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Talon Pack #2

An Alpha's Choice

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Brynn knows Finn is her mate. Only problem? His wolf doesn’t agree.

The secret is out.

Humans know about the world of shifters and magic and now Brynn and her Pack must walk the fine line of protecting their people and keeping on the good side of the humans.

She and Finn, the Heir of his Pack, must work together to find a way for peace, even if his mere presence makes the mating urge rise to the point of pain.

But Finn doesn’t feel the mating bond as she does and now, she might face a future with no mate if they can’t find a way to fix the problem.

That is, if they have a future at all. Someone is watching them. Waiting. And if they take a wrong step, both Packs can lose everything before they even begin.

274 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2015

353 people are currently reading
1962 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Ann Ryan

253 books6,220 followers
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:

The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series

Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.

Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.

The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
Profile Image for Jac K.
2,482 reviews449 followers
January 6, 2022
2.5 Uneventful Stars
I didn’t love the last book but realized that I already owned the second. Unfortunately, it didn’t get better for me. My biggest issue is that I’ve found both books quite boring. The pacing is VERY slow and not much is going on.

We pick up within the same scene of Tattered Loyalties, then FFW one year with the wolves trying to maneuver the human world. We know that Brynn and Finn are mates and Finn can’t feel the bond. We also know why he can’t feel the bond, but Brynn doesn’t. (all from book 1)

Then we basically follow the two around and listen to each have conversations with the secondary characters. That’s pretty much it… she’s pissed and is nasty to him, they go places, they talk to people. It takes until 60% of the book for her to tell him why she’s so pissed (they’re mates), and for him to tell her why he can’t feel it…. Which we already know.

Then, BOOM, they love each other and sexytime starts up… which wasn’t great because she tried to top from the bottom the entire time to assert her dominance, and at this point... I was over it… JUST HAVE SEX AND SHUT UP ALREADY!!!

Bottom Line- Up until about the last 30% this was going to be a 2⭐, but then things picked up finally and there was some action, drama, and a smidge of angst. I’ll leave as a 3 but will not reread or continue the series.
Profile Image for Cindy.
310 reviews8 followers
February 20, 2021
I enjoyed Brynn and Finn's story! I liked getting to know them better after being introduced in the first book. I'm happy that they were able to figure out the problem with Finn and that they were able to fix it so that he could truly mate with Brynn. I just thought their story was so cute and I love Brynn and her personality. Can't wait to see what happens next
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,842 reviews211 followers
August 4, 2015
Well the unthinkable has happened and the secret of shifters is well and truly out. Humans now know that werewolves walk amongst them and it's up to the Packs to blend in and try to cause as little upset as possible. Humans often fear that which they don't understand and now the Redwood and the Talon Packs are both firmly in the spotlight.
Brynn is an alpha female whose life has been all about protecting those weaker than herself. Her father cruelly abused her but she has survived and now fate seems to be a evil taskmaster as Brynn has met her Mate only to discover that he has no idea her wolf yearns for him.
Finn is heir to the Redwood Pack but having been broken and gone through a near death experience struggles to hear his own wolf. Refusing to let that get in his way he will happily put on a brave face and go out trying to help put the humans at ease but the female they partner him with is anything but friendly ! No Brynn is downright hostile even though it's obvious she's not immune to Finns charms. His wolf may be quiet but his senses ( and nose!) work just fine! They might never be friends but would it really hurt to scratch a mutual itch? Things are getting dangerous though as the wolves seem to have targets painted on their backs!
Ms Ryan has written what I can only describe as a heart stopping romance. Yes there's a lot of sexual tension between the lead couple but they have both had difficult and troubled pasts which still impact on them in the here and now. What really stands out in these books is the authors ability to let her readers catch up with the extended families. Constant trials await these characters and it's a story arc that continues to keep growing with shady politicians and even witches added to the mix. As for this story it's chock full of passion I admit but there is a truly harrowing scene that shocked this reader. I never know what to expect from this author but one thing I guarantee is an emotional ride that pulls you in and leaves you suffering with the characters. Intense and heart wrenching but just so good!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Naomi.
593 reviews23 followers
January 20, 2019
An Alpha's Choice is the second book in Carrie Ann Ryan's Talon Pack series and while I quite enjoyed the first book, this one fell a little short for me.

I liked the beginning of the story enough, both characters were introduced in the first book and while I did not dislike them, I wasn't entirely invested in them either. I like Carrie's writing style, it's very easy to read, so if you're looking for a nice, sexy and drama free story, An Alpha's Choice is for you.

As much as I like an easy read, this one was too light for me. Not that nothing happens throughout the book, there is some action but it felt inconsequential, like the author put it there but it didn't really lead to anything.

Also Brynn and Finn's relationship was so incredibly cheesy. I couldn't bring myself to care for them, individually they were good characters but together the cheesiness was too much, it honestly became hard to read. They're both dominant, adult werewolves and the entire time they were together, it felt like I was reading about two teenagers falling in love for the first time and living in the 14th century.

Carrie Ann Ryan does try to build a foundation for the rest of the series, you can tell things are only starting and that she's planning much more for the future but it did not grab me and I was invested neither in the story nor in the romance. However, I am curious and will keep on reading to see where the author wants to go with the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Michelle Leah Olson.
922 reviews117 followers
August 21, 2015
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:

An Alpha's Choice was my first 'official' foray into the world of the Talon and Redwood packs and I must say... I want more! Passion, conflict, beautiful story arc... Carrie Ann brings it all.

Talon Pack is a spinoff of Carrie Ann's astoundingly successful Redwood Pack series. In Talon, Packs have allied and the secret is out. Shifters exist. The humans aren't completely comfortable with that yet, so the Packs are treading carefully.

Our heroine, Brynn, is an Alpha female with Submissive tendencies. She's had a rough life, and it seems that everywhere she turns things are working against her. The mate her wolf covets doesn't seem to feel the same way about her. Sure, he craves her as a man would any beautiful woman, but she doesn't have that connection with Finn that she feels she should have.

Heir to the Redwood Pack, Finn, is the definition of a tragic hero. He was literally killed and put back together by the Pack's Healer has changed him--both emotionally and physically. His duty to his Pack is first and foremost in his mind, so if he's forced to work with the beautiful and aggravating Brynn, he'll do it. Despite how she affects his libido.

When things with the humans hit a critical plateau, Brynn and Finn must work together to smooth things over and save their Pack but it is anything but easy.... Not only within the conflict, but with each other.

Carrie Ann gives us a beautifully written Paranormal Romance with tons of tension, beautiful back story, an arc that promises loads of goodness to come, and even some parts that will be a bit.... shocking (especially to long-time fans). Intense, wonderful, gripping... two thumbs up!

*Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Sofia.
704 reviews102 followers
August 13, 2015
This is the first book I read by Carrie Ann Ryan. As soon as I read it I knew I had to read more and I did. An Alpha’s choice is the second book in the Talon Pack series but it can surely be read as a standalone, I did read it as such but I totally recommend staring from book one.

The world knows that shifters exist. The Talon and the Redwood packs will try their best to convince them that they aren’t the animals the humans think they are. Bryn Brentwood is the sister of the Alpha of the Talon Pack and the dominant female of the pack. Bryn can’t appear weak, not to pack and surely not outside of it.

Every time Finn Jamenson, Heir to the Redwood pack meets with Bryn he can’t understand what has done wrong. Bryn is always so guarded and angry around him that he has no clue how to fix whatever it is she thinks he has done. Little does he know that it’s not something he has done but something he hasn’t felt, the mating bond. Bryn’s secret is about to get out. The first time she saw Finn she immediately knew he was her mate but he has no idea.

Could fate be so cruel?

An alpha’s choice was a great read. Amazing really. In the beginning I had no idea what was wrong with Finn or if it just wasn’t meant to be. Bryn wasn’t wrong to feel the bond but Finn’s past may have cost him his future.

Bryn and Finn were strong characters who has many demons in their past. They had to struggle to get where they are now and although they made it, a part of them was left behind. I really loved that twist.

The book has nonstop action, suspense, romance, paranormal creatures, twists and a unique plot.

I definitely recommend it!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
2,233 reviews
March 1, 2021
Major Plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk

ONCE AGAIN MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD, THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING.

I’m giving this a four stars, though it might be really a 3.5 stars for me in reality because of reasons that I will got into here.

I have to say this might not be a totally fair review due to the fact that the entire time I was reading this I was comparing this story to the one I read the day before Blood and Bone by CC Wood that I absolutely loved and adored, giving me all the feels that I was wanting to feel while reading. Then again the reason that I did pick up this story when I did was because of Blood and Bone because of the similar theme of a male wolf either rejecting or not recognizing his true mate while the female wolf very much knew he was her mate and suffering this unrequited love over the course of time. I just wanted to have the same types of feels that I got while reading Blood and Bone while I was reading this one. Unfortunately I didn’t, which left me slightly disappointed hence why I gave this a slightly lower review than Blood and Bone.

I think the most disappointed part of this was that I wasn’t getting the angsty, gut wrenching feels as Brynn was trying to deal with being around Finn, knowing he was her mate yet he didn’t feel the same pull as she did to him. Yes, Brynn was devastated and in pain over this and caused to lash out at him as she attempted to keep her guard up around him, yet feel gut wrenching as I would have expected. In Blood and Bone Chloe had to deal with the same thing, and it was just absolutely agonizing as she interacted with her mate Lachlan throughout the story. It just hit me right in the gut and even had me tearing up as I was in Chloe’s head of what she was feeling, which was mostly pain, and just utterly conflict she was under because she knew that she should keep her distance with Lachlan, but just couldn’t managed it due to the circumstances that lead them to the place. I teared up and cried quite a few times over what was happening with Chloe and just how she was dealing with as she was trying to come to tears with things. It was a raw journey, but I loved it so much. In the case of Brynn, I just didn’t get any of those vibes or feelings. Even though she pain, I didn’t feel that agony that I felt with Chloe. It just made it like it was lacking something. If I hadn’t read Blood and Bone I would felt differently, but it set the bar so high that this story just felt flat. The feels just weren’t there.

Another big difference between these stories that colored my judgement was the journey that both Lachlan in Blood and Bone and Finn in this one went on. As you can imagine they would be very different, but it felt huge. The journey that Lachlan went through was just so much more compelling that Finn’s journey. Yes, they both went through trauma and pain in their life. They were both damaged. They both had to heal and get through stuff, but in the case of Lachlan it was a more heartbreaking and beautiful journey that he went on in order to finally claim his HEA and be with his mate, Chloe. With Lachlan his journey was slower and gradual where he had come to terms with things before he could move on, even then the process was gradual. It took time for him to realize that he was attracted to Chloe and started to really fall in love with her. He saw important of person in his life. How Chloe was crucial for him to heal and move on. Just seeing that process with him just warmed my heart and was so beautiful that I absolutely fell in love with him and his journey to his HEA. It was just so good. In the case of Finn, while he didn’t recognize that Brynn was his mate, he did acknowledge that he was insanely attracted to her and liked being around her even though he denied and was anger at first. But he knew the entire time that he wanted Brynn and knew once the passion between them was let loose there was no going back. Yes, it was a journey with the whole mate situation, but he still felt that pull towards her and wanted her. He didn’t have to go through the process like Lachlan because Finn was there even if was subconscious. I just wanted to see the gradual process of him falling in love with Brynn. It kind of got took over by the lust and passion between them. I just wanted to see more of the build up like there was with Lachlan and Chloe. That was another disappointment.

Even though I did appreciate once Finn came to his senses about Brynn that he was willing to do everything in his power to be with her whether they were officially mated or not, I did find that the solution to “fix” it so they could mate was a little simple and almost too easy. Not what they had to do was easy, but it just felt too simple. I almost wish there was some other way that could have been done whether it be that it came from his own power that they could mate or they just wouldn’t have been officially mated at all and just made the choice to be together no matter what. I think it would have been a more powerful statement and bring more meaning to their relationship because the relationship was so special and so important that they didn’t need anything else. It was just a let down that they did this thing then suddenly everything was all better. I would preferred if they didn’t fix it and were just together like they agreed they would before they knew how to fix it. Don’t get me wrong I was glad it got fixed so they could be mated, but it was too easy in my opinion.

I have come to realize that there was a whole series before this series started so there was a lot of characters thrown on the page that had been written about previous. It did get a little confusing of who was who and who was related who and who belonged to what pack. Though I did like the pack dynamics/family bonds that were in the story, it just got to be a little much because there were so many characters aside from Brynn and Finn.

Despite the fact that I have been stating what I didn’t care for in this book, I did like it. It just had the unfortunate timing of me reading Blood and Bone , which I loved and adored with everything in my soul. Since this story had a similar theme of the male not knowing his mate right away, I wanted to feel similar things that I felt with Blood and Bone , but that wasn’t the case so it left me feeling disappointed. It just felt a little flat. I liked the characters. I liked it was an enemies to lovers type of situation. I wanted them to get their HEA together. I just wanted them to be happy after suffering so much. It was just the journey wasn’t quite there for me. It wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination I just wanted to feel more, be affected more, and just be as enthralled as I was with Blood and Bone , but I just wasn’t, which was a shame because I picked this up due to that fact that I liked the premise and the similar theme of the unknown mate trope. So, I was looking for this particular thing, but it just didn’t meet my expectations.

I am looking forward to reading book one in this series, however because that seems like an interesting premise considering what was presented in this story.


























































































This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,009 reviews33 followers
August 25, 2015
ARC REVIEW

Another emotional roller coaster courtesy of Carrie Ann Ryan. Brynn and Finn, finally, and of course it isn't going to be an easy read. I love everything about this series starting way back at the start of the Redwood Pack series, there is no book I didn't love; this book is no exception. Carrie Ann Ryan does not disappoint.

As we read through the Redwood pack series we saw young Finn as a baby and small child. Now in the Talon pack series he's all grown up and he's not going to waste time on a woman when there is not hope for something permanent, but the sexy and snarky Brynn calls to him like no other; sadly his wolf does nothing.

Brynn has lived through hell, the former Alpha of the Talon pack her father was a horrendous leader who did countless atrocities to pack and especially his children. Brynn has moved past all that and now that she knows her mate a man her wolf calls out for she suffers far worse because Finn doesn't feel it too.

Their world has changed their secret is out. Their existence is out of the proverbial closet. Now the Packs walk a thin line to keep the human from getting scared and yet still show no fear. Talon and Redwood Packs have agreed the best course of action for now is to just be seen and be seen doing normal things, harmless things. Finn and Brynn are elected to go together shopping, drinking coffee and what not. But some humans are still scared and outright attack them, in the long run Finn and Brynn end up looking the heroes for it. That just makes the evil humans more upset and started attacking the packs homeland testing the wards.

Finn finally gives in and reveals everything to Brynn, and despite it all they give the mating mark a try but no avail, it doesn't work both heartbroken return to their homes. But all hope is not abandoned, Hannah has been afraid of this and has a plan.

Overall, I love this book. The love story does seem to overshadow everything else but heck this is a romance and it is still balanced.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,118 reviews12 followers
August 9, 2015
Oh this sneaky author and her ability to make us the reader puppets on strings pulling at our emotions as she has in this one. Regardless what life has tossed at these two Brynn and Finn are still standing with hearts that are huge but need filling by that special love that a mating can bring. She knows who her mate is but the wrecker is he can't feel it. It isn't that he won't, he can't due to something that had gone awry in a past event. Now though danger is even closer and what is building between them harder to ignore there just has to be a way, right? If not our hearts will break as sure as Brynn's would too. Oh and it is not from lack of emotion on his part he does love her but there must be that bond for them to survive. Talk about a pickle that pinches your butt from sitting on the edge with them. They also have a image to the world that someone else wants to warp and even to scrub the earth of them, with a trickle of danger to full blown death trying to come knocking. Love though is good at fighting, forging and healing giving answers that will also be devastating if it is not right. Oh my sooner rather than later as reading so wanted to be put out of my misery too. This author will have mercy on the reader weaving her magic, giving you her heart with these two giving beauty with that love in the middle of war. When new love blooms so will new life that will take us down a path we will be glad we walked.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,810 reviews543 followers
December 22, 2015
Brynn Brentwood has found her mate, however her mate has not acknowledged her and if that wasn't bad enough she is paired with him trying to show shifters can exist with humans. Each meeting with Flynn Jamenson devastates Brynn. Brynn has lived her life in the Talon pack, while Finn is the heir to the Redwood pack, politics are constantly at play as Brynn pretends to be not effected. She doesn't know about Finn's history or the fact that his wolf is a bit more complicated, is there any hope for this couple?

Another great book from Carrie Ann Ryan. I liked that the two packs had to work together. Finn was a unique wolf especially with his standing in the pack, interesting how that all unfolded. Like paranormal, this is one to pick up.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,415 reviews91 followers
June 27, 2016
This story wasn't quite what I expected, but that wasn't a bad thing. There is s lots of intrigue and a bit of heartache, and finally, finally, some sexy times

I would classify this more of an adventure with romantic elements than a romance with action elements. It was a great read, but heavy on adventure, with our main characters being attracted to each other

Profile Image for Debbie.
170 reviews124 followers
August 29, 2016
DNF! Couldn't get into it, even though I liked the first book.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,144 reviews23 followers
July 21, 2019
I think Finn and Brynn are perfect for one another. they complement one another and help the other deal with the horrors that only each other can understand. Why? They have both faced true horror in their past and survived. They also don’t hold back what they think from one another. They work well to’gether and we see them be truly good for one another. They are there for one another even when they are frustrated with each other.

finn you just feel for. He has gone through so much and he doesn’t understand why he is how he is. His past is marred with darkness and what he went through just breaks your heart. You see how attracted he is to Brynn and he wants to do what is right for her but he doesn’t know what to do. He isn’t sure why he has such desire and is so intrigued by Brynn and yet the wolf is quiet. It seems his wolf is always quiet to me. To me he is having to bring forth his wolf alot. He is a powerful alpha but you can tell that something really bad happened that affects him even now.

Brynn has been attracted to Finn for a long time and she knows he is her mate. It kills you to see them apart because Finn is being honorable and also because of the wolf in finn being so quiet. But for Brynn she deals with it by being mean towards Finn. She can’t handle being raround him that is until fate plays a role in their lives. They now must work together for the sake of their packs only this has Finn become more intrigued by Brynn and Brynn fall more for Finn. When the truth comes out Finn is lost. He doesn’t know what to do and at the same time this is going on, their packs are feeling danger from so many sides. These two are in such precarious situations both packwise and romance wise. They are great characters and their story tugs at the heartstrings.

Brynn is strong and fierce and yet vulnerable beneath it all as is Finn. They have these feelings they are fighting and they are trying to do what is best for their packs while trying to figure out who is wanting to hurt them and their packs. Their attraction just leaps off the page and you just smile at their interactions with one another. When they do give in wowza but it doesn’t seem to quench what they both feel. For Finn he becomes determined to find out what is his wolf’s problem and for Brynn she is feeling hurt. I love Finn’s determination though and how he makes the chioice and doesn’t let setbacks stop him.

The story is equal parts sexy and dangerous. We see these packs deal with so much and have new threats come their way. We see Brynn and Finn grow and let love find them and see them fight for it. We see Finn make difficult choices and find out who he is and become the alpha he is meant to be with Brynn by his side. A great tale to add to the talon pack series that is full of danger, intrigue, romance, some great banter and wonderful romance.
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,488 followers
January 4, 2022
3⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Paranormal Shifter Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: No
Violence: Yes
Male: Alpha & Sexy
Series: Book 2
Pages: 300
Audio: GOOD (m)
Kindle Unlimited: Yes


STORY:
What I liked:
The plot of this story became interesting as it picked up where book 1 left off. The pull and tug between wolves and humans as the wolves were discovered in book one. Brynn can be considered bad ass as she is strong like her brothers and cousins but wants love and the Nate that seems to not know they are mates. Of course finding her mate and him not recognizing this devastates her. Finn was the sweet Alpha in some ways for me. I liked him for Brynn



What was so so
The annoying back and forth of I’m his mate and he doesn’t know along with why doesn’t she like me conversations and thoughts felt repetitive. It seem like an interesting plot for the characters but too much time on it that I was falling in and out of interest with their chemistry.


SEXUAL CHEMISTRY
Sex scenes were good. I have no issues with their chemistry and need for each other.



SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
The same players from book 1 with a few new here and there players. I definitely think the secondary characters brought out the story in book 1 and 2. It was great seeing Brie and Gideon again.



OVERALL:
Was I entertained? Yes. Did I like the story? It was ok. Would I read the other books in the series? Not sure.



TRIGGERS:



****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Profile Image for Mary Kirkland.
737 reviews30 followers
June 1, 2021
Finn senses something might be missing in him and his wolf ever since he was a kid and had to be healed after something horrible happened to him. His wolf has never been very outspoken to him and he feels like he's a little broken.

Brynn knows that Finn is her mate but he hasn't acknowledged that he senses that she is his mate even once so she acts very gruff with him most of the time because she's hurt.

Humans know that wolves exist and some humans are not happen about it. They are not very nice to the shifters when they see them out among them and don't try to hide their hatred most of the time. But I think they just didn't know what to expect from the shifters and were scared. We always fear what we don't know. So Finn and Brynn are tasked with going out in public together so the humans can see they aren't dangerous to them but the more time they spend together the more their feelings come to the surface.

Finn might not realize that Brynn is his mate because his wolf is quiet, but he has feelings for her and he doesn't understand why she hates him...until he does.

This was a good story and I liked Brynn and Finn but it took me a long time to really get into this book. It really wasn't until close to the end that I really started to enjoy what was going on. I just found it a little monotonous and slow going for most of it but it did pick up close to the end so I'm glad I stuck with it.
2,023 reviews13 followers
August 21, 2021
Action-packed storyline & unforgettable characters who drag you into their tale of fated mates. Each book in this awesome series is linked by an overall background storyline which flows through each one with the finale being revealed in the last book. These stories should be read in order so that the reader can gain the best knowledge of the Talon pack history. The connection between Finn and his wolf was damaged in the battle between the demon and the Redwood Pack. When Brynn meets him, she is shocked that he doesn’t acknowledge their mating bond. I felt extremely sorry for this couple and was relieved with the way this author brought the two together. I love this series.
Profile Image for B.A. Malisch.
2,480 reviews278 followers
March 1, 2021
The dialogue is still a bit too cheesy and the storytelling a bit to simple and sparse at times, but overall, I still really like this. I just want a bit more depth in conversations and some character growth.
Profile Image for Marie.
256 reviews177 followers
January 6, 2016
I am a HUGE Carrie Ann Ryan fan! I have read all of her Redwood Pack Series as well as Dante's Circle Series. Both are wonderful and I have started reading some of her other books. The Redwood Pack series was my first reads of hers so when the Talon Pack began I jumped right on reading them. I really love that now we see Finn as an adult. He was a child in the Redwood Pack series and had to endure some horrible things.

In An Alpha's Choice the unthinkable has happened and now humans know of the existence of shifters. It is up to the Packs to attempt to blend in more than before and not cause too much of an upset.  Finn, heir to the redwood Pack and Brynn, an alpha female from the Talon Pack, are paired together in an effort to work towards helping the packs blend better with the humans. While this would normally be no problem there is a bit of an issue. Okay a big one in that these two are mates but since Finn suffered so much as a child he has a problem hearing his wolf and doesn't feel the mating pull.

That's gotta suck right? Brynn is angry at Finn for what he doesn't feel but honestly it's not his fault. I will say this that while this book is a stand-alone it does help to read the Redwood Pack series so you get a better understanding of Finn. When he was a child he was attacked by a demon and almost died. He went from being a full of life little boy (if I remember correctly he was like four maybe younger) to being withdrawn and quiet. If you have never read anything from Carrie Ann Ryan then get ready! Because like all of her books An Alpha's Choice is a roller coaster ride of emotion. You will be hanging onto the edge of your set from beginning to end.

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Carrie Ann Ryan Bio

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan never thought she’d be a writer. Not really. No, she loved math and science and even went on to graduate school in chemistry. Yes, she read as a kid and devoured teen fiction and Harry Potter, but it wasn’t until someone handed her a romance book in her late teens that she realized that there was something out there just for her. When another author suggested she use the voices in her head for good and not evil, The Redwood Pack and all her other stories were born.

 

Carrie Ann is a bestselling author of over twenty novels and novellas and has so much more on her mind (and on her spreadsheets *grins*) that she isn’t planning on giving up her dream anytime soon.This review was originally posted on Blushing Reads
Profile Image for Mspink.
206 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2015
I was honored to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.

I have been looking forward to this story for a long time. Even before I knew it existed, because I’ve read all the Redwood books and now we are in to the Talons stories. Finn’s character has always touched me because of what he went through as a child. I always wondered how that would affect the rest of his life.

I cannot begin to express how much I loved this story. I literally had a lump in my throat the whole book. There are only a few books that have affected me that way. The angst factor in this story is high on this one, people. Be ready to be moved to tears.
Brynn has known for an entire year that Finn is her mate. Yet its obvious he doesn’t feel the mate pull from his wolf. In pack life that is the ultimate rejection and devastated Brynn. She had already been through traumatic experiences with her, now deceased father and had learned to hold everything in. Stay strong for her pack, her family. So she suffered in silence until the pain was so much she finally had to share it.

Working side by side with a clueless Finn to strengthen the packs’ alliance as well as appear to the world that they are not dangerous creatures was simply too difficult for her. It was a constant reminder of how one sided the mate pull was. There was definitely mutual attraction but she needed more than the Man. She needed his Wolf. Along with a very new and sinister enemy the packs are now facing, this story was fraught with many layers of emotion. The packs are now coming in to the public eye so they will face many obstacles in the coming books.

They finally have to come together and work out the issue together. Its not an easy journey for them but as all Carrie’s books seem to do, the pieces beautifully manage to come together. And lets not forget about the steamy, emotionally fraught sex they get to eventually have. But it’s a gradual build up!!

Be ready for an action packed series. Old and New characters still pop in and we get to see how everyone is doing and closely bonded they all are. That is the beautiful part of these packs and families. They would lay down their lives for each other. This reminds me a bit of the Bound by Magick witch series by another author and how they had to face the prejudices and hatred of the world as their ‘kind’ became known to the public. I’m loving it so far. Just keep a few tissues handy!
Profile Image for Charity Costa.
89 reviews10 followers
October 19, 2015
WARNING: If you have not read the first book in this series DO NOT read my review, there is a spoiler from book one and I hate to ruin things for readers so BEWARE!!!! Please :)

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Ok so you have read book 1 in the Talon Pack so you know what happened?!?!?! If not DO NOT KEEP READING!!!!


Well here we are after a devastating first book in a series where we found our characters facing the worst possible situation a den of shifters can face....HUMANS!!! they know about the shifters and now the Talon pack is doing what they can to make the "Reveal" a smooth transition for humans and wolves alike.

Finn Redwood is broken, he knows it but he doesn't realize how this will affect his future, he has managed for 30 years and succeeded so far. But now he wants a woman that his wolf doesn't and that is not going to work, he is the heir of the Redwood pack. Can he just get a taste and move on??

Brynn knows her place in the pack even if the Goddess has not blessed her the way her brother and cousins have been blessed. She will do what needs to be done to protect her family and her pack, even if that means walking side by side with a broken wolf who can never be what she needs.

When the world of 2 packs is on the line can these 2 wolves fight enough not just for their packs but for each other enough to find some peace in a world that has way to many questions of the future and not enough answers to their fate.

An Alpha's Choice is riveting and filled with so much emotion. Carrie Ann plays beautifully with her readers deepest feelings that it makes us feel with her characters. I am always honored to have one of her books in my hands because I know that i will be in for an action packed, love filled ride that will always say with me as a reader.
Profile Image for Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder).
2,213 reviews
September 19, 2015
This is book 2 in the Talon Pack series by Carrie Ann Ryan. The Talon Pack is in alliance with the Redwood Pack from her previous series and the timeline has jumped ahead so that all the little cubs from the previous series are now adults and finding their own mates.

This is Finn’s story. Finn was gravely injured as a toddler when a Demon made it into their den and broke every bone in Finn’s body. He was healed, but things have not been easy for him as he has grown. He is the Heir to the Redwood Pack.

As the Pack’s face new danger, they need to work together to show humans they are not a danger. That means Finn has to work with the Princess of the Talon’s, Brynn Brentwood. Brynn is an Alpha female and very powerful in her own right. Her wolf recognizes Finn as her mate. Finn as no idea.

This is not just another HEA story. It is a slow relationship build. Finn has some deep issues to overcome. Brynn’s heart is breaking every time she sees Finn. I found myself tearing up because of the great love of family, duty to pack, and the promise of forever love. Carrie Ann can steep some great emotions in her words. As a reader, I could feel the anguish everyone was feeling in this story. I like that the theme of healing and strength resounds in the story. Without the love of the Packs and the strength of family, these two mates would continue to struggle.

There is a lot more mystery and suspense to come in this world of wolves coming out to humans. I look forward to seeing the rest of the “kids’ find their HEA’s. I’m a stickler for book order so I recommend starting with the Redwood series and reading forward. You could read this as a stand-alone if you want. The author does a great job bringing the reader up to speed.

*I received and ARC of this title from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews45 followers
August 17, 2015
Their whole world has changed and Finn and Brynn must fight as one because with one wrong move everything could be destroyed, they’ll do what it takes to save them all even if they can’t save themselves in this pulse pounding paranormal romance.

Brynn Brentwood has spent her whole life protecting her pack and Finn has been broken more than once and the reader can’t help but get caught up in this turbulent story as a broken bond interferes in what should have been. The chemistry sizzles from every page and the emotions flow with vibrant intensity as these strong compelling characters try to handle what fate has denied them while the fast paced smooth flowing plot thrills readers with lots of suspense, excitement and romance.

If you read Tattered Loyalties then you know that the fall out isn’t going to be pretty as the humans try to decide how they are going to handle the wolves. Expectation builds lots of tension throughout the story as Brynn and Finn do their best to help their packs but with hostilities growing and the danger escalating things aren’t looking so good. The reader can’t help but get emotionally involved in this story as you can practically feel the energy from every page and of course there is more than meets the eye with what is happening between the humans and wolves. Unexpected twists keeps everyone on their toes with lots of excitement ensuring that there is never a dull moment while the intriguing events draw the readers deeper into the story and refuse to let go.

I have been a fan of the Redwood Pack since its inception and I have now added the Talon Pack to my favorites as well and this new world that both Packs find themselves facing promises lots of exciting stories to come although I don’t know how Carrie Ann Ryan will manage to top Finn and Brynn’s story as one that will be forever etched into my heart.
Profile Image for Debra Taylor.
882 reviews24 followers
August 26, 2015



Absolutely Fantastic ! An Alpha's Choice is a sexy and spellbinding read !

An Alpha's Choice is the second book in the Talon Pack Series. It reveals uncertain times for the Talon and Redwood Packs, and they're not alone in their fears. It was in Tattered Loyalties that the humans officially learned of the wolves existence. Now it's been a year since that Unveiling as the world watches and tensions escalate, and the situation gets very risky for the paranormal world. It's an effort to ease dangerous tensions that throws together potential mates, Brynn Brentwood and Finn Jamenson. Brynn has known since last year that Finn is her mate but when he didn't recognize their bond it caused her great pain and anger, and made her feel like she wasn't good enough. Her confusion and longing was palpable and the emotions bled off the pages. She doesn't know that Finn's wolf has been damaged since a demon attack that nearly killed him as a child. Brynn finally tells Finn the truth just as the world explodes and everything gets even more complicated.

This book had an intricate plot that was very well written, fast paced, and entertaining. It was loaded with emotion, steamy romance and intrigue. Just like the Redwood Series this one promises to have a far reaching plot that will most likely span the entire series. That makes Ann Alpha's Choice a book that is definitely not to be missed.
Be prepared to get emotional cause this story will tear you up as these two wolves take a leap of faith to complete their bond. I loved it and that little glimpse at the end has left me all fired up for the next book. It's Five Flying Stars from this happy reader !

My Thanks To The Author For Gifting Me With A Complimentary Copy.
Profile Image for Ishabelle.
766 reviews43 followers
August 31, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.

I have to say that this author makes her best work in the paranormal romance genre. I've read her contemporary romance books, and while I liked some of them, I feel like I love her shifter novels more. This book is a great example. The truth is, I wasn't able to read the first book in this series, but in no way did it affect my enjoyment of this book.

I loved the hero. I also loved the heroine because she was a very strong female. I found it both funny and frustrating the way their love story developed, but it was very entertaining. I love that Ms. Ryan created two great characters that I really enjoyed reading about. This book is one of those shofter stories that is above the pack, pun intended.

I will most definitely look for the first book, Tattered Loyalties, because I really liked An Alpha's Choice, and I just have to go back and read the beginning of the Talon Pack series. If you're a fan of paranormal romance, this series is something you shouldn't miss. If you've read from this author before, then you know that her shifter books will never lead you wrong. This is a book I'd be happy to recommend.
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,113 reviews30 followers
August 28, 2015
I've got to say I was really worried about reading Finn story. I had so many hopes for this and I'm so glad CAR was able to pull it off. In the second Talon book Finn is 30 and since The demon tried to kill him he's struggled to hear is wolf.
At a gathering Finn meats Brynn and is instantly attracted to her but his wolf stays quite through the whole meeting.
Brynn had know a while Finn is her mate but when he doesn't make any moves or intention to mate she thinks the Goddess has messed up.
Leo, Gideon's uncle exposes all wolf to humans by live video feed that the world watches as Leo and his lone wolf change shape and fights Talon/Redwoods in human form.
This book have absolutely heartbreaking and perfect at the same time.
I think Finn and Brynn are perfect for each other.
A lot happens in this book and some reviews says this cod be a standalone book bug I think to get the best out of this book you need to read all the redwood and talon books.
Looking forward to the witches on the talon series.
Profile Image for Carmen.
115 reviews19 followers
August 26, 2015
I loved this book. I knew Finn's story wouldn't be easy but boy was I really wrong. I cried in several parts. I felt for these two more than I had for the others. Carrie pushed me over the edge then brought back feeling whole, happy and now needing more.
I can't wait to read Ryders story and the mate who will make him whole.
Profile Image for Jennifer Miller.
Author 49 books183 followers
August 1, 2015
My heart shattered in the certain parts of this book. This is one of the best wolf shifter books I have ever read. A first kiss that just blowed you away. A broken wolf and a dominant female with a broken heart. And what a family, if humans could only love their kin the way this wolf family does. This book is a totally keeper. I was given this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisbette Tomas.
Author 1 book2 followers
April 17, 2018
I'll be honest: I probably wouldn't have read this book if I hadn't picked up the bundle with the first three books of the Talon Pack series. The first book was solid enough but didn't leave me desperate for more. Still, inertia is a heck of a thing, and it was easy enough to continue reading when I finished the first book and the second was right there.

We got to know Brynn fairly well in the first book, since she is the dominant female in the Talon Pack. It's a bit of a strange dichotomy, since that role is normally held by the Alpha female, but Brynn's brother Gideon is mated to a submissive wolf. Brynn has been happy to support her brother's mate, even as she continues to struggle with a problem she hasn't told anyone about: she's met her mate, but he doesn't seem to recognize her as his.

Finn Jamenson was nearly killed as a baby during the events of the Redwood Pack series (from what I'm able to tell) and it was only through the immense efforts of the pack healer that he survived. Now he's a young adult and heir to the Alpha of the Redwood Pack. Still, he can't understand why Brynn seems to hate him so much. Unfortunately for Brynn, Finn and Brynn are the now-public faces of Packs, a result of their exposure to the world at large during the final battle in the first book. Their job is to appear in public together, trying to convince the world that shifters are just as human as the rest of them.

Predictably, bigotry rears its ugly head and there are several incidents that force them closer together until Brynn can no longer keep it secret from Finn: he is her fated mate. That's when Finn is forced to confront the truth he'd ignored for years: that while he might have been healed, his bond with his wolf has remained broken. While he can shift, all emotions from his wolf are far more muted than they should be. Now he's forced to face the reality that if he wants the woman who should be his, he needs to make a terrible decision.

This book was both good and frustrating. The same repetition that I noted in the first book shows up here again, and if anything it feels like reading the story of the Redwood Pack is even more important as backstory here. There are also hints of things in Brynn's past that are never really explored, which is a personal pet peeve of mine — if you hint at a tragic past, you better have the character discuss it or even think about it in detail so the reader has some idea of what that tragic past is. It felt like it was simply an add-on and not relevant to the story in any way.

On the other hand, I definitely liked Brynn's take no nonsense attitude and her inner strength. Finn seemed more than ready to be her match and yet was willing to give her the space she needed. It wasn't simply a case of insta-lust between them. That's probably what made the issues in the previous paragraph stand out even more to me, because it's definitely a well-written book. If you're a fan of the genre, I'd recommend this — but I'd probably also recommend going and starting at the beginning with the Redwood Pack series, because that seems to be pretty important.
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