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Hidden Wolves #2
Unexpected Demands
He'd rather fight enemy wolves and rogue humans than face his own heart.
When Aaron took down a violent, power-crazed wolf and inherited half a pack, he knew being Alpha wasn't going to be easy. A week later, he's finding out what an understatement that was. Other werewolves are calling for the extermination of his pack's gay wolf, or for Aaron's own death, and the risk of exposure to humans is growing.
Aaron can't afford to let his long-suppressed sexuality escape his rigid control. When one of his younger wolves is in trouble, it's simply Aaron's job as Alpha to help and protect him. But keeping a cool distance from a young man who appeals to all his senses could be Aaron's toughest challenge.
This is a lightly-edited rerelease of the 2012 original.
Content warnings for substance abuse, violence
When Aaron took down a violent, power-crazed wolf and inherited half a pack, he knew being Alpha wasn't going to be easy. A week later, he's finding out what an understatement that was. Other werewolves are calling for the extermination of his pack's gay wolf, or for Aaron's own death, and the risk of exposure to humans is growing.
Aaron can't afford to let his long-suppressed sexuality escape his rigid control. When one of his younger wolves is in trouble, it's simply Aaron's job as Alpha to help and protect him. But keeping a cool distance from a young man who appeals to all his senses could be Aaron's toughest challenge.
This is a lightly-edited rerelease of the 2012 original.
Content warnings for substance abuse, violence
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2012
37 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
88 books2,702 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
February 15, 2025
Updated review and rating: re-read in 2025 (12 years later)
**rating bumped up to 4.5 stars from 4 stars**
Reading this story directly after book 1 was a dream for me. It continues a lot of the same characters and plot lines, and though the two MCs are different, it sort of feels like the same story.
I think I forgave a lot more in my re-read of this story. The two MCs don't need to have "in your face" romance for the story to be romantic, and I like how it took awhile for them to figure themselves out. Their relationship isn't perfect, but it's evolving. I liked that more on re-read.
I basically read this entire book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. HIGHLY, highly recommended.
(see below for my 2013 review)
Kaje Harper always delivers the goods. She writes books the way that I like them- lots of character development, a slow-build romance, and just really smart writing. Though I didn't like this one as much as the first, this book still was a success for me.
This book wasn't as... romantic as the first. It takes a long time for the two MCs to get together, and even when they do, they are very guarded with each other. I think that element of the book interested me in a way- it wasn't the typical insta-love, shifter book. It was something more difficult to obtain. This book played hard to get with me.
This book is filled with things that I like, romance and sex aside. I really enjoyed all of the discussion of pack politics and pack dynamics. I was genuinely interested in all of those details. Kaje is an awesome world-builder, in my opinion.
However, I'll admit that I didn't like a few things about this book. I didn't love the first person POV here (I often don't mind it, but here it seemed too intrusive), and I missed the duel POVs of the first book. However, Kaje's skilled writing more than made up for these issues for me. I couldn't put this book down, though I expect the pace would drag for some readers.
I hope and pray that the author continues on with this series. I'm really emotionally invested in this world and these characters. I'll keep reading if you keep writing, Kaje!
*~*Follow me on instagram for more reviews, book talk, and deals posts*~*
**rating bumped up to 4.5 stars from 4 stars**
Reading this story directly after book 1 was a dream for me. It continues a lot of the same characters and plot lines, and though the two MCs are different, it sort of feels like the same story.
I think I forgave a lot more in my re-read of this story. The two MCs don't need to have "in your face" romance for the story to be romantic, and I like how it took awhile for them to figure themselves out. Their relationship isn't perfect, but it's evolving. I liked that more on re-read.
I basically read this entire book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. HIGHLY, highly recommended.
(see below for my 2013 review)
Kaje Harper always delivers the goods. She writes books the way that I like them- lots of character development, a slow-build romance, and just really smart writing. Though I didn't like this one as much as the first, this book still was a success for me.
This book wasn't as... romantic as the first. It takes a long time for the two MCs to get together, and even when they do, they are very guarded with each other. I think that element of the book interested me in a way- it wasn't the typical insta-love, shifter book. It was something more difficult to obtain. This book played hard to get with me.
This book is filled with things that I like, romance and sex aside. I really enjoyed all of the discussion of pack politics and pack dynamics. I was genuinely interested in all of those details. Kaje is an awesome world-builder, in my opinion.
However, I'll admit that I didn't like a few things about this book. I didn't love the first person POV here (I often don't mind it, but here it seemed too intrusive), and I missed the duel POVs of the first book. However, Kaje's skilled writing more than made up for these issues for me. I couldn't put this book down, though I expect the pace would drag for some readers.
I hope and pray that the author continues on with this series. I'm really emotionally invested in this world and these characters. I'll keep reading if you keep writing, Kaje!
*~*Follow me on instagram for more reviews, book talk, and deals posts*~*
August 21, 2021
Reread 16/08/2021
A friend is reading the series for the first time and I just couldn’t resist revisiting my favorite couple, not least of all because I finally got the chance to read the new polished version. Definitely not regretting rebuying the entire series. 😍
Reread 17/12/2020
I’ve finished my latest reread 3 days ago now and I’m feeling grumpy because I was planning to finally review this book—I’m tired of having all my old 5-star reads without a review because I didn’t review most books back then—and instead… nothing, I’m not feeling it.
I loved it just as much as the first (few? I don’t remember on what rereads I’m on) time. I loved everything pack-related and I loved rediscovering how different Aaron is in his book in comparison to how he appears in the previous one from Simon’s POV. I think the choice of going with the single POV and the first person narrative was the right one. Zach goes through a lot in this book, but it’s Aaron the one who suddenly finds himself in a role he didn’t expect to ever have and didn’t particularly want, having to deal with literally everything——all at once. I sometimes wished for a glimpse into Zach’s mind that wasn’t filtered through Aaron’s perspective, but that was my greedy side, not anything lacking on the book’s part, Zach’s personality and his thoughts came through with no problem even without getting his POV.
If I try to look at it objectively, I think some readers might find this story not really romance-focused or romantic, some may even find the unbalance in power and ages off-putting, but for me Aaron and Zach are still my favorite couple in the series. I love their dynamic, how they fit together not despite but because of their differences. I love how they both come off as unsure and confident at the same time and how they can still be worrying about the same thing at the end of the book, or even later, without making me frustrated. And I adored how what it seemed to be an ending got turned around with two sentences in the epilogue.
While it’s probably not a 5-star book by objective standards, it is perfect to me and it deserves a better review than I can manage at the moment, but this’ll have to do for now.
A friend is reading the series for the first time and I just couldn’t resist revisiting my favorite couple, not least of all because I finally got the chance to read the new polished version. Definitely not regretting rebuying the entire series. 😍
Reread 17/12/2020
I’ve finished my latest reread 3 days ago now and I’m feeling grumpy because I was planning to finally review this book—I’m tired of having all my old 5-star reads without a review because I didn’t review most books back then—and instead… nothing, I’m not feeling it.
I loved it just as much as the first (few? I don’t remember on what rereads I’m on) time. I loved everything pack-related and I loved rediscovering how different Aaron is in his book in comparison to how he appears in the previous one from Simon’s POV. I think the choice of going with the single POV and the first person narrative was the right one. Zach goes through a lot in this book, but it’s Aaron the one who suddenly finds himself in a role he didn’t expect to ever have and didn’t particularly want, having to deal with literally everything——all at once. I sometimes wished for a glimpse into Zach’s mind that wasn’t filtered through Aaron’s perspective, but that was my greedy side, not anything lacking on the book’s part, Zach’s personality and his thoughts came through with no problem even without getting his POV.
If I try to look at it objectively, I think some readers might find this story not really romance-focused or romantic, some may even find the unbalance in power and ages off-putting, but for me Aaron and Zach are still my favorite couple in the series. I love their dynamic, how they fit together not despite but because of their differences. I love how they both come off as unsure and confident at the same time and how they can still be worrying about the same thing at the end of the book, or even later, without making me frustrated. And I adored how what it seemed to be an ending got turned around with two sentences in the epilogue.
While it’s probably not a 5-star book by objective standards, it is perfect to me and it deserves a better review than I can manage at the moment, but this’ll have to do for now.
March 24, 2012
3.5 Stars
Great writing but also a surprise and a tad disappointing. I guess my expectations were too high. What happened to Aaron? The alpha was too tame, where did all that aggression and raw sex appeal go? His powerful presence was missing, which made him so special in Unacceptable Risk. All the pack politics were a distraction and went on for far too long. The rescue was much more to my liking and the pace picked up from then onwards. I was drawn back into the story during the second half of the story more oomph and more to my liking. Aaron and Zach, I am still on the fence about these two, the spark was missing. I didn't feel the love, not like I did with Simon and Paul. Overall this is good just not what I was expecting I wanted "growl" and never really got it.
Great writing but also a surprise and a tad disappointing. I guess my expectations were too high. What happened to Aaron? The alpha was too tame, where did all that aggression and raw sex appeal go? His powerful presence was missing, which made him so special in Unacceptable Risk. All the pack politics were a distraction and went on for far too long. The rescue was much more to my liking and the pace picked up from then onwards. I was drawn back into the story during the second half of the story more oomph and more to my liking. Aaron and Zach, I am still on the fence about these two, the spark was missing. I didn't feel the love, not like I did with Simon and Paul. Overall this is good just not what I was expecting I wanted "growl" and never really got it.
Read
February 25, 2021This book (with its pretty new cover by Jay Aheer) is now available again in bookstores :) (with light editing from the previous edition.)
November 29, 2014
3-3.5 Needed a Little More Stars
This book was both, great and horrible at the same time. The plot and action were interesting and exciting but the romance and the main couple were lacking in many aspects. The good news is that the story was thrilling enough to keep me hooked despite the romance failure. The bad new is that I like my romance and this didn't cut it.
I did not expect Zach to be the love interest in this book. That was something that blind-sided me completely and I did not approve at all. I don't like big age differences in my couples, in fact I'm kind of a prude on that department. I do realise that this makes me a hypocrite since I have zero problem with thousand-year-old vamps hooking up with 25 year-old heros/heroines but it is what it is. Werewolves in this book aren't immortal, they just age a little slower than humans so a 25-year difference is big, especially when one of the guys is barely 21. And when Aaron thought that Zach looked like 16 my mind went all...
But even without the age difference I still didn't like their relationship. I didn't see the connection, I didn't feel anything. To me it seemed more like Aaron chose Zach more because he was available and willing than anything anything else. Lust I get but I didn't see anything more between them except for Zach's need for a dominant male in his life to help him through his problems. And Aaron just generally seemed to soft for an Alpha of a pack. I like my Alpha males strong, confident, arrogant and bossy. Aaron did not reach my standards.
BUT I liked the plotline. I liked the first half of the book that was filled with pack politics and negotiations with other packs to accept that Simon and Paul have bonded and how Aaron tries to change things. I loved the second half of the book that was filled with action and interesting secondary characters. This was what kept me reading well into the night despite my lack of interest for the romance side.
Also, the first book had a third person, dual POV narration but this one had a first person, single POV one. I don't know why KH decided to change it but I would have prefered to also have Zach's POV. Not that this was a deal breaker or anything. I just prefer third person, dual POV narration.
This book was both, great and horrible at the same time. The plot and action were interesting and exciting but the romance and the main couple were lacking in many aspects. The good news is that the story was thrilling enough to keep me hooked despite the romance failure. The bad new is that I like my romance and this didn't cut it.
I did not expect Zach to be the love interest in this book. That was something that blind-sided me completely and I did not approve at all. I don't like big age differences in my couples, in fact I'm kind of a prude on that department. I do realise that this makes me a hypocrite since I have zero problem with thousand-year-old vamps hooking up with 25 year-old heros/heroines but it is what it is. Werewolves in this book aren't immortal, they just age a little slower than humans so a 25-year difference is big, especially when one of the guys is barely 21. And when Aaron thought that Zach looked like 16 my mind went all...
But even without the age difference I still didn't like their relationship. I didn't see the connection, I didn't feel anything. To me it seemed more like Aaron chose Zach more because he was available and willing than anything anything else. Lust I get but I didn't see anything more between them except for Zach's need for a dominant male in his life to help him through his problems. And Aaron just generally seemed to soft for an Alpha of a pack. I like my Alpha males strong, confident, arrogant and bossy. Aaron did not reach my standards.
BUT I liked the plotline. I liked the first half of the book that was filled with pack politics and negotiations with other packs to accept that Simon and Paul have bonded and how Aaron tries to change things. I loved the second half of the book that was filled with action and interesting secondary characters. This was what kept me reading well into the night despite my lack of interest for the romance side.
Also, the first book had a third person, dual POV narration but this one had a first person, single POV one. I don't know why KH decided to change it but I would have prefered to also have Zach's POV. Not that this was a deal breaker or anything. I just prefer third person, dual POV narration.
August 7, 2018
Edit - Aug 7, 2018
Reread almost 6 yrs later after re-reading all-time favorite Unacceptable Risk. I liked it so much better this time around and I'm so glad I decided to give it another try.
Original Review
2.5-3 Stars
A very well written story, as always, from Ms. Harper. Unfortunately, while I liked it overall, this one didn't work as well as the others have for me. I didn't feel a connection with Aaron as the first person narrator. I didn't feel a connection with Zach either, I needed to be in his head. The glimpses of emotion that I got for Zach through Aaron and the Alpha bond weren't enough even while I was grumbling when the bond would come up. For me this meant that I wasn't completely invested in Aaron and Zach as a couple.
There was a test to prove the mate bond a bit before halfway through the book between Simon and Paul that I felt went on too long and got kind of silly. It almost lost me there. There was a rescue mission that had me both excited and bored at the same time. It also felt long too and I got impatient. I realized I was missing the grittiness, the rawness, the aggression of pack life from the first time around. All that while I understood the need for change, for new ways of handling conflict.
I like some parts, I didn't like some others, I was indifferent at times. Mixed feelings all around.
Reread almost 6 yrs later after re-reading all-time favorite Unacceptable Risk. I liked it so much better this time around and I'm so glad I decided to give it another try.
Original Review
2.5-3 Stars
A very well written story, as always, from Ms. Harper. Unfortunately, while I liked it overall, this one didn't work as well as the others have for me. I didn't feel a connection with Aaron as the first person narrator. I didn't feel a connection with Zach either, I needed to be in his head. The glimpses of emotion that I got for Zach through Aaron and the Alpha bond weren't enough even while I was grumbling when the bond would come up. For me this meant that I wasn't completely invested in Aaron and Zach as a couple.
There was a test to prove the mate bond a bit before halfway through the book between Simon and Paul that I felt went on too long and got kind of silly. It almost lost me there. There was a rescue mission that had me both excited and bored at the same time. It also felt long too and I got impatient. I realized I was missing the grittiness, the rawness, the aggression of pack life from the first time around. All that while I understood the need for change, for new ways of handling conflict.
I like some parts, I didn't like some others, I was indifferent at times. Mixed feelings all around.
July 24, 2024
3.5 Stars
Unexpected Demands picks up pretty much where Unacceptable Risk leaves off.
Aaron has a new pack to take care of and keep safe. And, considering the overall wolf atmosphere of "kill all gay wolves" surging in the packs, keeping Simon and Paul safe trumps his own desires. Aaron has kept his own desires quite closeted for ages. Now is really not the time to give in to those desires, much less come out. But he has a hard time resisting Zach.
Zach is a lot younger than Aaron and he's troubled. Since his father died, several years ago, Zach has self medicated with alcohol and now he can't go without, voluntarily. Zach also has secrets of his own, like the fact that he's gay. No small wonder he didn't choose to say with the other pack when it split.
The action of this series really ramps up in this novel. Some humans got wind of Simon being a werewolf and kidnapped and tortured him to try to learn werewolf secrets. So Aaron has to enlist the help of another pack for rescue and cleanup. And though, in general, the packs are not up for change, some, at least are willing to take steps to prepare for humans at large finding out about them, and also revising the policy on gay wolves. It's a slow process, but any progress is better than none.
The biggest reason I only gave this book 3.5 stars, instead of 4, is because there isn't really an HEA. There is a definitely HFN, but It is my hope that the HFN turns into an HEA later. That would make me happier.
Unexpected Demands picks up pretty much where Unacceptable Risk leaves off.
Aaron has a new pack to take care of and keep safe. And, considering the overall wolf atmosphere of "kill all gay wolves" surging in the packs, keeping Simon and Paul safe trumps his own desires. Aaron has kept his own desires quite closeted for ages. Now is really not the time to give in to those desires, much less come out. But he has a hard time resisting Zach.
Zach is a lot younger than Aaron and he's troubled. Since his father died, several years ago, Zach has self medicated with alcohol and now he can't go without, voluntarily. Zach also has secrets of his own, like the fact that he's gay. No small wonder he didn't choose to say with the other pack when it split.
The action of this series really ramps up in this novel. Some humans got wind of Simon being a werewolf and kidnapped and tortured him to try to learn werewolf secrets. So Aaron has to enlist the help of another pack for rescue and cleanup. And though, in general, the packs are not up for change, some, at least are willing to take steps to prepare for humans at large finding out about them, and also revising the policy on gay wolves. It's a slow process, but any progress is better than none.
The biggest reason I only gave this book 3.5 stars, instead of 4, is because there isn't really an HEA. There is a definitely HFN, but It is my hope that the HFN turns into an HEA later. That would make me happier.
March 24, 2012
3.75 stars rounded up
Aaron came to me in Unacceptable Risk as this slightly mysterious with a dark edge wolf (I almost thought of him similar with Hawke, from Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series at one point).
So when I open the preface of this book, and stumble into 1st person perspective, I admit it throws me off a bit. Kaje Harper rarely writes in 1st person (in fact, I can only remember one short story of hers using 1st person) -- and this style is not easy to tackle. Somehow, in those first few chapters, it feels like I'm reading Aaron's diary, the way he narrates his feelings and thoughts. On one hand, I understand him better, but on the other hand, it loses his edge a bit. I hang on though, because I'm just curious with him.
Then comes his love interest -- which surprises the hell out of me. The blurb doesn't really tell, so knowing that the love interest is Zach, is a twist I don't see coming. For those who doesn't remember Zach ... he's the young wolf who was part of Karl's posse, who attacked Simon. He ended up choosing Aaron's pack, and Lucas became his mentor.
After that point, despite Aaron being the main narrator, I must say that Zach takes away my interest. Sure, there is one story regarding Aaron's past, which is quite heartbreaking. But somehow Aaron's in the present pales compared to Zach.
In his barely twenty-one years of age, Zach battles an alcoholic addiction. He fights against alcohol withdrawal ... and in my eyes (even if it's told from Aaron's perspective), Zach grows into this one admirable young man. Zach is smart with computer (a genius more like :p) and he seems to grow spine in a matter of short weeks, when he is involved in saving one of the pack's member.
The story itself is not strong in romance. Sure, we have Aaron and Zach tangle up their attraction around 1/3 part of the book. However, the situation with homophobic culture of werewolf packs keep tangling into the story. Considering that Simon and Paul (from the first book) are the first mate-bonded gay couple in his pack, their problems become Aaron's as well. We have Aaron dealing with this issue repeatedly.
The story picks up its pace around half mark; when Simon is being kidnapped by human. Then, the tone changes to full throttle rescue mission and action. Which over several times, my admiration to Zach keeps growing -- even if I think Aaron still shows his kick-ass attitude as Alpha.
The ending might not be an ideal HEA... ... which sort of remind me to the kind of ending I get from the 1st Life Lesson series. It IS interesting for Kaje Harper to take this way to conclude the relationship, but I actually appreciate it. A story doesn't really need to end fairytale like all the time; and somehow, it adds edge and grit to it.
Love how the story ends with these words ...
Conclusion, might not yet beat Life Lessons books (Tony and Mac are still my favorite couple from Kaje Harper) but better than The Rebuilding Year.
PS: There is one mention of my country, Indonesia, and Yogyakarta at one point. Which I assume it takes precedence over the earthquake disaster at Yogyakarta.
PSS: So I wonder if there will be more gay wolves stories coming?
Aaron came to me in Unacceptable Risk as this slightly mysterious with a dark edge wolf (I almost thought of him similar with Hawke, from Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series at one point).
So when I open the preface of this book, and stumble into 1st person perspective, I admit it throws me off a bit. Kaje Harper rarely writes in 1st person (in fact, I can only remember one short story of hers using 1st person) -- and this style is not easy to tackle. Somehow, in those first few chapters, it feels like I'm reading Aaron's diary, the way he narrates his feelings and thoughts. On one hand, I understand him better, but on the other hand, it loses his edge a bit. I hang on though, because I'm just curious with him.
Then comes his love interest -- which surprises the hell out of me. The blurb doesn't really tell, so knowing that the love interest is Zach, is a twist I don't see coming. For those who doesn't remember Zach ... he's the young wolf who was part of Karl's posse, who attacked Simon. He ended up choosing Aaron's pack, and Lucas became his mentor.
After that point, despite Aaron being the main narrator, I must say that Zach takes away my interest. Sure, there is one story regarding Aaron's past, which is quite heartbreaking. But somehow Aaron's in the present pales compared to Zach.
In his barely twenty-one years of age, Zach battles an alcoholic addiction. He fights against alcohol withdrawal ... and in my eyes (even if it's told from Aaron's perspective), Zach grows into this one admirable young man. Zach is smart with computer (a genius more like :p) and he seems to grow spine in a matter of short weeks, when he is involved in saving one of the pack's member.
The story itself is not strong in romance. Sure, we have Aaron and Zach tangle up their attraction around 1/3 part of the book. However, the situation with homophobic culture of werewolf packs keep tangling into the story. Considering that Simon and Paul (from the first book) are the first mate-bonded gay couple in his pack, their problems become Aaron's as well. We have Aaron dealing with this issue repeatedly.
The story picks up its pace around half mark; when Simon is being kidnapped by human. Then, the tone changes to full throttle rescue mission and action. Which over several times, my admiration to Zach keeps growing -- even if I think Aaron still shows his kick-ass attitude as Alpha.
The ending might not be an ideal HEA... ... which sort of remind me to the kind of ending I get from the 1st Life Lesson series. It IS interesting for Kaje Harper to take this way to conclude the relationship, but I actually appreciate it. A story doesn't really need to end fairytale like all the time; and somehow, it adds edge and grit to it.
Love how the story ends with these words ...
Conclusion, might not yet beat Life Lessons books (Tony and Mac are still my favorite couple from Kaje Harper) but better than The Rebuilding Year.
PS: There is one mention of my country, Indonesia, and Yogyakarta at one point. Which I assume it takes precedence over the earthquake disaster at Yogyakarta.
PSS: So I wonder if there will be more gay wolves stories coming?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2014
I really love the werewolf politics here. Sadly though the romance takes a bit of a back burner as the intrigue is ramped up. I was glad to see more of Simon and Paul from the first book and while I enjoyed the development of Zach and Aaron they didn't really hold my attention as much. I think mostly because Zach was a bit of mystery and seemed more conveniently gay all of the sudden. There was no indication that he was so a hint from the first book would have worked better for me.
Still I did like the men together once they got together. A bit of D/s here but nothing overt and while I did eventually like the pairing I wasn't really satisfied with the ending which was more HFN.
I love this werewolf world though and I can't wait for more of it.
ETA: Bumping up my rating on this one after a re-read of the series. Some of the issues that I had initially didn't phase me on this read and actually ended up being some of the things I really enjoyed.
August 6, 2021
I did love this book but the only disappointment was to me Aaron didn't fully embrace his true feelings for Zach and left Zach going one at a time regarding their relationship and permanence of it This left me feeling bad for Zach and not sure Aaron deserved his love and devotion.
One good thing this book in particular did was bring all three individual packs closer and showed them they can work together as a team and develop friendship outside their own packs so that was awesome to see.
One good thing this book in particular did was bring all three individual packs closer and showed them they can work together as a team and develop friendship outside their own packs so that was awesome to see.
September 30, 2013
” When you’re Alpha of a werewolf pack, even as small and non-traditional as mine, you have to BE Alpha. No doubts, no worries, at least where the lower-ranked wolves can see you. I’d been faking that all week, ever since pack leadership had fallen into my hands.
Since I’d ripped it from Karl’s bleeding body.
A rap on the door startled me, then the door was flung open before I could respond. Vincent looked in. His normal air of detached amusement was replaced with a frown. “Aaron, there’s trouble at Simons……..”
So starts Aaron’s story in the second delicious book of Kaje Harpers most excellent Werewolf series… Hidden Wolves. At the end of book one, Simon and Paul’s story, Aaron is left a reluctant Alpha to a splinter group from the original pack after defeating the evil second Karl. Simon and Paul are making waves amongst the other, larger established packs because of their gay bond mating and as well as trying to keep them safe – because the other packs are chomping at the bit to have Paul and Simon exterminated because no one believes its a true bond - Aaron is himself trying to keep the fact that he’s also gay from everyone around him, but finding it very hard as he has to take a young troubled Zach under his wing and temptation is staring him in the face and groin! To make it worse it becomes clear that Zach reciprocates his feelings so whats a man ( and his inner wolf ) to do?
Wow! The pack politics and hierarchy in Kaje’s books are so convincing that like I said in my review of ‘ Unacceptable Risk ‘, you could really believe that they exist and are living amongst us. These shifters are staunchly homophobic and fiercely protective of keeping that existence secret from the human world. They’ll go to extreme lengths to keep from being outed to the human race but only as a last resort. They’re not rampant killers or monsters and this is part of what Paul can’t fully come to terms with. His humanity is still at odds with some of the things he’s witnessed but his love for Simon is foremost so his loyalties are now with the pack he’s become part of. For them the choices they sometimes have to make are purely for the survival of their race, so when Simon is kidnapped halfway through the story and no one knows by why, Aaron and his small but loyal pack have a race against time to find him. Is it some other Wolves or something far more sinister?!
What a roller coaster this book was. Full of intrigue, suspense and so strongly plotted that once again I was glued to every page. Aaron’s character is perfectly spun. He’s up against a lot of resistance from the start but he stands his ground and protects his pack with strength and dignity, even though he’s not sure that being Alpha is what he would have really chosen had it not been necessary to kill Karl. It was great to see more of Simon and Paul and all the other secondary characters who’s roles in the story are strong and totally supportive of the story line.........Please read rest of review at http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/05/...
Since I’d ripped it from Karl’s bleeding body.
A rap on the door startled me, then the door was flung open before I could respond. Vincent looked in. His normal air of detached amusement was replaced with a frown. “Aaron, there’s trouble at Simons……..”
So starts Aaron’s story in the second delicious book of Kaje Harpers most excellent Werewolf series… Hidden Wolves. At the end of book one, Simon and Paul’s story, Aaron is left a reluctant Alpha to a splinter group from the original pack after defeating the evil second Karl. Simon and Paul are making waves amongst the other, larger established packs because of their gay bond mating and as well as trying to keep them safe – because the other packs are chomping at the bit to have Paul and Simon exterminated because no one believes its a true bond - Aaron is himself trying to keep the fact that he’s also gay from everyone around him, but finding it very hard as he has to take a young troubled Zach under his wing and temptation is staring him in the face and groin! To make it worse it becomes clear that Zach reciprocates his feelings so whats a man ( and his inner wolf ) to do?
Wow! The pack politics and hierarchy in Kaje’s books are so convincing that like I said in my review of ‘ Unacceptable Risk ‘, you could really believe that they exist and are living amongst us. These shifters are staunchly homophobic and fiercely protective of keeping that existence secret from the human world. They’ll go to extreme lengths to keep from being outed to the human race but only as a last resort. They’re not rampant killers or monsters and this is part of what Paul can’t fully come to terms with. His humanity is still at odds with some of the things he’s witnessed but his love for Simon is foremost so his loyalties are now with the pack he’s become part of. For them the choices they sometimes have to make are purely for the survival of their race, so when Simon is kidnapped halfway through the story and no one knows by why, Aaron and his small but loyal pack have a race against time to find him. Is it some other Wolves or something far more sinister?!
What a roller coaster this book was. Full of intrigue, suspense and so strongly plotted that once again I was glued to every page. Aaron’s character is perfectly spun. He’s up against a lot of resistance from the start but he stands his ground and protects his pack with strength and dignity, even though he’s not sure that being Alpha is what he would have really chosen had it not been necessary to kill Karl. It was great to see more of Simon and Paul and all the other secondary characters who’s roles in the story are strong and totally supportive of the story line.........Please read rest of review at http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/05/...
August 19, 2021
3.5
So Aaron is now Alpha of his own pack and immediately he finds out that with great power comes … yeah, something like that if wouldn't be about werewolf society with its archaic believes, its dominant violence and the unrestricted power of an Alpha. There responsibility is what you make it and it doesn't matter that Aaron feels the need to adapt to the human life style because he doesn't believe there will be a way to keep their existence secret indefinitely in the modern days with smart phones, DNA test and social media. His pack is too small, too new and with Simon and the uproar his bond with Paul created, he inherited an issue he has to deal with somehow while keeping a short leash on his own homosexuality and the growing attraction to one of his wolves.
While book 1 is showing the world as the background of Simon and Pauls relationship, book 2 shows the same world determining Aaron's actions. That's clearly shown by Ms. Harper's choice of narrator view. Hidden Wolves #1 gives us Simon's and Paul's view but here we only get Aaron's which surely is the right choice while the story is about politics, pack dynamic or the story line about the kidnapping, its cause and aftermath but it makes the romance part more difficult to understand.
What I missed in HW#1 I got here plentiful: action, a wider wold range, political games and inclusion of characters not necessarily mirrored on the current relationship while the author is still taking care about a impeccable causality. Of course what you gain at one part has a downside at another and for HW#2 that's the romance. I don't talk about Paul and Simon here. I still liked to follow their growth, especially Paul who was able to let his last indecisions go, but those 2 were not the main couple here. Aaron is a promising Alpha and surely at the end of the book the right partner for his love interest (I won't spoiler his name because I didn't saw this coming and maybe you're also surprised). I even understand why he has to stay in the closet and don't want to take the risk of a mate bond, but his constant doubts, his hot and cold attitude and his recurring believe that it's only temporary, were a bit much at times and it didn't help that we only got his view.
And some small niggling issue: Ms. Harper didn't make me believe about Zach's hacker genius and why with his background story and without special education he's supposed to be so good and better than Layton. It was necessary for the story but I would have needed more information to believe it.
So Aaron is now Alpha of his own pack and immediately he finds out that with great power comes … yeah, something like that if wouldn't be about werewolf society with its archaic believes, its dominant violence and the unrestricted power of an Alpha. There responsibility is what you make it and it doesn't matter that Aaron feels the need to adapt to the human life style because he doesn't believe there will be a way to keep their existence secret indefinitely in the modern days with smart phones, DNA test and social media. His pack is too small, too new and with Simon and the uproar his bond with Paul created, he inherited an issue he has to deal with somehow while keeping a short leash on his own homosexuality and the growing attraction to one of his wolves.
While book 1 is showing the world as the background of Simon and Pauls relationship, book 2 shows the same world determining Aaron's actions. That's clearly shown by Ms. Harper's choice of narrator view. Hidden Wolves #1 gives us Simon's and Paul's view but here we only get Aaron's which surely is the right choice while the story is about politics, pack dynamic or the story line about the kidnapping, its cause and aftermath but it makes the romance part more difficult to understand.
What I missed in HW#1 I got here plentiful: action, a wider wold range, political games and inclusion of characters not necessarily mirrored on the current relationship while the author is still taking care about a impeccable causality. Of course what you gain at one part has a downside at another and for HW#2 that's the romance. I don't talk about Paul and Simon here. I still liked to follow their growth, especially Paul who was able to let his last indecisions go, but those 2 were not the main couple here. Aaron is a promising Alpha and surely at the end of the book the right partner for his love interest (I won't spoiler his name because I didn't saw this coming and maybe you're also surprised). I even understand why he has to stay in the closet and don't want to take the risk of a mate bond, but his constant doubts, his hot and cold attitude and his recurring believe that it's only temporary, were a bit much at times and it didn't help that we only got his view.
And some small niggling issue: Ms. Harper didn't make me believe about Zach's hacker genius and why with his background story and without special education he's supposed to be so good and better than Layton. It was necessary for the story but I would have needed more information to believe it.
April 12, 2012
I liked this book a lot, I was happy to see more of Paul and Simon.
Aaron struggling with being Alpha and what that means for his relationship with Zach worked well for me.
It would have been easy to make him all dominant and possessive, but having it like this kept me on edge!
The politics and the power issues between the packs was interesting and overshadowed the relationship a bit for me, but I am hoping ( very strongly) that their story will be continued ( very soon, please! ).
Aaron struggling with being Alpha and what that means for his relationship with Zach worked well for me.
It would have been easy to make him all dominant and possessive, but having it like this kept me on edge!
The politics and the power issues between the packs was interesting and overshadowed the relationship a bit for me, but I am hoping ( very strongly) that their story will be continued ( very soon, please! ).
September 14, 2012
Loved. Want more Aaron and Zach-- SERIOUSLY want more Aaron and Zach. Want to see that bond, want to see Aaron from Zach's eyes... just, you know, WANT! Thanks, Kaje, for making UCF awesome and exciting and hot. (Did I mention the want? Will bribe. Am not proud!)
November 18, 2021
It's an intense Werewolf politics story, I found it interesting but the romance was the weak point for me. The age difference and power difference and drink issues made me wary of it.
April 1, 2013
Very solid and enjoyable follow-up to #1 in the Hidden Wolves series Unacceptable Risk. Whereas the first book focused on werewolf Simon and human Paul, this one focuses on alpha Aaron, who is struggling on running his new pack, protecting Simon and Paul from those who think gay wolves should be eradicated, and dealing with the fact that his developing feelings for a young pack member is making it even harder to keep himself in the closet.
Even though the focus of the story is on Aaron and the developing relationship with Zach, this is not a standalone book, and if you want to check out the series, you should hit book 1 first. There’s a lot of stuff that happened in book 1, including explaining the packs, their politics, mate bonds, etc, so if you slide into book 2 without that knowledge, you’ll be way more confused. There are also a lot of side characters, and you’ll get introduced to them in book 1, whereas in book 2, there’s not a lot of introduction for them.
For those who enjoyed book 1, especially Simon and Paul’s relationship, you’ll be happy to know that they are major supporting characters in this one, so even though you’re not in their heads, they still have a lot of time on page, and there’s even some relationship progression (but viewed from Aaron’s POV.) His alpha view, and his ability to feel his pack through his alpha bond was a nice way to gain access to characters feelings, even though their POV wasn’t the focus.
Besides being Aaron’s book, the other big difference is that this one is told from Aaron’s first person POV only. (Book 1 balanced both Simon and Paul’s third person POV.) This was kind of a big change, but I think it worked overall since with Aaron’s POV, you get both the restrictions of only his viewpoint, but also his access to the alpha bond and pack members’ feelings allow him (and the reader) a better understanding of what’s going on with other characters.
Overall, the story was a lot of fun and the second half was very action-oriented as Aaron, his pack, and a neighboring pack join forces to bring down a threat. The only downside is that there were a lot of side characters that pop up, and I didn’t always feel very connected to them (so if something bad happened, it didn’t have as much weight), but all-in-all, it was still a fun read, and I didn’t want to put it down.
I dug Aaron’s and Zach’s developing relationship, and the way they bounced off each other. They had sexy-sweet chemistry, and it was nice to watch Aaron’s slow fall into something that he didn’t think was good for the pack, but in the end, was what he really wanted.
For nervous readers, the ending is a very solid HFN. As alpha, I don’t think Aaron can take anything for granted or assume everything will work out perfectly, especially with so much uncertainty about the pack’s safety going forward, but he’s very much enjoying what he has right now.
Overall, I think book 1 is still my favorite, but this was a good follow-up, and I’m still very much on the Hidden Wolves train if/when future books come out. I think Harper really excels at creating engaging characters and relationships that you want to read about, so I look forward to where things go from here.
My one caveat is that it’s been almost a year since I read book 1 and I forgot a lot of stuff. I think it might be better to read them closer together, or else, do as I did and go in with a “go with the flow” approach. There is not a lot re-explained from book 1 (which is fine by me--fewer exposition dumps keeps the pace tighter) but it means some things might be more confusing if you’re not coming off fresh from book 1.
In the end though--fun read; hopeful for more. (And as a Simon and Paul fan, I was definitely happy with their moments. I wouldn’t mind more of them and Aaron and Zach in future books.)
Even though the focus of the story is on Aaron and the developing relationship with Zach, this is not a standalone book, and if you want to check out the series, you should hit book 1 first. There’s a lot of stuff that happened in book 1, including explaining the packs, their politics, mate bonds, etc, so if you slide into book 2 without that knowledge, you’ll be way more confused. There are also a lot of side characters, and you’ll get introduced to them in book 1, whereas in book 2, there’s not a lot of introduction for them.
For those who enjoyed book 1, especially Simon and Paul’s relationship, you’ll be happy to know that they are major supporting characters in this one, so even though you’re not in their heads, they still have a lot of time on page, and there’s even some relationship progression (but viewed from Aaron’s POV.) His alpha view, and his ability to feel his pack through his alpha bond was a nice way to gain access to characters feelings, even though their POV wasn’t the focus.
Besides being Aaron’s book, the other big difference is that this one is told from Aaron’s first person POV only. (Book 1 balanced both Simon and Paul’s third person POV.) This was kind of a big change, but I think it worked overall since with Aaron’s POV, you get both the restrictions of only his viewpoint, but also his access to the alpha bond and pack members’ feelings allow him (and the reader) a better understanding of what’s going on with other characters.
Overall, the story was a lot of fun and the second half was very action-oriented as Aaron, his pack, and a neighboring pack join forces to bring down a threat. The only downside is that there were a lot of side characters that pop up, and I didn’t always feel very connected to them (so if something bad happened, it didn’t have as much weight), but all-in-all, it was still a fun read, and I didn’t want to put it down.
I dug Aaron’s and Zach’s developing relationship, and the way they bounced off each other. They had sexy-sweet chemistry, and it was nice to watch Aaron’s slow fall into something that he didn’t think was good for the pack, but in the end, was what he really wanted.
For nervous readers, the ending is a very solid HFN. As alpha, I don’t think Aaron can take anything for granted or assume everything will work out perfectly, especially with so much uncertainty about the pack’s safety going forward, but he’s very much enjoying what he has right now.
Overall, I think book 1 is still my favorite, but this was a good follow-up, and I’m still very much on the Hidden Wolves train if/when future books come out. I think Harper really excels at creating engaging characters and relationships that you want to read about, so I look forward to where things go from here.
My one caveat is that it’s been almost a year since I read book 1 and I forgot a lot of stuff. I think it might be better to read them closer together, or else, do as I did and go in with a “go with the flow” approach. There is not a lot re-explained from book 1 (which is fine by me--fewer exposition dumps keeps the pace tighter) but it means some things might be more confusing if you’re not coming off fresh from book 1.
In the end though--fun read; hopeful for more. (And as a Simon and Paul fan, I was definitely happy with their moments. I wouldn’t mind more of them and Aaron and Zach in future books.)
May 5, 2016
I really liked this book. Kaje Harper's wolves are some of my favorite shifters and each time I pick up one of their stories I usually end up kicking myself for having waited so long to read it. The characters are great and I really loved the MCs here. This is a pretty violent and bloody world, these shifters have going on, and some times I'm like Paul trying to figure out if i'm with the goodies or the baddies--and how much leeway am i exactly willing to give these guys i love before it is too much. But Aaron is a great example of a guy who will do exactly everything it takes to protect his newly formed pack. But sometime being willing does not mean it will not come back to haunt him later. It may be great to be the king, but being alpha means you have to take the responsibility as well as the risk.
I generally not in favor of closets, but I totally get why Aaron needs to stay in his, at least for now. He pushes a little too far right now and the whole pack could pay for his actions. And Zach, at the end there? That was awesome. Another great example of Kaje not letting her characters slip to far into cliche. Plus Zach is growing up, he needs to show that he can handle this whole thing with Aaron.
A very great story and I am looking forward to reading the next short, as well as book three in the series.
Read
March 23, 2012AARON!!!! *faints*
August 20, 2021
I liked this one as much as the first one. We keep going from the point we left our characters in the last book. Things are far from solved and life isn't going to be easy. I like that the main focus is now in one of my favourites characters from the first book. I liked him on sight, and I liked to learn more about him. But not everything was easy. I'm still struggling with some aspects of werewolf society, and I like the characters struggle with some of those too. They take difficult decisions in this one but they don't get away from them unscathed.
I want to thank to Ele for the awesome discussion, this is much better read with you!
I want to thank to Ele for the awesome discussion, this is much better read with you!
May 6, 2016
4.5 stars
*****
I am honestly not holding this against the author :D
***
I am very happy with this series so far. Except maybe being stuck in Aaron's head a bit too much, but hey, if it brings me to this, who am I to complain:
"He lay sprawled face-down on the sheets, blankets kicked off down by his feet. He had pulled off his T-shirt and jeans, but still a light sweat slicked his skin again. He shifted restlessly, and looked over at me in the doorway..."
"He lay there blinking up at me, his eyes heavy with sleep. His hair was a tousled black halo around his head on the white pillow. He slept nude."
Imagine that babykitteh puppy, only nude =)`
Some time later:
"I spun Zach in my arms and shoved him against the wall by the stairs. The sweatpants he slept in slid down easily and he was bare to my hands. For a moment I lost myself in the glorious curve of his ass under my fingers."
But then, but then!!!! Just brace yourself here... Put away all your beverages, hot or cold. Because - displaced modifiers! *rolls eyes*
"Reaching around, the unexpected size of him filled my hands."
And there it was, the gif I pinned not a day ago, popping up in my head:
NSFW-ish
Йаду мне, йаду!!! I mean Bleach for my brainz, bleach for muh brainzzz!
*****
I am honestly not holding this against the author :D
***
I am very happy with this series so far. Except maybe being stuck in Aaron's head a bit too much, but hey, if it brings me to this, who am I to complain:
"He lay sprawled face-down on the sheets, blankets kicked off down by his feet. He had pulled off his T-shirt and jeans, but still a light sweat slicked his skin again. He shifted restlessly, and looked over at me in the doorway..."
"He lay there blinking up at me, his eyes heavy with sleep. His hair was a tousled black halo around his head on the white pillow. He slept nude."
Imagine that baby
Some time later:
"I spun Zach in my arms and shoved him against the wall by the stairs. The sweatpants he slept in slid down easily and he was bare to my hands. For a moment I lost myself in the glorious curve of his ass under my fingers."
But then, but then!!!! Just brace yourself here... Put away all your beverages, hot or cold. Because - displaced modifiers! *rolls eyes*
"Reaching around, the unexpected size of him filled my hands."
And there it was, the gif I pinned not a day ago, popping up in my head:
NSFW-ish
Йаду мне, йаду!!! I mean Bleach for my brainz, bleach for muh brainzzz!
Read
December 9, 2021😭dnf. Something about this one is just rubbing me the wrong way.
April 25, 2012
2.5 stars
The romance is 2 stars (overpowered by the action, not much connection between them)
The story line is 2 stars (want to be grand but not quite there)
The writing is 3.5 stars (it's Kaje, so it flows nicely. Still, sometimes I felt unnecessarily too long like the whole diary)
Logical coherence is 2 stars (passing a territory needs permission from local Alpha, but a killing team that consist of two foreign packs doesn't)
It's like having 3 separate stories that are weakly connected to each other:
- paranormal story with Simon and Paul as the main characters
- action story with a team of rescuers as the main characters
- m/m erotica (not romance) about 2 friends with benefits, one of whom is indifferent about their relationship. For good measure, throw in a potential rival lover in the last 10 pages or so.
Take any one of the three stories out, it won't feel awkward to read it alone.
Overall impression: like watching a B-action movie, complete with explosion, kidnapping, lonesome misunderstood hero, killing with machine gun, heroic action to rescue the kidnapped, reference to a touristy city in Indonesia, a geeky younger sidekick, and of course a sexy seductive young character. If you pay attention to them, you would find that those B-action movies also pay lips service to grand ideas like love, world peace, and so on. This book has those as well.
Too many ideas cramped into one story line. The book tries to be an m/m romance, paranormal, action, ethics, and so on but isn't strong enough in any of those. Nor is it strong enough to be all of them.
The romance is 2 stars (overpowered by the action, not much connection between them)
The story line is 2 stars (want to be grand but not quite there)
The writing is 3.5 stars (it's Kaje, so it flows nicely. Still, sometimes I felt unnecessarily too long like the whole diary)
Logical coherence is 2 stars (passing a territory needs permission from local Alpha, but a killing team that consist of two foreign packs doesn't)
It's like having 3 separate stories that are weakly connected to each other:
- paranormal story with Simon and Paul as the main characters
- action story with a team of rescuers as the main characters
- m/m erotica (not romance) about 2 friends with benefits, one of whom is indifferent about their relationship. For good measure, throw in a potential rival lover in the last 10 pages or so.
Take any one of the three stories out, it won't feel awkward to read it alone.
Overall impression: like watching a B-action movie, complete with explosion, kidnapping, lonesome misunderstood hero, killing with machine gun, heroic action to rescue the kidnapped, reference to a touristy city in Indonesia, a geeky younger sidekick, and of course a sexy seductive young character. If you pay attention to them, you would find that those B-action movies also pay lips service to grand ideas like love, world peace, and so on. This book has those as well.
Too many ideas cramped into one story line. The book tries to be an m/m romance, paranormal, action, ethics, and so on but isn't strong enough in any of those. Nor is it strong enough to be all of them.
April 20, 2012
4.5 stars
Well, I really had been looking forward to this one, as I loved Kaje's take on the werewolf world in Unnecessary Risks, and while I loved it, the story line wasn't quite what I expected. I think the biggest surprise was the ending... No, not a cliffhanger nor was it bittersweet, but it still didn't go where I thought (hoped) it would. That said, it was absolutely in keeping with the characters involved and it is for that reason it still rates 4-4.5 stars.
Aaron, the unexpected alpha of a new pack is hiding a secret - he is gay. Given how violence erupted and his previous pack had splintered into two over the issue of a gay werewolf and his human mate, it's a whopper of a secret he has to keep. He never expects the strict control of his sexual needs, a control that has lasted over 13 years, will be tested by one the youngest members of his pack, one with a reputation for causing trouble.
Not wanting to give anything away, I won't go into more details, but just as in the previous novel in this series, there are two storylines working in tandem. One, of course, is that about Aaron and his young lover. The other storyline continues to explore the role of the werewolf in today's society, where advances in technology, science and medicine threaten to expose the existence of the werewolves to the world at large.
I did enjoy this novel, and I loved reading more about Simon and Paul. It just wasn't what I had expected, and that's more my problem than anything else.
Well, I really had been looking forward to this one, as I loved Kaje's take on the werewolf world in Unnecessary Risks, and while I loved it, the story line wasn't quite what I expected. I think the biggest surprise was the ending... No, not a cliffhanger nor was it bittersweet, but it still didn't go where I thought (hoped) it would. That said, it was absolutely in keeping with the characters involved and it is for that reason it still rates 4-4.5 stars.
Aaron, the unexpected alpha of a new pack is hiding a secret - he is gay. Given how violence erupted and his previous pack had splintered into two over the issue of a gay werewolf and his human mate, it's a whopper of a secret he has to keep. He never expects the strict control of his sexual needs, a control that has lasted over 13 years, will be tested by one the youngest members of his pack, one with a reputation for causing trouble.
Not wanting to give anything away, I won't go into more details, but just as in the previous novel in this series, there are two storylines working in tandem. One, of course, is that about Aaron and his young lover. The other storyline continues to explore the role of the werewolf in today's society, where advances in technology, science and medicine threaten to expose the existence of the werewolves to the world at large.
I did enjoy this novel, and I loved reading more about Simon and Paul. It just wasn't what I had expected, and that's more my problem than anything else.
April 8, 2025
Re-read 4/6-8/25 with Barb, Kassu and Teresa -- it feels like I'd forgotten the second half of the story. Even knowing that everything would turn out for the pack, it was an exciting read. On to the next!
Original review:
Fantastic continuation of the story of this pack, from a different POV than the first book. Although the first book ended with an HEA for the MCs, this shows how far the packs still have to go in order to have any chance of surviving being revealed to the world at large. And although this ends with an HEA, I can't wait to see where these wolves will go from here and what's coming next for all the packs. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before they're uncovered...
Original review:
Fantastic continuation of the story of this pack, from a different POV than the first book. Although the first book ended with an HEA for the MCs, this shows how far the packs still have to go in order to have any chance of surviving being revealed to the world at large. And although this ends with an HEA, I can't wait to see where these wolves will go from here and what's coming next for all the packs. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before they're uncovered...
July 8, 2021
Unexpected Demands
By Kaje Harper
I had a rough time with the first couple chapters of this book. It wasn’t grabbing my attention and I debated finishing it, but then it finally started to gain traction.
In the Amazon description (for the next book) it hinted that Aaron and Zach will be together. This is where I was confused in the first chapters of this book. As a reader there was no inkling whatsoever that they had any kind of attraction to each other. I started to assume I read it wrong or assumed wrong in who Aaron would end up with. But then out of the blue With the book wholly in Aaron's POV you have no clue what Zach is thinking or feeling. So you're going on Aaron's stoic fatherly attitude towards Zach. After that they still were pretty vague about their feelings. There was no romance, almost no affection, and Aaron keeps up his fatherly "I'll spank his a$$ if he keeps disobeying me" attitude. I felt no chemistry between them because they showed none to each other. As a couples story goes I liked Simon and Paul's so much better.
There was a ton of action. Adequate world building. Bad guys get an ass whoopin'. Just the relationship part of this book was seriously lacking until the epilogue.
By Kaje Harper
I had a rough time with the first couple chapters of this book. It wasn’t grabbing my attention and I debated finishing it, but then it finally started to gain traction.
In the Amazon description (for the next book) it hinted that Aaron and Zach will be together. This is where I was confused in the first chapters of this book. As a reader there was no inkling whatsoever that they had any kind of attraction to each other. I started to assume I read it wrong or assumed wrong in who Aaron would end up with. But then out of the blue With the book wholly in Aaron's POV you have no clue what Zach is thinking or feeling. So you're going on Aaron's stoic fatherly attitude towards Zach. After that they still were pretty vague about their feelings. There was no romance, almost no affection, and Aaron keeps up his fatherly "I'll spank his a$$ if he keeps disobeying me" attitude. I felt no chemistry between them because they showed none to each other. As a couples story goes I liked Simon and Paul's so much better.
There was a ton of action. Adequate world building. Bad guys get an ass whoopin'. Just the relationship part of this book was seriously lacking until the epilogue.
January 31, 2014
OMG OMG!! I LOVED THIS BOOK! YEP HERE I GO GUSHING AGAIN!!
I love romance stories obviously, but I also love suspense, make it an MM story and lastly but certainly not least have Kaje Harper write it and this girl is in heaven! Yes, I tell you I am in heaven!
In this book we have Aaron, who took over as alpha at the end of book 1. And while i think Aaron is wonderful alpha character, he is not a typical alpha. While he definitely leads his pack and has great leadership, he is not bursting with an over the top “I am alpha hear me roar” attitude. Aaron is determined to bring his pack into this century in attitude and actions, while still understanding they are not human, but werewolf. Aaron has also been alone for many years, keeping the fact that he is gay a secret. He newly formed pack doesn't need more reasons to be behind the cross-hairs, so he is determined to keep it to himself. That is until Zach, a young member of his pack that needs guidance and Aaron finds himself fighting his attraction to the young werewolf.
I am happy to see Paul and Simon in this book, I loved their story from book 1 and happy to see it continue. I like Paul and his outspokenness, he challenges the way things are, but still a good member of the pack. And I enjoyed the pack politics, the world building, I found myself immersed in this part of the book as well as the romance, hot sex and suspense.
Speaking of suspense, OMG I loved this part. In my opinion the romance and suspense are split about 50/50 in this story, and I loved it! Simon is kidnapped by humans and Aaron has to ask for assistance from another pack to rescue him and if possible erase all traces of them. Kaje Harper is an excellent writer, I could see myself hiding in the warehouse as everyone is making plans on the rescue! OMG I was so there!!
I could go on and on about this book honestly, but I will end this here by saying the book took me away, I was pulled into this story didn’t want to leave. It was amazing, fun, sexy, and sad at times. I will be reading this book again!!
I love romance stories obviously, but I also love suspense, make it an MM story and lastly but certainly not least have Kaje Harper write it and this girl is in heaven! Yes, I tell you I am in heaven!
In this book we have Aaron, who took over as alpha at the end of book 1. And while i think Aaron is wonderful alpha character, he is not a typical alpha. While he definitely leads his pack and has great leadership, he is not bursting with an over the top “I am alpha hear me roar” attitude. Aaron is determined to bring his pack into this century in attitude and actions, while still understanding they are not human, but werewolf. Aaron has also been alone for many years, keeping the fact that he is gay a secret. He newly formed pack doesn't need more reasons to be behind the cross-hairs, so he is determined to keep it to himself. That is until Zach, a young member of his pack that needs guidance and Aaron finds himself fighting his attraction to the young werewolf.
I am happy to see Paul and Simon in this book, I loved their story from book 1 and happy to see it continue. I like Paul and his outspokenness, he challenges the way things are, but still a good member of the pack. And I enjoyed the pack politics, the world building, I found myself immersed in this part of the book as well as the romance, hot sex and suspense.
Speaking of suspense, OMG I loved this part. In my opinion the romance and suspense are split about 50/50 in this story, and I loved it! Simon is kidnapped by humans and Aaron has to ask for assistance from another pack to rescue him and if possible erase all traces of them. Kaje Harper is an excellent writer, I could see myself hiding in the warehouse as everyone is making plans on the rescue! OMG I was so there!!
I could go on and on about this book honestly, but I will end this here by saying the book took me away, I was pulled into this story didn’t want to leave. It was amazing, fun, sexy, and sad at times. I will be reading this book again!!
April 30, 2012
Aaron and Zach, an almost love story, mixed with near death experiences between both of them. I say almost becuase Aaron doubts that a young pup can fall for an old guy like him--he thinks Zach needs to sow some oats and Zach thinks hes found his perfect partner, if only they can be honest with each other. Plus more of Paul and Simon's story and how they prove their bond. A roller coaster ride with inter pack politics, a huge threat to all packs and dealing with gay werewolves. Kaje has woven an involved tale and told it from Aaron's perspective. This gets us into his mind and we learn how tough it is to be an Alpha 24/7/365.
The ending is not quite HEA but slightly better than HFN. Obviously there are more books coming--especially with the new charachter introduced at the very end of this book. I have a feeling Aaron's relationship with Zach is going to stretch over a lot of other stories, but I have hope for them!
Thanks Kaje for an interesting story and a new twist on Werewolf culture.
The ending is not quite HEA but slightly better than HFN. Obviously there are more books coming--especially with the new charachter introduced at the very end of this book. I have a feeling Aaron's relationship with Zach is going to stretch over a lot of other stories, but I have hope for them!
Thanks Kaje for an interesting story and a new twist on Werewolf culture.
November 30, 2014
Kaje Harper can always be depended on for a great read. Here she delivers again!
The character development is exceptional. These are real people with real problems. Yes, werewolves, but not the magic everyone is perfect insta-love, true-mate, everything will work out in the end.
The werewolves Kaje has created are vicious. They have kept their secrets for thousands of years by killing anyone who may be a danger. That includes homosexuals. Gay wolves are an abomination and must be culled. Even children. Sound familiar?
Aaron is different. Lone wolf for many years he travelled before settling in this pack. Now he is Alpha of his own pack. The only pack with a gay mated pair.
I loved getting to know Aaron. Like any person he struggled with decisions, second guessed himself and still had to show strength in front of his pack and others while trying to deal with suddenly becoming Alpha.
This is a really great story with strong character development and a different look at werewolves. Highly recommend!
The character development is exceptional. These are real people with real problems. Yes, werewolves, but not the magic everyone is perfect insta-love, true-mate, everything will work out in the end.
The werewolves Kaje has created are vicious. They have kept their secrets for thousands of years by killing anyone who may be a danger. That includes homosexuals. Gay wolves are an abomination and must be culled. Even children. Sound familiar?
Aaron is different. Lone wolf for many years he travelled before settling in this pack. Now he is Alpha of his own pack. The only pack with a gay mated pair.
I loved getting to know Aaron. Like any person he struggled with decisions, second guessed himself and still had to show strength in front of his pack and others while trying to deal with suddenly becoming Alpha.
This is a really great story with strong character development and a different look at werewolves. Highly recommend!
July 3, 2021
For this story, we follow Aaron and Zack as our mains. It's a pretty interesting dynamic, the dance those two have. And the challenges they both face, as individuals and as members of the pack (or alpha, in Aaron's case).
I did really like this book, but it doesn't end with a conclusion to the characters' arc. I like them, so I'm perfectly fine with this. It makes more sense to the plot, so pretty smart of Kaje. We also see Simon and Paul keep up their development as a couple, so that's a nice extra I hadn't expected but I'm happy to get.
I did really like this book, but it doesn't end with a conclusion to the characters' arc. I like them, so I'm perfectly fine with this. It makes more sense to the plot, so pretty smart of Kaje. We also see Simon and Paul keep up their development as a couple, so that's a nice extra I hadn't expected but I'm happy to get.
September 26, 2014
I really enjoyed this. Kaje's take on shifter culture is so unique compared to other books that I've read. I enjoyed watching Zach grow into a man. I also enjoyed Aaron's growth and strength as alpha. He was slowly building confidence in his ability to lead his pack.
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