Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Published on: 22 January 2021
Type: series
Genre: Paranormal, Suspense, Reverse Harem, Contemporary Romance
Author: C.J. Cooke
Read: 08 April 2021
Shelved: 10 April 2021
Rating: 4 / 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Get it here: Amazon | Bookbub | Goodreads
Synopsis
How can you escape the hunt when everybody is hunting you?
Calli was born an impossibility. With the dual soul of a shifter and the natural magic of a witch, she was the first known shifter/witch hybrid.
But in a world where witches hunt wolves to siphon their magic, and wolves kill witches no questions asked, could she ever hope to find a place where she belonged?
When Calli’s parents, a shifter and a witch, met and realised their mating would never be accepted, they went into hiding from both the Coven and the Pack. Despite living this way, Calli and her brother had grown up in a happy and loving home.
After her parents are killed in a car crash one night, Calli’s world spirals out of control. Now the guardian of her five-year-old brother, Jacob, they flee to America to hide. In Arbington, Calli and Jacob settle into the safe house their parents had set up. Even in death, they were watching out for them, but they soon discover a small wolf pack lives in the same town. Battling her confusing emotions towards the shifters only complicates things forcing Calli to make a decision.
Trust her parents and stay? Or was it time to run again?
Review
Background: Coming for the author’s Destiny series, there are similarities in both series:-
1) shifter/werewolf packs, vampires, witches – the mythical players are present and foreboding upon entry to the book,
2) the main character, Calli, is “special” and a much-needed ally for the Thornton wolf clan,
3) harem style steaminess with three different personalities; and
4) the imminent danger is present.
Given the few similarities between the Destiny and Stoneridge Pack series, they are immensely different when readers dive into the book. There is a more human and humbling experience because the characters know their limitations but still made considerable sacrifices for others in the end.
Wolf Hunt has more elements that touch and focuses on:- family, love, and survival. The story’s characters may be young, like Calli, Jacob, etc., but they all exude a rare and impressive maturity and give the events unfolding them. The story picks starts at a devastating time for Calli and Jacob when their parents were killed by in England, and they had to be “on the move” to safety.
Written in the POV of all the main characters – Calli, Grey, River, and Tanner, readers can expect a slow-building romance and maturity in the characters. It is a reverse harem romance, and the intimacy scenes are varied based on the characters’ personalities. Some of them will surprise you – what you see outside is different from “behind closed doors.” Hot hot hot! It is also a “revelations” type of book where all characters got themselves, each other, and even question the groups they all sworn to protect and uphold when things started to look “fishy.” On top of this, something is lurking in the shadows “hunting” the pack – threatening their peaceful existence.
I love how the author wrote Calli. She knows what she is, her skills and powers – everything – just not how to use it for defense. Her parents taught Calli and Jacob their family background and the contingency plans. These plans brought so much foresight and acceptance to both Calli and Jacob that when danger did happen with their parent’s demise, both siblings “volt-in” (“snapped into place”) and uprooted themselves to the plan. It is pretty impressive for a twenty-year-old Calli, and a five-year-old Jacob endured everything calmly and without hesitation.
Note: Of course, there was some guidance with their parent’s allies, but it is still a daunting task for such young children. Calli’s parents’ foreknowledge, to me, is phenomenal!
Even if everything is new, strange, and uncertain for Calli, she did not lose who she is. She is thoughtful, selfless, honest, and is not afraid to show her vulnerability. She may be a novice with using her powers, but with the pack and people to depend on, she can explore it better and in the safety of people who care about her. She focuses on others a lot which may be concerning since she might not know her limits. I am worried for her in the series in general. A hero who does not understand the limitations may either push her to succeed or fail her love ones.
Jacob also impressed me a lot. Bases on how Calli and Jacob’s parents brought them up, it is not a surprise how well Jacob turned out to be. He’s thoughtful and kind, like his sister. He can assess the situation like a mature adult would be. Is this a believable trait for a five-year-old? It all depends on upbringing and the outlook their parents/mentors, etc., instill while young. Many moments in the book, Jacob surprised the pack members with his mature talk and analysis, simple and straightforward, then turn around and “be a kid” with his toys. I love it!
The book’s suspense and mystery of being hunted are at the forefront of the book. There were too many elements to consider: their foes, their allies, supposed friends and pack leaders, etc. The plot thickens as the story goes further but did not distract the other side stories like the pack dynamics, the discovery of Calli powers, the Council’s intentions, the enemies (or supposed enemies), the trust forged and broken, etc. The focus was steadfast and true, bringing readers holding on to their breathe at each turn. Readers will understand and relate to Calli’s sincerity in helping the pack, her brother, and “others.” These events are the build-up – the beginning of a war that no one will see coming until it is too late.
In summary, Wolf Hunt is a great start to the new series by the author. This book will cater to readers who love their paranormal, fantasy and growing up genre. Generally, I avoid series books that would require me to continue to the next. I am always cautious because I know it will leave me with too many unresolved issues that will bother me for days. But coming into Wolf Hunt, the writer rounded out the ending well enough to not make me have sleepless nights of worry and make me want to continue to the next.
I cannot wait to see the next book in the series, especially when Calli discovers more to her life than just protecting Jacob. There are more critical repercussions in disclosing Calli’s identity, abilities, and her weakest link. There are more significant pending issues they all as a pack will face that will determine everyone’s fate to live in peace.
About the Author
CJ Cooke is an indie author who writes paranormal romance fiction. She’s just celebrated the release of her fifth book, Wolf Hunts. She lives in Nottinghamshire, England with her husband and son. She likes to rock the English cliché of being addicted to tea. Her background is in law but started writing the type of stories she wants to read.
Cat, as her friends know her, lives in ever-rainy UK. She is Mama to one human child and a cat that possibly hates her. Always found with a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other, unless there are biscuits available, then she’s definitely holding onto at least one biscuit!
Connect with C.J.
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