As I branch out from my typical genres, I believe this is my first “rejected mate” trope. While I enjoyed the setup in the beginning and most of the story up to ~75%, once I finished there’s just something…meh about it. 

I enjoyed both leads and the dual POV narration. Una is a spunky lead, just trying to keep a low profile while she works towards her independence outside of being a ‘lone female reject.’  Her and ‘her girls’ are a lovely breath of fresh air in this pack ruled by strength. Killian gives a first impression as a big, dumb, brutish Alpha, but there’s more than meets the eye, especially once we’re treated to some heartbreaking flashbacks that really flesh out his character. They’re also both pretty darn funny - I found myself chuckling out loud at times, especially once Killian starts trying to win Una back. 

I definitely wasn’t expecting how much of a slow-burn this story would be. The language is so crude, with so much sexual imagery and tension right from the get-go, but the actual romance between the two leads takes a loooong time to get going. Not necessarily a bad thing, what with Una giving the big ol’ FU to Killian for the initial mate rejection, just not what I was expecting!

Anyways, perhaps once I get a few more of this trope under my belt I may feel differently. I’m moving onto book 2 right away, and I do think I will give this a re-read at some point.

CW: violence, blood

I wasn't sure what to expect as I read some not enthusiastic reviews before I decided to read this one. I have to say that I disagree with all of the ones that I read. I like the world that Ms. Wells built. Shifters are known to humans and the magic is interesting. I liked that Killian spent a good portion of the book groveling. I understand why Una was reluctant to believe Killian. He brought her a lot of pain. I found the explanation as to why Killian didn't feel the mate bond at first. It makes Abertha a very interesting character.

I enjoyed this story overall, and I loved the female MC - her and her wolf were a joy to read. Una had a lot of bad hands dealt to her in life but she paved her own way to purpose and finding little slices of happiness in a society that treats her as ‘less than’, and she empowers her friends to do the same. I would lay down my life for all of the lone females in this book. Very intrigued by future pairings.

The male MC rejected Uma as his mate early on - big mistake, huge. I could always use more grovel but he did do a fair bit here.