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The Golden Wolf #1
Golden
The Little Mermaid meets Loki in this dark, twisted retelling that’s anything but a Fairy Tale. In this world, foes look like friends, the heroes are deliciously wicked, and you’ll never see the end coming.
Ten years ago, I ‘died’, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I should have known it wouldn't last.
Once my family thought I was dead I was finally free to live.
Until the day my brother walks into my tiny bookshop.
No one leaves the Grayling pack and gets away with it.
They drag me back, but not for the reason I believe.
My mother has made an enemy of a powerful witch
and I am to take the punishment meant for her.
Death would have been kinder.
This curse? What I am now?
It's so much worse than I could have imagined.
She didn't just cut me off from my wolf, or even simply kill me. She made me a golden retriever and sent me to a shelter.
I'm ready to die in truth now, I'm hoping for it even.
And then my mate walks in...but how am I supposed to convince him I'm the strong partner he needs to help him stop the end of the world when I can’t stop wagging my freaking tail?
Ten years ago, I ‘died’, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I should have known it wouldn't last.
Once my family thought I was dead I was finally free to live.
Until the day my brother walks into my tiny bookshop.
No one leaves the Grayling pack and gets away with it.
They drag me back, but not for the reason I believe.
My mother has made an enemy of a powerful witch
and I am to take the punishment meant for her.
Death would have been kinder.
This curse? What I am now?
It's so much worse than I could have imagined.
She didn't just cut me off from my wolf, or even simply kill me. She made me a golden retriever and sent me to a shelter.
I'm ready to die in truth now, I'm hoping for it even.
And then my mate walks in...but how am I supposed to convince him I'm the strong partner he needs to help him stop the end of the world when I can’t stop wagging my freaking tail?
283 pages, ebook
First published January 2, 2023
4445 people are currently reading
5533 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
161 books7,233 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 885 reviews
January 4, 2023
You ever wonder what a book with no beginning, no end and a messy out of control “plot” would be like? No? Me either but thanks to this dumpster fire I now know.
If the terrible writing and story aren’t enough to keep you from reading this you probably also won’t mind that all of the characters are unlikeable and have no chemistry whatsoever.
Also the protagonist has to be one of the dumbest characters in all of space and time. I was rooting against her for 75% of whatever I managed to read before I skipped to the last chapter.
Spoiler Alert - it “ends” with no resolution, or attempt at a conclusion of any kind. I know there will be more books to the series but is it actually a series if you just cut it off in the middle of what should be the third act?
I rarely leave reviews because people should just read what they like but my god this was objectively awful.
If the terrible writing and story aren’t enough to keep you from reading this you probably also won’t mind that all of the characters are unlikeable and have no chemistry whatsoever.
Also the protagonist has to be one of the dumbest characters in all of space and time. I was rooting against her for 75% of whatever I managed to read before I skipped to the last chapter.
Spoiler Alert - it “ends” with no resolution, or attempt at a conclusion of any kind. I know there will be more books to the series but is it actually a series if you just cut it off in the middle of what should be the third act?
I rarely leave reviews because people should just read what they like but my god this was objectively awful.
January 5, 2023
2 ⭐️🫤
All the reviews raving about this book so I decided to read it. It had an interesting synopsis, quirky and unique. Sadly over the years I’ve learned quirky and weird only works out if the characters are likeable and smart.
If too stupid to live was a person it would be our fmc. Imagine making the absolute worst decision at every freeking turn?! Frustrating and frankly unbelievable. It’s like the author sat down and said how can I orchestrate events to where the fmc is both the centre of the universe (sadly literally) but also the most pitiful (pathetic not sympathetic) person ever put to paper 🧍🏾♀️
I hated the incest tropes. First her half brother tries to r*pe her? Several times. Then her mother accuses her of having an affair with her stepfather?? This ofcourse leads to fmc being kicked out but first there’s an attempted gang murder by all her half brothers ?! Which she escapes and now she’s living in hiding solo dolo 😷
But the worst crime this book committed imo is that it’s not a romance. No romance whatsoever just lust and if you disagree with me you’re lying. Also, we’re stuck between two homicidal brothers, neither of which gives a single fuck about our fmc and on several occasions both of them actually try to get her dead. Ew.
I’m actually being so generous with two stars because the more I think about it the angrier I get. Absolutely won’t read book two.
All the reviews raving about this book so I decided to read it. It had an interesting synopsis, quirky and unique. Sadly over the years I’ve learned quirky and weird only works out if the characters are likeable and smart.
If too stupid to live was a person it would be our fmc. Imagine making the absolute worst decision at every freeking turn?! Frustrating and frankly unbelievable. It’s like the author sat down and said how can I orchestrate events to where the fmc is both the centre of the universe (sadly literally) but also the most pitiful (pathetic not sympathetic) person ever put to paper 🧍🏾♀️
I hated the incest tropes. First her half brother tries to r*pe her? Several times. Then her mother accuses her of having an affair with her stepfather?? This ofcourse leads to fmc being kicked out but first there’s an attempted gang murder by all her half brothers ?! Which she escapes and now she’s living in hiding solo dolo 😷
But the worst crime this book committed imo is that it’s not a romance. No romance whatsoever just lust and if you disagree with me you’re lying. Also, we’re stuck between two homicidal brothers, neither of which gives a single fuck about our fmc and on several occasions both of them actually try to get her dead. Ew.
I’m actually being so generous with two stars because the more I think about it the angrier I get. Absolutely won’t read book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
A very interesting premise but I couldn't connect with the characters. Cyn is a werewolf estranged from her pack and hated by her family she had narrowly escaped with her life ten years earlier. Now she's going back, it's most likely a trap but .............. Yes, it's a trap. Her mother uses Cyn as a surrogate to be the recipient of a curse. It's a nasty curse Cyn loses both her wolf and her human form cursed by a vengeful witch into the form of a dog.........A golden retriever...........unable to shift but still with her human consciousness, it's a nightmare. Then things get even worse, her mate turns up. He only wants Cyn for her ability to track (goldens have great scent receptors) she goes along with him as what other choice does she have, then finds herself plunged into a horror story. Her mate is hunting for a woman, his evil? Brother is also searching for this mystery woman in the brothers wake are a trail of bodies. Cyn has an intense sexual attraction to both men, but both men come across as psychopaths it's a rollercoaster ride with Cyn and various friends being chased across America trying just to stay one step ahead of the crazy brothers and her own family .......who still haven't finished with her................ Cyn and her friend Belle are quite well drawn characters but the brothers are too one dimensional, you get the author is trying not to give away important plot points too early but it leads to no emotional connection to the characters. Something I find necessary to really enjoy a book..........
December 23, 2022
Oh my gah was this book a wild ride from start to finish. 😂 I am so glad I was given the arc, I couldn’t put it down and then when that cliff hanger hit I about yeeted my kindle across the room. 🥲
Tropes!!
✔️ enemies to loversss (maybe 👀)
✔️ found family
✔️ forced proximity 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽
✔️’touch her and die’ 🥵
✔️ shifter romance (PNR fans jump on it!)
✔️ fairy tale retelling (Little Mermaid meets Loki vibes)
Idk who gave Shannon the audacity to write the MOST comical and snarky MCs but listen here honey, I am HERE for it. This story was entrancing from page 1 until that last freaking SENTENCE. 🙃🙃🙃 (IYKYK)
Cin is our MC who was left for dead by her POS family. A lone wolf (no, really. She can shift into a wolf) who is basically undercover in Alaska. Quiet life for years, then in walks trouble. One thing leads to another, she is on the run, but naturally things don’t work out so well and ya girl gets CURSED. What kind of curse, you might ask? Let’s some of it means she’s forced to being a golden retriever 😂😂😂 sounds wild, right? IT IS! I was cracking up reading this story, imagining our MC who went from bad assery, fierce wolf shifter queen to a totally push over, derpy golden. Pls.
I don’t wanna say much more bc that will enter spoiler territory so lemme just end it with this - Shannon knows how to snatch you up and keep you hooked on her stories. I laughed, I raged, I swooned, I felt it all. You don’t wanna sleep on this story, fr. It’s a good one! Except that cliffy. 🥲😂
Tropes!!
✔️ enemies to loversss (maybe 👀)
✔️ found family
✔️ forced proximity 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽
✔️’touch her and die’ 🥵
✔️ shifter romance (PNR fans jump on it!)
✔️ fairy tale retelling (Little Mermaid meets Loki vibes)
Idk who gave Shannon the audacity to write the MOST comical and snarky MCs but listen here honey, I am HERE for it. This story was entrancing from page 1 until that last freaking SENTENCE. 🙃🙃🙃 (IYKYK)
Cin is our MC who was left for dead by her POS family. A lone wolf (no, really. She can shift into a wolf) who is basically undercover in Alaska. Quiet life for years, then in walks trouble. One thing leads to another, she is on the run, but naturally things don’t work out so well and ya girl gets CURSED. What kind of curse, you might ask? Let’s some of it means she’s forced to being a golden retriever 😂😂😂 sounds wild, right? IT IS! I was cracking up reading this story, imagining our MC who went from bad assery, fierce wolf shifter queen to a totally push over, derpy golden. Pls.
I don’t wanna say much more bc that will enter spoiler territory so lemme just end it with this - Shannon knows how to snatch you up and keep you hooked on her stories. I laughed, I raged, I swooned, I felt it all. You don’t wanna sleep on this story, fr. It’s a good one! Except that cliffy. 🥲😂
July 19, 2025
I picked this up thinking it was going to be a typical fated mates romance… and it’s really not. There’s technically a mate, but don’t expect any actual romance in this one.
That said, I ended up really enjoying it anyway. The story is dark, weird in the best way, and totally unpredictable. The main character getting turned into a golden retriever and sent to a shelter?? I mean-what?! But it worked. It was funny, emotional, and way more intense than I expected.
If you’re looking for a romance-heavy read, this probably isn’t it. But if you want something with a strong plot, high stakes and a unique twist on shifters and The Little Mermaid, definitely give this one a try:)
That said, I ended up really enjoying it anyway. The story is dark, weird in the best way, and totally unpredictable. The main character getting turned into a golden retriever and sent to a shelter?? I mean-what?! But it worked. It was funny, emotional, and way more intense than I expected.
If you’re looking for a romance-heavy read, this probably isn’t it. But if you want something with a strong plot, high stakes and a unique twist on shifters and The Little Mermaid, definitely give this one a try:)
January 17, 2023
This is kitschy PNR, with little romance in much of the book, in the vein of Zodiac Academy and KF Breene. However, this is a slow burn and the book doesn’t have much actual spice.
The MC is a werewolf who has experienced attempted murder, torture, and threatened SA from her half brothers. She goes into hiding after she survives their attempted kill and then is lured out only to be cursed and turned into a golden retriever. She meets a cat, also human cursed, who is the bimbo archetype.
The writing pained me at times and the humor fell flat almost always. I enjoy dark and sophomoric humor but it also needs to be witty and sort of original and I didn’t find that in this. The dialogue and characterization just weren’t developed and I found myself rolling my eyes at the trite lines and formulaic character development. It just overall felt like it was trying too hard to be quirky and funny.
That all noted, I have to say I felt like this was a lot more original than I expected. I was not expecting an intersection with Norse mythology and there were some fun/interesting takes on the monsters/world building. It was refreshing to read something different and the author did well with creating enough mystery that I finished the book.
However, the issues were prominent enough that I have no desire to continue the story and will not pick up the sequel. In fact, this is the third book from this author in the last couple of years that I’ve finished but felt duped or disappointed by the development and I think I’m done with her work. It’s just not for me and it doesn’t appear to be evolving.
The MC is a werewolf who has experienced attempted murder, torture, and threatened SA from her half brothers. She goes into hiding after she survives their attempted kill and then is lured out only to be cursed and turned into a golden retriever. She meets a cat, also human cursed, who is the bimbo archetype.
The writing pained me at times and the humor fell flat almost always. I enjoy dark and sophomoric humor but it also needs to be witty and sort of original and I didn’t find that in this. The dialogue and characterization just weren’t developed and I found myself rolling my eyes at the trite lines and formulaic character development. It just overall felt like it was trying too hard to be quirky and funny.
That all noted, I have to say I felt like this was a lot more original than I expected. I was not expecting an intersection with Norse mythology and there were some fun/interesting takes on the monsters/world building. It was refreshing to read something different and the author did well with creating enough mystery that I finished the book.
However, the issues were prominent enough that I have no desire to continue the story and will not pick up the sequel. In fact, this is the third book from this author in the last couple of years that I’ve finished but felt duped or disappointed by the development and I think I’m done with her work. It’s just not for me and it doesn’t appear to be evolving.
April 4, 2024
Arcane Society just announced this is their Apr/May book choice so I just downloaded it and it's time to read and see if I'm skipping haha.
Well I read it! Here's my quick review:
First of all, I went into this book blind so color me surprised when the werewolf shifter FMC gets cursed and turned into a GOLDEN RETRIEVER, dumped at a kill shelter, and then ADOPTED BY HER FATED MATE. Are you shocked, because I was.
Immediately upon reading that, I was not having it. The imagery of potential smutty times happening later on when she's a fucking dog was not one I wanted to have.
But I continued reading and she does get her human form back (sorta). I got acclimated to the story, and I wasn't totally averse to the book after all.
This book is fast paced, a little wacky, more focused on the adventure/plot than the romance in this installment. I honestly had a delightful time and I'm desperate to read book two because of this cliffhanger ending.
It's turn your brain off and enjoy the chaos type of entertainment.
Am I skipping my renewal for AS? Unsure as of right now. I'll make a decision once I finish book two!
Well I read it! Here's my quick review:
First of all, I went into this book blind so color me surprised when the werewolf shifter FMC gets cursed and turned into a GOLDEN RETRIEVER, dumped at a kill shelter, and then ADOPTED BY HER FATED MATE. Are you shocked, because I was.
Immediately upon reading that, I was not having it. The imagery of potential smutty times happening later on when she's a fucking dog was not one I wanted to have.
But I continued reading and she does get her human form back (sorta). I got acclimated to the story, and I wasn't totally averse to the book after all.
This book is fast paced, a little wacky, more focused on the adventure/plot than the romance in this installment. I honestly had a delightful time and I'm desperate to read book two because of this cliffhanger ending.
It's turn your brain off and enjoy the chaos type of entertainment.
Am I skipping my renewal for AS? Unsure as of right now. I'll make a decision once I finish book two!
Read
February 14, 2025DNF at 50%
October 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I did not want to be wanted for a period of time."
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- Complicated mating bond
- Physical/mental abuse
- Attempted r*pe/assault
- Violence
- Torture/d*ath
- Stalking
- Cliffhanger
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I got the first two books in this series as part of the Arcane Society book box. I never heard of them before but the premise intrigued me enough to pick them right after receiving them.
It was a bit slow in the beginning and a bit hard to follow as I needed to get into the lore and the backstories that were being presented (along with a bunch of characters) but once the action starts and it starts pretty early, it picks up speed and you are thrusted into a massive plot that at any point can be altered and new surprises will appear.
This book contains a lot of magical creatures in one world and our main FMC is a wolf-shifter. She is running from her psycho mother and her siblings who seem to only want to kill her while one of her brothers intended for her to be his mate and attempted to rape her in the process, but she was able to get away and fake her death but after 10 years on the run, she is no longer able to keep hiding.
Her sister calls her and lets her know that she needs her help and Cin being who she is at heart cannot let her sister get hurt so she goes and gets of course trapped by her mother and siblings as her mother messed with a witch’s husband and needs to be punished so she gave up Cin as the one to carry out the punishment.
What is it?
She is turned into a golden retriever and then placed into a kill shelter.
She meets a cat (Bebe) who is also another one of the cursed ones and they get away right before things get dicey for them only to be adopted by a blond Thor like man who Cin at first sees and is enamored with and realizes she and him are mates and he is also a wolf-shifter, but things are at all what they seem.
He is not the good guy in this story nor is this going to be a love story between them - nope he is the villain and a murderer. We hear him fucking other women while Cin is in her golden retriever form and she knows she is mated to him and feels sad about it but you also feel sad at first cause you think he is the good guy and it's his enemies that are the villains but once you find out he is the worst person, you feel nothing about his actions.
She also finds out he has a (dark haired) brother who is hunting him, and we find out that THIS IS THE MMC who will be her love interest though I would not call this book romantic whatsoever.
We get a lot of Norse mythology in this story and it plays a big big role in each of their lives.
It's really hard to explain without people reading it, so read it but know that it starts out easy to dissect until the mythology and Norse gods play a part.
"I did not want to be wanted for a period of time."
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- Complicated mating bond
- Physical/mental abuse
- Attempted r*pe/assault
- Violence
- Torture/d*ath
- Stalking
- Cliffhanger
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I got the first two books in this series as part of the Arcane Society book box. I never heard of them before but the premise intrigued me enough to pick them right after receiving them.
It was a bit slow in the beginning and a bit hard to follow as I needed to get into the lore and the backstories that were being presented (along with a bunch of characters) but once the action starts and it starts pretty early, it picks up speed and you are thrusted into a massive plot that at any point can be altered and new surprises will appear.
This book contains a lot of magical creatures in one world and our main FMC is a wolf-shifter. She is running from her psycho mother and her siblings who seem to only want to kill her while one of her brothers intended for her to be his mate and attempted to rape her in the process, but she was able to get away and fake her death but after 10 years on the run, she is no longer able to keep hiding.
Her sister calls her and lets her know that she needs her help and Cin being who she is at heart cannot let her sister get hurt so she goes and gets of course trapped by her mother and siblings as her mother messed with a witch’s husband and needs to be punished so she gave up Cin as the one to carry out the punishment.
What is it?
She is turned into a golden retriever and then placed into a kill shelter.
She meets a cat (Bebe) who is also another one of the cursed ones and they get away right before things get dicey for them only to be adopted by a blond Thor like man who Cin at first sees and is enamored with and realizes she and him are mates and he is also a wolf-shifter, but things are at all what they seem.
He is not the good guy in this story nor is this going to be a love story between them - nope he is the villain and a murderer. We hear him fucking other women while Cin is in her golden retriever form and she knows she is mated to him and feels sad about it but you also feel sad at first cause you think he is the good guy and it's his enemies that are the villains but once you find out he is the worst person, you feel nothing about his actions.
She also finds out he has a (dark haired) brother who is hunting him, and we find out that THIS IS THE MMC who will be her love interest though I would not call this book romantic whatsoever.
We get a lot of Norse mythology in this story and it plays a big big role in each of their lives.
It's really hard to explain without people reading it, so read it but know that it starts out easy to dissect until the mythology and Norse gods play a part.
March 16, 2023
Well, I’m not happy with how this one ended! I wasn’t expecting such a big cliffhanger during a profound moment of the book! Thankfully I did enjoy the story overall but I’m very anxious for the next one. It’s hard waiting months for a new book to release when it ends with a banger like this one did.
If you enjoy witches, werewolves, shifters, magic, mayhem, fated mates (who are enemies), and a curse that rocks the lives of the characters then this is a must read for you! Had I not seen this book on Instagram I probably wouldn’t have read it but I’m so glad I did. I haven’t read a werewolf/shifter book in a long time and this one was PERFECT to get back into the trope! I just need more ASAP!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you enjoy witches, werewolves, shifters, magic, mayhem, fated mates (who are enemies), and a curse that rocks the lives of the characters then this is a must read for you! Had I not seen this book on Instagram I probably wouldn’t have read it but I’m so glad I did. I haven’t read a werewolf/shifter book in a long time and this one was PERFECT to get back into the trope! I just need more ASAP!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 8, 2023
It is difficult to write a review for “Golden” since there were so many things that I liked about the book as well as so many things I didn’t like.
First and foremost, the overall plot for this read was incredible because of its unique nature. A werewolf turned into a golden retriever. No, I haven’t spoiled anything because it is essentially the basis for this read. The moment I started reading I was mesmerized and couldn’t put the book down until I got to chapter 7. That’s where things took a change. The initial foundational characters were ripped right out from under me and a new set of characters were introduced. Most of these characters were vile in the worst possible way and that’s when I realized that all of the female characters were written to be weak, lacking in intelligence and wimpy. I honestly felt insulted. It was “girlfriend this and girlfriend that” or “girl power.” Really? The main character is a 50 year old werewolf (although she appears to be in her twenties).
Secondly, the plot continued to twist and turn without any real fluidity. The main character kept making the mistake of trusting the wrong people over and over and then barely escaping within an inch of her life. There was literally only one male in this read I actually liked and little was written about him. I continue to stick with the book and things got a little better; but, in the end I was left moderately wondering what would happen next.
So, that being said I am going to take my own advice when I have trouble figuring out if I should continue reading a series. I’m going to read the next book and if things don’t improve I will not continue with any other installments. Read it for yourself and decide.
First and foremost, the overall plot for this read was incredible because of its unique nature. A werewolf turned into a golden retriever. No, I haven’t spoiled anything because it is essentially the basis for this read. The moment I started reading I was mesmerized and couldn’t put the book down until I got to chapter 7. That’s where things took a change. The initial foundational characters were ripped right out from under me and a new set of characters were introduced. Most of these characters were vile in the worst possible way and that’s when I realized that all of the female characters were written to be weak, lacking in intelligence and wimpy. I honestly felt insulted. It was “girlfriend this and girlfriend that” or “girl power.” Really? The main character is a 50 year old werewolf (although she appears to be in her twenties).
Secondly, the plot continued to twist and turn without any real fluidity. The main character kept making the mistake of trusting the wrong people over and over and then barely escaping within an inch of her life. There was literally only one male in this read I actually liked and little was written about him. I continue to stick with the book and things got a little better; but, in the end I was left moderately wondering what would happen next.
So, that being said I am going to take my own advice when I have trouble figuring out if I should continue reading a series. I’m going to read the next book and if things don’t improve I will not continue with any other installments. Read it for yourself and decide.
January 2, 2023
Goddess help me.
This book was a page turner!
I absolutely love Cin and Bebe! Wait till you discover who Bebe is. She’s my favorite and her antics made me laugh so much.
I couldn’t get enough of the shifters, magic, curses, Norse mythology, and paranormal world that the author has created. Its a sexy world filled twists, revenge, and sexy bad boys. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Cin. Trust me, you’ll want to read Golden.
This book was a page turner!
I absolutely love Cin and Bebe! Wait till you discover who Bebe is. She’s my favorite and her antics made me laugh so much.
I couldn’t get enough of the shifters, magic, curses, Norse mythology, and paranormal world that the author has created. Its a sexy world filled twists, revenge, and sexy bad boys. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Cin. Trust me, you’ll want to read Golden.
May 13, 2023
Right, this is a hard review for me to make. Mostly because I fucking LOVE it and I know some people would judge me for enjoying the fuck outta myself.
It has the stupidest plot. Our girl was cursed to be a golden retriever and soon met her mate when he was browsing for a dog in an animal shelter. But oh you wait, her mate? Honestly, it didn't turn out the way I wanted it to be and I'm happy that it didn't.
The humour? It can be annoying I'll admit. The plot? A little scattered yes. Our girl here? A little tstl I agree. The romance? Almost nonexistent. It's definitely one of those slow-burn romances with that quirky protagonist and loudmouth-crude-talking best friend (who also acted as simultaneously as your animal sidekick). It filled that vibe of those late 00s, early 10s PNR (top of my mind, Charley Davidson series, Undead series).
Anyhow, I have the best time with this. It's a little dark at times but generally what I would say is a fun romp relaxing kinda book, despite the world-ending consequences it's heading to.
It has the stupidest plot. Our girl was cursed to be a golden retriever and soon met her mate when he was browsing for a dog in an animal shelter. But oh you wait, her mate? Honestly, it didn't turn out the way I wanted it to be and I'm happy that it didn't.
The humour? It can be annoying I'll admit. The plot? A little scattered yes. Our girl here? A little tstl I agree. The romance? Almost nonexistent. It's definitely one of those slow-burn romances with that quirky protagonist and loudmouth-crude-talking best friend (who also acted as simultaneously as your animal sidekick). It filled that vibe of those late 00s, early 10s PNR (top of my mind, Charley Davidson series, Undead series).
Anyhow, I have the best time with this. It's a little dark at times but generally what I would say is a fun romp relaxing kinda book, despite the world-ending consequences it's heading to.
January 7, 2023
I loved the blurb where the heroine (wolf shifter) gets turned into a golden retriever, meets her mate (big issues there) and tries to reverse the curse that isn't hers.
This was hilarious, entertaining.with a kick-arse heroine who was dealt a shitty hand honestly who needs enemies when you have brothers and a mother who want to try and kill you again and again.
It ticked all my boxes until a spanner was thrown in the works. It ends in a cliffhanger. And the twist at the end ? Hmmm. I will read book 2.
This was hilarious, entertaining.with a kick-arse heroine who was dealt a shitty hand honestly who needs enemies when you have brothers and a mother who want to try and kill you again and again.
It ticked all my boxes until a spanner was thrown in the works. It ends in a cliffhanger. And the twist at the end ? Hmmm. I will read book 2.
December 29, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book! The author has such an easy style of writing to follow, I have literally inhaled anything I’ve read of hers this year.
Golden is a twisted Fairytale retelling of The Little Mermaid with a Norse Mythology twist which I found really interesting. It contained some of my favourite tropes including forced proximity, fated mates, slow burn and found family. The tension was sensational and I’m dying to see what unfolds in book 2!
Golden is a twisted Fairytale retelling of The Little Mermaid with a Norse Mythology twist which I found really interesting. It contained some of my favourite tropes including forced proximity, fated mates, slow burn and found family. The tension was sensational and I’m dying to see what unfolds in book 2!
June 19, 2025
I am completely speechless. This story is well written and need more! I really enjoyed the suspenseful nature of this crazy page turner. Cyn is a werewolf who has been in hiding since her brothers left her for dead ten years ago when everything comes crashing down and go crazy.
January 15, 2023
I listened to the audiobook of Golden and really enjoyed it! It felt SO different and unique from the paranormal shifter books I’m used to reading. And it was very easy to find the parallels to The Little Mermaid and Loki while reading. I never thought you’d be able to make a PNR retelling of The Little Mermaid actually work, but Mayer absolutely had no issues here! It was such a fun spin on the retelling you’d expect.
I also really enjoyed that this story took a number of unexpected turns. For me, lots of PNR books can follow similar patterns which makes them become predictable. That was not the case with Golden. I felt like I never knew what was about to happen and I absolutely loved that. It’s refreshing to be surprised!
That’s ending though….def in need of book two!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I also really enjoyed that this story took a number of unexpected turns. For me, lots of PNR books can follow similar patterns which makes them become predictable. That was not the case with Golden. I felt like I never knew what was about to happen and I absolutely loved that. It’s refreshing to be surprised!
That’s ending though….def in need of book two!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 29, 2022
This book was everything! I wasn’t sure how the whole Little Mermaid meets Loki meets werewolves was going to work but it was PER-FECT! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I also have never laughed so hard at times while reading a book, let alone from one that’s a dark fantasy! It was great!
January 10, 2023
You know those books that take you completely by surprise? This one was one of those. I'm shocked by how much I loved it. I mean, paranormal romance isn't my thing. I can't remember the last shifter romance I read. I picked this one up on a whim, and never expected it to consume my entire evening.
Because this was GOOD. And not because the writing was incredibly sophisticated or flowery. No, Golden was pure fun. I mean, it had chapter titles like "Good morning, motherfucker" and "Enemy of my enemy still wants to kill me". Those are ICONIC. I knew I'd love the book as soon as I saw the dedication, but it just kept getting better. By the end, I was addicted.
And speaking of the end, I feel ROBBED. How can you end it there??? I want Book 2 NOW!! I loved this, and I'm not prepared to wait. This was too much fun to wait!
As for the love triangle, I'm amazed I ended up loving it. Love triangles aren't my thing. At all. But this one was done so well. I definitely have a brother I prefer, but I have no idea whether I'm on the right side of not. Guess we'll see!
The final thing that really made me love this one was the Norse mythology references. I've learned that I love Norse myth, so I'm super excited to see it all play out in the next book.
It's safe to say that I loved this and will immediately be checking out the author's backlog. I'd highly recommend!
Because this was GOOD. And not because the writing was incredibly sophisticated or flowery. No, Golden was pure fun. I mean, it had chapter titles like "Good morning, motherfucker" and "Enemy of my enemy still wants to kill me". Those are ICONIC. I knew I'd love the book as soon as I saw the dedication, but it just kept getting better. By the end, I was addicted.
And speaking of the end, I feel ROBBED. How can you end it there??? I want Book 2 NOW!! I loved this, and I'm not prepared to wait. This was too much fun to wait!
As for the love triangle, I'm amazed I ended up loving it. Love triangles aren't my thing. At all. But this one was done so well. I definitely have a brother I prefer, but I have no idea whether I'm on the right side of not. Guess we'll see!
The final thing that really made me love this one was the Norse mythology references. I've learned that I love Norse myth, so I'm super excited to see it all play out in the next book.
It's safe to say that I loved this and will immediately be checking out the author's backlog. I'd highly recommend!
October 11, 2025
very fun, but cliffhanger. Might change up the rating after I read the last of the trilogy.
The first books is just an initial start to this as it ends on a cliffhanger so you have to read 3 books to get a full story, so this is ~280 the next ~350 and the 3rd ~400, so essentially you have to read a 1000+ page book to get the story and I hate this ploy. Yes, people aren't as fast to pick up a 1000 page book but they do, look at Outlander or Game of Thrones, I've read the first not the second, even though I have had it on my tbr. Outlander had a complete story, did it have a direction it was going, sure but it wrapped up the main threads of the story for the book. Could it have been broken into 3 smaller books and end on cliffhangers, yep. But no it does not, It's an epic. So for this expect a 1000 page book in 3 parts, a serial not a series. It is pretty fun and that saves it but still, I hate cliffhangers even if all the books are published.
Rereading in order to read the whole trilogy. Glad I did as I forgot so much.
The first books is just an initial start to this as it ends on a cliffhanger so you have to read 3 books to get a full story, so this is ~280 the next ~350 and the 3rd ~400, so essentially you have to read a 1000+ page book to get the story and I hate this ploy. Yes, people aren't as fast to pick up a 1000 page book but they do, look at Outlander or Game of Thrones, I've read the first not the second, even though I have had it on my tbr. Outlander had a complete story, did it have a direction it was going, sure but it wrapped up the main threads of the story for the book. Could it have been broken into 3 smaller books and end on cliffhangers, yep. But no it does not, It's an epic. So for this expect a 1000 page book in 3 parts, a serial not a series. It is pretty fun and that saves it but still, I hate cliffhangers even if all the books are published.
Rereading in order to read the whole trilogy. Glad I did as I forgot so much.
January 31, 2023
Dnf 20%
When I read the synopsis I thought this might be a cute funny read but it aint... Firstly the whole brother wanted to bang the half sister thing🤨, um yeah hard pass!!! Loads of bad language and just plain no no for me.. I read a serries by Shannon once and I truly loved it but this aint for me. It's on of those vulgar 'romance' (more like iggi porn) books... At one point the fmc falls on all fours because she is basically having a orgi in the middle of the road because a wolf howled (probably the mmc). If valgur romance books are for you then you would probably love this.
When I read the synopsis I thought this might be a cute funny read but it aint... Firstly the whole brother wanted to bang the half sister thing🤨, um yeah hard pass!!! Loads of bad language and just plain no no for me.. I read a serries by Shannon once and I truly loved it but this aint for me. It's on of those vulgar 'romance' (more like iggi porn) books... At one point the fmc falls on all fours because she is basically having a orgi in the middle of the road because a wolf howled (probably the mmc). If valgur romance books are for you then you would probably love this.
January 10, 2023
Thought it'd be a great book
Started out okay then went to loonie tunes. I love her books except this one is soooo bad. She has obviously had an anuerism or something. Main character all over the place. Can fight some but not others. Some characters seem to be there one time then forgotten about. World ending but is it really? Who knows, plot is nonexistent until crazy character gets laid I guess, which happens in next book that I will not be buying.
Started out okay then went to loonie tunes. I love her books except this one is soooo bad. She has obviously had an anuerism or something. Main character all over the place. Can fight some but not others. Some characters seem to be there one time then forgotten about. World ending but is it really? Who knows, plot is nonexistent until crazy character gets laid I guess, which happens in next book that I will not be buying.
July 13, 2025
LOVED THIS! My favourite Mayer book in a long time. The wait for the next book is going to hurt.
October 29, 2024
I read this with a smile on my face. The whole freaking time. Oké maybe not the start that was actually kind of dark which I hadn’t expected. What a wild ride from start to finish.
Norse mythology, I swear I saw Tom Hiddleston when Loki was present, hot shifters, betrayal and an plot all over the place. Interesting creatures and a bad ass fmc,what else can we wish for.
Also yay for the ending because I was rooting for that.
I am glad that I started reading after the series is finished though. That cliffhanger would have been annoying.
Norse mythology, I swear I saw Tom Hiddleston when Loki was present, hot shifters, betrayal and an plot all over the place. Interesting creatures and a bad ass fmc,what else can we wish for.
Also yay for the ending because I was rooting for that.
I am glad that I started reading after the series is finished though. That cliffhanger would have been annoying.
April 13, 2023
Lots of twists. Fun, fluffy read.
May 4, 2023
This was such a cute book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It had a few slow spots but for the most part kept me interested. I’ve been reading so many slow burns that I’m excited I actually enjoyed this one!
I am however mad that I have to wait until freaking July! JULY!!!
I am however mad that I have to wait until freaking July! JULY!!!
January 10, 2023
This had a lot of potential. A lot. I was sold until... The freaking lame ass curse and worse, the cure. Just stop. Be creative. I don't need a fractured semi Disney fairy tale of Cinderella/little mermaid. A Golden. Really?
In the beginning we had a damn tough as nails warewolf named Cin with a messed up family who tried to kill her because her mom was jealous thinking she slept with her stepdad. She lives though and they think she's dead. 40 years later, she tries to save her sister who is in "trouble" only up be set up by her psycho family (super rushed background). She then gets cursed by her mother's ex lovers wife (witch) and proofed into a Golden.
At the kill shelter, she meets a cursed cat (yes by the same witch) and they get adopted by Cin's "mate" but he's a murderous asshole but don't know it yet. They try to fix the curse but unbeknownst to them, it's the same warlock they tried to get help from (witches husband that slept with the cat who was a human and Cin's mom) anyway, he takes her voice as payment to semi lift the curse during the night.
The cat can read minds and together they find out Han's (the mate) is horrible and wants to kill this happy blonde chick (who is the sun but only because of this bracelet or something??) Sooooo he can be a god. But Havoc, his royal brother, who may also be a werewolf tries to stop him but can't kill him because it's against the rules. Oh and... Havoc's howl makes Cin orgasm. Umm. Kay. Totally.
The death timer part of the curse is activated when Havoc tells Hans that the Golden is really his mate trapped in a dog body. Only he knew but used her for her nose to track the sun lady.
Throw in the 3 evil torturous werewolf brothers chasing and trying to kill her and bam... There's most of the book.
Add in a book store, lots of protein, fluffy golden hair, a few ghouls, two vampires, and a Nordic book that has all the secrets and you got yourself this book in one big paragraph.
You're welcome. Oh and the best part. The world will end if the sun lady dies and ooops she handed over the curse to Cin who, yep only has a 2 days to have sexy time with a prince (Havoc or Hans) or dies because of the first curse. Fun. Times.
In the beginning we had a damn tough as nails warewolf named Cin with a messed up family who tried to kill her because her mom was jealous thinking she slept with her stepdad. She lives though and they think she's dead. 40 years later, she tries to save her sister who is in "trouble" only up be set up by her psycho family (super rushed background). She then gets cursed by her mother's ex lovers wife (witch) and proofed into a Golden.
At the kill shelter, she meets a cursed cat (yes by the same witch) and they get adopted by Cin's "mate" but he's a murderous asshole but don't know it yet. They try to fix the curse but unbeknownst to them, it's the same warlock they tried to get help from (witches husband that slept with the cat who was a human and Cin's mom) anyway, he takes her voice as payment to semi lift the curse during the night.
The cat can read minds and together they find out Han's (the mate) is horrible and wants to kill this happy blonde chick (who is the sun but only because of this bracelet or something??) Sooooo he can be a god. But Havoc, his royal brother, who may also be a werewolf tries to stop him but can't kill him because it's against the rules. Oh and... Havoc's howl makes Cin orgasm. Umm. Kay. Totally.
The death timer part of the curse is activated when Havoc tells Hans that the Golden is really his mate trapped in a dog body. Only he knew but used her for her nose to track the sun lady.
Throw in the 3 evil torturous werewolf brothers chasing and trying to kill her and bam... There's most of the book.
Add in a book store, lots of protein, fluffy golden hair, a few ghouls, two vampires, and a Nordic book that has all the secrets and you got yourself this book in one big paragraph.
You're welcome. Oh and the best part. The world will end if the sun lady dies and ooops she handed over the curse to Cin who, yep only has a 2 days to have sexy time with a prince (Havoc or Hans) or dies because of the first curse. Fun. Times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2023
Cin was a lone wolf, hiding from her pack who pushed her out and left her for dead.
Everything is just fine going from place to place on the run until she gets a call from her little sister. All hell breaks loose and she ends up in California from Alaska.
So Cin is a werewolf if you didn't figure it out but was cursed to be stuck in a cute little Golden's body. So the banter between her and her new friend who is stuck as a cat is great. They make a great team! The communication issues that annoyed me in the little mermaid were a little better here. Though darn witches messing with everything, lol.
I just can't get over Han and Havoc. Henry Cavill but blonde and I just picture a huge Viking as Havoc. That ending lol what kind of a cliffhanger was that lol. Give a girl a break 🔥🥵♨️
The fated mates trope was different and I liked the way it was used. Very interested to see how that line plays out.
Also want to see what is going to happen with all the pieces that fell into place at the end. I'm sure there will be a lot more starting with that last statement. I will be waiting🤣
Definitely check this one out! It's on KU too!
Btw check tw because her old pack was pretty nasty to her.
Tropes:
Slow-burn romances, found family, forced proximity, secret identity, 'touch her and die', fairy tale retelling, dark fantasy
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy for my honest and voluntary review.
Everything is just fine going from place to place on the run until she gets a call from her little sister. All hell breaks loose and she ends up in California from Alaska.
So Cin is a werewolf if you didn't figure it out but was cursed to be stuck in a cute little Golden's body. So the banter between her and her new friend who is stuck as a cat is great. They make a great team! The communication issues that annoyed me in the little mermaid were a little better here. Though darn witches messing with everything, lol.
I just can't get over Han and Havoc. Henry Cavill but blonde and I just picture a huge Viking as Havoc. That ending lol what kind of a cliffhanger was that lol. Give a girl a break 🔥🥵♨️
The fated mates trope was different and I liked the way it was used. Very interested to see how that line plays out.
Also want to see what is going to happen with all the pieces that fell into place at the end. I'm sure there will be a lot more starting with that last statement. I will be waiting🤣
Definitely check this one out! It's on KU too!
Btw check tw because her old pack was pretty nasty to her.
Tropes:
Slow-burn romances, found family, forced proximity, secret identity, 'touch her and die', fairy tale retelling, dark fantasy
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy for my honest and voluntary review.
January 17, 2023
What a fun and unique paranormal fantasy retelling!
***SPOILER FREE REVIEW***
Cin lives alone, having split from her wolf pack. She lives life as an outcast until she finds herself cursed and running for her life...
This was such a fast paced, enjoyable story full of witty and humorous banter! I found myself smiling or giggling quite a few times. And the characters are truly fantastic. Cin is a fierce, snarky, loyal to a fault mc and I adored Bebe so much! She is definitely one of my very favorites!
Ultimately, this is a perfect fusion between a fairytale and Norse mythology retelling (Little Mermaid x Loki). While the mythology is subtle and more mysterious in this first novel, I am assuming the clues are unraveled more in the next novel. I loved the breadcrumbs that are laid out in this one though!
A few of the tropes and other things this novel has are:
- fairytale x norse mythology retelling
- curses
-slow burn romance
- enemies to lovers
-found family
-touch her and unalive you
-witches, werewolves, ghouls, and vampires
-shapeshifter (PNR)
-urban fantasy
-revenge
This narrative was full of secrets, hidden agendas, and betrayal! It has the most incredible and unique spin on a shapeshifting story and curses as well as so many twists that I didn't see coming!
And most importantly, the cliffhanger ending made me really wish I had the next book to read! I cannot wait to see what happens next!
If you enjoy darkly fun paranormal fantasy with a hint of romance, I highly recommend this!
Thank you to both Shannon Mayer and Erica for the beautiful gifted arc copy!
***SPOILER FREE REVIEW***
Cin lives alone, having split from her wolf pack. She lives life as an outcast until she finds herself cursed and running for her life...
This was such a fast paced, enjoyable story full of witty and humorous banter! I found myself smiling or giggling quite a few times. And the characters are truly fantastic. Cin is a fierce, snarky, loyal to a fault mc and I adored Bebe so much! She is definitely one of my very favorites!
Ultimately, this is a perfect fusion between a fairytale and Norse mythology retelling (Little Mermaid x Loki). While the mythology is subtle and more mysterious in this first novel, I am assuming the clues are unraveled more in the next novel. I loved the breadcrumbs that are laid out in this one though!
A few of the tropes and other things this novel has are:
- fairytale x norse mythology retelling
- curses
-slow burn romance
- enemies to lovers
-found family
-touch her and unalive you
-witches, werewolves, ghouls, and vampires
-shapeshifter (PNR)
-urban fantasy
-revenge
This narrative was full of secrets, hidden agendas, and betrayal! It has the most incredible and unique spin on a shapeshifting story and curses as well as so many twists that I didn't see coming!
And most importantly, the cliffhanger ending made me really wish I had the next book to read! I cannot wait to see what happens next!
If you enjoy darkly fun paranormal fantasy with a hint of romance, I highly recommend this!
Thank you to both Shannon Mayer and Erica for the beautiful gifted arc copy!
January 19, 2023
I was not expecting how fun this book was! 😍 this is perfect for fans of romantic comedies mixed up with a wolf shifter paranormal world! Prepare yourself for lots of laughter, hilarious dialogues, found family, morally grey characters, and a slow burn enemies to lovers.
Cin was betrayed by her murderous family long ago. They believe her to be dead, so she starts from zero somewhere far away from her old pack. Things actually start to look up for her as the years pass and she finds real people who care for her. That is, until one of her backstabbing brothers shows up at her door. She has no choice but to pack up and run, and keep running.
Expect curve ball after curve ball as Cin is captured by her family and ends up being cursed: as a golden retriever. Now stuck in the body of a dog, her only friend is a stray cat who suffers from the same fate. I love the found family trope and that was one of my favourite things about this book! She then finds herself in the middle of an ancient norse war that could very well result in the end of the world.
The best thing I did was avoid the synopsis of the book before reading, when she became a golden I went WHAT! Then the entire Little Mermaid retelling made sense 😂 this book was a hell of a ride and that ending had me SCREAMING!! 🔥
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
Cin was betrayed by her murderous family long ago. They believe her to be dead, so she starts from zero somewhere far away from her old pack. Things actually start to look up for her as the years pass and she finds real people who care for her. That is, until one of her backstabbing brothers shows up at her door. She has no choice but to pack up and run, and keep running.
Expect curve ball after curve ball as Cin is captured by her family and ends up being cursed: as a golden retriever. Now stuck in the body of a dog, her only friend is a stray cat who suffers from the same fate. I love the found family trope and that was one of my favourite things about this book! She then finds herself in the middle of an ancient norse war that could very well result in the end of the world.
The best thing I did was avoid the synopsis of the book before reading, when she became a golden I went WHAT! Then the entire Little Mermaid retelling made sense 😂 this book was a hell of a ride and that ending had me SCREAMING!! 🔥
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
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