all the types of shifters in this pack made for a story unlike anything I have read before.
This review is proving hard to write for a couple reasons. Since it is a HFN situation there is still so much more to come from the Winsford Pack that I don't know what I could say that wouldn't give away the elements of the characters that Winter has created. The other reason is because the story is still very much going on with the events that unfolded in this book that I don't really have the answers yet.
What I can say is that Rowan changes so much from the start of this book to the end that I think his character development in the next book is going to make him even more lovable. Quinn on the other hand is nothing like you would expect from the Alpha of a shifter pack, which was refreshing. I am with every other person out there, a big scary alpha is sexy, but Quinn had so much going for him that that element wasn't remotely missed.
Honestly, this book was just wonderful. It gave me so many happy feels while keeping me guessing where the story was going. Can't wait to see what the Winsford Pack gets up to in book two, Of Betrayal and Monsters!!
Apparently, I have been under a rock for the last few years because this was my first Alice Winters novel, and it makes me sad. Rowan and Quinn had me under their spell from the get-go, the laughs were there but not over the top (which I hate) and the different elements of all the types of shifters in this pack made for a story unlike anything I have read before.
This review is proving hard to write for a couple reasons. Since it is a HFN situation there is still so much more to come from the Winsford Pack that I don't know what I could say that wouldn't give away the elements of the characters that Winter has created. The other reason is because the story is still very much going on with the events that unfolded in this book that I don't really have the answers yet.
What I can say is that Rowan changes so much from the start of this book to the end that I think his character development in the next book is going to make him even more lovable. Quinn on the other hand is nothing like you would expect from the Alpha of a shifter pack, which was refreshing. I am with every other person out there, a big scary alpha is sexy, but Quinn had so much going for him that that element wasn't remotely missed.
Honestly, this book was just wonderful. It gave me so many happy feels while keeping me guessing where the story was going. Can't wait to see what the Winsford Pack gets up to in book two, Of Betrayal and Monsters!!
March 17, 2021
I enjoyed this beginning to a new series by Alice Winters, however not as much as I wanted to.
Winter's previous books, that I've read, had this over-the-top absurdist humour that I loved. Here it's toned down a lot and when it does appear, it feels out of place for some reason.
One of the biggest things I didn't like about this book was Rowan's bias against shifters. I get that he grew up in a hateful environment, but it flip flopped a lot. One moment he's 'tolerant' the next he's spouting off hatred his father instilled in him. Even though it's mostly , and he learns to overcome it over time, I still don't know why Quinn put up with it. Quinn should've told Rowan to fuck off from the start.
Hopefully I enjoy the sequel more whenever I get to it! 🤞
Winter's previous books, that I've read, had this over-the-top absurdist humour that I loved. Here it's toned down a lot and when it does appear, it feels out of place for some reason.
One of the biggest things I didn't like about this book was Rowan's bias against shifters. I get that he grew up in a hateful environment, but it flip flopped a lot. One moment he's 'tolerant' the next he's spouting off hatred his father instilled in him. Even though it's mostly , and he learns to overcome it over time, I still don't know why Quinn put up with it. Quinn should've told Rowan to fuck off from the start.
Hopefully I enjoy the sequel more whenever I get to it! 🤞
February 6, 2021
Wow, I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed a book like I did this one in quite a bit. It was hilarious, sweet and full of interesting characters I want to learn all about. I started it and from page 1, I was fully invested. Quinn may not look like your typical alpha male, but it was easy to see how he earned his position. He was my favourite character overall. I loved his flirty banter with Rowan throughout. Honestly any scene discussing catnip had me snorting with laughter. Rowan himself took a moment to get with the program, but once he did, I couldn’t help but love him too. He’s such an awkward, lovable guy.
I really enjoyed Alice’s take on shifters and hope she continues to explore them further, whether with spin-offs for the lovely side characters of this series or just other characters in this universe :)
I’m super ready for book 2 and March cannot come fast enough in my opinion.
I really enjoyed Alice’s take on shifters and hope she continues to explore them further, whether with spin-offs for the lovely side characters of this series or just other characters in this universe :)
I’m super ready for book 2 and March cannot come fast enough in my opinion.
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