Killian Kennedy never wanted to return. He was happy to hide his royal roots and enjoy an anonymous life, somewhere nobody would ever suspect what he truly was. When his niece gets outed as a white wolf, the sign of a royal descendent, on her first shift, duty calls, and he returns to formally renounce the throne, ensuring their safety and his freedom. It was supposed to be a quick visit and then he could disappear into the sunset. But when he gets stuck with a strong she-wolf, charged with keeping him alive long enough to complete the ceremony, everything changes. She has no intention of letting him off the hook that easily, and soon, he's torn between the life he thought he'd always wanted, and one he'll have to fight to keep.
This is a dual POV, MF, wolf shifter romance, with a grumpy alpha male who'll do anything for the strong woman who's determined to drive him crazy.
Reece is a steamy paranormal romance author writing wickedly wild romance. She is currently working on the shifter romance series, The Shifters of Grey Ridge and the Steel Pack Alphas.
She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.
She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.
This is a great story that follows a very feisty female, Charlotte (Charlie) who has always forged her own path, instead of the one mother wanted her to take. She meets Killian and decides that her and not fate will choose her mate. This a fun and feisty story where both people cannot stay away from each other, no matter how they try. I loved their interaction, dialogue, steam and unwilling romance. I love how Reece’s character always evolve and things are not what you might expect them to be. This is a brilliant read with witty dialogue, fun shenanigans and choc full of suspense and tension. This is a great 5 star read.
This is the seventh book of the Grey Ridge pack series.
Killian, son of the werewolf King, returns to his rightful place. With every intention to leave the palace when matters are settled.
Charlotte doesn’t want anything to do with her family’s status, her only intention is to become a warrior in an elite group, until she finds out she's fated to the prince.
Both reluctant to be mates, are put on the spot when security wants them to fake date. Yet, the proximity and pull between them makes their wolves wild.
The storyline was good, but seemed rushed in parts, especially towards the end. The book ended at what seemed like the end of a chapter. It feels like a fundamental chunk of their story is missing. I'd honestly expected at least another 80 pages, if not more, detailing the start of their new journey. I actually feel quite annoyed that I paid for a book that didn't have a natural ending. The whole book, we aren't sure we're going to get to this point. We finally get there, with unexpected surroundings, I want to continue the story where we've finally got the reward. Instead, the book ends so abruptly, and the epilogue in bookfunnel was 3 pages long and doesn't address this either! Not impressed. Now onto the story itself. I didn't understand Killian's reluctance for his fated mate, the reasons presented seemed easily overcome with communication, trust and teamwork. Him wanting to reject his mate for those reasons didn't make me a big Killian fan for a lot of the book, honestly. I also didn't like how he dealt with serious issues unilaterally without any communication with Charlotte, and his behaviour was definitely cowardly at times. Even when Charlotte attempted to communicate with him, he didn't reciprocate, thinking "she doesn't understand"...well no, kind of hard to when you aren't given any information, Killian.
I liked Charlotte, she was a strong FMC, knew what she wanted to do, how she wanted to help others and be part of the elite guard. Her family was mostly awful, her mother is the definition of a manipulative, narcissistic, toxic, bullying menace of a woman who loves one daughter because she's like a mini me, and hating the other as she isn't. Charlotte openly rebels against the power hungry, society ladder climbing, schoomzing her mother lives for. As the story goes on, and more is discovered about her family & the skeletons in their closet, they go from bad to worse. Killian is the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons with the council, and as he discovers more corruption & greed than he expected, her family are never far from the unethical shadiness. The story was good, it was interesting and intriguing, but it had some real shortcomings. The ending being one, the other how Killian and Charlotte made up. They had serious issues that needed to be discussed that weren't mentioned, and he definitely did not grovel enough. I really wanted to love this, but I'm giving this read a 2.75-3★. It had the potential to be a 4★ or more, which just made it more disappointing.
Eh, this sounded more promising than it was imo. I liked Killian, and I mostly liked Charlotte. Otherwise this was a very meh story because of the pacing and setup of the mystery plot.
Quite frankly I became so frustrated by the blatant miscommunication and misunderstandings between them that continued throughout the story until nearly the end. Early chapters I accepted it because they reasonably hadn't had a real moment alone together to discuss the discovery that they were mates. Afterwards it became increasingly obvious that it was a tool to drag the story out and cause unnecessary angst between the two MCs. If it wasn't intentional, then that's even more disappointing because that's how it felt to me as a reader.
While both Killian and Charlotte each had their own issues about why they didn't want to mate the other or couldn't, neither took even a moment to explain it to the other. It was only obvious to them and us as the reader who was stuck in their heads. I found that extremely frustrating because much of the drama and angst felt between them was in fact absolutely preventable. And then later when everything IS revealed and Charlotte learns all of Killian's reasons he had for even considering rejecting her when they first met we see a complete change in Charlotte and her opinion. More so that suddenly we're given a different insight to what she could happily live with in this sort of lifestyle (public eye, royalty etc) compared to all she complained about hating about it and how she could never be happy in previously. As in the entire goddamn book. She never once said "if only it was like this" she might be content to be his mate. No, instead it was always placed against her life with her mother and how it'd be going from one prison to another. Seemed a little harsh, don't ya think? Especially because she didn't know anything about Killian, his life before her, his struggles or his feelings on being back or being a prince. Nada. And funny how that theme continues where by 90% they still don't have a full grasp on who their mate truly is.
Ugh, so for me this was just disappointing. I enjoyed some of the rest of the series previously so I had hoped this one would be just as entertaining. But all I got was a bucket of frustration and no depth from it and well that ruined it for me. 🤷🏻♀️
Why, why, why didn’t I pick up this series earlier? This is the last book in this series. If it is indicative of the rest of the books, I will definitely be reading the other books. I have read several books from this author and enjoyed them all. This one is no different. Though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I was able to understand and be entertained by this book despite not reading the other books in the series.
The Alpha Prince has returned. He needs to get Grey Ridge right so he can get back to his life in Ireland. The last thing Killian Kennedy expected was to find his mate. A mate that does not seem to want to be mated to him. Who could blame her? There was no way he could claim her. Claiming her would put her in danger.
Charlotte Webster wanted to get away from her family. She knew she could not do that being mated to a prince. Her role on the elite enforcers team put her directly in the prince’s line of sight. Hopefully they can get through this and get on with their lives. Both wanting something that does not include the other. They are thrown together and the mate bond will not be denied. Can they stick with the plan?
He is royalty and coming back to the shifter community is part of the plan. His nephew and nieces are there. Chase has his wolf, as well as a niece. He needs to see them and talk to them. They could be in danger, they are now considered royalty as well. Killian's homecoming celebration is going to he a lot of shifters. Both friend and foe alike. As he's being greeted, he smells his mate!! Seriously, why now of all times! Charlotte is there with her family. Her mother is on the council and wants her youngest daughter, Elodie to meet the prince. Be more than friends, if possible. Charlotte feels Killian's stare and can't look away. Killian breaks the eye contact to talk to someone, Charlotte makes her escape lol she quickly finds her dad. He is a strong alpha, he knows Charlotte is uncomfortable with these events. She makes her escape on the patio, as Killian goes there he sees her in the forest. The feeling to go after her is strong, but responsibilities make him return to the guests. He needs to learn who she is.
I didn’t know what to expect as Killian was a new character, but I really enjoyed this. The author has a way of writing that just hooks you from the first page and just makes you root for the couple. The writing style is great, and the characters and plot are interesting. It was also nice to read about the characters from the previous books and finally understand their family history.
Charlotte was also a good character. There was a lot of denial and separation between Killian and Charlotte because of their circumstances which was understandable, but after the main conflict was resolved i would’ve liked to see them actually develop their relationship. Yes, I’m aware that this is a fated mates story, but the transition from ‘we can’t be together because this isn’t the life we want’ to ‘I love you, let’s do a coronation and royal duties’ felt a bit quick. That being said, it was a great read and the series was amazing. Looking forward to the next series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The MMC Killian is the alpha king, his family was attacked to extension, his father fled and has been in hiding all his life, he returns to protect his families bloodline and put himself as the target to protect his family.
The FMC Charlotte is desperate to escape her family and their high society ways, so when she is tasked with being a part of the protection details she doesn’t expect to be protecting her mate. His lineage is everything she doesn’t want but can she look past ‘society’ to accept her mate.
I have really enjoyed these books, my only lower rating is down to the fact I think there is some mix up with the book order and the Steele pack books need to be read in the middle after Blake’s book which would explain the royalty link being mentioned as this is the last book in this series but otherwise these were a great read
I enjoyed this, I liked Charlotte and Killian a lot In this book there is more plot and less spice than the previous ones The ending feels a bit rushed, with her heat starting during the coronation and just ending with the happy couple running away, I hoped to see them settled, or going to Ireland, maybe even with an epilogue a bit further in time than a few days. And I’m a bit disappointed that Hayley and Leah chose to not look for their wolves: Hayley showed a lot of signs that her wolf was close and Leah always seemed very eager to have her wolf and mark Rex. I understand the pregnancy but I would still have loved to see it even if after the baby was born. So it was good but the ending is quite sudden and rushed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I struggled connecting with these characters, I don't know if it's because there was hardly any Walker/Jones chaos to really bring Killian and Charlotte out of their shells or what. I do hope Hayley and Leah get their wolves naturally. There were minor inconsistencies with Killian's eye color here and there. Theo was great and I warmed up to Elodie and Alpha Webster eventually. Killian and Charlotte were wound so tight though that it made them kinda boring unlike all of the other characters in the series. I would've loved to hear more about his twin brothers too personally.
Another fantastic installment in the Grey Ridge universe. This time, the King has returned to take his place on the throne. But this reluctant king only plans to sort out who's behind his family's murders, installing a leadership before abducating and peace-ing out.
But he didn't expect to find that one of his guards is his mate and that walking away won't be so easy.
Reece easily weaves a gripping story where the women are strong and the Alpha's are alpha-ing. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I have read all of Reece’s books and I’m astounded how she has managed to keep her high standards of writing and storytelling in each of her books. In the Alpha’s Return, we see fated love come to fruition and the bond of two sisters, who were as different as night and day, strengthen and grow. The superb rendering of the sisters’ complex relationship brought them to life. Killian and Charlotte’s relationship was disturbing until all the facts were brought to light. The complex plot was well thought and written, keeping me reading until the end. This is a great novel, well worth your time!
I like Reece’s books and love this series, but this was the only one I didn’t like as much. Too much angst!! The back and forth of their feelings and the mating decision (up until 80% of story) was too much angst and drove me crazy. All the other books, the guy was all in for the girl and did what he could to get her. In this one, the prince was not wanting to mate and wanted to go back to Ireland, she didn’t want to mate, because she didn’t want the high society life. Still love the writing style, just not the angst.
Basically MMC is of royal blood but has never come into the throne or even wanted to, his family (human) come out of the woodwork as royal bloodlines but some are unsure about taking their wolves and fully completing the transition.
He comes home to help them choose, while coming home also brings its own problems. He never wanted to be here and take the crown back, he has a perfect life now somewhere else.
Thats when he meets her. Thats when she becomes his bodyguard and fake girlfriend...
This book had everything. I loved every single second of reading this book. I feel like this book honored all the other books in the series. This was a perfect way to end the series. You had age gap , forced to be a couple , faded mates and so much more. I loved the mystery trying to figure out who did it. When you think you figured it out your wrong try again. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. I also loved the banter between the two main characters.
I really enjoy this series as the characters are great, and the stories are very interesting and exciting. There's a little bit of the world that I don't quite like, but not enough to detract from my enjoyment of the books. However, the misuse of apostrophes when plural words are actually correct is irritating to me. Not enough to reduce a star in the rating, but certainly as a proofreader, it was irritating and also showed up in the prior book.
Talk about a dramatic entrance back to the family. I loved the chase of this romance. I do agree with other reviews it does seem rushed in places and the ending didn't feel like a ending. I think Charlotte is my fav female so far. She is strong, ignoring tradition, knows what she wants but is also humble when she knows she has seen something wrong the whole time. I hope another book will be about these 2.
This book is non-stop action and intrigue from start to finish. It is fast-paced and keeps you guessing. Unfortunately m, for a romance novel, it is very light on the development of our lead character's actual romance and relies heavily on the mate bond/fated mate trope to make their inevitable union make sense. That said, I enjoyed the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love this series so much! So happy to be back in the world of Grey Ridge and reading about Killian and Charlotte. The push and pull between these two, had me wanting to lock them in a room together and hash things out! I could not get enough of Killian and his Alpha emotions. Charlotte really had him all worked up especially with her filthy mouth. Love her!
I never ever miss these shifter books. I was so excited to read this one. I never want this series to end. I need more grey ridge, I need more bears, I need more Blake, I need it all.
I didn’t think any wolf could beat the guys I have already enjoyed. But JEEEEZ Killian was great. And so was Charlotte.
Honestly the recent 2 books in Reece Barden’s series hadn’t been great but this new story brought back the excitement to her shifter world. I loved the female protagonist and was actually surprised by who was intending to assassinate the male lead. I recommend if you like a shifter fated mates romance.
Definitely not the best book in the series. It felt very incomplete, and left some open plot holes. It just felt like she was rushed into finishing, or forgot where she was going with some of her story lines. I am disappointed, because she did so well in her other stories, this one almost doesn't feel like the same author.
I loved the whole series (Ethan’s book was my least favorite) and this book closely follows. I just felt like the whole ending was blah. The epilogue doesn’t really count because it’s the same day. Nope, we needed like a year or two in the future.
I never really felt the “love” between these two MCs.
The beginning of this book was a little rough. I wasn’t a fan of the miscommunication and the immediate way they both acted about finding their mate. Honestly I didn’t start liking the book until they had their argument in the woods and then he got hurt and she got locked up. I would say from that point on it was interesting. However she forgave him way too easily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Reading this I thought it was a stand alone book. But carefully familiar names are wound through the narrative. I then realized this was one of the Grey Ridge Shifter series. Still hooked on these characters, please don't run out of ideas yet Reece.
Eeek. I just love her books so much. This book was so thrilling to me. Such a mystery on the relationship aspects and well as the plot of what's happening in general in the books. Loved everything about it.
Really am a big fan of all Reece Barden books her storytelling, character and world building are so good you feel so invested in all there lives. Would definitely recommend if you’ve read the other books in this series will unit disappoint!!
Brilliant I hope last two books will show what happens to the king and queen and there families. Also what happens to the old king does he get to find out his family will be safe??